BUDDHIST OFFERINGS IN NANA PLAZA (DAVE THE RAVE 2009)
The Go-Go Guru has returned. You can’t get rid of me that easily! Just had an online ordeal with a nightmare of a website domain transfer. As I said previously, this past few weeks TRUE ADSL Internet Company have had all kinds of problems. Hopefully, the connection problems seem to have been sorted out. Therefore, I’m very pleased to be back online. Cheers!
A NEW PAGE HAS BEEN ADDED TO THE SIDE BAR
WELCOME TO THE NEON JUNGLE (DAVE THE RAVE 2009)
Hi Guys, this is an alphabetical listing of Dave The Rave’s original ‘Thaiminology.’ The Go-Go Guru Glossary consists of Dave The Rave’s unique twist on how we term things in Thailand’s business of pleasure. Enjoy!
PLEASE CLICK HERE - GO-GO GURU GLOSSARY
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…)
A GO-GO BAR FOR ALL SEASONS
Opening a successful go-go bar is a lot harder than it looks. Prior to establishing a successful go-go bar, there are inevitably some important factors to consider. Today, we will look at two of the most important aspects. Firstly, acquiring the right location is the first priority. The three L’s of marketing are; location, location, location. As long as you are in the heart of the action, people can find easily you. I always sigh with disappointment, when a go-go bar name card has a detailed map on the back. We don’t want to waste time doing a map orientation exercise! After establishing a prime location, probably the next consideration is the size and design. You might be surprised how many people overlook these things. I dare say some naïve newcomers think that they just have to open the doors and the customers will arrive in droves. It is not that simple, as any go-go bar boss will tell you. Great care and consideration should be taken in deciding on the size of the go-go bar. If it is too tiny, you will never be driving around in a brand new Mercedes Benz in this lifetime! You just cannot generate enough profit to lead that kind of lifestyle. Besides that who enjoys being boxed in? Those poky places are only fun for those who like the hands-on approach. (Call me old fashioned, but I thought hanky-panky was for the privacy of the hotel room). I find that most Westerners like to have their own personal space. Lord forbid if anyone invades that personal space. Small bars usually make small profits. (more…)
HOW LOW CAN IT GO!
Many a bar boss in Thailand is singing the low season blues this June. Similar to a scary rollercoaster ride, bar trade suddenly took a steep drop. There are several factors contributing to this quiet period. In fact, some people are labelling it, “The lowest of low seasons.” Firstly, many people outside of the bar business in Thailand, are unaware that June ranks as one the worst months of the whole year. As per usual, the low season arrives promptly every year. It’s not called “low season” for nothing folks! Secondly, we have had some very heavy rain. In Bangkok on Monday and Tuesday, the rain came hammering down for several hours. It’s a fact that some bargirls are not easy to motivate at the best of times. Give them an excuse like heavy rain, and they won’t bother to leave their apartments. However, this time around it was a valid excuse, because the rain was so heavy. The sky wept intensely and those residing in remote areas were literally left stranded. The timing of the rain was not at all favourable. Well blow me! Just as I’m writing this, silvery bullets hammer onto the ground. Bangkok suffers torrential rainfall for a second consecutive day. A loud clap of thunder from an angry sky makes my dog jump. Parts of Bangkok are now flooded by several inches… (more…)
THAILAND’S CLIMATIC CHANGE AND ITS EFFECTS
Regarding the weather, there appears to be some serious climatic changes going on around the world. Initially, I used to class the three traditional Thai seasons alongside the tourist seasons. The ideal time to visit Thailand remains the cool season (akaat yen), which usually starts in November and goes through to the end of February. The vast majority of foreign visitors flood Thailand during this period. But, shortly after the flood of visitors, the drought begins. In March, the hot season (akaat rorn) commences and can last into June. Then there is an inconsistent period, where the seasons transcend from hot and dry to wet and humid. The rainy season (akaat fun) normally starts some time in June or July and lasts until the end of October. The transition from the hot season to the rainy season can cause quite a few locals to fall ill. Also, the temperature change from the rainy season into the cool season sees many natives nursing coughs, colds and fevers. After all these years living in Thailand, I now suffer the climate change almost as much as the Thai people do. (more…)
NANA PLAZA – WELCOME TO THE NEON JUNGLE
This news might come as something of a surprise to you, but the owners of Nana Plaza have been digging into their pockets. According to the Nana Plaza management (Nana Castle), the escalator next to Lucky Luke’s Bar inside Nana Plaza should be operational in about one week. The new escalator is now operational. Apparently, the job was finished before expected - that is a shock by Thai building standards! It has not been repaired, but instead it has been replaced by a brand new escalator. For those of you who are not keen on using lifts, or stairs, the new escalator will be an excellent alternative. By installing the new escalator, I think it will please everybody, but especially the disabled. Fellow internet columnist Baron Bonk should be thrilled with the new escalator. We can now send dear ole Baron Bonk up to greater heights! Combined with a clear pathway at the entrance to Nana Plaza, it will be much easier to enter and exit, plus go up to the middle level.
Recently I have spoken to Khun Num who runs Rainbow 1 and Rainbow 3, about the old Farang Connection. (If you cannot quite remember, Farang Connection was located next door to Rainbow 3 on the middle level in Nana Plaza). If you did not know, Khun Num has taken over the lease and is currently building a Thai restaurant there. The building work is progressing steadily as we speak. The new owner has hinted that he thinks he will just sell Thai food. I am sure that it is not easy, or cheap to hire a chef who can cook both Eastern and Western cuisine to international standards. More interestingly, with some of the hot babes that will be dining here, it definitely will not be your average Thai noodle shop! (more…)
DAVE’S NIGHTSEEING TOURS - SUNRISE TO SOI COWBOY
For some time now, my friend Nick has wanted to hit the town with me. Nick is currently based in Cambodia as a mine clearance specialist. Obviously, any day off from the minefields would be relaxing, but I wanted to introduce Nick to some places that he has not visited before. I took a night off from my duties in Angelwitch Go-Go Bar and I looked forward to the night ahead. I wasn’t feeling 100% but I was determined to meet Nick and spend some quality time with a good friend. Nick was about to experience one of my “nightseeing tours” and he seemed keen enough. We arranged to meet at Sunrise Tacos Mexican Grill, which is located in the Leader Price Complex. (For those not familiar with the Leader Price Complex, it is right next to Time Square Building between Sukhumvit, Soi 12 and Soi 14). Several months ago, the owners of Sunrise Tacos decided to take over a vacant space directly opposite their shop. At first, I was not sure what Greg Lange was intending to do with two Sunrise Tacos shops. Was Greg intending to open two branches of Sunrise Tacos in the same complex? This all became very clear when Greg explained the concept to me. The original Sunrise Tacos is a small place, and it now provides a 24 hour takeaway and delivery service. The new, larger premise has become a cosy restaurant that is stylishly designed and furbished. The credit for the interior design goes to Mrs Lange. Greg’s wife Nui has done a superb job! (more…)
CELEBRATING ST. PATRICK’S DAY IN BANGKOK (PART TWO)
In conclusion, Bully’s Pub has a relaxing atmosphere that appeals to many different types of people. Bully’s attracts singles, couples and even families. It is an ideal place to meet friends, unwind after a long day, and/or enjoy live sports on a large TV screen. Bully’s Pub is a bit more upmarket than other pubs in the area. The prices tend to be higher and you will pay government tax on all food and beverage items. Just to let you know where you stand. It was time to leave the cosy comfort of Bully’s Pub…
CELEBRATING ST. PATRICK’S DAY IN BANGKOK (PART ONE)
Today is a special Monday, because it is St. Patrick’s Day. For the uninitiated, St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated worldwide, but it is a particularly HUGE celebration in America… As I walked inside, I surveyed the scene and within a few seconds, I spotted my friend Rob. We had arranged to meet at Bully’s Pub, which is located next to the JW Marriott Hotel on Sukhumvit Road. There was a large table available, so we sat down and soaked up the relaxing atmosphere. Previously, this place was nothing more than a mere shell, but the new owner ET has done a terrific job of improving it. We can forget those early days, because Bully’s Pub is now established as one of the most popular pubs in Bangkok. And, I was about to find out why. Although it was only 6:00pm, already a crowd was starting to build. Bully’s Pub draws large crowds and even though it is a large pub, it fills up at peak trading hours. (more…)
SOI COWBOY – WALK ON THE WILD WEST SIDE (PART 2)
After a few minutes of deliberation, the first go-go bar that we visited was Shark Go-Go Bar. For such a good go-go bar, Shark was quiet, and this was a Friday night. One positive thing about Shark Bar is that the drink prices are very reasonable. Most of the regular house beers are 125 Baht, which is very good by today’s prices. Shark Bar never feature any shows, but some guys might argue that the dancing dolls on stage is a show in itself. I think that Shark has a high level of attractive go-go dancers, but this does come at some price. Most of the dolly birds know that they are HOT and they will play on this. The hot babes here will not always approach guys (especially strangers) and therefore, they can appear standoffish. Furthermore, effort on your part is necessary if you want to meet and get to know the go-go dancers. (more…)
CHALLENGING WEEK FOR DAVE THE RAVE
This passed week has been very hectic. Unfortunately, my wife’s Grandmother (Yai in Thai) passed away. She was a very sweet old lady of 84 years old (RIP Yai). My wife was told to return home quickly and at least she was able to see Yai before she passed away. I could not go to pay my respects to Yai, because I had to take care of things in Bangkok. I have been busy being both dog sitter and housekeeper! Also, I had to run Angelwitch every night because Matt was in Germany visiting his family. This week’s “Thailand Night Fever” might be a bit shorter than usual. So, if it’s short and sweet, I hope you find it an interesting read… (more…)
THE SMOKING BAN DEBATE CONTINUES
I have to say that I am a bit surprised at how much of a debate the smoking ban has become. This seems to be a very important issue to some Westerners, while other people feel there are bigger problems to deal with. Down in Soi Cowboy, the smoking ban has been enforced in every bar. Smokers can be seen having a cigarette outside the bars in Soi Cowboy. Some smokers are openly displaying their disdain for the new law. Meanwhile, non-smokers are arguing that it is high time that smoking is banned in all bars right across Thailand. Non-smokers are clearly saying butt out! On the other hand, there are smokers who feel hard done by after all these years.
In Nana Plaza, the authorities have not enforced the smoking ban. Non-smokers should be aware of this fact. However, in Angelwitch Go-Go Bar they have banned the Thai staff from smoking inside the bar. This is something of a compromise to the situation. Customers are allowed to smoke in all of the four Rainbow Bars. Therefore, rival go-go bars do not want to lose customers to them. The smoking ban has to be a rule for all if it is going to work. (more…)
SMOKING BAN IN A STATE OF CONFUSION
With some bars allowing smoking and other bars not, it does make the smoking ban look like a farce. There are establishments where the so-called smoking ban has not been enforced whatsoever. Once again, go-go bars are at the centre of the controversy. In the Lumpini area (lower Sukhumvit Road), the Hotels and restaurants have been told they must enforce the smoking ban, but some bars in Nana Plaza are currently exempt. In stark contrast, further along Sukhumvit Road, the bars in Soi Cowboy have been told to comply to the new law. Down in Pattaya, a number of the go-go bar owners are allowing smoking, but they have been told to be discrete. Word from Thai sources is that the smoking ban will be enforced eventually, but currently there is a grace period. Understand that if you can! Thailand’s Ministry Of Health (rather than the police) will apparently be checking to see who is complying to the smoking ban. After May 31st, 2008 all hotels and public establishments must comply to the smoking ban, or face a 20,000 Baht fine. So far, it looks like the ban has gone up in a cloud of smoke. Meanwhile folks, it’s just another moment in the Land Of Make-Believe. (more…)
ROMANTIC REMINDER – CUPID’S CALLING
Some of you less romantic folks might need a reminder that it is Valentine’s Day tomorrow. This is to jog your memory, because you know what us men are like for remembering special days. Try not to forget a card, or gift for the special person in your life. It is not too late to surprise your teerak (sweetheart) by arranging a romantic dinner for two. Just by making the effort, I am sure that it will be appreciated. We should get away with being a Romantic Romeo and not be accused of getting too soppy by our macho mates. Wherever you spend this year’s Valentine’s Day, I sincerely hope you have a pleasant time. Who will be your Valentine? (more…)
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