Looks Like The ( Late Night ) Life Has Been Sucked Out Of CM

[Tywais]

A couple of flames and several attacks on a member and replies removed.

[heybruce]

Ha!

I have actually never, ever, been to a bar in Thailand, even though I have been in Thailand for over two years.

I do not see the point, really, since it all looks quite boring to me, and one just sits there and listens to people basically talk nonsense, while they drink and become ever more illogical by the minute.

Of course, I have been to bars in other countries in East Asia, China, America, HK, and a few other places, but I just have had no urge to walk into a bar in Chiang Mai, or any other Thailand city.

I must admit that it might be fun to go in for a beer and see what happens, except that I am afraid the risks might outweigh any possible entertainment value.

As far as women are concerned, I mean meeting them, I really think it is much better to meet women where one finds those who share ones interests, for example reading.

I think that there must be some really smart and interesting ladies in libraries around here, but I have not yet tried this either.

Actually, what I think that I would prefer is to just go to BKK and sample some really posh eateries, I mean the really good stuff, and then order a glass of wine, and see what happens if I might meet a really interesting chick or something.

I have not given it much thought, since I have been so busy, but maybe some time in the future I will get to go to a bar, or something.

Some people like to hang-out with friends in cheerful places with food, music, cold beer and pretty ladies. You like to hang out in "really posh eateries" and hope you "might meet a really interesting chick or something". Good luck with that.

Interesting that you have been too busy for bars but have time to post on a topic that doesn't interest you.

[No1]

Here's what it says on Infinity (except for the fact that only farang have to pay 200THB entry fee)

[Chiengmaijoe]

Here's what it says on Infinity (except for the fact that only farang have to pay 200THB entry fee)20150825_091057.jpg

The old Mandalay bar (long closed) had an entrance fee for farangs. When quizzed as to why farangs have to pay to go in, but not Thais, they said "Mai aow Farang", which at least was honest!! Some places may allow farangs as part of a group of Thais in for free, but the underlying sentiment in these places is they don't want farangs. It doesn't bother me, so long as they are honest are about it. The management has the right to refuse entry to whoever they choose, but if it is based on race, just let us know.

[pgrahmm]

Thinking about it the Chinese have long had a grip on northern Thailand....Whether through family lines or traditions....

Thailand has thrown out the red carpet for them and they are drawn to Chiang Mai - as tourists and investors.....

By and large they don't frequent the girlie/bar areas......BUT in just the first few waves toward the future are out spending the farang punters that hang around the bar areas.....It could very well be that their day is gone.....

The money coming in is "a cleaner element" and less trouble than the previous spenders - and - in bigger numbers....

This would be a big appeal to return CM to more of a cultural center destination $$$$$$$.....And eliminate areas and people/influence they don't wish to have/promote any longer....

Entirely possible there's plans afoot for use of these areas once "freed" up.......

Possible.....

[heybruce]

Here's what it says on Infinity (except for the fact that only farang have to pay 200THB entry fee)20150825_091057.jpg

"mai reo reo nii", literally "new fast fast here" I assume means something new is coming soon. I still haven't figured out the "choom" part.

[Puwa]

Here's what it says on Infinity (except for the fact that only farang have to pay 200THB entry fee)20150825_091057.jpg

"mai reo reo nii", literally "new fast fast here" I assume means something new is coming soon. I still haven't figured out the "choom" part.

"Meet the new Infinity, coming soon."

"Chom" means a appearance or style, so the operative phrase is "Infinity chom mai," meaning the new-look Infinity.

[heybruce]

Here's what it says on Infinity (except for the fact that only farang have to pay 200THB entry fee)20150825_091057.jpg

"mai reo reo nii", literally "new fast fast here" I assume means something new is coming soon. I still haven't figured out the "choom" part.

"Meet the new Infinity, coming soon."

"Chom" means a appearance or style, so the operative phrase is "Infinity chom mai," meaning the new-look Infinity.

Thanks, my small dictionary didn't have "chom".

A new Infinity, but they've left up the 200 baht entrance fee sign. I don't expect much of a change.

[Dibbler]

Not sure what you are hoping for. If you're not happy with a 1 or 2am close start drinking earlier, or hop on a plane and head down to Sukhumvhit Soi 11!

Oh terrific, so now if we want to have a sophisticated relaxed drink that happens to go a bit past midnight, we have to jump a plane and go to Bangkok? Since when and who decided that Chiang Mai ( and only Chiang Mai.....Phuket, Bangkok etc operating as normal til 3 or 4am !!) is now classed as a narrow minded old fashioned IS or Taliban state?

Great for encouraging ongoing tourism. As I said earlier in the thread, surrounding places which are challenging Chiang Mai in the World Tourism stakes such as Luang Prabang, Siem Reap, Yangon, Vietnam, all have a much more relaxed demeanour. If Chiang Mai continues like this, it will pay the price. People here now had already booked, but have no doubt, negative reports about the current state of things here will be filtering back to various countries as we speak!

Great for encouraging what, tourism? I don't think people visit Chiang Mai or not because of bars closing early. Tourists come for daytime pursuits like visiting temples, hill tribe villages and national parks.

I also don't recall Luang Prabang, Siem Reap or Yangon having a more "relaxed demeanour"with regards bar closing times. In all those places, except for karaoke lounges, doors close on time very quickly and not particularly later than in Chiang Mai.

Don't forget the studies that showed that alcoho- related accidents are reduced when bars close earlier. I'm sure CM roads would be safer without drunk drivers choosing to drive home in the early hours. If you want to have your quiet late night drink, why not do it at home on your balcony!

You could argue that the roads will get more dangerous because the drunk drivers will be hitting the roads earlier when there is more traffic about.

At least the drunks will be more likely to be hitting each other on the roads at midnight rather than some unsuspecting pedestrians or cyclists.

[freedomnow]

Generally the whole place is turning into a complete buzz kill.....from good old gung-ho Thailand to this paternalistic nightmare it is turning into.

Inquisitional visits to the retirees/married now, every way to stay being locked down to guide your wallet to the 500k shakedown for 5 years residency if below 50 and not working.

[daoyai]

just passed by Zoezone... they be partying.

[CMKiwi]

Yes Zoe is closed till 6 September. Roots Reggae bar is the one that is rocking these days.

[true blue]

spicy was raided at 1oclock last night, and cleared out,was full as well.

[Lukecan]

I'm sure there are secret after party spots, just get to know the local student crowd, they gotta be partying somewhere. During the cop last year while all bars were closed, some chick took me to a secret after party spot, they were partying like until 6am, this was during the coup when there was a 10pm curfew. You just gotta know the right people.

[LarryBird]

I guess it's obvious, but the other thing that's complete BS, is the fact that business owners probably count on that last couple of hours to make the difference in being profitable and unprofitable. Or at least profitable vs. 'worth it'. It's just sad..

[LarryBird]

I'm sure there are secret after party spots, just get to know the local student crowd, they gotta be partying somewhere. During the cop last year while all bars were closed, some chick took me to a secret after party spot, they were partying like until 6am, this was during the coup when there was a 10pm curfew. You just gotta know the right people.

Thanks for letting us know how cool you are.

[bristolgeoff]

i hope it improves come dec november,the high season

[terminatorchiangmai]

i hope it improves come dec november,the high season

usually they start this kind of bullshit during the high season, remember songkran ?

So i don't think it will be a lot better.

[piewarmer]

The authority's want Chiang Mai to be the cultural center of Thailand.

Clean and respectful is the dream.

That is why the bars are being hammered.

[heybruce]

A great many tourists like to mix in a little nightlife in with their treks and temple tours. If this keeps up these tourists will find other places that have treks, temples, and nightlife.

[MaeJoMTB]

The authority's want Chiang Mai to be the cultural center of Thailand.

Clean and respectful is the dream.

That is why the bars are being hammered.

I thought it was the Junta hammering the reds!

[Chiengmaijoe]

The authority's want Chiang Mai to be the cultural center of Thailand.

Clean and respectful is the dream.

That is why the bars are being hammered.

I thought it was the Junta hammering the reds!

Not true. Everton fans are being targetted too .

[Dibbler]

Generally the whole place is turning into a complete buzz kill.....from good old gung-ho Thailand to this paternalistic nightmare it is turning into.

Inquisitional visits to the retirees/married now, every way to stay being locked down to guide your wallet to the 500k shakedown for 5 years residency if below 50 and not working.

Come on down to Bangkok and enjoy some local gin and good company at Ashley Sutton's new bar. A proper place for serious drinking http://bk.asia-city.com/nightlife/bangkok-bar-club/ar-sutton-engineers-siam

[terminatorchiangmai]

The authority's want Chiang Mai to be the cultural center of Thailand.

Clean and respectful is the dream.

That is why the bars are being hammered.

I thought it was the Junta hammering the reds!

Starting to look like it.

In BKK alcohol sales all day everywhere.

[narkeddiver]

The authority's want Chiang Mai to be the cultural center of Thailand.

Clean and respectful is the dream.

That is why the bars are being hammered.

Yep - I've also heard from Thai friends that it's tied into the application for the UNESCO(?) world heritage site application

No idea if this is true or kii maa;)

[Mickeem]

The authority's want Chiang Mai to be the cultural center of Thailand.

Clean and respectful is the dream.

That is why the bars are being hammered.

Yep - I've also heard from Thai friends that it's tied into the application for the UNESCO(?) world heritage site application

No idea if this is true or kii maa;)

Maybe 50 yrs ago it would have been worthy of a world heritage site but not now as a overdeveloped traffic choked tourist trap

The authorities and Phu Yais with designs on Chiang Mai being a cultural centre world heritage site should go and visit Hoi An or Vigan to see how to preserve

their heritage or whats left of it

[Old people]

I love the place 40 years ago only the Bangkok businessmen came up for discrete pleasure, there was discrete pleasure that rival Bangkok during and after the Vietnam war, but about 15 years ago Western people started coming up here and were not discrete, made open door bars,white business bar owners charging white customers a leg and arm for beer. Unlike the Thai's everything behind close doors," and I mean everything,” and this is why the cops took little money easy to control. Unfortunately the white people when against the grain, as Thai culture was about discrete heterosexual adult behavior, but behind closed doors where children could not see there was action everywhere for a single man, if that's what turn you on. These days males dressed in female miniskirts everywhere downtown after 10, along with many Chinese so obviously it's not discrete or heterosexual any more.

[Chicog]

The authority's want Chiang Mai to be the cultural center of Thailand.

Clean and respectful is the dream.

That is why the bars are being hammered.

I heard something similar, but you know Chinese whispers....

[PostmanPat]

UNESCO World Heritage Status? Not a chance in hell. Compare Chiang Mai with both near neighbours Luang Prabang and Siem Reap. Both small towns where traffic and modernity have been kept at a discrete and respectful distance and level, and where there remains a quite serene and peaceful atmosphere.

Chiang Mai ?????????!!!!!!!!!!!! These days theres a giant video screen on almost every street corner and zero attempt to protect the inner/ old city from traffic intrusion. Now a city like Sukhothai, yes, thats the kind of place where World Heritage is appropriate, but Chiang Mai.....no way !!

[SoiBiker]

SIem Reap, serene and peaceful?

I'm guessing you haven't been there in quite a while.