Wednesday evening was the end of an era on Thong Nai Pan Noi, with the closing of the legendary Baan Pong’s and Flip Flop Pharmacy.
Occupying the centre location of Thong Nai Pan Noi’s beautiful beach, Baan Pong’s has been an island institution for more than fifteen years. Way back in the day, when Pong’s was located at the far end of the beach, it was the centre of the backpackers’ and partygoers’ universes on Thong Nai Pan. Many a long night was spent drinking the board, playing Bert’s torurous beach games, or dancing in the sand.
Halycon World Cup Days
All was accompanied by the inimitable sounds of Pi Pong’s uproarious laugh and fab music. Nightly Pong could be found in the kitchen, whipping up a red curry, or Gaeng ped ped yang as the mood took him. The food was fabulous, the atmosphere fantastic, and the dawn’s too quick.
Later when Pong, Bert and Roman moved up the beach a new phase began, with a classier feel, but a similarly relaxed atmosphere and great food. The locals were unfailingly loyal, and friends from across the globe migrated to the new location, Baan Pong’s and Flip Flop. As more and more farang made Thong Nai Pan their home, the beautiful wooden house in the middle of the beach became the community meeting place and home-from-home for many of us.
On wednesday night everyone turned up to say au revoir, but not goodbye, to the old Baan Pong’s and Flip Flop. The loyal, the locals, the regulars and old friends from far and wide danced their socks off for the last time at Baan Glang Ow. Speedboats ferried people from Samui, friends made their entrance from all over Ko Phangan. The place was packed, and though people wore black as a symbol of their sadness at the closing, the energy was fantastic, and they drank the bars dry in true Thong Nai Pan style.
Pi Pong was on sparkling form, singing, waving and saying goodbye to the old place. In true Pong style he was one of the last men standing as they turned off the decks for the last time.
No doubt, Pong and his powerful personality will be going on to bigger and better things, with several projects in the pipeline. But for many of the residents, and long-time visitors of Thong Nai Pan the closure of Baan Pong’s and Flip Flop will leave a huge hole in the community. For many of the farang here, Pi Pong is the reason we chose to live, re-locate, or open a business on Thong Nai Pan. For those who have been a follower from back in the day, Pi Pong, is Thong Nai Pan.
The day after the party the demolition crews moved in, and by two in the afternoon, the roof, side salas and most of the main structure had been ripped to shreds. A few remaining hardcore stayed sitting at the Flip Flop bar drinking the last Singhas, unearthed during the clear out, and saying farewell to their second home.
So with fond memories, the scent of Jaeger in our nostrils, and a sizeable hangover we bid au revoir to the legends that have been Baan Pong’s and Flip Flop. We wish Pi Pong, Bert and Roman the best of luck for their new ventures and want to thank them for many years of happiness and beautiful Thong Nai Pan days spent in their establishments.
UPDATE:
The site of Baan Pongs as it looks now. Photo credit: STRUAN DUNBAR – thanks!!!
