Saving Soi Twilight

[thaiworthy]

How on earth has this topic morphed into the discussion it has become? I thought the subject was "Saving Soi Twilight?" What does any of these past 2 pages have to do with that?

[Gaybutton]

What does any of these past 2 pages have to do with that?

Guilty.

You're right. I fell down on the job.

Ok, folks - let's get back to the topic please.

[fountainhall]

How on earth has this topic morphed into the discussion it has become? I thought the subject was "Saving Soi Twilight?" What does any of these past 2 pages have to do with that?

The topic went off on a tangent when the issue of tea money payable by the bars in Soi Twilight was brought up. I do think it is a valid point relating to the thread title although it has clearly veered off course in recent posts.

[readerc54]

I'm going to use an article from today's Bangkok Post about ageing across Asia to illustrate why saving Soi Twilight depends not only on customer numbers but also on demographics. A glance at the Median Age bar graph in the link below makes it clear that Thailand's is among the highest in the region and will continue in that direction. If Twilight is to continue to exist as an entertainment venue, it will continue to require an increasing number of performers from countries with significantly lower median ages (Laos, Cambodia. Myanmar, Vietnam).

However, rapid industrial development in many countries (especially Vietnam) will be competing for the same workforce, putting upward pressure on wages. So even if Twilight survives in some form against existing odds, prices are headed only in one direction.

Five years from now many will look back and lament, "remember when we were only paying 400 bht for a drink?"

http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/new ... es-of-grey

[christianpfc]

Meanwhile, a city block away, soi 4 was doing just fine thanks mostly to locals. Twilight is surviving on the largess of Chinese visitors and the remnants of what was once a great farang diaspora. This is not the basis of a sound business plan. What to do, I ask myself.

Soi 4 is a completely different business.

As for Soi Twilight, I have taken all my business to Pattaya, now even walk through Soi Twilight only rarely. But five years ago, I felt the same as you.

Like Patpong night market, it's geared to tourists and prices are as such. But while there are many local markets, where you can get the same products at a fraction of the price, there is no local alternative to Soi Twilight. The only thing that comes close is Pattaya.

[readerc54]

You'll get no argument from me, Christian. The market dictates demand and right now the market says Pattaya is a better value. If only it were easier to get there (i.e, good, fast train link, improved ground transport), I'd be more of a regular myself. Twilight survives because of the convenience it offers and some international visitors are willing to pony up the difference.

I think everyone agrees with your comments about Soi 4. It's successful because it provides reasonable value at a very convenient location where locals and visitors alike can gather without the pressure of mama-sans and enjoy a decent meal at any a price point they choose--and all within walking distance of no more than a few blocks.

If I had my druthers I'd love to see Twilight morph into something that had the best of both worlds but I acknowledge that's probably not in the cards.

Meanwhile, it's your blog--along with first-hand reports from others--that keep us attuned to places where we can still find value, entertainment and scenic diversions that add much to the visitor or ex-pat experience. With Shameless Mack and Dancing with the Devil defunct, there's a lot riding on your shoulders!

[thaiworthy]

Saving Soi Twilight won't be easy without saving wear and tear on the punters that live here and go to the area with a mission. I get everywhere on the BTS. These bars don't open till 8:30 at the earliest, and more likely 9. Doesn't get going until 10. So if you guzzle one drink, off someone, find a short-time room, do the deed, then it's likely you won't get back to Sala Daeng before midnight when the whole system shuts down. I suppose you could take a taxi. But the route would probably go down Sukhumvit for me which is a traffic disaster no matter when.

Alternative #1. Do all of the above, pay the off fee and make arrangements to meet the guy the following afternoon. Problem is it kills the spontaneity and suddenly creates a schedule and another journey to a meeting place.

Alternative #2. Do all of the above and get a decent hotel room for the entire night instead of a short-time room. Altogether expensive not only for the room but for the excess of drinks you will undoubtedly imbibe since you have all night to complete this adventure.

Alternative #3. Avoid the show, the lineup, the drinks and use an app to meet someone. Never try, never know. Admittedly, I have never tried, because I have been a tourist so long, go-go bars have become a dependable, enjoyable path I have grown accustomed to.

Alternative #4. Go to Pattaya.

I certainly do agree with the 2 above posters. If ChristianPFC hasn't perfected a method, then there is none. So alternative #4 or Soi 4 it is, with a discouraging journey to Twilight if time and the pocketbook permits. But for me, both places are only eye candy in a manner of speaking.

One day, I hope, the BTS will extend its hours or better yet, stay open all night. That will happen when flying pigs offer taxi services.

[fountainhall]

I always find it strange in Bangkok that the Skytrain fares are so high relative to taxi fares. If two people are travelling, it is almost always the case that it is cheaper by taxi - provided you can avoid really major traffic jams! I don't know any other capital city where this is the case. Certainly it is not true in Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, Hong Kong, London, New York etc. Singapore taxis are relatively cheaper but it is still markedly cheaper for two to take the MRT.

As for returning home via Sukhumvit, could it perhaps be faster asking the driver to go via Rama 4 and then turning left up a soi that comes out pretty close to Thonglor Skytrain station? I almost always take that route if I have to be in the Thonglor/Ekamai areas.

I reckon extending Skytrain hours is a forlorn hope. Again looking at other cities, almost all close down their similar systems between midnight and midnight thirty.

[Alex]

I'm a bit surprised, I've never had any major traffic issues getting back home to Sukhumvit after the BTS has closed for the night. Having to take a taxi back has never stopped me from staying (anywhere, in Silom or elsewhere for that matter!) longer.