"Jomtien Supertown Walking Street" -- they built it, will you come?

[Jingthing]

 

 

 

A rebranding attempt has been made at the nightlife (mostly gay bar beers) and restaurant area generally known as Jomtien Complex. It's off Tappraya Road numerous blocks from the beach. The baht buses going to and from Pattaya pass it so most people here know it.

 

It being Jomtien, there are no go go bars. There area also some nice smaller hotels, massage businesses including the famous blind massage place, and other miscellaneous typical Thai businesses in the area.

 

Anyway, they put up this sign at an entrance and I've noticed at least one business is adopting the new branding name.

 

What d'ya think about the new brand? Jomtien Supertown Walking Street

 

Is it really super? 

Do you buy it as the area's secondary Walking Street?

 

Demographically, the changes I've noticed include some newer Chinese oriented businesses on the Tappraya exterior of the complex. I wonder if this rebranding is an attempt to present the nightlife/restaurant area as more general and less gay specific (or even to actively push that change). Of course some of the bar beers are not gay already and restaurants are available for everyone.

 

As far as my opinion, I think this rebranding is pretty good. Jomtien Complex was more of an ambiguous name and hard to differentiate between the nightlife/restaurant area and the condo. The word SUPER is pretty cheesy but not too bad, and Walking Street is an effective local connection. It's mostly a walking around, nightlife, and eating area the same as the "real" Walking Street. If this pushes a demographic change, I think that's OK too as I assume most thriving gay oriented businesses that already exist will continue to do OK while the marginal ones may fade, and maybe it will become even more of a general restaurant area (which to me is a positive). Already in the Complex, scratch that, Jomtien Supertown, there exists what might the best French bakery in Thailand, certainly one the best. 

 

https://www.facebook.com/odelicejomtien/

Edited January 9, 2019 by Jingthing

[KneeDeep]

Bakery would have to be a lot better than La Baguette, to get me to step into that den of iniquity.

[KittenKong]

"....they built it, will you come?"

What could possibly induce me to go to a street full of gay bars? Or any bars for that matter. If I wanted bars I would surely not be living in Jomtien.

Now if they removed all the bars and filled the street with reasonably priced restaurants serving interesting food, it might be different. But that's probably not going to happen, is it?

[Jingthing]

"....they built it, will you come?" 

What could possibly induce me to go to a street full of gay bars? Or any bars for that matter. If I wanted bars I would surely not be living in Jomtien.

Now if they removed all the bars and filled the street with reasonably priced restaurants serving interesting food, it might be different. But that's probably not going to happen, is it?

 

The Chinese one is actually pretty good, moderately priced, and it faces Tappraya road so no need to walk into the bar area at all. They make fresh noodles in house. It's adjacent to the sign in the picture.  

No I don't think the idea is for bars to go away there. It's a nightlife area. Also it's not just one street. It's quite a large area but not in a straight line.

 

Sent from my Lenovo A7020a48 using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

 

 

 

 

 

[KittenKong]

4 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

The Chinese one is actually pretty good, moderately priced, and it faces Tappraya road so no need to walk into the bar area at all. They make fresh noodles in house. It's adjacent to the sign in the picture.

I know it well as I see it every day. But for me that restaurant is in Thappraya, not the bar street, and it would be all the same to me if it was 200 yards up or down the hill.
So my question about the bar street stands. As long as it is full of bars, why would I go?

[petermik]

7 hours ago, KittenKong said:

"....they built it, will you come?"

What could possibly induce me to go to a street full of gay bars? Or any bars for that matter. If I wanted bars I would surely not be living in Jomtien.

Now if they removed all the bars and filled the street with reasonably priced restaurants serving interesting food, it might be different. But that's probably not going to happen, is it?

The complex as been in decline/run down for a long time....the building in the centre (opposite the once excellent Fantasy and Two Donnas bars ) looks like it could fall down at anytime....the only "attractions" keeping the place going are the gay bars/massage places

[Dexlowe]

What is the common theme of the big three nightlife areas in Bangkok? It's that they're kind of sealed off to an extent, densely packed and with elements of sleaziness and "danger". They're also brash, loud, gaudy and outrageous. Pattaya's Walking Street is pretty much the same. Now let's see Jomtien Complex replicate all that and it might be in with a chance - otherwise as it stands, it's too plain and sterile an environment. It is seen as catering to the gay crowd almost exclusively, and that will need a radical change. Anyway, does Jomtien really need such an area when others have tried and failed and Pattaya is so close?

[Jingthing]

I know it well as I see it every day. But for me that restaurant is in Thappraya, not the bar street, and it would be all the same to me if it was 200 yards up or down the hill.
So my question about the bar street stands. As long as it is full of bars, why would I go?

I can't speak for you but it's your loss not checking out that amazing French bakery. They close at 7 so you could go in the day just one block in from Tinnies Aussie pies.

Sent from my Lenovo A7020a48 using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[KittenKong]

1 minute ago, Jingthing said:

I can't speak for you but it's your loss not checking out that amazing French bakery. They close at 7 so you could go in the day just one block in from Tinnies Aussie pies.

I know the French bakery also, though I find their prices to be rather silly. In fact I know several food businesses in that area and have spent money in them on occasions, but mostly either during the daytime or well before the nocturnal activities start up. After about 7pm I would rather go somewhere else.

[Jingthing]

The complex as been in decline/run down for a long time....the building in the centre (opposite the once excellent Fantasy and Two Donnas bars ) looks like it could fall down at anytime....the only "attractions" keeping the place going are the gay bars/massage places

I think that's not a fair characterization of the area. There are strong and weak businesses there. The place continues to have potential.

Sent from my Lenovo A7020a48 using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[petermik]

7 hours ago, Jingthing said:

I think that's not a fair characterization of the area. There are strong and weak businesses there. The place continues to have potential.

Sent from my Lenovo A7020a48 using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app
 

That "potential" has been the hope for the past ten years that I know of.............

[Jingthing]

Fair enough. Personally I would invest in a business there if it was a promising enough concept. I"m optimistic about the area and I think the Supertown branding will help.

Sent from my Lenovo A7020a48 using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[baansgr]

Im in no way homophobic but on the one occasion I walked down there I felt rather intimidated being the handsome guy I am, so definitely wouldnt go unless it was a total remodel of the businesses

[Jingthing]

Im in no way homophobic but on the one occasion I walked down there I felt rather intimidated being the handsome guy I am, so definitely wouldnt go unless it was a total remodel of the businesses

Up to you. I don't like the walking down the gauntlet effect either gay or straight. But it's a big area and you should try the bakery. Not much of a gauntlet there walking from Tinnies in the daytime and again they close at 7 pm. I think another member has the false impression its only the one street near the sign. No. It's the entire large multi street area known till now anyway as Jomtien Complex.  The French bakery quite far away from the entrance sign is branding now as being in Supertown if you don't believe me.

 

Whether you're homophobic or not it is a fact that some people indeed do avoid the area due to homophobia. That's just the way it is and not likely to change. On the other hand some non gay people may be attracted there out of curiosity. It's definitely not only gay people enjoying many of the businesses there and clearly everyone is welcome with your wallets.

 

Sent from my Lenovo A7020a48 using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[champers]

I suspect there is a huge, largely untapped market which is the Chinese gay commumity. Repressed in their home country, free to live unfettered from authoritarianism in Jomtien / Pattaya.  Just doing the math(s) tells you the potential market must be vast.

[Jingthing]

I suspect there is a huge, largely untapped market which is the Chinese gay commumity. Repressed in their home country, free to live unfettered from authoritarianism in Jomtien / Pattaya.  Just doing the math(s) tells you the potential market must be vast.

You're absolutely right. No doubt about it.

Sent from my Lenovo A7020a48 using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[champers]

1 hour ago, Jingthing said:

Up to you. I don't like the walking down the gauntlet effect either gay or straight. But it's a big area and you should try the bakery. Not much of a gauntlet there walking from Tinnies in the daytime and again they close at 7 pm. I think another member has the false impression its only the one street near the sign. No. It's the entire large multi street area known till now anyway as Jomtien Complex.  The French bakery quite far away from the entrance sign is branding now as being in Supertown if you don't believe me.

 

Whether you're homophobic or not it is a fact that some people indeed do avoid the area due to homophobia. That's just the way it is and not likely to change. On the other hand some non gay people may be attracted there out of curiosity. It's definitely not only gay people enjoying many of the businesses there and clearly everyone is welcome with your wallets.

 

Sent from my Lenovo A7020a48 using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let's not equate being straight with homophobia. As a straight person it is just a pointless exercise for me to visit a gay area if I was looking for company of the straight variety. I would have no problem going for a drink or a meal in a gay area, anytime.

[Jingthing]

28 minutes ago, champers said:

Let's not equate being straight with homophobia. As a straight person it is just a pointless exercise for me to visit a gay area if I was looking for company of the straight variety. I would have no problem going for a drink or a meal in a gay area, anytime.

I did not so if you're accusing me of that you're barking up the wrong tree. 

As far as restaurants if there is a place people really want to go and they think they can't find similar conveniently elsewhere and some people avoid because it's a gay area then sorry but that is kind of homophobic.

 

There are some straight sois in town with much more aggressive sex workers than Supertown that I have visited to check out restaurants.

 

I do understand avoiding gauntlets though. That's a much more neutral reason than avoiding an area because it's gay. As I said I personally don't enjoy gay or straight gauntlets.

 

Just face reality that some people are avoiding the area based on homophobia but others may have less loaded reasons to avoid such as thinking there is nothing there for them at all in any kind of business and they might be right.

 

Sent from my Lenovo A7020a48 using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

 

 

 

 

 

Edited January 9, 2019 by Jingthing

[digbeth]

If only there was more decent restaurant, the Ritz Cafe was good before the 'drama' but that's about the only restaurant that would have general appeal for straight and gays clientele. 

 

Maybe the complex need an Indian restaurant, but then again there's indian by nature across the road, a regular shophouse indian might not be sophisticated enough for the crowd there? 

[Jingthing]

Just now, digbeth said:

If only there was more decent restaurant, the Ritz Cafe was good before the 'drama' but that's about the only restaurant that would have general appeal for straight and gays clientele. 

 

Maybe the complex need an Indian restaurant, but then again there's indian by nature across the road, a regular shophouse indian might not be sophisticated enough for the crowd there? 

John has a new Ritz style restaurant on Tappraya Road going further to the beach from Supertown, same side. I went there once and the food is good. 

 

I could see the appeal of a street food style Indian place inside Supertown, like selling tandoori rolls. That kind of food goes well with nightlife. 

[digbeth]

I say the complex needs good restaurant, but come to think of it, there's no decent restaurant even in Pattaya walking street proper that's worth the parking hassle to just take someone to a date or business dinner in walking street just for the food (gawking at the go-go dancers and punters on the way to the restaurant used to be a conversation starter) The seafood restaurants like Nangnual et al isn't worth it for the price anymore, the Kebabs hole in the wall is still decent but you can get it at other part of town, so even Pattaya walking street has nothing much beside night entertainment.

 

The Jomtien complex already has a decent mini cabaret, cozy bars and Thappraya/Jomtien 2nd road already has a fair share of high end restaurants, the question then is the Gay population there big enough for the area to grow, I see less and less of the elder european gay people around Pattaya now

[Jingthing]

Gay nightlife in general as far as hookups has switched a lot to APPS all over the world, including Thailand. 

There are restaurants in there that a lot of people like, and certainly not only gay people. I would like to see more and more diverse options but not sure that will happen. 

The real walking street does have the seafood restaurants that tourists love. 

[morrobay]

Geographically it's a great area. So how about some go go's that are missing in Jomtien. 

[KittenKong]

20 minutes ago, morrobay said:

Geographically it's a great area. So how about some go go's that are missing in Jomtien. 

They are missing for a reason: residents and the local authorities simply dont want them.

 

Anyone wanting noisy bars and gogos should just gogo to Pattaya: that's what it's there for.

[Henryford]

Whilst it is seen as a Gay area it will never take off. No girlie bars, no a Go Gos, no non Gay bars, well that rules out 90% of any potential customers.

[petermik]

7 hours ago, Henryford said:

Whilst it is seen as a Gay area it will never take off. No girlie bars, no a Go Gos, no non Gay bars, well that rules out 90% of any potential customers.

As I mentioned previously...The Two Donnas and Fantasy Bars are still operating as "girly bars" and used to be excellent bars,not been for a drink for quite some time so cannot give up to date info...as for the rest of the place no thanks

p.s. I take a ride through often when returning after my 90 day reporting..

[petermik]

21 hours ago, champers said:

I suspect there is a huge, largely untapped market which is the Chinese gay commumity. Repressed in their home country, free to live unfettered from authoritarianism in Jomtien / Pattaya.  Just doing the math(s) tells you the potential market must be vast.

Might be a good idea and money maker champers if you started a "Chinese gay bus tour"............get your work permit sorted ASAP   

[Jingthing]

Geographically it's a great area. So how about some go go's that are missing in Jomtien. 

Legally not allowed in Jomtien except for one particular straight place on Tappraya that has carved out an exception wink wink nod nod say no more.

Sent from my Lenovo A7020a48 using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[Jingthing]

Whilst it is seen as a Gay area it will never take off. No girlie bars, no a Go Gos, no non Gay bars, well that rules out 90% of any potential customers.

Somehow the place has hung around for several years anyway. It's not only a sex area and yes there are some straight spots. People have made major investments in building nice new hotels. I don't agree with your doom and gloom on the area. I realize homophobes do avoid the area but I think with more general interest stuff like that amazing French bakery that's their loss.

 

Sent from my Lenovo A7020a48 using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

 

 

 

[champers]

1 hour ago, petermik said:

Might be a good idea and money maker champers if you started a "Chinese gay bus tour"............get your work permit sorted ASAP   

I am sure there is a lot of money in it. You aren't likely to see such a tour advertised in China, so how could an entrepreneur in Thailand make contact with the target market?