Sunday's World Cup final will have bars staying open later than they have in years
Paul the Oracle Octopus may be in mortal danger in his German homeland, but Spain's semi-final World Cup victory brings glorious relief to Bangkok's bar crowd, with the Spain-Holland clash late on Sunday night earning special dispensation from the curfew authorities.
The kick-off is at 1.30am on Monday morning Thailand time, a half-hour after everyone who's not home in bed is deemed a terrorist. But, for this one night, pubs appear to have the green light to stay open for the love of football.
The orange-clad supporters of the Netherlands will be gathering as usual at the Green Parrot on Sukhumvit Soi 33.
If you haven't been there yet, this small sports bar is near the Phrom Phong Skytrain station, just a few minutes' walk from Sukhumvit Road. The big screens were the centre of truly raucous attention for the Holland-Slovakia match.
Bangkok has a lot of Dutch people, so get there early if you want a seat. Scope out the arrangements at www.GreenParrotBangkok.com.
The Spaniards and honorary Spaniards are likely to head to Rioja, near the Chidlom Skytrain stop. It's Bangkok's oldest Spanish restaurant, with all the traditional specialities and an extensive wine list.
That doesn't mean you need to spend a bundle - by the time the match starts only sandwiches and snacks will be available, along with beer, wine and cocktails, of course.
The restaurant, with room for 150 people, will also fill up quickly, so book a table at (02) 251 5761.
Many venues will stay open until 4am - when was the last time you heard that? - and will offer discounts as well.
On Sukhumvit Soi 11, party people can get hip-hoppy with Q Bar's usual Sunday "Gin and Juice" party and then catch the game in the Q-Up Lounge. The Bt700 entry fee gets you two standard drinks and 50 per cent off the price of all beer all night long. Call (02) 252 3274 or see www.QBarBangkok.com.
Just around the corner, the Manchester United bar welcomes all fans, including supporters of either Spain or Holland. It costs Bt499 to get a seat, but the Singha and Asahi draft flow freely all night. Call (02) 651 2933 for a reservation.
Along Sukhumvit Soi 4, the best footie atmosphere and drink values are at the Big Mango, which has big screens and comfortable seats. Pints of Heineken and Tiger will cost Bt79, down from Bt99, during the game. Check out www.BigMangoBar.com.
On Silom Road, meanwhile, Telephone on Soi 4 vows to have a "Grand Final Party". Leo beer will cost Bt50 per glass, Bt150 a pitcher and Bt450 for a three-litre tower. If you have cause to pop open the bubbly, Moet & Chandon Champagne is Bt5,400 bottle and Cinzano Sparkling Wine Bt1,100. Call up www.TelephonePub.com.
On the corner of Surawong Road, the Roadhouse Barbecue Smokehouse & Grill is screening the big match on the third floor and serving pints of Singha for Bt150. Book a spot at (02) 236 8010.