Street vendors and tourist, blind beggars and go-go bars, see it all during one night in Patpong. Photos by Somchai Poomlard.

PHOTOS

17 JAN 2011

One Night In Patpong

Street vendors and tourist, blind beggars and go-go bars, see it all during one night in Patpong. Photos by Somchai Poomlard.

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One Night In Patpong — A man collects empty boxes and bottles to sell to a garbage recycling shop, that have been left on Patpong Road.

One Night In Patpong — During the morning hours Patpong Road is almost completely void of traffic. The only people to use the road for its intended purpose are office workers and people who live in the neighbourhood.

One Night In Patpong — The evening market at Patpong is one of the most popular shopping spots for foreign tourists.

One Night In Patpong — Fabric shop owner Thanyasamorn Wannapruek, 31, recounts how the number of European tourists has been increasing over the past six months.

One Night In Patpong — Tourist police provide assistance to foreigners especially with regards to directions, tourist attractions and consumer rights.

One Night In Patpong — A visually impaired beggar earns her living by singing on Patpong Road.

One Night In Patpong — Tourists relax at a bar.

One Night In Patpong — Some go-go bars on Patpong feature women pole dancing which attract quite a number of tourists during the night.

One Night In Patpong — A tourist and a Thai girl hail for a taxi as they leave Patpong Road.

One Night In Patpong — A police checkpoint prohibits taxis from parking and waiting for passengers directly in front of Patpong as it leads to heavy congestion.

One Night In Patpong — However, taxi's that have dropped people off at Patpong are allowed to accept new passengers.

One Night In Patpong — A street vendor serves a stream of diners with its mouth-watering yen ta fo noodle dishes.