Bangkok's Hidden Gems: The Scala Theater (2.44)

We've said it before and we'll say it again - Bangkok is
an interesting city; but it ain't
a pretty city. But that's not to say
that there aren't places of architectural significance or
historical importance, because there are. One of those is the
magnificent Scala theater - at least until it gets knocked down
for another mall. Oh, and while recording this episode
on location at the Scala, we were
kicked out because we didn't have permission
(you can hear this conversation with the theater's
major domo in the Patreon bonus content). Also
in this episode, Evo wonders why bowling in Thailand is more glam
than redneck, and Greg muses about the dangers of driving huge
trucks in Bangkok if you can't see out of the goddamn
windows. Where we come from - and perhaps where you,
dear reader, also come from - bowling is something you do for a
laugh. It's a sport so ridiculous, so fringe, so cheesy, that
it's hard to take anyone seriously who takes it seriously. But
not in Thailand - no, here people actually dress
up to head to the bowling alley with friends. As he
prepares to head out with wifey's friends for an evening of ball
play, Evo is unsure what to expect. But our main
topic is the awesome Scala movie theater, one of the Bangkok's
last, best remnants of a more glamorous time, where movies were
shown in 70mm and theaters were - as you can still see - built
with more love and attention to detail than a modern office
building. But how long will it last? Owned by
Chulalongkorn University, the land that the Scala sits on is some
of the most valuable real estate in the country, and when money
talks, no one's speaking very loudly by selling movie seats at
100 baht a pop. So sadly, inevitably, it's only a matter of time
until the Scala gets turned into a new mall, but until then, it's
open for business. We discuss its history, its significance, and
why should make it a point to make a visit post-haste. And
- as a bonus - here's the picture if Pinocchio from the Scala
that Greg mentioned in this episode's Patreon bonus content -
just before they got kicked out of the theater.
Love, Loathe, or Leave

Greg wonders why in the HELL the drivers of trucks - not
pickups or ¼-ton specials, but full-size 2-ton big-rigs - feel
the need to cover their windshields with stickers, add lights and
various bling to the mirrors, and otherwise bedazzle their trucks
all to hell. Safe? Nope. Aerodynamic? Nope. Cool looking? Also
nope...at least from our perspective.
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meaning that he'll soon get a personalized, very special gift
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Bangkok Podcast is co-hosted by Greg
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Together the have over 20 years expat experience in Bangkok, and
are self-certified experts in living in the City of
Angels.


(Direct download .mp3)