Archive for the ‘NEWS & VIEWS’ Category

Thailand Night Fever

Thursday, October 2nd, 2008

THAILAND NIGHTLIFE REPORTING

Last week I mentioned an increase in bar trade in Bangkok and Pattaya. But, I deliberately did not state exactly how much of an increase. It would be wrong to state that everywhere is doing a brisk trade. But then again, it would also be incorrect to assume that everywhere is dead. Generally, the most popular bars always keep their heads well above water, whereas the unpopular bars always struggle. For example, if you walk into two bars and they are both quiet, you could be misled into thinking that the whole vicinity is dead. You might possibly be right. But, what if those particular bars are always dead? OOPS! You have wrongly assessed that area, especially if other bars are doing a brisk trade. Therefore, creating an accurate picture is never that simple. As a former social worker, I was instructed not to assume. This “ass-u-me” translates as, “Never make an ass of you or me.” If every bar in a particular area is quiet, then there is the answer… (more…)

Thailand Night Fever

Wednesday, October 1st, 2008

Thailand Night Fever is running late. I have not been feeling too well this week. Similar to the Thais, I am suffering from the change in the seasons. I could not get Thailand Night Fever completed in time for Wednesday. Sometimes this will happen, so please check back tomorrow (Thursday, October 2nd) at 7:00pm Bangkok time.

Although I took a break recently, this never dilutes my passion for reporting about Thailand’s fantastic nightlife. I will always try to post a note to let you know what is happening. Thanks for all your support. This website has a very large readership, especially considering it is less than 2 years old. This website achieves a six-figure number of hits every month. Incredible!

Kind Regards,

Dave The Rave.

Thailand Night Fever

Wednesday, September 24th, 2008

SAWATDEE KRUNGTHEP – HELLO BANGKOK

The bald eagle has landed! Dave The Rave has returned from his reality check to Farangland. So, how was the trip? Did I land in London with a resounding bump? The answer is a definite YES! I dislike the whole chaos of mega busy airports like Heathrow. Although it was my annual family visit, I am pleased to be back in Bangkok. As my luck would have it, this summer was the worst on record. (As most of you know, Britain ranks highly, as having the most miserable weather in the whole of the western world). In reality, the winters are getting longer and the summers are shorter. I have to admit that the catastrophic climate is a depressing characteristic of my motherland. The icy winds and driving rain does nothing to inspire the people. During the holiday, some days the weather was quite reasonable in the daytime, but cold, wet and windy from early evening onwards. We are talking about August here, so I dread to think what the winter months will be like in England. Fortunately, I don’t have to suffer the harsh winter in Farangland. This is one of the best things about living in Thailand. We enjoy a 12-month long summer, which is briefly interrupted by the rainy season. Even the so-called Thai winter (akaat yen), is similar to a fine summer in Farangland. Originating from Antarctic conditions, I always appreciate Thailand’s wonderful weather. (more…)

Daves Raves - Punchline Comedy Club

Wednesday, September 10th, 2008

THAILAND NIGHT FEVER ANNOUNCEMENT

This week’s edition of Thailand Night Fever will be online tomorrow evening around 7:00pm Bangkok time. I have just returned from England and I have been busy settling back in. Unfortunately, I didn’t hit the ground running. You guys who are frequent travellers know what it’s like. Give or take a bit, England is 6,000 miles from Thailand. Whenever I return from Farangland, I feel a bit like Doctor Who, after being transported to another world.

Thailand Today - Political Protests

Friday, September 5th, 2008

SAMAK PULLS THE EMERGENCY CORD

Thailand’s political crisis is report by THE ECONOMIST

THAI PM PLANS CRISIS REFERENDUM

With the anti-government protests in Bangkok intensifying, the Thai Prime Minister has proposed a crisis referendum. Here is the latest report from BBC NEWS 

THAILAND TODAY - 2 STUDENTS SHOT

Newsflash reported by Thailand’s newspaper THE NATION

BANGKOK REMAINS FARANG FRIENDLY

Despite the political unrest, Bangkok remains safe for visitors to the Thai capital. The vast majority of Bangkok is unaffected by the political turmoil, as life goes on as normal. All you party people can continue to enjoy Bangkok’s nightlife, so do not let the protests put you off. Overall, Thailand’s nightlife is quiet. However, this is a global affect and therefore, certainly not just Thailand.

Thailand Today - Bangkok Protests

Saturday, August 30th, 2008

RIOT POLICE DEPLOYED IN BANGKOK

The anti-government protests are esculating in Bangkok.  On at least one occasion tear gas has been used by Thai police against PAD (People’s Alliance for Democracy) protesters.  Are you confused?  Well, the latest political puzzle regarding the PAD protests in Bangkok is explained by BCC NEWS.  Here is the BBC NEWS Report

Daves Raves - Annual Holiday

Thursday, August 28th, 2008

Currently, I am visiting my family in England. I have not been able to update the website, because I have had important family matters to deal with. Furthermore, I am making the most of my annual holiday. Cheers! 

THAILAND TODAY

Thailand’s latest news headlines from BBC WORLD NEWS

Kind Regards,

Dave The Rave

Thailand Night Fever

Wednesday, August 20th, 2008

THAILAND NIGHTLIFE NEWSFLASH

Nana Plaza was suffering early closing due to police politics, but there is good news. Nana Plaza is open until at least 2:00am every night. Hooray!

NIGHTSEEING IN NANA - PART 2

Hi Guys, this week I continue talking about one of my favourite pubs in Bangkok…

Finnegan’s Pub is located opposite Rajah Hotel car park, just down past The Tavern in Soi Nana. This popular oasis is both Irish and Thai ran. Therefore, visitors can enjoy the best of both worlds, with a unique mixture of “Thairish” hospitality. The slightly unusual thing for an Irish Pub is that Finnegan’s is immaculately clean and tidy. This is where Thai presentation skills come into play. Finnegan’s has two levels and if you don’t fancy eating among the drinkers, there is a dining area upstairs. The girls are farang friendly, and the service is very efficient by Thai standards. In some establishments, guys have been known to grow beards whilst waiting for their order! This is not the case in Finnegan’s, because Gerry has his eye on the ball… As luck would have it, a gorgeous beer promo girl served me a pint of John Smith’s Bitter. With a John Smith’s in one hand and a dolly bird in the other, it was literally a bittersweet experience! (more…)

Thailand Night Fever

Wednesday, August 13th, 2008

NIGHTSEEING IN NANA

Recently I have visited Finnegan’s Irish Pub down in Soi Nana. This past week Finnegan’s has done a brisk trade, while other pubs in the vicinity remain quiet. Admittedly, it is a small pub, but they have built up a good crowd of regulars. Although Finnegan’s attracts a healthy following, I think it is underrated in some ways. The excellent food alone should be a BIG draw. Check out the excellent menu, I think you will be impressed. Please say hello to Gerry, the friendly Irish owner. Cheers! (more…)

Thailand Today

Tuesday, August 12th, 2008

AFTER DARK ASIA - VOLUME 7

THAILAND NIGHTLIFE GETS A GREEN LIGHT

Today it is Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s 76th birthday.  The go-go bars, pubs and nightclubs will be open right across Thailand. The bars and nightspots have been open for the past 2 years, so we presumed it would be the same this year.  The Thais will pay various tributes to Her Majesty the Queen.  Tonight there will be a traditional candle-lit ceremony, where crowds of Thais will congregate and sing a song of tribute.

THAILAND TODAY

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra flees to England. Read this BBC NEWS REPORT

Thailand Night Fever

Wednesday, August 6th, 2008

AFTER DARK ASIA – VOLUME 7

The next edition of the go-go girly magazine After Dark Asia will be on sale soon. The initial launch date was set for August 8th. However, the publisher’s estimation was a little premature. Thailand’s top glossy girly magazine will be on the shelves around the middle of this month. One of the partners is an image artist and the other is more of a piss artist! (I just couldn’t resist having a joke about good ole Bob). The photographer formerly worked for Penthouse Magazine, which explains the superb quality of the photos. This cover shot is one of the best I’ve seen. It is an excellent photo and the dolly birds are sensationally sensual. Copies are available from newsstands in Bangkok, but After Dark Asia is much more widely available across Pattaya. Check it out! (more…)

Thailand Night Fever

Wednesday, July 30th, 2008

After Dark Asia - Available In August

SOI COWBOY – LITTLE LAS VEGAS

There is no doubt that Soi Cowboy has emerged as an extremely exciting go-go bar area. In terms of Bangkok’s red-light areas, Soi Cowboy has become the preferred choice for many farang residents. Furthermore, the inexpensive Happy Hours are certainly not the only reason why expats tend to visit Soi Cowboy more often these days. There always seems to be something new happening. Soi Cowboy never appears stagnant like it used to several years ago. More and more neon signs are being erected. Also, the majority of bars have been renovated to some degree. OK, most of these improvements are superficial, but Soi Cowboy’s overall image just keeps getting better. (more…)

Daves Raves - A True Problem

Monday, July 28th, 2008

SOI COWBOY - BANGKOK

Hi Guys, I was unable to put Thailand Night Fever online last week. True ADSL cut off my internet access and that was that. But, never mind I am back online and Thailand Night Fever will return this Wednesday. Sorry for any inconvience. On this occasion, you can blame True for being anything but True!

DAVES RAVES - This is an additional “news & views” section. Check back throughout the week for more updates. 

GO-GO GURU UPDATES - EARLY CLOSING HITS NANA PLAZA

Recently, the Nana Plaza and Soi Cowboy Review Pages have been updated. Check them out for the latest updates.

As always, thanks for visiting…

Dave The Rave - Go-Go Guru 

Daves Raves - Surveying Soi Cowboy

Sunday, July 27th, 2008

Friday, July 18th was Buddhist lent and therefore, Nana Plaza was closed. So, I decided to go out with Sanook Shaun to survey the nightlife scene in Bangkok. I soon discovered that most of the bars were indeed closed for Buddhist lent. I took a motorbike taxi from Ratchada to Soi Cowboy. The roads were very quiet for a Friday, so this gave me an indication of what to expect. I arrived outside Soi Cowboy in no time at all. There I was standing alone in the darkness, which was a strange feeling. But, the Go-Go Guru had no fear of the “pee lok” or Thai ghosts. Sanook Shaun was hoping to sit outside Tilac Bar, but the stools were sitting on top of the tables. Shaun had not arrived yet, so I thought I had better check what was open. I heard some noise, but alas it was only builders busily renovating a bar. The photo shows the only bright light in Soi Cowboy, amid the eerie darkness. The vast majority of Soi Cowboy looked like Little Las Vegas had suffered a blackout. Some bars had their doors open, but it was usually just a case of cleaners lurking in the shadows. A couple of bargirls invited me into Jungle Jim’s, but I declined. I didn’t fancy entering the jungle, because there was nothing going on inside this dark and dingy place. (more…)

Daves Raves - Friday Night Update

Friday, July 18th, 2008

FRIDAY NIGHT UPDATE - BUDDHIST LENT

Asanha Bucha Day (July 17th) is deemed as a very important Buddhist holiday right across Thailand. In fact, some Thais tell me it is the most important Buddha Day. Today, Friday, July 18th it is Buddhist lent.  All devout Buddhists should “tham boon” (make merit) at their local “wat” (temple). Devout Buddhists should also pray and give offerings to monks, while abstaining from consuming alcohol. I wish you good luck. Chok dee kap!

BANGKOK BARS - Some bars will be closed tonight, but others are serving as normal.  Nana Plaza and the surrounding area is closed. For example, Bully’s Pub is open and they are serving booze. Woodstock Bar in Tonglor are also open. Therefore, I suggest that you try Soi Cowboy, Patpong and Bangkok pubs.

PATTAYA BARS - The beer bars and go-go bars across Pattaya will try to open tonight. However, I am not sure how many will be allowed to open. Have a look around, because some bars will definitely be serving alcohol. Cheers!