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Paul is the sole owner. Although he did not have to do so he made a promise to pay all staff for the month of March when Secrets was basically shut for the rebranding exercise and the staff had an additional extended paid holiday. That he did out of his own pocket but as he apparently explained to the staff who returned at a meeting the payment of future wages would need to be spread throughout each month. Those who have met Paul will have found him to be a very down to earth and likeable individual but also a very private person. He is not a person given to posting on social media and forums. I think he might not be too pleased at me commenting here about him but I really like the guy and I do not believe he deserves much of the flak being directed at him. I have no idea about the figures involved, it is quite literally none of my business, but I have a good idea that he risked much to do his best to turn Secrets around and keep all the staff in paid employment. Now for the news that I am sure he would not be too pleased at me for posting. Paul had a reoccurance of the problems associated with a tumour he has in his back. He had succesful treatment which ended a couple of years ago but as the tumour is right next to his spine a small "dormant" residual remains. Some weeks ago It moved slightly and is pressing on a nerve causing Paul absolute agony. So bad it has made walking difficult. Whilst some members have been demanding information or salivating at the thought of the possible demise of the business, Paul has been having protracted treatment to try to move it as a patient in BPH. Pattaya is suffering from the lowest of low seasons. It remains to be seen which venue's come out the other side or even if there is another side?

Danny you don't owe anybody an explanation things are very hard right now hope everything works out for Paul in the bar you're right it's a very nice guy

As someone who was involved from the very beginning there is no question absolutely none that the Forum drove that business and without that forum it would have not succeeded those May argue but that's the plain fact. Ben was very smart getting the Forum off the ground 1 year before the bar ever came to be opened. We had Secrets meetings at other bars around town during the building the excitement was building to see just what this new bar would be. All of that because of the forum plain and simple. I think the location it's a poor one nothing else on that Soi to speak of. To this day I have guys that I talk to that come to town and tell me they couldn't get to the hotel and throw their bags down quick enough and get into Secrets when they arrived here. It wasn't for everybody but back in the day it was the place. I never forget opening night we open the doors at 8 people came through the doors like we were giving hundred dollar bills away. I had customers tell me they came they were there for 30 minutes and couldn't get a drink because it was just too swamped. Far more than I would have ever expected and I'm guessing anybody else. I'm real happy to have been a part of it.

Wild salmon and baby new potatoes

Its a business matter, not a private family matter. Same as I would do a quick check before employing a plumber or an electrician and if I learn some negative things I'll just not hire him. Anyway, work on your post count....

there we go , an honest reply. lets be fair to danny and the owner and let them sort it out in peace. as said this is the toughest of low seasons with most going into it already inthe hole as opposed to years ago when they could wedge up in the high season. this is a very unforgiving marketplace, pattaya, and it will only the toughest and most determined who come out of the other side. many have key money and annual rent to pay I am seeing fear in the eyes of much bigger businesses than bars right now. it will, as always, come out ok but when is another question

Second time's the charm.. They are planning to shutting off the water for real this time on Wednesday. What we learned last time is that only residences and businesses which don't have a water tank big enough to supply water for a day will be affected by this..

No flak, just questions . And rather justified as most posters were customers of ex-Secrets, and active members of Sh forum, thereby contributing (past and present) to promoting the bar. Its your post that is ridicule...

Thanks for the update Jambo, yes the flak the place is copping is utterly disgusting...... people need to mind their own business.

Hope you are gonna wear the right attire.😀

Rory is favourite and the only reason he played the Canadian Open ( his first time ) is that the greens are the same grass as Pebble Beach , apparently ...... he's certainly the in form player at the moment..

alors j essaye, bon anniversaire et des jours inoubliables en indo, luigi

I knew what you meant, Phil.

Perfect.

Is this true both Pig and Whistle and Rosie's gone ???? Both were always busy over the years and walked past them last month but did not really look. We need Big John or Striderman to do a recce! Thanks to BM Jambo and hope Paul gets well soon. Agree really nice bloke.

The reason I started going to the Pig and Whistle is because I got food poisoning in Rosie's although I know many swear by the place. Just the once for me.

Historic - from last years International Firework Festival at Pattaya.

So that's 4 hours of football,against two pretty mediocre sides & England didn't manage a single goal in open play.Even the penalty they got was after a Dutch mistake. Thank god for the cricket....

hope staff get payed whatever story. no excuse not pay staff

Thanks for that. I'm binging it on Kodi right now. Quite entertaining.

In case some of you decide to come live in the country of the Gods after Brexit, here is a paper for english expats in France. It has sometimes interesting info. https://www.thelocal.fr Like how to jump queue for your residency permit https://www.thelocal.fr/20190607/revealed-the-black-market-in-residency-permit-appointments-in-france

Tomorrow is my birthday, so this evening the Miss is organizing a small BBQ for a few family and neighbours this evening. Shopping in progress (fish, chicken, etc..) and a bit of alcohol for the young crew. She comes home with this stuff, asking me "this is ok, Papa ?" .... Well, knowing its local made, cost 80 K (175 Thb) whereas a basic bottle of Captain Morgan rum or vodka (which is already very rough stuff) cost 4 times that...... Could be interesting.... For safety I have beer, and brought a bottle of rosé with me.

A BM on another forum made the same comment about the height of the box. I was at Easy R-Con last night so snapped another pic from the other end. Once they put the cap on the box and bring the road grade up to that level, the new top of the road is going to be higher than the base of the shop on the right. It'll be interesting to see the finished product and its impact on the surrounding businesses after the first heavy rain.

When I'll see the local "brothers" doing the war dance like that in front of the mosque, I'll know it will be time to jump on the Missus bike and get the hell out of town ....

I wonder what their business plan looked like. Open doors and make lots of dosh!

Poached egg pan I would guess

Passed away five years ago today

Agree with the staff 100%. None of us would be happy not being paid on time.

Word from staff is- some have been paid bits- some have been told they will be getting paid 2 months in arrears so already owed a months wages, so working for free. Bars been dead for maybe 3 years now- it would take a genius to turn it around. Paul and James couldn't get out of their quick enough when they realised their mistake.

Would have to agree. Had been going to Pattaya 10 years before i ever went down that soi,and that was only because i stumbled across the Secrets forum while looking for a room in the WS area. Joined the forum and ended up using the bar and hotel. Unless you know its there or get someone who likes to investigate lots of side soi's,you ain't gonna get a great deal of passing foot traffic.

As yet unknown. ... But I'll keep trying!

Sorry, however I have to disagree it is not IMO a great location. JDM

Hungry Hippo, related to Chunky Monkey and presumably in competition with it and Cheap Charlie's, plans to open on June 21st, so a well dressed resource tells me. Pic next week.

I secretly love to cover my cock in gold leaf and get a Thai bar girl to lick it off; It's my gilty pleasure.

Pattaya Beach, the day I travelled home. Mike's Mall Second Road The Avenue

A few oddments from this afternoon. Not the best road construction work I have seen.

Very bright and hot sunshine today, so the need for some shelter. Firstly Seasons' Greetings from Mike's Mall. As well as 'knock off' clothing, there is quite a variety of other items on display here.

no date info for this one but it may be early last century..!

Last few from yesterday afternoon.

Rain has interfered with play this afternoon. Sorry no motor cycles this afternoon. These may not appeal to everyone, but I for one love wandering through Asian Markets. They were taken at the Night Bazar Market on Second Road, almost opposite Central Festival.