Patong is dead.

[NamKangMan]

Wow, this sure went down the tubes fast. Kinda funny that someone who bemoans the thread being too Bangla-centric (albeit those posts WERE actually on topic) goes on to criticise people about their, and their friends, choices of where to spend a night out, flings around a few insults, and sets about giving everyone his warped, flawed and stereotypical view of everyone that goes to a beer bar in Phuket. Bizarre.

On the subject of there being more to Patong than Bangla. Geographically, sure there is. But it sure as hell ain't the reason that anyone that visits Patong goes or stays there. Other than for restaurants, the bars in the suburbs will never be anything more than temporary attractions, dull as dishwater, devoid of customers and zero atmosphere. The bars along Nanai are mostly dead and with the closures over the years are too far apart now so when you DO go there and (inevitably) find it's crap it's time to move on to the next crap bar either by tuk-tuk or on foot. If there's one you find that has a few customers in you can even have a chat for a while, in between shielding your ears from the street-kid motorbikes ripping up the road 10 feet from your stool. Eventually they give up and head towards Bangla. Sure there's the odd bar that might get a cluster of a few guys or a couple of guys with TG's, perhaps having a quiet night out or grabbing a few 80 baht beers before heading to the pricier joints in Bangla. But as going concern that are seen an an integral part of Patong nightlife - no way. And, errr, this thread IS about Patong. Not Phuket Town or 'where do all the nice Thai girls go' or the Janet and John series 'back of a matchbox guide to the mind of a prostitute'. The reason I guess most posts will focus on Bangla is that for most people visiting Patong that's all there is. Bangla would still exist without ANY of the bars in the suburbs, would they even be able to survive without Bangla? I don't think so. And the bars that make up OTOP and the cluster (the name of which I never remember, largely because I've never had cause to) opposite Absolute at the top end of the beach road - same same. Never more than 30% full, maybe catching a few stragglers for an afternoon session but nothing to offer at night IMO unless just chilling and avoiding Bangla, but to do that I wouldn't go to a (failed) 'copy, cut, paste' version of the same thing.

As to 'nice Thai girls wouldn't be seen dead in a beer bar'. Absolute total and utter crap! Ever heard of Thai tourists? I know quite a lot of Thais from all over, several of them very hi-so indeed. They have friends in Patong who own hotels, restaurants and bars and yes, they come to Patong, visit them, and are gracious enough to go to their bars with them and socialise. Provided said tourist is not seen as a complete tool they'll even say hi, chat, smile and have a drink. Why, because they are nice people, confident, pleasant, just enjoying their night out. I'm sure they'd be devastated that they wouldn't be seen as 'nice Thai girls' simply because they don't find the narrow-minded and fundamentally flawed stereotypical profile of one twisted individual's view of the world and 'all things Thai'.

In a hopefully not doomed attempt to TRY and get this post back on topic (which entails, for me at least, adding a couple to the 'ignore' list), I did go to the opening night at Tao on Friday last week. It was open the night before but that was just for systems testing. Went with a small group and was with the owner and his girlfriend there most of the night, in between them flitting around to take care of other invited guests. Overall it was an enjoyable night and a nice venue. As has been mentioned the place is not overly big, a large bar near the entrance takes up quite some space. It's also very nicely decorated. Custom throughout the night changed, singlet clad bogans tended not to hand around long, a few groups of Indians plus a couple of tables of 1 beer per hour Chinese. There was about 30-40% Thais too, but I guess by default they mustn't have been nice Thais, they seemed OK to me though, but I did forget to hand them the 'Are you qualified as a nice Thai' questionnaire.

There was a live band from 8 until about 12. Pretty good most of the time, have to say though I get really tired of the 'old rock classics' that get peddled out by these bands in EVERY bar EVERY time they play. Some songs were even played twice!! I think the band is normally scheduled to end about 11 but maybe they were playing later because of the opening. By 12 though I'd had enough of them. Thankfully the music wasn't too loud and the base wasn't dialled up to vibrate your diaphragm. Too loud to talk much though.

After 12 it was down to the DJ(s). Quite a good range of music, again with volume, base and treble balanced quite well. Too loud to talk but not headache inducing. Once the DJ started there were a number of tastefully attired dancers on the stage, dance floor and on a raised gantry providing some eye-candy. There were also about 25 hostess / PR type girls around all night, mostly from out of town I gather. I'm not sure if that was just for the opening night or if they'll be around in the same numbers after. There was also a just about enough waitresses to keep the drinks flowing. The place does have a nice ambience to it, aided by what I would consider to be one of the best lighting set-ups in Patong. It's a bit on the pricey side though, it's different but it's not THAT different and, while I'm happy to pay it, I'm not sure everyone will think that beers like SML at 180 and Leo at 150 provides enough VFM.

I hope Tao does well, I guess time will tell, if it DOES get crazy popular it might get a bit cramped in there in high season but it's a welcome enough change for me to the rest of what has become the current state of Soi Blandla.

"Wow, this sure went down the tubes fast." - there have been some recent posts containg personal attacks, however, the majority of posts in this long thread have been well discussed.

PoP, your observations and opinions, in my view, have been accurate.

A couple of years ago, many of the members posting on this thread would be ridiculed, and branded "a Phuket basher" or "a doomsdayer."

Now, Phuket's "situation" is very much plain to see, and is undeniable, and is now being seriously discussed by members on this forum.

Unfortunately, all we can do is sit back and watch Phuket's sad transformation, as officials do absolutely nothing to stop Phuket's rapid economic decline.

[SooKee]

Wow, this sure went down the tubes fast. Kinda funny that someone who bemoans the thread being too Bangla-centric (albeit those posts WERE actually on topic) goes on to criticise people about their, and their friends, choices of where to spend a night out, flings around a few insults, and sets about giving everyone his warped, flawed and stereotypical view of everyone that goes to a beer bar in Phuket. Bizarre.

"Wow, this sure went down the tubes fast." - there have been some recent posts containg personal attacks, however, the majority of posts in this long thread have been well discussed.

Unfortunately, all we can do is sit back and watch Phuket's sad transformation, as officials do absolutely nothing to stop Phuket's rapid economic decline.

Yup, I wasn't refererring to the majority of posts. I was referring to since my last visit, since when, it went downhill (and off topic) - fast.

Agreed about Phuket, for sure. It'll be interesting to watch how this year's (not so?) high-season unfolds.

[NamKangMan]

Wow, this sure went down the tubes fast. Kinda funny that someone who bemoans the thread being too Bangla-centric (albeit those posts WERE actually on topic) goes on to criticise people about their, and their friends, choices of where to spend a night out, flings around a few insults, and sets about giving everyone his warped, flawed and stereotypical view of everyone that goes to a beer bar in Phuket. Bizarre.

"Wow, this sure went down the tubes fast." - there have been some recent posts containg personal attacks, however, the majority of posts in this long thread have been well discussed.

Unfortunately, all we can do is sit back and watch Phuket's sad transformation, as officials do absolutely nothing to stop Phuket's rapid economic decline.

Yup, I wasn't refererring to the majority of posts. I was referring to since my last visit, since when, it went downhill (and off topic) - fast.

Agreed about Phuket, for sure. It'll be interesting to watch how this year's (not so?) high-season unfolds.

I've said it before, there will be no more "high season" on Phuket.

It has been replaced by a constant, and consistent, yearly flow of Chinese package holiday makers, which is non-seasonal.

Those thinking the western market to Phuket will rebound in November 2015, to the numbers that came here in previous years, will be disappointed.

[TacoHell]

The warning signs were more than a year ago, and there still remains a big pink elephant in the room.

The Thai landowners could give a toss. They can wait it out. Same with Farang who planned for this.

The small business owners (farang and Thai) with low overhead, will survive.

But imagine the ones who bought leases and need to make a 500k or more nut as an example just to survive and did not plan.

It will be a tough few years for Phuket and Patong.

"The Thai landowners could give a toss. They can wait it out." - they will not "wait out" this one. It's a game changer.

Massive change to the demographics of tourists coming here now, and these tourists do not support small businesses, in particular, small businesses in the hospitality industry.

They can and will wait it out. They are cashed up and can wait. I would suggest you visit where the Chinese (and once Russian) end up. 1 million baht a day is a low estimate, for some crappy buffet.

[LivinginKata]

<snip>

Those thinking the western market to Phuket will rebound in November 2015, to the numbers that came here in previous years, will be disappointed.

Yep ... I do agree with NKM on this occasion. And I am of the opinion that the 'western' tourist market will never recover to the same level as pre-2009

[LivinginKata]

"The Thai landowners could give a toss. They can wait it out." - they will not "wait out" this one. It's a game changer.

Massive change to the demographics of tourists coming here now, and these tourists do not support small businesses, in particular, small businesses in the hospitality industry.

They can and will wait it out. They are cashed up and can wait. I would suggest you visit where the Chinese (and once Russian) end up. 1 million baht a day is a low estimate, for some crappy buffet.

Sure the property owners can wait it out (we are in this category), but for how long before they realise that the 'good' times are long gone. The future will require a new sort of business model to make the profit.

Edited August 10, 2015 by LivinginKata

[KarenBravo]

"The Thai landowners could give a toss. They can wait it out." - they will not "wait out" this one. It's a game changer.

Massive change to the demographics of tourists coming here now, and these tourists do not support small businesses, in particular, small businesses in the hospitality industry.

They can and will wait it out. They are cashed up and can wait. I would suggest you visit where the Chinese (and once Russian) end up. 1 million baht a day is a low estimate, for some crappy buffet.

Sure the property owners can wait it out (we are in this category), but for how long before they realise that the 'good' times are long gone. The future will require a new sort of business model to make the profit.

I think it's been self-evident that the quality Western market left some years ago.

Maybe the land-lords are cashed up and can wait, but, when there are no takers for their rental properties........

Empty, closed properties breed more empty, closed properties.

[LivinginKata]

I think it's been self-evident that the quality Western market left some years ago.

Maybe the land-lords are cashed up and can wait, but, when there are no takers for their rental properties........

Empty, closed properties breed more empty, closed properties.

And there are not buyers for unrented land/property either. So the land-lords have no option but to wait and wait and wait ....

[KarenBravo]

This high season will be the one to show which way the wind is going to blow.

It used to be that high season was a feeding frenzy. Make enough money to see the business through the unprofitable low season.

If those days are gone.........

Edited August 10, 2015 by KarenBravo

[uli65]

the next high season is the last chance to sale your business and run away. this place will never recover

[metisdead]

A post containing a link to Phuket Wan has been removed:

26) The Bangkok Post and Phuketwan do not allow quotes from their news articles or other material to appear on Thaivisa.com. Neither do they allow links to their publications. Posts from members containing quotes from or links to Bangkok Post or Phuketwan publications will be deleted from the forum.

[LivinginKata]

the next high season is the last chance to sale your business and run away. this place will never recover

Far too late .... as above 'DOOMED'

[NamKangMan]

The warning signs were more than a year ago, and there still remains a big pink elephant in the room.

The Thai landowners could give a toss. They can wait it out. Same with Farang who planned for this.

The small business owners (farang and Thai) with low overhead, will survive.

But imagine the ones who bought leases and need to make a 500k or more nut as an example just to survive and did not plan.

It will be a tough few years for Phuket and Patong.

"The Thai landowners could give a toss. They can wait it out." - they will not "wait out" this one. It's a game changer.

Massive change to the demographics of tourists coming here now, and these tourists do not support small businesses, in particular, small businesses in the hospitality industry.

They can and will wait it out. They are cashed up and can wait. I would suggest you visit where the Chinese (and once Russian) end up. 1 million baht a day is a low estimate, for some crappy buffet.

Perhaps you can clarify what you think they are actually "waiting out."

A vacant property is unproductive, still attracts fees ad eventually falls into disrepair - making it harder to rent / sell.

Sure, the wealthy Thai's can take a decline in revenue, but there are no new farang dreamers to buy bars, guest houses, salons etc etc to keep the rent and key money flowing in, so, what exactly do you think they are "waiting" for?

It is the same for a farang trying to sell their property here now. The common theme has been, "I can wait for the right buyer." They will be sitting in the same property, waiting and waiting to sell, and it may never sell. Many properties here have been on the market for years.

With every month that passes, businesses are closing and leases are becoming a month shorter.

There really is nothing to "wait out" because there are no buyers here now, and will not be in the foreseeable future, and of those still here, many will soon walk away, or walk away after their current lease expires.

The term "wait it out" suggests Phuket will turn around. I just can't see it.

I accept some large businesses are making money out of the Chinese, but the vast majority of small businesses here are struggling, and closing, and probably will never reopen.

[Sharp]

As I have commented before i/her as in my partner run a business that basically rents out commercial units to various tenants including Family Mart, 7Eleven and alike. We paid for long leases registered at the Land Office etc which allows us to look at the long game unlike some who have - 10 yrs leases. My Thai partner has been contacted by many of our tenants including the two stated to enquire if it's possible to reduce the rental price for a certain amount of time even though they have signed up in some cases for 10+yrs. So my thoughts are if landlords don't reduce or assist tenants in the interim or maybe longer then there is certainly going to be a mass of empty buildings. This in turn will make things look even worse than they do now. Just a note I did speak to a Thai landlord I know and as I suspected he isn't willing to help his tenants so I'm hoping our tenants will spread the word and maybe I will get a couple of new ones...))

[Bulldozer Dawn]

The warning signs were more than a year ago, and there still remains a big pink elephant in the room.

The Thai landowners could give a toss. They can wait it out. Same with Farang who planned for this.

The small business owners (farang and Thai) with low overhead, will survive.

But imagine the ones who bought leases and need to make a 500k or more nut as an example just to survive and did not plan.

It will be a tough few years for Phuket and Patong.

"The Thai landowners could give a toss. They can wait it out." - they will not "wait out" this one. It's a game changer.

Massive change to the demographics of tourists coming here now, and these tourists do not support small businesses, in particular, small businesses in the hospitality industry.

They can and will wait it out. They are cashed up and can wait. I would suggest you visit where the Chinese (and once Russian) end up. 1 million baht a day is a low estimate, for some crappy buffet.

Perhaps you can clarify what you think they are actually "waiting out."

A vacant property is unproductive, still attracts fees ad eventually falls into disrepair - making it harder to rent / sell.

Sure, the wealthy Thai's can take a decline in revenue, but there are no new farang dreamers to buy bars, guest houses, salons etc etc to keep the rent and key money flowing in, so, what exactly do you think they are "waiting" for?

It is the same for a farang trying to sell their property here now. The common theme has been, "I can wait for the right buyer." They will be sitting in the same property, waiting and waiting to sell, and it may never sell. Many properties here have been on the market for years.

With every month that passes, businesses are closing and leases are becoming a month shorter.

There really is nothing to "wait out" because there are no buyers here now, and will not be in the foreseeable future, and of those still here, many will soon walk away, or walk away after their current lease expires.

The term "wait it out" suggests Phuket will turn around. I just can't see it.

I accept some large businesses are making money out of the Chinese, but the vast majority of small businesses here are struggling, and closing, and probably will never reopen.

Oh NKM you are so negative. What about the new 6 month tourist visa, that will have quality tourists flocking to Phuket.

[Bulldozer Dawn]

As I have commented before i/her as in my partner run a business that basically rents out commercial units to various tenants including Family Mart, 7Eleven and alike. We paid for long leases registered at the Land Office etc which allows us to look at the long game unlike some who have - 10 yrs leases. My Thai partner has been contacted by many of our tenants including the two stated to enquire if it's possible to reduce the rental price for a certain amount of time even though they have signed up in some cases for 10+yrs. So my thoughts are if landlords don't reduce or assist tenants in the interim or maybe longer then there is certainly going to be a mass of empty buildings. This in turn will make things look even worse than they do now. Just a note I did speak to a Thai landlord I know and as I suspected he isn't willing to help his tenants so I'm hoping our tenants will spread the word and maybe I will get a couple of new ones...))

Why would someone sign a 10 year lease with you as a sub tenant, when they could rent a property direct from an owner on the same 10 year term and register it at the land office?

[LivinginKata]

Oh NKM you are so negative. What about the new 6 month tourist visa, that will have quality tourists flocking to Phuket.

There is no 'new 6 month tourist' yet. It's only a very vague proposal right now. Bit too late for some of my long stay guests (off shore workers or financially independent younger guys) who have now relocated to countries more welcoming of their money.

[Sharp]

As I have commented before i/her as in my partner run a business that basically rents out commercial units to various tenants including Family Mart, 7Eleven and alike. We paid for long leases registered at the Land Office etc which allows us to look at the long game unlike some who have - 10 yrs leases. My Thai partner has been contacted by many of our tenants including the two stated to enquire if it's possible to reduce the rental price for a certain amount of time even though they have signed up in some cases for 10+yrs. So my thoughts are if landlords don't reduce or assist tenants in the interim or maybe longer then there is certainly going to be a mass of empty buildings. This in turn will make things look even worse than they do now. Just a note I did speak to a Thai landlord I know and as I suspected he isn't willing to help his tenants so I'm hoping our tenants will spread the word and maybe I will get a couple of new ones...))

Why would someone sign a 10 year lease with you as a sub tenant, when they could rent a property direct from an owner on the same 10 year term and register it at the land office?

Because we have the 'head leases ' meaning 30 yrs and they would have to wait a long time to go direct and the landowner if it's the location they want That's the whole reason we go for longer periods, in the meetings we had with The outlets mentioned they will only commit to 10 yr lease intervals so I was informed.

[Bulldozer Dawn]

As I have commented before i/her as in my partner run a business that basically rents out commercial units to various tenants including Family Mart, 7Eleven and alike. We paid for long leases registered at the Land Office etc which allows us to look at the long game unlike some who have - 10 yrs leases. My Thai partner has been contacted by many of our tenants including the two stated to enquire if it's possible to reduce the rental price for a certain amount of time even though they have signed up in some cases for 10+yrs. So my thoughts are if landlords don't reduce or assist tenants in the interim or maybe longer then there is certainly going to be a mass of empty buildings. This in turn will make things look even worse than they do now. Just a note I did speak to a Thai landlord I know and as I suspected he isn't willing to help his tenants so I'm hoping our tenants will spread the word and maybe I will get a couple of new ones...))

Why would someone sign a 10 year lease with you as a sub tenant, when they could rent a property direct from an owner on the same 10 year term and register it at the land office?

Because we have the 'head leases ' meaning 30 yrs and they would have to wait a long time to go direct and the landowner if it's the location they want That's the whole reason we go for longer periods, in the meetings we had with The outlets mentioned they will only commit to 10 yr lease intervals so I was informed.

I am pretty dumb, very dumb most on here will tell you, so please explain to me, like I was a small child, or a golden retreiver, why would 7/11 commit to a 10 year sub lease that they cannot register their interest in at the land office?

[Bulldozer Dawn]

Oh NKM you are so negative. What about the new 6 month tourist visa, that will have quality tourists flocking to Phuket.

There is no 'new 6 month tourist' yet. It's only a very vague proposal right now. Bit too late for some of my long stay guests (off shore workers or financially independent younger guys) who have now relocated to countries more welcoming of their money.

LIK. Do you speak a different English from that which I use?

Have another read of my post and tell me if you get a just a hint of sarcasim....anything....

Edited August 11, 2015 by Crossy
comment on moderation removed

[Sharp]

As I have commented before i/her as in my partner run a business that basically rents out commercial units to various tenants including Family Mart, 7Eleven and alike. We paid for long leases registered at the Land Office etc which allows us to look at the long game unlike some who have - 10 yrs leases. My Thai partner has been contacted by many of our tenants including the two stated to enquire if it's possible to reduce the rental price for a certain amount of time even though they have signed up in some cases for 10+yrs. So my thoughts are if landlords don't reduce or assist tenants in the interim or maybe longer then there is certainly going to be a mass of empty buildings. This in turn will make things look even worse than they do now. Just a note I did speak to a Thai landlord I know and as I suspected he isn't willing to help his tenants so I'm hoping our tenants will spread the word and maybe I will get a couple of new ones...))

Why would someone sign a 10 year lease with you as a sub tenant, when they could rent a property direct from an owner on the same 10 year term and register it at the land office?

Because we have the 'head leases ' meaning 30 yrs and they would have to wait a long time to go direct and the landowner if it's the location they want That's the whole reason we go for longer periods, in the meetings we had with The outlets mentioned they will only commit to 10 yr lease intervals so I was informed.

I am pretty dumb, very dumb most on here will tell you, so please explain to me, like I was a small child, or a golden retreiver, why would 7/11 commit to a 10 year sub lease that they cannot register their interest in at the land office.

No need to call yourself dumb BD it's not my intention to demean anyone but what I am telling you is true... We are in our 2nd 10 yr stint with several outlets, one of which is a well known bank.. I tell you what I will do to satisfy your question , I am meeting one of the southern Area Director to hopefully to renew a new 10 yrs lease subject to price agreement and I will ask him that very question and get back to you ok my friend.

Edited August 10, 2015 by Sharp

[DrDave]

I am pretty dumb, very dumb most on here will tell you, so please explain to me, like I was a small child, or a golden retreiver, why would 7/11 commit to a 10 year sub lease that they cannot register their interest in at the land office?

Location, Location, Location.

[Bulldozer Dawn]

As I have commented before i/her as in my partner run a business that basically rents out commercial units to various tenants including Family Mart, 7Eleven and alike. We paid for long leases registered at the Land Office etc which allows us to look at the long game unlike some who have - 10 yrs leases. My Thai partner has been contacted by many of our tenants including the two stated to enquire if it's possible to reduce the rental price for a certain amount of time even though they have signed up in some cases for 10+yrs. So my thoughts are if landlords don't reduce or assist tenants in the interim or maybe longer then there is certainly going to be a mass of empty buildings. This in turn will make things look even worse than they do now. Just a note I did speak to a Thai landlord I know and as I suspected he isn't willing to help his tenants so I'm hoping our tenants will spread the word and maybe I will get a couple of new ones...))

Why would someone sign a 10 year lease with you as a sub tenant, when they could rent a property direct from an owner on the same 10 year term and register it at the land office?

Because we have the 'head leases ' meaning 30 yrs and they would have to wait a long time to go direct and the landowner if it's the location they want That's the whole reason we go for longer periods, in the meetings we had with The outlets mentioned they will only commit to 10 yr lease intervals so I was informed.

I am pretty dumb, very dumb most on here will tell you, so please explain to me, like I was a small child, or a golden retreiver, why would 7/11 commit to a 10 year sub lease that they cannot register their interest in at the land office.

No need to call yourself dumb BD it's not my intention to demean anyone but what I am telling you is true... We are in our 2nd 10 yr stint with several outlets, one of which is a well known bank.. I tell you what I will do to satisfy your question , I am meeting one of the southern Area Director to hopefully to renew a new 10 yrs lease subject to price agreement and I will ask him that very question and get back to you ok my friend.

Oh...you know Dow as well...say hi for me.

[Sharp]

Correct DrDave that is one of the factors we discussed... The name doesn't ring a bell BD but I didn't mention which outlet, then again if you know someone in such a position and he is your friend I'm sure a call to him will satisfy your enquiry...

[phuketlive]

Oh NKM you are so negative. What about the new 6 month tourist visa, that will have quality tourists flocking to Phuket.

There is no 'new 6 month tourist' yet. It's only a very vague proposal right now. Bit too late for some of my long stay guests (off shore workers or financially independent younger guys) who have now relocated to countries more welcoming of their money.

"who have now relocated to countries more welcoming of their money"

where?

[Bulldozer Dawn]

Oh NKM you are so negative. What about the new 6 month tourist visa, that will have quality tourists flocking to Phuket.

There is no 'new 6 month tourist' yet. It's only a very vague proposal right now. Bit too late for some of my long stay guests (off shore workers or financially independent younger guys) who have now relocated to countries more welcoming of their money.

"who have now relocated to countries more welcoming of their money"

where?

Luxemborg

[beechbum]

What truly bothers me is that xylaphone claims he has lived here for 9 years. So obviously he is fluent in spoken Thai, and yet he still likes to sit in beer bars.

Guess he really does just love the layout.

Why would that bother you?

[grumpyoldman]

What truly bothers me is that xylaphone claims he has lived here for 9 years. So obviously he is fluent in spoken Thai, and yet he still likes to sit in beer bars.

Guess he really does just love the layout.

Why would that bother you?

Agreed beechbum, why should BD care what X does with his time? Baffling.....to each their own, no?

[LivinginKata]

There is no 'new 6 month tourist' yet. It's only a very vague proposal right now. Bit too late for some of my long stay guests (off shore workers or financially independent younger guys) who have now relocated to countries more welcoming of their money.

"who have now relocated to countries more welcoming of their money"

where?

Folks I know have gone to Cambodia and Vietnam.

[xylophone]

Wow, this sure went down the tubes fast. Kinda funny that someone who bemoans the thread being too Bangla-centric (albeit those posts WERE actually on topic) goes on to criticise people about their, and their friends, choices of where to spend a night out, flings around a few insults, and sets about giving everyone his warped, flawed and stereotypical view of everyone that goes to a beer bar in Phuket. Bizarre.

On the subject of there being more to Patong than Bangla. Geographically, sure there is. But it sure as hell ain't the reason that anyone that visits Patong goes or stays there. Other than for restaurants, the bars in the suburbs will never be anything more than temporary attractions, dull as dishwater, devoid of customers and zero atmosphere. The bars along Nanai are mostly dead and with the closures over the years are too far apart now so when you DO go there and (inevitably) find it's crap it's time to move on to the next crap bar either by tuk-tuk or on foot. If there's one you find that has a few customers in you can even have a chat for a while, in between shielding your ears from the street-kid motorbikes ripping up the road 10 feet from your stool. Eventually they give up and head towards Bangla. Sure there's the odd bar that might get a cluster of a few guys or a couple of guys with TG's, perhaps having a quiet night out or grabbing a few 80 baht beers before heading to the pricier joints in Bangla. But as going concern that are seen an an integral part of Patong nightlife - no way. And, errr, this thread IS about Patong. Not Phuket Town or 'where do all the nice Thai girls go' or the Janet and John series 'back of a matchbox guide to the mind of a prostitute'. The reason I guess most posts will focus on Bangla is that for most people visiting Patong that's all there is. Bangla would still exist without ANY of the bars in the suburbs, would they even be able to survive without Bangla? I don't think so. And the bars that make up OTOP and the cluster (the name of which I never remember, largely because I've never had cause to) opposite Absolute at the top end of the beach road - same same. Never more than 30% full, maybe catching a few stragglers for an afternoon session but nothing to offer at night IMO unless just chilling and avoiding Bangla, but to do that I wouldn't go to a (failed) 'copy, cut, paste' version of the same thing.

As to 'nice Thai girls wouldn't be seen dead in a beer bar'. Absolute total and utter crap! Ever heard of Thai tourists? I know quite a lot of Thais from all over, several of them very hi-so indeed. They have friends in Patong who own hotels, restaurants and bars and yes, they come to Patong, visit them, and are gracious enough to go to their bars with them and socialise. Provided said tourist is not seen as a complete tool they'll even say hi, chat, smile and have a drink. Why, because they are nice people, confident, pleasant, just enjoying their night out. I'm sure they'd be devastated that they wouldn't be seen as 'nice Thai girls' simply because they don't find the narrow-minded and fundamentally flawed stereotypical profile of one twisted individual's view of the world and 'all things Thai'.

In a hopefully not doomed attempt to TRY and get this post back on topic (which entails, for me at least, adding a couple to the 'ignore' list), I did go to the opening night at Tao on Friday last week. It was open the night before but that was just for systems testing. Went with a small group and was with the owner and his girlfriend there most of the night, in between them flitting around to take care of other invited guests. Overall it was an enjoyable night and a nice venue. As has been mentioned the place is not overly big, a large bar near the entrance takes up quite some space. It's also very nicely decorated. Custom throughout the night changed, singlet clad bogans tended not to hand around long, a few groups of Indians plus a couple of tables of 1 beer per hour Chinese. There was about 30-40% Thais too, but I guess by default they mustn't have been nice Thais, they seemed OK to me though, but I did forget to hand them the 'Are you qualified as a nice Thai' questionnaire.

There was a live band from 8 until about 12. Pretty good most of the time, have to say though I get really tired of the 'old rock classics' that get peddled out by these bands in EVERY bar EVERY time they play. Some songs were even played twice!! I think the band is normally scheduled to end about 11 but maybe they were playing later because of the opening. By 12 though I'd had enough of them. Thankfully the music wasn't too loud and the base wasn't dialled up to vibrate your diaphragm. Too loud to talk much though.

After 12 it was down to the DJ(s). Quite a good range of music, again with volume, base and treble balanced quite well. Too loud to talk but not headache inducing. Once the DJ started there were a number of tastefully attired dancers on the stage, dance floor and on a raised gantry providing some eye-candy. There were also about 25 hostess / PR type girls around all night, mostly from out of town I gather. I'm not sure if that was just for the opening night or if they'll be around in the same numbers after. There was also a just about enough waitresses to keep the drinks flowing. The place does have a nice ambience to it, aided by what I would consider to be one of the best lighting set-ups in Patong. It's a bit on the pricey side though, it's different but it's not THAT different and, while I'm happy to pay it, I'm not sure everyone will think that beers like SML at 180 and Leo at 150 provides enough VFM.

I hope Tao does well, I guess time will tell, if it DOES get crazy popular it might get a bit cramped in there in high season but it's a welcome enough change for me to the rest of what has become the current state of Soi Blandla.

Nice post "PoP", I really enjoyed reading it and I may well drop into Tao tonight on my way out, to see what it's like.

As if it were a "sign of the times" I will be catching up with a bar owner friend who will be going back home for a few months to try and top up the coffers! I have to applaud him for his efforts in this regard, however if this coming "high season" proves to be a nonevent, which many folk are predicting it to be, then I believe his actions may well be in vain.

Edited August 11, 2015 by xylophone