our journey
COOLIES CLUB is situated in Soi Romanee in Phuket Old Town.
This small soi has a deep past associated with old tin mining days. From the 16th to the 20th century, Phuket was considered one of the top three tin exporters in the world due to its abundant supply of tin.
During those days, many Chinese people migrated to Phuket to work as tin miners. After their long days of work, they would entertain themselves with gambling. Romanee, which means pleasure in Thai, was the soi where many high-end brothels were located and which it also owes its name to famous Romanian mamasan who formerly worked there. Occasionally, the Chinese workers would pay their visits to the brothels to enjoy arrack, gambling, sex and opium.
Coolies Club pays tribute to Phuket’s tin mining past and its colourful pleasure district in Soi Romanee. Resurrected, transformed and designed by Bill Bensley, this high-spirited Phuket’s address is a reminder of the island’s joie de vivre in the days of old that has not been much celebrated to date.
This small soi has a deep past associated with old tin mining days. From the 16th to the 20th century, Phuket was considered one of the top three tin exporters in the world due to its abundant supply of tin.
During those days, many Chinese people migrated to Phuket to work as tin miners. After their long days of work, they would entertain themselves with gambling. Romanee, which means pleasure in Thai, was the soi where many high-end brothels were located and which it also owes its name to famous Romanian mamasan who formerly worked there. Occasionally, the Chinese workers would pay their visits to the brothels to enjoy arrack, gambling, sex and opium.
Coolies Club pays tribute to Phuket’s tin mining past and its colourful pleasure district in Soi Romanee. Resurrected, transformed and designed by Bill Bensley, this high-spirited Phuket’s address is a reminder of the island’s joie de vivre in the days of old that has not been much celebrated to date.
Red never whispers twice
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