Probably, but according to my source, ( this week and a well known hotelier) not for a while yet....
He claims, and remember this is Patong, that the long term picture is still the same, and that is that the bars WILL move inland eventually.
The deal with Soi Lion fell thru' and it will remain the same indefinately.
Soi Sukhumvit, the only bar beer soi on Rat U thit rd., that was dieing a slow death, has been renovated, and will be punched thru as a walking Soi to the soon to be completed Soi Kee and renovated Soi Sea Dragon....( I am a bit cynical about this claim as i cant see any 'joiner Soi' to Soi SD being constructed.
Anyway he seemed certain there will be no change to Soi Lion for the next year....