Oh dear. Does the wife know you're sniffing around for some action? Lol. Descent married people go home after work.

Well .... I supose by not wanting to go to the places with the cheapest beer in town, I'm assured of never meeting you...... which is part of the reason for my post in the first place. I meet sad B@$tards like you too often in CM........ I'm looking for a less boring crowd.

(I'll assume from your last comment that you have never been married...... lucky ladies)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troll_%28Internet%29

Two studies published in 2013 and 2014 have found that people who are identified as trolls tend to have dark personality traits and show signs of sadism, antisocial behavior, psychopathy, and machiavellianism.^[37][38] The 2013 study suggested that there are a number of similarities between anti-social and flame trolling activities^[37] and the 2014 study suggested that the noxious personality characteristics known as the "dark triad of personality" should be investigated in the analysis of trolling, and concluded that trolling appears "to be an Internet manifestation of everyday sadism."^[38] Their relevance is suggested by research linking these traits to bullying in both adolescents and adults. The 2014 study found that trolls operate as agents of chaos on the Internet, exploiting hot-button issues to make users appear overly emotional or foolish in some manner. If an unfortunate person falls into their trap, trolling intensifies for further, merciless amusement. This is why novice Internet users are routinely admonished, "Do not feed the trolls!" The 2013 study found that trolls often have a high expectation of what it means to be successful, which is higher than they are able to attain, and this results in them resenting others who think they are successful but who fall below their standards.

^^^ yep, as common office work pays between 12-30K per month in CM, I have found many office types (based on clothing and proximity) go for the open air cheap beer and BBQ. places.

exactly.....they're not doing 200 thb pints of import taxes....they aren't doing 250 thb mini-pizzas.....they will do some Leos/Changs and some Thai snacks. Really not rocket science. Spending a half days pay to go out for a few after work kind of defeats the purpose of going to work.

^^^ yep, as common office work pays between 12-30K per month in CM, I have found many office types (based on clothing and proximity) go for the open air cheap beer and BBQ. places.

exactly.....they're not doing 200 thb pints of import taxes....they aren't doing 250 thb mini-pizzas.....they will do some Leos/Changs and some Thai snacks. Really not rocket science. Spending a half days pay to go out for a few after work kind of defeats the purpose of going to work.

In my first post I made the comparisson to Bangkok. There does seem to be a segment of the Thai population who are on much higher wages than the average office worker.

And there are a good number of spots where there is a pretty good mix of locals and expats out for an after work drink.... at prices significantly higher than your average Chang Garden.

Perhaps because CM is a more regional city.... these demographics do not really exist in meaningful numbers.(both Thais and expats)

.... and before my resident troll jumps on me...... it has nothing to do with finding girls...... it is just a different vibe to meet up with friends in such an atmosphere.

The people in the know that speak thai go to the BEST PLACES (ie most beaitiful girls, friendly service, great food) and it is always the CHEAPEST PRICES - make friends with a farang that speaks thai and likes to explore

I speak reasonable Thai, yet all these best places, in the company of beautiful girls, friendly service, great food at cheap prices seem to have eluded me. Perhaps I have the wrong attitude or my aftershave is putting them off?

If the OP means for example; similar to in the UK what used to be the pubs of Fleet Street where the journalists used to hang out or the restaurants in Liverpool Street often the social hangouts of the city crowds and so on, the answer is no, nothing like that in Chiang Mai.

My daughter works for a well known Thai bank here in Chiang Mai, if the staff do decide to socialise somewhere after work, it`s usually places not far from where they work mostly in their own cliques. There is no regular haunts where bank workers meet and hang out and guess the same applies to office workers and those of other professions.

"I speak reasonable Thai, yet all these best places, in the company of beautiful girls, friendly service, great food at cheap prices seem to have eluded me."

Blar Blar Bar, but for some reason the pretty young waitresses, many of them Rajhaphat U. students, are more chatty with the young Thai men than the old western customers. Quite a puzzle there.

easy just buy the 300bht jug of cocktails,of the serving wenches,and they will sit with you all night,

Not a good idea if I'm with a lady friend, and quite a lot to drink if I'm on my own. Still, Blar Blar is in walking/stumbling distance of my condo, and it's fun to practice Thai with an attractive partner....

Does it have to be cocktails? I prefer beer.

^^^ yep, as common office work pays between 12-30K per month in CM, I have found many office types (based on clothing and proximity) go for the open air cheap beer and BBQ. places.

exactly.....they're not doing 200 thb pints of import taxes....they aren't doing 250 thb mini-pizzas.....they will do some Leos/Changs and some Thai snacks. Really not rocket science. Spending a half days pay to go out for a few after work kind of defeats the purpose of going to work.

Where do import pints cost 200 baht? I'm pretty sure they're more than that at HOBs and Beer Republic.

It doesn't matter, I generally avoid the imports because most of the time they taste like they're past their prime. I suspect they are frequently shipped or stored improperly. Sadly I've concluded that when in Thailand I may as well drink the local beer, because the imports are rarely what they should be.

^^^ yep, as common office work pays between 12-30K per month in CM, I have found many office types (based on clothing and proximity) go for the open air cheap beer and BBQ. places.

Of course they do .. being mired in debt .. living well behond their means

Interesting comments. Thanks to all.

I guess CM is not BKK ... or any big city really.

Once in a while I miss the big city feel. Next time I do... I'll have a look at some of the places mentioned.

Or jump on a plane to Bangkok......

Going to give this topic one last shot: What would be examples of places (specific places or areas) in Bangkok that would fit your description?

Based on that I might know of whatever is the closest approximation in Chiang Mai.

(Specifically if you're talking primarily an expat place, or mostly Thai, or mixed.)

The bar bars in for example Shangri La and Meridien, are excellent places to do after work drinks, they have happy hours as well, it's a pity nobody goes there, so I think we have to say there are no after work drink office style places, they do not exist in Chiang Mai, unlike Bangkok and Pattaya, where you see a lot of bars with an office crowd in the late afternoon.

Interesting comments. Thanks to all.

I guess CM is not BKK ... or any big city really.

Once in a while I miss the big city feel. Next time I do... I'll have a look at some of the places mentioned.

Or jump on a plane to Bangkok......

Going to give this topic one last shot: What would be examples of places (specific places or areas) in Bangkok that would fit your description?

Based on that I might know of whatever is the closest approximation in Chiang Mai.

(Specifically if you're talking primarily an expat place, or mostly Thai, or mixed.)

Thanks Winniethekwai.......

It is not such a big deal..... I'm going to try the Beer Republic next opportunity ... it sounds like a nice place.

I guess my reflection on Bangkok is not realistic compared to a city a 10th of its size.... that's ok.

I was thinking of any number of places in Thong Lor or Ekamai and even to to a degree for Happy Hour downstairs at the Erawan.

Usually a good mixed crowd... although Erawan can be more expat.

Thanks for all the input .... almost all has been very appreciated.

going to suggest the beer garden soi7 sukit but wtk said it closed 2 years ago lol.just a light hearted jest.

to hey bruce answer about cocktails,you don't drink them the serving girls do,nice little earner for them and depending on your flirting skills who noes.

to hey bruce answer about cocktails,you don't drink them the serving girls do,nice little earner for them and depending on your flirting skills who noes.

Are you sure that works at Blar Blar Bar? I've never had one of their staff ask me to buy her or drink, or noticed them hustling drinks from other customers.

^^^ yep, as common office work pays between 12-30K per month in CM, I have found many office types (based on clothing and proximity) go for the open air cheap beer and BBQ. places.

exactly.....they're not doing 200 thb pints of import taxes....they aren't doing 250 thb mini-pizzas.....they will do some Leos/Changs and some Thai snacks. Really not rocket science. Spending a half days pay to go out for a few after work kind of defeats the purpose of going to work.

Where do import pints cost 200 baht? I'm pretty sure they're more than that at HOBs and Beer Republic.

It doesn't matter, I generally avoid the imports because most of the time they taste like they're past their prime. I suspect they are frequently shipped or stored improperly. Sadly I've concluded that when in Thailand I may as well drink the local beer, because the imports are rarely what they should be.

I know, Bruce, but I didn't want people to say I'm dishonest for telling the truth. 250-300.....and according to TA, there are a lot of unhappy campers at those two "elite" places on soi 11......numerous posts about old beer (and not being served properly), poor service, and foreign manager being a J.O.. I wish there was more Tiger around, but a cold, fresh Leo priced less than 7-11 will do me fine.

I think the OP is a little confused about the situation in BKK...incomes are higher, but they are more than offset by somewhat higher COL, And there is a difference between the guys in nice work clothes and the girls in work clothes. One is finished; the other is starting.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g293917-d3958108-r210704043-El_Patio-Chiang_Mai.html#REVIEWS

to hey bruce answer about cocktails,you don't drink them the serving girls do,nice little earner for them and depending on your flirting skills who noes.

Are you sure that works at Blar Blar Bar? I've never had one of their staff ask me to buy her or drink, or noticed them hustling drinks from other customers.

you obviously don't drink at blar blar bar then, but if u do just look at the staff sitting with customers, drinking cocktails,in fact I think its quie common among the young thai men, and some of the japenese customers to have staff sitting and drinking with them,

^^^ yep, as common office work pays between 12-30K per month in CM, I have found many office types (based on clothing and proximity) go for the open air cheap beer and BBQ. places.

exactly.....they're not doing 200 thb pints of import taxes....they aren't doing 250 thb mini-pizzas.....they will do some Leos/Changs and some Thai snacks. Really not rocket science. Spending a half days pay to go out for a few after work kind of defeats the purpose of going to work.

Where do import pints cost 200 baht? I'm pretty sure they're more than that at HOBs and Beer Republic.

It doesn't matter, I generally avoid the imports because most of the time they taste like they're past their prime. I suspect they are frequently shipped or stored improperly. Sadly I've concluded that when in Thailand I may as well drink the local beer, because the imports are rarely what they should be.

I know, Bruce, but I didn't want people to say I'm dishonest for telling the truth. 250-300.....and according to TA, there are a lot of unhappy campers at those two "elite" places on soi 11......numerous posts about old beer (and not being served properly), poor service, and foreign manager being a J.O.. I wish there was more Tiger around, but a cold, fresh Leo priced less than 7-11 will do me fine.

I think the OP is a little confused about the situation in BKK...incomes are higher, but they are more than offset by somewhat higher COL, And there is a difference between the guys in nice work clothes and the girls in work clothes. One is finished; the other is starting.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g293917-d3958108-r210704043-El_Patio-Chiang_Mai.html#REVIEWS

if you go to club café on soi 7 they do a jug of draft tiger for 180bht,and if you go to the bar right across from the Maldives they do 3 tiger 199bht

going to suggest the beer garden soi7 sukit but wtk said it closed 2 years ago lol.just a light hearted jest.

Ha, yes. There were again rumours of it closing back then. But I was there two days ago and it was very open.

I hate to be the one to point this out,

But I don't go anywhere to drink where white foreigners are found.

As far as I know same for all the other legit Thai workers.

If I misunderstood,

Expat office workers ....... do they exist in CM?

I had another thought (sorry): In Bangkok, having a drink after work also makes sense due to the insane traffic: Like I can go home at 6pm, and I may only get home by 8pm or whatever. Or I could go for a drink and a snack with some friends/co-workers for an hour, and STILL be home at roughly the same time. Or to put it differently: going all the way home, then back out again means spending a whole lot of time in traffic, and spending the price of a couple beers anyway.

Now for Chiang Mai, this applies much less: when my co-workers go out there is really no 'penalty' for just going home, taking a shower and tarting up a little and then just go wherever in town they want to go. This means less need for an 'after office hours' place. (though when my wife worked near Nimman that was a little similar for her.. it's an insane area traffic wise. So if you're ever going to find something similar to Thong/Lor Ekamai then I would say Nimmanhaemin, also because it's an area that has some offices but is also known for the (mostly local, mid to higher-end) nightlife)

So the answer would very likely be Nimmanhaemin; going up and down the sois should find something of a 'Thonglor-Light' in terms of a casual mostly Thai oriented pub / wine bar, but also food, etc.

Phew! Do I win this topic?

I had another thought (sorry): In Bangkok, having a drink after work also makes sense due to the insane traffic: Like I can go home at 6pm, and I may only get home by 8pm or whatever. Or I could go for a drink and a snack with some friends/co-workers for an hour, and STILL be home at roughly the same time. Or to put it differently: going all the way home, then back out again means spending a whole lot of time in traffic, and spending the price of a couple beers anyway.

Now for Chiang Mai, this applies much less: when my co-workers go out there is really no 'penalty' for just going home, taking a shower and tarting up a little and then just go wherever in town they want to go. This means less need for an 'after office hours' place. (though when my wife worked near Nimman that was a little similar for her.. it's an insane area traffic wise. So if you're ever going to find something similar to Thong/Lor Ekamai then I would say Nimmanhaemin, also because it's an area that has some offices but is also known for the (mostly local, mid to higher-end) nightlife)

So the answer would very likely be Nimmanhaemin; going up and down the sois should find something of a 'Thonglor-Light' in terms of a casual mostly Thai oriented pub / wine bar, but also food, etc.

Phew! Do I win this topic?

Yes.

to hey bruce answer about cocktails,you don't drink them the serving girls do,nice little earner for them and depending on your flirting skills who noes.

Are you sure that works at Blar Blar Bar? I've never had one of their staff ask me to buy her or drink, or noticed them hustling drinks from other customers.

you obviously don't drink at blar blar bar then, but if u do just look at the staff sitting with customers, drinking cocktails,in fact I think its quie common among the young thai men, and some of the japenese customers to have staff sitting and drinking with them,

Trust me, I'm not at Blar Blar every evening, but I go often enough for them to remember me. I go there because I like the food and eye-candy. I have occasionally seen a "pretty" sitting at a table with a group of heavy drinkers, but to my knowledge it isn't a "buy me a drink handsum man" situation. I've never had one of the young ladies ask me to buy her a drink, which is a shame, I'd happily oblige.

Trust me, I'm not at Blar Blar every evening, but I go often enough for them to remember me. I go there because I like the food and eye-candy. I have occasionally seen a "pretty" sitting at a table with a group of heavy drinkers, but to my knowledge it isn't a "buy me a drink handsum man" situation. I've never had one of the young ladies ask me to buy her a drink, which is a shame, I'd happily oblige.

To attract the 'pretties' you fill your table with food.

It's different to foreigner hooker bars.

Trust me, I'm not at Blar Blar every evening, but I go often enough for them to remember me. I go there because I like the food and eye-candy. I have occasionally seen a "pretty" sitting at a table with a group of heavy drinkers, but to my knowledge it isn't a "buy me a drink handsum man" situation. I've never had one of the young ladies ask me to buy her a drink, which is a shame, I'd happily oblige.

To attract the 'pretties' you fill your table with food.

It's different to foreigner hooker bars.

Yes it is, that was my point. I'm not neglected by the staff, the waitresses do their job quite well. But they don't hustle drinks, and when things are slow and they have time to chat with customers, they favor the young men. That's normal for young ladies who aren't sex workers.

Trust me, I'm not at Blar Blar every evening, but I go often enough for them to remember me. I go there because I like the food and eye-candy. I have occasionally seen a "pretty" sitting at a table with a group of heavy drinkers, but to my knowledge it isn't a "buy me a drink handsum man" situation. I've never had one of the young ladies ask me to buy her a drink, which is a shame, I'd happily oblige.

To attract the 'pretties' you fill your table with food.

It's different to foreigner hooker bars.

Yes it is, that was my point. I'm not neglected by the staff, the waitresses do their job quite well. But they don't hustle drinks, and when things are slow and they have time to chat with customers, they favor the young men. That's normal for young ladies who aren't sex workers.

I've usually found they favor the guys with tables full of food, an expensive car outside, and wearing some gold.

Age irrelevant ....... they always look a bit like sex workers to me ..... but not foreigner orientated sex workers.

going to suggest the beer garden soi7 sukit but wtk said it closed 2 years ago lol.just a light hearted jest.

Ha, yes. There were again rumours of it closing back then. But I was there two days ago and it was very open.

was it its usual reasonable busy selection market,lol some of my favs in there.

Trust me, I'm not at Blar Blar every evening, but I go often enough for them to remember me. I go there because I like the food and eye-candy. I have occasionally seen a "pretty" sitting at a table with a group of heavy drinkers, but to my knowledge it isn't a "buy me a drink handsum man" situation. I've never had one of the young ladies ask me to buy her a drink, which is a shame, I'd happily oblige.

To attract the 'pretties' you fill your table with food.

It's different to foreigner hooker bars.

Yes it is, that was my point. I'm not neglected by the staff, the waitresses do their job quite well. But they don't hustle drinks, and when things are slow and they have time to chat with customers, they favor the young men. That's normal for young ladies who aren't sex workers.

I've usually found they favor the guys with tables full of food, an expensive car outside, and wearing some gold.

Age irrelevant ....... they always look a bit like sex workers to me ..... but not foreigner orientated sex workers.

they don't ask you. you ask them.there doing you a favour not the other way around.its just a pretty sitting with you.and the bar cocktail sales goes up,not sure about them drinking with farang I was introduced by a thai man(ning) and I have been going there for about 4 years even before they done it up and its getting more and more popular now, they have quite a turn over with staff but I have my favourites now.

I hate to be the one to point this out,

But I don't go anywhere to drink where white foreigners are found.

As far as I know same for all the other legit Thai workers.

If I misunderstood,

Expat office workers ....... do they exist in CM?

Well, who else would point this point out? Or are you some kind of well known anonymous celebrity?

Removed a troll post.