How does the Ark Bar in Samui get away with playing their music so loud?

[Evergreen]

I do wonder then where all the noise, that goes on until well after 2am that rings out all around central Chaweng comes from then?

It carries on until 3/4 in the morning and is the only thing you can hear.

Can't be the Ark as it's already said it closes at 2am so there must be some sort of "ghost music" being played booming out until yon time every single night.

Can't possibly be Green Mango area as it's already been said by a couple on here it is definitely not them, no way whatsoever...weird..it's a mystery not only as to where it comes from but also just why this doesn't seem to be heard by certain people whatsoever and whom only seem to hear music that comes from 1 certain place only and finishes at 2am.

I could swear i have walked along Chaweng beach road after 2am before and the only noise i can hear by far is mega loud pumping music blaring out from what i always thought was in Soi Green Mango! I've. obviously been wrong all this time and there's some other mysterious hidden secret party that's making all this noise but cleverly making it sound exactly as if it's coming from Green Mango and only making the sound to be heard by so many.

Very clever indeed how they manage it, bravo!, :-)

[Pattaya Lous]

I have just turned on my computer as I do every morning while drinking my coffee before I go to the gym and i cannot believe this topic is still going on.

Samui has always been one of the big party destinations of Thailand and always will be, I am glad as it keeps most of the crazy drunken youngsters away from the mainland.

You must of known when you moved there - so why on earth did you move there????

The authorities of Thailand will never change things because it is much easier to control it on a small island.

[Tropicalevo]

I have just turned on my computer as I do every morning while drinking my coffee before I go to the gym and i cannot believe this topic is still going on.

Samui has always been one of the big party destinations of Thailand and always will be, I am glad as it keeps most of the crazy drunken youngsters away from the mainland.

You must of known when you moved there - so why on earth did you move there????

The authorities of Thailand will never change things because it is much easier to control it on a small island.

A few asinine comments in there Lous. Please let me give my observations

The topic is still going on because people (like yourself) keep commenting.

Samui is more than just Chaweng. Samui is 228.7 sq kms. The 'party destinations' are a small percentage of that. This may surprise you but a lot of people visit Samui for beautiful tropical beaches, and peace and quiet. A friendly tropical island in paradise, perfect for families!

From your comment I see that you are OK about noise pollution on Samui as it is 'not in your back yard'.

Did it not occur to you that maybe the Ark Bar did not play loud offensive music past midnight when a lot of us did move here?

I moved here over 14 years ago. I live in a very quiet rural part of the island. (Nearest 7/11 is 3 kms away!!!). Black Moon Parties have been a part of the islands here for some years. So, if I take your logic, when a BMP started up two years ago just 1 km from my house - I should move?

14 years ago, the only beach where I saw sunloungers, tables, chairs etc, was Chaweng. The others were all pristene. Now there is furniture on most of the popular beaches. Things move on.

Sadly, not all moving on is congruent to the island that we first fell in love with.

This thread is about a business that openly flaunts the law and does so in a progressive and intrusive manner. It was not always thus.

I remember about 10 or 12 years ago sitting on the beach at the Ark Bar enjoying a cold Singha, talking to friends and there was background music. Quite pleasant and relaxing. That is not the case today.

So please remember that whilst it might be quiet where you live today, but it may not be that way tomorrow.

[monkeycountry]

It seems many people here do not really understand the problem.

1. Green Mango, Sound bar, Solo and whatever else these bars are called are generally semi indoor, and in any case the noise is partly blocked by adjacent buildings etc., so the noise does not go that far.

Ark bar on the other hand is right on the beach, blasting it's music out across chaweng bay. This means the noise will go unhindered all along and across the bay and beach, and yes, even into the mountains in Chaweng and Chaweng Noi, several kilometers from ark bar.

Anyone on Chaweng beach has a clear line of sight to ark bar, hence ark bar and it's speakers also has a clear line of sight to anyone on the beach, and during the day (and night) ark bar is clearly heard all along Chaweng Beach, all the way from First Bungalow (at the opposite end of the beach from ark bar) if the wind blows that way. If there is no wind, it can be clearly heard at least to Central Samui beach Resort.

People who have a house in the hills of Chaweng or Chaweng Noi, which is hundreds if not thousands of people, also have a clear line of sight to ark bar, hence can easily hear the noise from ark bar at night when the volume is increased.

The noise is not coming from several bars/discos, just from ark bar. You can easily hear which song is played, it is not a mix of many songs from different places. Further, the noise stops when the colored lights on the beach at arkbar are turned off.

2. Some people seem to think it is ok to break the law, as long as you have done it for a long time. Does that mean a thief has the right to rob you, as long as he has been a thief longer than you have lived here?

Loud music (and other noise) is illegal at night in Thailand (I think it is from 9 pm til 6 am or similar). However the law is never enforced on Samui, and even if it was, ark bar can and will bribe it's way out of anything, which by the way is also illegal.

3. Ark bar is not a disco, it is a bar/restaurant/hotel. For starters there is no dance floor. It is a place where people sit and party/talk together in small groups while enjoying food and drinks, and for that purpose it is great as evidenced by it's many customers. Unfortunately talking with you friends is not easy when the music is as loud as it is at ark bar, which makes me wonder why they do not turn it down a bit, not to please people on the rest of the beach or in the mountains, but to please their own customers (and avoid damaging their staff's ears)

[ttthailand]

"Live and let live " as long as you don't bother other people in the process. Music should be turned to low volume to all outside areas after 9:00pm and off after 11:00pm.

It may be an island but people still live there and some have children who need to get a good nights sleep for school.

If you want to blast your music do so in a confined area that only the people inside can hear.

The problem is just a lack of respect for other people.

[ttthailand]

I suggest that the people who are affected should get together and sign a petition and submit it to local government and also copy the "General" "PM".... I am sure that by coping him you would get some action even if he does not even respond directly. All local governments are afraid and don't want him coming around to investigate the goings on in their area....

Screw these disrespectful people.... They have taken advantage of locals for too long.

[ttthailand]

PS.... Make sure local government knows who has been copied

[Pattaya Lous]

I have just turned on my computer as I do every morning while drinking my coffee before I go to the gym and i cannot believe this topic is still going on.

Samui has always been one of the big party destinations of Thailand and always will be, I am glad as it keeps most of the crazy drunken youngsters away from the mainland.

You must of known when you moved there - so why on earth did you move there????

The authorities of Thailand will never change things because it is much easier to control it on a small island.

A few asinine comments in there Lous. Please let me give my observations

The topic is still going on because people (like yourself) keep commenting.

Samui is more than just Chaweng. Samui is 228.7 sq kms. The 'party destinations' are a small percentage of that. This may surprise you but a lot of people visit Samui for beautiful tropical beaches, and peace and quiet. A friendly tropical island in paradise, perfect for families!

From your comment I see that you are OK about noise pollution on Samui as it is 'not in your back yard'.

Did it not occur to you that maybe the Ark Bar did not play loud offensive music past midnight when a lot of us did move here?

I moved here over 14 years ago. I live in a very quiet rural part of the island. (Nearest 7/11 is 3 kms away!!!). Black Moon Parties have been a part of the islands here for some years. So, if I take your logic, when a BMP started up two years ago just 1 km from my house - I should move?

14 years ago, the only beach where I saw sunloungers, tables, chairs etc, was Chaweng. The others were all pristene. Now there is furniture on most of the popular beaches. Things move on.

Sadly, not all moving on is congruent to the island that we first fell in love with.

This thread is about a business that openly flaunts the law and does so in a progressive and intrusive manner. It was not always thus.

I remember about 10 or 12 years ago sitting on the beach at the Ark Bar enjoying a cold Singha, talking to friends and there was background music. Quite pleasant and relaxing. That is not the case today.

So please remember that whilst it might be quiet where you live today, but it may not be that way tomorrow.

You will defend Samui because you are probably stuck there and you want the island returned to the place it once was.

Samui now has a reputation the world over as a party island you only have to read any tourist magazine to see that.

Full moon parties are one of the biggest attractions of the island and these are obviously held on the beach at night so I can't see the music stopping.

In all the time I have lived in Thailand I have only visited Samui once and I did not enjoy my time there the only place in Thailand I have not enjoyed. The reasons being loud music everywhere I went, over building everywhere and young drunken people.

I don't think anything will be done about the noise coming from the Ark Bar because noisy places like that bring big money to the island and to the authorities there.

You may say my comments are stupid but they are built on fact and my experience of Samui.

[Rooo]

You will defend Samui because you are probably stuck there and you want the island returned to the place it once was.

Samui now has a reputation the world over as a party island you only have to read any tourist magazine to see that.

Full moon parties are one of the biggest attractions of the island and these are obviously held on the beach at night so I can't see the music stopping.

In all the time I have lived in Thailand I have only visited Samui once and I did not enjoy my time there the only place in Thailand I have not enjoyed. The reasons being loud music everywhere I went, over building everywhere and young drunken people.

I don't think anything will be done about the noise coming from the Ark Bar because noisy places like that bring big money to the island and to the authorities there.

You may say my comments are stupid but they are built on fact and my experience of Samui.

Yes you are right. Just keep basing your facts on magazines. You have never been to Samui based on the above info.

[Tropicalevo]

Please look at some real facts in your response.

You will defend Samui because you are probably stuck there and you want the island returned to the place it once was.

No way do I want Samui the way it was when I arrived. I like the choice of shopping and restaurants that are available now. I am very happy that I can ride around the island without my bike falling into a huge hole in the road that I did not see because of floods. Life is easier now that I do not have to go to the island's only ATM machine in Nathon! The list is endless.

I am not stuck here - I choose to stay here. I actually pay taxes for that pleasure.

Samui now has a reputation the world over as a party island you only have to read any tourist magazine to see that.

Any tourist magazine? A bit of an exaggeration methinks. I have seen articles that extol the virtues of Chaweng as 'party central' but not the whole island. I have not seen an article that states what you have said.

Full moon parties are one of the biggest attractions of the island and these are obviously held on the beach at night so I can't see the music stopping.

Well - the one near my house was stopped after local residents and hotels complained (me included). I think that HRH The Crown Prince also had something to do with it. I also suspect that the one on the south shore of KPN has been stopped as I no longer hear the music from that one. Another non fact?

In all the time I have lived in Thailand I have only visited Samui once and I did not enjoy my time there the only place in Thailand I have not enjoyed. The reasons being loud music everywhere I went, over building everywhere and young drunken people.

As I said earlier. Samui is not Chaweng. Most of the locals that I know avoid it like the plague. Young and old alike. In the same way that I have avoided other noisy drunken areas in the other countries that I have lived in. Likewise I would never take a holiday in Magaluf. (But I am sure that some parts of Majorca are nice.)

I don't think anything will be done about the noise coming from the Ark Bar because noisy places like that bring big money to the island and to the authorities there.

As I have stated above (and it is a fact) some noisy parties have been stopped. If enough people, make the right sort of complaints to the right parties, I am sure that a compromise could be reached. I do not believe that the Ark Bar would ever be closed down, but the noise levels and timings could be changed. At the end of the day, Thais (even in postion of power) do not like conflict.

You may say my comments are stupid but they are built on fact and my experience of Samui.

Kep digging that hole Lous. It can only get deeper

[spidermike007]

If you visit the Ark Bar, and look in the bathroom, there is a flyer bragging about how they have 38 speakers, and 24 subwoofers! Most point out towards the bay. None of the authorities so far, have any interest in doing anything about this. And yes, petitions have been signed, and submitted to the authorities. Nothing has been done. The minister of noise and pollution has been contacted. He is useless. We are all hopeful the military will step in. They are the only ones with enough power to overstep all the government officials, and police, who are bought and paid for.

[spacedcowboy]

I'm told the Thai's like noise it apparently scares away the Ghosts, everywhere in Thailand seems to display the issue of overly loud music its not solely happening in Samui, going to a wedding could be compared to attending a Metallica Gig .This might also explain the endless chorus of circular saw action going on for any and every DIY task you can imagine.

[ttthailand]

I would also suggest writing a little something about the noise and how it affects the local children's education and place in the Bangkok post opinion section. People in Government do read these papers and you may make some progress.

[spidermike007]

Pretty interesting showdown going on at the moment. The music at the Ark Bar today is as loud as it has been in a year or two. I know for a fact that the military came to the Ark Bar last week, and had a good look around. It appears they are targeted. Perhaps they know this, and are taunting the army? Almost as if the management over there are saying we are more powerful, more influential, and are in more peoples pockets than you guys. Let us see what happens. Not how I would be behaving right now, if I owned that club. Best case scenario, is the army shuts them down completely. Thousands upon thousands of residents, tourists and a hundred hotels would be incredibly thankful for an act like that. Some of the kids would be disappointed, but they would find another more well behaved spot to hang out.

[longtom]

I am a bit thick and simple minded, apparently.

Ark bar is not a night club (dancing). So the simple question would be:

Why play the music so loud to make it impossible to talk to each other at the venue, and at the same time aleniating so many residents?

Sounds like a lose/lose situation?!

[spidermike007]

I am a bit thick and simple minded, apparently.

Ark bar is not a night club (dancing). So the simple question would be:

Why play the music so loud to make it impossible to talk to each other at the venue, and at the same time aleniating so many residents?

Sounds like a lose/lose situation?!

I have often wondered this myself. I occasionally walk by, or on rare occasion stop by for a drink (it pains me to support them) with a friend who wants to see the place. The music is usually so loud it is painful to hang out. It does not need to be that loud. Nearly all of the employees will end up with permanent tinnitus and hearing loss. Do the owners and managers care? They could so easily change the positioning of the speakers, or turn down the bass. Do they do that? No. Do they know they are creating massive problems for their neighbors, and the whole community? Yes. Do they care? I seriously doubt it. Not much consciousness coming from the owner and the managers.

Edited August 29, 2014 by spidermike007

[khunPer]

I am a bit thick and simple minded, apparently.

Ark bar is not a night club (dancing). So the simple question would be:

Why play the music so loud to make it impossible to talk to each other at the venue, and at the same time aleniating so many residents?

Sounds like a lose/lose situation?!

I have often wondered this myself. I occasionally walk by, or on rare occasion stop by for a drink (it pains me to support them) with a friend who wants to see the place. The music is usually so loud it is painful to hang out. It does not need to be that loud. Nearly all of the employees will end up with permanent tinnitus and hearing loss. Do the owners and managers care? They could so easily change the positioning of the speakers, or turn down the bass. Do they do that? No. Do they know they are creating massive problems for their neighbors, and the whole community? Yes. Do they care? I seriously doubt it. Not much consciousness coming from the owner and the managers.

Ark Bar is a business and if the loud music scares customers away, they will turn down the volume or change their concept. But looking at the past 5 years or more, they seemed to have gained more-and-more customers, both for beach parties – with dance on beach sand “dance floor” and on the tables – and as resort guests. Samui and Phangan tourism was born as “party” and still famous for that. So as long as the express train is running fast you are not uncoupling the locomotive…

[BigC]

U see now u r confused

You moved to a new area where there is loud music and for some reason you are complaining about the ark bar even though the people

U have a problem

With is not the ark bar at all because u have moved

If you are stressed I suggest boxing lessons

You do make me laugh Big C. I didn't move anywhere lived in an area for several years then an illegal night club opened.

I own my property, can't sell & move as you suggest to all the others, what should I do?

Re my comment about moving, all I said was it was an old cliche to tell someone :

If you don't like it go home.

Copy that braker on the 19

Roger 10/4 rubber duck

You could still move.

Another suggestion would be to find where the managers live and stalk them with a cd from their own bar outside their house then pay one of those loud advertising trucks to stalk him or them round samui

Sure he shall get the message or shoot you either way the noise problem shall be gone

Normally I turn my telly on when loud music outside

But too be honest if it was me and someone opened a loud karaoke outside my house I would destroy it as I was here first

I would employ and deploy an army of ants into their den while they are sleeping

If that doesn't work then out comes the M16 ( BB gun )

[BigC]

I am a bit thick and simple minded, apparently.

Ark bar is not a night club (dancing). So the simple question would be:

Why play the music so loud to make it impossible to talk to each other at the venue, and at the same time aleniating so many residents?

Sounds like a lose/lose situation?!

I have often wondered this myself. I occasionally walk by, or on rare occasion stop by for a drink (it pains me to support them) with a friend who wants to see the place. The music is usually so loud it is painful to hang out. It does not need to be that loud. Nearly all of the employees will end up with permanent tinnitus and hearing loss. Do the owners and managers care? They could so easily change the positioning of the speakers, or turn down the bass. Do they do that? No. Do they know they are creating massive problems for their neighbors, and the whole community? Yes. Do they care? I seriously doubt it. Not much consciousness coming from the owner and the managers.

Ark Bar is a business and if the loud music scares customers away, they will turn down the volume or change their concept. But looking at the past 5 years or more, they seemed to have gained more-and-more customers, both for beach parties – with dance on beach sand “dance floor” and on the tables – and as resort guests. Samui and Phangan tourism was born as “party” and still famous for that. So as long as the express train is running fast you are not uncoupling the locomotive…

Sometimes one has to give a little back to move forward

I would suggest the ark bar works with local residents and offers some sort of compensation for all it's profit made

Such as putting sound proof windows in houses

At least if people complain you shall get some good publicity and the cost is probably pea nuts compared to the amount of profit that is being made

If the boss wants to be a greedy fat cat then no sympathy shall become as the fatter the cat the easier the target but up to him or her

[monkeycountry]

I am a bit thick and simple minded, apparently.

Ark bar is not a night club (dancing). So the simple question would be:

Why play the music so loud to make it impossible to talk to each other at the venue, and at the same time aleniating so many residents?

Sounds like a lose/lose situation?!

I have often wondered this myself. I occasionally walk by, or on rare occasion stop by for a drink (it pains me to support them) with a friend who wants to see the place. The music is usually so loud it is painful to hang out. It does not need to be that loud. Nearly all of the employees will end up with permanent tinnitus and hearing loss. Do the owners and managers care? They could so easily change the positioning of the speakers, or turn down the bass. Do they do that? No. Do they know they are creating massive problems for their neighbors, and the whole community? Yes. Do they care? I seriously doubt it. Not much consciousness coming from the owner and the managers.

Ark Bar is a business and if the loud music scares customers away, they will turn down the volume or change their concept. But looking at the past 5 years or more, they seemed to have gained more-and-more customers, both for beach parties with dance on beach sand dance floor and on the tables and as resort guests. Samui and Phangan tourism was born as party and still famous for that. So as long as the express train is running fast you are not uncoupling the locomotive

How would ark bar know if the noise scares customers away? It is not like there is any communication between management and their customers. People who do not like the noise will not lodge a formal complaint, they will just move on. Perhaps they would have had even more customers if it was less noisy? My point is noone, incl. Ark bar management, knows if the noise in itself makes them gain or lose customers.

They could put a flyer on each table asking people if the music is too high or too low. My bet is that many customers would say "too loud", but that they consider it a good place despite the loud music.

[IrishMick]

Ive been to many a party in the Ark bar and the music is no louder than any nightclub I have been in.

[Rooo]

I have previously warned about touching on certain aspects during this debate. General criticism based on facts is acceptable.

Do not start on personal criticism of individuals. I have deleted several posts discussing this.

Please adhere to this directive otherwise this topic is closed.