The only thing slightly tainting the experience is the 'Beware of Thieves' tourist sign pinned to the wall outside, a lasting legacy from the days when pick-pocketing ladyboys roamed the area, and a stark reminder of Patpong's notorious underbelly. "Patpong has history", Michael admits. While much of this past is unsavory, he assures me that things today are much better.
Scams occasionally still happen, but are rare (his advice if this happens is "don't be scared of anyone"). As for paedophilia, he says this "doesn't happen in Patpong". And, since the area became one of the governments designated 'safety zones', with around-the-clock video surveillance linked to on-site police officers and roaming plain cloth officers, petty theft is all but gone.
In fact, Michael thinks Patpong might even be due some well-earnt praise. Long overshadowed by the neon-lit strip bars, shady touts and demeaning sex shows, is the area's heritage; places and people that have earned mention in Bangkok's history. These include, he tells me, some of the oldest and busiest tourist eateries in Bangkok, long-standing music venues, ties to the Vietnam War - even links to the CIA. In his eyes, these are all proof that Patpong deserves at least some recognition, and certainly a more rounded assessment than the typically hysterical characterisations.
Credit where it's due
Others I met agree that the real story of what goes on in Patpong gets misrepresented and distorted, especially by the Western media. For Kevin Woods, who manages three of the most wholesome venues in Patpong - the music discos Lucifer's, Muzzik Cafe and Radio City - there's never been a good word written by a foreign journalist. "You wouldn't see families like that walking around if Patpong was threatening", he says firmly while pointing to a young family with small children in toe. "I've been here 12 years and in all that time I've rarely seen any fights. It's not a violent place". Certainly Radio City, with its quality live music and refreshing mix of girls, guys, foreigners and locals, suggests that Patpong has broader appeal than it's given credit for.
Now read about The Future of Patpong in the next part of Patpong Revealed. |
