Bangkok History Highlight: The Surprising History of Patpong [Season 4, Episode 17]

Greg and Ed interview Michael Messner, long time expat,
Patpong bar entrepreneur, and the founder and curator of the
Patpong Museum. Opened this year, the Patpong Museum is meant to
educate the public on the entire history of the Patpong area,
stretching from its earliest development more than 100 years ago
until today - and there's way more to it than just go-go
bars!


Michael exemplifies the 'interesting expat,' having first
come to Thailand to expand his art business only to meet a Thai
woman and begin to plant roots in Bangkok. Through a chance
encounter he found a mentor close to the Patpong family, and this
gave Michael the opportunity to enter the hectic world of Bangkok
bar and restaurant ownership. Many years later and after much
(eventual) success, he decided to open the Patpong Museum. Why
does Bangkok's most famous red light district deserve a museum?
Well, you need to hear Michael tell the story but suffice it to
say that the Patpong area has a long and fascinating history much
before the modern era of the night market and go-go bars,
involving family drama, CIA intrigue, and straight old-fashioned
corporate commercialization.


And in a nice twist, Michael offers listeners of the
Bangkok Podcast a 20% discount on admission. Just mention BP when
you arrive to cash in! 


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