So many changes are apparent around town it's tough to know where
to begin. But people are united in adversity, they say, so let's start
with the factor that affects us all these days: the Fed Factor!
Yes, Chiangmai's finest has been making their presence felt, enforcing
1.00am closing hours (it's the law folks), yet sometimes going to extremes
and brusquely shutting places down at midnight for no good reason. Some
creatures of the night are starting their partying earlier but I suspect
(and maybe some figures show) that others are voting with their feet and
simply not arriving. Loi Kroh bars (but not restaurants) seem to be targets
and as we went to press I heard of one lass being arrested for opening
late! Bizarre!
Khun 'Puritan' Purachai, He Who Must Be Obeyed from Bangkok, decreed
all this and is following it up with his version of moral rectitude. In
other words, no upper rooms for stay-and-play and no gay advertising. A
farang has already been carted away for publishing what I'm told was a
simple gay bar listings magazine suddenly deemed obscene. Who would have
thought that political correctness would be numbered amongst the imports?
As I write, the traffic chaos at Thapae caused by the prison department's
furniture sale is a mere pause compared with the gridlock in - and anywhere
near - the Night Bazaar. Was anyone told the Mardi Gras would involve closing
Changklan and lower Loi Kroh? Potential protests were quickly muted by
free booths in the street for existing businesses (a nicely Thai solution)
but I wonder what the out-faced Night Bazaar traders and rent-paying regulars
thought about it?
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Detail differences
At the less successful football clubs I'm told the commentator starts
by announcing the crowd changes to the team. Despite doomsday depictions
of diminishing dollars my optimism is ever bright, so here goes with the
team changes for the crowd:
Aussie Maurice will not be returning to True Blue having sold
his share to Scottish John, who vows to uphold the fine antipodean traditions.
If that's sustaining real mashed potato, quiz nights and down-under-ambience
there's no fears here.
Khun Ot had sold December Bar just as I hit the keys, more later
on that tho I'm assured it's business as before around one of my favourite
pool tables. Another is to be found in Chiangmai Saloon, where Larry
is galvanising support for a Loi Kroh joint marketing/purchasing co-operative,
aided by fellow American Scott of Apocalypse Cantina next door,
Dutch Rutger of Loi Kroh (massage) Salon and among others the team
at Stairway to Heaven, the big new place almost opposite Linda's
Bar. Wonder if Udo will be back for Christmas? If so watch out for
the most Amazing German sausage bar snacks!
JUST LIKE THE REAL THING?
Almost! This metal bas relief of a Mitsubishi A6M2 Zero-Sen actually
represents an aircraft of the 64th Sentai, wich was stationed here at Chiangmai.
Framed in dark Thai timber, each piece is numbered and only 1000 pieces
will ever be produced. Made by Thai craftsmen with care.
· Any takers for a Britpub? The call of Australia's sunny shores
has also proved too strong for Gerry at Britannia Arms, Anusarn
Market, who is interested to talk to interested parties. OK by me provided
the new incumbent leaves those great steam trains and tram cars on the
walls!
'It's from 'The Lure of the Limerick'
by W.S. Baring-Gould: There was a young fellow named Dice Who remarked
"They say bigamy's nice. Only two are a bore, I'd prefer three or
four, For the plural of spouse - it is spice!"
If you see 3 Nissan pick-ups arrive here from Bangkok
in a blaze of publicity, you'll know they are on the first leg of a 200,000km,
6 month journey to test the efficiency of diesel-with-palm-oil fuel (...).
Night
Fowl
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