Crocodile Disco to reopen as go-go bar
PATONG: Crocodile Disco, which was gutted by fire in March, will reopen next year as an a-go-go venue, Amnuay Kuabkum, former Manager of Crocodile Disco, has told the Gazette.
The fire, which broke out early on March 13, caused damage estimated at 40 million baht to the three-story complex, located at the end of Soi Moulin Rouge. The soi, more commonly known as “Soi Katoey” because of its go-go dancing ladyboys, is home to one of Patong’s most popular strips of beer bars.
K. Amnuay explained that Sompet Moosophon, the owner of Crocodile, has decided to forge ahead despite the insurance payout for the damage being delayed due to the ongoing forensic investigation into the cause of the blaze.
“We are still waiting for results of forensic tests by police. I have been told by police that they have completed their tests and have come up with a theory of how the fire started, but they are waiting for their chief to confirm it on paper before letting us know the results,” K. Amnuay said.
“We do not believe the fire was started intentionally, and we intend to carry on with our business,” he added.
K. Amnuay went on to explain, “We have lost some of our staff because we have closed our business for so long. The staff had to find new jobs and now we have to employ new staff and train them, too.”
He explained, however, that K. Sompet has taken on a partner to help finance building the new a-go-go bar next year.
In the meantime, K. Sompet and K. Amnuay quietly opened The Loft Night Club, near Tiger Discotheque, on May 7. “The grand opening of The Loft Night Club will be May 19, but we are already open and ready to serve our customers,” K. Amnuay said.
