Patong - The Wake

[xylophone]

12 hours ago, Lashay said:

So many going around, hard to know which is true , which is not or which is just on longer timescale than most people expect

 

* One or both tigers becoming a central shopping mall

* One tiger moving next to the other

* One getting replaced by a hotel

* Multiple Sois merging to make new complex

* Large well know bar moving to a soi and taking it over

* Massive new complex opening just outside Bangla

* Casino opening near Bangla

 

Probably half a dozen more forgotten. Problem is news about these things leak before they are a done deal (or sometimes wrong info is leaked intentionally) So what will actually happen is anyones guess.

 

I think you have just about covered it Lashay, and one I would like to add would be that both Tiger complexes would be demolished and that Soi Freedom would be the main soi in that case, although the "Scooter" bar has closed just further down and rumour has it that this also is going to form part of a new soi development?

 

Of course there is the perennial rumour about the bars existing on the southside of Bangla, those occupying positions seaward side of Soi Patong Beach Hotel, which are going to be knocked down because they are on government land or similar, and a shopping complex installed?

 

Haven't heard the one about the casino opening, recently, although a while back there were people who swore that Patong Tower will house one in the near future?

 

One thing which has become very obvious is the fact that the demographics have changed quite markedly, and the old beer bar type setup, specifically for bar mongers, has been on the wane in recent years........... but then again who's to say it wouldn't make a comeback if the baht weren't so strong, provided the right sort of "environment" prevailed.

[irishken]

On 5/13/2018 at 11:49 AM, xylophone said:

FUBAR??………..for the sake of censorship perhaps, a clue would do?

Did you never watch Band of Brothers?

[xylophone]

2 hours ago, irishken said:

Did you never watch Band of Brothers?

The occasional episode...………..

[xylophone]

On ‎12‎/‎05‎/‎2018 at 4:10 PM, LivinginKata said:

Not just this coming year. Already happening these last few years.

 

I would say - I do believe that this will be the year when even more small businesses (yes including bars) go to the wall.

 

I see that what was once Montes restaurant, then closed and became "The Food station", which never seemed to have anyone in it, has now closed and up for rent.

 

The restaurant/bar which was once Nanai Sports Bar, then Amigos and now Satang Eatery has had next to no-one in it whenever I have gone past, so I wonder how it is surviving? Luckily Don's Pool Bar has his backing otherwise it would have gone long ago.

 

As for Paris Croissant and Paris Burger...…….time will tell, unless it is a laundering scheme?

 

Two massage shops and one beauty salon recently closed and more roller blinds coming down around the place and also noticed this in Kathu the other day.

 

On the other hand LiK, pleased to hear that you are going well and long may it continue.

[xylophone]

On ‎5‎/‎14‎/‎2018 at 10:38 PM, Lashay said:

So many going around, hard to know which is true , which is not or which is just on longer timescale than most people expect

 

* One or both tigers becoming a central shopping mall

* One tiger moving next to the other

* One getting replaced by a hotel

* Multiple Sois merging to make new complex

* Large well know bar moving to a soi and taking it over

* Massive new complex opening just outside Bangla

* Casino opening near Bangla

 

Probably half a dozen more forgotten. Problem is news about these things leak before they are a done deal (or sometimes wrong info is leaked intentionally) So what will actually happen is anyones guess.

 

Well Lashay, some rumours do come true!!!

 

I did mention in a previous post that Scooters bar was closed, and now it has been demolished, this to make way for Bar Funk by all accounts, and the soi which was once Soi Crocodile is completely devoid of anything apart from a venue at the far end and it looks like Bar Funk could well be taking up the major part of that soi?

 

There are other Bar Funks in new Tiger and resurrected Tiger, so perhaps they will be moving?? This could tie in with the rumour which suggested that one of the Tigers will cease to exist, or perhaps both of them will?

 

It will be interesting to see if those rumours come true.

 

Another one was that Soi Freedom would become the new venue for lots of "moved" bars, however that Soi has to be one of the most badly managed and run Sois in the place, with hardly any customers on many nights and a lot of the bars are struggling to pay rent and overheads. In fact one bar has closed in the past few days because their take was not covering their outgoings and despite pleading to management to help, they wouldn't, so the bar owner closed it and walked away.

 

The management seem very inflexible, as other bar owners have asked for ways to help them survive, but the management doesn't seem to want to listen. Maybe they have other plans for the Soi, or really don't care much because they have the key money already paid upfront, and there always used to be some "fool" who would buy a bar, but not these days and therefore some remain empty in that soi.

 

Such a pity because that place could become a lot better, this especially as the Thai band playing there has improved quite markedly and increased their range of songs and even the DJ who plays when the band has a break, has started playing some rock music in the break (yes farang music with words) rather than the screeching screaming thumping racket that used to emanate from the speakers, driving punters away.

 

Lack of signage does not help that place, and the majority of the Thais and farangs do not know where Soi Freedom is when asked, and not only that, the entrance to it is easily passed by – – no signage, nothing to indicate bars, girls and a band, so what do they expect?

 

Moving away from Bangla, I notice the Italian restaurant, just west of the unfinished monstrosity in Soi Banzaan is closed and up for rent/lease and that's not surprising because in recent years I've rarely seen anybody in it.

 

In addition the small restaurant which replaced Nanai Sports Bar, then Amigos, has closed, which again is not surprising because one has to have customers to be able to stay open, this despite them spending quite a bit on remodelling the place.

 

Those along with other closures of massage parlours and beauty salons, along with other establishments featuring roller blind doors, all add to the sorry state of the local economy for many small businesses and I have to agree with Livinginkata when he said that this year would be even harder for small businesses. Not only because I have seen those closures already mentioned, but because I speak to many small business owners and they are struggling more than ever before. 

 

Patong seems to be a place of conflicting fortunes, because new condo/apartment/hotel buildings are on the rise, however many of those recently bought by investors are now devoid of renters (unless bought under the 7% return for 15 years agreement) and I don't suppose the crackdown, or purported crackdown on illegal short-term rentals of condos will help one bit, nor the supposed reinforcement of the hotel registration laws and all that goes with them.

 

As the song goes, "the darkest hour is just before dawn", so perhaps there is light at the end of the tunnel, but then again don't bank on it!!

 

[LivinginKata]

as usual an excellent report by xyl ?

[irishken]

I know i said on a previous thread that i'd probably give Patong a miss if i returned to Phuket but we've decided to give it a go when we return to Thailand next February so we can contribute our few Baht to the local economy. 

Qatar Airways flying into Phuket has given us a easier route from home, making it easier to travel with the Kids.

 

We'll stay at the Horizon Patong Beach Resort & Spa on Soi Kep sab, although it has another small entrance onto the beach road so can avoid the Soi most of the time.

Looking forward to getting back and seen what its like although ill see very little of the night life, i might get one night out for a few drinks on my own.

 

Is Wine connection still in Junceylon? i haven't been in Phuket since 2012 and used to love going there in the evening. 

 

 

[xylophone]

14 hours ago, irishken said:

Is Wine connection still in Junceylon? i haven't been in Phuket since 2012 and used to love going there in the evening. 

Yes it is and shouldn't be a problem getting a table!!

 

It is a place I like although haven't been in a little while...…...due a visit I think.

[LivinginKata]

2 hours ago, xylophone said:

Yes it is and shouldn't be a problem getting a table!!

 

It is a place I like although haven't been in a little while...…...due a visit I think.

 

Yes, no problem with getting a table at Wine Connection as in my opinion the food has no taste or flavor.  McD better. Mind you I stopped going a few years ago. If any forum member can cnvince me it's improved then i will chance a meal  ? 

[irishken]

1 hour ago, LivinginKata said:

 

Yes, no problem with getting a table at Wine Connection as in my opinion the food has no taste or flavor.  McD better. Mind you I stopped going a few years ago. If any forum member can cnvince me it's improved then i will chance a meal  ? 

TBH I've only eaten there a few times but what I mostly done was sit outside and have a bottle or two of wine. They had nice big fans outside and it was a nice place to cool of in the evening. 

[xylophone]

19 minutes ago, irishken said:

TBH I've only eaten there a few times but what I mostly done was sit outside and have a bottle or two of wine. They had nice big fans outside and it was a nice place to cool of in the evening. 

Think likewise and IMO the food is OK to good, and I have the fish and chips most times...……….

[xylophone]

Completely off topic but does have to do with Patong…………….tried for 30 mins to locate the Air Quality thread for Phuket/Patong but can't find it.

 

This because the air here is grim at the mo and my air particle monitor reads 38 on my balcony. Where is this stuff coming from?

 

Anyone help with the thread????

[LivinginKata]

51 minutes ago, irishken said:

TBH I've only eaten there a few times but what I mostly done was sit outside and have a bottle or two of wine. They had nice big fans outside and it was a nice place to cool of in the evening. 

 

 Yes, it has very pleasant 'outdoor' seating. In years past I dined there many times many times. Service good, bit pricey, food always as per the photo. I suppose I just got bored with the food. ?

[LivinginKata]

6 minutes ago, xylophone said:

Completely off topic but does have to do with Patong…………….tried for 30 mins to locate the Air Quality thread for Phuket/Patong but can't find it.

 

This because the air here is grim at the mo and my air particle monitor reads 38 on my balcony. Where is this stuff coming from?

 

Anyone help with the thread????

 

[Patong2]

Enjoy Wine Connection in both Chalong and Jung Ceylon occasionally

 

Food's  consistent and pretty good value.

Try the Duck breast or the Tuna Salad, both with sauces to my taste and for B30 they also have nice bread  which can be hard to find in Phuket.

 

The Dutch Bitter cocoa is something else I enjoy.

[Old Croc]

On ‎6‎/‎13‎/‎2018 at 1:32 PM, irishken said:

TBH I've only eaten there a few times but what I mostly done was sit outside and have a bottle or two of wine. They had nice big fans outside and it was a nice place to cool of in the evening. 

I believe there is also a Wine Connection upstairs in Banana Walk on the beach road just before Bangla.  Should have good views of the bay.

[SooKee]

Not been back to Patong in about 2 years. Will be interested to see how it is when we go for a short trip in three weeks.

 

How are the Sea Dragon Gogos and the SW group these days. Quite liked Harem and SW, not so much XO and Devils. Be interested to see what the Tiger complexes are like too. Never got round to visiting Patong Beach Club (I think that was what it was called) last time either.

 

How about the Italian restaurants in the Soi off Bangla? Or did that get levelled? Not much time to try many places. Maybe that'll be a godsend LOL!

 

Only going to catch up with a few friends. Not holding much hope it'll be much of a trip otherwise. But for a few days it'll be OK I suppose. Hope it's not too FUBAR :)

 

Sent using Tapatalk

 

 

 

 

[xylophone]

 

9 hours ago, SooKee said:

Not been back to Patong in about 2 years. Will be interested to see how it is when we go for a short trip in three weeks.

 

How are the Sea Dragon Gogos and the SW group these days. Quite liked Harem and SW, not so much XO and Devils. Be interested to see what the Tiger complexes are like too. Never got round to visiting Patong Beach Club (I think that was what it was called) last time either.

 

How about the Italian restaurants in the Soi off Bangla? Or did that get levelled? Not much time to try many places. Maybe that'll be a godsend LOL!

 

Only going to catch up with a few friends. Not holding much hope it'll be much of a trip otherwise. But for a few days it'll be OK I suppose. Hope it's not too FUBAR ?

 

Sent using Tapatalk

 

 

 

 

Well there has been some action in Bangla with a huge new complex going up, albeit slowly, behind Seduction and alongside new Tiger, however it was a big undertaking so perhaps slowly but surely is best for it.

 

On a night out a few evenings ago I stood at the bottom of Soi Sea Dragon and wished that I'd had my phone/camera with me because from the end, at Bangla road looking north up the soi, there were at least 60% of the bars with nobody whatsoever at any of the bar tables/stools and it looked like something out of a deserted movie set and I had never seen anything like that before.

 

A couple of the go-go's have shut down and reopened and one has shut down again but haven't been into SWs for an age as I only do that when a friend comes over from Australia about once a year. However I and a friend were coerced into looking at a new go-go which had opened just up from Harem (the doorman was a guy we knew from another bar) so we had one beer and left and it was nothing out of the ordinary apart from the fact that about 70% of the girls had plastic puppies – must be a prerequisite!

 

The restaurants including a couple of good Italian ones, off Bangla are still there despite the rumours, and Salute still serves good quality and well priced food.

 

Soi Freedom is struggling, despite the bar fronting Bangla being the most popular, whereas further down that Soi many of the bars would be lucky to see two customers a night.

 

The resurrected Tiger and new Tiger complexes should be worth a visit for you, if only to see just how many of the bars are not in use, along with those which are scarcely populated.

 

Even during the daytime, many years ago, walking down Bangla one would see a fair smattering of farangs in some of the bars, but not so these days and I would imagine that the cost of hiring the girls and staff during the daytime versus the take (even though they have to pay the rent anyway) would not be a winning equation.

 

Outside of Bangla you may well notice some new buildings going up, whilst some others are empty or the shops in them have closed.

 

In a previous post I did mention Montes restaurant which closed and then was opened up as the Food Station, which has closed again (lack of business by the looks of things) however I just noticed a couple of new signs up outside of it........Montes!!! Yes it looks like Montes lives again, however in the few times I've been passsed it, it has been empty (same cycle again?).

 

The bar and eatery which took the place of Amigos, which took the place of Nanai Sports Bar in its various guises has closed and I did noticed someone doing some work on the premises a few days ago, so perhaps someone else is going to have a crack at making it work........sure to succeed where all others have failed!

 

Travelling out the other evening I noticed that there were very few punters in any of the bars along Nanai and Dons BBQ looked a very sad sight indeed, as did his Pool bar and his "Yes" bar a little further along. Not only that the complex right next to it which opened up with about three bars in it and which subsequently closed and have opened again was also empty on the way out and at 1.30 am on the way back, had three musicians playing to two customers.

 

The Experimental Cocktail Bar opposite Chang Residences looks to be a failed experiment as it's been closed for a while now and a bar just 50 m away looks to be in the same condition, although occasionally the shutters do open up.

 

The restaurant, "Sigi's Tref" which moved further south in Nanai a few years ago now appears to be for sale, this along with two small guesthouses, a couple of vacant massage places and various other spaces which have become vacant now whatever business was in them, has moved/closed.

 

So whilst Sheraton is building a huge hotel and a couple of other condo complexes are going up, at the lower end of the spectrum, places are closing – – perhaps that's called progress??
 

[Lashay]

9 hours ago, xylophone said:

In a previous post I did mention Montes restaurant which closed and then was opened up as the Food Station, which has closed again (lack of business by the looks of things) however I just noticed a couple of new signs up outside of it........Montes!!! Yes it looks like Montes lives again, however in the few times I've been passsed it, it has been empty (same cycle again?).

 

Heard a rumor that the Villa restaurant was taking over montes. If they are, probably one of few who could make it work as they have decent following of expat/regular visitors due to decent food at incredibly low prices (would do better if they ever sorted their service)

 

As to Bangla, tons of people wandering around but majority of bars are having absolutely horrible low season. People love to point fingers at Chinese/Arabs/Indians but from what I have seen bulk of westerners are not much better. Walk walk walk, maybe buy a beer or 2 at 7-11, continue walking is about 70% of westerners around at the moment. Then you have about 10-15% getting hammered on 500b open bars or ultra cheap buckets and generally causing or getting into trouble

 

Honesly think if 95% of all the above who visited bangla on any given night vanished off the face of the earth right now, bottom line of the most bars would bearly change.

 

Interesting thing is the bulk of the remaining punters (not including expats/long stayers) don't seem so price focused, bars next to each other with a 20-40% price difference are doing equally good/bad

 

Fully expect a lot of the cheaper all year round bars to face the firing squad this low season as they will not have made enough in high season to carry them though low while the more expensive will be fine.

 

 

[LivinginKata]

I was driving about Patong today to pay some bills. About 14.00 and I thought very few punters or locals walking about Soi Nanai or Middle Road compared with previous months about that same time. Our Patong residential rental occupancy hanging in there at 60%. I am surprised it stays that high in the low season. Lot of small businesses really hurting or closed up. My opinion - will only get worse for the small guys.

 

Side note edit - For many many years I drove into Patong every day to check our properties. These days I reluctantly drag myself in at most twice a week. I guess I just lost interest + getting too old. Plus Patong is now a visual disaster.

[Destiny1990]

Maybe it looks empty because there are to many bars restaurants and guesthouses?

[xylophone]

12 hours ago, Lashay said:

Interesting thing is the bulk of the remaining punters (not including expats/long stayers) don't seem so price focused, bars next to each other with a 20-40% price difference are doing equally good/bad

Agree with your post Lashay (as I mostly always do) however the quoted bit above is not my experience, as having been sat at a few different bars over a period of time, I have watched a party of two plus, look at the bar menu and comment that "xyz" is expensive here, or cheaper at another bar then move on?

 

Perhaps not the case where the bar has attractive girls or good music?

 

12 hours ago, Lashay said:

Fully expect a lot of the cheaper all year round bars to face the firing squad this low season as they will not have made enough in high season to carry them though low while the more expensive will be fine.

Yes, I really cannot see how some can stay open given the lack of customers, and as LiK has said in another post, small businesses are hurting and some are closing and will continue to do so.

 

 

[xylophone]

Having some problems posting at the mo, and not sure whether it is my computer or Tv...…………..

 

Anyway what I was going to say was that although places like Jungceylon might be doing okay, although that is debatable, it is mainly because of the Chinese and although they may fill their carts with rubbish, at least there is a lot of it!

 

On top of that they will get bussed to other large "duty-free" outlets and really won't frequent much outside of that, therefore places like Nanai and any others like it will not see any of that business.

 

Sure enough Nanai was always a favourite for the expats, many longer term, but they have diminished in numbers and long-term stayers, hence the closed shops and shutters, not to mention businesses for sale.

[xylophone]

19 hours ago, Lashay said:

Heard a rumor that the Villa restaurant was taking over montes.

Where are they currently located, Lashay?

 

Went past Montes today and it has newly painted/produced "Montes Bar & Restaurant" signs up!

[Lashay]

2 hours ago, xylophone said:

Where are they currently located, Lashay?

 

Went past Montes today and it has newly painted/produced "Montes Bar & Restaurant" signs up!

Little soi opposite Green Mango on Nanai

[LivinginKata]

2 hours ago, Lashay said:

Little soi opposite Green Mango on Nanai

 

What Soi ?? None that i can think opposite Green Mango.

[NamKangMan]

On 6/30/2018 at 12:53 PM, xylophone said:

Having some problems posting at the mo, and not sure whether it is my computer or Tv...…………..

 

Anyway what I was going to say was that although places like Jungceylon might be doing okay, although that is debatable, it is mainly because of the Chinese and although they may fill their carts with rubbish, at least there is a lot of it!

 

On top of that they will get bussed to other large "duty-free" outlets and really won't frequent much outside of that, therefore places like Nanai and any others like it will not see any of that business.

 

Sure enough Nanai was always a favourite for the expats, many longer term, but they have diminished in numbers and long-term stayers, hence the closed shops and shutters, not to mention businesses for sale.

 

From my observations, Nanai picks up some of the Chinese independent travelers, but I don't think they spend much in that part of town, or spend much at all, for that matter.

 

You can see the new arrivals, wandering around looking at their phones, probably Google Maps, trying to find their accommodation.  

 

They are basically like an even cheaper version of a Western backpacker.  The Western backpackers would at least patron hospitality establishments, albeit, mostly bars selling cheap alcohol, but for the young independent Chinese travelers, it's get there, get the photo, put it on Weibo, survive on cheap eats, and get out. 

 

Once again, on paper, the number of Chinese arrivals to Phuket looks impressive, but, in my opinion, those numbers do not tell of the lack revenue that should be flowing from such numbers, but is not.

[xylophone]

9 hours ago, NamKangMan said:

From my observations, Nanai picks up some of the Chinese independent travelers, but I don't think they spend much in that part of town, or spend much at all, for that matter.

Will agree with that, with just a few wandering along the road looking for their accommodation

 

Even had a few stay at my little block of apts, where they are conspicuous by the amount of mini-mart food (and fish) they drag up to their rooms, and the noise and slamming of doors. Also by their quaint habits of throwing fish heads etc into the grassy area near the apts, and boiling coffee grounds in the electric kettle.

 

Spend much...…….not likely.

[grumpyoldman]

Not familiar with Chinese currency against the baht, but tell you what,,, 30thb to the US dollar is feeble. Where is 1997 when US travelers were getting 50thb to the dollar(?), European exchanges similar.

 

TAT talks "quality tourists" yet the strength of the baht leaves them with package Chinese and Russians. Patong was a whole lot more fun (and better looking) when there were peeps with pockets full of baht on a super exchange rate. Now, no.........

[Patong2]

Judging by the numbers of people wandering in Bangla at night & Jung Ceylon and streets around, this has to be the busiest low season in Patong for a few years.

 

The problem according to some street vendors and shop keepers, customers are looking not spending.