As a popular resort city in Thailand, Pattaya has its share of nightclubs that tourists frequent. But at one time, there was this one particular nightclub which stood out because of its unique concept, as shared by photographer Dax Ward in his photo blog.
In the 1990s, one of the most prominent nightclubs to open in the city was one that had a theme inspired by the DC Comics superhero Batman. While the concept behind it may have some sense since Batman mostly operates at night, he’s also not known to be the type of guy who enjoys parties, and would prefer to intimidate and chase down criminals to justice instead. Though it could be argued that his alter ego Bruce Wayne is seen as someone who loves to have fun, but that’s another story for another time.
Photo by Dax Ward via Mixmag
Despite the oddness of it, the Batman-themed nightclub quickly gained a following as one of the city’s hottest nightspots. It went all out on the Dark Knight-inspired theme. It even had its own “bat signal” to “signal” that the club was open.
Photo by Dax Ward via Mixmag
Photo by Dax Ward via Mixmag
Unfortunately, it had a short lifespan. After just a year and a half in business, a circuit board overload caused a fire in the premises. Worse, the circuit board also handled the operation of the club’s electronic doors, causing the doors to shut with many still locked inside. Inevitably, many died as a result.
Photo by Dax Ward via Mixmag
The tragedy sealed the fate of the once-popular landmark. It prompted an immediate shutdown of the establishment, never to reopen again.
Photo by Dax Ward via Mixmag
Photo by Dax Ward via Mixmag
Today, the old nightclub lies in an abandoned and decaying, at times haunting, state. The presence of numerous graffiti now replaced the people that used to hang out here. Nevertheless, it has managed to survive to this day as a memory of a wild and colorful past as well as its tragic, premature end.
