✅ VANISHING BANGKOK EP 1 | Why This City Will Never Be Cosmopolitan | The Scala Theatre & More

Greed and money talks and history and heritage walks here in Bangkok and it's a shame to see parts of our city consigned to memories for the sake of another faceless development. But what can we do about it? Not a lot, as there are many tactics used to smokescreen their methods of getting what they want and nothing can stand in their way. Bangkok will never be a real cosmopolitan city, that word will only ever be a word that real estate agents use!!
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[@IAm-NotHear]

Such an invaluable service. It would be quite something if you were officially recognized for your outstanding services to the Kingdom of Thailand.

[@BangkokPat]

Not a chance, they want happy influencer types 😇😬🐱😻

[@CC-dx6bc]

@@BangkokPat will u sell out? 😂

[@BangkokPat]

@@CC-dx6bc I'd have to start every video with "Hey guys please subscribe" which is a pet hate of mine...so no

[@CC-dx6bc]

@@BangkokPatdon’t forget big arm gestures, talking fast & exaggerated facial expressions lol Keep up the good work 😁

[@davidspeed2841]

@bangkokPat... I won't subscribe for you to make money, but next time I am in Bangkok, I am happy to get the beers and pizza in!

[@ramonwood7267]

The best Bangkok content by far. Thank you for documenting and sharing all these unique places and pieces of history.

[@BangkokPat]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks 😍

[@williamcarrington61]

​@@BangkokPatThanks Pat for giving the facts on the situation. Seems to be "Fashionable " to redevelop areas that are not going to improve life. Best wishes.

[@barney2165]

OTR channel is pretty good too. Dude puts same level of research as these vids

[@barney2165]

OTR channel is pretty good too. Dude puts same level of research as these vids

[@barney2165]

OTR channel is pretty good too. Dude puts same level of research as these vids

[@geoffreyburton2654]

The old Bangkok had so much charm. Thank so much for your tour of old and new.

[@BangkokPat]

Glad you liked it Geoff, cheers.

[@Seafarer1947]

Another excellent presentation of how Bangkok has changed over the years. Pat takes us to places we never normally see and these records will become useful to historians in the coming years. Thanks Pat for these first class documentations of old and new Krungthep 👍👍👍👍👍

[@BangkokPat]

Thanks mate😻

[@mvnorsel6354]

Used to love the Scarla theatre the only place in Bangkok where hypothermia was a possibility😅.

[@andrewfrancis4462]

You do fantastic work preserving a record of historic Bangkok, Pat. The authorities need to understand that the lure of the city for visitors is its unique Thai character. Turning Bangkok into just another modern metropolis like Tokyo or Singapore is self-defeating. I look forward to part 2.

[@CC-dx6bc]

Singapore has tried to keep some part of its heritage, with partial success. But yes it has lost its colonial charm.

[@BangkokPat]

The type of tourists they attract don't give a damn about history and heritage.

[@EGO0808]

Singapore succeeded, like it does in every way it grows and progresses. We can all argue Singapore is sterile and bland, but the numbers of visitors and the exponential growth in income and quality of lief is second to none and proofs Singapore's point of staying ahead of each and everyone. I still travel to Bangkok from Kuala Lumpur, where I live, not to Singapore, but it is inevitable, Singapore is highly successful. @@CC-dx6bc

[@CC-dx6bc]

@@BangkokPatnothing much of heritage to be found in a soapy massage parlour lol

[@hassanalihusseini1717]

I love your videos. They do not only give nice informations, but also the quiet still sequences with no talking are giving a peaceful feeling. And I love the quiet sequences with the rain and the rainy streets. And the cats.... 🙂

[@BangkokPat]

Glad you like them, thank you very much🐱😍😎

[@maloz63]

Seriously how many more shopping malls or high rise buildings with empty condos does Bangkok need

[@BangkokPat]

It's needs many more to keep tourists coming according to the tourism experts (joke)

[@jimshelley8831]

Aign of affluence and wealth yes for the few , its happening a lot all over the world not just Bkk. Huge wealth inequality, for the few not the many. Please dont make Bkk like Singapore a boring bland city state.

[@BangkokPat]

They are doing their best to make it look affluent and bland

[@stanleytan3070]

As a movie goer, Scala Theater one of my favorites. The other one nearby I remember is Siam Theater. I am ex resident of Bangkok. Thanks Khun Pat for sharing

[@olivergarbers424]

One of the best channels on Thailand/Bangkok. Everything said in here, is always well researched and documented, with excellent filming and narration. Thanks for your work!🙏🙏🙏

[@BangkokPat]

Thank you Oliver😇

[@olivergarbers424]

@@BangkokPat Always a pleasure! 🙏❤️🙏

[@williamhartz8707]

Shopping Malls… with on line shopping, malls in the USA are being shut down due to no customers. Research says, “ in their heyday, malls totalled 2,500 in the 1980s. In the next ten years there may be just 150 malls left…”. So will eventually e-commerce in Thailand eventually effect the existence of their shopping malls?

[@JasonRuppVlog]

Jeez I love these videos on old Bangkok. Well done, Pat.

[@philipbendall3256]

Thanks for posting. I have been a regular visitor to Bangkok since 1979. I was there this year in February. One hotel which has not changed and let’s pray never will is the Atlanta Soi 2. Sadly on this occasion I did not meet any of the original staff many whom I have known since 79. It appears due to the covid shutdown many chose to retire. Back in the day the old Thermae was a lively meeting place with “stairway to heaven” on the juke box, sadly now just a pick up place. Another hotel I used to frequent The Rex Sukhumvit and the nearby Santisok Post office, both now gone with a new complex under construction to cover the entire block. The Sukhumvit crown was another favourite hotel, great atmosphere, I did not find it this time. One more memory the historic Erewan Hotel now replaced by the The Grand Hyatt

[@RockNRoll-wb8fn]

STOP BUILDING MORE SHOPPING MALLS IN BANGKOK🙏🙏🙏🙏PLEASE !!!!

[@person.X.]

The classiest vlogger on Thailand by far I would say. Fascinating subject matter and a beautifully produced video. Very impressive! I love exploring Bangkok on foot and a few years ago before Covid found the Customs House while on an exploration of the area. I also remember going to an area like Makkasan in the late 90s to eat in a local restaurant with a friend of mine who lives in Bangkok and I remember expressing my surprise that an area full of wooden houses still existed downtown. He told me it was railway land and the inhabitants of the houses were employees of the railway. It was very similar to Makkasan however I cannot remember where it was and I believe it has since been developed. I think the comparison with London is interesting. One of the things that makes London such a great city is the mix of the old and modern. The Thais are throwing that legacy away with their worship of concrete and rampant overdevelopment. Unfortunately this mentality seems to be widespread in southeast Asia. It will not end well as Bangkok desperately needs the green lungs of areas like Makkasan to lessen the heat, humidity and pollution. I wonder if the surfeit of shopping mall development will soon reach a limit as they become unprofitable as there are too many of them. Malls like this seem to be dying now in the West due to the internet and an oversaturated market.

[@vassanab4243]

They also preserve the old area around grand place area, it’s not allowed to built tall building. Btw why you talk like Bangkok just happen to have shopping malls recently, and saying like it’s like shopping mall in the west, sorry to say this but the shopping malls in Thailand are better than western countries. In every malls, there are always cinema, food court, supermarket, restaurants, Banks, shops, service shop, beauty clinic, dental clinic, salon etc. and toilet every floor and some place to sit. Thai people hang out at shopping mall because of hot and humid weathers while westerner can enjoy life outside at the park because their weather is nice. Even people now do shopping online but the shopping malls will adapt and change to more restaurants and less shops.

[@robertbangkok]

This was a very time-consuming video to produce, and your efforts are greatly appreciated. Superbly done! This video will be more valuable in the future, as younger generations will, as you suggested, want to look back. Thank you so much for this!

[@bruceanderson8588]

a sign that thailand is behind the times is the building of more malls due to covid malls are not profitable and online shopping is better value

[@BangkokPat]

Good point. They all sell the same things.

[@hassanalihusseini1717]

But most malls I know they are visited very well visited with a lot of customers. Not only talking about the malls around Siam square like MBK, or T21 or ICON Siam, but also places like Tha Phra Mall in Ratchaprueck, The Mall Bangkae (Lak Song MRT), The Mall Bangkapi. There is still a lot of demand. 555 The Mall Bangkapi is the only place I know where I can get ink cartridges for my pen. There are so also opposite example, one sad example is The Mall Ramkhamheng with many closed shops.

[@brallorbow6703]

Yet another brilliant video, Pat. Heartbreaking to know that all them beautiful old wooden houses will be demolished to pave way for bricks, marble and glass. Didn`t know my all time favourite band The Clash shot the cover Photo for Combat Rock in Bkk by the way, thanks for that information :)

[@thebangkokconnection4080]

Lower Sukhumvit will eventually be torn down and high rise bulding will replace them. You can see the large high rises moving closer every year.

[@glennjones1533]

Another absolute Gem. Thank you Pat. I'm amazed the Scala Theatre didn't get Heritage status - what a beauty.

[@steveschertzer5088]

Great video, Pat. Yes, the old buildings had character but so did the people. I remember the early 2000s when I frequented Thai traditional restaurants and saw Thai waitresses wearing 'Chut Thai', the traditional wrap around clothing. This outfit is stunning and beautifully graces the female form. Unfortunately, it is rare to see this today. Don't get me wrong. Modernity is great with all its comforts and conveniences, but I miss the self-respect and integrity many Thais used to have when donning the 'Chut Thai.'

[@peterthermocline]

You are an amazing documentary producer and story teller. Those old photos of Bangkok are dearly missed

[@BangkokPat]

Thanks Peter 😎

[@default123default2]

"A new shopping mall in an area surrounded by them" This looks to me a bit like a mall development bubble. They had them in China and only the biggest ones survived. Like this mall covered here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5ubhqZvdtGApsU Anyway I am confident that nothing will kill BKK. Not for a long time

[@hopeenquiries3638]

There are so many brown sites and patches of waste land they could develop but they always seem to destroy the best parts of Bangkok, wiping out the street life in the process. At this rate there will be no reason to visit Bangers soon. I believe they will regret it one day.

[@BangkokPat]

By that time the new generation will be looking back at my videos l hope...

[@kylepang5547]

Thanks for the memories! My family used to live on Sukhumvit Rd, Soi 22, back in the late ‘60s. After our Sunday mass at Assumption Cathedral, near the Mandarin Oriental, we’d frequent Siam, Lido, and Scala. And all the Shaw Brothers flicks at the New Odean on Thanon Yaowarat in Chinatown! Came to the U.S. in ‘72. I’m now a sixty-something world traveler. Where has all the time gone?!!!

[@BangkokPat]

Very cool memories Kyle, my Dad was here in that era too.

[@kylepang5547]

Aah... Those cinemas around Pratunum and Phetchaburi Rd: Petchrama, Paramount, Metro, Coliseum, and Hollywood. And the palatial Indra! The list goes on and on, doesn’t it? Scala... “The Last Picture Show.” My itinerant childhood whilst in Bangkok was all about “Cinema Paradiso.” An IT guy who’d worked and lived in Toronto, NYC, SF, and LA. A peripatetic cinephile really. Whilst waxing rhapsodic about the movie palaces of a bygone era, I also relish today’s HBO and Netflix. Binge-watched the entire 8 seasons of “Game of Thrones” back in the spring of 2019, and it was one of the best times of my life ever. “Oppenheimer” was stunning on IMAX. Oh, and all those wide-ranging KZbin channels to boot!

[@reddskii]

In Thailand we’re talking a lot to keep the original architecture alive. However we can do our best in our generation and can’t expect for the next generation that not respect in our history 😂

[@YouknowwhereHughgo]

Ohh yay another shopping mall 😴 just what Bangkok needs

[@BangkokPat]

Yes 😁 very important to attract high quality tourists, Starbucks and H&M

[@futureofmoney3527]

Half of them are empty. I don’t get the allure with building more.

[@YouknowwhereHughgo]

@@BangkokPat lol with esactly the same shops as every shopping mall in the world

[@matteoroveretto465]

thanks Pat! Great vlog

[@rogerchesson176]

Many thanks for all your videos Pat, they are all so very interesting. The face of many cities around the world is changing, alas it is for the worse. I first went to Singapore in 1975, and there was so much beautiful Chinese architecture, all that has been replace by ugly glass monstrosities, the same is happening where I live, Phnom Penh is loosing its French Colonial architecture and being replaced by ugly modern design skyscrapers. Carry on with your excellent videos Pat, I am thoroughly enjoying them.

[@dimitar297]

The FCC on Sisowath Quay is getting demolished and that's good. Those old French buildings may look nice but they're terrible for the environment and the economy.

[@bkkfarang4749]

Looking forward to Episode II in the near future 😊.

[@BangkokPat]

Have most of it already finished....Cheers 😎

[@_Alfa.Bravo_]

Hello. It is a cold, rainy day again here in Germany. So another geography lesson about Krungthep is most welcome. Thank you Pat

[@lifeasithappens]

I thought there is a heatwave in Europe ? Cold Rainy ?

[@_Alfa.Bravo_]

@@lifeasithappens ... The heat and forestfires are in Greece, Spain and Italy. Here hot again next week.

[@kylepang5547]

16:13 The montage of photos, from successive decades, is remarkable. The images are indelible, ineffably so. Bangkok, City of Angeles, is a palimpsest of urban sprawl that’s continually being built over, and never perfectly so.

[@Goldeneast11]

The problem, as I see it, is that there is no real legally regulated heritage protection in Thailand. Beyond the protection of temples and palaces. And certainly influential private individuals will always try to prevent the recognition of important buildings as monuments.

[@BangkokPat]

They want it to look rich and affluential, in their blinkered eyes...

[@ma3stro681]

Yes, it’s a national shame …

[@masaiwhite5933]

That Scala building looked awesome....such a shame!....i was nearby many times yet never watched movies in theatres.

[@siscott6066]

I hate it when they just pull down old buildings without any thoughts of what the building represents, In my home town there was a building dating back to the 18th century with a huge beautiful organ player the council decided to demolish half of it for a bus terminal the history lost was and the old organ player went with it as well without trying to salvage it. Nowadays my hometown of Wigan is a builders yard again in 1979-80 they demolitioned a 18th century market hall for a shopping centre in 2020 it's getting demolished and replacing it with you guessed it....a shopping centre with a cinema in it with nowhere to park, when you look at Wigan town centre 89% of shops stand empty there plenty of coffee shops with hardly any clothes shops not even electrical shop it's a disgrace what they have done to this town, so I can see why you are documenting these areas before it's forgotten about.

[@BangkokPat]

Never been to Wigan, almost did for the football back in the 90s

[@johnnysukhumvit9242]

Have you shown the cycling track at Ramkhamhang in your videos recently? Is the track in disrepair?

[@BangkokPat]

I was there in 2020 and it looked in great condition.

[@minimalistation]

Fabulous content, unmatched...................................................

[@tryphonsoleflorus8308]

Great content.Lived here for 2 years and just love this city more than any other in this world (and I've seem most of them). Think I will never leave here now.Thank you mr.Pat!

[@martinryder6910]

Losing its charm and character. "Just another shopping mall"..... says it all

[@Jefe_Perro]

Great video as always Pat. Brought back alot of memories for me of Bangkok back in the 80s and 90s. The last film I saw at the Scala was Slumdog Millionaire. It seemed to be the perfect theatre to watch that movie in for me. Dana of Idea Studio has a couple of the seats from there at his place.

[@zaneobrah]

Would you say the thonburi side of bangkok is more original pat .planning on moving to bkk at the end of the year and want to live in the more "traditional"/real bkk area cheers mate

[@BangkokPat]

Wongwian Yai a nice example of original Bangkok

[@zaneobrah]

@@BangkokPat no worries cheers 😁

[@Tom-Yum-Gai]

I suggest you make a list of areas that will fall to the development cancer, in order of the soonest to go so that people who MIGHT want to see it before it's all gone can do so and focus in future on outlying areas that MIGHT survive with some traditional look. I'm guessing those are going to go soon to UNLESS there is not a wave of rich people investing in or occupying condos, filling upscale shops restaurants and hotels etc. These areas being on the new BTS lines you have been featuring. In other words a short requiem series and a longer "get it while it lasts" series. The more serious loss is the COMMUNITIES if you ask me.

[@themediterraneanguy]

LOVE BANGKOK , such a great top travel destination , perfect to have fun

[@mlli3064]

Very interesting video by Pat. I was impressed by Scala in 2015. I stood outside admiring it. Lockdown was an opportunity too good to miss. Kill viable businesses and let the big money come in and put up malls.

[@porkpie8667]

May Allah bless you

[@davidchow4459]

Always new shopping malls for those luxury name brand products again ? LV , Hermes, Rolex, Chanel......this is really disgusting ! Thanks for the nice video anyway Pat 👍

[@peteswandering2768]

They should move some old buildings to a park similar to the Edo open air architectural park in Tokyo

[@calebjohnson7358]

One thing that sure hasn't changed are the buses

[@BangkokPat]

Should I do a sympathetic video when they finally get off the streets?

[@_Alfa.Bravo_]

3:21 ... I had a lot of difficulties in that moment not to start dancing !!!!!

[@BangkokPat]

Hope you overcame those difficulties and let loose....🐱

[@_Alfa.Bravo_]

@@BangkokPat ... when it comes to spectacular view and great EDM there is one DJ-Set that comes into my mind especialy: "Einmusik b2b Jonas Saalbach live at Preikestolen in Norway for Cercle" ... please let me know, if you like it

[@allthersr3532]

Excellent stuff. Loving these videos Pat. Good to see you are keeping well mate. Roger👍

[@hosopood]

ขอโทษ กับสายอินเทอร์เน็ตที่พันกันวุ่นวาย ด้วยการเติบโตของประชากร และ บริการ ทำให้ความต้องการในการใช้อินเตอความเร็วสูงมีมาก ประเทศไทยมีผู้ให้บริการอินเตอร์เน็ตความเร็วสูงมากกว่า5ผู้ประกอบการ จึงทำให้เกิดความไร้ระเบียบในการวางสายสือสารอินเตอร์เน็ต โดยเอกชนเหล่านี้เป็นคนละบริษัท จึงเกิดความไร้ระเบียบในการวางสายสือสารเกิดขึ้น “ใครเก่งแปลข้อความนี้เป็นภาษาอังกฤษให้หน่อย”

[@BangkokPat]

This translated fine! The messy cables will eventually go undergroundI'm sure but yes there are so many communications cabling since more broadband providers, those cables you can see are nicely folded and not messy!!

[@SoiBuakhaoRoutemasterbus]

What was that about the Eastern Line Pat? A link from Hua Mak to Bang Sue Grand? Not much good as most passengers head for central Bangkok! And these new lines all cost a lot more money than the SRT lines that run now to ride on.... The powers that be seem intent on removing SRT lines from inner Bangkok at all costs......

[@BangkokPat]

The Light Red Line plan from Bang Sue to Hua Mak then later the airport and Chachoengsao has been a plan for at least 20yrs, following the original master plan from 40yrs ago. It's called the 'missing link' to many railway buffs here and there has been a ramp built from Bang Sue to ground level for this future line. I will find the video. Sent you the maps via email and FB

[@rickbold9337]

Same thing happened to Vancouver. Greed has knocked down every old building in order to build higher for more density. All glass city now

[@BangkokPat]

It does happen everywhere, and it's sad when nobody seems to care. Bangkok of yesteryear doesn't hold much fascination for locals.

[@tristanfranken9486]

I've lived here for 5 years and I never watch KZbin content about Thailand or Bangkok in particular, mainly because it's polluted with skint backpackers and miserable folks only seeking out the potential revenue aspect of it. This video however was very refreshing, entertaining and informative to watch. Loads of stuff I didn't know about, most particularly The Clash album. I also found the part at 7:10 to be very entertaining and true. Hope to see more content like this of yours.

[@CC-dx6bc]

Yea just uneducated cheap Farangs. Too lazy even to read a history book. Pat is a shining exception

[@ginettevandenkerckhove6593]

Old Bangkok was very nice thanks d for sharing

[@rupep2424]

FYI: Read news today of a plan to expand Bangkok's canal boat system by nearly half. That sounds like a welcome development. Hopefully the canalside footpath network will be extended too...

[@BangkokPat]

Half of that expansion is of 2 existing routes, but the extra bits will be very useful.

[@andythomas1693]

You must know every bit of central BKK Pat! Wonder when Soi Cowboy will be demolished? It's surrounded by modern buildings & the real estate value must be huge!

[@exalhoa]

Great video Pat. I especially enjoyed the Makkasan part as my condo is right next to the ALR Makkasan station looking west with a view of that whole area. I enjoy watching the conventional trains on the the Eastern line as well as the newer ARL. I can see cars moving around in the maintenance depot also. A couple weeks ago I jumped on the conventional train going west at Asoke (it stops even though it's not a station) and rode it to Hua Lamphong. 2 baht! There is a deteriorating cycling track next to the Makkasan station and now I know why it's been abandoned. I still use it occasionally if it looks like rain because I can move to the area under the rail link if it starts raining.

[@BangkokPat]

Eastern line is a lot of fun....learn the train times and it's straight forward. That station under the ARL at Makkasan is called Asoke Halt, there's a few of those along this route, basic platform only. It's also good as a short cut into the Talat Noi / Chinatown / Electric boat route at Hua Lamphong....as you know!

[@exalhoa]

@@BangkokPat Yes, that was the idea, to ride the electric boat to the river but it only went two stops for some reason. I used the opportunity to check out Rambuttri Alley and that area on the way to the river. I found the real time updating of the trains online and spent some time using it to predict when a train would pass by the condo. It's a bit laggy at times, but I timed it right when I went down for the ride.

[@thomasmerrill3585]

I don't think you have to worry about thailand being a first world country. If they spend 2000 percent in education more that might be a small start??

[@BangkokPat]

Absolutely Thomas. It will never be allowed though. Personal debt and dumbing dowm is key to the status quo here.

[@olarnchu-zd1ir]

Most middle age Thais are busy making money to care about preservation. While the older Thais reminisce about the wonderful Bkk of old, but are powerless to do anything except complained. I am ashamed to see an outsider recognizing this important issues, and not the born and raise Thais KZbinrs.

[@BangkokPat]

Do not be ashamed at all. I read many Thai history type groups online, and get ideas from them about what would make this kind of content relevant, and then I research the news article surrounding it. There are also lots of videos done by small Thai channels too, that I follow. This kind of content is not followed by many because the big channels don't have time to worry about these things so at least I am trying. And I am half Thai so only half outsider.

[@argonaut816]

Isn't Bangkok a sinking city? In 50 years it will likely have slipped under the waves. No sign of a Bangkok barrier.

[@TonyPepperoni-y3t]

Awesome ! I never knew that about the Clash album. I actually saw the Clash Live in concert in 1983 when they opened up for The Who at Shea Stadium in Queens, New York City.

[@viperine4577]

As usual your videos are great, relaxing to watch, entertaining, great edition and music. Yep, old BKK is almost gone😢. Succumbed to corruption and money laundry…that’s the estense of such “development” in BKK.

[@eberhardkurz9432]

BKK will never be cosmopolitan bcs the people are not.😢

[@angadskate28]

Saddens me to see what is happening to Bkk, but makes me happy to see another BKK Pat vid

[@BangkokPat]

Glad and sad to hear that mate.

[@sergefranchois1701]

Unfortunately, in 25 years from now, they will regret having demolished the buildings of architectural relevance. The new buildings that replaced them, will be considered ugly by that time, of no significance, or even been abandoned. Not against modernisation either, but true heritage should be cherished alongside the glass, steel & concrete of this day and age. As you said at the beginning, business has no emotion. It's up the governance however, to do something about it, to protect the sites of historical importance.

[@BangkokPat]

They will regret it when the new structures start looking ragged in 30yrs time.

[@sidecar7714]

And that will be England gone, The shadows, the meadows, the lanes, The guildhalls, the carved choirs. There’ll be books; it will linger on In galleries; but all that remains For us will be concrete and tyres. Philip Larkin

[@aussie-kiwi]

Bangkok a 1st world city Yes. Bangkok a 3rd world city Yes. A taste of both living side by side. For me thats the cities attraction. A city you can choose your lifestyle within a few steps.

[@AlisonAZ]

I have not been to Bangkok since 2005. Sigh. My great great grandfather was the US consul to Siam from 1876 to 1881 (The US did not think Siam was worthy of a full embassy and ambassador). Rama V did not think the USA was worth much attention either. How could he negotiate agreements with a government with short-term rulers?

[@RolandPer]

Luckily Bangkok has it charms on its temples and floating markers and night markets without looking at the new skyscrapers flowering next decade.

[@mimisclub560]

Great content, Pat. I am a Thai 90's kid who missed the old architectures and the old scenes when I grew up. In Summer, I spent time in BKK for ice skating or spending time at the shopping malls, lol. To be honest, Thai retails know how to draw shoppers to the mall , being apart of their lifestyles. I have had great experiences in Thai malls more than The USA . Siam Square has a different vibe for the next generation. In 2021 article, an up-font payment was required for 600 mil Baht from CP Development (1st spot Thai Retail Developer )to pay PMCU for 600 Mill Baht only 2.76 acres. In order to connect Block A and Siamscape. The idea is to develop the Street Shopping scene.

[@michaelmalone3346]

Another great, thought-provoking and informative video. Thank you for all your hard work!

[@Kenzer935]

Bangkok Pat's videos makes Bangkok stand out as THE city. What is London, Paris and New York compared to old but changing Krung Thep. Venice has its canals but Bangkok has khlongs Maybe the khlongs will be the last defence against the ongoing battle between commercial modernization and heritage.

[@JG-ke7gj]

With the never ending new high-rise hotels and condominiums the traditional Bangkok streetlife based on mom and pop shops disappear. Instead we have sterile streets with walls and fences. How convenient it is in the heat or the rain to just being able to stop for a drink or some great street food and cover from the pour down. They are quickly demolishing the very essence of Bangkok life.

[@BangkokPat]

Good points, but the developers don't care.

[@blackbolt1013]

Im sad to see this happening. I love history and you do a great job taking us back in time. Thanks for the work that you do.

[@pexpac]

Nothing says cultured than shopping global brands. I saw a girl on the green line in full black Nike outfit and tall white socks, topped off with a black beanie, like a LA chick. I thought that was cosmopolitan and bland, but mostly wondered why she did not have a heat stroke. As a first timer in Thailand I have had to strip down to cope with the heat. Have visited some malls and yes they are the same all over the world. They are just finely tuned instruments, playing the music of transactions. The girls deep into their smartphone screens, scrolling fast between an endless stream of shorts, is just like everywhere else. Copy+paste to eleven.

[@DouglasMcfarlane-m2u]

The changes happening in Bangkok are no different to changes happens all over the world .. here in London gentrification and the loss of small shops etc turning the city into a homogeneous mass .. I understand the concern but I once spoke to a resident of Istanbul who pointed out Istanbul is not a museum for rich comfortable westerners to come visit and gawk at the quaint residents of the city living as there grandparents had !!!! He pointed out that he and the ordinary working people living and working in Istanbul wanted to live in a modern well designed functioning city ..

[@RuayTorng]

Thank you for making such an informative video!

[@stevenbarton5949]

Just a note of thanks for you very excellent efforts, and we hope that you continue this for a long time to come. (Been here since 1983)

[@BangkokPat]

Cheers Steven, 40yrs is a couple of lifetimes for many!

[@vgshwk]

Thanks Pat it is a mix of national, city and family heritage being lost all in one. I am amazed that Bangkok keeps putting up shopping mall where as many in the west are being abandoned or are only at 50% occupancy.

[@BangkokPat]

It didn't rain much filming this except one day when l gave up 😁

[@jareds5249]

Mall culture is huge in Asia. People go there to escape the heat and to gather and be social, rather than being alone staring at a black box all night. And Asia malls are 1000 times better than American malls.

[@naechamchot3430]

Another great episode. I was just there and walked down the Haroon Mosque Soi. I'm glad to hear that at least the old customs building will still stand and be renovated. Hopefully, the community can still thrive there in the future

[@BangkokPat]

Personally l think it's a matter of time. 5yrs and the Haroon community will be packing their bags....

[@naechamchot3430]

@BangkokPat that would make me so sad. Everytime I visit Bangkok, it seems to change to more malls and condos. The street food I remember in Silom and the riverside had disappeared. I tell my wife we need to go to less developed areas to get the old magic back. Highso=mediocre food.

[@gopher1471]

A very difficult subject and one in which you can't please everyone. Do you knock down slums to rehouse people in better conditions, or just improve the slums and not tear people up from where they have lived all their lives. A sympathetic look at life in BKK, imo you have to have progress, all those new rail lines are changing BKK forever and look unsightly to many but their benefits with improved traffic flow and hopefully lower pollution are required to move things forward for the majority. This, to me, is the real problem, the individual or small community can end up suffering just to appease the masses, who is right and who is wrong, the only thing I can say is make sure what you are doing is right because you can never put the clock back. Another insightful video, cheers Pat. :)

[@beerman204]

Has Bangkok been one of the most visited cities in the world because people want to see and shop at tall glass and concrete malls? Of course some do. But if "big money" thinks they are what the future of Bangkok should be about, they will turn Bangkok into another Waikiki and Honolulu Hawaii where the original culture is almost gone and no native can afford to live there. If local culture and heritage continues to be replaced by big money Bangkok will be just another franchise city. The answer may be to share Bangkok- 50% modern "show me the money" structures, and 50% street food merchants and small local heritage businesses and enterprises.

[@amen6755]

Very insightful. Thank you!

[@senianns9522]

I was first in Bangkok Christmas '73. Loved what I saw and experienced but so sad I didn't take photo's! No digital cameras of phones of course and films and developing very expensive to me as a 21 year old! * Better to spend the money elsewhere in those days!! Cheers Pat.

[@speaksthis]

Lots of views at the Scala, but 'Ghost' has to be the most memorable. For a decade I think it was #1 in Thailand. Thanks, Pat.

[@nicks416]

Great content as usual BKK Pat! As someone who lives, when in BKK, in Makasaan it will be mightly interesting to see the changes in 6-7 years time. They have been talking about doing something there for so long it is always uncertain whether anything will actually happen! We shall see. Would love to meet so I can finally buy you a drink one of these days.

[@KF-cx8bm]

This is just fantastically interesting, thank you 😊

[@klokohler]

An other excellent video. Thank you Pat.

[@beestonbump1106]

Thank you, Pat. Your videos will age like fine wine.

[@EGO0808]

Bangkok ranks high on the most visited cities in the world listings, the city is becoming more and more a megapolis, it has longstanding challenges with traffic congestion and pollution, the city is literally sinking and in all that, there are historical buildings going down and the erection of what is considered modern and appealing (we need glamour and attractions, who needs a cinema, when the vast majority is watching online) is apparent. I can understand it from the overall perspective of each side, preserve and modernize, grow and become (more) sustainable. It starts with a vision on the long term, where does Bangkok want to be in let's say 2300? And which parts of its history should be still there and how would they integrate in this modern 2300 vision of Bangkok.

[@tonythaiger93]

well 40 year old buses are keeping heritage strong.

[@BangkokPat]

Good point, and they get all over the city, Thailand 4.0 as they keep claiming!

[@choompol]

It’s used to have one of the best Peking Duck restaurants in Bangkok at Scala theater.

[@ronsmith8783]

The same in most cities Pat , when was the last time you were in London . Unrecognisable from 20years ago . Some of it has been for the better though . Money will always win out

[@djnikx1]

Awesome! Keep rolling buddy.

[@garysmith4418]

Say no more. Boom ! Well said BKK Pat.. GREAT VIDEO.

[@nuttjira5281]

I like your clips it look deepin to BKK. Thank you.

[@CheCosaTesoro]

NOT THE SCALA!!!!!😢 It was a gem.

[@nitinandkongsiri3267]

Most properties in Bangkok are long term lease that have expire and new development are form through new lease making a lot of money for the land owners.