BK Magazine Jan16, 2015

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BK MAGAZINE NO. 573 FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2015. www.bkmagazine.com

The delicious (and illegal) art of making homemade beer in Bangkok

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page 3 Home Time 6 cover story

Bangkok’s Hippest Hops 12 fashion

14 home

Second Life

Sathorn Savings

18 bites

20 bites

Café Culture

Ocean’s Bounty 28 BK now

31 last word

Old Town Tour

New Jam

Who's in charge?

General Manager Andrew Hiransomboon Managing Editor, Product Director Gr goire Glachant Managing Editor Oliver Irvine Deputy Editor Carl Dixon Features Associate Monruedee Jansuttipan Senior Staff Writer Vasachol Quadri Junior Writers Lily Kittisrikangwan, Kanin Srimaneekulroj, Natcha Sanguankiattichai Production Supervisor Komkrit Klinkaeo Art Director Dechart Sangsawang Senior Graphic Designer Panita Thiraphapong Graphic Designers Chantich Kongchanmitkul, Peeraya Sirathanisa Junior Graphic Designers Nemintorn Ketkeaw, Wariya Whangwaewklang

Advertising Director Wanida Akeapichai Sales Manager Tipkritta Chiraporncharas Senior Sales Associates Tassanee Mahamad, Orajira Sukkasem, Onwara Sittirug, Waranuch Thaneerat, Nattaya Bovornsettanon, Orakarn Laohakanjanasiri Junior Sales Associates Doungporn Wanasinchai, Buttri Tanrungruang

Assistant Finance Manager Anchalee Limkhamduang Senior Accountant Maneeya Kanthongdang Administrator Yaovaluck Srisermsri Accountant Manita Bangmoung

Regional Marketing Manager Pavida Chitprasertsuk Marketing Executive, Creative Services Puttipat Teerakawongsakul

Cover by Dechart Sangsawang

Contributors Rob Brezsny, Kathy MacLeod Intern Tewit Phanitprachaya, Nareerat Yoddamnern

Group Directors

IT Manager Takrit Jitjaroen Distribution Executive Suda Angsuputiphant Finance Manager Supaporn Bangmoung

Chief Executive Officer Gretchen Worth gworth@asia-city.co.th Group Digital Director Greg Duncan duncann@asia-city.com.sg

Where to find us!

The Asia City Publishing Group Bangkok Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd 22/F, Silom Center 2 Silom Road, Bangkok 10500 Tel: 02-624-9696 Fax: 02-237-5656 Email: bkmagazine@asia-city.co.th

Shanghai Email: shonline@asia-city.com.cn Singapore Asia City Publishing Pte. Ltd. Block 211 Henderson Rd. #14-03 Henderson Industrial Park Singapore 159552

Tel: 65-6323-2512 Fax: 65-6323-2779 Email: ismag@asia-city.com.sg Kuala Lumpur Pacific Tourism Communications Sdn Bhd

Lot 2.44-2.45, 2nd Floor, Wisma Cosway, Jalan Raja Chulan, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tel: 60-3-2144-4886 Fax: 60-3-2141-1911

BK “Asia City Living” Magazine is edited by Andrew Hiransomboon and published 51 times a year, every Friday of each month by Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd. Copyright ©2015 Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd. The titles “BK Magazine,” “BK ‘Asia City Living’ Magazine” and their associated logos or devices, and the content of BK “Asia City Living” Magazine are the property of Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited. Article reprints are available for B50 each. The magazine may not be distributed without the express written consent of Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd. Contact the Advertising Department for ad rates and specifications. All advertising must comply with the Publisher’s terms of business, copies of which are available upon request. Printed by Comform Co.,Ltd. 212 Moo 13 Krungthepkreetha Rd., Saphansoong, Bangkok 10250

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New Plans to Solve Traffic Woes By Discouraging Bangkokians from Leaving Home The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning promised the construction plan of the N1-N3 expressways would be announced next week. Meanwhile, BMA deputy governor Amorn Kitchawengkul said the construction of the Grey Line monorail was really seriously being considered. The Ministry of Transport also announced a slew of construction projects: the grey line, the yellow line, the dark yellow line, the off-white line and the Great Hall™ line (available from Ralph Lauren paints, reference RL1256).

“We’re confident that the use of BRT lines, MRT, BTS and monorail lines, all operated under different contracts, with different ticket price structures and using different cards, is sufficient to get Bangkokians to stay home,” Office of Un-Transport and Staying at Home’s spokesperson Somrak Sirimongkol announced.

Commuters seem to agree. “I think I’ll just give up at some point. I mean, they actually designed a BTS card on the same frequency as the MRT card so that they’d cancel each other out in your wallet. That was genius. But these new plans sound even better,” said Pretty, 28, as she waved farewell to the third BTS train at Siam Station that she could not squeeze onto.

“I think it’s still too simple for people to leave home and get where they’re going,” Office of Un-transport’s Somrak explained.

“We have to up our game. By introducing a monorail with its own card, and a few more train lines with their own pricing, we can make the ticketing scheme beyond comprehension. We tried that on the existing BTS lines, with the extra pricing beyond On Nut station, but people adapted to it. We need to do better.”

The new plans promise to be the most complicated yet.

“I’ve lived in Bangkok all my life and still don’t understand how the buses work,” said Dechart, 45, who commutes on the bus every day. “I think creating confusing public transport systems is something we’re really good at, so I’m confident we can do this. Maybe we could even take our expertise to other ASEAN countries and teach them how to effectively discourage people from using public transport.”

Somrak agreed. “In other cities, you have a single card, and actually get discounts for buying a year- or month-long pass.

That’s just nuts! We could really teach them a lot on how to keep people off trains and buses.”

latest news and trends

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@bkmagazine BK Magazine Friday, January 16, 2015

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upfront HOT OR NOT

Hot: Welsh-Thai Football Players

Not: Swiss-Thai Football Players

We’ve hardly recovered from the news that AFF Suzuki cup breakout star Charyl Chappuis had a girlfriend (and how nasty Thai women get when a hot guy is involved), but already the Swiss-Thai midfielder has been forgotten now that shirtless pictures of Welsh-Thai Mika Chunuonsee’s eight-pack have surfaced.

Hot: Homebrew Beer

Not: Craft Beer

Now that every restaurant has a half-dozen IPAs (that’s India Pale Ale, in case this is the first time you read BK) it’s time to stop drinking the stuff. Instead, our delicate palates demand brews made in a bathtub in the back of the restaurant, at great personal risk to the owner and our livers. Meet the fine people driving the trend in our cover story, page 6.

ALMOST FAMOUS Jakkrit “Tom” Yompayorm, aka “Kru Tom Kum Thai”, 28, is a Thai language Twitter sensation, gathering over 90,000 followers after being crowned the Sunthorn Phu fan quiz winner from the famous knowledge-enhancing TV show, Fan Pan Tae. Since then, he’s been dishing out grammatical corrections for the common Thai language mistakes netizens make on social networks. BK met up with him to discuss Thai education and the value it places on the study of our language.

What are your thoughts on social media’s impact on language?

Hot: Sunadcha Tadrabiab Not: Sola Aoi What’s fun about a pornstar who keeps her clothes on? After Sola Aoi’s performance in I Fine... Thank You... Love You, we’re wishing she stuck to her old job. At least Sara star Nes Sunadcha never had a reputation for anything before taking up bad acting. And now that she’s in a movie, those grainy leaked sex tape pics actually seem worth Googling.

Hot: Café Culture

Not: TCDC

The Jam Factory was the most visited restaurant on bkmagazine.com for 2014.

There’s no sign of the buzz dying down with every second pic in our instagram feed being of The Jam Factory Magazine (see our interview with its editor, page 31). One of this month’s best exhibitions is also opening there this weekend (see BK Now, page 24). It kind of makes you wonder what TCDC has been up to for the past 12 months.

Languages are always evolving. The Thai language used on Facebook or Twitter isn’t what’s traditionally called pa sar wi but (corrupted language). It has a purpose. But it’s important to know exactly when and where to use formal or informal speech.

What sparked your own interest in language studies?

Since a young age, I’ve always loved Thai literature and still find it very pleasurable to read. That paved the way for my interest in Thai language. While I was a university student, I also had the chance to tutor high school students in Thai language studies—every time I had to teach, it made me happy. That’s why I chose to become a teacher.

The Thai education system receives a lot of criticism. What do you think needs to be fixed?

How do you encourage students to be interested in the study of Thai language?

Teachers. They are low paid and that means very few people actually want to dedicate themselves to teaching. It may sound blunt but it’s true. It’s the fundamental problem at the heart of our education system.

Teachers’ duties are also not just limited to teaching; they’re expected to run the school’s clerical errands, so don’t have enough time to prepare proper lesson plans. If the job was more highly paid, we would have many more highly-qualified people interested in becoming teachers.

The Ministry of Education should encourage students to read Thai literature, but not just because it “promotes Thainess” or is “worth reading,” but because Thai literature is entertaining and thought-provoking in its own right. Young Thais shouldn’t feel like studying Thai literature is something they’re obliged to do.

What are you doing to promote your message?

I want to host and self-produce a Thai language-teaching TV show. Many foreigners from around the world are interested in learning Thai. I want to be part of a movement that builds interest in our language, both locally and internationally. Interview by Tewit Phanichprachya

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THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID

by Kathy MacLeod kathymacleod.blogspot.com

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cover story

Where to sample the hoppy fruits of Bangkok’s booming homebrew beer scene. By Cole Pennington

T

imes are good for Bangkok’s craft beer drinkers. The imported brews are phenomenal, but who says Thais can’t brew beer that’s just as tasty? The 2014 craft beer boom flooded the market with enough choices to make a hipster’s head explode, but there’s a new wave of craft brews headed our way. These brews are friendly on the wallet and take advantage of all the beautiful flavors Thailand has to offer—that’s right, they’re made right here in the Kingdom. Why didn’t this happen ages ago? Well, that’s the one minor issue: these heady ales are technically illegal (so is prostitution, right?), as the law hasn’t yet been updated to address the slew of new brews coming from the small-scale craft brewing gray area. For now the scene is mainly underground, and one must put in some effort to swill these suds.

Despite the draconian laws working against them, these passionate brewers are making heads buzz with hops and stomachs swell with flavors like passion fruit, Thai pumpkin and chrysanthemum. So here’s where to try them before they proliferate and become a part of the hipster uniform, or, even worse, disappear forever.

Meet

the Brewers

Udomsuk Brewing Udomsuk has long kept a very low profile, serving only select brews at Mad Moa, a tiny, Polynesian-themed Old Town haunt packed with an adventurous culinary crowd. But at last week’s Made by Legacy market, they debuted Amber Ale for the public. This is a brewer worth following closely, as they take traditional styles and experiment heavily. The branding pays homage to the brewers’ Bangkok roots, featuring a Thai ridgeback dog.

What to drink: Their one-beer-buzz-inducing Belgian Ale eschews sweetness in favor of a maltier, smoother flavor that’s easy to drink and disguises the mammoth 10.5% ABV. www.fb.com/udomsukbrewing

Seven Two Brewing The man behind Seven Two Brewing, Third, learned his craft in the USA and brought it back to Thailand, brewing for personal use before discovering that beers beyond mainstream choices are becoming more popular. His first commercial release retails for B100 a bottle and can be ordered through Facebook.

What to drink: Five Hops Exploding Heart, Seven Two’s core brew, is named after the “five-point-palm exploding heart technique,” popularized by the character Pai Mei in Kill Bill. This hoptastic beer represents a great value proposition, as IPAs are usually the most expensive style of ale available in Thailand due to their hefty alcohol content. www.facebook.com/teamalphabrewing

The

Pursuit

of

Hoppyness

Brewing beer isn’t easy, but it can be done at home. Get started by joining Home Brew Thailand and learning from seasoned brewers. There are even online shops where you can buy your brewing supplies, like Brew by Me (www.brew-by-me.com) and Brew Corner (www.brew-corner.com). You can also follow all the beer happenings around town by subscribing to Beercyclopedia (www.facebook.com/beercyclopedia).

Pavee Bhayunvej owner of Mad Moa

How many people order your Thai-made craft beer over mainstream lagers at Mad Moa? Right now about 30 percent of people order the homebrew—but it’s not even on the menu. People know about it by word of mouth, asking me for it directly. But if they don’t then I’ll still recommend it. Almost everyone is willing to give it a try, but it’s difficult to keep in stock. It isn’t made in large quantities.

Do you have any reservations about serving this beer?

Not really, no. I think the customers understand the situation, and if they don’t, I’ll educate them.

How do you work with the brewer (Udomsuk) to make beers designed for your menu?

We’ve been friends since high school, so we understand each other well. We all got into craft beer together. They came and ate my food and got the feeling of the place, and then designed a recipe for beer around that. The Moa is from New Zealand, so naturally they used hops from NZ and crafted that citrusy, tropical taste.

Mad Mao. Chakaphatdiphong Rd., 0851 5 5 -2 6 0 1 . O p e n T u e - S u n 6pm-midnight

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cover story Golden Coins Pipattanaphon, the creator of Golden Coins craft beer, attacked the market by aggressively distributing his brew to venues like Summer Street, Ari’s hip seafood-focused food truck on Ari Soi 2, and Camp at Vue community mall (707 Charoen Nakorn Soi 13. Open daily 5pm-midnight). From what he tells us, the beer is moving quickly, so expect to see Golden Coins at more outlets soon. It’s also possible to order through Facebook at B100 a bottle, regardless of whether it’s the IPA, American pale ale, stout or amber ale.

Meet

the Brewers

What to drink: Golden Coins is based in the Yaowarat area, so when it came time to formulate the recipe for the stout it was a no brainer: Chinatown’s legendary roasted chestnuts would be incorporated, lending a sweet and nutty flavor to the heavy, opaque stout. www.fb.com/pieak.ska

Sandport Brewing Self described as “The fellowship of beer,” Sandport is a group of friends who play heavy metal and brew tasty beer together. They can be found at pop-ups, flea markets and one-off events around the city, just keep an eye on their Facebook page to see where they’ll serve their irreverent ales next. They usually brew a batch for each specific event, and their recipes aren’t often what you’d find in Thailand, like last years “Broken Sword Red Ale.” The name Sandport pays homage to the brewers’ hometown of Nonthaburi.

What to drink: The Sandporter blasts you with a strong coffee note and then mellows out to a sweet, warm finish. If you’re into the current trend for heavy porters, you’ll be able enjoy this viscous brew, but hurry before the weather gets too hot to even think about it. The Rah IPA is also interesting; a strange white film appeared during the brewing process and Sandport thinks it gave this beer a little something extra. We agree. www.fb.com/sandportbeer

Team Alpha Brewing Taey, a suave young man with a day job at one of Bangkok’s best craft beer bars, is behind Team Alpha Brewing. This is a project to keep a close eye on, even though growth isn’t even on their radar.

Taey’s distribution policy is simple: you have to prove that you’re really, really into beer to get a taste of the good stuff. He brews one highly experimental batch at a time, and when it’s gone, it’s gone.

His most recent release, Bangkok Sunburn, is long gone, but we still remember the crisp taste of five heady hops meant to combat (or complement) the blazing Bangkok heat. The exclusivity, the macabre and fantastical artwork, and the experimental styles all make Team Alpha a brewer to follow closely.

What to drink: The details surrounding Taey’s next batch are hazy, but we know it’s going to be dark—very dark. In fact, it’s called Lion Funeral. Follow his Facebook to get the scoop on its release. www.fb.com/teamalphabrewing

Chit Beer The investment: fighting traffic to get Pak Kret, taking a ferry to Koh Kret and tracking down a riverfront shop-house called Chit Beer. The payoff: sipping a delicious pint of Kolsch, a light and crisp beer that was made for Thai weather, while watching the tugboats slowly pull barges up the Chao Phraya. P’Chit, the proprietor of Chit Beer, is the grandfather of the Thai homebrew scene; he even holds classes to help aspiring brewers perfect their craft. The brewery is open to the public on weekends, complete with bar snacks like zesty chicken wings, french fries and some legendary dry-rubbed ribs.

What to drink: P’ Chit’s pumpkin ale, which has a flavor profile that embodies autumn in a temperate climate: expect nutmeg, cinnamon, sweet malts and a pungent pumpkin flavor. There’s also a beer that uses chrysanthemum, reproducing the familiar gek hoy flavor in a refreshing brew. www.facebook.com/chitbeer

What

the Law

Says

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Wichit Saiklao Chit Beer

How did you get into brewing beer?

After I graduated from the US and came back to Thailand, 12 years ago, I told all my friends, “I’m gonna brew beer for you!”

About three or four years ago I saw the rise of imported beers and had an “aha!” moment. I knew it was time to make good on my word. People were gaining interest in new beers and so I started brewing.

Why do you brew out in Koh Kret?

I just wanted a lazy place near the river where I could work slowly. In hindsight, it was the best place I could have chosen.

It’s hard to get to, but at the same time the effort is worth it for the experience.

Have you ever had any legal trouble from brewing?

Once, yes, and the cops hit the jackpot. I explained to them why I’m brewing, but I still got fined. Some of them totally understood, and I’m sure the order came from higher up. They were just performing their duty.

We had a man-to-man conversation and now it’s better. That still doesn’t mean another team of cops can’t come pay me a visit at any time, though.

What’s the future of Thaimade craft beer?

I’ve always said that a Thai craft beer brand is imminent. It takes time, sure, but it’s coming. My guess on the time frame? Five years will be enough time for the powers at be to address that market need. In the meantime, I’m trying to educate people at my brewing academy.

Hopefully it will make that point come a little sooner!

“Section 5 of the Liquors Act (1950) states that it is illegal for anyone to brew their own alcohol, or even have the equipment to do so. The maximum penalty for contravention of this section of the Act is six months in jail, or a fine of 5,000 baht, or both. If the offender sells the liquor, the maximum penalty rises to a year in jail or a 10,000 baht fine, or both. Those are the maximum penalties and can be imposed for making and/or selling distilled alcohol (spirits). The maximum penalties for brewing or fermenting alcohol—wine or beer, for example—are lower: 200 baht for making it and 5,000 baht for selling it.”

Source: Homebrew Thailand

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escapes ESCAPE ROUTES

By Monruedee Jansuttipan

CHIANG RAI

Thawan Tribute Following the death of Thawan Duchanee, this era’s most revered Thai artist, the Chiang Rai art community where he took up residency, Art Bridge Chiang Rai, is to host The 3rd Art Bridge Chiang Rai Art Exhibition—Tribute to Thawan Duchanee.

As well as a selection of Duchanee’s work, the exhibition also includes hundreds of other art pieces from more than 250 artists. Open daily from 10am-7pm at Art Bridge Chiang Rai (551 Moo 1, Phaholyothin Road, Ban Du, 053-166-623, 088-4185431, www.artbridgechiangrai.org) through Apr 30.

SAMUI

Sunset Strip Mövenpick (www.moeve n p i c k- h o t e l s . c o m ) recently unveiled its third property in Thailand, Mövenpick Resort Laem Yai Beach Samui.

Located on one of the island’s most beautiful Northwestern beaches, the property consists of 50 rooms, including a few pool villas, as well as the signature Chaba spa, which offers both Thai and international treatments. You can book a superior room before Feb 28 for B4,860 with the Winter Dream deal, valid for stays until Mar 31. Those who book directly through the hotel’s website will also receive a US$20 (B640) voucher to spend at the hotel’s restaurant. The Mövenpick group has announced other new properties in Pattaya and Chiang Mai to open shortly, while it also has plans for Hua Hin and Bangkok.

PATTAYA

Open Court Marriott is the latest big hotel name to move into Pattaya, with a new seven-story property near Walking Street called Courtyard by Marriott South Pattaya (038418-333, bit.ly/1xN6pSV). The hotel consists of 132 rooms ranging from Deluxe and Studio categories to two-bedroom suites. There is a 24-hour gym on-site and they soon plan to launch a massage service, too. Opening rates starting from B2,124 per night are offered until Feb 1.

Justin Vidamo

AIRLINES

Love Your Neighbors

There’s still time to sneak in one more trip before w i n te r ’ s t h ro u g h , a n d Bangkok Airways (www. bangkokair.com) is offering good deals on flights to Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia. A roundtrip for Bangkok-Vientiane comes in at B4,090 all-inclusive, while Bangkok-Siem Reap is B3,990. Our pick has to be Bangkok-Yangon, which can now be snagged for B3,290—that’s less than the budget airlines. Fares last until Jan 31 for flights through Mar 31.

Have some cool rooms? Email your news and promotions to travel@asia-city.co.th

BK Magazine Friday, January 16, 2015

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avenue FASHION

Safari Style VJ, actress and model Janesuda Parnto has opened the first flagship store of her self-titled fashion brand, Janesuda Brand, at Eight Thonglor. To go with the store, she’s also launched the new Africana collection, inspired by a recent trip to Africa. Expect sophisticated cutting in ready-to-wear pieces like dresses that blend loose chiffon, plaid and ethnic prints.

1/F, Eight Thonglor Building, Thonglor Soi 8. BTS Thong Lo. www.fb.com/janesudaclothing

HOME

Fresh Flames Make your candlelit dinners more sensual with these Thaiborn, high-quality scented candles by Praat. The stylish, aromatic products are made from beeswax, soybean and palm oil infused with natural plant extracts. The look is simple and classy, with scents like verbena, cedarwood, lavender, jasmine, vanilla, rose, tea oil, peppermint and blackcurrant. Prices start at B423. Try 4/F, Living Department, Paragon Dept Store, 081961-6169. BTS Siam. www.fb.com/praatofficial

HOME

Take a Seat Luxury London furniture brand The Classic Chair Company has brought its European-styled, top-end products to a new flagship store on Pethchaburi Road. Founded in 1975, the company specializes in accurate reproductions of 18th and 19th century antique English furniture, though they also offer more varied design styles under three sub-labels: Classic Chair, Pierre Philippe and Monaco Living. Pieces include the sunburst-shaped Radiance mirror (B26,000) made from Macassar ebony wood, and the classic, velvet-drawer Jupiter desk (B60,000). 1954-1968 Petchaburi Rd., 02-716-6768. Open 9.30am-6.30pm. www.classicchair.com

SHOPPING

Best Foot Forward The Scandinavia-focused multi-label store Uncensored has expanded once more, this time into Zen department store with a space dedicated to Happy Socks and Sandqvist bags.

Best of all, they stock the new Happy Socks collection in collaboration with Snoop Dogg (B550). The legendary hip-hop artist has given the brand’s characteristically upbeat footwear an irie, Jamaican vibe, with marijuana leaves, rasta color schemes and “jah lion” emblems. 4/F Zen Department Store, Central World. 02-694-3891. BTS Chid Lom. www.uncensored-bangkok.com

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avenue

Was Were Will

Pai Issara

Bangklyn Project

Thonglor Art Village

FASHION

Vintage Vogue Bangkok’s best spots to hunt out vintage pieces.

By Vasachol Quadri

(Un) Fashion Run by a Thai-Japanese couple, Suchada”Jieb”Pavilai and Yuichiro Yoshino, (Un) Fashion specializes in rare leather shoes, bags and other accessories for both men and women. There’s a clear sense of style to the selection, with most items imported from Italy and dating from the 1970s, although they go back way further (their oldest ever pair was from 1930). Best thing: the pricing won’t give you a heart-attack, with items ranging from just B380-5,000. To get first pick, make sure you visit on Wednesdays, when new stock comes in.

Ekamai Shopping Mall, Ekkamai Soi 10, 02-726-9592. Open daily noon-9pm

Again & Again Unlike other ragged-looking vintage stores, this It shop hooks its customers up with more in-vogue items. Glittery dresses, shirts, and selections of high-quality skirts and pants are nicely arranged by color, with new stock arriving twice a week. Although most of the items make for quite girly outfits, they do have shirts, jackets and shoes for men, too. Prices range from B590-20,000. You can buy online, too.

Market Place, Thonglor Soi 4, 086- 626- 6965. www. vintageagainandagain.com. Open Tue-Sun 10:30am-9pm and Mon 10:30am-8:30pm

His & Her Vintage This boutique takes its inspiration from the 60s. A unique collection of hats, sunglasses and other accessories from that era packs both its branches. We love the wide selection of different hat styles (from B1,200), whether pillbox, bumper or crochet half-hat, as well as the retro clip-on earrings (from B400). You can also shop from their website or check out the Facebook page for the most up-todate items.

Scala Theatre, Siam Square Soi 1, Rama 1 Rd., 089-114-9684.

Open daily noon-8:30pm. BTS Siam/ Chatuchak Weekend Market section 5 Soi 55/1. BTS Mo Chit. hisandhervintage.com

Pai Issara The shop started as a Facebook page around four years ago before finding this permanent home in Ladprao. The selection focuses on womenswear from the 1960s-80s (mostly 70s) like crop tops,

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Again & Again

blouses, bell bottoms, jumpsuits and gowns. Prices are very pocket-friendly, from just B890-B2,000 for dresses, while gowns go from B1,890-4,000. The highlight has to be the vintage wedding gowns, which start from B3,000. Don’t worry if you can’t make it to the shop; they also take orders via line (vintage_paiissara) and Facebook (Paiissara Vintageinfinity) Ladprao Soi 61., 092-924-2526. Open Fri-Mon 2-7pm

VTG Shop VTG Shop focuses on men’s street items like jeans, shirts, polos and caps from Europe, America and Japan. You can find a few authentic big brand names, too, from Gucci and Prada to Supreme. Prices vary wildly, from a few hundred baht to five-figure sums. The shop also offers a barber service (from B400) where the emphasis is squarely on vintage looks and hipster undercuts. Girls are welcome, too, though note they only do dry cuts.

Ekamai Shopping Mall, Ekkamai Soi 10. 083-906-0767. Open daily 3-9pm

Wooden Submarine The selection here is all about vintage Americana, much of it from New York and with a focus on 20s-70s military-themed apparel like shirts, jackets, leather bags and boots. Though prices can be high, they stock good brands including Ralph Lauren, WRL, Herman, Jong, Converse and Penney’s. Check out the military cowhide jackets (from B15,000) or rugged canvas and leather bags (from B3,000).

We particularly like the selection of leather boots (from B3,000).

1/F, Homeplace Building, Thonglor Soi 13., 081-255-2866. Open daily noon-8pm

Was Were Will Another Ekkamai Soi 10 place, this one focuses on secondhand items from Japan. The selection covers both men’s and women’s pieces as well as kids’ clothing. The owners, Wiphawa “Bink“ Dhadasih and Busarin “Fai“ Dhadasih, are the same people who used to run the vintage furniture shop that’s now The Castle Bar, so expect to find a few select home pieces, too.

Ekamai Shopping Mall, Ekkamai Soi 10, 086-900-6111. Open daily noon-10pm. BTS Ekkamai

(Un)Fashion

Thonglor Art Village This small compound of vintage shops sits outside the house of its owner. Hats, bags, belts, dresses—it’s all here and well categorized into different shops. The highlight is not just big collectable names from Europe and America, but also some unique items from India and Pakistan. Prices range from B1,000 for normal dress.

Thonglor Soi 17, 085-145-4691. Open daily 10am-9pm

The Vintage Store If you’re really into French couture and crave certain items from decades-old collections, don’t miss The Vintage Store at Eight Thonglor building. The shop specializes in genuine and highly collectable luxury items from big brands like Chanel, Hermés and YSL, ranging from the 90s and beyond. Prices must be discussed privately (either in the shop or through Facebook), but don’t expect to snag any bargains.

G/F, Eight Thonglor Building, Thonglor Soi 8, 02-713-8548. Open daily from 10:30am-8pm. www.fb.com/thevintagestore

Bangklyn Project Bangklyn Project has now moved from Siam Square to a new home next to Sapan Hua Chang, near BTS Ratchathewi. The shop focuses on men’s items that the owner hunts down from the US (mainly New York) and Japan then adapts into his own designs. Mostly he works on shirts, giving vintage pieces a contemporary, minimal edge, but this year he also added a collection of reworked jeans.

Phayathai Rd (next to VIE Hotel), 081-850-1112. BTS Ratchatewi

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Thammasat Association

HOME

Ngam Duplee & Sri Bumphen On the business world’s doorstep, this neighborhood is anything but straight. By Oliver Irvine

Size S Café

Issaya Siamese Club

Accommodation HHHHH

Bars HHHHH

You won’t find many gleaming Sansiri projects around here.

Despite the CBD location, these streets have largely avoided the development of other parts of Sathorn. Consequently, apartment choices are really varied. Mid-range options come mainly in the form of older but nicely maintained buildings like 1 The Peony (176 Soi Sri Bumphen, 02-711-9226), where we’ve found 60-sq-meter rooms going for just B20,000 a month. And you can go much cheaper than that. 2 SK Grand Sathorn (203 Soi Sri Aksorn, 02-672-9929), which has a swimming pool, gymnasium and 24-hour security, starts as little as B10,000 for 36 sq meters.

Don’t come looking for anywhere as cool as Thonglor. The area’s drinking scene is a mix of tourists (at 12 the Just One Sports Bar, Ngam Duplee), old-time expats (at 13 Kenny Bar, Soi Sri Bumphen), and throngs of hardcore, late-night partygoers from all walks of life (at 14 Wong’s, Soi Sri Bumphen—Sathorn’s grimy answer to Safe House).

But the neighborhood gains extra points for what’s nearby. On the leafy, adjoining Yen Akard Road you’ll find the foosball-equipped 15 Le Petit Zinc (4/15 Yen Akard, 02-249-5572). Silom and all its pleasures are also just one MRT stop away, while the sophisticated crowd can be found not far up the road on Sathorn Sois 10 and 12.

Environment HHHHH

Transportation HHHHH

Lumphini Park is just across Rama IV, making this one of the cheapest neighborhoods to live so close to the park.

Stroll from one end of Ngam Duplee to the other and you might also be pleasantly surprised, thanks to leafy, well-maintained compounds like the 4 Thammasat Association (Soi Ngam Duplee, 02-286-0861) and 5 Thai Health Promotion Foundation, which offers a decent selection of public exercise equipment for all to use. But this is no neatly polished, upmarket enclave. Some of the lowest rents in Sathorn mean budget massage shops rub shoulders with after-hour dives to create an overall environment that’s far from boring.

Well catered by the MRT, with Lumphini station at one end of Rama IV and Khlong Toei station at the other, but lacking any BTS stations (the nearest is Sala Daeng). Though traffic can be bad, driving is a cinch with access to upper Sukhumvit from Rama IV Road., Phloen Chit from Wireless Road, and the riverside from Sathorn Road.

The area has a reputation as the Khaosan of the inner city, and not without reason. What some might see as vagrancy others call character, whether it’s the tramps outside 7-Eleven or the various singlet-wearing tourists from the 16 Malaysia Hotel (54 Soi Ngam Duplee, 02-679-7127). But this also means it’s completely devoid of the suits who’ve overtaken other parts of Sathorn. We also love the local market that happens every Saturday in the Family Mart car park, wh ich has a wonderful atmosphere and beats any trip to Tesco Lotus.

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Yak 1

Soi Prong Jai

Soi Pre Dee

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Soi Sri Aksorn

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Ngam Duplee Market, in the Family Mart car park, Soi Ngam Duplee. Open every Saturday, 10am-6pm

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Shops

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Schools Assumption College, Bang Rak, 02-630-7111

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German Embassy

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BNH Hospital

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Hospitals

NSIS (New Sathorn International School), Naradhiwas Rd., 02-672-2100-1

MRT Khlong Toei

Rama VI

WHAT ELSE? BNH Hospital, 9/1 Convent Rd., 02-686-2700. www.bnhhospital.com

MRT Lumpini

Soi C

Low, high and everything in between. Head to Soi Sri Bumphen for cheap, big-portioned Western food at 6 Trajai (3 Soi Sri Bumphen, 02-679-7889), where steak and fries will set you back under B300, while the 7 Lido (Soi Sri Bumphen, 02-677-6351) has fairly standard Italian food at decent prices. There’s plenty of Thai around as well, most notably Ian Kittichai’s beautiful 8 Issaya Siamese Club (4 Soi Sri Aksorn, 02-672-9040). Our pick of the neighborhood’s street food is found outside Family Mart, where somtam, rice and grilled chicken costs a modest B70, while down the road is 9 Sun Moon (54 Soi Ngam Duplee, 02-679-7019), a slightly run-down but classic Chinese restaurant. The area’s grandest restaurant is also one of Bangkok’s most talked-about; 10 J’aime (105 Sathorn Soi 1, 02-119-4899), the new project of three-star-Michelin chef Jean-Michel Lorain. For breakfast and a strong cup of coffee, check out 11 Size S Café (Soi Ngam Duplee, 02-286-6117).

Lumphini Park

Sathorn Ta i

Dining HHHHH

Community HHHHH

Sathorn N uea Rd.

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Trajai

Soi Nang Lin Chee

Tops Market, 27 Nang Linchi Rd., 02-678-7128-30

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Appetite for Life Epicureans on a budget, head over to La Vie, the French restaurant at Vie Hotel, this Sunday, Jan 18, when they launch a brand new Sunday brunch (noon-3pm) offering all-you-can-eat on à la carte dishes for a mere B1,200, or B2,500 with free-flow Champagne. Mains include French smoked duck with mashed potato and salad, and snow fish with mushroom ragout and fish volute, while dessert features crème brûlée and Champagne sabayon with mixed berries—a welcome and affordable alternative to hectic buffets. 11/F, Vie Hotel, 117/39-40 Phaya Thai Rd., 02-309-3939

WINE

Boutique Bottles This week’s Water Library news sees the fine-dining top dog enter the retail market with a wine boutique at Central Embassy named Godfather. The cellar-themed interior is as brooding as the name implies—checkered floor, high ceilings, dark wood furnishings— but you can expect the knowledgeable store manager to guide you through the extensive wine collection. Bottles start with affordable labels like Balance (B499) and range to wallet-busting vintages like Screaming Eagle (B99,999), with a few options from the owner of Water Library’s personal vineyard such as Reference Book from Napa Valley, California (starting at B3,900). They plan to host the occasional wine tasting event, too. 4/F, Central Embassy, 1031 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-160-5674. Open daily 10am-10pm

BAKERY

Piece of Cake Still searching for that perfect baked dessert delivery service?

There’s now a new option specializing in strawberries. Bite a Lot’s signature is strawberry shortcake at B1,200/2.5lb, but they do plenty of other strawberry-oriented desserts too, like strawberry muffins at B35 a piece and even strawberry bread (B350).

Look out for their booth at various foodie events and markets around town. IG: gubgub. Tel: 089-8162828

CLASSES

Thai Masterchef If Chumpol Jangprai’s food at Siam Wisdom blew your mind, then book yourself a place at his new cooking school, MSC Thai Culinary School in collaboration with restaurant and hotels giant Minor International Pcl (Anantara, Pizza company, St. Regis, etc).

As well as a one-year professional culinary course certified by the Thai Ministry of Education and Thailand Professional Qualification Institute (starting from B250,000), they also offer half-day cooking classes to members of the public. For B4,000, you’ll be taught how to make a four-course menu of traditional Thai dishes, followed by lunch with the instructor. 457-457/1-6 Sukhumvit Soi 55, 02-1851414. www.msccookingschool.com

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One Ounce for Onion

Granola

Rocket

CAFÉS

More than Good Coffee

Between the crepe cakes and pasta aioli there are some serious food highlights in Bangkok’s endless new coffee shops. Here’s what to eat and where. by Oliver Irvine and Natcha Sanguankiattichai

The croissants (B50) at Roots The coffee-driven sister of popular brunch spot Roast, Roots is actually where all the baking happens, which means turn up at the right time and you can get some of the most delicious, straight-from-the-oven croissants in town. Take a seat at the rich, dark wood bar and pair your pastry with expertly roasted coffee, from espresso to French press to cold drip. The only downside is weekend-only opening times.

Between Sois 15 and 17, Ekkamai Rd., 088190-5950. Open Sat-Sun noon-6pm

The eggs Benedict (B225) at Rocket Coffeebar This is perhaps the best incarnation of this overdone dish we’ve tried in Bangkok: the eggs are perfectly cooked and beautifully complemented by a rich hollandaise sauce. The coffee is great, too, while they also serve 24-hour cold brewed tea and home-infused cocktails, making it one of the few coffee shops where you can get a decent stiff drink.

149 Sathorn Tai Soi 12, 02-635-0404. Open daily 7am-11pm

The mozzarella and persimmon smorrebrod (B220) at Granola This Copenhagen-born café-cum-restaurant is linked to the Soulland fashion boutique, and specializes in comforting and simple Scandinavian fare like smorrebrod, a form of open-face sandwich. We really like the mozzarella and persimmon option, served on local sourdough from Conkey’s.

The interior’s nice too—solemn and clean, in keeping with the hipster clothing next door.

3/F, Central Embassy, 1031 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-160-5626. Open daily 11am-10pm

The “Toasty Glazed” croissant (B260) at I+D Style Café x Brave Roasters When Brave Roasters (the guys behind One Ounce for Onion) came to open their pop-up at Siam Center, they did the right thing: spoke with butcher de jour Joe Sloane for the food. This croissant packed with both his smoked ham and bacon is a real treat, while the coffee, too, is easily the best in Siam’s endless sea of café chains.

G/F, Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd., 02-678-5000.

Open daily 10am-10pm

The bresaola salad (B300) at Boyy Café Owned by Boyy handbag designers Wannasiri Kongman and Jesse Dorsey, this is one of the few fashion cafés worth visiting thanks to a menu that’s kept simple and uses some really good ingredients. The air-dried beef in the simple bresaola salad, for example, is seriously delicious; salty and tender with a rich, musty aftertaste.

Boyy Café

Grass, Thonglor Soi 10, 02-715-9412. Open daily 7:30am-10:30pm; Fri-Sat 7:30-1am

The lemon yogurt ice pops (B60) at One Ounce for Onion Of all the pretty-to-look-at, uncomfortable-to-sit-in cafés, Onion tops the list. But at least they back up those cool blue tiles and glass-front cabinets with some decent stuff to order. We already loved their yogurt smoothies (B130), but these homemade yogurt ice lolies are even better—they make sitting on those communal outdoor tables just about worth it.

I+D Sty

I+D Style Café x Brave Roasters

19/12 Ekkamai Soi 12, 02-116-6076. Open daily 9am-8pm

The spaghetti with Italian sausage (B340) at Gram This place proves some coffee shops can do more than pastry and eggy breakfasts. The little outdoor café in the middle of Sukhumvit Soi 49 serves plenty of flavorful food that can actually fill your stomach. Our favorite is the spaghetti with Italian sausage—well seasoned and served in a fresh-tasting, homemade Napoli sauce.

1/F, 49 Terrace, Sukhumvit Soi 49, 081-8848554. Open Tue-Sun 9am-5pm

Roots

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Raise the Roof These six top rooftop bars have introduced some potent new cocktails.

Here’s what to drink and where.

Up & Above

The Speakeasy

Up & Above

Kuukuuk Yakiniku Bar

The Speakeasy

Much of the drink menu at this all-day dining venue up on The Okura Prestige’s 24th floor follows a Japanese theme—like the signature Butter of the Forrest (Nigori sake, Chase marmalade vodka, avocado, organic honey and elderflower syrup, B450)—but they have some great new creations, too. Try The Extra Sour (think a classic whiskey sour with a twist), which uses a base of Chivas Regal Extra mixed with lime juice, syrup, amaretto liqueur, egg white and a dash of bitters (B490). Be sure to sit outdoors for the best views of Phloen Chit, and don’t miss the daily happy hours from 5-7pm.

24/F, The Okura Prestige, Park Ventures Ecoplex, 57 Witthayu (Wireless) Rd., 02687-9000. Open daily 6-1am. BTS Phloen Chit

Located on the second floor of Do Not Disturb club, Kuukuuk Yakiniku is a Japanese-style grill and bar with a décor inspired by the film Always Sunset on the Third Street. Head out to their narrow cactus garden outdoor balcony for Thai-Japanese fusion dishes like pad Thai with karaba crab (B350), sashimi in seafood sauce (B240) and grilled ayu sweet fish (B220).

As well as draught Hoegaarden and Stella Artois, they also serve some fanciful cocktails like the smoked apple wood chips-flavored Samurai (B360) and the Beefeater 24 gin-based Hananiwa (B360).

Served in a mug shaped like a watering can and topped with fresh flowers, it’s pure Instagram material.

Sukhumvit Soi 5/1, 094-414-9266. Open Tue-Sun 8pm-2am

Located on the 24th and 25th floors of Hotel Muse, this 1920s-inspired bar focuses on the classics, like Sazerac (B330) and Old Fashioned (B330). Looking for a unique experience? Customize your drink by asking the bartender about what new bottles he has in stock. This month, The Speakeasy welcomes Chivas Regal Extra, which they’re using to pour the house special Extra Crusta cocktail. This one’s adapted from the best-selling Brandy Crusta, mixing Chivas Regal Extra instead of brandy (B390). Once poured, take it up to the 25th-floor garden—a quiet hideaway with 360-degree urban views.

24-25/F, Hotel Muse, 55/555 Langsuan Rd., 02-630-4000. Open daily 6pm-1am.

BTS Chit Lom

Red Sky

Monde

The 55th-floor views from Centara’s rooftop puts it in the same league as high flyers like Vertigo at the Banyan Tree. Al fresco dining and drinking takes place under a swooping, red-lit arch in an environment that’s way more relaxed than the adjoining Fifty Five restaurant. The bar has an amazing wine cellar, but that’s not its only highlight. Also check out signature drinks from the recently updated cocktail list, like the Extra Crush, which features Chivas Regal Extra, strawberry puree, Orgeat almond syrup, cherry brandy, cranberry juice and lime juice (B390).

55/F, Centara Grand at CentralWorld, 999/99 Rama 1 Rd., 02-100-6255. Open daily 5:30pm-1am. BTS Siam/Chit Lom

Set on the fifth floor of Taka Town, Monde boasts a garden-meets-living-room vibe with its fake grass and PU leather sofas.

The place was known for its sheesha-friendly atmosphere before new laws came in, so now the focus has shifted to cocktails, poured by an in-house mixologist who’s a veteran of the Thonglor bar scene. Be sure to try the new Bathtub Bubble (B380)—a vodka-based drink served in a bathtub-like glass and garnished with a rubber duck. Also try the food, which ranges from pad Thai to fusion sushi to Italian pizza and pastas.

555/27 Sukhumvit Soi 39, 086-365-6656

Red Sky

Monde

Cloud 47 This spacey, all-white rooftop bar tops our list for a breezy hangout thanks to its distinctly Thai character. Aside from beer towers (from B600) and Absolut vodka (B1,280/bottle, mixers B60), the bar also has some cool signature cocktails. Extra Winter is made with a Chivas Regal Extra base, and blended with Monin Vanille syrup, passion fruit juice, lime juice, honey and a dash of bitters (B360).

47/F, United Center, Silom Rd., 091-8899600. BTS Sala Daeng. Open Mon-Sat 5pm-midnight

Cloud 47

Kuukuuk Yakiniku Bar

brought to you by Chivas Regal

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OPEN DOOR

Harvest This evolved version of the now-defunct Bouchot backs up its elegantly rustic dining room with simple seafood done right.

The buzz: Bouchot mussel bar is gone, but its owners, siblings Nattawadee and Bancha Vijitratanakit, have now opened this down-to-earth seafood restaurant that revives some of Bouchot’s most popular dishes.

The décor: Rustic, just like the food. Harvest looks like a vintage farmhouse, with an atmosphere akin to a relaxed family gathering. Cracks in the roughly rendered walls expose rugged brickwork, while wooden furniture and window frames are left unpolished. It all benefits from plenty of natural light, plus little plants and cacti adding a country touch.

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The food: Both authentic and original Western-style dishes with a focus on seafood. Start off with the fresh-tasting heirloom tomato salad (B350), which features burrata cheese, black olives and a balsamic dressing, and the Spanish-style carabineros red shrimp in gambas sauce (B720). The ingredients are all excellent, like the seared Japanese black cod (B620) served with rare sea asparagus and the hearty, grilled Iberico pork secreto (B980).

And don’t miss the signature mussels (starting B640), which are served in a range of sauces.

The drinks: The long wine list includes Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc (B3,250/bottle), which pairs really well with their fresh chilled mussel dishes. Whiskies, beers and spirits are all served from the bar, as well as cocktails (starting B280) and mocktails (B180).

The crowd: Already popular with expats plus much of the old Bouchot crowd. We can see it becoming a neighborhood favorite. Natcha Sanguankiattichai Chapter31 Building, 24/1 Sukhumvit Soi 31, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-2620762. Open Tue-Sun 6pm-12am. BTS Phrom Phong

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Boon Tong Kee

TABLE TALK Yoochi Nikka

Wabouan

1/F, The Horizon Destination Mall, Sukhumvit Soi 63 (Ekamai), 02-714-2228. Open daily 11am-2pm, 5pm10pm. BTS Ekkamai

NEW AND NOTED

Turning Japanese

Solemnly toned and moodily lit, Yoichi Nikka (6/11 Sukhumvit Soi 39 [Soi Promsri], 02-662-4270) is a high-end addition to the great array of Japanese bars around Sukhumvit Soi 39, serving specialties from Hokkaido. Order the grilled king crab (B740) or the melt-in-your mouth sushi wagyu nigiri (B280) followed by quality Japanese whiskey such as the 12-year-old pure malt Nikka Whiskey (B300). They also stock Takesuru 17 Years Old (B400), which was named World's Best Blended Malt Whisky 2014 during the World Whiskies Awards 2014.

Boon Companion Those who often travel to Singapore will already know Boon Tong Kee, a classic khao mun gai (Hainanese chicken and rice) restaurant that's been around for more than 30 years. Well, now it's arrived in Bangkok (1/F, 54/5 The Up Community Mall, Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Rd., 02-119-4515). The new opening

Tororo Sushi

looks quite similar to the mother branch, simply decorated with lazy Susans on round tables. The signature dish is, you guessed it, Singaporean-style khao mun gai (B90-560) with three different dipping sauces (chili, sweetened black soy sauce and ginger), while other dishes include tao hu tord (deep-fried tofu, B140) and pork spare ribs (B160).

Home Spun As unlikely as it sounds, there are very few Japanese joints here in Bangkok that specialize in home-kneaded soba noodles. But Wabouan (G/F, Charn Issara Tower 1, 02-237-8199), the brand new venture by a partner of Langsuan’s much-loved Suikin restaurant, does just that. Portions of the fresh, springy noodle goodness start at B120, served either hot or cold. We recommend you go between 11:30am-2pm, when they offer donburi (rice bowls with different toppings) lunch sets for B200. Kritthee

This sushi bar takes up a cozy spot in Ekkamai, with floor-toceiling windows and stylishly minimalist wooden table sets.

They serve a wide range of sushi, from the cheapest tamago (Japanese omelet) to the more expensive otoro (fatty tuna).

Apart from adorable offerings like dragon roll, they also recommend the uni (sea urchin) and foie gras. The tender Matsusaka beef and sashimi set are promised to be of a great standard, being fresh and well-prepared. Service is friendly and mindful, too, and when you factor in that the venue is quiet and small (with about 40 seats), Tororo makes for a real sushi sanctuary.

Exclusive privileges for Citibank credit card members.

Get 7% discount on food (except lunch set). Now–31 Mar 15

Visitkitjakarn

To redeem your favorite dining vouchers, please visit www.citirewards.com.

Simply click “Thailand” and then “Gift voucher”

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bites DINING NEWS

Events

Wine Bibber Daily buy-one-get-one free on beer and cocktails from 5-9pm.

Ekkamai Soi 2. Sukhumvit Soi 63. 02-7140709. Open daily 5pm-2am. BTS Ekkamai. wwwfb.comWineBibberSangria Bangkok

Le Normandie

Eric Pras at Le Normandie There’s only two dates left to try the three-Michelin-star head chef of Maison Lameloise’s food at the Mandarin Oriental hotel. Jan 16-17, he hosts a seven-course lunch menu (B4,300) and nine-course dinner menu (B7,900) at the exclusive restaurant.

Vesbar Thursday lady’s night offers buyone-get-one-free on draught beer or cocktails for ladies (sorry gents) from 6-9pm.

28-68/69 RCA, Rama 9 Rd., 089-269-9446.

Open Mon-Sat noon-midnight. www.fb.com/ govesbar

Advertise your business with us ­ starting from B5,000

48 Oriental Avenue, 02-659-9000

Wine Tasting with Ritchie Low On Jan 20, Wine Connection’s flagship branch in Silom hosts a wine tasting with guest speaker Ritchie Lowe from Australia’s Calabria Winery. There’ll be 10 wines to taste, starting at just B26 per 30ml sample, and free canapes throughout. Event runs from 6-8pm.

1/F Sivadon Bldg. www.wineconnection.co.th

Spring Epicurean Market The community market devoted to good food returns to the garden of Spring Summer restaurant on Jan 25. Turn up any time after 8am to enjoy Joe Sloane sausages, Conkey’s bread, kids’ activities and live music.

Free entry.

199 Sukhumvit Soi 39, 02-392-2747/8. www. springsummer.com

Bangkok Beer Week One of Bangkok’s best beer bars, Mikkeller, celebrates its first anniversary from Jan 26-Feb 1 with a week dedicated to craft beer. Meet the brewers behind some of the best beers in the world, and sample over 50 kegs on tap and a few hundred bottles. Event starts at 12pm on Jan 26.

26 Ekkamai Soi 10, 02-381-9891

Ku De Ta

39/F, Sathorn Square Complex, 98 North Sathorn Rd. 02-108-2000. Open Mon-Fri 11am-3pm, 5pm-10:30pm; Sat 5pm-10:30pm

Deals Japanese Beef at Elements The Okura Prestige has unveiled a new promotion running through Jan 31 for red meat lovers. Elements’ chef de cuisine Henry Jordan prepares different cuts of Matzusaka and Kiwimi beef(starting from B2,200) along with traditional accompaniments like wagyu fat-roasted carrots.

25/F, Park Ventures Ecoplex, 02-678-9000

New Venues Atelier de Joel Robuchon The Bangkok debut from chef with 28 Michelin stars across 20 restaurants.

Reservations essential.

5/F, Mahanakhon Cube, Narathiwas Rd., 02-001-0698. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm, 6:30-10:30pm. BTS Chong Nonsi

Happy Hours Hemingway’s From 12pm-8pm, Sat-Sun, all house spirits are just B100. Come between 4-6pm on Tues for half price on all small plates.

Sukhumvit Soi 14, 02-653-3900. Open daily 11:3-am-1am. BTS Asok

Email sales@asia-city.co.th or call 026249601

Ku De Ta Every day, two hours’ free-flow Asahi draught beer at B480, available for both lunch and dinner.

Atelier de Joel Robuchon

Coming Soon in March

Who’s going to make the cut this year?

Sign up for Bites & Blends e-newsletter to get more updates

Harvest A rustic new restaurant from the team behind Bouchot, serving simple seafood.

www.bkmagazine.com/ newsletters

Chapter 31, 24/1 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 089-8741205. Open daily 6pm-midnight

Hemingway’s

YouBahn Daily buy-one-get-one-free on house wine by the glass or buy-two-getone-free Singha beer from 6:30-8pm.

Soi Phra Chen, Wittayu Rd. (opposite Lumpini Park), 095-546-9163. Open Mon-Fri 5-11pm; Sat 5-10pm. MRT Lumphini. www. fb.com/youbahn

THE BITES & BLENDS NEWSLETTER 22

22 Kitchen & Bar Dusit Thani’s new 22/F restaurant is nothing like the refined French eatery it replaces—think Pacific coastal cuisine.

22/F, Dusit Thani Hotel, Rd., 946 Silom Rd., 02-200-9000. Open daily 4pm-midnight

The latest updates on Bangkok’s dining scene www.bkmagazine.com/newsletters

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bites

ADVERTORIAL

FOOD REVIEWS

Signature (Ku De Ta) HHHH Modern Asian. 39/F, Sathorn Square Building, 98 Sathorn Rd., 02-108-2000. Open Mon-Sat 6-10pm (last seating). Corkage B2,000 for sake and wine; B5,000 for sparkling wine and champagne; beer and liquor not allowed. BTS Chong Nonsi. F E BBBB

Ku De Ta Bangkok’s Signature Restaurant cooks up modern Asian fine-dining, with sweeping views to boot. The kitchen is led by chef Jonathan Maza, who’s worked with Eric Ripert and Nobu Matsuhisa (both of whom have had their share of Michelin stars). It delivers creative dishes that show off modern techniques and elaborate presentation. Signature is very clear about its lofty ambitions, and warns diners that they don’t do sushi. (You do have the option of dining at Izakaya, right next to it, for a more traditional and less expensive meal.) The overarching influence, though, is clearly Japanese. The Hamachi Nahm Prik (B500) sees five thin slices of raw yellowtail tuna topped by slivers of chili and fried shallots. Each piece is arranged as a single, carefully

calibrated bite, so that it’s not only beautiful to look at but perfectly balanced.

Similarly, the Tai Truffle Soy (B500) layers Japanese snapper, yuzu honey and flakes of French truffle. Here too, the dish manages to be more exciting than straight-up snapper sashimi would be— not an easy task. Indeed, there are exceptions: the Hon Magura Tataki (B600) combines lightly seared bluefin tuna with caramelized shallots, wakame (a subtly sweet seaweed) and tosazu (a kind of vinegar)—a dressing that doesn’t leave much space for the tuna to express itself.

There are also dishes that do little to alter the original product, such as the decadent wagyu with a marble score of A5 from Omi Prefecture in Japan (B3,000). It’s heaped onto a ceramic grill and protected from direct heat by delicious Japanese green onions. The generous chunks are cooked rare, so that their full, fatty flavors are uncompromised. Desserts are creative, delicious, and beautiful, too. Chef Jason Licker discreetly references Thailand and Southeast Asia in his Sang Som Cappuccino (Sangsom foam, milk ice cream, chocolate coffee crumble, passion, B360) or Yaki Painappuru (grilled pineapple, financier, passion-mango sorbet, B360) while employing the best of modern pastry techniques. Need we remind you Signature isn’t cheap. But with 39th floor views, an extensive sake menu, diligent service and creative Japanese cuisine that actually works, you’re getting a truly special experience.

PIZZA DONE RIGHT At Il Bolognese, we let nature take its course. Our dough evolves for 72 hours. This long, low-temperature aging enables the yeast to work slowly with the high protein flour that we source from a small mill in Italy.

HHHH Mediterranean. 71/1 Sathorn Soi 10, 02-6353673. Open Wed-Mon 8am-10:30pm. Corkage free. BB-BBB

Outside and in, this contemporary addition to the Sathorn Soi 10-12 cafécum-restaurant scene looks as much like a modern art gallery as it does a restaurant. From its huge, street-side windows to the white-washed walls and oversized furnishings, Moko makes a big impression, and one that, for the most part, we like. It’s also a nicely welcoming place, though the smiles and friendliness of the staff mask some far from polished service. (We love that our meal begins with a complimentary appetizer, though it would be nice if the waiter knew what it was.) On the whole, the food is quite Mediterranean, most strongly Italian, and heavily focused on seafood. Their brief clipboard menu of salads, antipasti, pastas and mains is supplemented by an enticing selection of chalkboard specials.

Ratings

Price guide

PPPP Forget it PPPP Only if you’re in the neighborhood PPPP A pleasant dining experience PPPP Not to be missed

B BB BBB BBBB

BK pays for its meal and does not call ahead or sit with the chef.

TEL. 66-2-286-8805

During these hours, the yeast transforms the complex sugars into simple sugars, making them easier to digest and metabolize. This process and our special flour allow us to use a minimal amount of yeast—up to 70 percent less than other pizzerias. This allows for complex flavors, perfect texture and a worry-free digestion.

WWW.ILBOLOGNESEBANGKOK.COM

Il Bolognese.indd 1

Moko

SOUTH SATHORN RD. 139/3 SOI 7 BKK 10120

TRATTORIA PIZZERIA IL BOLOGNESE

1/12/15 12:38 PM

It all reads very promisingly: simple, fresh and not overly inventive, though only some of the dishes really deliver.

The amply portioned “herbs salad” (B380) combines raw fennel, asparagus, mesclun, green apple and basil pesto with some massive slabs of gorgonzola, all of which is quite delicious. But the same can’t be said for everything. Our black mussels baked with chili, parsley and parmeggiano (B220), although well flavored, are really oily; the main of grilled whole sea bass (B650) is equally unsatisfying thanks to an overly sweet white sauce—though we do like the accompanying well-crisped potatoes, juicy diced tomato and sautéed greens.

The special of penne with smoked salmon and lemon cream (B350) fares better as no-nonsense comfort food thanks to nicely al dente pasta, but the smoked salmon is rather too salty and sauce not as boldly flavored as we’d like.

As it turns out, the tiramisu (B200) is the most impressive dish we try. The coffeesoaked Italian biscuit and the fresh, fluffy mascarpone custard provide an excellent end to the meal. As the night goes on, Moko also gets steadily busier, and has a nice buzz by about 20:30. We can see why anyone in the neighborhood might b e d raw n i n fo r a c a s u a l , i f n ot groundbreaking, dinner, especially given the satisfying house whites at just B200220 a glass.

Under B500 B500-900 B900-1,500 B1,500 and up Price per person, including one drink, appetizer, main course, dessert, charges and tax.

Symbols

H Reservations recommended F Parking available E Dress requirements G Live music BK Magazine Friday, January 16, 2015

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now Rock On There are so many grand-scale international concerts coming to Bangkok this season we’ve lost count (see Live In Bangkok, page 26). But this week sees two alternative acts move into town, with Danish punk rockers Iceage debuting at Langsuan Live in the Castle on Jan 17, followed by legendary metal group Avenged Sevenfold rocking out Impact Arena as a part of their 2015 world tour on Jan 20.

See MUSIC, page 25.

Going Solo B-F loor Theatre’s Ornano ng Thaisriwong opens a new run of her Best Original Script award-winning play from 2012, Bang-La-Merd: The Land I Do Not Own, at Thong Lor Art Space this Thursday (Jan 22).

The minimalist, one-woman play touches upon issues of freedom in Thai society. See STAGE, page 26.

New Jam Bangkok’s independent music and contemporary art communities come together on Jan 16 for the collaborative exhibition A Part of You, A Part of Me 2. Taking place over at The Jam Factory (see our interview with the venue’s new magazine editor, page 31), the event features artwork by multiple award-winning local artists like Teerawat Mulvilai and Lek Kiatsirikajorn, with live performances by homegrown talents including Stylish Nonsense, Little Fox and Free Typewriter. See ART, page 26.

Mix & Match Soy Sauce Factory starts the year with another great art exhibition.

Opening on Jan 16 is Ms. Match, the first solo exhibition by Thai photographer Soopakorn Srisakul, whose work reflects the daily life of his transgender girlfriend. The exhibition aims to show the audience that, though stigmatized and mistreated, transgenders are just like any of us. See ART, page 26.

NIGHTLIFE Mix Master Mike The official DJ for the Beastie Boys and DMC World DJ Champion puts on a show at the Friday night party destination. Jan 16, 9pm.

Ku Bar (Ku De Ta), 39 & 40/F, Sathorn Square, 98 North Sathorn, 02-108-2000. BTS Chong Nonsi. B400 (one free drink).

Unda: EP 747 Release Party

Go Grrrls

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Music producer/lyricist Unda performs his latest tracks live at the release party for his new EP, with support from Dope as Funk for the after-party. Show starts at 11:30pm.

Jan 16, 10pm. Grease, Opposite Villa Supermarket, 46/12-13 Sukhumvit Soi 49, 02662-6120-1. Free.

Past Master Mix Master Mike, the official Beastie Boys DJ and former DMC World Champion, will be showing off his scratch-heavy blend of hiphop in Ku De Ta's nightclub.

See NIGHTLIFE, this page.

French Riviera - Sunset Party A special post-New Year party at the beach bar, in celebration of the launch of its indoor beach club with chilled tunes, a selection of beers and cocktails starting at B100, and a 25-percent discount happy hour on food and spa treatments through 8pm. DJs Yukie Surisa, Thai International Lady Deejay and special guest Gilles Jacks from French Riviera. Jan 17, 4pm. Ocean Urban Lounge and Boutique Resort, 7 Sukhumvit Soi 33, 02-261-2800. B250 (one free drink).

Go Grrrls: Revolution Girls Style Now The party collective hosts its first party of 2015 in punk-rock style, inspired by the allgirl 90s punk group Bikini Kill. Expect tracks

by The Runaways, Blondie, MIA, Florence + The Machine and Azelia Banks from DJs Maehappyair, Dookie and Cleo P. Jan 17, 9:30pm. Wine Bibber Sangria, Ekamai Soi 2, 02-714-0709. B200. BTS Ekkamai.

Retox Sessions Presents Dubfire Electronic music by Grammy award-winning DJ Dubfire, known for his remix of Dido's "Thank You." Jan 24, 9pm. Glow, 96/4-5 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 02-261-3007, 02261-4446. Free. MRT Sukhumvit.

UniQ Thursdays: Peter Kruder [Kruder & Dorfmeister] The venue's Club Lounge hosts a night of short films, art and music videos. House music by resident DJ Alex iM!X from 10pm,

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followed by special guest DJ Peter Kruder from Austria, of the duo Kruder & Dorfmeister. Buy one get one free on standard drinks till midnight. Jan 29, 9pm. Ku Bar (Ku De Ta), 39 & 40/F, Sathorn Square, 98 North Sathorn, 02-1082000. B600. BTS Chong Nonsi.

Nakadia @ Glow Bangkok Nakadia spins deep house and techno. Jan 30, 10pm. Glow, 96/4-5 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 02-2613007, 02-261-4446. B400 (one free drink.) MRT Sukhumvit.

Tools 4 School with Dave Vega (Bpitch Control/Get Physical) The house and techno DJ performs in Bangkok, with support from Sunju Hargun, ahead of the March release of his full EP. Feb 6, 10pm.

Grease, Opposite Villa Supermarket, 46/12-13 Sukhumvit Soi 49, 02-662-6120-1. B300 (one Singha Light.)

Vacancy #15 The party collective brings good vibes and great company to the indie venue, with Japanese DJs Moola, ESCB, TEP and Gaolao. Feb 7, 6pm. Jam, 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 083-5451-833. Free. BTS Surasak.

MUSIC

gigs Gerry Hemingway Sarah Weaver Katsura Yamauchi Live at Zoo A creative multimedia evening with drum set pieces by Gerry Hemingway, musical performances by Sarah Weaver and a minimalist saxophone improv set by Katsura Yamauchi, accompanied by visual works. B100 for students.

Jan 16, 8pm. Zoo, 19 Prachathipatai Rd., 02629-3376. B200.

Wind the Hair by 1979 Vinyl Local indie acts Two Million Thanks, Basement Tape, Hariguem Zaboy, Triggs & The Longest Day, Abstraction XL and Lorsong perform at the intimate vinyl shop. Show up early as tickets are only available at the door. Jan 17, 3pm. 1979 Vinyls and Unknown Pleasures, 4/F, Black Amber, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor). B200.

Secret gig volume 6: "A Reason to Scream" Mini Fest The rock-focused venue brings together a huge lineup of local rockers including Lowfat, Lasthoper, Jimmy Revolt, The Rocket Whale and more, with special guest The Embassy. More info at 081-425-9405. Jan 23, 8pm. Langsuan Live in the Castle, Kamphaeng Phet 2. B150 (one free beer/soda).

The Folk Songs from 90s An evening of your favorite Thai folk songs from the 1990s, featuring Lek Proud and Poe YKPB. Head there early as space is limited. Jan 24, 10pm. Moose Bangkok, 24 Ekkamai Soi 21, 02-108-9550. B300.

Burkhard Beins Live at Zoo The Berlin-based experimental artist brings his unique percussion act to Bangkok. Jan 30, 8pm.

Zoo, 19 Prachathipatai Rd., 02-629-3376.

Stoondio: Plural Day Stoondio launch their new album, Plural, with a concert of relaxing tunes, including performances from other local acts like Youth brush, Supreme and Friends and Folk White. Bring your own pillows. Feb 7, 2:30pm. The Jam Factory, 41/1-41/2 Charoen Nakorn Rd., 02861-0950. Free.

Supersweet x Moumi present Deers The Spanish rocker girl group Deers holds a mini concert on Valentine's Day to celebrate the opening of the new concept store Moumi. From Jan 15, spend over B1,000 at the store to receive an entry wristband. Feb 14, 11:23am. Grease, Opposite Villa Supermarket, 46/12-13 Sukhumvit Soi 49, 02-662-6120-1. B1,000.

concerts Avenged Sevenfold World Tour 2015 The multiple award-winning metal group returns to perform live for Bangkok rock fans as part of their 2015 world tour. Door opens at 7pm. Jan 20, 8:30pm. Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd., 02-8334455. B1,500-2,700 from Thaiticketmajor.

Ghulam Ali The artist's Bangkok debut brings songs in Hindi,

Punjabi and Urdu. Jan 24, 7:30pm. Aksra Theatre, 3/F, King Power Complex, 8/1 Rangnam Rd., 02-677-8888. B1,000-3,000. BTS Victory Monument.

Michael Bublé Asia Tour 2015 The smooth Canadian vocalist returns to Bangkok for the first time in 10 years to perform his original hits such as "Home" and "Haven't Met You Yet" as well as smash cover versions like "Sway" and "Feeling Good." Jan 24, 7:30pm.

Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd., 02-833-4455. B2,000-6,500 from Thaiticketmajor.

The 1975 The rising British indie rock stars, known for the hit "Chocolate," perform their first concert in Thailand following their appearance at this year's Coachella Festival. Jan 25, 7pm. Centerpoint Studio Thailand, 9, 11 Sukhumvit Soi 105, 02-361-9229. B2,000-3,000 from Thaiticketmajor.

Thailand International Jazz Conference 2015 The annual three-day jazz event features jazz workshops run by local and international musicians, jazz solo improvisation competitions, and three evenings of concerts by George Garzone Trio, Chai & The Blues Maniacs feat. Nurse, Lage Lund Trio, Jetset'er, Pomelo Town with Koh Mr. Saxman and Jakob Dinsen, Mahidol University Jazz Orchestra and Silpakorn University Jazz Orchestra. B500 for a day pass, B800 for evening concerts. Full schedule at ow.ly/Gk4e1. Jan 30Feb 1, 6:30pm, 9:30am. Mahidol University (Salaya Campus), Music Auditorium, College of Music, 25/25 Buddhamonthon Sai 4 Rd., 02-800-2525/-34 ext. 154-5. B500-3,000 from Thaiticketmajor.

Sangsom presents Bird Ekachai Jearakul The GFA Guitar Foundation of America International Concert Artist Competition winner joins leading local artists including Pod Moderndog, Burin Boonvisut, Singto Numchok, Tor Saksit, Ratklao Amaradit and Tanit Sriglindee in a concert conducted by renowned composer/conductor Trisdee Na Patalung. Feb 7, 7pm. Muang Thai GMM Live House, 8/F, CentralWorld, 999/1 Rama 1 Rd. B1,000-3,000 from Thaiticketmajor. BTS Chit Lom.

New Found Glory Live in Bangkok The veteran American pop-punk band from Florida perform old hits and new tunes from their latest album, Resurrection at Live House Studio.

Reservations at 081-930-3633. Feb 10, 7pm. JJ Green, 110/46 Lad Phrao Soi 18, 086-331-56578. B1,500. BTS Mo Chit.

Dark Valentine 2015 Happening mag hosts an alternative night of moody music for Valentine's Day, with local groups Portrait, Yellow Fang, Stoondio, Zweedz N' Roll, Moving & Cut and Superbaker. Early bird tickets from Jan 15 at B500-600. Tickets available at Happening Shop, 3/F BACC (939 Rama 1 Rd.) Feb 14, 7pm. Siam Pikanet Theater, 7/F, Siam Square One, Rama 1 Rd. B750-850.

BTS Siam.

classical Concert in the Park - Continuation of Series 22 The Bangkok Symphony Orchestra performs popular tunes from a wide range of genres every Sunday through Feb 1, at Lumpini Park's Sala Bhirom Bhakdi. Note: Alcohol is not permitted. Jan 11, 5:30pm; Jan 18, 5:30pm; Jan 25, 5:30pm; Feb 1, 5:30pm. Lumpini Park, Rama 4 Rd. Free.

Afternoon of a Faun The Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra performs Debussy's L´aprés-midi d´un faune, Copland's Appalachian Spring and selected pieces by Narong Prangcharoen. Conducted by Jeffery Meyer.

Pre-concert talk starts 45 minutes before the show. Jan 16, 7pm; Jan 17, 4pm. Mahidol University (Salaya Campus), Music Auditorium, College of Music, 25/25 Buddhamonthon Sai 4 Rd., 02-800-2525/-34 ext. 154-5. B300500 (B100 for students) from Thaiticketmajor or at 02-800-2525-34 ext.154-5.

Francesca Dego plays Paganini The young Italian violinist performs Paganini's Violin Concerto and some Tchaikovsky with the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted

by Alfonso Scarano. Pre-concert talk starts 45

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now Drawing out the best in me

LIVE IN BANGKOK

The new art space's second exhibition features pencil drawings by Austrian artist Elysha Rei, who once worked in Nakhon Ratchasrima, illustrating the cultures and faces that she had seen over the years.

Opens on Jan 16 at 7pm. Jan 16-Feb 17, 7pm. Use Space, Samsen near Samsen Soi 24, 081-458-0116.

From death metal to jazz and K-pop, early 2015 has something for everyone with the arrival of countless international artists. Act fast and grab those front row tickets now.

All tickets are available on Thaiticketmajor, unless otherwise stated.

Dubway Presents the Artwork of TRK vol. 2 Teerayut Puchpen, aka TRK, is famous for street art depicting monstruous figures.

Opening party on Jan 17 with DJ Dragon and MC Sinnamon. Open bar serving Lamai Thai Rum from 7pm-9pm. Jan 17-Feb 17, 7am.

Jam, 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 083-5451-833.

Bangkok Mobile Photographers

MUSIC/CONTINUED Michael Bublé

ICEAGE - LIVE IN BANGKOK

The Danish punk rockers tour Asia and make their debut in Bangkok on Jan 17, following the release of their critically acclaimed album Plowing into the Fields of Love in October last year. The show starts at 9pm, with local support by Sangsom Massacre and The Ginkz. Tickets only available at the door.

Langsuan Live in the Castle, Kamphaeng Phet 2. MRT Kamphaeng Phet. B650 (one free beer)

AVENGED SEVENFOLD WORLD TOUR 2015

With over 10 million albums sold worldwide, the multiple award-winning metal group lands in Bangkok again on Jan 20 to perform live for local rock fans as a part of their 2015 world tour before working on their seventh album this summer. Door opens at 7pm.

Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd. B1,500-2,700

MICHAEL BUBLÉ ASIA TOUR 2015

The four-time Grammy winner, smooth Canadian vocalist returns to Bangkok for the first time in 10 years this Jan 24. Expect hits like “Home” and “Haven’t Met You Yet” alongside renditions of old favorites “Sway and “Feeling Good,” plus music from his latest album, To Be Loved. Door opens at 7pm.

Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd. B2,000-B6,500

THE 1975 LIVE IN BANGKOK

Jan 25 sees the rising British indie rock stars perform their first concert in Thailand following their performance at 2014’s Coachella Festival. Their self-titled debut album topped the UK chart last year with massive hit “Chocolate.” Door opens at 6pm.

minutes before the show. B100 for students. Reservations at 02-800-2525-34 ext.153-154. Jan 23, 7pm; Jan 24, 4pm.

Mahidol University (Salaya Campus), Music Auditorium, College of Music, 25/25 Buddhamonthon Sai 4 Rd., 02-800-2525-34 ext.154-5. B300-500 from Thaiticketmajor or at 02-800-2525-34 ext.154-5.

Zimerman plays Brahms Piano Concerto The Bangkok Symphony Orchestra and Polish pianist Krystian Zimerman, considered one of the greatest living pianists, join forces to perform Brahms, Mozart and Beethoven in Bangkok. Jan 27, 8pm.

Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Rd., 02-262-3456. B1,000-4,000 from Thaiticketmajor (50-percent discount for students). MRT Thailand Cultural Centre.

American in Paris Young classical performers selected to take part in the Princess Galyani Vadhana Institute of Music Youth Orchestra (PYO), and popular pianist Saksit Vejsupaporn perform George Gershwin's Cuban Overture, Porgy and Bess Suite and American in Paris. Conducted by Norman Huynh.

Make your bookings at reservation@ pgvim.ac.th or call 02-447-8597. Jan 3, 7pm. Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Rd., 02-262-3456. Free. MRT Thailand Cultural Centre.

A Very Big Music Festival

Centerpoint Studio Thailand, 9, 11 Sukhumvit Soi 105. B2,000-3,000

BSO 2015: ZIMERMAN PLAYS BRAHMS

Fans of classical music won’t feel left out as the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra and Polish pianist Krystian Zimerman, one of the best living pianists, join forces on Jan 27 to perform Brahms, Mozart and Beethoven in Bangkok. Conducted by Philharmonie Sudwestfalen’s Principal Conductor Charles Olivieri-Munro. Door opens at 7:30pm.

Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Rd. MRT Thailand Cultural Centre. B1,0004,000 (50% discount for students)

Opera Siam and the Department of Cultural Promotion organize two nights of Gustav Mahler classical music, conducted by Somtow Sucharitkul, in honor of the late Princess Galyani. Feb 16, 18, 8pm. Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Rd., 02262-3456. MRT Thailand Cultural Centre.

music festivals Winter Jazz and Arts Festival Jazz performances by hot local acts, many from the Phra Athit bar Jazz Happens and The Voice, with art exhibitions from Silpakorn University, art and music workshops and plenty of other stalls.

Tickets can be purchased at 02-282-9934 and 084-450-0505. Jan 25, 4:30pm; Feb 28, 4:30pm. National Gallery, 02-2822639-40. B250.

Noise Market 4 Incubus

Plan ahead for the best of the rest: TAEYANG WORLD TOUR [RISE] IN BANGKOK

Date: Feb 21 Venue: Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd. Tickets: B1,800-6,000 (available from Jan 17) INCUBUS LIVE IN BANGKOK

Date: Mar 11 Venue: Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd. Tickets: B1,500-3,000 (available from Jan 17)

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MOGWAI LIVE IN BANGKOK

Date: Mar 13 Venue: Moonstar Studio, 701 Lad Phrao Soi 80. MRT Huai Khwang Tickets: B1,500 (available from Jan 15, buy 5 get 1 ticket free promo through Jan 18) ONE DIRECTION THE ON THE ROAD AGAIN 2015 TOUR

Date: Mar 14 Venue: Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd. Tickets: B1,800-10,000

The fourth edition of the much-loved music/art-focused market returns to the grounds of the museum over the Valentine's weekend, bringing handmade goodness and live performances. Apply for a stall of your own at www.fb.com/ noisemarket.com. Feb 13-15, 4pm. Museum Siam, 4 Sanam Chai Rd., 02-2252777. Free.

STAGE

comedy Nanta Show 2015 The popular non-verbal comedy cooking show returns to Bangkok as part of its world tour, with improv interaction, and the combination of traditional and modern Korean beats. Doors open 30 mins before the show starts. Wed-Sun, through Jan 31, 8pm. Nanta Theatre, 1/F, Royal City

Avenue, Petchaburi Soi 47. B1,300 from Thaiticketmajor, (one welcome drink).

Gems of Hanoi - A Dao Hai Phong Retrospective

theater

One of Vietnam's most successful painters.

Vernissage on Jan 17 at 5pm. Jan 17-Feb 14, 5pm. Thavibu Gallery, Room 433, 4/F, JTC Jewelry Trade Center, 919/1 Silom Rd., 02-266-5454.

The Rainy Afternoon A short play by William Inge, known as the Playwright of the Midwest, about three children immitating their parents in a play house. Suitable for audiences over 15. Directed by Pannatat Po-dhivejakul. Play in Thai with English subtitles. Reservations at 086-600-6574 (Eng) and 086-410-7696 (Thai) or fb.com/Arts.Hub.Group. Jan 17, 3pm, 7:30pm; Jan 18, 3pm, 7:30pm. M Theater, 2884/2 New Petchaburi Rd., 080260-0771-6. B350.

Falling From Heaven Paitoon Laisakul directs mime performances of eight short stories featuring 14 characters. Jan 16, 22-23, 26, 8pm; Jan 17-18, 19, 24-25, 7pm. Thong Lor Art Space, 58/14-15 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor). B500.

Brundibar In commemoration of Holocaust Memorial Day, the Embassy of the Czech Republic and the Department of Cultural Promotion present Hans Krasa's fairytale, originally performed for the first time by the child inmates of Theresienstadt Concentration Camp. Performed by Opera Siam's Young soloists and the Siam Sinfonietta. Directed

by Somtow Sucharitkul and conducted by Trisdee Na Patalung. In Czech with Thai and English subtitles. Jan 22, 23, 8pm; Jan 24, 4pm, 8pm; Jan 25, 2pm, 7:30pm. Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Rd., 02-262-3456. MRT Thailand Cultural Centre. Free.

Bang-La-Merd: The Land I Do Not Own B-Floor Theatre's award-winning actress Ornanong Thaisriwong makes her directorial debut for this solo performance of 2012's Best Original Script award-winning play from the International Association of Theatre Critics Thailand. Reserve your tickets at 095-542-4555 or 095-924-4555.

Free parking at Marriott Hotel for advanced payment. Thu-Mon, Jan 22-Feb 9, 8pm.

Thong Lor Art Space, 58/14-15 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor). B500 (B350 for students who pay five days in advance).

ART

opening Ms. Match Solo Exhibition Soopakorn Srisakul depicts the reality of the lives of transgender people in his first solo exhibition at the Charoenkrung gallery.

Opens on Jan 16 at 7pm. Jan 16-Feb 7. Soy Sauce Factory, 11/1 Charoenkrung Soi 24.

092-115-8698. MRT Hua Lamphong

A Part of You, A Part of Me 2 The collaborative exhibition first held at WTF Gallery and Sol Space returns with a lineup of indie music including Assajan Jakgawan, Death of a Salesman, Little Fox, Free Typewriter and Stylish Nonsense. Tokin Teekanun and Chol Janepraphaphan also curate an art exhibition featuring work by Jiratchaya Pripwai, Lek Kiatsirikajorn and Teerawat Mulvilai. Jan 16, 4pm. The Jam Factory, 41/1-41/2 Charoen Nakorn Rd., 02-861-0950.

Sculpere On the back of his successful exhibition at Chula, Japanese artist Soichiro Shimizu presents large-scale abstract paintings and sculptures at the Sukhuvit gallery. Jan 17-Feb 8, 6pm. The Adler Subhashok Gallery, 160/3 Sukhumvit Soi 39, 02-6620299.

ongoing Bangkok Mobile Photographers (The #BMP Exhibition) Five photographers from different backgrounds present an exhibition of mobile phone photography under three hashtag themes: #abstract, #comical and #strange.

Through Jan 25. Neilson Hays Library, 195 Surawong Rd. 02-233-1731. BTS Chong Nonsi.

Solo: Never Odd or Even Part IV Estonian jewelry artist Tanel Veenre collaborates with Swedish brand Marta Märta Mattsson Jewellery for this exhibition on the themes of symmetry and reflection.

Through Feb 21. ATTA Gallery, Room 1109, OP Garden, 36 Charoen Krung Rd. 02-238-6422. BTS Saphan Taksin.

(-)1: The Great Artist of Tomorrow Will Go Underground This part of the pilot project Young Artist Network by BACC shines a light on emerging artists, with activities taking place within the exhibition space itself. Through Feb 1. Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), 939 Rama 1 Rd., 02-214-6630-8.

71 Years Kamol & Friends A special exhibition by celebrated artist Kamol Tassananchalee, awarded National Artist in Visual Art of 1996, in celebration of HRH Princess Theparat Ratchasuda's 60th birthday. Opening ceremony on Jan 10, from 5pm, in the presence of the Princess herself.

Through Feb 6, 5pm. Ratchadamnoen Contemporary Art Center (RCAC), 84 Ratchadamnoen Klang Rd., 02-422-8837.

Barry x Ball: Portraits and Photos The Californian sculptor has shown his dramaitic marble busts at the MOMA (NY, USA) and the Venice Biennale. Here he also shows images of his past installations. Through Mar 29. 100 Tonson Gallery, 100 Soi Tonson, Ploenchit Rd., 02-684-1527.

Boun: Abstraction The experienced Sino-Vietnamese artist paints with intense but natural pigments.

Through Feb 28. Artha Gallery, 5-7 Charoenkrung Soi 36, 02-630-9489.

Clairvoyance HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's new mixed-subject photography exhibition, takes its title from the traditional Thai epic Inao. Through Mar 8. Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), 939 Rama 1 Rd., 02-214-6630-8. BTS National Stadium

Distance by Steps (Nub Tao Nub Tang) A collective exhibition by leading artists from across Thailand, initiated by Naowarat Pongpaiboon and Kaewkao Pongpaiboon,

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comprising photographs, drawings, sculptures and poetry on the subject of elderly, neglected and isolated members of society. Through Feb 5. The Queen's Gallery, 101 Ratchadamnoen Klang Rd., 02-281- 5360/1.

Joyful Khaen, Joyful Dance The gallery explores traditional Isaan folk music and culture, and its history. Expect a variety of music and narrative performances. Through Mar 31. Jim Thompson House Art Center, Jim Thompson House, Soi Kasem San 2, Rama 1 Rd.

Le Kinlaads A new painting exhibition by Pom Jitpratuk, a graphic design graduate from Central Saint Martin.

Through Feb 15. Koi Art Gallery, 245 Sukhumvit Soi 31 (Soi Sawasdee), 02-662-3218.

Man's Religion A monochrome nude photography exhibition by Nipon Intarit at the gallery of Thai photographer Manit Sriwanichpoom. Through Feb 28. Kathmandu Photo Gallery, 87 Pan Rd., 02-234-6700.

On The Way Celebrated artist Somboon Hormtienthong shows the places that he's visited on his motorbike over the past two years. Through Jan 31. Numthong Gallery, 72/3 Phahon Yothin 7 Soi 5 (Ari), 02617-2794.

On-Nuch The contemporary gallery exhibits the works by celebrated local artists. Through Jan 26. Tadu Contemporary Art Gallery, 2/F Thaiyarntony Building, 2225 Sukhumvit Soi 87.

Siam: Through the lens of John Thomson 1865-66 Thailand during the era of King Rama V as seen by Scottish photographer John Thomson, who captured portraits, events and landscapes. Through Feb 28. National Gallery, 4 Chao Fa Rd., 02282-2639-40.

Warlords Hyper-masculine photos of foreign Muay Thai fighters taken by Australian-born artist Troy Schooneman. Through Feb 28. Eat Me, 1/6 Phiphat Soi 2, Convent Rd., 02-238-0931. BTS Sala Daeng.

[un] forgotten Lek Kiatsirikajorn and Stephanie Borcard/Nicholas Metraux present a contemporary photography exhibition in which they record paradoxical stories of people that want to forget, and people that want to remember. Opens on Jan 15 at 6pm. Through Feb 14, 6pm. Silpakorn University Gallery, 31 Na Phra Lan Rd., 02-221-3841.

closing Historical Correction American artist Maxine Helfman presents a symbolic exhibition at the sky-high gallery, featuring images of slaves dressed in the garments of their masters. Curated by Susan Baraz. Through Jan 17. Rooftop Gallery by Farmani, 440/10 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (between Thonglor Soi 14-16), 091-573-6841.

Interiority: Puun, Phanang, Laea Phedan

H Gallery presents the works of Chiang Mai-based artist Mit Jai Inn, who's exhibited at biennales in Singapore and Sydney, in its new art space at Gaysorn Plaza. Through Jan 31. G1 Contemporary, 999 Phloen Chit Rd.

American artist and professor of architecture at Chulalongkorn University Saul Aaron Appelbaum incorporates his abstract paintings on plastic and fabric into the walls of the gallery. Through Jan 17. Brownstone Studio, 1395 Sukhumvit Soi 77, 085-483-7675. BTS On Nut.

Planet Dao Solo Exhibition

Lotus Disco

Pastorale

The latest exhibition by local artist Dao Paoviman, influenced by Asian pop culture, graffiti and the streets of Bangkok. Through Jan 25. GOJA Gallery Café, 5/2 Pridi Soi 3, 085-848-7576.

Predetermined A new series of paintings and sculptures by Prasert Yodkaew, inspired by Thai idealism and scientific truths. Through Feb 8. Tang Contemporary Art, Room B-28, Basement/F, Silom Galleria, 919/1 Silom Rd., 02-630-1114.

Sculptural Paintings 25 pieces by experienced make-up artist Bilou under the theme zebra. Through Jan 3. Golden Tortoise Gallery, 100 Sukhumvit Soi 49, 02662-5600.

For his new solo exhibition, Maitree Siriboon displays mosaic tile-covered "disco balls" produced during a residency at Thaillywood arts studio in Chonburi. Through Jan 18. Whitespace Gallery, 1 Sala Daeng Soi 1, 02-235-2500. BTS Sala Daeng.

Memorandum Narrating the relationship between reminiscence and forgetfulness, this exhibition curated by Ark Fongsmut brings together selected works by four artists—Chalarak Rueanchumchoei, Dusadee Huntrakul, Kentaro Hiroki and Nipan Oranniwesna.

Through Jan 17. Bangkok University Gallery (BUG), 2-4/F, BU International College Building (Bld.7), 119 Rama 4 Rd., 02-350-3626.

WHY NOT Get started on your Valentine’s Gift

Haven’t thought about Valentine’s Day yet? Here’s a workshop to help you get started. Run by White Hat and Boysandgirls.art, whose work have been featured in Nylon Thailand and Readers' Digest, the two-day workshop on Jan 24-25 at Rhythm of Arts Home Studio will help you find inspiration and train you on the basics of watercolors and pencil color to create a personalized gift for your special someone. The techniques can be applied to make a notebook, postcard or DIY bag.

At B3,000, the fee cover 10 hours of classes (10am-3pm each day), lunch and all the necessary art equipment.

Sign up now, or find out more at 084-551-9232 or rhythm-of-art@hotmail.com.

Rhythm of Arts Home Studio, Opposite Yothinburana School, Samsen Rd. 092-561-6998.

MRT Bangsue/BTS Saphan Kwai.

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now general 10km course for all. Scholarships to continue race training go to the top five runners (Thai nationals) of each course. Online registration available now through Jan 16 at www.bibmaster.com. Feb 8, 5am. Suan Luang Rama XIII Public Park, Arun Amarin Rd. B200-300.

NEIGHBORHOOD

6 reasons to visit Ratchadamnoen this weekend

Run with Me 2015

Bangkok Motorbike Festival 2015 The Queen’s Gallery

MUSIC/CONTINUED Mythical Reality Wittawat Tongkeaw questions the reality of this world through the rearrangement of everyday objects. Through Jan 18. S.A.C. Subhashok The Art Centre, Sukhumvit Soi 39.

HAPPENINGS The Passport Bookshop

Pad Thai Thip Samai

APPRECIATE THE ARTS

We’re reminded this month that the Old Town is home to plenty of great yet underrated art galleries. Do check out the 19th century photography of John Thomson at the National Gallery (through Feb 28) and 71 years Kamol & Friends, the special exhibition at Ratchadamnoen Contemporary Art Center by celebrated artist Kamol Tassananchalee, Thai National Artist in Visual Arts (1997). Only five minutes away, The Queen’s Gallery is also currently home to Distance by Step, a dramatic collective exhibition by leading artists from across Thailand, initiated by Naowarat Pongpaiboon and Kaewkao Pongpaiboon, comprising photographs, drawings, sculptures and poetry on the subject of neglected elderly people.

National Gallery, 4 Chao Fa Rd. 02-282-2639-40. Open Wed-Sun 9am-4pm Ratchadamnoen Contemporary Art Center, 84 Ratchadamnoen Klang Rd. 02-422-8837.

Open Tue-Sun 10am-7pm The Queen’s Gallery, 101 Ratchadamnoen Klang Rd. Open Mon-Tue, Thu-Sun: 10am-6pm

TAKE IT SLOW

From the Queen’s Gallery, if you walk down the road, you’ll come across Dialogue Coffee and Gallery with its distinctive bike parking spots in front. The “free space for slow life” café is a great place to take refuge after a long day of walking from gallery to gallery. The 100-year-old house serves up some reasonably priced frappucinos (B60-85), Sangria (B180) and wine by the glass (B140), and a small variety of homemade pizzas (B100-B190) and quesadilla (B90-B140). It also makes a great spot to catch up with your Instagram, thanks to Wi-Fi and plug points.

533 Phra Sumen Rd. 084-754-8799. Open Tue-Sun 11am-11pm

FIND YOUR NEW BOOK

Just down the road lies The Passport Bookshop, dubbed by many as the book oasis of Phra Nakorn. Popular among tourists and locals, the joint is a cozy bookshop with an emphasis on travel and all things Southeast Asian.

523 Prasumeru Rd., Bowornnivej, Pranakorn 02-629-0694. Open Tue-Sun 10:30am-7pm

JAZZ IT UP

Brown Sugar is one of Bangkok’s best jazz bars for a reason. The Phra Sumen institution offers classic Western comfort food and cocktails, and live performances by quality local jazz bands dominated by finalists of The Voice Thailand like Tissue Paper and Attention Please. Performances run from 8:30 pm from Tue-Sun. 469 Phra Sumen Rd., 081 805 7759. Open daily 5pm-12:30am

GO EXPERIMENTAL

If you’re looking for something a bit different, you can head over to experimental performance venue Zoo this Jan 16 at 8pm for a creative multimedia evening, with drum set pieces by jazz percussionist Gerry Hemingway, composed by American artist Sarah Weaver, and a minimalist saxophone improv set by Japanese artist Katsura Yamauchi.

Zoo, 19 Prachathipatai Rd., 02-629-3376. B200 (B100 for students)

LATE NIGHT SNACK

Looking for some late night comfort food? You’ve got plenty to choose from in the area. The famous Khao Tom Bowon, which serves tasty porridge with many savory side dishes to choose from is right opposite Bowonniwet Temple. Khao Tom Fa Mui (Fa Mui Restaurant) is also on the same road near Brown Sugar, with the popular chicken feet soup for those brave enough to try. A slightly further walk across Ratchadamnoen Road through Mahachai Road gets you to the infamous Pad Thai Thip Samai, known to locals as Pad Thai Pratu Phi for some street-side premium egg-wrapped pad Thai noodles.

Pad Thai Thip Samai, 313-315 Mahachai Rd. 02-221-6280. Open daily 5pm-2am

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classes & workshops The French Touch Workshop A two-day musical comedy workshop run by French-Thai tenor Yves Baron, who currently instructs at Superstar Academy and College of Bangkok. Students can select French classics to perform on the closing night (Jan 24) from 7:30pm at the Au Cabaret concert. Limited to 12 participants. Reservation at 02-670-4222 or email warittha.kraiwee@afthailande.org. Jan 23, 3pm; Jan 24, 2pm. Alliance FranÇaise de Bangkok, 179 Witthayu (Wireless) Rd., 02-670-4200. B2,900. MRT Lumphini.

competitions Nadzproject presents Injustice Tournament Bangkok #1 The indie bar hosts a PS4 tournament for 32 brave players, with Arkham Knight Collectors Edition up for grabs. Other prizes for runner-ups. Register for B100 at ow.ly/FI95a, and you'll receive a discount voucher for your next Nadzproject game purchase. Jan 31, 6pm.

Jam, 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 083-5451-833.

Free. BTS Surasak.

design exhibitions Debut by TCDCCONNECT TCDCCONNECT introduces the work of 16 outstanding creatives and designers from Chiang Mai Design Week 2014. Through Jan 31, 10:30am. Thailand Creative and Design Center (TCDC), 6/F, The Emporium, 662 Sukhumvit Soi 24, 02-664-8448. BTS Phrom Phong.

NASA: A Human Adventure Produced by John Nurminen Events in cooperation with NASA, the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center, and the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, this massive exhibition showcases 350 space exploration-related objects, many of which were used in actual space missions. Through Feb 1. CentralPlaza Lardprao, 1693 Phahon Yothin Rd. B250500 from Thaiticketmajor. MRT Phahon Yothin.

Pop-Up Art Library by The Reading Room This temporary art library project runs as a part of the (-) 1 The Great Artist of Tomorrow Will Go Underground exhibition, and features literature from 12 libraries around Bangkok.

Throughout the duration of the show, a fact sheet is available on Bangkok's best resources for contemporary art literature. Through Feb 1. Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), 939 Rama 1 Rd., 02-214-6630-8.

Free. BTS National Stadium.

foodie events Wine Tasting with Ritchie Low Wine Connection’s flagship branch in Silom hosts a wine tasting with guest speaker Ritchie Lowe from Australia’s Calabria Winery. There’ll be 10 wines to taste, starting at just B26 per 30ml sample, and free canapes throughout. Jan 20, 6-8pm. 1/F Sivadon Bldg. www.wineconnection.co.th.

Bangkok Beer Week A whole week for beer lovers as Mikkeller celebrates its first anniversary with exclusive new bottles and 50 taps from popular breweries around the world. Jan 26-Feb 1, 12pm. Mikkeller, 26 Ekkamai Soi 10, 02-381-9891. Free.

sales & fairs Spring Epicurean Market A community market devoted to good food featuring a lineup of local artisans and vendors including the likes of Joe Sloane's sausages and Conkey's breads with a space for kids and live music. Jan 25, 8am; Feb 22, 8am; Mar 29, 8am; Apr 26, 8am. Spring Summer, 199 Sukhumvit Soi 39, 02-392-2747/8. Free. www. springnsummer.com.

ThaiCraft Fair The regular craft fair helps to promote local handmade products from over 50 artisan groups. Shop for home décor, toys and other accessories. Jan 24, 10am. Jasmine City Building, 2 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 02-204-5888.

Free.

Bangkok Motorbike Festival 2015 The seventh edition of the motorcycle expo takes over CentralWorld with stands from leading manufacturers KTM, MV Agusta, Ducati, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki and Zero Engineering, as well as booths selling parts, accessories and clothing. Jan 28-Feb 1, 3pm.

CentralWorld, 999/1 Rama 1 Rd., 02-6351111. BTS Chit Lom.

Bike Show: Ride For It The biggest evening outdoor bicycle show in Bangkok spans three days at the riverside venue. Feb 5-8, 3pm. Free. Asiatique the Riverfront, 2194 Charoenkrung Rd., 02-1084488. BTS Saphan Taksin (Free Ferry from Sathorn Pier).

sports Thai Sikh Run The 21st charity run organized by the Central Organization of Sikhs in Thailand features runs of three diffferent distances around the Old Town: 21km (B500), 10km and 5km (B300).

Trophies for the top five in each category, and prize money for the top three 21km runners.

All finishers receive a goody bag at the finish line. Registration opens through Jan 25 at Siri Guru Singh Sabha (541 Chakphet Rd.) or online at www.bibmaster.com. Jan 25, 5pm. The Old Siam Plaza, 50 Tri Phet Rd. B300-500.

Couples are invited to take part in the following races this Valentine's Day: the 20km Couple Run Challenge (B1,200 with a finisher T-shirt), 10km mini marathon (B700) and 3km fun run (B700). All participants must sign up in pairs at www.bibmaster.com, and all finishers will receive a pair of cute couple medals. Feb 14 2015, 6am. Suanluang Rama IX Public Park, Sukhumvit Soi 103, 02-328-8982. B700-1,200.

talks Bridges - Dialogues Towards a Culture of Peace Four Nobel Laureates talk in collaboraton with the International Peace Foundation. Jan 19: Prof. Brian Schmidt, 2011 Nobel Laureate in Physics, talks on the topic "Science: Humanity's universal bridge" at Kasetart University.

Jan 26: Prof. Ei-ichi Negishi, 2010 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, discusses "The power of metal catalysis trasition for prosperous and sustainable 21st century" also at Kasetsart University. Feb 2: Prof. Bruce A. Beutler, 2011 Nobel Laureate in Medicine, addresses "The global struggle against infectious disease" at the QSNCC. Feb 9: Dr. Mohamed ElBaradei, 2005 Nobel Peace Prize recipient, discusses "Global equity and security" at the FCCT. Jan 19, 2pm; Jan 26, 2pm; Feb 2, 2pm; Feb 9, 7pm. Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, 60 New Ratchadapisek Rd., 02-2293000. MRT Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre. Free.

The Education Dialogue: The Right Leads for a Great Future The conference explores three themes: Education, Innovation and Inspiration. Speakers include: former prime minister of Thailand Abhisit Vejjajiva, Secretary General of the Office of Higher Education Commission Assoc. Prof. Kamjorn Tatiyakavee, architect Mr. Duangrit Bunnag and BBC science reporter Prof. Iain Stewart. Organized by the British Council and Thailand's Ministry of Education.

For a full schedule and online registration, visit ow.ly/GUs7g. Jan 30-31, 10am. Free.

Valerio Olgiati/A Lecture Swiss architect Valerio Olgiati, who's taught at ETH Zurich, Architectual Association School of Architecture London and Cornell, and is the Kenzo Tange Chair at Harvard, speaks as part of the Silpakorn University Architectual Talk.

Reserve your seat at goo.gl/forms/fvf36IQjMh. Feb 7, 1pm-4pm. Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), 939 Rama 1 Rd., 02-214-6630-8. BTS National Stadium

BITEC Half Marathon 2015: The Heart Runners One of the bigger Bangkok running events, with three courses to choose from: 21.1km Half Marathon, 10.5km Mini Marathon and 5km Micro Marathon. Register now at www. bitec-halfmarathon.com. Sales end on Jan 10.

Feb 1, 3am. BITEC, 88 Bang Na-Trat Rd., 02749-3939. B300-500. BTS Bang Na.

MRC Bangkok - 2nd Run Burn some calories before the last day of Bangkok Beer Week by joining the bar's running club for its second event, with a choice between long and short routes. House pilsner for all participants following the run. Feb 7, 10am. Mikkeller, 26 Ekkamai Soi 10, 02381-9891.

See more on the BK iPad app bkmagazine.com/ bkapp never miss an issue get BK one day early access past issues

Thaicom 10K 2015 The second edition of the Rama VIII Bridge race offers various distances, from newbie-friendly walking-running courses for families, under 12s and 13-15 year-old runners, to the youth (16-19yrs old) 5km course to the

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now upcoming

SPECIAL SCREENINGS Japanese Film Festival

Laggies (US) 28-year-old Megan (Keira Knightley) is shocked to learn, at her 11-year high school reunion, how stagnant her life is compared to her friends, so she starts hanging out with a 16-year-old (Chloe Grace Moretz).

Jan 22

Mortdecai (US) Johnny Depp plays a charming art dealer who travels the world in search of a lost painting rumored to contain a code to an old Nazi bank account filled with gold. Jan 22 About The Pink Sky Into the Woods

FILM

opening Water Diviner (AU/US) After the Battle of Galipoli during WWI, an Australian farmer named Connor (Russell Crowe) must travel to Turkey to find his three missing sons.

My Man

From Jan 30-Feb 8, Siam Paragon hosts the annual Japanese Film Festival, which this year screens 15 award-winning films from Japan under the theme “life”. The festival also runs in Chiang Mai, starting Feb 13 at Central Festival Chiang Mai. Highlights include: LUPIN THE 3RD Directed by Kitamura Ryuhei, 2014 Inspired by the phenomenally popular Japanese cartoon first created in the 1960s, the film follows the titular character and his band of anti-heroic thieves as they try to steal a powerful ancient relic rumored to grant world domination to whoever holds it.

MY MAN Directed by Kumakiri Kazuyoshi, 2014 Following the 1993 Hokkaido tsunami, nine-year-old Hana is taken in by one of her relatives, Junko. Deeply shaken by her traumatic experience, Hana swears never to leave Junko’s side. Years later, however, Hana gets married and goes on a honeymoon, only to discover on her return that Junko is missing.

ABOUT THE PINK SKY Directed by Keiichi Kobayashi, 2013 When high-school girl Izumi finds a wallet on the ground filled with cash, she becomes determined to discover who it belongs to.

Tickets cost B100, available from Jan 25 at Siam Paragon. To see the full roster of films and screening times, visit www.jfbkk.or.th or call The Japan Foundation Bangkok at 02-260-8560-4.

SPECIAL SCREENING Kernelings

After (US) Set in 2002 New York, this film tells the story of a family struggling to keep both their business and relationships intact, but a well-buried secret could shatter their fragile lives forever.

American Sniper (US) The story of Chris “Legend” Kyle (Bradley Cooper), the man known as the most lethal sniper in the US army.

Into the Woods (US) An alternate version of the classic Grimm fairy tale, the film follows The Baker (James Cordon) and his Wife (Emily Blunt) as they journey to find the ingredients needed to undo a curse put upon them by a witch (Meryl Streep). Along the way, they meet the likes of the big bad Wolf (Johnny Depp) and Cinderella (Anna Kendrick).

Blackhat (US) Nicholas Hathaway (Chris Hemsworth) is a criminal hacker released from prison in order to help the police take down an international cyber-criminal.

Home/At the Devil’s Door (US) Leigh (Catalina Sandino Moreno) is tasked with selling a house with a dark past. She meets a disturbed little girl in the house, unaware of the sinister intentions the girl has for her.

now showing Black & White: The Dawn of Justice (China/Taiwan) HHHHH The latest in this crime-thriller series follows a police officer (Mark Chao) as he tries to stop a terrifying conspiracy to release a virus that will destroy the world in 14 days.

Frozen Sing-a-long (US) (No rating) A sing-a-long version of Disney’s block-buster 2014 animated film.

Taken 3 (US) HHHHH Liam Neeson is back yet again as Bryan Mills in this latest entry to the Taken series. This time, Mills is framed for the murder of his ex-wife (Famke Janssen), and must utilize his “particular set of skills” to outsmart and outrun the police, FBI and CIA.

Directed by Gerry Hemingway, 2014 Jam Cine Club hosts experimental US jazz percussionist Gerry Hemingway this Sunday (Jan 18) for a special screening of his video-art film Kernelings. The non-narrative work aims to visually interpret Hemingway’s thought processes, using mesmerizing electro-acoustic music and psychedelic visuals to illustrate the relationship between sound and sight. Hemingway will personally introduce the film before taking part in a post-screening Q&A with the audience. Screening begins at 7:30pm on Jan 18.

Free entry. For more information, visit www.fb.com/JAMCAFEBKK. Also don’t miss Hemingway’s live performance at Zoo on Jan 16(see music, page 25). Tickets cost B200 (B100 for students). Full details at http://tinyurl. com/m3nvopg.

Foxcatcher (US) HHHHH Mark Schultz (Channing Tatum), an aspiring wrestler, is approached by coach John du Pont (Steve Carrell) to join the Olympics wrestling team. Schultz, hoping to step out of the shadow of his older brother (Mark Ruffalo), agrees to join the team, unaware of the tragedy that awaits.

The One Ticket (Thai) HHHHH Pong (Worawech Danuvongse), an unmotivated cartoonist, must push himself to the edge of his limits to get a sold-out concert ticket for his young daughter (Nattaya Ongsritrakul).

The Iron Ladies (Thai) HHHHH A remake of the cult hit released in 2000 under the same name, this based-on-atrue-story film follows the exploits of a team of a flamboyantly gay male volleyball players.

Seventh Son (US) (Not yet rated) An evil witch (Julianne Moore) escapes imprisonment intent on bringing destruction upon the world, and Master Gregory (Jeff Bridges) must take on a new apprentice (Ben Barnes) to fight back against the evil spreading across his homeland.

Stand by Me Doraemon (Japanese) HHHHH Massive cultural icon Doraemon returns in his first 3D-animated feature film to answer a question burning in the minds of all fans: What will Nobita do when his blue robotic-feline friend isn’t there anymore?

Love on the Rock (Thai) HHHHH

Wolves (US) After murdering his parents, Cayden Richards (Lucas Till) travels to Lupine Ridge, a town inhabited by werewolves, where a shocking truth about his past is revealed.

Jan 22 Big Eyes (US) In the 1950s, artist Michael Keane (Christoph Waltz) is world famous for his paintings of big-eyed little girls. Little do they know that the paintings are actually by his wife, Margaret (Amy Adams). Jan 22 The Woman in Black 2 (UK) This sequel to 2012’s horror flick takes place 40 years after the original, when a group of WWII orphans are transported to the Eel Marsh House, unknowingly awakening the malevolent spirit that dwells there.

Jan 22

Dumb and Dumber to (US) Taking place 20 years after the original, Lloyd (Jim Carrey) and Harry (Jeff Daniels) are back. This time, Harry discovers he has a daughter (Rachel Melvin). Jan 22 Map to the Stars (US) The story of a Hollywood family and their perpetual struggles for fame and against each other. Jan 22

free screenings

This booze-centric love story follows Joe (Naparat Rattanit), a young bar owner, as he meets Fai Leaw (Pilaiporn Subinchumroo), a girl who only believes in casual relationships. As their expectations become unaligned, they must ask themselves again what it is they truly expect from love.

Jam

Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb (US) HHHHH

The Friese-Greene Club

Ben Stiller returns as a museum security guard and must unite the museum’s greatest heroes such as Theodore Roosevelt (Robin Williams) and Attila the Hun (Patrick Gallagher) in a globe-spanning quest to save the magic that brings the museum’s exhibits to life.

The Tale of Princess Kaguya (Japan) HHHHH This Japanese animated film from the legendary Studio Ghibli chronicles the life of Kaguya (Aki Asakura), a mystical girl born from a bamboo shoot. Growing into a woman of otherworldly beauty, Kaguya is met with many suitors, all of whom she sends on a series of impossible tasks in order to win her hand in marriage.

I Fine… Thank You… Love You (Thai) HHHHH Yim (Sunny Suwanmethanon) is an average Thai man with abysmal English skills.

When his Japanese girlfriend breaks up with him to go work in America, Yim must reluctantly take English lessons from Pleng (Preechaya Pongthananikorn) in order to get her back.

Every Wednesday night is Cult Movie Night. Theme for January is Banned Movies. Films start from 8pm, visit www. fb.com/JAMCAFEBKK for schedule. 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 083-545-1833. Open Tue-Sun noon-midnight.

The schedule follows a daily theme. Films start from 8pm, visit www.fgc.in.th for the full line up and to reserve your seat. 259/6 Sukhumvit Soi 22, 087-000-0795. Open Wed-Sun 6pm-late.

Alliance FranÇaise Movies are subtitled in English and screened at 7pm. Jan 21. La Bataille De Solferino (2013): Laetitia, a news reporter, reluctantly leaves her two children with a caretaker to cover the ongoing elections.

179 Witthayu (Wireless) Rd., 02-670-4200

Goethe Institut Movies are screened in German with English subtitles. Jan 20. Akte Gruninger (2013): When Switzerland closes its borders to Jewish refugees in 1939, Paul Gruninger, a police captain in a small town, helps smuggle them in. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/kupaynp, or contact 02108-8200, info@bangkok.goethe.org.

Get all the latest events and restaurant openings from BK Magazine in real time with BK Now BK Magazine Friday, January 16, 2015

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“AtSathorn” Luxurious Home Apartment in Sathorn– Studio,1BD,2BD 140Sqm:Imagine you are living in the heart of Bangkok, enjoying the privacy and comfort of a Home-like atmosphere. 30-140 Sqm, Studio1-2 BDs, 3 BRs, Jacuzzi,Balconies, RoofGarden& Fitness. “FREE Wireless12MB+ FREE CableTV+FREE Cleaning” Walking distance to BTS&MRT(10-40K/Month)/ Tanadon 08-1903-2390,tb_147@hotmail.com,www.Atsathorn.com

For Sale A-SPACE Condo. 2 klm from BTS OnNuch (Sukhumvit 77). 6 Floor, 35.5 SQM. 1 bed 1 living, wide balcony. Swimming pool view. Furniture includes: Bed, Sofa, TV, Aircon, Microwave, Fridge. Facilities are pool, security card & guard, parking. 1.87 MB. or rent minimum 1 year contract. Contact: Duke 084-081-117

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FREEWILL ASTROLOGY CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19): Most plants move upwards as they grow. Their seeds fall to the ground, are blown off by the wind, or are carried away by pollinators. But the peanut plant has a different approach to reproduction. It burrows its seeds down into the soil. They ripen underground, where they are protected and more likely to get the moisture they need to germinate. The peanut plant’s approach to fertility might be a good metaphor for you Capricorns to adopt for your own use. It makes sense for you to safeguard the new possibilities you’re incubating. Keep them private, maybe even secret. Don’t expose them to scrutiny or criticism.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18): In his poem “The Garden,” Jack Gilbert says, “We are like Marco Polo who came back / with jewels hidden in the seams of his ragged clothes.” Isn’t that true about you right now, Aquarius? If I were going to tell your recent history as a fairy tale, I’d highlight the contrast between your outer disorder and your inner riches. I’d also borrow another fragment from Gilbert’s poem and use it to describe your current emotional state: “a sweet sadness, a tough happiness.” So what comes next for you? I suggest you treat yourself to a time out. Take a break to integrate the intensity you’ve weathered.

And retrieve the jewels you hid in the seams of your ragged clothes.

PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20): “All the colors I am inside have not been invented yet,” wrote Shel Silverstein, in his children’s book Where the Sidewalk Ends. It’s especially important for you to focus on that truth in the coming weeks. I say this for two reasons.

First, it’s imperative that you identify and celebrate a certain unique aspect of yourself that no one else has ever fully acknowledged. If you don’t start making it more conscious, it may start to wither away. Second, you need to learn how to express that unique aspect with such clarity and steadiness that no one can miss it or ignore it.

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ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19): You will never make anything that lasts forever. Nor will I or anyone else. I suppose it’s possible that human beings will still be listening to Beethoven’s music or watching The Simpsons TV show 10,000 years from today, but even that stuff will probably be gone in five billion years, when the sun expands into a red giant star. Having acknowledged that hard truth, I’m happy to announce that in the next five weeks you could begin work in earnest on a creation that will endure for a very long time.

What will it be? Choose wisely!

TAURUS (Apr 20-May 20): What does your soul need on a regular basis? The love and attention of some special person? The intoxication provided by a certain drink or drug? Stimulating social interaction with people you like? Music that drives you out of your mind in all the best ways? The English poet Gerard Manley Hopkins said that the rapture his soul needed more than anything else was inspiration—the “sweet fire,” he called it, “the strong spur, live and lancing like the blowpipe flame.” So the experience his soul craved didn’t come from an outside stimulus. It was a feeling that rose up inside him. What about you, Taurus? According to my analysis of the astrological omens, your soul needs much more than usual of its special nourishment.

GEMINI (May 21-Jun 20): In 1987, California condors were almost extinct.

Less than 30 of the birds remained.

Then the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service launched an effort to capture them all and take emergency measures to save the species. Almost 28 years later, there are more than 400 condors, half of them living in the wild. If you act now, Gemini, you could launch a comparable recovery program for a different resource that is becoming scarce in your world. Act with urgency, but also be prepared to practice patience.

CANCER (Jun 21-Jul 22): Daniel Webster (1782-1852) was an American statesman who served in both houses of Congress. He dearly wanted to be President of the United States, but his political party never nominated him to run for that office. Here’s the twist in his fate: Two different candidates who were ultimately elected President asked him to be their Vice President, but he declined, dismissing the job as unimportant. Both those Presidents, Harrison and Taylor, died after a short time on the job. Had Webster agreed to be their Vice-President, he would have taken their place and fulfilled his dream. In the coming weeks, Cancerian, I advise you not to make a mistake comparable to Webster’s.

LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22): In one of his poems, Rumi writes about being alone with a wise elder. “Please,” he says to

the sage, “do not hold back from telling me any secrets about this universe.” In the coming weeks, Leo, I suggest you make a similar request of many people, and not just those you regard as wise.

You’re in a phase when pretty much everyone is a potential teacher who has a valuable clue to offer you. Treat the whole world as your classroom.

VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22): Have you been tapping into your proper share of smart love, interesting beauty, and creative mojo? Are you enjoying the succulent rewards you deserve for all the good deeds and hard work you’ve done in the past eight months? If not, I am very upset. In fact, I would be livid and mournful if I found out that you have not been soaking up a steady flow of useful bliss, sweet revelations, and fun surprises. Therefore, to ensure my happiness and well-being, I command you to experience these goodies in abundance.

LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 22): Libran engineer Robert Goddard was the original rocket scientist. His revolutionary theories and pioneering technologies laid the foundations for space flight. Decades before the Soviet Union launched Sputnik, he and his American team began shooting rockets aloft. Members of the press were not impressed with his unusual ideas, however. They thought he was a misinformed crank. In 1920, The New York Times sneered that he was deficient in “the knowledge ladled out daily in our high schools.” Forty-nine years later, after his work had led to spectacular results, the Times issued an apology. I foresee a more satisfying progression toward vindication for you, Libra. Sometime soon, your unsung work or unheralded efforts will be recognized.

SCORPIO (Oct 23-Nov 21): In the plot of the TV science-fiction show Ascension, the U.S. government has conducted an elaborate covert experiment for 50 years. An outside investigator named Samantha Krueger discovers the diabolical contours of the project and decides to reveal the truth to the public. “We’re going full Snowden,” she tells a seemingly sympathetic conspiracy theorist. She’s invoking the name of Edward Snowden, the renegade computer administrator who in the real world leaked classified information that the U.S. government wanted to keep hidden. It might be time for you to go at least mini-Snowden yourself, Scorpio—not by spilling state secrets, but rather by unmasking any surreptitious or deceptive behavior that’s happening in your sphere. Bring everything out into the open —gently if possible. But do whatever it takes.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21): In 1939, author Ernest Vincent Wright finished Gadsby, a 50,000-word novel. It was unlike any book ever published because the letter “e” didn’t appear once in the text. Can you imagine the constraint he had to muster to accomplish such an odd feat? In accordance with the astrological omens, I invite you to summon an equally impressive expression of discipline and self-control, Sagittarius. But devote your efforts to accomplishing a more useful and interesting task, please. For example, you could excise one of your bad habits or avoid activities that waste your time or forbid yourself to indulge in fearful thoughts.

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last word

Nontawat Charoenchasri Nontawat “Mhoo” Charoenchasri, 40, is the founder and lead designer of Ductstore, the acclaimed studio which introduced to Thailand the idea of multi-disciplinary design practices. At the end of last year, Mhoo launched The Jam Factory Magazine, a beautifully-produced free art-anddesign mag aligned with architect Duangrit Bunnag’s multi-function space in Thonburi. Here, he discusses why designers shouldn’t limit themselves to one discipline, and dishes out advice on how to make your work pay.

The way I see it, every form of design is related. Back when I was a newly-graduated employee, I noticed that Thailand didn’t really have any multi-disciplinary design firms. If designers from other countries were capable of doing many types of design, why were Thai design firms limiting themselves to one discipline?

Combining aspects from different types of design has always been the most exciting aspect of my work. We call the signature approach of my firm “graphitecture,” a combination of graphic design and architecture.

The most important aspect of being a designer is knowing when to trust your instincts. Everyone has their own style; you should follow that and take it as far as you can. That’s how you create something new.

I studied both interior design and architecture, so I have an affinity for both. However, Ductstore’s employees don’t necessarily have to be skilled in multiple design disciplines. Experience is more important, which dictates how you apply the knowledge you’ve attained to your work.

NEEDS...

Attitude is crucial. I tend to hire people with an upbeat and enthusiastic work attitude; people who want to have fun with their work.

I feel like I can do a decent enough job at every type of design except architecture, even though I graduated with a degree in architecture.

The person who has left the biggest impression on me is DJ Wasana Wirachatplee. She broadened my horizons regarding music and life. Music has always been a huge source of inspiration for me, and during college the music she introduced me to motivated me to become a better person. I’m positive there’s no other 60-year-old woman with a better grasp of modern fashion and music than her.

Architecture is like designing the future. To design a building so that it will still look beautiful 30 years from n o w, t h a t ’ s the challenge.

That’s why well-designed buildings look beyond their time, anticipating how future generations will live.

I’m very proud of all the CD covers I designed back when indie music was at its peak. Ductstore was pretty well known at that time.

Everyone grows bored of their job at one point or another, so you should continue finding new things you are interested in. You might be interested in graphic design and magazines today, then get bored and become interested in interiors and architecture the next day. It really helps to make you feel like you are always discovering and learning something new.

Anyone can be a designer

Anyone can be a designer, but not every designer knows how to get paid for their work. The more experience I gain, the more I realize the importance of knowing the business side of things as well: being able to tell when someone’s trying to swindle you, or how to resolve situations with difficult clients.

MARKETING/EDIT IT/PRODUCTION INTERNS

There is an immeasurable amount of potential value in every design.

People are uninformed about why good design costs so much, and how it will benefit them in the future.

Those who can’t see past a price tag will always fail to recognize good design from bad design.

The biggest challenge for all designers is clients. How do you create the best possible work without breaking their constraints on dimensions, cost, time and so on? For each job, you must learn to identify all those subtle restraints early on because often even the client won’t recognize them. There are some who simply refuse to acknowledge the problems.

Sometimes when I’m down, I like to go to parties with my friends, even when I feel worn out. The second I get there and meet my friends,

everything’s OK again. If you can find things that make you happy, that happiness will spill into everything else you do.

All designers experience feelings of stagnation. I usually cheer myself up by thinking back on where I came from; why I wanted to be a designer in the first place. Nostalgia is a very powerful motivational tool.

The thing that makes me happiest is undoubtedly my one-year-old twin sons. I honestly never believed it when people said having children makes your life happier, but now that I’m a father myself, I must say it’s true. It’s the kind of thing that can’t really be described. You start planning your life more carefully, instead of just barreling through and doing whatever you want to do.

Always think about what makes you and your loved ones happy. That applies to both life and design. I plan to one day design my own house, and if I happen to want to turn one entire floor into an indoor garden for my kids to play in, who’s to say I can’t?

Interview by Kanin Srimaneekulroj

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