Here is what people are saying about Bangkok Beat and Check Inn 99:

In a Bangkok which is quickly destroying all signs of its past glories in favor of shopping malls, Check Inn 99 stands as a beacon of hope to those of us old enough to remember it in all its mutations and still young enough to enjoy it as it is now. Bangkok Beat, in a series of short stories, up close interviews and artist profiles, chronicles some of the amazing history, people and entertainment found in Bangkok and often at Check Inn 99. Many of the stories have been provided by the very creative owner, Chris Catto-Smith and his dedicated staff.

Dean Barrett, author of Kingdom of Make Believe, Hangman’s Point, and Pop Darrell’s Last Case

Bangkok 2015 is like Paris circa 1900 or Berlin in the 1920’s & 30’s, a vortex of noir where artists, writers, poets, filmmakers, journalists and musicians search deep into the darknesss for a glimpse of humanity and hope…..Kevin Cummings is one of the brave souls walking on the edge of the darkness in order to document its depth and breadth.

Chris Coles, artist & author of NAVIGATING THE BANGKOK NOIR

A fascinating collection of interviews, literature reviews and stories from Thailand and the region. Kevin focuses on one of his favorite expat nightlife venues — Bangkok’s Check Inn 99 — with accounts about musicians, poets, authors and other night owls.

 Melissa Ray, 4 Time Muay Ying Champion in Thailand and blogger of Muay Thai on the Brain

Chris​ Catto-Smith has a pig headed determination to give a voice to the often unheard talents of, writers, poets, actors, singers and artists.​ Check Inn 99 is a highly refreshing venue​ in a stagnating entertainment scene that only seems concerned with cheap copy bands that have churned out the same old tunes, ​forever. Chris, and those who support his vision, such as Thailand Footprint blogger Kevin Cummings whose new book, Bangkok Beat, is a collection of real events including entertaining stories involving the colorful history of Check Inn 99, could well drag Bangkok kicking and screaming into a brave new world, which it will be thankful for in the end because… it doesn’t get any better than this.

Kevin Wood, singer, musician, actor and author of, Opium Sparrows

Bangkok Beat is now available at all Amazon and Create Space stores as well as

Oyster Books app