Luna Lounge

Here at Luna lounge we’re pleased to announce that the sorely missed Flip Flop Pharmacy, will be re-opening in a new location on Thong Nai Pan Yai.

The closing of Baan Pong’s and Flip Flop was a sad moment for regulars and resident Thong Nai Pan folk, so it is with great pleasure we announce the new location, at Starlight Resort, right next to Central in the middle of Thong Nai Pan Yai beach.

Building work is underway and Roman said they are aiming for an August opening. Can’t wait to sink a Singha and reminisce about the old days once they are open. The added benefit of the Yai location is that many of the more lazy among us will have their horizons vastly expanded by trips to the other side.

We’ll post pictures as soon as we can.

The recent unrest in Bangkok has been causing serious problems with the tourist industry in Thailand. The group known as the red shirts have been protesting  for the past two months against the new prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and refuse to leave their encampemnt on Silom road which is in the heart of the business district of Bangkok. After the riot which broke out in april due to a clash with the military, which left 23 people dead and many more injured the western world has put out serious warnings about the safety of travelling in Thailand, advising people that the country is seriously dangerous.

It is a shame that the whole of the country is suffering mass tourism problems due to the situation which is happening in one street of Bangkok. Having been to Bangkok myself and actually walked right through the centre of the red shirts encampment from end to end, i have to say  that the atmosphere was very peaceful and had more of a festive feel than one of aggression. Thats not to say its like that all the time, however the majority of Thailand is. Nothing has changed down here on Koh Phangan apart from the dwindling number of people coming out to beaches like Thong Nai Pan.

Having spoken to many people in Thong Nai Pan Noi, and visitors to Luna Lounge, it seems that most peoples experiences of Bangkok have been fairly normal ones, without disruption or even any notice of the problems in Silom road.  However after  lastnights second major clash with the army things may be pretty tense in the capitol right now. But down on Ko Phangan things remain the same, beautiful scorching weather and calm blue sea!  We hope to see more people down here soon!

We were honored to host the 50th Wedding anniversary of  Fay and Eddie last week with a splendid evening of amazing food and beautiful surroundings. Most of the village of Thong Nai Pan Noi were invited and were treated with a range of mouth-watering thai curries along with freshly baked rolls and a mix of salads courtesy of our new chef Gordon. As you walked into Luna Lounge there were hundreds of little candles lighting up the walls, with a golden drape wishing Fay and Eddie a Happy Anniversary. The floral decorations were the final touch, a beautiful mix of white flowers amongst the green of the stems, artistically arranged and designed by Justin Lavigne, who we were lucky enough to have visiting Thong Nai Pan for a holiday. With the low romantic lighting and some melodic music the place was perfect.   At 11 pm, which was the time they said there vows in England all those years ago we brought out the cake, a delicious white vanilla sponge with a cheesecake filling and an anniversary message on top. Fay and Eddie seemed to enjoy themselves immensely. Watching them slow dancing together made me think how lovely it its to see the couples who do make it and are still genuinely in love 50 years later. Lets hope they have many more ahead of them!

We were lucky to enjoy the company of Justin Lavigne the last couple of weeks on Thong Nai Pan Noi. Justin who is a Flower designer and Interior Landscaper with an impressive CV, came and arranged the flowers for Faye and Eddie’s Golden wedding anniversary at Luna Lounge last week. He works at Martha’s vineyard which is the second biggest wedding destination in the US. Trained in New York and San Fransisco, his designs have graced the tables of the rich and famous from coast to coast. With an eye for beauty his artistic and creative skills make even the most plain flowers look spectacular.  Extensive experience and a real talent have given Justin a colourful and interesting career which has undoubtedly taken him to many interesting places.  Whilst here in Thong Nai Pan he helped to make the evening of Faye and Eddies anniversary special with his inspired designs. The transformation of Luna was complete with his floral masterpieces taking centre stage, creating a romantic and festive ambiance for an evening of great food in beautiful surroundings. Many thanks to Justin and we hope to see him on Koh Phangan again soon!

Every year Thong Nai Pan is taken over by around 200 Germans coming for Thaibreak, two weeks of mad partying with top german DJ’s on a beautiful and normally fairly quiet beach on Koh Phangan. The Thong Nai Pan hotels, bungalows and resorts are fully booked and other tourists have a hard time finding accommodation. Arranged by a man called Thomas who pre-books all the parties with the different bars and restaurants. From the opening night at Baan Panburi which is awash with fireworks and fireshows, each bar decorates and prepares for the hordes who arrive on the evening of their party. At Luna Lounge we are hosting two of the parties, the first of which was last wednesday and was a big success. With a great fireshow from Zen and some fantastic DJ’s the night went of with a blast and we hope their final party, also at Luna on the 31st will be an equally great night.

The revenue brought to the beach every year by Thaibreak is fantastic and is often the busiest night a year that many places have. They only hold one party in Thong Nai Pan Yai which is a fundraiser for the local school and is held on their grounds and at the local temple. Almost everywhere else closes and the majority of both beaches attend. Local businesses often hold food stalls and the choice of local cuisine is mouth-watering! The school children perform traditional Thai dancing on a stage in front of hundreds of tables and chairs set up for eating and socialising. The locals spend the days  leading up to the party decorating especially around the temple where they build a DJ booth and set up a bar. As you walk from the school to  the temple you are greeted by fantastic decorations and a night of dancing awaits you. It is a festive evening and a lovely chance for the both beaches to do something together.