BK Weekend Feb13 2015

it's free!

What’s your safe word?

BK MAGAZINE NO. 577 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2015. www.bkmagazine.com

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page 3 This is personal 6 cover story

Sex and the City 10 escapes

14 fashion

Upcountry Coffee

Festival Chic

Section 35 of the new National Cybersecurity bill would let the government access anything you send online. That’s inhumane. It means they would be able to hack into our LINE, Whatsapp, Grindr and Facebook. Poor guys. No one should be made to see the stuff we share online, such as: 1. The 20 increasingly desperate LINE stickers—from happy bear to sad bear to angry bear—we sent to that hottie without ever getting a response.

16 neighborhood

22 bites

Boom Town

Down in Chinatown

2. This message: “Yeah, my Facebook says I’m in a relationship but it’s just that I forgot to update it. I’m single. Really.”

3. The fact that we still use the poke function on Facebook. (Of course, it’s still there.)

28 bites

34 last word

Big Apple Burgers

Love Guru

4. The 10 calls we made between 2am and 3am, drunk, last Friday night. None of which were accepted.

5. The 35 very-NSFW text messages we sent during that same time period.

6. The ever-so discreet hallmarks of a photoshopped picture on our bikini selfie. Hey, are those palm trees weirdly pinched in towards our slender waist?

7. Every single picture where we rejected the tag request on Facebook. “Ew, is that really me?”

Who's in charge?

General Manager Andrew Hiransomboon

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

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 Content Coordinator Nontaya Kumyat 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

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

Senior Accountant Maneeya Kanthongdang Administrator Yaovaluck Srisermsri Accountant Manita Bangmoung Contributors Rob Brezsny, Kathy MacLeod Interns Tewit Phanitprachaya, Nareerat Yoddamnern, Jetnipit Sahusyotin, Kwanwalai Rodsaward, Soravis Laopadolkij, Dharath Hoonchamlong Cover by Panita Thiraphapong

IT Manager Takrit Jitjaroen

Group Directors

Distribution Executive Suda Angsuputiphant

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

Finance Manager Supaporn Bangmoung Assistant Finance Manager Anchalee Limkhamduang

Singapore Asia City Publishing Pte. Ltd. Block 211 Henderson Rd. #14-03 Henderson Industrial Park Singapore 159552

9. The string of Tinder or Grindr conversations that never went further than a one-sided hello.

10. Pictures of our genitalia. Not that we’d ever send those. But if we did, we wouldn’t want the government to see them.

Well, unless we can see theirs too.

11. Passive-aggressive blocking of people who won’t sleep with us.

13. Our secret Facebook album of dirty pics for Tinder to access.

The Asia City Publishing Group Shanghai Email: shonline@asia-city.com.cn

8. The two-dozen attempts to capture the perfect selfie that got stored to our iCloud and never deleted.

12. Unblocking them three days later followed by a, “Hey, what’s up? Want to hang out?”

Where to find us!

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

15 Things We’d Rather the Government Not See this Valentine’s Day

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

14. Our desperate comments on Instagram to establish rapport with some hottie. “Oh you like noodles? Wow, so do I!” 15. Our total lack of game and pick-up artistry: “Hi” “Hello.”

“Hey.” “How’s it going?” “Where are you?” “You live here?”

“Where you from?”

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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@bkmagazine BK Magazine Friday, February 13, 2015

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upfront HOT OR NOT www.georgialuisameramo.com

www.premiumhairextensionsandbeauty.com

Hot: Mink eyelashes

Not: Fur coats

It’s a hard world out there for cute, furry creatures: one minute they’re being turned into a coat for Chompoo’s Paris Fashion Week ensemble, the next they’re being shaved for the latest Korean beauty craze—mink eyelashes. At least with the latter option, they live to see another day. Find out about Bangkok’s hottest new mink-fur beauty parlor on page 12. It sure beats snail whitening cream.

STREET TALK A BDSM mistress of 16 years

Hot: Sex in Bangkok

Not: Sex in Singapore

For all the martial law, at least we can still screw pretty much whoever we please in this town. That’s not the case everywhere in ASEAN. Our Singapore neighbors are reportedly losing millions of pink dollars in tourism to Bangkok’s more liberal LGBT attitudes. We’ve even got the 2nd Asia LGBT Milestone Awards coming here in April. Need more reasons to celebrate our rich and varied sex lives? Turn to page 6.

Mistress X’s* dominatrix service caters to just about every sexual fetish you can imagine.

Her website lists practices like spitting, toilet training, anal play and trampling, while a brown shower comes with a B2,000 surcharge. A nurse by profession (and still working as one today), she was introduced to the world of extreme BDSM by her husband—himself a “slave”—and now runs a fetish dungeon somewhere in Bangkok. But don’t expect to find out where. Even clients aren’t told, and have to be picked up and brought there by the mistress or one of her girls. Oh, but there is one rule: no sex.

Who are most of your clients?

Most come from abroad but I don’t know how many of them live in Bangkok. I don’t ask what they do. But a lot I pick up at the airport. They start from 20 years old right up to nearly 70.

Hot: Charoenkrung

Not: Phra Arthit

The party’s over on the Old Town strip we love to talk about. Grumpy burger flippers, backpacker overspill and an endless string of middle-of-the-road jazz festivals mean the in-crowd have moved downtown to Charoenkrung. Act fast if you want to live the shop-housed dream, as rents are set to go through the roof (see page 16).

This month, Bangkok waves goodbye to Water Library Thonglor. But for everyone who could actually afford to eat at the chef-driven, fine-dining pioneer, there is hope. A new chef’s table has opened as part of fancy Japanese restaurant Yuutaro (see page 25), with prices equally out of our reach.

minutes and then be brought back.

We will not do that.

Yes, a house. We’re discreet. People around us have no idea what we do.

Do you get a sexual thrill out of the work?

How many girls work at your dungeon? Do they have other jobs?

Of course! It’s not only money. I don’t know about all the girls—some say they do, others might just be pretending. But I tell every girl: don’t do anything that makes you unhappy.

Have you ever had any violent clients? Clients who are disrespectful to the girls? How do you deal with that?

At the moment around five or six. And yes, they have jobs, too—good ones!

But I’m not telling you what.

Never! I meet with customers and have to check everything: call, talk, email, read, reply, ask what they like, tell them what they can and cannot do. At least two mistresses are always present during a session to make sure everything will be OK. Sometimes the customers will choose the girls but there has to be two.

Yes, absolutely. I have to send my girls to learn about the right way to do certain procedures. It’s most important that everything is clean. All treatments, all toys are kept very clean.

I am always worried about infection.

What are the ground rules?

Hot: Khao Chef’s Table Not: Water Library Thonglor

Is your dungeon just in a regular house?

They cannot have sex. No. Cannot touch our bodies or do anything without permission. They want to come?

Cannot. They have to ask first. You have to understand, most people who come to us want torture, but sometimes we have people who are curious to know what the women will do.

At first we sit and discuss the session and if they don’t like it then that’s not the real master-slave way.

Does your profession as a nurse help with being a good dominatrix?

What about safe words? How does a guy get out of a situation if he’s in too much pain?

We have three words: red, yellow, green. Red means stop, it’s too much, I cannot handle. Yellow is like a traffic light; not sure, slow down. Green means let me see.

What’s the most risky service you perform?

Is there a big master-slave scene in Thailand?

Medical pain. Some people enjoy injections and things like that; cock and ball torture. We can put an IV drip in your balls. That’s the most dangerous thing we offer—not all the girls can do that.

I’m the first in Thailand, but now there are so many mistresses. Some people just want to be a mistress to make money but you must have experience.

Everything for low pay is very risky.

The slave and mistress must have trust. There must be an understanding. Interview by Oliver Irvine

Have you ever had to say no to a client’s request?

Yes: hanging. They do it a lot in America but this is too much for me. The customer will pass away for a few

*To protect Mistress X’s identity, her professional pseudonym has been changed.

THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID

by Kathy MacLeod kathymacleod.blogspot.com

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cover story

Kinky BKK

On the eve of Fifty Shades of Grey’s Bangkok opening, we look at the many different ways to get your rocks off this Valentine’s Day. By BK Editorial

1. Playing Rough

4. Drinking for Kicks

8. Heating Up

12. Paying to Play

Barbar has a long reputation as Bangkok’s most popular fetish club. Spread over its three floors are full-body suspension devices, cages, spanking benches and even a hospital-style examination room. It’s a members’ club, but one-time entry is B900 (wear a black T-shirt if you don’t want to wear one of the house’s!), while private 90-minute sessions cost B3,500.

Word of caution: some regulars like to show off their junk.

It’s OK to drink ya-dong—the potent, herb-infused homebrew whiskey favored by motorcycle taxi drivers—now that Maft Sai and the Paradise Bangkok boys do it. So head down to Studio Lam and put its claims of heightened virility to the test.

If you’re in the right crowd, you know that things get heated up real quick at saunas. The classiest being in Sathorn (Babylon) and Ari (Chakran).

Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-261-6661. BTS Thong Lo

You’ll find minimal beachwear and lots of skin at Bangkok’s weekend pool parties, whether it’s #SoundsetSundays, So Pool Water Club or Ocean’s Weekend Escape (7 Sukhumvit Soi 33, 02-261-2800. BTS Phrom Phong). In fact, this Valentine’s Day sees Ocean Bangkok turn into a wild Spanish party with lots of salsa and sangria, from 6pm onwards.

So much for rumors there’d been a crackdown on Sukhumvit’s massage parlors. From what we’re seeing, the good, old-fashioned Bangkok sex industry is still in full swing, whatever you’re looking for. Japanese salarymen have Soi 24/1; roly-poly sex tourists have Soi Nana; and just about everyone has Soi Cowboy.

Pat Pong Soi 2, Silom Rd., 02-632-7124. BTS Sala Daeng. www.barbarfetishclub.com

2. Getting a Maid If cute waitresses in frilly maid costumes serving omu rice with curry sauce (B250) gets you going, visit Maidreamin’ Cafe at Gateway Ekamai. Just sitting down will cost you B50 per hour, on top of the required order of food and drink.

M/F, Gateway Ekamai, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-108-9466.

BTS Ekkamai. maidreamin.co.th

3. Thanking God it’s Friday G-Spot Entertainment’s monthly TGIF Party keeps things sexy but classy in the 24th-floor Penthouse Suite of DoubleTree by Hilton. The costume parties serve up good drinks deals and entertainment by the fantastic Pangina Heals.

The next one takes place on Feb 27, in celebration of Chinese New Year. Glam up, guys and girls.

18/1 Soi Sukhumvit 26., 02-649-6666

5. Staying Equipped It’s been a bad couple of years for Bangkok’s street-side dildo sellers. Though sex toys have been banished from most of the city’s sidewalks, we’re happy to report that Silom Road is holding out as your one-stop resource for 11-inch pink plastic phalluses and crotchless panties.

6. Getting in the Swing Rumors still circulate over whether those Asian models wearing silk qi-pao on Maggie Choo’s swings ever go home with the customers. We can neither confirm nor deny, but we do enjoy looking.

Underground/F, Hotel Novotel Bangkok Fenix Silom, 320 Silom Rd., 091-772-2144. BTS Surasak

7. Swinging Both Ways Alternatively, head there on a Sunday to see topless hunks draped in red satin get their turn on the swings during the bar’s infamous Importance of Being Ernest gay nights. If you’re lucky, you’ll even get to see live entertainment

by Pangina Heals.

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9. Getting Wet

10. Working It It’s all about healthy living and staying fit. Girls can take pole-dancing classes at Rumpuree World Dance Studio. Try out a one-hour single lesson at B500.

5/F, Amarin Plaza, Phloen Chit Rd. 081-430-6684.

BTS Chit Lom. www.rumpuree.com

11. Working Out Some gyms were made for more than your average exercises. If your partner has membership to Ebi Sauna and Fitness Club, you might want to start asking some difficult questions.

13. Loving without Borders Not sure what you’re into? Make your pick at Rajah Hotel, where there’s a variety of choices, from Russians to Japanese. Just look for the promoter in the lobby, and you’re all set. Oh, don’t forget to bring your own condom, too.

18 Sukhumvit Soi 2-4, 02-255-0040. BTS Nana

14. Using Protection Japan’s go-to condom brand, Okamoto, claims to make the thinnest, softest condoms in the world. Ensogo does special deals on them every now and again, like here: ow.ly/IsSvk.

15. Dressing Down Girls can now get their sexy undies at Victoria’s Secret (2/F), which recently opened a store at CentralWorld. Give their sensual fragrance a try, too. But if you’re looking for a sexy bra, head over to La Senza (1/F).

CentralWorld, 999/1 Rama 1 Rd., 02-635-1111.

BTS Chit Lom

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cover story 16. Entering the Ring

18.Eyeing Some Man-Candy 20. Getting a Massage

21. Heading to Heaven

Not only is Banana State Hotel one of the maddest short-time motels in Bangkok; it’s also one of the cleanest. Of all the rooms, our favorite’s the Boxing Room (B700 for three hours), where you get to sleep in the middle of a boxing ring complete with scaffolding spotlights and punching bags.

Girls, the topless, sweaty men you dance with at DJ Station have absolutely no interest in you.

But the flirty, straight bouncers most definitely do. B300 entry includes two free drinks.

For the boys, more intense action takes place at G.O.D., though note that it strictly shuts at 2am these days.

55/1 Moo 6, Kanjanaphisek Rd., Nonthaburi, 02-459-2121/-4. www.bananastate.com

The hot European gap-year travelers at hook-up central Khao San Road have no problem with you disappearing the next morning, plus none of the regular Thonglorite faces are around to judge. Our favorite bar for picking up a backpacker is Mulligan’s.

17. Bouncing on the Bed Though we like their water-beds, too, as in the Marilyn Monroe room, which comes with karaoke (B1,900 for 3 hours, 6 people) or in the Playboy Mansion (B3,000 for 3 hours, 20 people).

Silom Soi 2, 02-266-4029. BTS Sala Daeng

19. Foraging for Foreigners

It’s a sorry state of affairs for women who want to pay for sex. Many even resort to gay massage parlors. One place with a proven track record for servicing both genders is Adam Massage and Spa (Silom Soi 4), which opens from 10am-midnight. Another popular spot for girls to get theirs is the cleaner, classier Jupiter (31/1-33 Thaniya Soi 2, Surawong Rd. 089145-6278). The guys will treat you like a princess over three hours for just B1,500, but be sure to speak with the manager before making your selection—he knows everything (length, size, girth).

Khao San Rd., 02-629-4477

Room 60/18-21, Silom Soi 2/1, 02-632-8033. Open daily 10pm-2am. BTS Sala Daeng

22. Hunting for Bargains

What claimed to be Bangkok’s only erotic shop, The Hidden Closet at Mansion 7, closed down at the end of last year. But they do have some stock left. To get big discounts on their range of kinky-playtime accessories­—handcuffs, whips, condoms and a line of dildos that puts Silom’s street stalls to shame—then email thehiddenclosetbkk@gmail.com to make an appointment.

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23. Lifting it Up

25. Muscling In

27. Acting Like a Pimp

29. Being Hosted

You can get all sorts of implants at Yanhee International Hospital. They’ve also got a live chat system available for 24-hour consultation at www.yanhee.net.

The self-proclaimed “center of muscular men in Thailand,” Tawan Bar is as much of a hit with female Asian tourists as it is with the gay guys it was designed for. The vibe is heavy on testosterone, not so much on clothes.

There’s a whole new breed of gentlemen’s club that puts the tired massage parlors of Ratchada to shame. At establishments like The Pimp (Pracha Uthit Rd., 087-360-3666), The Sky (931 Srinakarin Rd., 02-322-3256-7) and The Mansion (RCA, 082-308-3246), you and your buddies can act like you’re just hanging out in a regular cool club—but one where all the women really, really like you.

For a Japanese-style host club experience, head to the Sha Sha Club Ratchada, where women from all walks of life can be pampered like princesses by hunky guys, who’ll drink, dance and dine with you at various rates.

454 Charansanitwong Rd., 02-879-0300

24. Keeping it Up Want to improve your performance without chancing the dodgy “Viagra” for sale around Nana? Optim 40 is a Thai herbal health supplement that promises long-term effects from a blend of fungus, maca root, ginseng, oyster extract and zinc. It launched on Feb 13, just in time for Valentine’s Day. More information at www.optim-40.com or 092-779-9887

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2/1-2 Soi Tarntawan, Surawong Rd., 02-634-5833. www.tawanbarbangkok.com/eng

26. Making a Night of It The go-go-bar-meets-nightclub Black Pagoda has established itself as the acceptable face of Pat Pong nightlife. It’s even convincing bigname DJs to play there, with Poland’s Eltron John lined up for the next event on Feb 13 (See BK Now, page 30).

Pat Pong Soi 2. blackpagoda-bangkok.com

28. Getting Trashed We cannot stress enough how much we love dancing to “Crazy in Love” at Trasher parties.

They’re quite easily the wildest in town, with fabulous guys and gals in their best outfits strutting their stuff. Dress up for their next Valentine’s party, Trasher: I’m a Model, DUH?, which takes place this Saturday (Feb 14) at The Mansion (see no. 28).

Ratchadaphisek Rd., 081-6407827

30. Bushwacking It’s prime beach season. Make sure your nether regions are bikini-ready at Reveal Wax Salon, which does a Brazilian at B2,070 for women (or B1,830 for men).

261/5 Thonglor Soi 13, 02-712-8209. www. revealwaxsalon.com. Open Tue -Sun 10:30am-8:30pm. BTS Thong Lo

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31. Faking It

36. Going Retro

42. Eating Somtam

We’re super excited that Or Tor Kor’s defunct gay institution, Fake Club, has reopened on Ratchada. And we can now enjoy the signature mirror-mosaic lounge, tacky disco balls and male-model stage shows with free entry.

Do you know about Bangkok’s oldest brothel, Cleopatra? Nor did we until its Chinatown neighbors began attracting the Sukhumvit hipsters (see page 16).

It’s an open secret among Chula Uni students that the female somtam hawkers right by Hua Lamphong train station sell way more than spicy salad—and at a pretty special rate, too.

37. Dolling Up

43. Getting a Speedo

The “pretties” at beer gardens and motor shows and trade fairs and pop-up booths and sales displays are like a national institution. No event is complete without them.

Guys don’t have to rely on dodgy Silom stalls for their best undies. The Half Naked Shop at CentralWorld (4/F Zen) gives you a pretty wide range of the sexy stuff. It’s actually got two other branches in Pattaya and Phuket as well. Check out their products at www.halfnakedshop.com.

B e t w e e n R a t c h a d a p h i s e k S o i s 1 4 -1 6 , 089-479-9262.

32. Kicking the Habit Sure, half the guys on Grindr and Gayromeo are doing ice (yes, that’s what the snowflake next to their username means), but have you seen what half the guys on Grindr and Gayromeo look like?

33. Going Regional Grindr’s out for Bangkok’s Chinese community.

They’ve now switched to Blued (www.blued. cn), a hook-up app especially for Chinese speakers. Available for both iOS and Android.

34. Shopping for Soap Chatuchak Weekend Market is known as the biggest and perhaps best daytime market in the country, selling everything from clothes to pets. And by everything, we also mean colorful dildo-shaped soaps. If you’re curious about how bubbly this thing is, so are we. Because we haven’t given it a try.

Bubble & Bloom, Zone A, Chatuchak Weekend Market. BTS Mo Chit

35. Leaking Your Own Sex-Tape?

There’s no shortcut to success in Bangkok like a good sex tape. Sunadcha “Nes” Tadrabiab’s home effort landed her a leading role in the Hong Kong movie Sara. As a prostitute.

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38. Replenishing your Stamina After an exhausting night on Silom Soi 2, regain your strength with the reliable guay jub on the street right in front of the soi—though we haven’t seen that eye-candy waiter for some time now.

39. Keeping it to Yourself Public displays of affection are most definitely still frowned upon on the streets of Bangkok.

Sadly, we’ve even heard tales of lesbian-PDA-inspired BTS rage from other passengers.

40. Learning English Yup, movies about language can be sexy—when they feature Japanese pornstars. Sora Aoi had a leading part in last year’s I Fine… Thank You… Love You , which went on to be the highest grossing movie of 2014.

41. Seeing Daylight There’s no better place from which to witness Pat Pong by day than at Derby King—the shophouse restaurant beloved by Silom office workers. But you better not sit in the far right booth.

That’s the papa-san’s seat, where each day he records the sign-in times of his girls.

44. Heading Out of Town Big Mountain is getting a bit bland, and it’s full of high school students on away from home for the first time. But we don’t just go to see the mainstream acts. Located on the same site, Na Nek’s Akojorn Pub is the epitomy of all things dodgy.

45. Getting a Room Turn up the Marvin Gaye and get it on at the one non-creepy hotel in town that has round beds. Le Meridien’s Circular Room currently goes for B7,095 a night.

40/5 Surawong Rd., 02-232-8888.

47. Checking out the Last-Chance Saloons Some head for the loud music, drinks promos and podium dancers of Insanity (234 Sukhumvit Soi 12. 02-653-2923. BTS Asok). It’s also bringing Korean DJ Shubo to spin at the club this Valentine’s Day. Others prefer the payyour-way pleasures of Spicy (Rong Muang Soi 1. BTS Siam) while those with a shred of dignity keep the party going at Safe House (Thonglor Soi 10, 080-814-6665).

48. Playing it Safe Following a night at Spicy, you can get free (and speedy) HIV testing at both Anonymous Clinic and The Silom Clinic.

T h a i Re d C ro ss S o c i e t y, R a tc h a d a m r i R d . , 02-256-4107/9 ext.109, 209. www.trcarc.org 3/F, Bangkok Christian Hospital, Silom Rd., 02-6342917. Open Tue-Sat 4-10pm. www.silomclinic.in.th

49. Finding a Friend Some people are just lonely. They’re not looking for sex. Scout’s honor. If this sounds like you, then try The Truemate by Farida, a friend rental service for people after companionship and nothing more. www.thetruemate.com, 02-881-8072

46. Chilling with the Girls 50. Playing it Straight Although the hot tom-dee hangout spots in RCA have all closed down, De’ Lick Pub (364/1 The Town Road, Lad Phrao Soi 94, 087-0281289) is still around. A bit far out, but you gotta make the effort to get quality bonding time with the girls. Once a month, you can also join what’s said to be the biggest lesbian party in Asia, Lesla Party. Just check out their next event venue at ow.ly/Issxp.

If you’re boring and haven’t found any Valentine’s inspiration here, you can always go for a romantic dinner instead (see our roundup at ow.ly/IsZJ0).

70/74 Patpong Soi 1, 02-234-8354. BTS Sala Daeng

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escapes ESCAPE ROUTES

By Monruedee Jansuttipan

PHUKET

Southern Sushi Luxury Phuket resort Sri Panwa (076-371-000, www.sripanwa.com) is gearing up to please summer guests with its new restaurant Baba IKI. Taking its name from the Japanese phrase for sculling a drink, ikki nomi, the restaurant sits on the top floor of Baba Pool Club and has spectacular views over the Andaman Sea. The Iron Chef celebrity behind Bangkok’s Honmono, Boontham Parkpho, has devised the menu, which ranges from traditional items like Shirao Salad and teppanyaki to Thai-inspired dishes like the yakitori spiced with jaew sauce. They also claim to be the only restaurant on the island to serve the super-premium Hida wagyu beef. Through Apr 15, rates at Sri Panwa start at B19,832 for a one-bedroom Garden View Suite.

KHAO YAI

Jungle Pools The Unique Collection, the hotel management company behind Putahracsa in Hua Hin and Sukhothai Heritage Resort, has expanded their portfolio with Civilai Hill Khao Yai (090-972-7529, www.civilaihillkhaoyai.com), a new allpool-villa resort on the outskirts of the vast national park.

Rates start from B7,600 for a one-bedroom villa, which features a Jacuzzi, oversized bed, traditional Japanese-style wooden bathtub and temperature-adjustable pool.

Two-bedroom villas will be available later this year.

SAMUI

Forever Songkran

AIRLINES

Bound for Hong Kong

Prachanart Viriyaraks

The newly-crowned Global Winner of the World’s Luxury Hideaway Resort category at the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2014, Conrad Koh Samui (077-915-888, www. conradkohsamui.com), is now offering 30-percent discounts on best-available rates through Mar 23 with the Dream Resorts package. An Oceanview Pool Villa, for example, starts at B15,890 per night, down from the normal rate of over B24,000.

The resort has also introduced a family-friendly, Songkran-themed Weekend Getaway experience, which features a tom-tom (Thai drums) parade, traditional games, Thai boxing camp and fireworks. Through Dec 31.

The Skytrax four-star-rated Hong Kong Airlines is now offering great deals on flights between Bangkok and Hong Kong. Through Mar 31, prices start at just US$196 (B6,400) plus taxes, compared to AirAsia’s rates of around B9,000 for the same period. And this is no budget airline, either. You can expect a proper in-flight meal as well as 20kg of luggage included in the price. Rates drop even cheaper in April to just US$113 (B3,680). Book through www.hongkongairlines.com before Jun 30. They’re offering deals between Bangkok and other destinations, too, including Japan’s Okinawa at US$251 (B8,166).

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

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FASHION

Mirror, Mirror Joining the new Black Amber Thonglor Social Club, Mirror Mask Vintage is a shop for ladies looking for something a bit glamorous. Having worked as a stylist in the fashion industry for over 10 years, Chanya Junsophonsri picked up many fashionable pieces from different corners of the globe. Chanya started the project by selling her personal vintage collection piece by piece online. But now with the new brick and mortar store, shoppers have a chance to dig up rare pieces like decades-old Lanvin jewelry and WWII-era military jackets from Europe, America, Japan and Africa. 2/F, Black Amber Thonglor Social Club, Thonglor Soi 6, 087-449-2655. www. facebook.com/mirrormaskvintage

BEAUTY

All Aflutter Bangkok’s lash extension trend has become a whole lot more sophisticated since Anastasia first opened shop in 2010. Now, Lash Boutique claims to be the city’s first lash extension center that uses mink instead of polyester for more natural-looking results. All the equipment is imported from Korea, as are the beauty assistants, who will help you design the perfect lashes to suit your eye shape and the look you desire. Extensions take around two hours with bookings required and the results last for two to four weeks. Prices range from B1,000-4,500. 2/F, Beautiplex Building, A-Square, Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-116-7889. Open daily 10am-8pm. www.fb.com/lashboutiquethailand

FASHION

Handmade Heels Located on the lower floor of Dean & Deluca at the Mahanakhon Cube building, Don’s Footwear specializes in traditional handmade shoes and bespoke crafting. Run by engineer-turned-shoemaker Allan Donnelly, the brand started life back in 2009 as an online business (www.donsfootwear. com). It offers over 15 different styles, from classic and casual to full-on business kicks. The classic made-to-measure service takes 2-3 weeks in total from first measuring day and ranges from at B4,000-20,000 per pair. Every purchase also gets two free shoe shines (usually B80). B1/F, Mahanakhon Cube, Narathiwas Rd., 080-071-7176. BTS Chong Nonsi. www. fb.com/donsbkk

BEAUTY

London Gem Just in time to celebrate the month of love, the world-famous jewelry brand Carat* London has finally launched its first flagship store in Bangkok. The new opening follows boutiques in Shanghai and Hong Kong. With a focus on gemstones, each piece is completely handmade. Currently in store are the new Millennium, Heroines and Nightingales collections. Our top pick is Heroines, which comprises designs that combine nature and pop art like the diamond butterfly-outline ring and diamond flower-outline cuff. Prices range from B1,000 - 10,000 1/F, CentralWorld, 082-386-9828. BTS Siam/Chit Lom BK Magazine Friday, February 13, 2015

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With the Mostess

Bright and Bold

Ahead of this weekend’s Hostess Club Bangkok (Feb 19-20), here are four styles inspired by four of the indie festival’s main acts. By Vasachol Quadri and Chantich Kongchanmitkul

There’s no such thing as overdressing at a music festival. If you need inspiration, look no further than Tune-Yards. The genre-hoping US duo of Merrill Garbus and Nate Brenner released their third studio album, Nikki Nack, last year which combined folk-pop with clapalong Afrobeat. Inspired by the band’s energetic live show, go for a bright and colorful dress, graphic T-shirt or printed leggings—and be sure to match it with a pair of Chuck Taylor Converse All Stars.

Raw Edge cropped shirt, TopShop, B2,290

A-line paisley skirt, Zara, B1,990

Vintage Darling The headliner of the festival’s first day, Belle & Sebastian are a Scottish indiepop band that seem to have been around forever, led by main singer-songwriter Stuart Murdoch. The cheerful tunes of their ninth studio album, Girls in Peacetime Want to Dance, evoke images of girls dancing in 60s-inspired floral dresses, as does the frontman’s musical film debut of last year, the retro-tastic God Help the Girl. While the era of the film is not entirely clear, lead actress Emily Browning’s vintage costumes are a definite throwback to the 60s and 70s. To get the look, pick up a white shirt and tuck it into high-waisted shorts, or go bold with a floral dress matched midbrown leather oxford pump. Other key items are a black beret hat and either red or orange lipstick.

Annaba Dress, Milin, B8,950 Chuck Taylor Converse, B1,900

Teenage Riot Many fans are still reeling over the break-up of New York art-rock band Sonic Youth a couple of years ago. Providing some comfort is the fact that leading man Thurston Moore is arguably releasing some of his finest material as part of The Thurston Moore Band. Bangkokians can expect to hear plenty of cuts from his latest album, The Best Day, which just came out, but we’re hoping for some classic SY tracks from late 80s’ albums Daydream Nation and Goo, too.

The latter’s cover, with its black-and-white Raymond Pettibon illustration, has become an iconic rock tee in its own right, spawning endless counterfeit versions and parodies.

With that in mind, we say go for a white tee with black graphics, a pair of good ol’ blue jeans and white Jack Purcell Converse sneakers. Don’t forget the shades, either.

Classic black leather motorcycle jacket, Saint Laurent, price TBA

Essentials

Rock Swagger

Long-sleeved T-shirt, H&M, B499 Elastic leather bootie, Zara, B3,790 Skinny jeans, Zara, B2,990

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Short dress, Moschino, price TBA

Named one of NME’s bands to watch back in 2013, Temples are a British psych-rock four-piece who released their debut album, Sun Structure, to much hype back in Feb 2014. Also last year, frontman James Bagshaw featured as part of YSL’s music project, appearing in a line of very stylish, very glammed-up promo shots for the brand. Do as James does and go black, with either a long- or shortsleeved T-shirt, skinny jeans and a leather biker jacket. Step things up with a bit of fur. Forget sneakers, too, and go with Oxfords or boots instead.

Goo shirt, Sandro, B4,500

Jack Purcell Converse, B1,900

America slim straight jean, American Eagle Outfitters, B2,610

Topshop. G/F, CentralWorld, Rajadamri Rd., 02-640-7000.

BTS Siam/Chit Lom Zara, Milin and H&M. 1/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-8000. BTS Siam Saint Laurent (G/F), Moschino (1/F) and Sandro (2/F). Central Embassy, 1031 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-119-7777.

BTS Chit Lom American Eagle Outfitters.

Siam Square One, Rama 1 Rd., 02-001-5810. BTS Siam Converse. 4/F, Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd., 02-658-7000.

BTS Siam

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Charoenkrung Rising Ahead of Chinese New Year, we look at three shop-house venues changing the face of Bangkok’s oldest road. By Carl Dixon, photos by Nemintorn Ketkeaw

Bridge

Soulbar

Bridge

Soy Sauce Factory

Soy Sauce Factory

Bridge

Soulbar

Soy Sauce Factory

Bridge

Nestled in the old Talad Noi neighborhood, this straightforward but stylish bar does just what you’d hope for: live soul and funk bands, and stiff drinks. It’s the twists that make it most memorable, though, like the bar stools hewed from industrial clutter found in the neighborhood. Counted among the partners are Tul and Pump from the rock band Apartment Khunpa, Romain Dupuy, a former art director at Bed Supperclub, as well as Thomas Menard (see Soy Sauce Factory).

Finance specialist-turned-interior designer Thomas Menard is becoming quite the player down on Charoenkrung. After setting up the experimental art space Speedy Grandma (Charoenkrung Soi 28) with Lee Anantawat in 2013, he opened this “proper” gallery-slash-nightlife venue last year, set in an actual old soy sauce factory. Downstairs operates like a bar, pouring drinks at decent prices in a stylishly pared-back environment. Head upstairs to see exhibitions, often held in collaboration with photography agency Most, which represents many big names from around the region.

Among a slew of new projects, Menard also harbors big plans for when the TCDC moves into Charoenkrung’s famous Grand Postal Building in a couple of years’ time.

This four-story cafe-slash-art space sits at the foot of the iconic abandoned skyscraper, Sathorn Unique, right by BTS Saphan Taksin. Its group and solo exhibitions have featured a mix of both established and new locally-based artists. The tastefully decorated front-ofhouse (whitewashed brick walls, filament bulbs, blond wood) is a prime spot for breakfast, while there’s also a charming rooftop that just about manages a river view. It’s run by a small group of creative types with diverse backgrounds in PR through to videography.

11/1 Charoenkrung Soi 24, 081-301-2669. Open Tue-Sat 12-11pm. www. fb.com/soysaucefactory

When I used to work in Silom, I would park nearby and look up at the building and dream of doing something with it.

We eventually saw that it was up for rent and moved in a few weeks later. Inside BONGKOCH CHANSRI, was a little creepy, with all these remBRIDGE nants of past uses, and cryptic drawings on the walls. The renovations were fairly painless—labor intensive, but painless—especially as we have a friend who’s an interior designer. It took about three months to strip the place and paint it up. We love the tall ceilings—you don’t find so many small art spaces with such tall ceilings.

945 Charoenkrung Rd., 095-521-1541. Open Tue-Sat 6pm-midnight. www.fb.com/livesoulbarbangkok

Why Talad Noi?

ROMAIN DUPUY, SOULBAR

I dreamed of living here for 13 years. I just love the smell of engine oil, the look of the scrapped engines, the retro feel of the old Chinese houses and the proximity to the river.

It all made sense. My vision was for a small space, like a neighborhood joint.

What was the renovation process like?

The place was in good condition, so it wasn’t as hard as some other shop-houses in the neighborhood. We chose the place for its spirit and soul, so we kept existing elements like the floor, the stairs, the counter. The interior design was simple: we wanted the spirit of old joints in London or Paris. I wanted to include a bit of the community in our bar. I called my old friend and a great artist, Joe Ruangsak, to work on early sketches based on engine parts.

We went around the district buying metal by the ton, and finally came up with some original furniture designs.

What are the positives of renovating an old place?

The pride of being in the Old Town and operating a “real” daily live bar, as there aren’t any until almost Phra Athtit.

How do the neighbors take it?

At first the locals were afraid of a bar; they thought of Phra Athit or Khao San, and didn’t want it to happen. But after proposing the project to the leaders of the community, the contact was good and friendly. We have quite a few local regulars, from Yaowarat, Talad Noi and Bangrak. They all say that it’s about time a bar finally opened, here. We send a lot of our guests to local eateries, and in turn they help us get customers. I hope more people are encouraged to create small and sincere restaurants or bars around Talad Noi or Chinatown. There are plenty of spaces, and the investment is low—people need to act fast before the big promoters destroy the heart of the city for the wrong reasons.

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Why Charoenkrung?

For me the Old Town is the center of the city. It’s close to Silom, Hua Lamphong, the riverside. My parents are antique dealers; it just makes sense. It’s a gamble that the area is going to take off, but THOMAS MENARD, you come here to be a part of something SOY SAUCE FACTORY/ different. In Thonglor, you can spend a lot SPEEDY GRANDMA of money on a place and in the first year things will be buzzing, you’ll make a lot of that back, but it’s hard to make it last. Here, rent and renovations can be cheaper, you can charge B200 for cocktails, not B300, but you have to be in it for the long haul. I have my team and we did all the renovations ourselves. Soy Sauce took about four months, but it’s very minimalist. The most expensive thing was adding air-con.

Do you think the area will take off?

I have people every day asking me to help them find a place.

And I like to help if it will bring something constructive to the area. There are still these misconceptions: “Oh, it’s so dirty, it’s not Sukhumvit, there are no carparks.” But that’s changing.

Explain what you’re doing at Soy Sauce Factory?

It’s changed a bit since the start. It’s now less focused on the photo studio aspect. Our restaurant is also not happening at the moment. We should have a new exciting dining concept later in the year. Primarily, I want Soy Sauce to be a photography gallery. Upstairs will be devoted to exhibitions from established artists only, while downstairs, once a month, there’ll be shows from street artists. I collect a lot of works; I want people to think of Soy Sauce as one of Bangkok’s big art dealers.

Charoenkrung Soi 51, 086-986-9421. Open Wed-Mon 10am-10pm. www.fb.com/bridgeartspace

How did you find the place?

What are the benefits of setting up shop on Charoenkrung?

We get a lot of tourist traffic from hotels in the area. Other than minor issues with the hostel next door when we were renovating, the neighborhood’s been really welcoming. We keep things quiet after 10pm, except on party nights and exhibition openings. It’s in the interests of all local businesses to have a thriving art scene.

What’s next?

We’re looking at introducing some guest curators, including working closely with universities to give more art students an opportunity to be seen. We’d love to showcase more young Thai artists.

Chinese New Year Gallery-Hopping To celebrate Chinese New Year, 13 galleries of Lower Silom and Charoenkrung Road will host a gallery-hopping night on Fri, Feb 20. Participating venues include Bridge, who’ll be throwing a party to mark the end of their Threshold 2 group exhibition, and Soy Sauce Factory, who’ll host the opening party for Japanese artist Lee Asano’s solo show. All are expected to stay open till at least 11pm, with more special activities planned. www.fb.com/galleryhoppingbkk

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BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2015

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bites & blends NEW RESTAURANT

California Dreaming Parts of the team formerly behind the legendary Bed Supperclub are back with a Californian-inspired restaurant and bar, Abbot.

Taking its name from the eclectic boulevard in Venice Beach, California, the restaurant combines bohemian decor with seafood dishes like Baja fish tacos and wild salmon ceviche. There’s a lively bar downstairs, while the mezzanine offers a much more refined dining experience. The kitchen is helmed by the Filipino-born, American-trained chef Rene Michelena, who was part of the opening team at Lady Brett. He promises that, despite the California theme, the food will also focus on local produce. 253/2 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 02-258-6250.

DINNER

NEW DRINKS

NEW BAR

Carnival Time

New Vogue

The Jazzpack

From Feb 6-28, St. Regis’s Jojo restaurant is throwing a Venetian Carnival with a special a la carte menu inspired by the coastal area of Northern Italy. Chef Carlo Valenziano will serve dishes like ravioli di granchio (Adriatic crab ravioli, asparagus ragout, shredded king crab and parsley sauce) and squid ink Venetian risotto (Aquerello rice, 12-hour braised cuttlefish, squid ink and parmesan cheese), before concluding the meal with frittelle e galani with zabaglione (Venetian doughnut with light Passito custard).

The special menu is available for both lunch and dinner. In addition, the restaurant will be decked out with an exhibition from Italian contemporary artist Saverio Lucci. St. Regis, 159 Rajadamri Rd., 02-207-7777. BTS Ratchadamri

Vogue Lounge has welcomed a new Japanese mixologist, Hideyuki Saito, whose experience spans stints at Angel’s Share in New York, as well as Electric House and Purl in London. Utilizing what he calls his own secret infusion technique, Saito has created a line of new cocktails, including Tom’s Tea (house-infused chamomile and peppermint gin, martini rosso, fresh lime, ginger ale) and Ocean Lychee (Belvedere vodka, limoncello, lychee juice, fresh grapefruit, salty martini bianco spray), both at B340.

The mixologist’s favorite, however, is the aromatic New World 75 (house-infused citrus and thyme vodka, elderflower syrup, fresh lime, sparkling wine, B340). 6/F, Mahanakhon Cube, Narathiwas Rd., 02-001-0697. BTS Chong Nonsi

New to Sukhumvit Soi 11, the tiny, 1950s-inspired Wolff’s Jazz Bar and Restaurant sees bands perform in the middle of the room, right among the punters. The food is mainly international favorites with dishes like Scottish smoked salmon mousse (B350) and volcano chicken (B450), while there also nibbles like the cheese board (B690) to go with the long list of wine.

Cocktails are pretty classic, whether it’s the negroni or seasonal daiquiri (both B290). The highlight, of course, is the jazz performed every Thu-Sat from 9pm onwards. Expect progressive performances by vets like the Dan Phillips Quartet (who are also regulars at Smalls) and the occasional guest. 33/30 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 090-926-1777. BTS Nana

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blends

Waft Me

CAFE

Suburban Chic

Cool new cafes in the Chaengwattana-Prachachuen area that are well worth the drive. By Vasachol Quadri

Waft Me

Waft Me

Seven Days Cafe & Bake House

Located by the main Chaengwattana Road, this cafe by the Santichaikul sisters (Piraya, Pakkaporn and Panicha) began as a madeto-order bakery shop selling through Instagram (IG: Waft_ Me).

The new, full-scale operation offers waffles, coffee and smoothies, as well as homemade patisseries (Pakkaporn “Mint” Santichaikul is a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu). Highlights include the Wafger—a customizable waffle that lets you pick between plain, chocolate or wholewheat waffle, ice-cream flavors and topping (B155)—and the Chocolate Lava (B160), available with a choice of five different lava fillings, including the unfamiliar, slightly savory Thai tea.

The shop also offers a short list of main dishes, including the Popeye Cheesy Burger (cheese and spinach bun, beef patty, egg and cheese, B195). Coffee is sourced from a Chiang Rai roaster, starting from B75 for a hot latte.

Pichakorn Ujjin and Wanravee Asvutmangkul, who for the past four years ran 77th Café at Nawamin Festival Walk, have now stepped out of the community mall environment for a standalone spot right behind Durakij Bandit University. Sevendays Café is a onestop chillout space offering coffee (from B77 for hot latte), pastries and serious meals. On the patisserie side, Wanravee bakes all the items daily—you can even watch her work by taking a seat on the second floor beside the transparent baking room. The sweet highlights include Queen B (B147), a hot fudge brownie topped with ice-cream, crumble, marshmallow and whipped cream, and Sevendays Honey Toast, served with seasonal fruit and ice cream made by the owners’ family (be sure to try the Very Berry and strawberry cheesecake flavors, too). Their home-style Thai food is also worth a try, like the baked pork rice served with boiled egg (B97).

Chaengwattana Soi 29, 094-669-6146. Open Mon-Fri 8am-9pm and SatSun 9am-10pm.www.fb.com/waftme

34/59 Prachachuen Soi 12, 084-641-6666. Open daily 10:30am-9pm. www.fb.com/sevendayscafebkk

Addicted Cafe & Carwash

Trust Me I’m a Baker

This project from a group of four college friends proves that hipster cafes have grown way beyond Thonglor-Ekkamai. But they do more than just single origin coffee, also offering a car wash service that starts from B140 for a wash and B320 for a wax. On the coffee side, they occasionally have beans from small, local producers like Roots and Brave Roasters, though their main supplier is the same roaster as Dean & Deluca, while they get their Italian soda syrups from Socrates (Sugar Ray). Alcohol comes from the Smiling Mad Dog crew, including Brothers cider (B80) and St. Bernardus beers (B200). There are only three choices of pastas for a quick meal: Tobiko sesame cream, bacon chili and Thai spicy sauce (all B120).

The team also plans to introduce a cocktail menu for the evenings.

Another cafe that popped up after establishing their cred on Instagram, Trust Me I’m a Baker has opened as a proper shop focused on macarons (B25), cupcakes (B15) and monthly baking workshops. The cafe also does brownies (B55), chocolate cakes (B65) and scones (B65), which make delightful little gifts. The shop can only fit around 10 customers, but do hang around at the bar seats for a cup of cappuccino (B55)—they’re made with handpicked beans from local roasters.

Chaengwattana 33., 081-697-4341. Open Wed-Mon 11am-8pm. www.fb.com/trustmeimabaker

Seven Days Cafe & Bake House

Addicted Cafe & Carwash

Two Spoon Tales Situated right beside Trust Me I’m a Baker, this project by two sisters is a very pretty picture thanks to décor that ticks all the right boxes—Japanese-inspired furniture, dried flowers, cacti, wooden tableware. Some of the kitchen accessories are also for sale. Their real draw is 3D latte art, with baristas who can make various animal shapes appear as though they’re popping out of the milk foam on your coffee (B65). The scones (B65) are also pretty tasty, served in sets of three with whipped cream and homemade strawberry sauce (B65). For those after something more substantial, they do proper meals like chicken green curry served with roti (B115) and spaghetti with bacon and sausage (B160), too.

55/626 Sukhothai Ave 99, Chaengwattana Soi 33. 02-503-4390, 085-3320243. Open Tue-Fri noon-8pm and Sat-Sun 11am-8pm. www.fb.com/ twospoontale

Prachachuen Rd., 02-984-5251. Open Sun-Thu 9am-9pm and Fri-Sat 9am-11pm. www.fb.com/addictedcafeandcarwash

The best cafes just a short drive from the city.

LITTLE TREE

RIVA FLOATING CAFE

CHIT BEER

Not as little as its name implies, this four-rai space comprises a spacious garden and restaurant styled like an English cottage. We recommend the kiaw wan grub gala (green curry with pork rib and crunchy coconut served with brown rice, B150), scones (B69), chocolate butterscotch macadamia (B110) and apple-bilimbi smoothie (B80).

Located in the Parndhevi Riverside Resort & Spa, this cafe offers slow-drip coffee, a variety of baked goods like coconut cake (B80) and scones (served with pomelo jam and cream, B80), as well as smoked salmon pizza (B250). Perfectly connected with nature, the cafe sits on a wooden raft overlooking the Nakon Chai Si River.

Take the ferry over to Koh Kret to get acquainted with the frontline of Bangkok’s homebrew beer scene. Chit Beer doesn’t just serve Amber Ale, Porter, IPA and Strawberry Weizen (all B100 per glass), but also some tasty buffalo wings in Mexican sauce (B150 for 10 pieces). There’s a brewing academy, too, if you’re interested in learning more.

Sam Phran, Nakhon Pathom, 081-824-4119. Open Tue-Sun 9am-6pm

Putthamonthon Sai 7 Rd., Nakhon Pathom, 034-312-190. Open daily MonFri 10am-8pm and Sat-Sun 9am-9pm

Chit Beer, Koh Kret, Nonthaburi, 089-799-1123. Open Sat-Sun 1pm-8pm

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bites DINING DEALS

Guay Jub Nai Lek (Uan)

Go hi-so with these Chinese New Year deals

Jae Aun Bua Loy Nam Khing

THE LANDMARK

B999 for Chinese buffet lunch at Sui Sian (Feb 19) 138 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-254-0404

STREET FOOD

China Town Chow Down

Yaowarat at night is street food heaven. Here are our seven favorite stalls to try this Chinese New Year. By Natcha Sanguankiattichai and Wachiraporn Janrut. Photos by Panita Thiraphapong

Je Jin Cockle Soi Texas

Seafood Soi Texas

This seafood snacks and beer stall has been in the middle of Soi Texas for over 35 years. Pa Jin sells soft-boiled cockles and mussels at B100 for portions that are good for two. The secret is the freshness of the shellfish, which come from a farm in Petchaburi province, and the three special sauces: the sour and spicy sauce is the most popular among locals, while some might find the ancient-style sweet and sour “mix sauce” with crushed peanuts easier to handle. There’s also a sweet sauce available for wimps.

Singha, Heineken and Leo beers are available at B80-120 and can go down to B70 depending on who serves you.

At the beginning of Soi Phadung Dao, locally known as Soi Texas, there are two popular seafood places facing each other across the street. T&K Seafood is on the right hand side when looking into the soi while R&L Seafood is the one on the left. We have tried both and their taste, freshness of seafood ingredients and prices are not much different. You can enjoy ample grilled prawns, crabs and scallops and end up paying less than B1,000 for two people. Our recommendations are the steamed sea bass in lime juice (B350) and spicy tom yum kung (B150) at T&K restaurant; and amberjack in pandanus leaf (B250) and spicy seafood tom yum soup (B150) at R&L.

Soi Phadungdao, Yaowarat Rd., 081-795-1839. Open daily Mon-Sat 6.30pm-1am, Sun 5pm-1am

Guay Jub Nai Lek (Uan)

One of the most popular desserts in Chinatown is the Chinese-style bua loy nam khing (dumplings with ginger tea). Running for over twenty years, Jae Aun is one place you can rely on. Pair the top-selling sesame dumplings with either ginger tea or sweetened milk (both B35). They also do taro dumplings (B45) and tofu pudding (B15). Order the assorted dumplings (B50 with ginger tea and B60 with sweetened milk) to try both in one go.

Asking for the way to “the cinema” will lead you to this guay jub (rice noodles with crispy pork and pork entrails soup) stall. Located just in front of the last old-style cinema in Yaowarat, Guay Jub Nai Lek is easy to spot. You might have to queue up to get a seat and you might have to share a table with strangers ranging from university students to hisos but Nai Lek’s guay jub is worth the hassle. The highlights have to be the delicious crispy pork (B60) and the strong peppery kick of the soup.

Tasty Toast Yaowarat You will be lured to this stall by the sweet aroma of buttered toast. There are three styles on offer: crispy, steamed bun, and crispy on the outside but soft inside. You can choose to top your toast with sangkaya (Thai egg custard), chocolate, peanut butter, sweet chili paste, condensed milk, pineapple and strawberry jam (all B18). The stall also sells hot milk, coffee and tea.

Across from Jae Auan Rad Naa and Bank of Ayudhya, Yaowarat Rd., 087-598-0888, 08-1492-5131. Open TueSun 6:30pm-midnight

2 Charoenkrung Soi 30, 02-266-0123

Je Jin Cockle Soi Texas

CHATRIUM HOTEL RIVERSIDE

B1,999-3,999 for a 9-course set dinner at Silver Waves (Feb 18-19) 28 Charoenkrung Soi 70, 02-307-8888

MANDARIN ORIENTAL Seafood Soi Texas

In front of Chinatown Rama, Yaowarat Rd., 02-224-3450, 08-1611-6920. Open Tue-Sun 6pm-12:30am

B2,888-3,888 for 6-to-8-course set menu at China House (Feb 15-22) 48 Oriental Ave., Charoenkrung Soi 40, 02-659-9000

Soi Phadung Dao, Yaowarat Rd. Open daily, 6pm-1am

Jae Aun Bua Loy Nam Khing

Yaowarat Rd., 081-860-1053, 081-612-5700. Open TueSun 7-11.30pm

ROYAL ORCHID SHERATON

B1,090 for an international buffet dinner at Feast (Feb 18-19)

THE OKURA PRESTIGE

Tasty Toast Yaowarat

B2,600 for a buffet lunch (B3,300 with free-flow wines, local beers and selected cocktails) at Up & Above (Feb 19) 57 Wireless Rd., 02-687-9100

Khanom Bueang Nai Tas

Gaeng Garee Nai Yong

This small stall probably wouldn’t grab your attention if it wasn’t for the long queue out front. Khanom Bueang Nai Tas is one of a few places that still sell old-style kanom bueang (Thai crepe)­­—the shell is made from a combination of mung bean flour and rice flour, the spread from whole egg. Your can opt for sweet (sweet egg yolk floss, white sesame and dried persimmon) or savory (cashew nut, seasoned minced shrimp and coriander) at B15 each.

Not far from Khanom Bueang Nai Tas is this khao gaeng (rice with curry) stall with a few tables and big pots of curries, as well as other stir-fried food on display. For more than 70 years now, Gaeng Garee Nai Yong has been renowned for its creamy, wellspiced curry with rice, which starts at B40 with the option of beef or pork. Add a boiled egg and some gun chiang (Chinese pork sausage) for an extra B25.

LE MERIDIEN SURAWONG

On the corner of Yaowarat Soi 11, Yaowarat Rd., 02-2219908. Open daily 3pm-2am

B695 for a buffet lunch at Latest Recipe (through Feb 28)

On the corner of Yaowarat Soi 11, Yaowarat Rd., 098-3899988, 098-689-9919. Open daily 7pm-1am

40/5 Surawong Rd., 02-232-8888

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2/6/15 6:43 PM

bites

OPEN DOOR

New York Style Steak & Burger A burger joint that brings flavors from Brooklyn to Bangkok, via Shanghai.

The buzz: The owner of successful Shanghai-based restaurant chain New York Style (New York Style Pizza, New York Style Steak & Burger and Shanghai Slim’s), Dennis Barco, has partnered up with Thai model and chef Naalinlat Kollman to open this classic American diner in Bangkok.

The decor: Very New York steakhouse, with lots of bare bricks, wooden tables, black leather sofas and black-and-white photos of the Big Apple. Next to the semi-open kitchen is the bar, where the wall is covered with a sketch of Brooklyn Bridge and the shelves lined with all the usual bottles. Diners can get some fresh air on the balcony, which accommodates about 25 people.

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The food: American comfort food served the US way—in big, artery-clogging portions. The recipes are the same as in Shanghai, with certified Angus beef burgers and steak the main focus. Apart from the US-imported beef and fries, New York Style sources its ingredients locally and makes almost everything in-house, from grinding the beef to pickling the cucumber. The flavorful Manhattan Monster burger (B450) is packed with crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, fried egg, onion rings, chili, pickle, tomato and a 220g ground beef patty. For something a little lighter, there’s The Californian (grilled shrimp, avocado sauce, lettuce, pickle, onion, tomato and ground beef, B450) or The Chicken Little (B350). The steak is available as tenderloin, sirloin and rib eye, and starts at B1,150 for 250g. You can also add some spice with a side of chili con carne (B160). End

the all-American meal with the fluffy New York cheesecake or apple pie (both B230).

The drinks: Plenty of choice, here, from US craft beers (starting at B300) to spirits (B150-300), wine (starting B215/glass) and Champagne (B1,290-5,500). Cocktails are named after different areas in New York, like Central Park (cucumber, coriander, mint, lime juice and Tanqueray gin, B280) and Upper East Side (Ketel One vodka, apple sour, sugar cane, B350).

The crowd: Young professionals looking to chow down on the latest American option in town. Natcha Sanguankiattichai Park 22 (opposite the former Imperial Queens Park Hotel), Sukhumvit Soi 22, 094-482-4769. Open daily 11am-11pm. BTS Phrom Phong

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2/10/15 5:01 PM

Eatdustry

TABLE TALK Khao

Heritage Bistro French Bakery

NEW AND NOTED

Industr-eat

Nestled in the little soi between DM Home and Thonglor Soi 21, Eatdustry (555/55 Sukhumvit Soi 55, 081-567-5544) is a fun restaurant, bar and cafe rolled into one. The wide-ranging menu starts with all-day breakfast and also contains Western staples like pasta, soup, steak and some desserts. Try their creamy clam chowder (B180) served in a bread bowl and the crab-cake eggs Benedict (B290).

Exclusive privileges for Citibank credit cardmembers.

Get 10% discount on food only (Today – 31 Dec 15)

Heritage Listed

Silom has welcomed a spinoff of Ekkamai Soi 4's Heritage Bakery Cafe and Bistro. Larger than its predecessor, the black and white Heritage Bistro French Bakery (14/2-3 Soi Convent, Silom Rd., 02-001-2299. BTS Sala Daeng) offers a larger range of French dishes, all-day breakfast and European deli staples. The croissants (starting at B40) and breads (starting at B60) come

from the same oven as the Ekkamai branch, while other highlights include the lobster soup (B260) and Nicoise salad (B250).

Kin Khao

Chef Vichit Mukura, the long-time former head chef of Mandarin Oriental’s Sala Rim Naam, has quietly opened a Thai food chef’s table on the same premises as the exclusive Japanese restaurant Yuutaro. Khao (64 Sukhumvit Soi 51, 098-829-8878) serves up Thai cuisine with modern presentation. The restaurant only welcomes small groups of 4-12 people each evening who can watch the chef working on classic Thai dishes like spicy salad cooked with premium ingredients such as matsusaka beef. You can opt for six courses at B4,990, eight courses at B7,500 or 10 courses at B9,900. Wine pairings incur additional costs. Natcha Sanguankiattichai

Sumi Tei Yakiniku 9:53 Community Mall, Thonglor Soi 9, 02-662-5818.

Open daily 5-11pm This Thonglor Japanese barbecue institution offers a wide range of meat, from the melt-in-your-mouth A5-grade imperial wagyu, which the owners claim is big favorite of the royal family of Japan, to the local Thai-French beef, pork and seafood. To try various cuts, opt for one of the sets (starting at B980). Tasting portions for the imperial wagyu (starting at B680) also represent good value for money. The restaurant also serves some Korean-style rice dishes, Japanese ramen, salads, soups and desserts. As for drinks, choose from wheat (starting B140/ glass), sweet potato (starting B160/glass) and shiso shochu (B1,880/bottle), plus Japanese whiskey at (B110/glass).

Exclusive privileges for Citibank credit cardmembers.

Get 50% discount for imperial wagyu when spending B500/sales slip on food only (Today-15 Mar 15) Get 10% discount on food only (Today-30 Nov 15)

Exclusive privileges for Citibank credit cardmembers. Get complimentary Thai drink valued 220 baht for everyone at the table (Today – 30 Jun 15)

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

Simply click “Thailand” and then “Gift voucher”

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bites & blends DINING NEWS

Event Valentine’s Day Bangkok Farmers’ Market The much-loved weekend market, with the usual parade of organic produce and artisanal products, takes place in a new venue. Feb 14-15, 9am.

Market Place Thonglor (Thonglor Town Center), Sukhumvit Soi 55. BTS Thong Lo

Happy Hours

Black Valentine Singles, dress up in black on Feb 14, 6-11pm, for a free welcome cocktail and enjoy a B1,000 buffet dinner and music from the house DJ at Dee Lite.

DoubleTree by Hilton, 18/1 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-649-6666

Sky-high Sparkling Red Sunday Every Sunday evening, turn up wearing red clothes at The Roof@38th Bar and get a free welcome Campari cocktail.

Mode Sathorn 38/F, Mode Sathorn, 144 Sathorn Rd., 02-623-4555. BTS Surasak

Advertise your business with us ­

Flirt On Feb 14, buy-one-get-one cocktails all night in celebration of the day of love, and one free appetizer with a purchase of a drink.

Woobar

Park Society Terrace From 8-11pm every Saturday this February, see The Voice Thailand’s Buntita “Natt” Prachamorn perform. Tapas start at B120 with two complimentary glasses of wine for every five plates ordered.

starting from B5,000

Sway, Arena 10, Thonglor Soi 10, 02-7116052

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

Sofitel So Bangkok, 2 Sathorn Nua Rd., 02-624-0000. MRT Lumphini

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

Sukhumvit Soi 14, 02-653-3900. Open daily 11:30-1am. BTS Asok

Paintbar Bangkok

Tales of Gold Mine The new fusion addition to Groove features Californian gold mine-inspired grub with Western and Chinese influences. Oh, and gold (label) cocktails too.

1/F, Groove @ CentralWorld, Rama 1 Rd., 02-613-1270. BTS Siam

Paintbar Bangkok The new bar lets you sip your drinks and enjoy painting on a real canvas.

Perfume

Woobar W Hotel Bangkok’s signature Woobar confirms that after-work drinking is hot with a buy-one-get-one-free deal on all wine, beer and cocktails (Mon-Thu 5-9pm). That’s not all; on Friday, ladies get free-flow sparkling wine from 7:309:30pm. Both promotions run through Mar 31.

4 6 / 4 S u k h u m v i t S o i 4 9, 0 8 1- 6 1 26105. Open Tue-Sat 2:30-11:30pm; Sun 10:30am-6:30pm

Wolff’s Jazz Bar and Restaurant The 1950s-inspired joint sees jazz bands perform in the middle of the room, right among its punters, who can take a seat in the formal dining zone or along the counter bar.

33/30 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 090-926-1777.

BTS Nana

Ei8ht Thonglor, Sukhumvit Soi 55. 02-7148071. Open daily 10pm-1am. BTS Thong Lo

Deals Chinese New Year Celebration Beervault offers you another way to celebrate Chinese New Year. Pair eight dim sum with two Chinese beers at B388.

Feb 16-22, 3pm-midnight.

Who’s going to make the cut this year?

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

L/F, W Hotel Bangkok, 106 Sathorn Rd. 02-344-4000. Open daily 9am-midnight.

BTS Chong Nonsi

Perfume: Fragrance Bar and Aromatic Cuisine Need a reason to head back to this molecular-centric bar? They just launched a buy-one-get-one-free deal on cocktails, local beer and wine by the glass, from 5-9pm every day.

Coming Soon in March

www.bkmagazine.com/ newsletters Wolff’s Jazz Bar and Restaurant

Babette’s The Steakhouse Hotel Muse welcomes a new steakhouse with Australian, US and Japanese meat, and an art deco interior.

Hotel Muse, 55/555 Langsuan Rd., 02-6304000

Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok, Sukhumvit Soi 15, 02-309-3201

THE BITES & BLENDS NEWSLETTER 26

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

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2/6/15 7:48 PM

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2015

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bites FOOD REVIEWS

Sushi Hiro HHHH Japanese. 1/F, The Shoppe Grand Rama 9, 33/4 Rama 9 Rd., 089 -888-2078. Open daily 11am-11pm. MRT Phra Ram 9. BB-BBBB. F

Sushi Hiro is the first restaurant that pops up when you search for sushi places near Rama 9. Though not that easy to find, tucked away from the entrance to The Shoppe mall, in the lobby of Belle condo, it’s almost always super-busy. On our last visit, there were about 30 people waiting to be seated before us, so we endured quite a wait. The picture menu covers a broad range of Japanese classics—from sushi and sashimi to rolls, donburi (rice with toppings), grilled dishes, tempura, salad and nabe (Japanese hot pot dishes).

Sashimi starts at a humble B270 for five slices of well-marbled salmon on a bed of thinly sliced radish and crushed ice. The freshness of the fish, and its good portions of fat, make for a melt-in-yourmouth dish. Despite the queues, the food

Signor Sassi HHHH Italian. 1/F, Siam Paragon, 991/1 Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-9891. BTS Siam. Open daily 11am-10pm.

BBB-BBBB. F

Opened several years ago as part of Anantara Bangkok Riverside, this offshoot of an old Italian restaurant in London has since relocated to the ground floor of Siam Paragon. The new Signor Sassi looks like a darker, scaled-down version of its partner Bangkok restaurant, Cicchetti (G/F, Groove at CentralWorld), with a big, marble-clad kitchen in the middle and plenty of cookware on show. But unlike Cicchetti’s Venice-inspired small-plates, this is regionhopping Italian dining of the old-school. The menu reads like a list of Italy’s greatest food hits, from the fruittura di pesce (mixed fried fish, B520) to the spaghetti carbonara (B280) and various veal scaloppine (B750), while there’s also a short list of pizzas from B490. Our meal starts with baked eggplant in parmesan, mozzarella and tomato sauce (B380), which comes in a generous, undainty portion that alone would do for a quick, affordable refuel mid-shopping trip.

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.

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comes out thick and fast thanks to the eight sets of hands behind the sushi counter. We wouldn’t recommend sitting there, though, due to the faint fishy smell. Sushi prices range from B50 for tamago (grilled egg) to B450 for otoro (fatty tuna). The slightly grilled engawa (flounder’s fin) sushi (B180), salmon saikyo (B100) and the flavorful hotate mentai (scallop with flounder roe sauce, B190) are all pleasant in texture and aroma. The foie gras (B350) and unagi (eel) sushi (B100) are grilled just right and come perfectly matched with a wellseasoned, sweet sauce. Not so successful is the crunchy salmon cream cheese roll (B760), whose wonderful texture of crisp tempura batter and mildly-flavored cream cheese is let down by an overly oily sauce. The salmon spicy roll (B480), on the other hand, is satisfyingly spicy even if it’s not filled with any premium ingredients. On top of the complimentary custard pudding, the restaurant also offers a short list of desserts. The chocolate double cheesecake (B185), which they claim comes from the wellknown LeTao bakeshop in Japan, is not a huge stand- out , though. With its informative staff, Sushi Hiro certainly makes for a quality sushi experience that won’t break the bank, especially if you tailor your order around the many discounts and social media promos.

The same goes for the pasta carbonara (B280), which is heavy, comforting and probably better than the same dish anywhere else in Paragon. The scaloppine “Joselina” (sliced veal in a cream, brandy, mustard seeds and mushroom sauce, B750) also lacks any great depth but the meat is certainly tender. Things get more elaborate at dessert, where they’ve pushed the boat out with an iPad picture menu of intensely vivid creations but forgotten to add any price tags. (We tried asking the waitress. She didn’t know.) The panna cotta (B240) comes heaped with caramelcrusted strawberries that are very picturesque but don’t provide enough sharpness to cut through the huge, creamy panna cotta itself. Desserts are one of Signor Sassi’s few nods to modernity, and we reckon we prefer the traditional airs and graces. It’s nowhere near the most showstopping Italian food in town, but there’s charm. It’s also a big step up from the usual shopping mall Italians, more in line with what you might find in an inoffensive fivestar hotel. Less enjoyable is the seating situation, with nearly all diners placed right up against the huge, goldfish-bowl windows in what feels like the busiest part of the mall. It’s a very different atmosphere to Signor Sassi’s former location, where we also recall being greeted by a delightfully welcoming, Italian front-of-house team who are now missing. And though it may have the best Italian food in Paragon, we still reckon the similarly priced menu and more comfortable dining room of Cicchetti are worth the short walk.

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

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2/9/15 7:14 PM

now A Noisy Weekend Not in the mood for cheesy love music, over-priced bouquets and fancy restaurants? Noise Market 4 may be your anti-Valentine’s remedy. The music-centric fest takes over Museum Siam again this Feb14-15, bringing a much bigger lineup than the last. Expect more vendors selling cute arts and crafts, indie music and book stalls, and outdoor screenings to go with all the live performances. You won’t go hungry, either, as they’re promising more foodie stalls, too. See HAPPENINGS, page 34.

The After Party Dress up as your favorite pop princess or Victoria’s Secret Angel this Valentine’s Day as Trasher: I’m a Model DUH? returns this Feb 14. The fun-loving party crew need little introduction; just expect to hear a whole lot of guilty pleasures. See NIGHTLIFE, page 29.

HAVE A LAUGH To mark its six-month anniversary, The Comedy Club Bangkok, led

by Chris Wegoda and Drew McCreadie, is celebrating in due style on Feb 15 with a special show by the multi-award winning British comedian Gina Yashere. Known for her opinionated stories about everything from weight-loss to rap music, Yashere’s also appeared on all the major US late-night talk shows. See STAGE, page 32.

Welcome to the Club Indie-heads, cancel those flights to Singapore. The Japan-born music festival Hostess Club arrives in Bangkok for the first time this week on Feb 19-20 at GMM Live House, featuring a killer lineup of international names from Belle and Sebastian to The Thurston Moore Band and Caribou. See MUSIC, page 30.

SUPERDUDESWEET This week we’re really spoiled for choice on the indie front, with local promoters Supersweet and Dudesweet going head to head. Supersweet x Moumi concept store are bringing over Spanish girl rockers Hinds, one of NME’s bands to watch in 2015, to celebrate Valentine’s Day at Grease (Feb 14), while Dudesweet will present the heartfelt R&B of American singer/songwriter Tom Krell, aka How to Dress Well, at The Overtone RCA on Feb 17. We hope you got your tickets. See MUSIC, page 30.

NIGHTLIFE It's Complicated Valentine's Party For people of all relationship statuses, this early Valentine's party features bands, DJs, games and drinks promotions. Feb 13, 6pm.

1881 by Water Library, Groove@CentralWorld, Rama 1 Rd., 02-613-1778, 02-6131774. Free Entry. BTS Chit Lom.

Bloody Valentine at Octave

Eltron John

The rooftop bar hosts a Valentine's party, with free-flow drinks from 8:30-9:330pm.

Pre-sale tickets at B350. More information at 081-383-8246. Feb 13, 8:30pm. Octave, 45/F, Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit, 2 Sukhumvit Soi 57, 02-797-0000. B450. BTS Thong Lo.

Caribou: The Longest Mixtape Party Edition

Mario & Thabo Getsome

Welcome.deaf party organizer spins cuts from Caribou's recent 1,000-song playlist ahead of the Canadian electronic artists' appearance at the Hostess Club Bangkok.

Feb 13, 9pm. Jam, 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 083-5451-833. Price TBA. BTS Surasak.

The Inhale Exhale party series welcomes Mario Aureo and Thabo Getsome, plus local support from Moodwax and Boris Rubin.

Expect to hear house, techno and electronica. Feb 20, 9:30pm. Glow, 96/4-5 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 02-261-3007, 02-261-4446.

B400 (one free drink). MRT Sukhumvit.

Eltron John (U Know Me, Poland)

Mela Party @ Grease

Barrio, Disco Robot and Nite Ride bring over the Polish funk DJ for a night of underground music, with support from DJs Boogie G, Jaydubb and Just Jim. Feb 13, 9:30pm. Black Pagoda, PatPong Soi 2.

B300 (one free drink). BTS Sala Daeng.

A party with DJs Krit Morton, Kova O' Sarin and special guests Wintix and Messie Joe, promising new house/techno vibes. Feb 21, 10pm. Grease, Opposite Villa Supermarket, 46/12-13 Sukhumvit Soi 49, 02662-6120-1. Free.

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2/9/15 7:00 PM

now VALENTINE'S

concerts

Drinks, Deals & Parties

2015 Taeyang World Tour "Rise" in Bangkok

Forget sit-down dinners, here are the best Valentine’s (and anti-Valentine’s) events on offer in Bangkok this Feb 14.

The pint-sized member of Korean popgroup sensation Big Bang comes to Bangkok to perform his first full-scale solo concert. Feb 21, 5pm. Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd., 02-833-4455.

B1,800-6,000 from Thaiticketmajor.

Happiness is All Around by Rotary and Friends

Caroline Fischer Trasher

THE IBIZA REUNION (EP1) VALENTINE’S FLASHING LIGHT “TWINS DAY” DAY Don matching outfits and head to Clap

A party by the pool with Ibiza DJs Bruno and Celeste Siam, plus support

by Thai house DJ Mody. Welcome cocktail drinks by EDrink, and free paella for the early birds. Dress code: swimwear, beach and casual. Reserve your table at 091-661-4249.

When: 2pm-10pm Where: DoubleTree by Hilton, 18/1 Sukhumvit 26. 02-649-6666.

LA NOCHE @ OCEAN BANGKOK

The pool party spot turns Spanish, with lots of salsa, reggae, latin and spanish pop, as well as homemade sangria (B100), Tinto de Verano and a special shot menu (surprise free shots all night). There will be a selfie booth plus tattoos by lalatatts. B300 for entry + one drink and paella. Happy hour from 6-9pm.

When: 6pm Where: Ocean Urban Lounge & Boutique Resort, 7 Sukhumvit 33.

LET’S CELEBRATE ANTI-VALENTINE’S DAY

& 42below’s Valentine 2015 party.

When: 9pm Where: Demo, Thonglor Soi 10. BTS Thong Lo. CLUB SOCIAL

The Take Me Out-inspired party features a special VIP area and mingling activities for Bangkok’s singles (register at www.fb.com/takemeoutthailand). Performances by Tattoo Colour and local DJs Ono, Yukio and Papermache. General tickets at B800 and B3,200 for a group of five (one free drink), available on Thaiticketmajor.

When: 7pm Where: Ku De Ta, 39 & 40/F, 98 Sathorn Square. BTS Chong Nonsi.

TRASHER I’M A MODEL DUH?

The gay-friendly party organizer returns with a themed party inspired by The Face Thailand and Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Entry is B300 (one free drink). Expect the usual cheesy popdance tunes. Best dressed wins lots of free drink coupons and lifetime membership to Trasher parties.

Beervault offers an all-day deal at B900 for four bottles of beer, plus free teppanyaki and a performance by Lee Shamrock from 9pm onwards to cele- When: 9pm Where: Mansion RCA, Rama 9 Rd. brate being single.

When: 3pm

COME FULL X OH SNAP! PRESENTS LOVE

Where: Four Points by Sheraton, AT FIRST BASS Sukhumvit Soi 15, 02-309-3000. BTS Valentine’s Day party with heavy bass, trap, hip-hop and electro from Asok.

DJs Thvison, Ketchupboyz and Secret LOVE STINKS LETS DRINK! VALENTINE’S Weapon. Free entry.

AT SMALLS

Expect a special selection of cocktails for single ladies, shots for the men, and nibbles. Alternatively, couples can order the "Love Potion of the Night," Chocolatini.

When: 8pm-midnight

When: 10pm Where: Grease (LSD room), Opposite Villa Supermarket, 46/12-13 Sukhumvit Soi 49.

FLIRT

Buy-one-get-one-free on cocktails Where: Smalls, 186/3 Suan Plu Soi 1. all night in celebration of the day of love, and one free appetizer with a SINGLE GIRLS NIGHT OUT purchase of a drink.

W resident DJs spin tracks all night long, with free-flow bubbles for girls When: 6pm Where: Sway, Arena 10, Thonglor Soi from 8pm-10pm.

10, 02-711-605 When: 8pm Where: Woobar, Lobby/F, W Bang- VALENTINE'S PARTY @ LEVELS kok, 106 Sathorn Rd., 02-344-4000. A sexy Valentine's party at the Suk 11 club. Free entry for couples and speBTS Chong Nonsi. cial Valentine's Performances. Special DANCING UNDER THE STARS: LOVE BITES Chandon Brut on offer at B2,500. B300 A party for the singles of Bangkok. (one free cocktail).

Free Valentine’s welcome shots for all guests, sponsored by Grey Goose, When: 9pm with resident DJ Luck-E on the decks. Where: Levels, 6/F, Aloft Hotel, 35 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 082-308-3246. BTS When: 10pm Nana Where: Gramercy Park, Above Eleven, See Concerts & Markets on page 32.

38/8 Sukhumvit 11. BTS Nana.

NIGHTLIFE/CONTINUED Chill Out in Space.2 The art gallery hosts a night of freestyle music jams and live painting, featuring Kota Amatuti Taki, DJ To-Ru and Ryuhei Asano. Feb 22, 6pm. GOJA Gallery Café, 5/2 Pridi Soi 3, 085-848-7576. B200. BTS Phra Khanong.

Sick Individuals at Levels After successful performances at Sensation and Waterzonic, the techno DJ duo return with even more lights and LED visuals.

Tickets available at the door all night, with supoprt from DJs Yukie, Fameway, Peter Fields & Dumo B2B. Reserve your table at info@levelsclub.com or 082-308-3246.

Feb 26, 9pm. Levels, 6/F, Aloft Hotel, 35 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 082-308-3246. BTS Nana.

Chinese New Year Extravaganza The Club Lounge of the bar celebrates the year of the sheep with a themed Chinese New Year party that spans across two days, featuring masked magicians, traditional lion dance, and a special ang bao lucky draw for a one-night stay at X2 Kui Buri and Koh Samui, inclusive of Champagne breakfast for two. Reserve your tables at 02-108-2000.

Feb 20-21, 9pm. Ku Bar (Ku De Ta), 39 & 40/F, Sathorn Square, 98, 02-108-2000.

Free. BTS Chong Nonsi.

The Launch of Noche International The whisky-cigar bar presents a new Saturday night party in the spirit of Latin America.

Expect lots of salsa, mambo, cambia & afro cuban jazz, with mojitos, daiquiris and cuba libres (2-for-1 from 9-10pm). Reservations at rsvpsilom@whisgars.com or 02-630-1997.

Feb 21, 9pm. Whisgars Silom, 981 Silom Rd. BTS Surasak.

MUSIC

gigs Panic Station's "Planet Terra" Party The indie band launch their new EP, with support from Hope the Flowers, Celebrities Owls and Degaruda. The theme is horror movie fancy dress—best-dressed couple gets a free album and T-shirt. Feb 13, 8pm.

Overstay, Charan Sanit Wong Soi 80-82, 02-883-4836. B200.

Isn't It Romantic? The Two Sides of Valentine's Two special gigs at the jazz bistro, with Mellow Motif and Zao Za-Dung Band playing for the singles on Feb 13 and Pui Duangpon Pongphasuk and The Smith's singing for the lovers on Feb 14. Special wine dinner sets available on both days, reservations at 091-780-9171. You can also customize a surprise. Feb 13, 14, 8pm. Smiles Jazz & Bistro, 20-20/1 Ruamrudee Village, Soi Ruam Rudi, Phloen Chit, 091-780-3171.

Rose on the Rocks A special Valentine's dinner party, with live performances by The Memorial, Funkylitian, Band of Brother and I-Sass Play On. RSVP now at 083-422-2281 or 02-714-0709. Feb 14, 5pm. Wine Bibber Sangria, Ekkamai Soi 2, 02-714-0709. Free. BTS Ekkamai.

This Wild Life Live in Bangkok Live House Studio brings the Californian

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acoustic pop-punk duo to Bangkok. Ticket reservations at 081-930-3633. Feb 17, 7pm.

JJ Green, 110/46 Lad Phrao Soi 18, 086331-5657-8. B1,200. BTS Mo Chit.

How to Dress Well Live in Bangkok Party organizer Dudesweet presents a concert by the American singer/songwriter, who performs fractured R&B-indebted tunes. Limited to 250 tickets. Feb 17, 9pm.

Overtone, RCA Zone D, Rama 9 Rd. B600.

Hostess Club Bangkok The first Bangkok edition of the Japan-born music festival presents a bumper lineup of Belle and Sebastian, Caribou and Tune-Yards (Feb 19), The Thurston Moore Band, Temples and Real Estate (Feb 20). Feb 19-20, 8pm.

Muang Thai GMM Live House, 8/F, CentralWorld, 999/1 Rama 1 Rd. B1,000-1,800 from Thaiticketmajor. BTS Chit Lom.

Pause Live at Parking Toys A music tribute for Jo, lead singer of the band, who passed away 12 years ago. Expect performances by Flure, Cresendo, Patcha and Boy Tri. Feb 20, 10:30pm. Parking Toys, 17/22 Ram Indra Soi 14, 02-907-2228. B350.

Smoke Live! "The Happy Garden" An intimate music gig in the garden of the restaurant, featuring performances by Sky Donkey, Exit Bird, Smoke n Bone, Zweedz n' Roll and North & West. There will also be stalls selling handmade and vintage items, and books. Feb 21, 4pm. Shimi Shabu Restaurant, 22 Pradiphat Soi 19, 02-3571390. B200. BTS Saphan Khwai.

Plastic Section Album Launch The Bangkok rock band unveils its new album, Combination Special, with guest performances by Triggs & the Longest Day, DJ Tat and DJ Plastic. Feb 21, 8pm. Jam, 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 083-5451-833. Free. BTS Surasak.

Soft Opening Blue Dye Cafe Acoustic Night An acoustic evening with Shane Palko, Fwends, Gardener Twins and Youth Brush.

Free drinks from 5pm-7pm. Feb 21, 5pm.

Blue Dye Cafe, Sukhumvit Soi 36. Free.

BTS Thong Lo.

Take me to the MoonRock Music by five alternative indie bands: Inspirative, Kinetic, Count the Thief, Fits and Follows. Feb 26, 8pm. Play Yard by Studio Bar, Lad Phrao Soi 8, 081-173-3616. B250.

MRT Phahon Yothin.

Don't Sit Down: "As I Like to See It" De Glamingo open this night of indie performances, followed by Poomjit, Monomania, Secret Tea Party and Medicine Men, as well as special sessions from Dsdpeople and DJ Ohhcomeon. Earlybird tickets B200, available at LINE: Thunderstp. Feb 28, 7pm. Play Yard

by Studio Bar, Lad Phrao Soi 8, 081-1733616. B250.

The Windbreaks Party by Wanderlust Five local indie bands perform till late at the rooftop bar, including Hariguem Zaboy and Plot. Tickets available at the door. Mar 7, 7pm. Wanderlust, 5/F, Nakiya Japanese Restaurant Building, Thonglor Soi 13, 086655-5328. B150.

The annual charity concert for Thailand's Rotary Club features performances by Maeya (Miss Thailand World 2014), The Bangkok Charity Orchestra, guitarist and HE Ambassador to Denmark Mikael Hemniti Winther, French jazz pianist Frank Herrgott and American jazz singer Keithen Carter, to name a few. Net proceeds go to the Rotary Bangkok School in Prachuabkirikan Province. Tickets include a cocktail buffet with wines, desserts and coffee. Reservations at 02-656-1634, 02-254-6250 or email info@rotaryclubofbangkok.com. Feb 27, 6:30pm. Grand Hyatt Erawan, 494 Ploenchit Rd. B2,000. BTS Chit Lom.

Incubus Live in Bangkok The multi-platinum-selling alternative rock band perform hits like "Drive," "Are You In?" and "Love Hurts" ahead of the release of their next album in late 2015. Doors open at 6pm.

Mar 11, 7pm. Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd., 02-833-4455. B1,5003,000 from Thaiticketmajor.

Mogwai Live in Bangkok 2015 After their last sold-out show in 2011, the veteran Scottish post-rock band returns to Bangkok with music from their latest album, Rave Tapes. Mar 13, 8pm. Moonstar Studio, 701 Lad Phrao Soi 80 (Lad Phrao), 02-539-3881. B1,500 from Thaiticketmajor.

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 the end of Feb, at Lumpini Park's Sala Bhirom Bhakdi.

Note: Alcohol is not permitted. Feb 15, 22, 5:30pm. Lumpini Park, Rama 4 Rd. Free.

MRT Lumpini.

The Ballet and The Tale Concert A concert by musicians aged under 22 from the Princess Galyani Vadhana Institute of Music featuring a contemporary program of Frankenstein and Pulcinella Suite. Conducted

by Maestro Rossen Gergov. Reserve your seat at www.pgvim.ac.th/pyo/reservation or reservation@pgvim.ac.th. Feb 15, 4pm. Mahisorn Hall, Room 18-19, 4/F, SCB Park Plaza, New Ratchadapisek Rd., 02-937-5400. Free.

A Very Big Music Festival 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., 02-2623456. MRT Thailand Cultural Centre.

Goethe Cembalo Hand Over Concert A cembalo concert by the College of Music, Mahidol University and the Goethe-Institut Thailand. Performed by international baroque music specialist Christine Schornscheim.

Reserve you seat at programm@bangkok. goethe.org or 02-108-8200 before Feb 12. A bus transfer runs from Goethe-Institut to Salaya (B50 single, B100 return). Feb 18, 7pm.

Prince Mahidol Hall, Mahidol University (Salaya Campus), 25/25 Buddhamonthon Sai 4 Rd. Free.

Das Lied von der Erde This personal Mahler piece is performed by the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra, with support from vocal soloists Rafal Zurakowski and Sylwia Zlotkowska. Pre-concert talk 45 minutes before the show starts. B100 for students. Feb 20, 7pm; Feb 21, 4pm. Prince Mahidol Hall, Mahidol University (Salaya Campus), 25/25 Buddhamonthon Sai 4 Rd. B300-500 from Thaiticketmajor.

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now VALENTINE'S

10 Years of Musical Journey

Concerts & Markets

Satit Bilingual School of Rangsit University students and alumni perform highlights from popular musicals: Beauty and the Beast, The Sound of Music, Lion King, Annie, Mulan and Aladdin. Conducted by Denny Euprasert, under musical supervision of Eugene Eustaquio. Suggested donations of B300, B500 and B900, with a mini concert by local artists and celebrities. Tickets available at the school. More information at music@sbs.ac.th.

Feb 28, 7pm. Rangsit University, 52/347 Phahon Yothin Soi 87 (Phahon Yothin).

theater

Hinds Kolour in the Park

INDIE CONCERTS SUPERSWEET X MOUMI PRESENTS DARK VALENTINE 2015 HINDS Happening mag hosts an alternative

The Spanish rocker girl group Hinds (formerly Deers) holds a mini concert to celebrate the opening of concept store Moumi. Spend over B1,000 at the store to receive an entry wristband.

night of moody and sad music, with local groups Portrait, Yellow Fang, Stoondio, Zweedz n’ Roll, Moving & Cut and Superbaker. Tickets available at Happening Shop, 3/F BACC. B750-850.

When: 7pm

When: 8pm-2am

Where: Siam Pikanet Theater, 7/F, Where: Grease, Opposite Villa Super- Siam Square One, Rama 1 Rd. BTS market, 46/12-13 Sukhumvit Soi 49. Siam.

02-622-6120-1

MUSIC/CONTINUED Piano & Violin Recital by Makoto Ueno & Yoichiro Ueno The experienced pianist and professionally trained 12-year-old violinist performs a program of Handel, Bach, Mozart and Beethoven, to name a few. Proceeds go towards the Gift of Life Foundation. Tickets available at www.salasudasirisobha.com.

Feb 21, 6:30pm. Sala Sudasiri Sobha, Lad Phrao Soi 41, 02-541-8662. B500.

Korean-Thai-German Piano Concert Award-winning German-Korean pianist Caroline Fischer performs at this networking night for the Korean, Thai and German business communities, in the presence of the German and Korean ambassadors. The price includes a Champagne-and-canapes reception, finger food buffet and wines. Limited to only 350 guests. Feb 26, 6pm. Sofitel Sukhumvit Bangkok, 289 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-126-9999. B3,500. BTS Nana.

Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra

CLASSICAL CONCERTS VALENTINE’S MUSIC

The Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra’s Valentine’s program will be conducted

by Claude Villaret, featuring violinist Sittichai Pengcharoen and pianist Rolf Dieter Arens, who will be playing Mendelssohn’s Concerto for Violin, Piano and Orchestra and Mahler’s Fifth Symphony. Pre-concert talk 45 minutes before the show starts. Tickets at B100-500 on Thaiticketmajor.

When: 4pm

ROMANTIC MUSIC FROM GERMAN WINDS FESTIVAL AND ACADEMY

Thai music students from Silpakorn University's Faculty of Music who’ve had special training from Peter Monkediek (trumpet) and Nicola Jurgensen (clarinet), will perform Krommer, Mozart, Strauss, Bach and HM The King’s music this Valentine’s Day. Tickets available at 02-424-5505 or Sufm. ticket@gmail.com. B150 for students.

B500 general tickets.

Where: Prince Mahidol Hall, Mahidol When: 7:30pm University (Salaya Campus), 25/25 Where: Goethe Institute Auditorium, 18/1 Sathorn Soi 1. 02-108-8200.

Buddhamonthon Sai 4 Rd.

BSO 2015: Clara-Jumi Kang plays Saint-Saens The German-Korean violinist who's performed with the Hamburg Symphony Orchestra joins the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra for a program of Ravel, Saint-Saens and Dvorak. Feb 28, 8pm. Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Rd., 02-2623456. B400-2,000 from Thaiticketmajor. MRT Thailand Cultural Centre.

music festivals Kolour in the Park with Sven Vath The Kolour crew hosts their biggest afternoon outdoor party to date, with a maximum capacity of 2,000, picturesque views of rice fields and three lakes (one for swimming) at the open-air venue. Expect 12 hours of gourmet food, art, and an exclusive live performance by the renowned German DJ Väth, founder of Ibiza's Cocoon parties. Others confirmed to play include DJs Nakadia and Sunju Hargun. Tickets available at www.kolourinthepark.com.

Feb 21, 12pm. Thai Wake Park, Prathum Thani. B750-1,100.

Winter Jazz and Arts Festival

Noise Market

Maya Music Festival

MARKETS VALENTINE’S DAY BANGKOK FARMERS’ NOISE MARKET 4 MARKET The fourth edition of the popular

Although no longer in operation at K-Village, the weekend market offers all the usual organic produce and artisanal products in another new venue this weekend.

When: 9am-6pm

music/art-focused market returns to the grounds of Museum Siam over the Valentine’s weekend, bringing the usual handmade goodness and live performances back to Rattanakosin Island. Entry is free.

When: 4pm-10pm Where: Market Place Thonglor (Thonglor Town Center), Sukhumvit Soi 55 Where: Museum Siam, 4 Sanam Chai Rd., 02-225-2777.

(Thonglor). BTS Thong Lo.

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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 084-4500505. Feb 28, 4:30pm. National Gallery, 4 Chao Fah Rd., 02-282-2639-40. B250.

A massive EDM music festival, with ex-member of the Swedish House Mafia Steve Angello headlining the night on the 20-meter Electro-Naga stage. Other big names include Markus Schulz and Vicetone, with support from local electro DJs Ono, 22Bullets, Machina and Paulie. More announcements to follow. VIP tickets come with two free drinks, a private lounge area, private restroom and fast-lane access. Mar 7, 4pm. 11th Infantry Regiment, King's Guard, Phahon Yothin Rd. B2,500-4,000 from Thaiticketmajor.

This is my {Day} Light

STAGE

comedy Spoken Word Poetry Open Mic Show The monthly open mic show for aspiring Bangkok poets by the Bangkok Lyrical Lunacy. Interested poets can email info@bangkoklylu.com or fill out the open mic form at bangkoklylu.com/openmic. The theme this time is "On the Fence." Feb 15, 7pm. Queen Bee, Sukhumvit Soi 26. BTS Phrom Phong.

Stand-up Comedy with Award Winning Gina Yashere (UK)!

The British comedian dubbed one of the best in the world headlines a special six-month anniversary show, supported by Irish comedian Aidan Killian. B500 advance tickets (one free drink) at ComedyClubBangkok.com. Feb 15, 8pm. The Comedy Club Bangkok, The Royal Oak Pub, 595/10 Sukhumvit Soi 33/1, 02-662-1650. B750. BTS Phrom Phong.

dance Butoh Decade: The 10th International Butoh Festival Thailand 2015 In celebration of its 10-year anniversary, the special dance festival features workshops (B500-1,000) and a one-off live performance by international performers Yumiko Yoshioka, Miguel Camarero, Sainkho Namtchylak and special guests. Suggested donation for performances: B500 (B400 for students).

Reservations at 089-167-4039 or email bkkbutoh@gmail.com. Mar 7, 14-15, 2pm; Mar 13, 6pm; Mar 15, 8pm. Pridi Banomyong Institute, B-Floor Room, Sukhumvit Soi 55, 02-3813860-1, 08-6787-7155. Free.

musicals Alice in Wonderland by Mater Dei Students/alumni of the school direct and perform the classic Disney musical. Dress code is Crazy Hat. Reserve your seat at Mater Dei Institute every weekday or at 02254-9724-6 ext. 11. Feb 14-15, 1:30pm.

Mater Dei Institute, 534 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-252-6316. B800.

The Magic of the Musicals The New Broadway Company returns to the stage for its monthly musical evenings.

Tickets include tapas and unlimited white, red and sparkling wines plus selected cocktails. The shows this season include: Cabaret on Feb 27, Sound of Music on Mar 27, Les Miserables on Apr 24 and Phantom of the Opera on May 29. Make reservations at 02207-7777 or email fb.bangkok@stregis.com.

Feb 27, 8pm; Mar 27, 8pm; Apr 24, 8pm; May 29, 8pm. The St. Regis Bangkok, 159 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-207-7777. B1,850.

BTS Ratchadamri.

Company by Stephen Sondheim The new Manhattan-based musical comedy by the Music Theatre Department of Mahidol University adapts the six-time Tony Award-winning play. Performance in English, with Thai subtitles and live orchestra. Reserve your tickets at 095-960-7235. Feb 26-28, 7pm; Feb 28, 1pm. Mahidol University (Salaya Campus), Music Auditorium, College of Music, 25/25 Buddhamonthon Sai 4 Rd., 02-800-2525/-34 ext. 154-5. B3001,500.

A quirky performance by Thai cabaret entertainer Day Freeman and veteran solo artist Wannasak Sirilar, in celebration of Valentine's Day. Tickets at 088-018-5966 or 095-8591515. Through Feb 15, 8pm. Sun Dance Theatre, 5/F, Silom Society, 12/3 Silom Rd., 088-018-5966. B500. BTS Sala Daeng.

In Outer Space Four short plays by four aspiring female playwrights take you on a symbolic journey through the Satellite, the Moon, Pluto and the Black Hole. Ticket reservations at 081-929-4246 or www.fb.com/crescentmoontheatre. Feb 19-23, 26-2, 8pm.

Crescent Moon Space, 65/1 Thonglor Rd., 02-3813860. B400. BTS Thong Lo.

Gruesome Playground Injuries The play by 2010 Pulitzer finalist Rajiv Joseph tells a story of love and destruction spanning 30 years. Starring Siree Riewpaiboon and Jaime Zuniga. Directed by Peter O'Neill. Play in English with Thai subtitles.

Reserve your tickets at www.peelthelimelight.com. B500 for students. Feb 19-Mar 1, 7:30pm. Jasmine City Building, 2 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 02-204-5888. B550.

Crossing Nirvana Veteran actor Sornchai Chatwiriyachai presents his first original play with an experienced cast, bringing together Shylock from Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice and a notorious Thai financier in a story that looks at societal pressures and justice. Details at 089554-9865 and 089-690-0442. Feb 27-Mar 2, 8pm; Mar 6-9, 8pm. Democrazy Theatre Studio, 1034/29-30 Soi Saphankhu, Rama 4, 089-126-7112, 081-441-5718. B500.

MRT Lumphini.

Disney's Beauty and the Beast The Original Broadway Musical The award-winning production returns to Bangkok after 13 years of successful performances. Shows run Tue-Sun. 2pm performances every weekend. Feb 24-Mar 15, 7:30pm. Muang Thai Rachadalai Theatre, 4/F, The Esplanade, 99 Ratchadaphisek Rd., 02-262-3456. B1,000-4,000 from Thaiticketmajor. MRT Thailand Cultural Centre.

ART

opening The Aesthetic of Colours in Siam Wattana Poolcharoen's impressionist painting exhibition depicts natural landscapes and the beauty of Thai culture. Opens Feb 14 at 6:30pm. Feb 14-Mar 15. Pikture Gallery, 47/1 Sukhumvit Soi 49, 02-662-8359.

Cynical Bear in Bangkok Korean artist Koo Yeon Mo documents changes in society from the 70s onwards through a series of cynical bear illustrations. Opens on Feb 19 at 5pm. Feb 19-Mar 19. Artery Post-Modern Gallery, Room B09, B1/F, Silom Galleria Building, 919/1 Silom Soi 19 (Silom).

Encounters German-Thai photographer Benya Hegenbarth's new fashion and portrait photography documents moments with people who've made an immediate emotional impact on him. Feb 14-Mar 6, 6:30pm. Soy Sauce Factory, 11/1 Charoenkrung Soi 24, 092115-8696.

Please Focus Liam Morgan's installations will be on show for three days in an empty space on Silom Soi 8. Feb 13-15.

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ongoing 1st Solo Exhibition by Sarawut Duangjumpa The professor presents his drawings and sculptures in his first solo exhibition. Through Feb 28. Wangna Theater & Arts Gallery, Rachini Rd. 02224-4704 Ext.101.

5 Question Forms Five professors from the faculty of Fine Arts at Bunditpatanasilpa Institute present their contemporary artwork in various sculptural forms.

Through Feb 28. National Gallery, 4 Chao Fa Rd., 02-282-2639-40.

Anxiety of Corvus Young artist Rook Floro expresses his emotional anxieties through symbolic drawings and art installations. Through Mar 7. Numthong Gallery, 72/3 Paholyothin 7 Soi 5 (Ari), 02-617-2794.

Art Exhibition by Amy Diener: Colorful Moments of Artistic Vibrance A low-key painting exhibition by New York artist Amy Diener at this Phra Nakorn food and drink joint, inspired by the vibrant colors of Bangkok.

Through Feb 22, Chomp, Samsen Soi 1, 084098-8633.

Barry x Ball: Portraits and Photos The Californian sculptor has shown his dramatic 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. BTS Phloen Chit.

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.

Disquiet Chiang Mai-based British artist Will Klose presents a series of realistic paintings based on his suburban London memories. Through Mar 31.

G1 Contemporary, G/F Gaysorn Plaza, 085021-5508. BTS Chit Lom.

Exhibition of Paintings by MichaĂŤl Deloffre The French artist, whose previous works have been shown across 40 countries, presents 20 abstract paintings. Through Mar 8. Golden Tortoise Gallery, 100 Sukhumvit Soi 49, 02662-5600.

Flotsam & Jetsam Deborah Coffey's mixed-media exhibition fills the walls of the historic library's Rotunda Gallery.

Through Feb 28. Neilson Hays Library, 195 Surawong Rd., 02-233-1731.

Fluid Abstraction For his first solo exhibition, Indonesian textile artist John Martono displays his acrylic and embroidery artwok on silk fabric. Artist reception on Feb 7 from 5-7pm. Through Mar 5, 5pm.

La Lanta Fine Art, 254/14 Soi 31 (Sukhumvit), 02-260-5381, 02-204-0583.

Granny Revamps!

In the run-up to its third-year anniversary, the art space shows a documentary on its previous exhibitions, a new exhibition by former Speedy Grandma artists (titled Who Cares?) and discussions on various issues (Feb 13 and Feb 21).

Workshops on creative entrepreneurship take place on Feb 15 and Feb 21 (B500). Bring your own food for a music-and-picnic party (B100) on Feb 27. Through Feb 27. Speedy Grandma, 672/50-52 Charoenkrung Soi 28, 089-508-3859.

Free.

LAST CHANCE Catch these exhibitions before they close

Gems of Hanoi

[un]forgotten

Dubway

DUBWAY PRESENTS THE ARTWORK OF TRK VOL. 2.

An exhibition of Teerayut Puchpen's urban artwork, including the pieces which made him famous.

Through Feb 17. Jam, 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 083-5451-833.

GEMS OF HANOI - A DAO HAI PHONG RETROSPECTIVE.

A painting exhibition by one of Vietnam's most successful painters.

Through Feb 14. Thavibu Gallery, Room 433, 4/F, JTC Jewelry Trade Center, 919/1 Silom Rd., 02-2665454.

[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.

Through Feb 14. Silpakorn University Gallery, 31 Na Phra Lan Rd., 02-221-3841.

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now entire square of CentralWorld. Feb 28-Mar 1, 11am. CentralWorld, Rama 1 Rd., 02-6131778, 02-613-1774. BTS Chit Lom. Free.

VENUE GUIDE Piman 49 We’ve always had a soft spot for this Sukhumvit 49 complex, and a few recent additions mean that you’ll be able to find something to do here at any time of day.

meetups Chinese New Year Gallery Hopping Night The popular self-guided tour of galleries around Silom/Charoenkrung is back, with special events planned at each participating art space. More details at www.fb.com/galleryhoppingbkk. Feb 20. Participating galleries TBA.

sales & fairs

Yarn

BRUNCH

One of our fave brunch spots launched its latest branch, Rocket Coffeebar S.49, on the 1/F of the nightclub Grease. It still serves the usual signature egg dishes, daytime cocktails and cold brew coffee. Most exciting are the newly-concocted Nordic Lights dishes, available from 11am onwards. For some Japanese/French desserts, there’s lots to choose from at Gute Patisserie.

ART/CONTINUED Hope in the Darkness Bangkok artists Preecha Noulnim and Aphiphol Techamangkhalanon present a joint exhibition depicting urban life in Thai society using various media. Through Mar 29. Whitespace Gallery, 4/F, 1 Sala Daeng Soi 1/7-9. 02-2352500, 081-699-5298. MRT Lumphini.

Imply Reply: Huang Yong Ping and Sakarin Krue-on The avant-garde Chinese/French artist presents sculptures, installations and drawings from his previous collections together with the multimedia work of contemporary Bangkok artist Sakarin Krue-on. Through Apr 26.

Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), 939 Rama 1 Rd., 02-214-6630-8. BTS National Stadium.

WORK

The Hive is one of the slickest co-working spaces in Bangkok (B300 day pass, B7,000 monthly) thanks to its many facilities, including the chic roof garden bar with its happy hour buy-one-get-one-free cocktail deal every Thu-Fri. Suffering office syndrome? Get a massage (starting at B200) at its new boutique Hive Spa.

Intermezzo Three internationally recognized artists—Gi-Ok Jeon, Pattree Chimnok and Melanie Gritzka del Villar—hold a multimedia group exhibition on the subject of "intimate space." Opens on Feb 10 at 6pm. Through Apr 9, 6pm. Korean Cultural Center, 219/2 Sukhumvit Rd..

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. BTS National Stadium.

DINE

Japanese food is the name of the game here, whether the beautifully presented, tasty sushi rolls at Teien Sushi Bar, the classic ramen chain Ramen Tei Premium, or barbecue joint Karatama Robatayaki. For some different Asian flavors, try the pretty Saigon Recipe, or Kai Yang Sua Yai, the Isaan restaurant much-beloved by the celebs (and with pretty good reason).

Think you’re pretty creative after a few drinks? Paintbar Bangkok is the city’s first bar to combine boozing with painting. Get those juices flowing (wines and beers from B220, with a cocktail menu coming up soon) and paint up a masterpiece (B1,200 covers all art supplies) to a soundtrack of contemporary R&B to EDM.

An exhibition by three Thai artists and three Brazilian artists, working in pairs to create a unifying culture in the new "Tropikos' Land."

Through Feb 28. Hof Art Space, W District, Sukhumvit Soi 69-71. BTS Phra Khanong.

What are we Drinking?

The Phra Khanong art space/cafe's one-year anniversary coincides with a new group exhibition, featuring the work of Koutaro Ooyama (Doppel), Hideyuki Katsumata and Rukkit.

Through Mar 8. GOJA Gallery Café, 5/2 Pridi Soi 3, 085-848-7576. BTS Phra Khanong.

The first solo photography exhibition by Chaicharn "Bank" Lertnimanoradee, captures concert moments of well-known local musicians like Thaitanium, Apartment Khunpa, Burin Bunvisoot (Grooverider) and Pae Arak (Slur).

Through Feb 22. Rooftop Gallery by Farmani, 440/10 Sukhumvit 55 Soi (between Thonglor Soi 14-16), 091-573-6841.

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., 02-282-2639-40.

PARTY

Threshold Part 2

Ditch your canvas at the bar and head over to Grease, right on the other side of the complex. It's also holding a Valentine's Party on Feb 14 (See page 30).

A group exhibition featuring artists Sayumphorn Janthasorn, Justin Mills, Rebecca Vickers, Karma Sirikogar, Christian Hogue, Anjali Mandrekar, Chip Seven and Dan Burman at the Charoenkrung art gallery/cafe. Through

Thailand Classic & Super Car 2015 The riverside venue brings together a huge selection of hard-to-find classics and the latest sports cars on exhibition. Feb 27-Mar 8, 5pm.

Asiatique the Riverfront, 2194 Charoen Krung Rd. Free. BTS Saphan Taksin (free ferry from Sathorn Pier).

What Where When Why

34th Thai Teaw Thai

A black and white photography exhibition

by Tul Hirunyalawan depicting the artist's thoughts and emotional journey through the lens. Through Mar 8. The Jam Factory, 41/1-41/2 Charoen Nakorn Rd., 02-861-0950.

Yarn The free space for slow-living hosts a new exhibition on its 2/F, with performance art and installations by Aor Nopawan Sirivejkul and Karn Anyuda Israngkul Na Ayudhaya. Performance art on Feb 27 at 7:30pm. Through Feb 28. Dialogue Coffee and Gallery, 533 Phra Sumen Rd., 084-754-8799. Free.

02-221-3841.

HAPPENINGS

classes & workshops A charity zumba dance event, with proceeds going to In Search of Sanuk organization. B500 advanced tickets at beatriz@zumbafun.me or 092-423-3245. Dress code is red, pink and hearts. Feb 23, 7pm. Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, 250 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-6498888. B600. BTS Asok.

Paintbox 3 - 2xx1 Parallel Future

Plan ahead for the summer holiday season at this Thai travel fair, with booths by travel agencies, airlines, hotels, cruises and attractions. Prizes are also up for grabs. Feb 25-Mar 1, 10am. Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, 60 New Ratchadapisek Rd., 02-229- 3000. Free. MRT Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.

Nina Sarabutra installs 44 glass and 365 porcelain works, touching on the topic of alcohol consumption. Through Mar 14. Ardel's Third Place Gallery, 137-137/1 Thonglor Soi 10, 02 714 7929.

Share Love Zumba Party

Estonian jewelry artist Tanel Veenre collaborates with Swedish brand Märta Mattsson Jewellery for this exhibition on the themes of symmetry and reflection. Through Feb 21.

ATTA Gallery, Room 1109, OP Garden, 36 Charoenkrung Rd. 02-238-6422. BTS Saphan Taksin.

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Tropikos

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.

Solo: Never Odd or Even Part IV

Piman 49 Complex, Sukhumvit Soi 49.

Feb 20. Bridge, Charoen Krung Soi 51, 086986-9421. BTS Saphan Taksin.

Man's Religion

Rockumentary 2005-2014

PRE-GAME & PAINT

The 16th Thai International Travel Fair 2015

foodie events Friday the 13th The bar is turning unlucky Friday into a good day, with a beer buffet from 6pm-9pm (B500 for domestic, B1,000 for Belgian), a wine buffet from 6pm-9pm (B500 red and white house wines) and tequila shots at B80 all night long. There will also be live DJ performances. Feb 13, 6pm. Sway, Arena 10, Thonglor Soi 10, 02-711-6052. Free.

Spring Epicurean Market The community market devoted to good food features a lineup of local vendors including the likes of Joe Sloane's Sausages and Conkey's Breads with a space for kids and live music.

Feb 22, 8am; Mar 29, 8am; Apr 26, 8am.

Spring Summer, 199 Sukhumvit Soi 39, 02392-2747/8. Free. www.springnsummer.com.

Bangkok Farmers' Market @ Siam Square One The popular weekend farmers' market moves to its latest venue, promising organic goods, pop-up food vendors, artisanal products for the market/healthy-living enthusiasts of Bangkok. Connected to exit 4 of BTS Siam.

Feb 27-Mar 1, 9am. Siam Square One, Rama 1 Rd. Siam.

TGIF Market (Thank God It's Flea Market) With a new theme of "Playground for Urbanista," the successful pop-up market brings together celebrity stalls, the biggest Instagram fashion vendors and some great local designers. Expect hundreds of tents taking over the

The mega-popular Thai tourism fair returns with local and international travel services and up to 70-percent discounts on accommodation, travel, car rental, cruises, spas and hotel meals. Mar 5-8, 10am. Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, 60 New Ratchadapisek Rd., 02-229- 3000. Free. MRT Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.

sports

Full Metal Dojo MMA - FMD4: Once Upon a Time in Bangkok The Mixed Martial Arts action show is back in Bangkok. Former Lumphini and Ratchadamnoen Muay Thai champion Jomhod Kiatadisak takes on Cambodian world kickboxing champion Vorn Viva. Confirmed fight cards in every category. Live rock music, DJs, drink promos, food and various retail booths on-site. Show in Thai and English. Pre-sale tickets available through Feb 18 (B1,200 standard, B3,500 balcony tickers). Feb 21, 6pm. JJ Green, 110/46 Lad Phrao Soi 18, 086-331-5657-8. B1,5004,000. BTS Mo Chit.

Ride for your Rice Bangkok Bicycle Campaign organizes a special Valentine’s Day ride, inviting couples, friends and families to buy a kilogram of rice in advance of every kilometer cycled. Cyclists choose which participating organization to donate the rice to at the end of the ride. There will also be 15 farmers’ and 15 charity stalls on the day. Feb14, 6am-7pm. Suvarnabhumi Airport, 999 Bang Na-Trat Rd.

talks Ban Chiang: A New Perspective of Thai Prehistory Charles Higham, Honorary Fellow of St. Catherine's College, University of Cambridge, presents a new chronology for the excavated Ban Chiang site based on findings from prehistoric human bones.Register at nmvmonthlyprogram@gmail.com. Feb 19, 10am. National Museum, 4 Na Phra That Rd., 02 224-1404, 02-224-1333. B200 (B100 for members of the National Museum Volunteers).

BACC Special Lecture 2015 Stephen Sarrazin, a film professor, critic and curator working between Tokyo and Paris, gives a talk on the history of video art. Mar 7's subject is The Origins: From Signal to Performance and The Recognition of Video by Museums through the Installation. Mar 8 is on The Move from Video to Media and Film Installation. Lectures in Engilsh with Thai translation. Mar 7-8, 2pm; Mar 7, 5pm. Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), 939 Rama 1 Rd., 02-214-6630-8. Free. BTS National Stadium.

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now Water Diviner (AU/US) HHHHH

SPECIAL SCREENING

Drama. After the Battle of Galipoli during WWI, an Australian farmer named Connor (Russell Crowe) must travel to Turkey to find his three missing sons.

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

upcoming The Theory of Everything

FILM

opening Love Confession (Thai) HHHHH

OVER THE L’ARC-EN-CIEL J-Rock lovers, rejoice. Paragon Cineplex will be screening the documentary Over the L’Arc-en-Ciel, which focuses on the world-famous Japanese rock band’s March 2012 world tour. The screening takes place on Feb 28, 1:30pm, in Japanese with English subtitles. Advance tickets (B300-400) can be reserved at Paragon Cineplex.

For more information, visit www.fb.com/qikplaystore.

SCENE STEALER Jakrawal Nilthamrong

Drama. After a devastating break-up, Guy (Jirawat Manassanit) falls back on his best friend and first love Blue (Pornpimol Siyatong) for support, only to fall in love with her again.

Kingsman: The Secret Service (UK/US) HHHHH Action comedy. Secret service agent Harry Hart (Colin Firth) recruits Gary “Eggsy” Unwin (Taron Egerton), the talented-yet-delinquent son of a late spy, to the secret service, in order to thwart the villainous plans of Richmond Valentine (Samuel L. Jackson).

Fifty Shades of Grey (US) (Not yet rated) Erotic drama. Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson) grudgingly agrees to interview secretive millionaire Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan) for her sick friend, only to realize that she is powerfully attracted to him, and him to her.

Playing It Cool (US) HHHHH Romcom. An aspiring action-writer (Chris Evans) is tasked by his editor to write a romance novel. Though at first daunted, he soon finds inspiration in Her (Michelle Monaghan) who’s already engaged.

Vanishing Point

At this year’s International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR), Thai indie film director Jakrawal Nilthamrong scooped one of the festival’s three top prizes, the Tiger Award, for his first feature-length movie, Vanishing Point. Here, the Thammasat University film lecturer discusses the car crash that killed his parents and inspired the movie, and what he plans to work on next.

Can you tell us about the background to this film? It was inspired by the car crash in which your parents died, correct?

The start of this film came from the photo of that accident from about 30 years ago. My father was drunk driving when he mistakenly parked on a train track. It was hit by the train with my mom in the car too. The newspapers ran the photo the next day, and someone cut it out and hung it on my wall.

What impact did that picture have on you as a child?

I can’t really remember what I was thinking when I was young. The photo never really crossed my mind before I started writing my script. But as I continued writing, it dawned how much that photo has had an impact on me.

It made me think about my past and how the events in our lives can have a lasting impact on our future, which is the core of Vanishing Point’s message.

How did you react to winning at this year’s IFFR? I didn’t expect the film to do this well. I was definitely happy, though it happened really fast. The award has already helped me become more mature, making me think more about my career. It’s proof that the path I chose for myself is the right one.

What are you working on next?

I will be producing a film with my friend Puttipol Arunpeng called Departure Day, which focuses on the lives of the Rohingya tribespeople living in Thailand. The film should begin production late 2015 or early 2016. I will also be showcasing my video art pieces at exhibitions in Hong Kong and Taipei, as well as Silpakorn University late February.

Who are your favorite directors?

Terrence Malick, the director of Tree of Life [2011]. I try to watch all his films.

I also enjoy the works of Thai documentary director Urupong Ruksasud, who just recently released a new documentary, The Songs of Rice. Interview by Kanin Srimaneekulroj

Ode to My Father (Korea) HHHHH Drama. Amid the devastation of the Korean War, a young boy devotes his life to a promise he gave his father to protect his family.

now showing

Comet (US) HHHHH Drama. Dell (Justin Long) and Kimberly (Emmy Rossum) forge a six-year long-distance relationship after a chance encounter under a meteor shower.

Gallows Hill/The Damned (Spain) HHHHH Horror. David (Peter Facinelli) and his new fiancée Lauren (Sophia Myles) travel to Bogota to retrieve his daughter Jill. As an accident leaves them stranded at a mysterious inn, they find that the innkeeper is keeping a girl locked up in the basement.

The Imitation Game (US/UK)

Tracers (US) (Not yet rated) Thriller. Cam (Taylor Lautner) is a bike messenger working in New York. After becoming entangled in Mafia affairs, Cam must escape the mob by any means necessary.

Love Live Concert (Japan) HHHHH Animation. Honoka’s (Emi Nitta) beloved school is about to close down. In order to save it, she gathers her group of friends to compete in the School Idol Competition, hoping to snag first place and make her school more popular.

Laggies (US) HHHHH

Sci-fi/Adventure. Jupiter Jones’ (Mila Kunis) life is in danger when she learns that she is heir to a vast interstellar empire of humans. Aided by super-soldier Caine (Channing Tatum), she sets out on a quest with the world’s fate in the balance.

Adventure. 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.

The Rewrite (US) HHHHH

Adventure. 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.

The Theory of Everything (UK) HHHHH Biopic. In the 1960s, Cambridge University student Stephen Hawking (Eddie Redmayne) learns that he has motor neuron disease. With the support of Jane Wilde (Felicity Jones), Hawking goes on to make great strides into the study of space and time.

Penguins of Madagascar (US) Animation. Madagascar’s penguin spies must work with Agent Classified (Benedict Cumberbatch) to stop the evil schemes of Dr. Octavius Brine (John Malkovich). Feb 19

Ananta: The Light of Hope (Thai)

Sci-fi/Adventure. This found footage film follows a group of teenagers who build a time-machine based on a mysterious blueprint, which they use to alter events in their past with dire consequences.

Jupiter Ascending (US) HHHHH

Drama. Oxford University freshmen Miles Richards (Max Irons) and Alistair Ryle (Sam Claflin) join a secret society, where they learn the hard lesson that reputations can be made or destroyed in a fraction of a moment.

Drama. Franny (Anne Hathaway) travels to New York to visit her brother who’s in a coma. There, she becomes involved with James Forester (Johnny Flynn), a musician idolized by her brother. Feb 19

Project Almanac (US) HHHHH

Mortdecai (US) HHHHH

The Riot Club (UK) HHHHH

Song One (US)

Historical/Action . A Han dynasty squad commander (Jackie Chan) and a Roman general (John Cusack) try to escape China after successfully rescuing a hostage.

Feb 19

Drama. 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).

Drama. Has-been Academy Award-winning screenwriter Keith Michaels (Hugh Grant) takes on a university teaching job only to fall in love with Holly (Marisa Tomei), a single mother.

Thriller/Action . Jason Statham stars as Nick Wild, a gambling addict who takes on jobs as a bodyguard to fuel his addiction. Feb 19

HHHHH Drama. In 1939, genius mathematician Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch) cracks the Nazi’s enigma code and helps the Allies win WWII, only to later face criminal prosecution for being gay.

Romcom. Unfortunate circumstances compel independent working-woman Bright (Patcharapa Chaichue) to seek out her old lovers and perhaps find true love in the process.

Single Lady (Thai) HHHHH

Wild Card (US)

Dragon Blade (China/Hong Kong)

Animation. A young prince must step up to protect his kingdom from the invading forces of evil. Feb 19

Birdman (US) Drama/Comedy. Washed-up superhero Riggan Thomson (Michael Keaton) organizes an ambitious Broadway production in the hopes of jump-starting his stagnant career and proving that he’s a real artist. Feb 19

Bong Srolanh Oun (Thai/Cambodia) Horror. Dol (Ray McDonald) becomes curious about his apartment’s former residents following a string of unexplained accidents, and travels to Cambodia to seek them out. Feb 19

Unbroken (US) Drama. Olympic runner Louis “Louie” Zamperini (Jack O’Connell) fights for survival in a WWII Japanese POW camp in this perilous tale of endurance. Feb 19

free screenings Jam Every Wednesday night is Cult Movie Night. Theme for February is Romance.

Screenings start from 8pm, visit www. fb.com/JAMCAFEBKKfor schedule. 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 083-545-1833. Open Tue-Sun 6pm-midnight.

The Friese-Greene Club

Wolves (US) HHHHH

Big Eyes (US) HHHHH Drama. In the 1950s, artist Michael Keane (Christoph Waltz) is world famous. Little does everyone know that the paintings are actually by his wife (Amy Adams). Directed by Tim Burton.

The Woman in Black 2 (UK) HHHHH Horror. 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.

Map to the Stars (US) HHHHH

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 Francaise Movies are subtitled in English and screened at 7pm. Feb 18. Les Beaux Jours (2013): A married dentist forced into early retirement falls in love with her computers class lecturer. 179 Witthayu (Wireless) Rd., 02-670-4200 Goethe Institut Movies are in German and subtitled in English. Feb 17. Hannah Arendt (2012): Hannah, a German immigrant working as a journalist in America during the aftermath of WWII, writes a controversial story on a former Nazi’s trial. For more information, visit goo.gl/kW2k9g, or contact 02-108-8200, info@bangkok.goethe.org

Drama. The story of a Hollywood family and their perpetual struggles for fame and against each other.

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marketplace PROPERTY For rent

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SERVICE Anghin Architecture. Bangkok-based designer, architect and interior architect with experience in residential and commercial projects, handling both design and project oversight. At Anghin Architecture, we believe simple, functional design is naturally elegant. Do you have a project? Contact us for a consultation and see our work at www.anghin.com. info@anghin.com. 08-9201-2692. 02-254-9327.

• CUSTOM MEDIA EDITOR HIRING...

• WHERE/BK JUNIOR TRAFFIC COORDINATOR • WHERE JUNIOR/SENIOR SALES • CONTENT COORDINATOR

visit: bkmagazine.com/jobs FREEWILL ASTROLOGY AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18): How many desires do you have? Take a rough inventory. Identify the experiences you continually seek in your quest to feel relief and pleasure and salvation and love and a sense of meaning. You can also include fantasies that go unfulfilled and dreams that may or may not come true in the future. As you survey this lively array, don’t censor yourself or feel any guilt.

Simply give yourself to a sumptuous meditation on all the longings that fuel your journey. This is your prescription for the coming week. In ways you may not yet be able to imagine, it is the medicine you need most.

PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20): The German word Nachkussen refers to the kind of kiss that compensates for all the kissing that has not been happening, all the kissing that has been omitted or lost. If it has been too long since you’ve kissed anyone, you need Nachkussen. If your lover hasn’t kissed you lately with the focused verve you long for, you need Nachkussen. If you yourself have been neglecting to employ your full artistry and passion as you bestow your kisses, you need Nachkussen. From what I can tell, Pisces, this Valentine season is a full-on Nachkussen holiday for you.

Now please go get what you haven’t been getting.

ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19): I hope you have someone in your life to whom you can send the following love note, and if you don’t, I trust you will locate that someone no later than August 1: “I love you more than anyone loves you, or has loved you, or will love you, and also, I love you in a way that no one loves you, or has loved you, or will love you, and also, I love you in a way that I love no one else, and never have loved anyone else, and never will love anyone else.” (This passage is borrowed from author Jonathan Safran Foer’s book Everything Is Illuminated.)

TAURUS (Apr 20 -May 20): “We assume that others show their love in the same way that we do,” writes psychologist Amy Przeworski, “and if they

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don’t follow that equation, we worry that the love is not there.” I think you’re on track to overcome this fundamental problem, Taurus. Your struggles with intimacy have made you wise enough to surrender your expectations about how others should show you their love.

You’re almost ready to let them give you their affection and demonstrate their care for you in ways that come natural to them. In fact, maybe you’re ready RIGHT NOW. GEMINI (May 21-Jun 20): I’d like to bestow a blessing on you and your closest ally. My hope is that it will help you reduce the restlessness that on occasion undermines the dynamism of your relationship. Here’s the benediction, inspired by a Robert Bly poem: As you sit or walk or lie next to each other, you share a mood of glad acceptance. You aren’t itchy or fidgeting, wondering if there’s something better to be or do.

You don’t wish you were talking about a different subject or feeling a different emotion or living in a different world.

You are content to be exactly who you are, exactly where you are.

CANCER (Jun 21-Jul 22): Want to infuse your romantic interludes with wilder moods now and then? Want to cultivate a kind of intimacy that taps deeper into your animal intelligence? If so, try acting out each other’s dreams or drawing magic symbols on each other’s bodies.

Whisper funny secrets into each oth-

er’s ears or wrestle like good-natured drunks on the living room floor. Howl like coyotes. Caw like crows. Purr like cheetahs. Sing boisterous songs and recite feral poetry to each other. Murmur this riff, adapted from Pablo Neruda: “Our love was born in the wind, in the night, in the earth. That’s why the clay and the flower, the mud and the roots know our names.”

LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22): Is there any sense in which your closest alliance is a gift to the world? Does your relationship inspire anyone?Do the two of you serve as activators and energizers, igniting fires in the imaginations of those whose lives you touch? If not, find out why. And if you are tapping into those potentials, it’s time to raise your impact to the next level. Together the two of you now have extra power to synergize your collaboration in such a way that it sends out ripples of benevolence everywhere you go.

VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22): The poet Rainer Marie Rilke said that people misunderstand the role of love. “They have made it into play and pleasure because they think that play and pleasure are more blissful than work,” he wrote. “But there is nothing happier than work. And love, precisely because it is the supreme happiness, can be nothing other than work.” I’m sharing this perspective with you for two reasons, Virgo. First, of all the signs in the

zodiac, you’re most likely to thrive on his approach. Second, you’re in a phase of your astrological cycle when this capacity of yours is at a peak. Here’s how Rilke finished his thought: “Lovers should act as if they had a great work to accomplish.”

you’re far bigger on the inside than you seem on the outside, it’s unlikely the two of you can have a productive relationship. This Valentine season, as a public service, make sure that everyone you’re seriously involved with knows this fact.

LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 22): About 2,600 years ago, the Greek poet Sappho wrote the following declaration: “You make me hot.” In the next ten days, I’d love for you to feel motivated to say or think that on a regular basis.

In fact, I predict that you will. The astrological omens suggest you’re in a phase when you are both more likely to be made hot and more likely to encounter phenomena that make you hot. Here are some other fragments from Sappho that might come in handy when you need to express your torrid feelings: 1. “This randy madness I joyfully proclaim.” 2. “Eros makes me shiver again . . . Snake-sly, invincible.” 3. “Desire has shaken my mind as wind in the mountain forests roars through trees.” (Translations by Guy Davenport.)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21): Love and intimacy come in many forms.

There are at least a billion different ways for you to be attracted to another person, and a trillion different ways to structure your relationship.

Maybe your unique bond involves having sex, or maybe it doesn’t. Maybe it’s romantic or friendly or holy, or all three of those things. Do the two of you have something important to create together, or is your connection more about fueling each other’s talents? Your task is to respect and revere the idiosyncratic ways you fit together, not force yourselves to conform to a prototype. To celebrate the Valentine season, I invite you and your closest ally to play around with these fun ideas.

SCORPIO (Oct 23-Nov 21): In the TV science-fiction show Doctor Who, the title character lives in a time machine that is also a spaceship. It’s called a Tardis. From the outside, it appears to be barely bigger than a phone booth.

But once you venture inside, you find it’s a spacious chateau with numerous rooms, including a greenhouse, library, observatory, swimming pool, and karaoke bar. This is an excellent metaphor for you, Scorpio. Anyone who wants your love or friendship must realize how much you resemble a Tardis. If they don’t understand that

CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19): Anais Nin wrote the following passage in her novel A Spy in the House of Love: “As other girls prayed for handsomeness in a lover, or for wealth, or for power, or for poetry, she had prayed fervently: let him be kind.” I recommend that approach for you right now, Capricorn. A quest for tender, compassionate attention doesn’t always have to be at the top of your list of needs, but I think it should be for now. You will derive a surprisingly potent alchemical boost from basking in kindness. It will catalyze a breakthrough that can’t be unleashed in any other way. Ask for it!

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last word

Napaporn Trivitwareegune On-air love guru “DJ Aoy,” Napaporn Trivitwareegune, 43, is admired by millions for her ever-popular radio program on 106.5FM, Club Friday, on which fans call in to discuss their dramatic love-lives. Here she discusses why infidelity is like a drug, and dishes out some relationship advice for all of us.

My parents never forced me to do anything. My dad never told me I had to get good grades. When no one expects anything from you, that’s when you start to feel comfortable and things turn out the way you want them to. That’s how I became a DJ and it’s something I love to do.

I’m a keen writer. As well as DJing fulltime, I love to capture visual memories and turn them into words.

Urban people are lonely. We walk past endless numbers of people every day without speaking to them. That’s why social networks have become an essential part of our love lives.

Social networks are like sanctuaries that help us to not just share love, but also show off. We expose ourselves and allow the private to become public. This may not sound problematic at first, but I believe it may lead us down the wrong path.

People would rather live in a fantasy than face reality. I have more and more teen listeners who say, “I love

him so much. We’ve been talking to each other for two years, but we haven’t met even once. What should I do?”

It’s such a new-generation problem.

Parents think they have become closer to their children. Partly due to social media, parents believe they are more in tune with what their kids are up to. They would much prefer that their kids are in their bedroom playing on the internet than outside getting into trouble, but they don’t realize the social problems this may cause.

Infidelity is a quick fix to resolving problems between couples. Instead of addressing them at the source, it just introduces more characters and creates a greater mess. Sometimes we simply want to reaffirm our own importance. But, of course, in the wrong way.

Cheating is like a drug. Those who’ve never tried it think it’s not that addictive. Just once or twice won’t make a big difference. But before you even realize, you’re caught up in a messy string of relationships.

Morality in love has significantly decreased. People are less concerned about maintaining a longterm relationship.

Teens, and even grown-ups, would rather be free from committment and respons i b i l i t y.

There’s an attitude that , as long as you’re not married, it’s OK [to cheat], which is just sad.

when everyone’s doing the same thing—why’s it so special?

Cheating is like a drug.

We have too many excuses for everything, let alone love. When lovers put blame on each other, that love becomes conditional.

Valentine’s Day is always problematic. Expectations rise so high that they become a double-edged sword. There’s always a fight when couples can’t make time for one another on this day. But it’s a day

Using the wrong tone of voice can destroy your love life. I came across one tweet the other day that said 90 percent of relationship drama comes from poor choice of tone.

We all make mistakes. Nobody is perfect. Some choose to solve problems by keeping quiet. They never argue and then one little problem comes along and they break.

Stop trying to find a balance in your relationships. Men and women have such different world views that they’re never going to meet halfway.

Finding the middle ground between the two means you have to give up a part of who you really are. Be yourself and things will work out.

Women will never be equal to men.

At this age, I don’t believe in the existence of gender equality. In fact, I don’t think it’s important that we must be equal. Each sex has its own strengths that compliment each other.

Men can cry. Why do we keep saying that men must not cry? It’s against our nature.

Sex is the only issue worth compromising for. Lovers need to comunicate and find balance between one another’s desires. Fighting over sexual roles has become one of the most deeprooted problems couples face.

Talk less and listen more. I know women are hormone-driven and need to express how they feel, but just doing the talking won’t figure anything out; you need to listen, too.

Nothing is permanent, including love. We shouldn’t attach ourselves to anything. Interview by Tewit Phanitprachaya, Kanin Srimaneekulroj

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