Patpong - The Secret History of Bangkok's Notorious Nightlife District 💃🏻

This episode uncovers Patpong's evolution, from its roots in a banana plantation to one of Southeast Asia's most modern business & nightlife districts, which was center stage to covert CIA operations during the Secret War in Laos. Discover the impact of Air America, expat bars post-Vietnam War, and the notorious figures who called Patpong home.

Join me as I interview the owner of the legendary Bar Madrid and a former Air America pilot, revealing untold stories of covert operations, nightlife, and infamous characters like Jack Shirley, Tony Poe & Charles Sobhraj, "The Serpent."

Explore the intriguing intersections of history, war, and nightlife that shaped Patpong into the vibrant area it is today.

⚠️Important Correction: Coppola denies that Poe was a primary influence for Colonel Kurtz and says the character was loosely based on Special Forces Colonel Robert B. Rheault. Although the similarities to Tony Poe are striking, and it’s widely stated online & in museums, it was never confirmed by the director himself.

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📕 Bangkok Babylon | Giveaway
I give away one copy of this Bangkok classic by Jerry Hopkins, who encountered, talked to & wrote stories about many of the character from this episode. Here is how you can win!

1. Subscribe to my Youtube channel! (@JohnRunaway.Official)
2. Comment with "Bangkok Babylon" & tell me in the comment section below why you are interested in receiving the book!

I will pick a winner by 30. August 2024 and announce it on my Youtube (Community Post), Instagram & reply to your comment to notify you for further details to make sure your book arrives at your desired location.

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📍Information & Locations:
https://www.johnrunaway.com/post/ufot...

📰 SCMP Article: Area 51 of Asia by Todd Ruiz
https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifest...

🗄️ CIA - Stargate Project Documents
https://www.theblackvault.com/documen...

📑 VICE Article on the Gateway Process (Good Read)
https://www.vice.com/en/article/7k9qa...

📑 The Akashic Records (Wiki)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akashic...

Special Thanks to:
Adam, Jenny, Izzy, Neil, Jessica, The Patpong Museum, Michael Rogge, Harald Reportagen, Plang Mun Mun

00:00 Intro
01:04 History of Patpong
02:15 First Jim Thompson Shophouse
02:54 Air America & The Secret War in Laos
04:06 Interview with Izzy (Air America Pilot)
08:20 Patpong - Historical Daytime Locations
09:30 Interview with Jenny (Bar Madrid)
13:11 CIA Officers - Jack Shirley & Tony Poe
17:39 The first Go-Go Bars - Rick Menard
18:13 Patpong famous Film Locations
18:54 Patpong Nightlife - The Pink Panther
20:20 Old Office Bar
20:54 Crown Royal
22:41 Kanit House & Charles Sobhraj (The Serpent)


#Patpong #Bangkok #Nightlife #CIA #VietnamWar #AirAmerica #CharlesSobhraj #TheSerpent #History #Espionage #TrueCrime #Documentary