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John Runaway
Thailand
เข้าร่วมเมื่อ 1 พ.ย. 2022
My name is John & I'm a Runaway! I show you my favorite places & hidden gems around Bangkok!
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 TH-cam 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 TH-cam (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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📞 Book a 1-on-1 Consultation!
www.buymeacoffee.com/johnruna...
Chat with me about everything from visiting Thailand, must-see places, creating your personal itinerary, living & working in Thailand, dos and don'ts, and all things in between!
☕️ Buy me a Coffee!
www.buymeacoffee.com/johnrunaway
I'm just starting out and would love to spend more time growing this channel! If you enjoy this content, I'm super grateful for your support! ☕️🙏🏻
🦜 Become a Patreon
patreon.com/johnrunaway
Get early access to my latest episodes & get credited for just $1 a month!
📍Information & Locations:
www.johnrunaway.com/post/ufot...
📰 SCMP Article: Area 51 of Asia by Todd Ruiz
www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifest...
🗄️ CIA - Stargate Project Documents
www.theblackvault.com/documen...
📑 VICE Article on the Gateway Process (Good Read)
www.vice.com/en/article/7k9qa...
📑 The Akashic Records (Wiki)
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
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.
---------
📕 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 TH-cam 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 TH-cam (Community Post), Instagram & reply to your comment to notify you for further details to make sure your book arrives at your desired location.
---------
📞 Book a 1-on-1 Consultation!
www.buymeacoffee.com/johnruna...
Chat with me about everything from visiting Thailand, must-see places, creating your personal itinerary, living & working in Thailand, dos and don'ts, and all things in between!
☕️ Buy me a Coffee!
www.buymeacoffee.com/johnrunaway
I'm just starting out and would love to spend more time growing this channel! If you enjoy this content, I'm super grateful for your support! ☕️🙏🏻
🦜 Become a Patreon
patreon.com/johnrunaway
Get early access to my latest episodes & get credited for just $1 a month!
📍Information & Locations:
www.johnrunaway.com/post/ufot...
📰 SCMP Article: Area 51 of Asia by Todd Ruiz
www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifest...
🗄️ CIA - Stargate Project Documents
www.theblackvault.com/documen...
📑 VICE Article on the Gateway Process (Good Read)
www.vice.com/en/article/7k9qa...
📑 The Akashic Records (Wiki)
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
มุมมอง: 13 243
วีดีโอ
Khao Kala Hill & the UFO Phenomenon in Thailand
มุมมอง 7K10 หลายเดือนก่อน
Khao Kala Hill & the UFO Phenomenon in Thailand
Watching ONE Championship Live in Bangkok
มุมมอง 907ปีที่แล้ว
Watching ONE Championship Live in Bangkok
Pure Nostalgia at a Toy Museum in Bangkok
มุมมอง 507ปีที่แล้ว
Pure Nostalgia at a Toy Museum in Bangkok
Awesome video
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it 🙏🏻
I published an IG reel today, where i complained that the Aliens are everywhere...but not in Thailand. And now I am here! 😂
haha yeah I was wondering that too, that's why I made the Episode 😅
If you have watched the TV show ‘the rookie’ there is a character named shiptracer Randy. You very much remind me of him….in a good way 😁
Haha, thanks 😅 Let me check-out that show tomorrow to find out if that's a compliment or not 😂
aaah nice haha, I love that guy, thanks 😃 Not familiar with the series but I know that comedian!
Bro why didn't you tell the prices of all those items you bought?! Video would be much more informative if you mentioned their prices!
Hey Hey, yup should've probably done it, but most of the items are pretty low-cost. All detailed info incl. prices and locations are linked in the description box below ✌🏻www.johnrunaway.com/post/souvenirs-thailand
Nice Tour John! Street Art is so fascinating and adds much to the vibe of a place. Both in good or bad ways.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Tiger balm is Thai product and also good idea for souvenir, Thank you to buy the Thai products and please come back again, we welcome you with a warm heart always.
Thank you for the kind comment 🙏🏻 I'm back soon with more videos :)
คุณ จอห์น เขากะลามันไม่มีufo มีคนคนเพี้ยนๆ มีแต่พวกเค้าที่เคยเห็น คนอื่นไม่เห็น
Captivating, fun and informative vids, John, even for repeat visitors to BKK. Thank you 👏👏🤣
You honestly have one of the best videos of its kind on TH-cam! I even forgot I was watching a TH-cam video. It was more like watching a really good TV short! Your music and voiceovers are have great sound quality and ambiance, and the transitions and text insets art top notch! I can’t say enough to congratulate you! 👏
Wow thanks for your awesome feedback 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 I really appreciate it since I havn't published a new one in a while. Need to motivate myself to find time and get back out there - The UFO Episode and the Patpong Episode took the life out of me a little 😂 But I'll be back soon!
What a dick! Amazing doucheFace thumbnail! Congrats you look like every unimaginative, lazy creator on YT. Clearly intelligent people choose stupid face thumbnails because looking like an idiot is a huge indicator that your content must be amazing! 😂
Thnak u .. nice video and recommendations!
My pleasure 😊 Glad you enjoyed it!
เลิศ ศิลา จอร์น เวย์ พาร์ รามอน เด็กเกอร์เคยชกที่นี่ก่อนจะโด่งดังระดับโลก
I made a picture in sakon nakhon and you can see an ufo in the sky. i just saw it later after watching the picture again. i know the place very good and i don´t know what it is. it was not moving and later it was gone. no one belive me but they also not know what it could be after watching it.
You should share the picture with the Khao Kala community!
River City was was favorite please send a copy of that book to Bobby Ferdosi 1660 Sherman Way # 150 Van Nuys CA USA 91406
In case you missed it, the communists won
Very nice video thank you. Great job,👍
Thank you 🙏🏻 I'm glaub you enjoyed it!
Great video, thanks 🙏🏻
Glad you enjoyed it!
I winder if these are still around..ill investigate today ..i know platinum is 🕵️♂️
@@RoneZone Yup they are still all around!
@JohnRunaway.Official Rad!! Thank you man! On the way to Seacon plaza now because of your video..appreciate the video! Great info! I'll sub 🙏🏻
I want to go to the Festival! I ❤ 🇨🇷!
we are thinking to go there too, but I think it's not confirmed yet for January 2025
The Grand Prix bar was where Neil Davis was drinking when he raced out to film the 1985 Thai military coup,he was killed by a round from a pro-coup tank, near a radio tower.
Whats your camera model.?
Sony ZV1 & DJI Action 📹 for the retro shots I record on a Sony Mini-DV
Awesome video. I was lucky enough to visit the Patpong Museum in 2019 which brought to life the Patpong Story. Bars such as Madrid, Cosmo, Mizu's Kitchen and Safari sadly closed down during "Covid Lockdown" and Patpong has never been the same since. My first visit to the area was in 1993, when it was still viewed as the No1 entertainment area in BKK, ahead of Soi Cowboy ...and a new emerging place called Nana Plaza.
Happy you got to see the area in 1993! It's sad that the Patpong Museum closed, I couldn't believe how well put together and informative it was when I first visited.
Look for the place the government shut down. The real secret is there.
Went to Khao Kala August 2024. Saw many blue Orbs, not at the lookout. This place is real. Look up, you will see. Camera is the secret. Look at video steven olive
Next year in January i`ll try to find "Find the locker room" bar. As are barfly i want to mention here some other bars. My favourite "not so hidden" Bars. Teens of Thailand (great name for a bar) Gin Bar @ Soi Nana in Chinatown and the Black Swan Bar Suk Soi 19. An English style old school bar. They offers Gins and a great Ciders Choice
You have really some interesting topics @ your youtube channel . Fresh and modern and the world needs more German youtubers reporting from Thailand/BKK like you.
Thanks so much 🙏🏻 appreciate the kind words
Insightful documentary, would look into Bangkok Babylon book, sign me up for the book draw please!
You're in the draw! I will post the random winner on TH-cam Community tab next week! Good luck :) ...and thanks for watching the episode! Happy you enjoyed it 🙏🏻
nice video, never heard of this place before. i had ufo sightings twice or more myself, but not in Thailand
oh wow, I have personally never seen one 🛸
For me the best thing in BKK is crawling through the Sois that I never has been before and of course as a stamp collector the area around the GPO and these stamp shops.
But first I was improve my "English"😉
Hello, I was in the US Army during the 70's. While in I spent much of the time in Thailand. I have great memories. :-)
When I stay i Bangkok (every year for Holiday since 1991) in try to get a room in these old family owned Rest & Recreation Hotels. But there are only a few left.
I think you are from Germany, just like me. Try to catch a copy of Peter Scholls Latour´s : Tod im Reisfeld. I´ll bet you find a copy in these used Bookshops at the Khao San Road.
Oh damn, I havn't heard about it. Is it fiction or is it based on stories from Bangkok? (Yes, you guessed correctly... Deutschland) 😄
@@JohnRunaway.Official Non Fiction . He lived many years in South East Asia and reported from this war. He was also captured by the Viet Cong.
That knockout was brutal... hope he was okay.
yeah I'm always bit worried when I see those KOs 🫣
Hab damals 4 Jahre gebraucht um die "Find the photobooth" Bar zu finden. Ok, es gibt noch viel zu tun.
haha, ja manche Bars sind echt gut versteckt 😅
Thanks 🙏🏽 this was a great discovery. My favorite piece was by Kona! Big fan of stencil art
@@ibrahimrahim8714 Thanks 🙏🏻 Yeah Kona piece is cool! I do like the Elephants in Talad Noi a lot!
@@JohnRunaway.Official I’ll be in BKK next month so I’ll have to checkout the vibe
John, I was the one who gave Izzy's contact details to you via K. Jenny, and I've gotta say that you've done a good job with this video. The Madrid was the first place I went (on a recommendation from Bubba Strahan, who was another legend on Patpong from 1980-1985) in 1993, and Jack Shirley was the first person I met that night. He had MANY stories and was always fun to drink with. Jack and Tony Poe worked in different arenas in Laos. But Jack followed orders better than Tony did. Legend has it that without fail, those two would get into a huge brawl about once a year. I think the video of Tony that you shared is from a story (from the BBC, I think) where they also have an interview with Jack. My wife and I were in the background of that video as we were there the day of the interview. But I've not been able to find it recently. Thanks for putting the time and effort into this. It brings back many fond memories and is something that I'll be sharing with many of my friends. Billy
Hey Billy, I'm glad you enjoyed it! I would've loved to be around during those times 😅 Yes, I've heard from Izzy that Jack & Tony would get into brawls (bad ones too), and then hang out drinking together later that evening 😃
Loved this video, going into detail of Pat Pong showing a great insight of Bangkok’s history. I have been living here in bangkok for the past 3 years and always researching and wanting to know the history of this wonderful city. I would love to win a copy of “Bangkok Babylon”
@@sitesuite Thanks for the nice comment 🙏🏻 You're in the draw for the book 📕
Hey Hey, you won the book :) Send me an email or write me on instagram with your address - I'll send over a copy 📕
@@JohnRunaway.Official ok will do, wohoo I won 💪🏼
0.07 where is this?
this mural is next to 'Chow Jung CJ Auto' on Sukhumvit 36! maps.app.goo.gl/RasydyVr5kCxUzyGA?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy
21.31 where is this located?
oh, conveniently that is located exactly next to the first mural you asked about :D :D maps.app.goo.gl/RasydyVr5kCxUzyGA?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy
Great watch. Thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching!
How much for the custom shoe’s? How much for the custom sneakers?
Hey, best reach out to Three Shoes directly! Those shoes all vary in price depending on materials & size. I think dress shoes are less expensive than the Sneakers, but after several months wearing the Custom Sneakers, they are still by far my most favorite & most comfortable shoes I have in my closet!
@@JohnRunaway.Official thanks John nice sneakers by the way like your vid
@@ThaRealFixx Thanks 🙏🏻
good video. good to see someone looking at the history side of bangkok and thailand. I am personally interested in learning more about the history and will looking to visit anywhere there which can illuminate to me some passed stories.. "Bangkok Babylon" I would to read this book. Learn some history from it on the side of my own research via google. I was in bangkok for 11days last year but was not so well and will be returning 2025 to stay a number of months before proceeding to visit the rest of Asia..
Nice! Happy to have you back here in 2025 😊 Thanks for the nice comment and I will add you in to the draw for the book! 📕
This makes me miss Bkk! I started a yoga school on Patpong (probably the only one ever) between 2001 and 2006, then moved to another part of the city. Madrid was still open then
Would've loved to visit the old Madrid - But Jenny does a great job at the new Madrid. I think there's no other place that serves home-cooked style western food quite like her place does!
Hey, I enjoyed this. You've got some good content. Look, keep up the good work and you'll see incremental success I'm sure.
Thanks so much 🙏🏻 Appreciate it, I will try 😅
Wow this is a wonderful history story and ppl nowadays don’t know at all. I am glad that you guys found Izzy, because he is probably the last history teller that used to be on duty of CIA after my stepdad passed away last year (one guy in the group photo at opening story). He must be happy if he can watch this video from another side. Thank you and keep doing kind of this content. Good job.👍🏼
Yes I was really happy Izzy was welcoming and excited to talk to us 🙏🏻 It was also as much fun as it was interesting, because he has a really unique character. I could've listen to him for days, even after already spending more than 8 hours with him 😃
Absolutely fantastic video. I live in bkk, with my laos wife. I know patpong really interested in the history. Ok now I'll go deep. The US have a duty of care to CLEAN UP THEIR SHIT. Laos people to this day are still finding unexploded ordinance ,I'm speaking from experience. I hate it when the US vets claim to be heroes when basically they ran away. US sort it out
Yes, I have missed to mention the bombing campaign part in my video, just because I thought it's already presented in every documentary or report I read, and it's an entry to go deeper and deeper into this topic. I've basically started this Episode to dive into many diverse parts of that history and the effects on the Patpong area, but you are absolutely right - the entire history of the secret war in Laos, it's beginnings and the aftermath is a very long story, deep story to tell and I could've tell it more whole. As to Soldiers or Pilots presenting themselves as Heroes, I don't believe that applies to Izzy - He wasn't flying for the military, he was flying cargo. I got the overwhelming sense that he just genuinely enjoyed being a pilot. There are a lot of parts of the interview I had to edit out (because not relevant to the story) where he pivoted towards all the specific planes and models he was flying or story's from the airstrip. He really loved planes, and I believe he would still be a pilot somewhere if he could. A sort of fun anecdote I missed to include, because I did not fully caught it on camera is that he was awarded with rescuing the first POW in Laos at some point. That government certificate is standing on the shelf, covered by another certificate from a Golf Course for a Hole-in-One 😅 When I asked him why that hole-in-one certificate is more front and center on his shelf, he said: "Well, that's a really difficult thing to pull off."
@@JohnRunaway.Official thanks for the detailed reply. Bombies, ning thought they were just metal tennis balls 🤔
Oh the US could do so much more to help, remember Obama's empty words
@@kevwandless of course, I don't dispute that at all
Hi John, I’m May, Izzy’s niece. I wasn’t at home during the filming, but I've had the chance to watch the video. I just want to express my heartfelt thanks for creating such an amazing video. Izzy was absolutely delighted when he saw it. Thank you for skillfully crafting and presenting story in such a wonderful way. It means the world to both Izzy and our family. Thank you. ❤❤❤
@@vorrapanna Thank you so much May 🙏🏻 I am still in the process to send you guys a small thank you package incl. a DVD for Izzy. (because I noticed that he has a copy of Flying Men, Flying Machines as well, which is also available on TH-cam) But please don't tell him and spoil the surprise 🙏🏻😅
@@JohnRunaway.Official Thank you very kindly 🙏🏻
Hi May!!! John, I am Izzy's cousin! He is one of my closest even though we are 24 hours apart. Love this!
Ditto John! And May, thank you so much for your wonderful endorsement.🙏
Allso Bar in Sth Thong Lor is shit-hot. No pretention.
So many new good hidden bars! I will have to make another one on bars in general 😅
Good video
Thanks 🙏🏻
Bangkok Babylon. Well-made video. Subbed for the channel, not just the free book. I think i'll go on a walking tour of Pat Pong after seeing this. Haven't been there in ages.
I genuinely want to read that book. :)
Nice! You're in the draw for the book! 📕