January 4th, 2009
(UPDATED ON JANUARY 5, 2009)
SANTIKA NIGHTCLUB SHAREHOLDER SAYS ‘SORRY’
In an emotional address to the public, a major shareholder of Santika Nightclub said he was extremely sorry to the families of the victims, who were killed or injured in the massive fire on New Year’s Day. On Thai TV Santika Nightclub shareholder Wisuk Setsawat, who was clearly distressed, appeared as though he was about to faint. He was escorted away by friends. Mr Wisuk has testified about the Bangkok blaze to Thai Police at the Thong Lor Police Station. Police General Jongrak stated that Mr Wisuk was questioned as a witness and not a suspect. Meanwhile, legal action is proceeding against Suriya Ritrabue, the managing director of White & Brothers (2003) Co, who is the registered owner of Santika Nightclub. Incredibly, Santika Nightclub was registered as a noodle shop, which was only permitted to sell food until midnight. Thai Police forensic experts continue to search for clues as to what caused the deadly inferno. Sadly, some families have still not found their loved ones.
BANGKOK (AFP) - The Bangkok nightclub fire death toll has risen to 64 dead with over 220 people injured. Out of those injured in the Santika nightclub inferno, 35 victims remain in ICU. Among the dead are 9 bodies that are still unidentified. Currently 68 people injured in the Bangkok blaze remain in hospital. It is reported that 18 of them are foreigners.
SANTIKA NIGHTCLUB IN BANGKOK BEFORE THE FIRE
Meanwhile Thai Police are trying to contact the Santika Nightclub owners. According to Thai Police sources, the Santika owners have until Wednesday to come forward. Members of the Thai emergency services, said that the horrific scenes at the Santika Nightclub fire, was the most disturbing they had ever encountered.
News sources are THE NATION and the BANGKOK POST
Tags: BANGKOK, nightclub fire, Santika
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January 3rd, 2009
BANGKOK NEW YEAR’S PARTY TURNS DEADLY
A THAI WOMAN DISCOVERS THAT A LOVED ONE IS AMONG THOSE WHO DIED (PHOTO BY AP)
New Year’s celebrations turned deadly in Bangkok’s Thonglor district, when a horrific fire killed over 60 nightclub revellers. Although some foreigners died in the blaze, the majority of the corpses were thought to be Thai women. Over 200 other Thais and foreigners were injured in the ‘Thai-ring Inferno.’ A ring of fire suddenly engulfed Santika nightclub in Ekamai, Bangkok. Many people were unaware of the fire until it was too late. British survivor Alex Wargacki, 29, tells how he was saved from death by the ‘hand of an angel’ after collapsing and falling unconscious…
BANGKOK BLAZE SURVIVOR ALEX WARGACKI CURRENTLY RECOVERING IN HOSPITAL. (PHOTO BY ANDREW CHANT).
“I woke up and heard this voice saying, ‘Come on this way’,” he recalled. “Then I felt myself being dragged towards an exit. A crowd of people parted in front of me and then I was out in the open air. Had it not been for this voice with the hand of an angel, I would not be alive today.”
It is truly horrific to think that this happened during New Year’s celebrations. The special party was named ‘Goodbye Santika.’ The house band are called ‘BURN’ and there were crosses and coffins on the walls. This was a popular venue with Hi-So Thais and foreigners alike. Forensic specialists from the Thai Police are currently investigating the cause of the fire.
The original news story was by Andrew Drummond in Bangkok. The full news report was covered by SKY NEWS
Tags: BANGKOK
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January 2nd, 2009
FIRE ENGULFS RAW HIDE GO-GO BAR IN SOI COWBOY
An electrical fire broke out in Raw Hide Go-Go Bar in Soi Cowboy late last night. Fire spread quickly as Raw Hide was engulfed with flames and thick black smoke. Thai emergency services had the blaze under control in 15 minutes. Fortunately, nobody was injured. At this stage it is difficult to tell exactly how much damage has been done. This comes at a time when Raw Hide Go-Go Bar was starting to do well.
THAI POLICE PROBE BANGKOK NIGHTCLUB INFERNO
Thai Police are invetigating the fire, which killed at least 59 people at Santika Club in Ekamai, Bangkok. The horrific inferno happened just after midnight, while a crowd of 1,000 people celebrated the New Year countdown. This is a terrible tragedy. Our condolences go out to the families of the victims.
Here is a news report by BBC NEWS
British survivors tell their tale of hell by THE SUN
(Please note that I did not post on New Year’s Day out of respect for the victims of the Santika Club fire. RIP)
BANGKOK BARS ARE SERVING ALCOHOL TONIGHT
To end on a brighter note, Bangkok’s bars, go-go bars and nightclubs will be serving alcohol as normal. Police papers were not issued (as previously thought), so it is business as usual tonight and on January 3rd and 4th. There might be one night next week, when a ’NO ALCOHOL’ dry day is declared, due to the election of the new Bangkok Governor. As always, I will keep you posted.
Tags: BANGKOK, fire, GO-GO BARS, nightclub, Raw Hide Go-Go Bar, Soi Cowboy, Thai, Thailand
Posted in BANGKOK, DAVES RAVES, GO-GO BARS, NEWS & VIEWS, PUBS & CLUBS | Comments Off
December 31st, 2008
THAI GO-GO GIRLS, AFTER DARK ASIA
Time flies… Hey guys, there’s never a truer saying, especially when you are eating into the decades in your life. Another year has almost ended and I wonder where the past 12 months has gone. Furthermore, what an eventful year it has been for Thailand. We look on and wonder what 2009 will have in store for us all. I fear that it will be a slow start for Thailand’s tourism industry. But, ever the optimist, I think things will work out. It will take time, but people will get on with there lives and foreigners will return to Thailand. Just how many decide to visit Thailand throughout 2009 is unknown. Some people predict that Thailand might only receive 7 million foreign visitors in 2009, rather than 14 million. I cannot say how many of course, but I expect there will be more than the predicted 7 million visitors in 2009. Some people tend to underestimate how resilient Thailand is. Bangkok is the gateway to Asia and therefore receives the most visitors in the whole continent. To review the past year, you could call it a mixture of the good, the bad and the ugly… Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: BANGKOK, bar girls, GO-GO BARS, Nana Plaza, PATTAYA, Soi Cowboy, Thailand
Posted in BANGKOK, GO-GO BARS, NEWS & VIEWS, PATTAYA, PUBS & CLUBS, THAILAND NIGHT FEVER | Comments Off
December 30th, 2008
The closure of Bangkok’s international airport has created a HUGE blow to Thailand’s tourism industry and economy. Bangkok’s top class hotels and restaurants have been hit hard. Even though Bangkok’s airports are now fully operational, recovery for Thai tourism is going to be slow. Combined with the global economic crisis, Thailand did itself no favours. Ironically, the type of tourists that Thailand endeavours to attract have been driven away. Single males seeking fun-in-the-sun are now what is keeping part of the Thai economy afloat. The fun-in-the-sun seekers or ‘mongers’ will walk through warzones to get what they want. I dare say that some families who were caught up in Bangkok’s airport crisis have possibly been scared away for life.
Thailand’s tourism is down but not out for the count. Amid the nightlife scene in Bangkok, the popular go-go bars in Soi Cowboy and Nana Plaza are starting to get busier. It’s the luxury hotels, airlines and tour operators that are really suffering. Thailand needs to be grateful to the ‘mongers’ but the Thais will never admit that fact. During this global economic crisis, Thailand’s luxury hotels and restaurants have to realise that they are just too expensive. Whether they do anything about the problem remains to be seen…
This informative report says it all by YAHOO NEWS
Tags: BANGKOK, GO-GO BARS, Nana Plaza, Soi Cowboy, Thailand, tourism
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December 30th, 2008
The big question facing Thailand’s ongoing political crisis is whether it is Mission Impossible for the new Thai PM. Unlike Tom Cruise in the Hollywood movie series ‘Mission Impossible’ there does not seem to be a happy ending in sight for Thai PM Khun Abhisit. There is still a divide among the Thai people and Thailand’s political scene remains in turmoil. Newly appointed Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has delivered his maiden policy speech, after protesters forced him to switch venue. The full news report is by BBC NEWS
BBC PHOTOS - Protests thwart Thai PM
Tags: Thai, Thailand
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December 28th, 2008
If you intend to hit the town in Bangkok tonight, then make your way to Soi Cowboy. The recently refurbished Suzie Wong Go-Go Bar are hosting a Go-Go Dance Contest tonight. A motorcycle is the top raffle prize. All proceeds will be donated to orphans and children with AIDS. Seeing that this is a charity event, please try to support it if you can. I expect Suzie Wongs will have a packed house, so don’t arrive too late. May the dirtiest dancing doll win!
Tags: BANGKOK, go-go bar, Soi Cowboy, Suzie Wong
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December 26th, 2008
Today I woke up on Boxing Day morning and the world was much the same for me, as it was yesterday on Christmas Day. But, for thousands of people their world was changed forever on Boxing Day 2004. It is exactly 4 years to the day that the deadliest Tsunami in recorded history devastated the tropical island of Phuket. On Koh Phi Phi alone out of the 3,000 people on the island that morning only 1,500 people survived. It was a devastating loss of life.
My good friend Aaron Le Boutillier was on Koh Phi Phi that fateful morning, but fortunately he survived. Aaron has since then published “And Then One Morning” which tells the harrowing tale of the horror he witnessed. This is a very special book. It is not only well written, but the most important thing is - ALL AUTHOR ROYALTIES TO BE DONATED TO THE VICTIMS OF THE TSUNAMI.
BOXING DAY IN BANGKOK (PHOTO COURTESY OF STICKMAN)
LEST WE FORGET - Please take a moment to visit the Page that I have entitled, “Tsunami Thailand.”
Tags: BANGKOK, Christmas Day, Phuket, Thailand, Tsunami Thailand
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December 25th, 2008
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM BANGKOK (PHOTO COURTESY OF STICKMAN)
Thank you very much for your loyalty and support throughout 2008. Last month was the most web traffic this website has ever received. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas…
Kind Regards,
Dave The Rave - Go-Go Guru
Tags: BANGKOK, Christmas
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December 21st, 2008
OOPS! IT’S NEARLY CHRISTMAS
Christmas is sneaking up on us very quickly and it has taken more than a few people by surprise. Chatting to Peter Stud last night, he said the same thing as me. Even though some department stores like Robinson’s, were fully decorated and playing Christmas carols since November, it just doesn’t feel like Christmas this year. Thailand’s political problems and especially the airport crisis has dampened the spirit somewhat. However, you can still enjoy Christmas in many venues right across Thailand. Below are some examples…
CHRISTMAS BUFFET AT BOURBON STREET RESTAURANT
For those of you who are looking for a festive feast in Bangkok, then look no further than Bourbon Street’s fantastic “all you can eat” Christmas buffet.
BOURBON STREET LOCATION - 29/4-6 Sukhumvit Soi 22 (opposite Regency Park Hotel).
Here is Bourbon Street’s Christmas Buffet Menu
CHRISTMAS DAY IN WOODSTOCK BAR & GRILL
Woodstock Bar & Grill host another Christmas Dinner this Thursday, December 25th. Traditional American style Christmas turkey with all the trimmings is available for 945+ baht. Enjoy!
Woodstock Bar & Grill is located in Thonglor Soi 13 opposite the “Japanese Village.” For further information check out the Woodstock website
Additional alternatives include - Bully’s Pub, Chequers Pub, Finnegan’s Irish Pub, Jools Pub, Huntsman Pub, Christmas Buffet at the The Landmark Hotel, plus other pubs, restaurants and hotels that are particularly renowned for providing an excellent festive feast. Enjoy!
ANGELWITCH CHRISTMAS EVE PARTY
Once again both Angelwitch Go-Go Bars in Bangkok and Pattaya will host a Christmas Eve Party. There will be some special shows and sexy santas in the female form. Angelwitch in Nana Plaza will provide a complimentary buffet. Note that the free finger food will be served from about 9:00pm onwards. Enjoy!
Wishing You All A Merry Christmas…
Dave The Rave - Go-Go Guru
Tags: Angelwitch, Angelwitch Go-Go Bars, BANGKOK, Bourbon Street Restaurant, Nana Plaza, PATTAYA, Thailand, Woodstock Bar & Grill
Posted in BANGKOK, DAVES RAVES, GOOD FOOD GUIDE, NEWS & VIEWS | Comments Off
December 19th, 2008
PHOTO TAKEN BY DAVE THE RAVE 2008
BANGKOK - His Majesty King Bhumibol recently gave his endorcement for Thai Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjavija to become Thailand’s prime minister. Report by BBC NEWS
Khun Abhisit is English-born and Oxford University educated. There is a profile of the new Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjavija on this link by BBC NEWS
It is widely thought that new Thai PM Khun Abhisit will need every ounce of his Oxford University education to face Thailand’s political turmoil and economic problems. We wish Khun Abhisit good luck, because Thailand desperately needs a competent leader. According to the media, there is a daunting task facing the newly appointed Thai PM. It is explained in this news report by BBC NEWS
Tags: BANGKOK, Thai, Thailand
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December 11th, 2008
THAI GO-GO GIRLS - AFTER DARK ASIA
BANGKOK AIRPORT AFTERMATH
They certainly don’t call it “Amazing Thailand” for nothing, because Thailand never ceases to amaze. Thailand’s ongoing political problems recently came to a head, when PAD anti-government protesters seized Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Coupled with violent clashes and bomb attacks, Bangkok became the City Of Fallen Angels. Incredibly, everybody stood back and watched. The PAD (People’s Alliance for Democracy) protesters were allowed to occupy Southeast Asia’s main artery for 8 days. Pad guards took over the control tower and blocked the entrances to Suvarnabhumi Airport. PAD guards easily forced an inadequate number riot police back. Bangkok Riot Police were under strict orders not to remove the PAD protesters by force. Although occupying Bangkok’s two main airports was a major inconvenience for many travellers, Thai Police caused no bloodshed. The Thai authorities did not want a slaughterhouse, like the Mumbai massacre in India. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: BANGKOK, bar girls, bars, Club Mistys Go-go Bar, discos, Nana Plaza, PATTAYA, Sisterz Go-Go Bar, Soi Cowboy, Thai girls, Thai go-go girls, Thailand, Walking Street
Posted in BANGKOK, GO-GO BARS, NEWS & VIEWS, PATTAYA, PUBS & CLUBS, THAILAND NIGHT FEVER | Comments Off
December 10th, 2008
The Bull’s Head Pub are organising a one day fishing trip. I know that fishing is a very enjoyable and popular hobby, but it is even more enjoyable in Thailand. Some of my friends have showed me photos of their catches, and they are like fish on steroids. Contact Billy at the Bulls Head Pub in Bangkok for further details and bookings. I just hope Billy doesn’t do an impression of Tom Hanks in Castaway and take a spear along!
Check out Billy’s flash poster below…
THAILAND NIGHT FEVER
Due to a business meeting, Thailand Night Fever will be online Thursday, December 11th. Cheers!
Tags: BANGKOK, Bulls Head Pub, Thailand
Posted in BANGKOK, DAVES RAVES, NEWS & VIEWS, PUBS & CLUBS | Comments Off
December 5th, 2008
Today is a very special day, because it is the King of Thailand’s birthday. His Majesty King Bhumipol is 81-years old. Thai people right across Thailand will celebrate and pay their respects to a truly revered King. His Majesty King Bhumipol is the longest reigning monarch in the world.
BANGKOK & PATTAYA GO-GO BARS OPEN TONIGHT
There is good news for you party people, because the majority of beer bars and go-go bars in Bangkok and Pattaya will be open tonight. I think it would have been terrible news, if the bars were told to close by the Thai authorities. Following the 8-day airport crisis, this would be a disaster for many bars and nightlife related businesses. Fortunately, you will find most of your favourite beer bars, go-go bars, pubs and clubs open tonight. Party on!
Tags: BANGKOK, bars, GO-GO BARS, PATTAYA, Thailand, Thais
Posted in BANGKOK, GO-GO BARS, NEWS & VIEWS, PATTAYA, PUBS & CLUBS | Comments Off
December 3rd, 2008
THAI AIRWAYS RESUME FLIGHTS - THE NATION
Thai Airways and other airlines resume flights at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Bangkok exhails a huge sigh of relief, but the race is on to get Bangkok’s main artery fully operational. It could be a maximum of 2 weeks or a minimum of 1 week, before Suvarnabhumi International Airport is fully operational. There is a large backlog of flights to deal with. Passengers are asked to check in no less than 7 HOURS BEFORE THEY FLY. Bangkok Airport and Thai Airways are in damage control mode.
PRISONERS IN PARADISE
It is thought that as many as 350,000 people are still stranded in Thailand. That’s a whole load of ’prisoners in paradise.’
Tags: airport, BANGKOK, emergency, Suvarnabhumi, Thai Airways, Thailand
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