Thaniya Paza

Thaniya Plaza, water color on paper, 5x7 inch

On Patpong’s fringe, Thaniya Plaza is for the Japanese executive crowd in Bangkok.  They are Thailand’s largest group of Expats, owning and running most of the automobile and electronics factories.  Thaniya’s set-up to look like Tokyo’s Ginza with a vertical array of clubs, KTV’s, bars and cozy hang-outs, over a hundred, all with colorful Japanese signs. The Thai girls are dressed in kimonos and gowns and speak a little Japanese.  Hello, How are you, Handsome man, Do you want whiskey, Thank you so much, Nice to see you, Please come back.  They bow from the waist with heads tilted down.

If a western guy approaches, they turn and look the other way, sometimes pointing towards the little sign on the door that says, For Japanese Only.

Three Friends

Three Friends, water color on paper, 18x24 inch

One of them smiles while the other two watch carefully to see what effect her smile might have.  They’ve known each other since they were kids and see the world with six eyes, adding to each other’s knowledge every day by sharing everything they learn.  It’s the key to their survival.  Very few Thai’s live their lives alone.

Flirting

Flirting, water color on paper, 5x7 inch

She likes the guy so much, she’s like a young girl flirting in school, sticking out her tongue and pushing him away in order to get his attention.  If he’s got any brains and can think after drinking so much beer, he will realize how incredibly sweet she is and how wonderful she can be.  But, surrounded by so many other girls, he will probably break her heart.  That is, if she lets him.

Timothy at Pegasus Club

Timothy at Pegasus Club, water color on paper, 18x24 inch

Timothy’s been 10 years in Bangkok, Director of Asia Marketing for a leading luxury goods company.  He spends his days in a gleaming office tower, reviewing the latest campaigns,  checking demographics, chasing down manufacturers of counterfeit goods. He’s built an Asian luxury goods empire, made a few million along the way. A regular at Pegasus, the Mamasan knows him well, as do many of the 200 girls.  He brings out-of-town clients there as well as the guys from headquarters. The smiles, beauty and style leave them dazzled, dizzy and grateful, an ultimate boys night out.