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…)