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Yes, The Pattaya Beer Garden will close again (temporarily), with Tuesday 29 September being the last day for the public. We gave it our best shot, after reopening following the initial Covid closure. We have tried now for 3 months but never looked even close to breaking even let alone making a profit. I have been subsidizing the losses to try and keep the jobs going but if I keep doing it I will soon be broke. Our lease came up for renewal during all this and we have signed up for a further 3 years. As soon as the business looks even remotely viable again we will reopen. We have an internet group subscribed by all staff so it is easy to keep in touch and simple to bring them all back again. Thanks to everyone who visited during these trying times. As soon as we decide to open again I will announce it here.

Another quick visit, arrive Ekkami Bus Station, near Gateway Mall Over to Bourbon Street for a mushroom swiss burger, with Irish Coffee Room 291 at Rembrandt Suites, my home away from home. Booked three nights for total 2840 Stop at Artis for coffee again, corner of Soi 18, across from Lexus Raumchitt Plaza (aka "Room Shit" Plaza), above Thermae Coffeeshop, got a facelift Art Box at Chuvit Garden closed, last day Aug 31st. A real bummer, I really enjoyed spending a lot of time there. I understand a new mall will be taking it's place. There's finally someone home at Q House, I was wondering. Has a very prestigious address: 1 Sukhumvit. No kidding, that's the address. Hope you get more than a studio condo for 147 million baht. Nana Intersection Soi Nana, very quiet, but it's only 8:00 PM There's even a customer in Hooters! Everyone has to be screened entering the Plaza, customers and staff Don't toss your butts off the balcony! I was the first customer in Butterflies, and counted 42 girls on the three stages. Next day, I hung around Siam Square but didn't buy anything. Checking out the new 70-200 mm Nikkor lens, found one shop that had it but they wanted 82,000. Ouch! BTW, Sony wants 90,000 for their version, guess I'll stay with my legacy super zooms for a while. Suddenly, there are Taco Bell's all over. On Soi 11, in the basement of Siam Paragon, this one at MBK. They had a promo, buy any combo and get a free naked chicken taco. A curved piece of spicy chicken serves as the taco shell. I've never heard of this. The staff had to wear hats that looked like a naked chicken taco. I felt sorry for them, reminded me of Brad from Fast Times At Redgemont High. Erawan Shrine, just behind where the bomber sat La Monitas is my favorite place for Mexican in Thailand. I especially like the steak burritos, made with New Zealand Rib Eye. This was in the basement at Siam Paragon, where they charge 75 baht extra for guacamole, it's included when you visit their restaurant in the Mahatun Plaza on Ploenchit Road. I didn't buy the Harley either, can't afford it. But this is my Biker Slut, Bunny Zudeau. She's Hot and Bootylicious! Terminal 21 Tom Yum Goong at Savoey Seafood, you can see Soi Cowboy from the table Great Views And Soi Cowboy was very quite too That's all, folks!

Back on topic I needed a new laptop, so headed to the Apple store at massive IconSiam mall, the first Apple store in Thailand. There's a free shuttle boat at Sathorn Pier, BTS Saphan Taksin. The journey takes 5 minutes, boats run every 20 minutes or so. Across the river from the mall is the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, rates start over 15,000/night. They have suites named after some of the famous writers that have been guests. They have the Gore Vidal suite, the Tennessee Williams suite, the Somerset Maughan suite, and best in the house is the Mark Twain suite. Others are named after Joseph Conrad, James Michener, and Norman Mailer. Hang out in the Bamboo Bar when the Rolling Stones are playing in town and you'll see Mick Jagger, because this is where they stay. You can see the Lebua at State Tower to the right, with the dome. They serve a special hangover 2 cocktail on the rooftop bar, inspired by the movie, since the hotel was a shooting location. IconSiam mall is over half million Square meters of retail space, it opened less than 2 years ago. Some impressive art work inside. Here's a statue made of hoses. Took a while to locate the Apple store. Also bought some vintage Levi's bluejeans in the Levi's store, as long as I was there. Finished the day with a seafood dinner with river prawns.

Greetings Monkeywatchers, showaddy crap for another month, and welcome to another desperate attempt to wring a few stories out of the bugger all that’s going on in Patts these days. The Pattaya Music Festival is set to go ahead with social distancing measures in place, which are expected to be scrupulously observed by most of the public who say they plan to be as far away from the event as possible. Dodgy electrics have claimed yet another victim after a local Thai chap was blown up and flung from the top of a high building while trying to repair a broken air conditioner. His fate was not immediately recognised as his remains at the foot of the building were initially mistaken for a discarded takeaway curry. He probably would’ve tasted better than some of the takeaway curries we’ve had lately. A fire in North Pattaya has destroyed a six storey building and a warehouse. Authorities tried to put a positive spin on the affair by pointing out that no foreign tourists were injured. So who dreams of large green erections then?... Police called a meeting of 130 entertainment venue owners earlier this month to check that they were still adhering to coronavirus restrictions. The owners said they were and the police thanked them and sent them on their way. Law enforcement at its finest. Banglamung officials have been carrying out spot checks on bars in Pattaya to ensure the Covid 19 rules are being followed. A spokesman confirmed they hadn’t found any customers breaking the rules, though he later admitted this was probably because they hadn’t actually found any customers. Pattaya is a place where the expression “elephant in the room” now has its own special meaning. The other night, a local man was woken by a commotion in his house, and on turning on the light was surprised to discover – you guessed it - an elephant in the room. That’s the trouble with elephants you see – they just take things too literally. Police are seeking a Thai man who’s been scamming people for parking fees on Beach Road by cunningly disguising himself as a traffic warden… Bar news now, and we start with the surprise return of Classroom to Soi Pattayaland. Just like the old days? Who knows? Baccara is also set to reopen, allegedly today. Wonder what the line-up will be like? Devil’s Den has closed down but plans to reopen in a new location when the tourists are allowed to return – if they ever are. A fake bank robbery was staged by Pattaya police last week for some reason or another (probably didn’t have anything else to do). After about 20 minutes of intensive police work, two Burmese workers were arrested but both claimed they’d been fitted up and the money used for the exercise has mysteriously disappeared. The men were nonetheless found to be guilty and will face a firing squad next week, though as it was only a drill the guns won’t be loaded – well, most of them won’t. Time for a time slip in the shape of a couple of old clippings from Monkeywatch in September 2010… “Punch-ups in Patts are big news at the moment, and there was another one a couple of Sundays ago in which six Thai blokes attacked a chap and gave him a good kicking. Nothing new you may say, except that this time it wasn’t at a bar or Go Go, it was at the Sutawat Temple in East Pattaya - and all the brawlers were monks. Hell’s teeth, what’s the world coming to? The way things are going you’ll have to be careful how you look at a nun if you don’t want her boot in your groin. A double suicide was reported to have taken place in North Pattaya the other Friday. Funny, I thought you could only do it once.” Another example of why Pattaya is the destination of choice for quality tourists… Local health officials wish to make it clear that the medical advice recently given stating that condoms should always be used for the duration of the current pandemic was only meant to apply to people while they were having sex. Thailand has been added to the UK travel corridor list so Brits can now travel freely to the Land of Smiles – and be sent straight back home when they do. Finally, it’s been incorrectly reported in some quarters that Thailand is to consider granting permanent residence to anyone who buys a condom. In fact, you have to buy a condo. Shit, and I bought a whole bloody packet. be seeing you monkeyman

The International Date Line is what sponsors use in their home country to phone their thai girlfriend up on isn't it ???

I've been a long termer for around 15 years using the retiree's Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (up to 90 days in Thailand at a time). I'd then go back to the UK for two or three months. Then last year before CV they stopped issuing these visas. My one has recently expired. Each year I'd spend 500,000 - 750,000 baht in their country in Pattaya. It would go on a my usual hotel, transport, and the usual expenses in bars and cafes and general shopping. That's finished for the foreseeable. A pal of mine used to come for 2 months at a time on 30 day tourist visas. He got told to get a proper visa. which was a bit of a jolt seeing as he was a long term regular like myself. He'd understandably expected a bit of appreciation for his loyalty. But he did as they told him through an agent for about 20,000 baht which gave him a retirement visa which he never got to use. But he can't come back now either. He'd spend about the same each year as me. My pal and I are typical visitors to Pattaya when it comes to the average falang's spending habits. It's obvious to anyone that they do not want long term visitors in Thailand any more so why are they offering these new 90 - 270 day visas all of a sudden. They can't be that daft that they think billionaires and members of the international jet set are clamouring to take our places nor they will be willing to charter planes and jump through all these hoops the TAT are setting in front of them. They say a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush so why are they dispensing with one group of established visitors who they KNOW splash the cash in the HOPE that another lot will turn up and take our place. There has to be an agenda and long term visitors and expats are not included in it. We'd better accept the fact that it might be a good idea to pack our bags and forget about Thailand being a retreat from the shit holes our countries have been turned into. They have a nationalist govt and offering a welcome to foreigners for indefinite periods of time is not a policy nationalism embraces. Few of us understand the mind set of nationalism as it's taboo in our countries. I remember visiting Franco's Spain, we from the democracies were allowed entry but that was it, we were hardly made welcome especially by the authorities. It's changed now but we're only tolerated because they need the money, it's a major part of their economy. But Spain never really attracted the super wealthy. In the same vein international jet setters are unlikely to come to the LOS in any numbers irrespective of CV19. We're about as good as it's ever gonna get for the Thai people in general especially the poorer folk of Isaan. Even with a nationalist government it does not make sense getting rid of a large proportion of the very foreigners who spend a considerable amount of money in a country. If they did not need us they would not have to be giving out free meals to their hungry citizens.

Unbelievable. With its tourist industry at rock bottom because of the ban on foreigners entering the country, the Thai government decides to send foreigners who have remained here on (amnestied) tourist visas packing. I fail to see the logic: these people are COVID-free and present no risk, they are usually here out of choice, they spend money thus helping the troubled economy. Why tell them to leave unless there's an agenda which all of us expats will one day fall foul of.

This seems like a perfect place. After further rumours on this topic I decided to check them out, we all know the only thing worse than Chinese Whispers is Thai gossip! Staff confirmed the PBG will close on the 30th, perhaps with a staff party. It is a big place and looked forlorn with few customers, but those who were there were having a good time. It was a rainy evening, so tables were empty and shimmering, with a group of Thai ladies making more noise than an Old Trafford crowd. So, sadly for those of you who will never visit The Pattaya Beer garden again, say farewell, adieu, to an institution. I remember going in there when it first opened, and it became a frequent starting point for many a stagger around the Go-Go Bars of the Walking Street area... and by the way, stroll along that beachside and many more places seem to be tumbling into the sea like artic glaciers. The way in as it currently stands..... Where the shit gets dumped into the sea when they think nobody is looking. One of the best seats in town.... Bar view.... A view many of us will know. Single Ladies Welcome......

I, because of a chronic problem from an injury, had(have) a painful time with long flights. I would book from my local New England airport to LAX. Stay overnight in the LAX area and catch a flight, via Taipei, to BKK the next day/night. I'd do the same LAX overnight(s) for the return home. Granted, the total, overall, flight hours were more than a direct JFK-TPE-BKK but the LAX-TPE-BKK saved a few hours on the U.S.-Asia leg. It made a difference. And, the night's rest at LAX made the U.S.-Asia leg, somewhat, bearable. Try Hotwire for deals on hotels. Sometimes good, sometimes not so. Because my airline would leave LAX late at night I'd end up booking two nights, at LAX, in each direction so I didn't have to be bothered with checking out of my hotel at noon and have to hang around the airport until midnight for my flight. It, also, alleviated the concern of a flight delay, or cancellation, if I tried to fly into LAX on the same day my LAX-Asia flight was scheduled(same on return). This way, I had a whole day and a half to get to LAX if my first leg(VERY early A.M.) was cancelled. If I got into LAX on time(noon-ish) I'd end up out at Santa Monica, or a beach somewhere, and still have all afternoon, night, and next day to relax/putz around. My situation has improved a bit so, now, I just dope up a little(prescription) and fly JFK-TPE-BKK. I do miss going through L.A. but I don't miss the extra hours total or having to spend the extra money. Yes, is was a bit more expensive to do it that way but my choice was either pay up or don't go.

I suppose the existence of Eastern and Western Hemispheres has been overlooked. 🙃

Slow progress on the new market next to Nirun. J Club is closed, but the pouring of a new concrete pad makes me wonder if something new in the location will be coming soon. Next door on Soi Love Inn, more planters going in. Xzyte Food Center progress update

Today I volunteered for a Covid-19 vaccine developed in Russia. I got my first shot at 9.00 am and wanted to let you know that it’s completely safe, with иo side effects whatsoeveя, and that I feelshκι χoρoshό я чувствую себя немного странно и я думаю, что вытащил ослиные уши.

With your narrative and clarity of the fantastic, crisp photos I would happily vote for this if there was a "Post of the year award"

Business seems to be picking up slightly, and I notice a few more customers in the bars than a couple weeks ago. Attitude is better, too. A waitress was claiming I had bar fined her years ago, when she was young and pretty. "You no remember me?", she says, trying to make me feel guilty. I asked her to name the hotel and she said the short time room upstairs. I always use the hotels, I told her, never short time rooms, and she confessed she was pulling my chain. We both had a good laugh. Here's the Plaza last night.

Thanks for the update. Always a good read. The curry comment reminds me of a travel magazine that I read some years ago in Cambodia. "Many people are kept awake with dogs howling in the night. If they stop howling don't eat curry the following day". Sent from my CPH1941 using Tapatalk

Sophie just got married, and being a traditional Italian was still a virgin. On her wedding night, staying at her mother's house, she was nervous. But mother reassured her. "Don't worry, Sophie. Luca's a good man. Go upstairs, and he'll take care of you." So up she went. When she got upstairs, Luca took off his shirt and exposed his hairy chest. Sophie ran downstairs to her mother and says, "Mama, Mama, Luca's got a big hairy chest." "Don't worry, Sophie", says the mother, "All good men have hairy chests. Go upstairs. He'll take good care of you." So, up she went again. When she got up in the bedroom, Luca took off his pants exposing his hairy legs. Again Sophie ran downstairs to her mother. "Mama, Mama, Luca took off his pants, and he's got hairy legs!" "Don't worry. All good men have hairy legs. Luca's a good man. Go upstairs, and he'll take good care of you." So, up she went again. When she got up there, Luca took off his socks, and on his left foot he was missing three toes. When Sophie saw this, she ran downstairs. "Mama, Mama, Luca's got a foot and a half!" "Stay here and stir the pasta", says the mother. "This is a job for Mama!"

The gate was open, so quickly snapped a couple of pics from just inside. Then rode my bike over to the back corner where they were eating, showed my camera and asked photo, ok mai? They gave me the thumbs up, so all was good.

No no. Thailand doesnt want idiots who are happy to spread a deadly virus coming over and making their people sick or dead. This board is for people who love Thailand and it's people. You obviously don't, so you really should find somewhere else to post your comments.

Almost 70 and the same for me but only two flights to get there. I am hopeful for one more trip but I am a realist. It may not happen and I still see no alternative. At least I have had the experience multiple times.

A pastor explained to his congregation that the church was in need of some extra money, so he asked them to consider being more than generous. He offered that whoever gave the most would be able to pick three hymns. After the offering plates were passed about the church, the pastor glanced down and noticed that someone had graciously offered a $100 bill. He was so excited that he immediately shared his joy with his congregation and said he'd like to personally thank the person who placed the money in the plate. A very quiet, elderly, saintly lady in the back of the church shyly raised her hand. The pastor asked her to come to the front, so she slowly she made her way towards him. The pastor told her how wonderful it was that she gave so much, and in thanks he asked her to pick out three hymns. Her eyes brightened as she looked over the congregation. She pointed to the three most handsome men in the church and said, "I'll take him and him and him."

Talked with several staff, not much optimism. A waitress i have known for awhile is sticking it out here in Pattaya. We were probably going to be together but ended up with a live in so never did. We are going to get together maybe once a week and ill help her with the rent. Im happy the Thais have done a good job keeping the virus at bay. Would not be happy to back in the states right now.

A Texan, a Californian, and a Nevadan were out riding their horses. The Texan pulled out an expensive bottle of tequila, took a long draught, then another, and then suddenly threw it into the air, pulled out his gun and shot the bottle in midair. The Californian looked at the Texan and said, "What are you doing? That was a perfectly good bottle of whiskey!! The Texan replied, "In Texas, there's plenty of whiskey and bottles are cheap. A while later, not wanted to be outdone, the Californian pulled out a bottle of wine, took a few sips, threw the half full champagne bottle into the air, pulled out his gun, and shot it in midair. The Nevadan couldn't believe this and said "What the heck did you that for? That was an expensive bottle of wine! The Californian replied, "In California there is plenty of wine and bottles are cheap." A while later, the Nevadan pulled out a bottle of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. He opened it, took a sip, took another sip, then chugged the rest. He then put the bottle back in his saddlebag, pulled out his gun, turned, and shot the Californian. The shocked Texan said "Why in the hell did you do that?" The Nevadan replied, "Well, in Nevada we have plenty of Californians and bottles are worth a nickel."

I'm sure for many of the staff whether PBG re-opens or not is not important. They will move on and hopefully find new jobs elsewhere. If PBG re-opens in 5-7 months time, they will have already settled into their new lives.

You are sure about something that happened to me 22 years ago and my attitude towards being incarcerated in IDC rather than a holding cell .... wow! Have we met? I am very open about my past and am extremely self critical but I'm confused as to how you are sure about a situation you didn't witness and about a person you have never met.

I notice more homeless people sleeping under the BTS stairwells, walking around lower sukhumvit, and fewer street vendors, but was able to find one to buy sunglasses. Soi 11 was very quiet. Had a burger for lunch at Daniel Thaigers, with a couple bottles of Rochefort 10%, and left my mask there. Didn't realize until they wouldn't allow me into Terminal 21. From now on, I'll carry a spare.

Thank you for an enjoyable read!

A bit more about this new Visa. Don't take it as verbatim as it is early days yet. http://www.thailongstay.co.th/stv_visa.html

No...But I can certainly say the spicier the food the more tingly my cock feels when giving anal ......

One can only sit and shake one's head.....

Since you mentioned condoms,I just saw this a few days ago. Police seize 345,000 used condoms that were cleaned and sold as new (Viet Nam). 1 of several sources.https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/24/asia/vietnam-condom-sold-new-scli-intl/index.html Thanks for this update. Always a hoot. It brightens my outlook for returning in late Spring.

A blonde was down on her luck. In order to raise money, she decided to kidnap a kid and hold him for ransom. So she went to a playground, grabbed a kid, and took him behind a tree. "I've kidnapped you!", said the blonde and then proceeded to write a note saying, "I've kidnapped your kid. Tomorrow morning, put $10,000 in a paper bag and place it under the pecan tree next to the playground. Signed, A Blonde." The Blonde then pinned the note to the kid's shirt and sent him home to show his parents. The next morning the blonde checked under the tree and surely enough, a paper bag was sitting there. The Blonde opened the bag and found the $10,000 with a note that said, "How could you do this to a fellow blonde?"

Guess they didn't know about the signing of the 3 year extension to the lease.

Thanks for the explanation Pete. Hope you are back up and running ASAP.

A couple went on vacation to a resort up north. The husband liked to fish, and the wife liked to read. One morning the husband came back from fishing after getting up really early that morning and took a nap. While he slept, the wife decided to take the boat out. She was not familiar with the lake, so she rowed out and anchored the boat, and started reading her book. Along comes the Game Warden in his boat, pulls up alongside the woman's boat and asks her what she's doing? She says, "Reading my book." The Game Warden tells her she is in a restricted fishing area and she explains that she's not fishing. To which he replied, "But you have all this equipment. I will have to take you in and write you up!" Angry that the warden was being so unreasonable, the lady told the warden, "If you do that, I will charge you with rape." The warden, shocked by her statement, replied, "But I didn't even touch you." To which the lady replied, "Yeah, but you have all the equipment!"

This is sad though probably inevitable news in view of the overheads such a large business must have. I too have many fond memories of PBG over the years, and greatly hope that it will arise again when tourist numbers justify that. Bad news for Moulie of FLB fame too, as PBG was no doubt a welcome billet for her.

Yogi so good of you to try., a true friend. My wishes expressed to my family are to be cremated here and the ashes returned to the Chesapeake. You tried to a wonderful thing for his sister. Commendable. Its best to remember the hierarchy. Mom and dad first., then brothers and sisters, ex husbands, then extended family, then the family dog , fleas on the family dog. And then us farangs Many times not true II am confident in my lady .But wont fuck with the fleas on her dog.

It will always hold a special place for me. And also for a late chum of mine. This is why. A few years back a pal of mine died in the UK. His sister knew that I was due to visit Pattaya and contacted me by phone with a rather strange request. She'd been to Pattaya and knew that Bob ( her deceased brother) who had lived in both Angeles City and Pattaya had a special sentimental affection for Pattata and in particular the hotel in which we both stayed. Over the years it had become literally a home from home. She asked if I would take his ashes to our hotel and sprinkle them in the flower beds around the hotel swimming pool where he had spent many an hour with his Thai lady friend. I agreed but on condition I had nothing to do with his fancy woman who was an obnoxious skinny little Thai hag with a face like a scorpion. That was OK with the sister as she neither had any time for the money grabbing little bitch. Upon arrival at the hotel I informed the receptionist and the manager what my intentions were thinking that they would be pleased that someone who had died six thousand miles away wished the last resting place for his ashes should be among the flowers and shrubs of their hotel gardens and around the swimming pool area. But how wrong I was. They hit the roof and said under no circumstances could I carry out my plans. Bob was an outsider and as such his ghost would forever haunt the hotel and put a curse upon the place and a load of other similar mumbo jumbo. When they then started on about the police and the monkey house I knew they weren't mucking about! This is the gospel truth. When they'd calmed down a bit and I'd recovered from the shock they advised me to take his ashes down to the beach and put them in the sea. But advised me not to let anyone see me doing it. I phoned Bob's sister in London with the bad news and she had little choice but to agree to the new arrangements. She said it was not too bad a development as the currents and tides might eventually take Bobs remains over the ocean to the shore lines of the PI where he had also spent many pleasant years before he'd got to Pattaya and where his fondness for strong drink had taken its inevitable toll on his kidneys. I took a baht bus up to Soi 1 and walked down to where it met Beach Rd by the Thai Airways office. I then started walking along towards South Pattaya carrying the ashes which had been packed in a grey paper parcel by the funeral parlour who'd handled his cremation back in London. He'd only been a little fellow but his burnt remains were surprisingly heavy so I'd placed them in a Big C plastic carrier bag for transportation purposes. This was before they'd started charging customers for their carrier bags. I made my way along the promenade looking for a suitable opportunity and section of the beach where I could deposit my old pal's ashes away from prying eyes and thereby avoid detection by other Thai people who might also be scared of ghosts. I'll finish this later and you'll see how the PBG fits into the story.

Further back in the thread I suggested that land owners rent out allotments to farang in condos. To me it would be an excellent alternative to their lifestyle. Sitting down with your mates drinking cheap beer and looking at vegetables .... or ....sitting down with your mates drinking cheap beer and growing vegetables ......... Sailing Bill has suggested that he wanted a house on the darkside that has a garden.....How about a condo with all the facilities with access to an allotment ..??

Dedication to the cause !!!!

A wife was in bed with her lover when she heard her husband's key in the door. "Stay where you are," she said. "He's so drunk he won't even notice you're in bed with me." Sure enough, the husband lurched into bed none the wiser, but a few minutes later, through a drunken haze, he saw six feet sticking out at the end of the bed. He turned to his wife: "Hey, there are six feet in this bed. There should only be four. What's going on?" "Nonsense," said the wife. "You're so drunk you miscounted. Get out of bed and try again. You can see better from over there." The husband climbed out of bed and counted. "One, two, three, four. You're right, you know."

I want one !!!!!!!

With the passing of RBG, I wanted to recommend her biopic "On The Basis of Sex". I am not being political when I recommend this. It shines a light on the life of an important US citizen. One may not agree with her but there is nothing wrong with understanding her.

Top post indeed So many issues up in the air. I simply will not be returning until we can turn up at immigration with a smile and nothing else. As such I reckon 3 years at least possibly longer. I can hardly be bothered with the Girls in the first place so having to quarantine at own expense and jump through hoops is an absolute no no from me

I quoted your post so he can see it.