Thailand Night Fever

After Dark Volume 4Firstly, please excuse me for not updating Night Fever last week.  It has been a challenging week for me.  In the space of only a few days I managed to develop not only a bad cold, but a nasty stomach bug too.  I was suffering from the Bangkok boogie, which is the Thai equivalent of Delhi belly.  Unfortunately, I was off sick when I was due to write last week’s edition of Night Fever.  On top of that I was generally feeling low and having a double bad day in the office.  But, I am back now, so never fear the Dave The Rave is here!

WELCOME TO THE THIRD WORLD

The following chapter of events makes me believe that even in the modern-looking City Of Angels, we still remain trapped in the third world… 

I was just about to set off for Soi Nana and BOOM!  Due to the rain, a transformer went up in flames outside where I reside, putting us into darkness.  Oh funk!  The Thais were on the telephone straight away.  Following a comedy of errors, the electrical power eventually resumed after 15 hours.  Yes, you read that right; it took a period of FIFTEEN HOURS!  What on earth were these cowboys doing all that time?  They were probably in hiding.  These Thai workers were on shift work — work comes and they shift!  Absolutely unbelievable! 

Fortunately, I was about to leave the house and I was NOT taking a shower (not a pretty sight!), at the time of the blackout.  However, I did have to return home to face eight hours with no electrical power.  To add insult to injury there was no water either, due to the water pump being knocked out too.  I was firmly stuck in the stinky sticky stuff!  Have you ever had to sleep in Bangkok with no electricity?  This must be next to impossible for most Westerners I would have thought.  And so, if you combine being ill with a 15 hour power blackout, it has most definitely been a challenging week for me.  All together now, “Aaaaah, poor ole Dave.”

Stickman Bangkok

To summarise this epic blackout – do not listen to the Thai propaganda about what an ultra-efficient, mega-modern metropolis Bangkok is.  At certain times reality forces us to be hurled back into the third world.

BIRTHDAY BASH AT BIG DOGS BAR

The other week I was very pleased to be invited to bestselling author Stephen Leather’s birthday bash.  This prestigious piss up was hosted by the ever-popular Big Dogs Bar in Nana Plaza.  Steve generously put on a buffet, which went down very well with the lads.  The delirious delicious chicken drumsticks were kindly cooked by the lovely Miss Gung.  I am not exaggerating when I say “delirious delicious”, because those drumsticks were packed with meat.  Steve, were those chicken on steroids?

There were some familiar faces present including; acclaimed author Dean Barrett, Khun Leigh, Brit brothers Peter and Tim, the enigmatic Stickman and a special guest appearance from the Mad Stockbroker.  Talking of the Mad Stockbroker, I know some of you guys like to surf the net, but the Mad Stockbroker goes on a world tour.  I kid you not, he is on more chat boards than a busy bargirl is on the job!

Shakerz Coyote Club Bangkok

This was yet another great birthday bash that I was privileged to attend. Steve also generously rang the bell (at least one time) and bought everybody in Big Dogs Bar a drink.  What a super guy!  All chant together lads, “Nice one Steve, nice one son, nice one Steve, let’s have another one!”        

*Stephen Leather is the author of not only Private Dancer, but a whole series of bestselling thrillers.  What some people do not know is that Steve has a popular following for his excellent fiction novels.  Over the years Steve has developed a large market for his thrillers throughout Britain’s book shops. 

DARK DESTROYER

With a noticeable shortage of dark beers available in Thailand, the new Beer Lao Dark is a welcomed addition to the suds scene.  However, in saying that Beer Lao Dark is not widely available yet. One place that offers a real deal is the Big Mango Bar, which is located on the middle level in Nana Plaza. During the Big Mango’s Happy Hour (NOW 4:00 PM — 8:00 PM) you can buy bottles of Beer Lao Dark for ONLY 75 baht.

The other night I was chatting to a friend and we both came to the same conclusion. The new Beer Lao Dark is VERY strong. It most certainly weighs in as a heavyweight with its powerful 6.5 alcohol volume. Now that packs some wallop! This particular brand should be renamed Beer Mao!

THAI TALK — mao (drunk) — mao maak (very drunk) — mao maak maak (smashed/wrecked) — kee mao (sh*t faced). Get your bargirl banter going; you guys will be able to have some fun with those phrases. Enjoy!

Dean Barrett Thailand

SINCERE CONDOLENCES

On a sad note the Blue Avenger’s mother recently passed away (RIP).  Matt from Angelwitch Go-Go Bars, Stickman and Dave The Rave all pass on our sincere condolences to the Blue Avenger.  The Blue Avenger is a great guy who does a VERY important job. Also in our thoughts is David from Manchester, who sadly passed away following an illness.  David spent a long time in Bangkok and he liked to stay at the Nana Hotel.  David was formerly part of the executive management team for ICI and was quite a character.  RIP from all your mates, especially Aussie Alan, Ricky (Sisterz Go-Go Bar Pattaya) and Dave The Rave. On the same note of condolences, I wish to thank you all very much for your messages of condolences that I am still receiving. For those that are unaware my father passed away last month. It has been a difficult period in my life, but your continued support has helped a lot.  I want you to know that it is much appreciated.

Bangkok Properties Website

BIG BROTHER MOTHER IS WATCHING

A friend of mine used to date a very attractive young Thai girl.  She was a student at the time they were dating.  The relationship progressed and the young girl introduced her mother to the middle-aged American.  Upon first impressions “mae” (mother) was reasonably impressed.  This particular farang was smartly dressed, polite and he spoke quite good Thai.  He even had a pleasant smile and appearance for a farang.  The conversation soon got around to farangs, and the protective mother told my friend what she had heard.  The mother said, “Many farangs only seem to be interested in chasing young Thai girls.  They appear to collect them, and always try to take advantage with sexual advances.”  My friend hid a cringe behind his smile as he thought, “My God, they are on to us!”

MANDARIN – THE FORBIDDEN FRUIT

Mandarin is one particular go-go bar in the neon jungle of Nana Plaza, which is causing quite a BIG stir. Mandarin Go-Go Bar is situated in the far corner of the middle level behind the escalator (the electric stairs that occasionally works!).

The French ownership have recently introduced some saucy “ooh la la” to make their particular product more dishy. Aim your sights closer to the heavens. Because, you must remember that the really steamy stuff is on the top floor above the glass ceiling. Mandarin Go-Go Bar has offerings of their forbidden fruit in much more natural attire, compared to most of the surrounding pleasure palaces. You walk in and the attraction is very evident… Holy hooters Batman!

Bangkok Counseling Website

THE TUNNEL OF LOVE

The Tunnel (Lang Suan) is a newly established late night club, which recently hosted Chicago’s house music veteran Johnny Fiasco on September 26. Famous Fiasco has released his “prime cuts” with Cajual, Brique Rouge and Om Records. The event that was launched as a “Fiasco In The Tunnel” certainly proves that The Tunnel located on Lang Suan Soi 5, has definitely made an impact on the Bangkok club scene. The Tunnel gets going after 10:00 PM and is currently staying open until 5:00 AM. You should bear in mind that although this is a great late night venue, it does get packed to the rafters on Fridays and Saturdays. A better alternative might be Ladies Night. The Tunnel’s Ladies Night is every Tuesday, and the cover charge is 300 Baht, which includes one drink of your choice. Some party people believe that The Tunnel is seriously rivalling Spicy, as their favourite choice of late night club. Check it out!

NIGHT FEVER ARCHIVES

The very first editions of Night Fever are now available on the Side Bar in the “Archives November 2006” section. You can now read these archived editions of Night Fever in the new text style with images. This LINK HERE will take you directly to the November 2006 archives. Enjoy!

Angelwitch Go Go Bars Logo

CONTACT DAVE THE RAVE

Please email me with your feedback, or requests to join my emailing list. Just type “SUBSCRIBE” in the subject box, or use the “REGISTER” option on the side bar. Cheers!

EMAIL – Davetheravebangkok@gmail.com

In the meantime, if you can’t be good be careful… Safe sex saves lives!