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Patong - The Wake


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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.
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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.

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  • 4 weeks later...

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. 

 

 

Edited by irishken
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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.

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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  ? 

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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. 

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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...……….

Edited by xylophone
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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????

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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. ?

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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????

 

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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.

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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.

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  • 2 weeks later...

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

 

 

 

 

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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.

 

 

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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.

Edited by LivinginKata
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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.

 

 

Edited by xylophone
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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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