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#1
12-06-2005, 19:07
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Bangla Road
Have just heard that Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways have both approached the Patong local authorities to complain about the prolonged closure of Bangla Road, and the effect it is having on tourism here.
Even though we have been told that the closure was to finish at the start of this month, it is now to stay. At least they have moved the closure time from 5pm to 6pm. I still say the closure is a total pain in the ass, and the belief that it will prevent the planting of bombs is totally unfounded. 
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#2
12-06-2005, 20:11
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Please excuse my ignorance, but surely the cost of airfares will have more of an effect on tourism, rather than the closure of Bangla Rd. I know that you locals are inconvenienced by the closure - but what is the effect on the tourist who probably does not have a car? Why are the airline companies complaining - are they afraid that the threat of a bombing is being ''advertised'' by the fact that Bangla Rd. is closed and hence putting fear in the minds of tourists?
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#3
12-06-2005, 20:16
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I was thinking the same thing! When i was there last i prefered Bangla being closed, as i could use the road to avoid my cheeks being pulled. But i can see locals having a problem with access, especially bg's who now have to walk down. I can't see why the airlines are complaining. If i didnt read this site i would have no idea about it being closed, therefore how advertised is this? I thought that a good compromise would be to have it open Sunday to Friday afternoon, but then closed Saturday and Sunday nights!
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#4
12-06-2005, 20:35
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as a tourist i would prefer the road closed ,that way i dont have to take the risk of being runover and having to breath car /bike exhaust fumes
i dont understand the idea that closing bangla road is having any effect on tourist numbers?? "im not going to phuket again, because bangla road is closed to traffic" ?
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#5
12-06-2005, 20:52
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IMO they can keep it closed every night after 6 pm, but then again I'm no bargirl wearing high healed shoes .....
 First time last week I've seen street artists on Bangla Road. It attracked quite a crowd and the atmosphere was pretty good. Reminded me of Covent Garden in London. Same same, but different ..... good spectacle. 
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#6
12-06-2005, 21:12
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Same here, I think its much better with the road closed off after 6pm and then you dont have the hassle of the tuk-tuks either on it, Which is an added bonus
Actually IMHO I think all tourists would find bangla rd a much better experiece with it closed off, At least if it gets to congested on the pathways you have the road to walk on which is cool, So I have not got a clue why this would in any way affect Thai/Bangkok Airways!!!
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LIFES A BIT*H THEN U MARRY 1 
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#7
12-06-2005, 21:27
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__________________
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#9
13-06-2005, 19:05
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You must be absolutely right
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#10
13-06-2005, 19:25
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#11
13-06-2005, 21:13
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I don't know who has complained to the a/lines because everybody i know,
expats and visitors say it's much better now. I was in Patong for 3 weeks last month and found it far better to be able to stroll up Bangla without the tuk tuks and being crowded onto the narrow pavement. As far as i'm concerned it was the obvious thing to do. Now all they need to do is ensure the whole area isn't overtaken by the vendors. Maybe a few would be good.
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#13
13-06-2005, 23:25
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I recall seeing many coach loads of orientals travelling in luxury buses down Bagla gawping at the night life, and some of them used to stop and let the people out.
Perhaps its these guys who have asked the airlines to intercede on their behalf?
__________________
"管它黑貓白貓，會抓老鼠的就是好貓"
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#14
14-06-2005, 00:05
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I think you have hit the nail on the head Luke. It used to be impossible to walk past Ocean with several bus loads of northern asian folks boarding or getting of these buses. And yes the 6pm closing is definitely more friendly. Before at 5pm if you had to do a big spirit shop, you had to leave home really early to make sure you got into Bangla. As there is no way I would carry all that lot down from Soi Saen Sabai.
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#15
14-06-2005, 05:24
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one thought, maybe, is that when bangla is open it looks so much more torists are there tahna when its closed. when its closed it looks kinda dead, compared to all the congestion when its open, which gives it the illusion of tourism coming back strong
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#16
14-06-2005, 15:07
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I can imagine that for the bar owners, the shops and some other business it is not so good to close the Bangla so early.
 They have to supply their business and can not drive directly to there shops/Bars. But for the tourist it is much better because it is like a “walking street”.  Perhaps in the future it will be more attractive, if there are chairs and tables etc. on the street and some people make music (not from a CD).  But you never get all under one hat. Perhaps it is better, they close Bangla a little bit later – I think about 8 pm – The most people come anyway later to the bars and sois.
__________________
Werwolf "When morality comes up against profit, it is seldom that profit loses"
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#17
14-06-2005, 21:59
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That would make life alot easier. The other problem is also when Bangla is closed folks dont seem to make it into the sois. When traffic is flowing down Bangla, it seem to push people into the sois, and into all our businesses. Something that we do like. I can see and understand the visitor liking the closure, as if I were holidaying here I think I would as well.
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#19
26-12-2005, 03:59
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I recall seeing many coach loads of orientals travelling in luxury buses down Bagla gawping at the night life, and some of them used to stop and let the people out. Perhaps its these guys who have asked the airlines to intercede on their behalf? Maybe they can clear all the tuk tuk from top end of bangla road and make room for a few coach parking spaces. the thougher away from bangla the tuk tuk are the better. baz
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#21
26-12-2005, 04:51
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lol, i had no idea about this either, whats the current situation
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#24
26-12-2005, 16:42
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I much prefer Bangla closed in the evenings! I liked watching Ashley trying to get his bike out of Bangla before the shut down time and trying to find an alternative parking slot for it!!
I just thing it is condusive to a good atmosphere at night, more relaxed and not looking over your shoulder, waiting to be side swiped by someone on a bike. There are always plenty of Tuk Tuks at both ends to wing you back to your hotel at the end of another great night down there. Deliveries and cleaning can still be done during the morning when it is quiet there. I am not going to even mention the Bomb deterent aspect as I all think we are adult enough to realise that anyone determined enough to plant anything, anywhere, is going to do it. Relax and enjoy your holiday. I do remember seeing a big coach load of Japanese tourists complete with camelas and waterproofs getting dropped off at the Beach Road end barriers and being told that the coach would pick them back up at the same spot in two hours. They didn't seem to have a problem with that and seemed glad to be off the coach and walking! Just my opinion on the matter, I think the closures in the evenings should stay as they are. If they are going to open and push everyone because of traffic onto the pavements, then spend some money improving them and not just putting mats, at night, over the gaping holes there. I still have the mental scars of hearing some young kid say "Mummy, look at the fat man stuck down that hole" 
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The idea is to die young.........as late as possible.
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#25
26-12-2005, 16:55
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