The Good Manner: Advice on Thailand from WoWasis’ Pa Farang
This week’s dilemma: My old Bangkok haunts are going away. What’s happening?

Dear Pa Farang,

Hi there–greetings from the US. I used to live in Bangkok 1989-1990 on Soi Polo off of Wireless Road. There was a fantastic streetside restaurant there that did fantastic grilled chicken and grilled pork–used to eat breakfast there almost every day. Would you happen to know if that place is still there, in business? Also, I’ve heard various rumors that the legendary Thermae Massage/coffee shop is no longer–is that true? In any case thanks for your time and enjoy Thailand as much as I used to!!

– Steve

Dear Steve,

Sure enough, a lot has changed since you lived there. The Thermae indeed still exists, but has moved to a new location just down Sukhumvit. I’ve received reports that the women there are younger now, which will come as a shock to veteran punters. Many of the older gals now work at the Beer Garden on Sukhumvit Soi 7.

I’m not sure about the streetside spot on Soi Polo, but Bangkok abounds with streetside stalls selling fantastic, inexpensive food, and they all have the ubiquitous red plastic chairs, too.

Washington Square, home of a number of legendary GI bars, has now been plowed under. You’ll want to read Dean Barrett’s Farewell to Washington Square. You’ll also be interested in Khun Lee’s two-part take on the difference between the Bangkok of 1995 vs. 2010.

Like other cities, Bangkok keeps evolving, but a free and easy access to great food, entertainment, and culture remain hallmarks.

– Pa Farang

Read Pa Farang’s other columns for more advice on relationships and cultural matters in Southeast Asia