Checkinn99, one of the great heritage spots and jazz bars in the Sukhumvit neighbourhood, has sadly been given four weeks to vacate from its current location after lease extension discussions with their landlord fell through.
Located between Sois 5 and 7, the cabaret club is a true Bangkok original; dating back past 1960 and the city’s oldest continuously operating bar and nightclub.
Their last day of trading will be Tuesday 5 July 2016.
The club announced their imminent closure through their Facebook page, Jazz on Sukhumvit, last night.
They said,
“Life has a way of presenting us with challenges – I have spent two months of planning with the Landlord to extend the lease for Checkinn99, which included developing the vacant short time hotel upstairs into an upmarket hostel / budget accommodation such that we could keep Checkinn99 intact for future generations.
Unfortunately discussions with our landlord were not successful and we have been given four weeks notice to vacate. Our last day of trading is 5Jul16. Naturally we are looking for an alternate venue (short or long term) and will put our heart and soul into doing that as quickly and realistically as possible. In any other country in the world – Checkinn99 would be protected under a heritage listing and not planning to close business during our Diamond Anniversary.
Having just completed extensive renovations and repairing flood damage caused by construction works behind us is a little bit disappointing. We have an incredible team and a great customer base – so what ever the future holds you can be assured we will give it our best. We can dwell on the negatives – for me that is not worth the emotional effort. I am focused on re-building the wonderful environment we have created here over the last six years and protecting the staff and band from adverse impact. For those who know Mook and I ..it will happen. Personally I would like to repeat one the most powerful platitudes in Thai culture the phrase Mai Pen Rai ไม่เป็นไร (don’t worry!).”
They are hopeful for a successful relocation, however, and are hoping that the final four weeks of operations will help them to boost their cash reserves to fund the vacation and move.
As well as encouraging people to join them for the next four Sundays, they invite expressions of interest for anyone interested in being a part of a future plan for Checkinn99 to cattoc@gmail.com.
Sunday 26 June has been earmarked as the send-off party to say goodbye to the old venue, when they intend to “jam the roof off”.
They conclude,
“There would not be a single friend of Checkinn99 who can’t see how much we love and value our wonderful staff and immensely talented house-band MOTH [Music Of The Heart] along with our dedicated jazz community.”
Featured image is via Facebook
