Mr. Egg’s Rum Runner Soi Buakhao Off to Great Start

The first week is in the books at Rum Runner Soi Buakhao and the new Pattaya go-go has expanded its hours, customer base, and girl lineup, all the signs of a successful launch.

Rum Runner Soi Buakhao, opened by longtime Pattaya bar manager and owner Phil “Mr. Egg” Ross, is not your typical 2025 go-go bar. The vibe is relaxed, the music volume is low and the prices even lower. It’s open as early as 3 p.m. and now later than the originally planned 10 p.m.

Saturday at Rum Runner Soi Buakhao’s

During a Saturday night visit, Mr. Egg said daytime crowds have been good but lighter in the evening. However, Saturday evening was bustling, with most of the bar’s 40 seats occupied as 10 p.m. approached. When asked how late he would keep the bar open, Ross said it depended on how long customers stayed.

Reflecting on his first week at Rum Runner Soi Buakhao, Ross said in his YouTube video recap, “Opening night was at some points standing room only. It was a little quiet on Sunday, but gradually we’ve been building up, and last night was an absolute stalker.”

He expressed satisfaction with the launch but remained cautiously optimistic, noting, “one swallow does not make a summer, so I’m not getting overconfident, but I’m really pleased.”

Rum Runner Soi Buakhao is not only located out of the way – near the South Road end of Soi Buakhao – but is also a smaller venue. The centerpiece is a low glass stage, humorously dubbed “the most expensive go-go stage in history” by Ross. On each side, two rows of stadium seating accommodate four tables each, with total indoor seating for roughly 40 people. There’s also an outdoor patio.

Music and Atmosphere

The music selection features old-school 80s and 90s rock and pop-rock, kept at conversational levels. Ross was particularly concerned about music selection, admitting, “I’m playing a lot of 80s and rock music, interspersed with some Thai songs. I’ve been deejaying since I was 11, so I know how to program Western music, but I’m struggling to find Thai tunes that fit.”

Despite initial concerns, customer feedback on the music has been positive, though Ross acknowledged some tension among staff:

“There are days when I just feel tension with the staff because of the music. But maybe I’m being over-sensitive about it.”

The bar maintains a comfortably dim lighting environment without harsh LEDs, supplemented by screens above the stage showing music videos and major sports events.

Staff and Entertainment

While there were 25 laides in the house Saturday, initially, staffing presented challenges.

“We ended up with eight girls on opening night,” Ross said. “Now we have about 20 regular dancers and seven or eight PR girls.” Ross humorously noted his personal preference for slimmer girls but praised one dancer who defied his expectations, calling her “without doubt the best dancer, with the best attitude and work ethic.”

On a typical night, the stage features around six dancers at a time. During the Saturday visit, several slim 19-year-olds were performing. The variety of performers is designed to appeal broadly, especially to expats and viewers of Ross’s popular YouTube channel.

Affordable Pricing and Convenient Location

Customers frustrated with Pattaya’s rising drink prices will be pleasantly surprised at Rum Runner Soi Buakhao’s menu. Beers are priced at 85-90 baht, spirits range from 110-130 baht, and soft drinks are just 65 baht.

Ross emphasized Rum Runner Soi Buakhao’s convenient accessibility despite its isolated location.

WWe’re right by the S-bend by the Soi Buakhao Market. There is car parking nearby, and motorbike parking outside. We’re live on Google Maps and Bolt as well.”

Rum Runner Soi Buakhao represents a notable addition to Pattaya’s nightlife, combining Ross’s experience with an approachable, customer-friendly atmosphere. Ross concluded optimistically, stating, “We’ve had a good launch. There have been a few hiccups, but overall I’m really pleased.”