And, what about Patpong's future? Michael thinks "Patpong will never die". This is partly because of its discreet location between the Surawongse and Silom main roads. "Patpong is perfect because it fits the government policy of isolating these areas. In Sukhumvit, it's too visible", he says, "while here everything is very contained, which works in our favour". And he's right. Those not interested in the scene could easily walk by and forget it's there. Those who don't know Patpong may not even notice it.
Perhaps even more important is the fact the road is privately owned - by a Chinese immigrant family which bought it before World War II - and also that closing down bars here would put thousands of girls, of which he estimates around 50% are from the country's poor Isaan provinces, out of work. "The fact is, business in Patpong provides jobs to people who can't find jobs anywhere else. Most girls who work here make money for at least three heads".
Money talks, and brings change...
And that's not to mention the financial investment. Michael estimates around 100 million baht (about US$ 2,6 million) has been ploughed into Patpong by various high-profile operators in the last twelve months alone. While this seems a certain sign that the Patpong story will stretch long into the future, he is adamant this won't just mean more of the same. Asked where he sees Patpong in ten years, paints a very different go-go scene to the current one. "There'll be less flesh, more mystery, and more charm," he predicts. Many of the more ramshackle establishments will make way for stylish, more atmospheric venues, and the 'in your face' girly bars found on Soi 1 will slowly be pushed out or redeveloped.
One of the management staff for the Salasawan, Radio City and Twilight bar, Neal Forest, agrees. "I see Patpong becoming more like Soho in London, with more nice bars and restaurants popping up", he says. "It's changing". He points to the establishment of Patpong's first boutique hotel, The Strand Inn, as another sign that the area is moving upmarket.
Along with this evolution, many tourists will be hoping that the area becomes more palatable to women. Michael admits that in its current incarnation the bluntness of the go-go scene in Patpong unsettles many women, and that "it's not easy" to reassure them. He himself plans to play his part, by opening clubs that move away from the 'meat-shows' and towards a more neutral atmosphere for couples.
Go to the final part, in which we explore Patpong's Fetish Secrets. |
