Expat Clubs In Bangkok

[roderick17]

Greetings All

I will soon move to LOS to live and work in the Thai capital. Unfortunately, I know very few people in Bangkok who'd be in a position to help me to learn more about this place . Are there any expat clubs, haunts or hangouts - including thal venues and clubs - that would be worth visiting to in order to meet people who'd be prepared to help me in getting to know this exciting city ??

Thanks heaps

Roderick

[bkkjames]

Greetings All

I will soon move to LOS to live and work in the Thai capital. Unfortunately, I know very few people in Bangkok who'd be in a position to help me to learn more about this place . Are there any expat clubs, haunts or hangouts - including thal venues and clubs - that would be worth visiting to in order to meet people who'd be prepared to help me in getting to know this exciting city ??

Thanks heaps

Roderick

Hi Roderick:

Not so much in the way of formal Expat groups however you will find that many tend to meet up at pubs and the sort from time to time. You could look at Chambers of Commerce but they can be a bit formal but a good way to meet a few people in the busines arena.

Failing that, perhaps if you have any special interests / hobbies, that could be a good way to pursue.

Personally, my hobby is beer so I can cover off two of the above in one go. What can I say, I prefer to be organised.

[Indo-Siam]

Although it may sound a bit odd, a good way to get started is to network around to several of the small bars and pubs in Bangkok that are run by true "publicans" - meaning a proprietor who spends most of his time in the pub, personally meeting and greeting his customers. The key here is that the place needs to be relatively small, and run by someone who is not a drunk, and who operates his business so to attract and retain "successful" clients - via creating a clientele of successful clients who gather to network and interact.

I run a company that helps foreigners start businesses in Bangkok. Over the past seven years, I have built up a network of pubs whose owners are oriented as above - and who have referred numerous clients to me. Here is my list - and I'm sure that other board members can add more examples:

1. X-Box Bar - Rajah parking lot - Sukhumvit Soi 4 (many customers from oil fields, mining/geologists, Bechtel, etc.) - Run by former logistics/distribution executive.

2. Sport Corner Bar - Just inside Sukhumvit Soi 20 - Run by retired IBM executive, quite a few financial/IT guys

3. Det 5 - Sukhumvit Soi 8 - deep into the Soi - Run by Belgian jewelry expert/trader

4. Sports Academy - Off Sukhumvit sidewalk between Sois 13 and 15 - Second floor - Upscale pool lounge - run by Scandinavian gents

5. Sportsman's Pub - - Inside Sukhumvit entrance to Washington Square - Upscale pool lounge - managed by British lawyer

6. Bradman's Sports Bistro - Sukhumvit Soi 23 - Run by Australian finance and accounting gent.

I do not personally know or frequent the following places, but I know they have similar format: Crossbar Pub, on Soi connecting Sukhumvit Sois 21 and 23; Black Swan Pub - adjacent to Asok BTS Station, opposite Robinson's Department Store

The managers of all these places are used to being approached for business and practical "how to get it done in Thailand" advice. All of these places are quiet enough to hold conversations. All have alcohol, and some have attractive lady "hostesses' floating around - but none of these are "girlie bars" with main goal of pairing customers up with ladies.

For business networking, you want to visit in the 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm period - quiet times, and you can cross paths with working ex-pats, at end of work day.

Good luck!

Steve

Indo-Siam

[mjperry]

Greetings All

I will soon move to LOS to live and work in the Thai capital. Unfortunately, I know very few people in Bangkok who'd be in a position to help me to learn more about this place . Are there any expat clubs, haunts or hangouts - including thal venues and clubs - that would be worth visiting to in order to meet people who'd be prepared to help me in getting to know this exciting city ??

Thanks heaps

Roderick

How about the British Club Bangkok, you can find more info here: http://www.britishclubbangkok.org

Or another one for more business oriented networking would be: http://www.thebangkokclub.com

Martin

[meom]

The Bangkok club looks nice. The board of advisors and governors has some impressive names so I wonder how much the membership fees are.

[roderick17]

Thank you to you all for the very helpfull replies !!

When I do eventually get to Bkk, I 'd be happy to buy a beer or two for anyone interested in meeting up with me. BKKJames which pub, clubs or haunts do you usually visit and when would you like to meet up for a beer or three !!!

Roderick

Greetings All

I will soon move to LOS to live and work in the Thai capital. Unfortunately, I know very few people in Bangkok who'd be in a position to help me to learn more about this place . Are there any expat clubs, haunts or hangouts - including thal venues and clubs - that would be worth visiting to in order to meet people who'd be prepared to help me in getting to know this exciting city ??

Thanks heaps

Roderick

Hi Roderick:

Not so much in the way of formal Expat groups however you will find that many tend to meet up at pubs and the sort from time to time. You could look at Chambers of Commerce but they can be a bit formal but a good way to meet a few people in the busines arena.

Failing that, perhaps if you have any special interests / hobbies, that could be a good way to pursue.

Personally, my hobby is beer so I can cover off two of the above in one go. What can I say, I prefer to be organised.

[bkkjames]

Thank you to you all for the very helpfull replies !!

When I do eventually get to Bkk, I 'd be happy to buy a beer or two for anyone interested in meeting up with me. BKKJames which pub, clubs or haunts do you usually visit and when would you like to meet up for a beer or three !!!

Roderick

Greetings All

I will soon move to LOS to live and work in the Thai capital. Unfortunately, I know very few people in Bangkok who'd be in a position to help me to learn more about this place . Are there any expat clubs, haunts or hangouts - including thal venues and clubs - that would be worth visiting to in order to meet people who'd be prepared to help me in getting to know this exciting city ??

Thanks heaps

Roderick

Hi Roderick:

Not so much in the way of formal Expat groups however you will find that many tend to meet up at pubs and the sort from time to time. You could look at Chambers of Commerce but they can be a bit formal but a good way to meet a few people in the busines arena.

Failing that, perhaps if you have any special interests / hobbies, that could be a good way to pursue.

Personally, my hobby is beer so I can cover off two of the above in one go. What can I say, I prefer to be organised.

Hi Roderick:

Officially, I only visit the more upstanding places found in hotels, fine shopping malls and so on. Unofficially, I have been known to get lost in less upstanding establishments - I blame it on a bad sense of direction.

A few favorites of our resident drunk toad (see football forum for more clues), would be Crossbar on Soi 23 (not to be confused with the katoey massage place across the road) and Soi 8 pub. Other than that there is the Londoner, Dubliner and about 242 other british pubs scattered around the city.

[mrtoad]

Hi Roderick:

Officially, I only visit the more upstanding places found in hotels, fine shopping malls and so on. Unofficially, I have been known to get lost in less upstanding establishments - I blame it on a bad sense of direction.

A few favorites of our resident drunk toad (see football forum for more clues), would be Crossbar on Soi 23 (not to be confused with the katoey massage place across the road) and Soi 8 pub. Other than that there is the Londoner, Dubliner and about 242 other british pubs scattered around the city.

Thanks for the plug James.

I seem to recall that you are well known in Soi 8 as well.

Just as an add to the other suggestions that have been made, and the excellent list that Steve (indo siam) gave, there are also a number of sports clubs which are mainly made up of Expats. Southerners (I am a member) offer Cricket, Football, Rugby, Tough Rugby, Netball and over 35's Football. Their main base is The Londoner, although the Football lads frequent The Crossbar. There is also The Bangkok Bangers (Rugby), Parrots (Cricket) and The Thailand Tigers (Aussie Rules). There are also occasional meet ups through Thai visa, and a few of us that frequent the football forum regularly meet up at The Crossbar or Soi 8 to have a few beers and watch football.

I think in respect of the bars, for meeting regular people in a decent environment you need to go to the more regular places such as Soi 8, Crossbar, Robin Hood, Bulls Head and a couple of others. At the end of the working day you'll normally bump into a few expats who are having a couple of beers after the end of the day.

Anyway, good luck with the move and feel free to PM me if you want any more info.

[bkkjames]

****note

In catching up with expats at local watering holes, it is advisable to get there early. I have seen what happens after 9pm (happy hour coincidentally) and it's not pretty.

You have no doubt heard about beer goggles? In this company you will need them. Yes, they are that ugly I am afraid to report. On the upside, you will have a 50% chance of coming across as the handsome one.

Or as the old saying goes...keep your friends near and your ugly friends nearer.

[p_brownstone]

On the off-chance that you may desire some intellectual stimulation, not necessarily fuelled by alcohol (and are not averse to meeting the occasional Thai; people who, for some reason, tend to know more about Bangkok and Thailand than the bar-hopping Expats here) you may like to have a look at the Siam Society http://www.siam-society.org/index.php .

Patrick

[thaihome]

Drinking alcohol in any of the mentioned places is a personal option. If you choose to drink water or soda no one will say a thing.

TH

[bkkjames]

On the off-chance that you may desire some intellectual stimulation, not necessarily fuelled by alcohol (and are not averse to meeting the occasional Thai; people who, for some reason, tend to know more about Bangkok and Thailand than the bar-hopping Expats here) you may like to have a look at the Siam Society http://www.siam-society.org/index.php .

Patrick

That's a bit rich Patrick. I am sure Roderick would rather meet with down to earth employed professionals who enjoy a beer every now and again.

But then again, I was only basing my previous responses on what the OP actually asked for. Let him decide if the conversation in intellectual enough.

Suffice to say that if he wanted to meet a bunch of Thais, he would have asked for places as you mentioned. Silly stupid me, for not reading between the lines.

[p_brownstone]

On the off-chance that you may desire some intellectual stimulation, not necessarily fuelled by alcohol (and are not averse to meeting the occasional Thai; people who, for some reason, tend to know more about Bangkok and Thailand than the bar-hopping Expats here) you may like to have a look at the Siam Society http://www.siam-society.org/index.php .

Patrick

That's a bit rich Patrick. I am sure Roderick would rather meet with down to earth employed professionals who enjoy a beer every now and again.

But then again, I was only basing my previous responses on what the OP actually asked for. Let him decide if the conversation in intellectual enough.

Suffice to say that if he wanted to meet a bunch of Thais, he would have asked for places as you mentioned. Silly stupid me, for not reading between the lines.

What on earth gives you the impression that my response was directed at you or your Posts?

I am clearly addressing the OP and his specific, somewhat xenophobic request for "Expat Clubs" ; pointing out that there is far more to Thailand than Bars and beer swilling Expats. If he really wants to be introduced to "this exciting city" there are other, possibly far better places than those so far suggested if he simply broadens his horizons.

Patrick

Edited August 19, 2009 by p_brownstone

[bkkjames]

On the off-chance that you may desire some intellectual stimulation, not necessarily fuelled by alcohol (and are not averse to meeting the occasional Thai; people who, for some reason, tend to know more about Bangkok and Thailand than the bar-hopping Expats here) you may like to have a look at the Siam Society http://www.siam-society.org/index.php .

Patrick

That's a bit rich Patrick. I am sure Roderick would rather meet with down to earth employed professionals who enjoy a beer every now and again.

But then again, I was only basing my previous responses on what the OP actually asked for. Let him decide if the conversation in intellectual enough.

Suffice to say that if he wanted to meet a bunch of Thais, he would have asked for places as you mentioned. Silly stupid me, for not reading between the lines.

What on earth gives you the impression that my response was directed at you or your Posts?

I am clearly addressing the OP and his specific, somewhat xenophobic request for "Expat Clubs" ; pointing out that there is far more to Thailand than Bars and beer swilling Expats. If he really wants to be introduced to "this exciting city" there are other, possibly far better places than those so far suggested if he simply broadens his horizons.

Patrick

The guy hasn't even arrived yet for crying out loud. He asked where do expats hang out so he can get an expat feel / lay of the land.

Then you chimed in with all expats are basically beer swilling drunks. While not xenophobic, it sure is stereotyping with a very big brush. Or is it based on your infinite wisdom, that every professional expat in Bangkok sits in the pub every night till they can't walk?

I am sure the OP will have plenty of time to broaden his horizons - you know - like sitting down curbside after work 4x a week while polishing off a bottle of Red with his mates from the office.

Perhaps you might consider the fact that in certain other countries around the world it is quite common to have Expat Social Groups and the like. Calling him Xenophobic before he arrives is over the top. He'll have plenty of opportunity to experience this first hand in the months and years ahead.

James

Edited August 19, 2009 by bkkjames

[mrtoad]

On the off-chance that you may desire some intellectual stimulation, not necessarily fuelled by alcohol (and are not averse to meeting the occasional Thai; people who, for some reason, tend to know more about Bangkok and Thailand than the bar-hopping Expats here) you may like to have a look at the Siam Society http://www.siam-society.org/index.php .

Patrick

That's a bit rich Patrick. I am sure Roderick would rather meet with down to earth employed professionals who enjoy a beer every now and again.

But then again, I was only basing my previous responses on what the OP actually asked for. Let him decide if the conversation in intellectual enough.

Suffice to say that if he wanted to meet a bunch of Thais, he would have asked for places as you mentioned. Silly stupid me, for not reading between the lines.

What on earth gives you the impression that my response was directed at you or your Posts?

I am clearly addressing the OP and his specific, somewhat xenophobic request for "Expat Clubs" ; pointing out that there is far more to Thailand than Bars and beer swilling Expats. If he really wants to be introduced to "this exciting city" there are other, possibly far better places than those so far suggested if he simply broadens his horizons.

Patrick

Xenophobic, what total and utter nonsense - the guy is new in town and is asking a pretty straightforward question. There have been a number of good suggestions about places where he can meet expats, and not all bars.

Not everyone that drinks in a bar is a beer swilling idiot. In fact in one of the places that I go to there are a number of professional Thais that all mix in our group of people.

I am sure that the Siam Society is highly enjoyable, but you seem to be sounding off from what you believe is a superior standpoint. Just remember not everyone in a bar is an idiot mate, believe it or not some of us do have pretty decent educations and jobs.

[soundman]

OK fellas, lets leave this fracas where it is and move on.

Thanx.

[dantilley]

There are a number of networking nights around town, usually a couple a week on average. Some are more business orientated, some more of a social gathering and piss-up (with a bit of business at the periphery). Either way, all are a good way of meeting lots of people, Thais and expats; and many other new arrivals as well a few old-hands. Get some business cards printed (can be done at a shopping mall called MBK, or a bunch of other places around town) and hand them out, send emails and phone calls to those who hand you theirs.

Some links to give you an idea:

http://www.europeanyoungprofessionals.org/ - more social than business but a good balance between the two.

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=26289855080 - (Could only find this Facebook page rather than a dedicated site) - much more social than business

http://www.amchamthailand.com/ - Click through to their Social Networking section, similar to the EYP I listed above, a bit more social but still fairly business oriented.

www.mobyelite.com/byp/ - Again, sits between the two ends of the scale.

http://www.austchamthailand.com/ - Click to their "Sundowners" events, more business than social, and they usually host some lively, busy events.

http://www.bccthai.com/ - Networking nights here are purely business really, and borderline stuffy / cliquey at times. Often hosted in nice venues though and, if you're there for business, worth attending.

http://www.bangkoknetworking.com/ - A calendar listing all these events plus many more.

Edited August 19, 2009 by dantilley

[mrtoad]

Good list Dan, the Moby Elite young professional meetings can be quite pleasant. I find the chamber ones a little bit to staid and cliquey, although the Aussie Sundowners are pretty good.

[dantilley]

I find the chamber ones a little bit to staid and cliquey, although the Aussie Sundowners are pretty good.

Amcham, the American Chamber, (also listed above) have gone to some efforts recently to shed the cliquey image and their events can be good also.

[samran]

southerns sports club is a great way of meeting people.

Google southerns bangkok...

[mrtoad]

southerns sports club is a great way of meeting people.

Google southerns bangkok...

Agree one hundred percent, met some of my best mates through that club.

What section are you?

[EvilDrSomkid]

*Makes note to self: Find X-Box Bar*

Now, where is this Rajah parking lot? Address?

Applied on a CUEL job right up my street. After waiting and waiting and getting non conclusive replies, I was informed the position was only open to locals. Gee, the advert on jobsDb did not mention this. Told her so and got no reply, of course.

I really need to get to know some people in the Oil&Gas, Petro business in BKK and or Rayong/Map Ta Phut. Steel structure and piping fabrication supervision, specifically.

[zorro1]

one of the best expat hangouts is just opposite soi 8 called Lolitas. Most arrive to socialise later in the night usually after leaving soi 8 bar. The owner is a rekaxed fellow usually attired in singlet and thongs and covered in tatts however a very suck sesfull businesman

[HerbalEd]

one of the best expat hangouts is just opposite soi 8 called Lolitas. Most arrive to socialise later in the night usually after leaving soi 8 bar. The owner is a rekaxed fellow usually attired in singlet and thongs and covered in tatts however a very suck sesfull businesman

That places sucks.

[bob4you]

If Sunday is your day off come down to Pattaya. Sunday at 10:00am the Pattaya City Expat Club meets at HJ Beans on Beach Road at the Amari Orchid Hotel. Meeting every Sunday for 8 years. Great Buffet Breakfast for around B150 and meet with 125+- other expats.

[bkkjames]

one of the best expat hangouts is just opposite soi 8 called Lolitas. Most arrive to socialise later in the night usually after leaving soi 8 bar. The owner is a rekaxed fellow usually attired in singlet and thongs and covered in tatts however a very suck sesfull businesman

That places sucks.

Do they really? All this time I thought it was a mexican cantina. Do they have 'happy' hours? Any shooter specials? I like my beer with some head on it, but havent tried it with ice but I heard that can be nice. So a guy in Pattaya told me once.

Interestingly, while sitting outside Soi 8 on Friday night, a Porche Cayanne pulled into the Lolita Soi and the guy driving proceeded to go inside. Must attract a pretty hi-so crowd?

Edited August 24, 2009 by bkkjames

[zorro1]

one of the best expat hangouts is just opposite soi 8 called Lolitas. Most arrive to socialise later in the night usually after leaving soi 8 bar. The owner is a rekaxed fellow usually attired in singlet and thongs and covered in tatts however a very suck sesfull businesman

That places sucks.

Do they really? All this time I thought it was a mexican cantina. Do they have 'happy' hours? Any shooter specials? I like my beer with some head on it, but havent tried it with ice but I heard that can be nice. So a guy in Pattaya told me once.

Interestingly, while sitting outside Soi 8 on Friday night, a Porche Cayanne pulled into the Lolita Soi and the guy driving proceeded to go inside. Must attract a pretty hi-so crowd?

The head girl there owns that.

[flemmie]

One more option is to become member of Internations (dot) org

Here is their next get-together tonight actually :

Dear Bangkok Community,

We would like to remind you of the

InterNations Bangkok August Get-Together

When?

Start date: Aug 25, 2009 19:00

End date: Aug 25, 2009 21:00

Where?

Villa Italia

82 Sukhumvit Soi 33

Bangkok

Please don’t forget to register for this event by clicking the “Accept Invitation” button in the Event Calendar entry (please RSVP in Event Calendar only!)

If you have already subscribed for this event but meanwhile are no longer able to participate, we would like to ask you to click on the “Decline Invitation” button in the event page, to allow us to take account of your absence.

In case that you should have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

We’re looking forward to seeing you there.

[soloman]

One more option is to become member of Internations (dot) org

I checked out that web site and to quote it "Membership is strictly invitation-based: You may join the community only after receiving an invitation from a current member. In this way, InterNations will remain a network of personal trust, where data security and privacy protection are top priorities."

There is almost no information about them on the web site, and so 'secretive' they certainly are!!

Do they have a secret hand shake too?

[zorro1]

One more option is to become member of Internations (dot) org

I checked out that web site and to quote it "Membership is strictly invitation-based: You may join the community only after receiving an invitation from a current member. In this way, InterNations will remain a network of personal trust, where data security and privacy protection are top priorities."

There is almost no information about them on the web site, and so 'secretive' they certainly are!!

Do they have a secret hand shake too?

Just what one needs, another secret society, most are full of weirdos just look at some of the 60 mins type reporting on the masons and other weird clans. probabaly males only <deleted> would one bother