BK Magazine Mar 20, 2015

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it's free!

Make your escape

BK MAGAZINE NO. 582 FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2015. www.bkmagazine.com

OFF THE CHARTS Bangkok’s best new indie bands Cover_582_Mar20_15.indd 1

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page 3 Bombs Away 8 cover story

Bands to Watch 12 escapes

18 fashion

Brooklyn by Books

Shine On

There’s a lot of talk about explosive devices right now and we’re all feeling a little jumpy. But chill out! With our simple chart, you’ll be able to tell bombs from, well, not bombs, in no time.

YOU FIND A SUSPICIOUS PACKAGE IN A SHOPPING MALL

Did you see who dropped it?

Yes What were they wearing?

20 spas

28 bites

Soak it Up

Next Stop Sala Daeng

40 BK Now

48 last word

Comedic Timing

Lala from London

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 Staff Writer Pinnyada Tanitnon Junior Content Coordinator Nontaya Kumyat Junior Writers Lily Kittisrikangwan, Kanin Srimaneekulroj, Natcha Sanguankiattichai, Sam Nathapong

Regional Marketing Manager Pavida Chitprasertsuk Marketing Executive, Creative Services Puttipat Teerakawongsakul IT Manager Takrit Jitjaroen

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

Distribution Executive Suda Angsuputiphant Finance Manager Supaporn Bangmoung Assistant Finance Manager Anchalee Limkhamduang Senior Accountant Maneeya Kanthongdang

Administrator Yaovaluck Srisermsri Accountant Manita Bangmoung

Was the collar popped?

Are the police looking at the bag knowingly and not doing anything?

Is it ticking?

No

Does it smell of citrus with floral head notes?

Yes

Yes

That’s a sign of a mechanical movement. Probably Swiss-made.

No

IT! KEEP

A gym bag What kind of bag is it?

No

Cover by Peeraya Sirathanisa

Yes

No

IT! KEEP

Interns Tewit Phanitprachaya, Nareerat Yoddamnern, Jetnipit Sahusyotin, Kwanwalai Rodsaward, Soravis Laopadolkij, Dharath Hoonchamlong

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

It’s a Chinese tourist’s trash!

Make a viral video slamming them.

It’s probably some Ralph Lauren shirts with giant logos.

Yes

Contributors Rob Brezsny, Kathy MacLeod

Group Directors

It’s a reenactment. Boo the accused loudly.

Handcuffs

A red shirt

Who's in charge?

General Manager Andrew Hiransomboon

A studded cap

No

Paper.

With rope handles

Is it making a whimpering noise?

No

Yes

Plastic

IT! KEEP

That’s someone’s toy Chihuahua.

Are there sales going on?

Where to find us!

IT! KEEP

No

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

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

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

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

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

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contest, updates, stories

facebook.com/bkmagazine

Yes

It’s OK, it belongs to a hot gay guy from Fitness First.

IT! KEEP

latest news and trends

@bkmagazine

Can you spot the business card of a former Pheu Thai cadre dropped nearby?

IT’S A BOMB!

No

IT! KEEP

see what’s happening

@bkmagazine BK Magazine Friday, March 20, 2015

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ADVERTORIAL

The Good Space Begins at Home What defines The Good Space?

Professional Implementation

Thailand’s leading real estate company, Sansiri, does not only develop properties to raise the living standards of their clients, but to provide safety and education for the children of those who work on its construction site. Sansiri believes that good life begins at home; and a good future begins with education. That’s why it has initiated The Good Space project, which is dedicated to looking after and educating the children of construction site workers living on site.

Thanks to the cooperation of Kids Home Foundation, The Good Space has been well provided with teachers in all of its workers’ camps. The necessary space can easily be created within each site, located just a short distance from where construction takes places thanks to the efforts of committed volunteers.

“Before The Good Space, I was thinking it might be good to have someone to take care of the children of parents who work for us,” says Kanungnid Souysom, Safety Officer at Visavapat Construction. “As a contractor, we live closely not only to our workers, but also their kids. It’s not only about safety, but also providing basic education for children who otherwise don’t have the chance to go to school, or preparing those who are younger for entering school. The Good Space fills those blanks. Our workers are happy, knowing that their children are safe and in an environment that encourages learning.”

Support for Everyone In Chiang Mai, the project has successfully been facilitated by the Kids Home Foundation, a non-profit organization providing support for under-privileged children, and will soon be expanded to other provinces. In Bangkok, Sansiri has also partnered with Bangkok Bank to create the Donate Your Time campaign, inviting volunteer teachers onto work sites across the city.

“It’s not difficult to build these spaces, but it takes experience,” says Julien Strens, Project Manager at Kids Home Foundation. “ I really hope to see every construction site implement similar spaces for children, though I’d also not recommend anyone to start without prior knowledge of social responsibility. There are some technical issues that are better left to knowledgeable staff. It’s not just a matter of coming to teach, but also taking care of individual kids until they can be sent to school.”

Future Investment The Good Space not only provides basic education, but also takes care of each child individually until they reach school age. “Taking care of each individual child is the core of what we do,” says Strens. “We have one boy who can’t go to school because he’s deaf, so we contacted a special school that would be able to care for his needs and liaised with the hospital over necessary paperwork to get him registered. For cases like this, continuity is essential. If centers like this could be established on construction sites everywhere, then the children’s education could continue even when their parents move between provinces.”

Did you know?

Sansiri partnered with Unicef to launch a policy against child labor in 2012. To date, Sansiri has developed 20 child-friendly spaces on construction sites, and plans to develop a further six by 2016.

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upfront HOT OR NOT

Hot: Craft distillers

Not: Craft brewers

For all the fuss we kicked up a month ago about craft brewers, half of them never made a second batch. So what’s one to drink now that handmade brews are a forgotten fad? Craft gin! Iron Balls, made by designer Ashley Sutton (Iron Fairies, Maggie Choo’s) is made from organic pineapples, meaning it’s good for you. Also, it will make you curse like a sailor. Try it at Quince or A.R. Sutton.

Hot: Sala Daeng

Not: Sathorn Soi 12

We thought Sathorn Soi 12 was cool, but after waiting a year for something to happen down there other than Lady Brett/Rocket (and the long-standing H Gallery), we’ve turned our attention to Upper Silom, where a bevy of new openings just arrived. See page 28 for details on Ceresia, Pala, Smokin’ Pug and more.

STREET TALK The Supreme Administrative Court (SAC) handed Bangkok’s disabled citizens a victory in January when they ordered the installation of working lifts at all 23 BTS Skytrain stations. Here, BK talks to Suporntum Mongkolsawadi, the 47-year-old figurehead of a disabled group behind the campaign to improve disabled access to public transport.

What is your job?

I’ve worked as the secretary at The Redemptorist Foundation for People with Disabilities (Mahatai) for almost 30 years. Our organization’s main duties are vocational training, finding occupations for, and protecting the rights of the disabled.

Hot: Shoeshine

Not: Pompadours

Men’s fashion is a succession of mid-century throwbacks. After exploring the joys of a barber shave and towering pompadour, guys are now getting their shoes shined again. The only difference with the movies is that instead of flicking a coin at some kid, you’ll have to pay nearly as much for your polished brogues as you would for a Negroni (see page 18).

What sparked the campaign to have BTS stations installed with lifts for the disabled?

We noticed that the BTS wasn’t providing fair services for all, so we decided to sue. Even when they do have elevators, they are closed for public use. We have to wait for ages because it’s hard to get the security guards’ attention to switch on the elevators.

Has the ruling made much of a difference?

Hot: New music

Not: 90s throwbacks

Hitting cinemas this week is 2538 Al Ter Ma Jeep, in which a boy travels back in time to 1995: the high point of Thailand’s indie rock scene, apparently. Cue a two-hour montage of 90s nostalgia strung together with the plot from Back to the Future. Why not jump the gun on what people in 20 years’ time will be into by listening to today’s music, today (see page 8).

I’ve heard that some elevators are already open for use, but I haven’t seen any proof. Progress is slow at some other facilities where contracts have been signed. We have formed

BK iPad app

bkmagazine/bkapp

a team to monitor the situation and we will meet every two months.

too, with rights like all citizens. We don’t need mercy.

Apart from transportation, what are some other problems you regularly encounter?

What kinds of discrimination do you face?

Understanding and awareness of our problems is low. The people in high places don’t understand what we want and tend to just make assumptions. The worst case scenario: they don’t even think about helping us. It’s not just the BTS. Bangkok’s footpaths are another major concern. Even if they’re wide enough for wheelchairs, they tend to lack maintenance, and be full of peddlers, stalls, motorcycles and even cars. We need better management.

How can we begin to address these problems?

Thais need a better understanding of human rights. It’s about respecting the right of others, not just disabled people. One other problem is people look at the disabled and assume that they need help, they need sympathy. But the disabled are people,

get in the loop

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Airlines reject us, saying they don’t have the services to cater for the disabled. Others force us to sign agreements to say that if they need to carry us, to get on the plane, we won’t sue them if there is an accident. Even as a kid, I tried to get into a certain school who asked me, “How can you climb the stairs if you have no legs?” But I overcame that.

There are always solutions.

What does your disabled group aim to do next?

We will work closely with all future transportation projects and on the upgrade of old facilities that need to be improved for disabled access.

Interview by Nareerat Yoddamnoen

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THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID

by Kathy MacLeod kathymacleod.blogspot.com

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Treat Me Nice

ADVERTORIAL

Chatuchak Cafés

A yearning for a new life leads to a favorite neighborhood hangout in Chatuchak.

When Khanchai “Khan” Kaewnate, 32, got fed up with commuting between his home in Senanikhom and his workplace in Thonglor, he decided it was high time to start anew in an area with genuine quality of life. For his girlfriend Papapin “Little” Deosurin, 29, a long-time resident of Chatuchak, that could only mean one neighborhood, her own.

The Artwins Canteen & Bar The second branch of successful cooking school-turned-casual bistro by Le Cordon Bleu-graduate twin sisters, King and Kaew Pokai-udom, The Artwins Canteen & Bar at the new P9 community mall serves comfort food in a laid-back, barn-like dining room. Head there in the morning for pancakes and freshly brewed coffee or, on the contrary, drop by late for the well-curated cocktail selection.

Together they sought a space to start their business. Khanchai, formerly a creative designer and owner of an events agency, wanted a building befitting his keen design sense. Luck would have it, they found it just a few hundred meters from Papapin’s home.

“Finding this house was like a destiny,” Khanchai says. “The house belonged to an architect,” Papapin says of the leafy 1970s home in which they opened Treat Café and Hangout. “That explains the original aesthetic of the structure. The current owners are my loyal customers and loved Khan’s design style so much that they urged us to rent the place to do something.”

P9, Phahonyothin Soi 9, 089-563-6542. Open Mon-Thu 10:30am-10:30pm, Fri-Sun 10:30ammidnight.

"You can easily connect to all of Bangkok but it’s so quiet, here. You look at the road outside. It’s shady and breezy thanks to rows of old trees. You don’t find these things when you go further."

Anya Dharu Perfumery & Tea Shop The finest tea room in Chatuchak Weekend Market hides behind a dark, eclectic façade.

The aromatic scents of this local perfumery lure in an upscale crowd. After browsing the room diffusers, candles, incense sticks and house-blended Lann Cha teas, it’s impossible to resist the urge to pull up a chair at one of the small marble-top table and order a cup.

When sourcing ingredients for their own kitchen, the couple visit the nearby supermarkets at Major Cineplex and Central Ladprao or the much livelier Bangkhen Fresh Market. In fact, Chatuchak’s mix of sleek urban offerings and resolutely local venues is something they particularly like about the area. “We sometimes get our coffee at a nearby Starbucks, too,” Papapin says with a laugh. “But at other times we just eat Kwanchitr, a homey restaurant near here with great comfort food.”

The result is a rustic Scandinavian dining room where caffeine addicts love to unwind, a Kinfolk-worthy garden and a photogenic glasshouse. But the renovation took months and Khan still sees it as a work in progress.

“Khan gets bored of things easily so he intentionally designs different zones so customers have plenty of options to mellow out,” says Papapin. It’s all paid off and is a hit with a mix of university students, executives from the nearby SCB office and young professionals.

Food is equally important. Papapin’s business is a bakery supplying hundreds of restaurants and her knowledge of coffee is vast. “I’ve seen coffee shops blow their entire budget on decoration. But you have to have the right machines and coffee beans, too,” she says. As for Khanchai, he’s in charge of the savory menu.

A talented amateur chef, he later took classes with Chef Ian Kittichai and later developed his own signature dishes, which include the bestselling salad yum moo yang (spicy grilled pork salad) and shrimp roe spaghetti.

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Just like their customers, Khanchai and Pippin couldn’t imagine living and working anywhere else. “You can easily connect to all of Bangkok but it’s so quiet, here.

You look at the road outside. It’s shady and breezy thanks to rows of old trees. You don’t find these things when you go further. I love spending time here so much that my friends even joked me our first child would definitely be named Nong Sena,” Khanchai says with a laugh.

Treat Cafe and Hangout. 563 Senanikhom 1 Road (Phahonyothin Soi 32), Chatuchak, 093264-9292. Open Thu-Tue 11:30am-10pm.

Chatuchak Weekend Market, Section 3 Soi 3.

Open Sat-Sun 10am-6pm.

O’s Coffee Tucked away on the fourth floor of a retail shopping center Union Mall, O’s Coffee is the brainchild of actress Panisara “Opal” Arayasakul. The wooden tables, industrial chairs, and attentive staff set the mood for a no-nonsense experience. In fact, the coffee here is not Italian but Thai-style—sweet, milky, with hints of licorice and burned notes. It’s the perfect accompaniment to their signature brownies.

4th Floor, Union Mall. Open daily 10am-9pm.

thelinebkk.com

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cover story

Cream of the Crop

Wittawin Amonrattanasak

They’ve been killing it live, are about to release an album and their latest singles are on repeat.

Here are our top 10 Thai bands to watch in 2015. By Vasachol Quadri and Carl Dixon

Clokue Label: Independent Dhanarat Dhitirojana, aka Clokue, studied music under Pok Stylish Nonsense and shares his teacher’s sense of sonic adventure, but that’s where the comparisons end. Dhanarat has performed his 100-percent computer-made music on stages around the country, from Stone Free Music Festival (2013 and 2014) to last week’s EESE Festival at Jam. Don’t go expecting heavy walls of sound, though; this is sweet, delicate minimalism at its most accessible.

Where to listen: soundcloud.com/clokue

Katuru Label: Parinam Music

Fwends Label: Independent New name, not-so-new band. This five-piece is made up of three of the former members of Cloud Behind. Debut single, the effects-laden “Fade Away,” reveals a mature sound that’s pretty epic compared to the bouncy indie-pop of before. The live show is coming together nicely, too, judging from their performance at the Sweet Escape festival earlier this month.

Aimcharoen “Aim” Rojthaworn first came to our attention last year with his country-folk project Alone Tournament and the single “Kae Klang Tang.” He’s now found a new home at Parinam Music, where he’s releasing music under the name Katuru. The first offering, “Your Shining,” is a gospel-like acoustic tune that morphs into a real foot-stomper, hinting at his powerful, improv-heavy live performances.

Where to listen: tinyurl.com/mhghwpl

Catch them next: Apr 25 at Jam Where to listen: www.fb.com/fwendsfwendsfwends

Minus 88 Label: Comet Records The Comet Records act came to many gig-goers’ attention after supporting American r‘n’b performer How to Dress Well in February. The band is actually the side project of the busy Jakchai “Tung” Panchanon, of Casinotone (also see Morg, right), who’s teamed up with Pisit Kaosangthong (electric guitar), Anis Iamjaikla (acoustic guitar) and Thiantharit Chairut (bass). Debut single “Slow Motion” is catchy synth-pop in the mold of Jakchai’s main act, with a slight soul undercurrent, but live we’re most impressed with the band’s moodier, more atmospheric tracks.

Morg Label: Comet Records Comet Records head honcho Jakchai “Tung” Panchanon tells us there’s plenty coming up for his label this year (not least a new single from his band Casinotone). The new act we’re most excited about is probably Morg, a vintage synth-pop duo consisting of Pruet Chesadaphun and Punlop Maneekuni. We’ve been hankering for more since hearing their breezy, nostalgia-laced debut single “Air Shower” on Comet Records’ first compilation back in 2013. Late last year, they returned with the deeper and darker “Breath,” and there’s also an album on the way.

Catch them next: Mar 20 at King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang

Catch them next: Mar 20 at King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang

Where to listen: www.fb.com/minus88bangkok

Where to listen: soundcloud.com/morgbkk

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cover story fungjai.com/artist KoichiShimizu

Phum Viphurit Label: Rats Records Last year we were enamored with Rats Records’ The Whitest Crow. This year it’s the label’s newest signing, Phum Viphurit. The 19-year-old solo performer has just released his first single, “Adore,” a toe-tapping folk ditty which Phum helms with his powerful vocals. We love the 1960s crooner vibes, even the awkward, Jerry Maguire-evoking lyrics (“You had me at hello”), and the chorus of “I do, do, do…” which is sure to ring out in drunken sing-alongs across town from Moose to Play Yard by Studio Bar.

Koichi Shimizu

Catch him next: Apr 25 at Grease Where to listen: www.fb.com/PhumViphurit

Pong Suracheth

Label: So:On Dry Flower

Ugly Mountain Label: Independent Following the likes of Polycat and Solitude is Bliss, Ugly Mountain looks like the latest band to make the leap from Chiang Mai to the national stage. This three-piece, consisting of Mahasamut Bunyaraksh (Little Fox and Saliva Bastards), Tasasin Indhaphan and Panupong Chareanrat, delivers downand-dirty psychedelic rock with touches of country luk thung through the use of phin, violin and haunted vocals. Their debut self-titled EP is out now.

Here comes the real deal. If you’re any kind of fan of Bangkok’s independent music scene, you’ll know Koichi Shimizu as the driving force behind the So:On Dry Flower record label for over a decade. With the release of his debut album, Otolary (available on CD and 12”), late last month, he’s unleashed what some people are calling the heaviest electronic music to come out of Thailand in a long, long time.

Where to listen: soundcloud.com/kshimizu

La La Label: Independent

Where to listen: www.fb.com/uglymountain

Free Typewriter/ Gardener Twins

Fresh from performing at this month’s Windbreaks festival at Wanderlust Rooftop, I A I A (or the more search-friendly Lala) specialize in finely-crafted, outsider psych-pop. The duo, comprising Teerapong “Pipe” Bumrungsheep, formerly of The Orange Rolls, and Thanart “Peet” Rasanont, ex-member of Jarintanakai, have just two recorded songs to their name—but that’s enough to get you hooked. The breezy “Jai Yen” is a pure ear-worm, while the more dance-oriented “MOA192b” is just as exciting. Both are gorgeously produced, too.

Catch them next: Apr 4 at Play Yard by Studio Bar Where to listen: soundcloud.com/lalaishereforyou

Label: Independent If you’re a regular at Keep on the Grass and Stone Free Music festivals, you’ll already be familiar with Free Typewriter. After more than half a decade on tour, acoustic troubadour Vutipong Mahasamut just released his first EP of sparse, homespun folk, Meadow House, which recalls the work of artists like M. Ward or Nick Drake. On a similar tack, Vutipong’s other project, Gardener Twins, in collaboration with Tawan S. Dacpham, delivers a slightly more upbeat, dream-pop vibe.

Catch him next: Album launch party in June (date TBA) Where to listen: soundcloud.com/free-typewriter, soundcloud.com/gardener-twins

Three new places to catch live music

Wolff’s Jazz Bar and Restaurant

Parking Toys’ Watt

Blue Dye Cafe

The latest spot to join bustling Sukhumvit Soi 11 is this tiny jazz bar and restaurant is located in the once-abandoned space between Le Fenix Hotel and Apoteka. 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. The highlight, of course, is the jazz performed every Thu-Sat from 9pm onwards, where you can expect progressive performances by vets like the Dan Phillips Quartet (who are also regulars at Smalls) and the occasional guest.

Run by the guy behind the live music institution Parking Toys, this spacious venue is an effortlessly cool addition to Ekkamai’s slightly stale nightlife scene. Top marks go to the open-air, Marrakesh-inspired bar, the retro furnishings, and the music. Since kicking off with the Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band’s album launch last November, the bar’s been busy hosting gigs from some of Bangkok’s leading acts like Gene Kasidit and Polycat, plus lots of molam, luk thung and Thai roots music, including the Hifi Thai Country Band.

This old-house-turned-cafe is more than just a photogenic coffee spot. Not only does it house the owner’s personal collection of indigo dye work and furniture, there are also products for sale from new exciting brands like Cone Number 9 (ceramics) and Cornerstone (fashion). Its front terrace also hosts the occasional gig, with a focus on low-key sounds. It kicked off the year with a gig from Gardener Twins, White Light and Jinta, while February saw its so-called soft opening night headlined by the likes of Fwends and Youth Brush.

33/30 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 090-926-1777. Open daily 5pm-midnight.

BTS Nana. www.fb.com/wolffsjazzbarandrestaurant

164 Soonvijai Soi 14, 02-318-1415. Open daily 4pm-2am. www.fb.com/Wattparkingtoys

Sukhumvit Soi 36, 083-714-5333. Open daily 10am-9pm. www.fb.com/bluedyecafe For our recent roundup of new live music venues, see tinyurl.com/qcn5h9q

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escapes

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NEW YORK

Big-Apple Book Tour In honor of Bangkok’s two biggest book fairs (see page 45), here are five great independent book stores from one of the most literary cities in the world: New York. By Patpicha Tanakasempipat

The Strand

P.S. Bookshop

The Strand

McNally Jackson

P.S. Bookshop

Founded in 1927 by the same family who still owns it today, the Strand is undoubtedly New York City’s most badass independent book store. The red “dollar carts” ($1, $2, $2-5) lined up outside the store have made it a landmark in its own right. Inside, it famously contains “18 miles of books,” including over 2.5 million new and used copies covering every topic you can imagine, and regularly stocked at discount prices. Rare collectibles, often in mint condition, occupy the whole top floor, while the other three floors are noted for their “special pick” tables that put titles into neat groups like “Books we love under $10” and “Real books priced lower than e-books.”

With its neat interior design and stylish facade, McNally Jackson lacks any of the rough-around-the-edges charm of other indie book stores, feeling more like a cool coffee shop crossed with Barnes & Noble. It only stocks new books, and like B&N, offers 10-20-percent discounts on many titles as well as signed copies of new releases. If you’re looking to produce your own book, there’s also a Self-Publishing Department where they’ll guide you through the printing process.

P.S. Bookshop takes its name from the owner’s daughter’s initials, and has the vibe of a laidback family reading room rather than a conventional book store. It specializes in used, rare and out-of-print books, but also has plenty of modern classics, general fiction and children’s titles, too. The general messiness and labyrinth-like shelves give it a real charm; When you finally find your way out, there are sofas and couches for you to sit and have a rest.

Tip: The shop currently houses the first and only Espresso Book Machine in New York. The machine can print any made-to-order book from a selection of seven million titles in the cloud for the price of a typical paperback.

Tip: Once you finish shopping, carry your haul over to one of the many parks nearby: Clumber Corner, Bridge Park, Trinity Park, Cadman Plaza Park and Walt Whitman Park (dedicated to the great American poet). The Brooklyn Heights Library is also within walking distance.

Tip: Don’t forget to grab goodies like the high-quality Strand tote bags, pouches, mugs, magnets, postcards and buttons before heading to the checkout.

828 Broadway & 12th Street, 14 St-Union Square subway. Open Mon-Sat 9:30am-10:30pm; Sun 11am-10:30pm. www.strandbooks.com

Housing Works Bookstore Cafe As the name suggests, Housing Works is not only a book store but also a social enterprise whose mission is to provide support for HIV/AIDS sufferers and the homeless. Along with reasonably priced books, their merchandise includes DVDs, CDs and postcards, all of which come from donations. This means the selection can be quite random, and you never know what rare gems you might find. The roomy store offers two floors of books as well as a cafe for you to sit and read. Or, if you prefer, take a seat on the second floor overlooking the walls of books below. Housing Works is a non-profit mission.

Tip: Visit the Housing Works Thrift Shop right next door for clothes and other unexpected surprises. Also, pick up some free condoms at the counter.

126 Crosby Street, Prince St, Broadway-Lafayette, or Bleecker St. subways. Open Mon-Fri 9am-9pm; Sat-Sun 10am-5pm. www. housingworks.org

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52 Prince Street, Broadway-Lafayette, Spring St. subway. Open Mon-Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 10am-9pm www.mcnallyjackson.com

Crawford Doyle Booksellers The smallest store in this list utilizes space in the most amazing way. Stuffed from floor to ceiling, the book shelves can seem overwhelming at first, but the titles are all carefully selected and neatly organized into general fiction, history, philosophy, religion, children’s books and more. They also offer signed copies and first editions, including work by J.D. Salinger, John Steinbeck and Ernest Hemingway. We adore the way that everything is curated as if it were a museum, artfully displaying titles from the same collections together, like the shelf of 26 rainbow-hued spines from Penguin’s Drop Caps series. This makes it one of the prettiest book stores around.

Tip: After your visit, head to the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET), which is right around the corner.

1082 Madison Avenue, between 81st and 82nd St, 77 St or 86 St subways. Open Mon-Sat 10am-6pm; Sun 12pm-5pm. crawforddoyle.com

76 Front Street, Brooklyn, High St or York St subways. Open daily 10am-8pm. www.psbookshopnyc.com

NYC Essential VISA

FLIGHTS

Thai nationals must apply for a visa at the US Embassy’s Consular Section. Details at bangkok.usembassy.gov

There are many one-stop flights. Thai Airways (via Tokyo) starts at B44,670, Eva Air (via Taipei) starts at 39,535, Delta (via Tokyo) starts at 43,290, Korean Air (via Seoul) starts at B45,945, and China Eastern starts at B47,500.

EXCHANGE RATE

US$1 = B32-34

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escapes ESCAPE ROUTES

By Pinnyada Tanitnon

KHAO LAK

Jungle Escape Located on a beautiful beach-facing mountain, the luxurious Moracea by Khao Lak Resort (www.moraceakhaolakresort.com) just opened it’s doors to guests last month.

The resort boasts a number of Thai-style accomodation types, ranging from low-rise poolside buildings, bungalows by the beach to private pool villas. Each building itself is carefully laid out to ensure that all visitors have a view of the clear blue water or the tropical jungle, too. The facility also boasts a spa, a beach bar and a beachside Thai restaurant. Rates range from B3,823-8,921 for rooms and bungalows, and B12,74413,594 for villas

PHUKET

Phuket Pride Southern Thailand’s biggest annual LGBT gathering, Phuket Pride Week (www.phuket-pride.org), this year takes place on Apr 19-26. Head over to Patong Beach for a week filled with pool and beach parties, parades, sporting events, day trips, gala dinners, auctions and other fundraising events organized by the Phuket Loves You (PLU) Club. The funds raised from the event will go to charities such as The Life Home Project and gay-friendly health clinics.

Rise of the Titans Opened around the turn of the year, Titan Fitness (www.titanfitness.info) is the largest fitness camp in Phuket, boasting indoor and outdoor training areas, a strongman area and an assault course. On top of monthly packages, it also offers classes on the beach for visitors who want to take advantage of the sun, sand and sea while also keeping in shape. Work your body with one of the Body360 classes, or if you’re feeling extra adventurous try their cross-training or strength and conditioning sessions. A drop-in session at the fitness camp costs B400, one-day unlimited pass costs B800 and 10-visit pass costs B3,500.

FLIGHTS

Long and Low Thanks to Lufthansa’s new lowcost airline, Eurowings, you will soon be able to fly to places like Germany and Dubai for discounted prices. Set to officially launch this October, the carrier will initially service Bangkok , Phuket and three other global cities. The airline, based in Cologne, Germany, plans to target casual travelers on a budget to compete with other rising low-cost airlines. Eurowings will launch with all-time-low prices with flights to Germany starting from B7,159 and flights to Dubai from B3,580. What’s even better is that all aircraft will come with in-flight Wi-Fi (for a fee) on top of in-seat entertainment. Bookings can be made at www. germanwings.com and word is the promotional flights are selling fast.

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

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FASHION

Disco Sister After celebrating her fifth anniversary on the Thai fashion scene, designer Milin Yuvacharuskul, of the brand Milin, has launched a second fashion line under the name Mimi. The new brand focuses on daily wear and goes for a more energetic and younger look. The first spring/summer collection, Fu(el)-Fill, features vivid disco-inspired pieces like print sweatshirts, sleeveless metallic crop tops, denim shorts (very, very short), silver and metallic blue mini-skirts, and leopard lingerie in the same ultra-sexy cuts as Milin. Our pick is the leopard knee-boots that match nicely with the blue cut-out-front skirt-pants. Available at Mimi pop-up store, 1/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-8000. BTS Siam

SHOPPING

HOME

SHOPPING

Lady Loafers

Sweet Rebel

Mango Mojito, the stylish Thai gentleman’s shoe brand, has finally rolled out a women’s line, launching with ballet flats at the TGIF Market last month. The flats come in four varieties: midnight black and knight silver made from sheepskin, and ocean blue and natural pink made from ox-skin. The real highlight is the soft inner lining made from calfskin—super-comfy. Available from B2,490 at Mango Mojito, Siam Square Soi 2, Rama 1 Rd. 02-252-5945. BTS Siam

Ikea has teamed up with a group of Danish artists and designers, ArtRebels, for a new collection dubbed The Brakig, which is Swedish for “rebellious.” The collaboration sees bygone trends and styles return as limited edition, ready-to-assemble furniture sets. Items include the adaptable Brakig trestle table (B2,225), which boasts a typically modern look through copper colored table legs and thin plywood table top. For more color, try the Brakig footstool (B3,950) available in bright harlequin patterns, or the chairs (B690) and mini chest drawers (B590) in a range of pastel tones. Other candy-like knickknacks include cute storage boxes, coffee cups and saucers, and small trays. Available from April. 38 Bangna-Trad Rd., 02-708-7999.

Open daily 10am-10pm. www.ikea.co.th

Bang On

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The Danish high-end electronics company known for its striking product designs, Bang & Olufsen, has opened its first showroom in Southeast Asia, here in Bangkok. The new concept store showcases the brand’s famous loudspeakers, TVs and home entertainment systems, with highlights including BeoVision Avant 55 (B712,000), an ultra high-definition (4K) TV with immersive 7.1 surround sound, BeoLab 18 (B/W cover B387,000, oak cover B430,000), wireless speakers featuring a delicate combination of wood and aluminium, and BeoPlay A9 (B144,000), a one-point music player that slightly resembles a bar stool but delivers a rich, powerful sound. Customers can also book a private in-store demonstration of selected products. 1/F, Gaysorn Plaza, 999 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-656-1017.

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avenue FASHION

Shine On

Everything you need to know to polish your own shoes.

By Tewit Phanitprachaya and Vasachol Quadri 1 Mink oil, Red Wing, B790 2 Leather cleaner, Red Wing, B550 3 Wax polish, Saphir, B1,300 4 Mink oil, Saphir, B1,150

Know your product

HOW TO

Mink Oil Acts as a moisturizer for leather shoes to prevent them from cracking. Apply after cleaning but before polishing.

Saddle Soap Shoe moisturizer made from beeswax and other natural oils—not mink fat. Apply after cleaning but before polishing to help soften the leather.

Wax Adds another layer of coverage to your shoes and helps make them shine.

Step 1: Take out shoelaces and use a horsehair brush or cloth to remove any dirt.

Leather Cleaner Water-based cleaning product that should be used on boots or general working shoes that need protection but not a shine.

5 Leather wax, The Flat Head, B1,250 6 Large and small horsehair brushes, London Brown,

(B750, B500), 7 Horsehair brush, Mango Mojito, B275 8 Gentleman collection brown wingtips,

Waterproofing Spray Adds a layer of water-resistant protection to your shoes; mostly used with suede and Nubuck.

Mango Mojito, B6,350 9 Dodgeville brown, Thorogood, B11,500 10 Waterproofing sprayer, London Brown, B300 11 Henri black, London Brown, B3,590

Step 2: Use a smaller brush (even an old toothbrush) to apply shoe polish in hard-to-access areas and then a cloth to apply all over. Leave the polish to absorb for a minute.

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Step 3: Using a horsehair brush, rub your shoes until they shine and then use a chamois to finish the polish.

Essentials 11 5

Red Wing, The Flat Head and Thorogood available at Pronto. 3/F, Central Embassy, 1031 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-1605972. BTS Phloen Chit

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Saphir available at Mango Mojito. J Avenue, Thonglor Soi 15, 02-712-5529. BTS Thong Lo London Brown. Siam Square Soi 2, Rama 1 Rd., 086-3321544. BTS Siam

Step 4 (optional): For additional shininess, dip a cotton pad in water and dab gently on the areas you want to shine, then rub using a chamois until you achieve the desired results.

Three spots to get a shoe shine in Bangkok

BLACK AMBER SHOP & TATTOO

DON’S FOOTWEAR

MANGO MOJITO

On top of pompadour haircuts, old-school hot towel shaves and single malt (do visit Black Amber Thonglor Social Club across the street, too), this hipper-than-thou shop also offers a shoeshine service from the owner himself. The normal shine gets you a clean and polish, while the premium shine also gets your shoes moisturized (starting from B300). Call in advance as the service is by appointment only.

After running his made-to-order shoes business online for six years, engineer-turned-shoemaker Allan Donnelly finally set up shop in a proper setting in January. Here, he also offers a shoeshine service, which covers cleaning, moisturizing and polishing, at the low, low price of B80. Each service takes around 5-10 minutes.

Founded in 2009, this Thai brand is synonymous with classic men’s leather shoes (it also just launched a women’s line, see page 16). Naturally, the brand offers leather care accessories like wax from the French brand Saphir as well as horsehair brushes.

They also provide a shoeshine service, covering cleaning, moisturizing and polishing using saphir wax, at B400 at the Thonglor store only.

Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor between Sois 5-7), 081-869-9393. Open Tue-Sun noon-9pm

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B1/F, Mahanakhon Cube Building, 96 Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Rd. 080-071-7176. Open daily 10am-9pm. BTS Chong Nonsi

J Avenue, Thonglor Soi 15. 02-712-5529. Open daily noon-9pm

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Hot Tub

Bangkok’s best spots for an onsen treatment. By Vasachol Quadri

Yunomori Onsen & Spa

Kashikiri Soda Onsen and Spa

Yunomori Onsen & Spa Opened back in 2012, this was Thailand’s first onsen and it’s the real deal. That means men must go commando, while women get the option of disposable undies (men and women bathe in separate sections). If this thing is new to you, fear not, there are cartoons detailing the whole procedure. The water is said to be sourced from a hot spring in Ranong; choose from carbonated, hot, cold or jet-equipped baths to increase blood flow and rejuvenate your skin. Rates start from B450 for all-day onsen, and B350 for Thai massage (60 mins). There are also aromatherapy body massage starting from B900 (90mins)-B1,100 (120 mins) and body scrub for B750 (45 mins).

A Square, Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-259 -5778. Open daily 10:30am-midnight. www.fb.com/yunomorionsen

Kashikiri Soda Onsen and Spa Too shy for the naked shared baths at regular onsen? Located a little bit out of town, this spa offers private onsen tubs and a full line of spa treatments, from traditional Thai massage to body scrubs, manicures and pedicures. It’s designed to look like a traditional bath-house and imports all the equipment and onsen salt from Japan. Packages start at B750 for a 30-minute onsen

Onsen Sky Spa

and 30-minute head-and-shoulder massage. There is also aromatherapy and body scrub services that start from B750 (60 mins) and Thai massage at B400 (60 mins). They formulate their own bathing products, which are also for sale, including body lotion (B270), shampoo (B125) and body scrub (B400). The owner also visits Japan regularly, where she picks up new and interesting wellness products, too.

12 Wachirathamsathit Soi 32, 081-857-6424. Open daily 11am-11pm. www.fb.com/KashikiriSpa

Onsen Sky Spa Looking a little like something out of 1980s Tokyo, this low-key, rooftop health complex combines a sushi restaurant, fitness center, salon, bar and onsen. Open until the unusual hour of 2am, unlimited use of its onsen (hot and cold bath), sauna and Jacuzzi is priced at B400 per day. Other services include Thai massage (B400/60 mins), aroma massage (B1,000) aroma massage with body scrub (B1,500/120 mins), facial mask (B1,500/60 mins) and anti-cellulite slimming massage (B1,500/60 mins). The rooftop bar is also a pretty chill place to have a pint of draught Asahi after your treatment.

Silom Plaza, 491/43-44 Silom Rd., 02-233-6666. Open daily noon2am. www.fb.com/OnsenSky.Spa

Best bath salts from local brands

CHIANG MAI

Rarinjinda Wellness Spa

Chiang Mai welcomed its first Japanese-style onsen last year at this wellness spa not far from the city center. Each of the spa’s three pools offers different benefits: the hot spring pool features concentrate from Japan’s renowned Gero hot springs and is designed to help you de-stress by relaxing muscles and improving blood circulation. The soda carbonated pool also helps with blood circulation while cleansing and promoting healthy skin. Finally, the cold pool is designed to tighten your pores and refresh your skin. Rates start from B3,000 including the use of the three pools, rainforest steam sauna and up to three hours at the spa lounge, which serves herbal tea and snacks like sticky rice and mango.

Chareonraj Rd., Chiang Mai, 053-247-000. www.rarinjinda.com

Essentials

Thai jasmine bath salt, Thann, B450 (150g)

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Jasmine bath salt, Harnn, B850 (550g)

Aromatherapy Himalayan body bath soak, Karmakamet, B690 (250g)

Relaxing bath salts lavender and tea tree, Siam Botanicals, B450 (275g)

Thann. 3/F, Gaysorn, 999 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-6561399. www.panpuri.com

Karmakamet. 1/F, Yada Building, Silom Rd., 02-2371148. BTS Sala Daeng

Harnn. 1/F and 3/F, CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd., 02-613-1429/30. www.harnn.com

Siam Botanicals. 666 Sukhumvit Rd. (between Soi 22-24), 02-261-4412/3.

BTS Phrom Phong

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PINKLAORATCHAPHRUEK

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bites & blends DEAL

Lush Lunch While dinner at J’aime by Jean-Michel Lorain is potentially bank-breaking, the new three-course degustation menu allows you to try one of Bangkok’s most-hyped restaurants at a fraction of the price. Available daily from noon-2:30pm, the B1,500 menu comprises appetizers like smoked salmon and guacamole bonbons with mango vinaigrette, foie gras terrine served with cherry chutney and espelette-spiced gelee; mains including fried sea bass with beetroot-scented quinoa and pomegranate froth, and breast of Challandais duck served with potato gratin Dauphinoise and red fruit; and desserts such as mille-feuille “Napoleon”, pistachio creme brulee and layered choux pastry filled with hazelnut cream. U Sathorn Bangkok, 105, 105/1 Soi Ngam Duphli, Sathorn Rd., 02-119-4899

EVENT

STREET FOOD

CHEFS

Dine and Share

New Kid

Fresh Idea

The Dusit Thani Hotel is to co-host a charity gala dinner with Le Cordon Bleu culinary school and S-Pure chicken producer to help disabled and underprivileged children. Le Cordon Bleu’s master chef, Fabrice Danniel, and Dusit Thani’s executive chef, Philippe Keller, will prepare a five-course menu to be served in the hotel’s ballroom with entertainment from the Joe Louis puppet troupe.

Proceeds go to organizations including Operation Smile (Thailand), which aids children with cleft lips and palates. Tickets are B10,000/person. Reservations at atpornprapa.rt@dusit.com or 02-237-8877 ext. 224. Napalai Ballrom, Dusit Thani, 946 Rama 4 Rd., 02-200-9000. MRT Silom

Bangkok’s hottest new spot for junk food isn’t even a food truck— it’s a humble takeaway stall. Shrouded in barbecue smoke, Ari’s Zin Kid is already proving a neighborhood hit thanks to its short list of grab-and-go hotdogs. Prices start at a humble B80 for a plain pork Frankfurter, but can go up to B180 for veal. There are three choices of bun: normal, charcoal and whole wheat. The real highlights, though, are the free toppings; you can go crazy with everything from sweet corn and sauteed bell peppers to caramelized onion, pickled cucumber and sauerkraut. Step things up further with bacon (B10), cheese (B15) and chili (B40). Corner of Ari Soi 3, goo.gl/xat46n

Blair Mathieson is a Kiwi chef with a five-star hotel background, including The Siam, here in Bangkok. He’s been at Quince for a year, doing fresh, comforting food that borrows from the Mediterranean, but will now move to No Idea Cafe & Gastropub, as a partner and a chef. There he plans on cooking up a menu of bistro-style cuisine with a focus on quality ingredients like the pork-duck rilettes with pear chutney and pickles. The cafe will also start to serve Sunday brunch. Quince hasn’t decided on a successor yet so Mathieson will remain as a consultant for now.

8/3-4 Sukhumvit Soi 22, 02-663-6686, goo.gl/7KnqJt

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Smokin’ Pug

Pizza Massilia

Bitterman

NEIGHBORHOOD

Sala Daeng Spotlight Eight new openings that make upper Silom the coolest place in Bangkok for food right now. by Natcha Sanguankiattichai

Salapao Ko Uan

Ceresia Coffee Roasters

Bitterman

Heritage Bistro French Bakery Salapao Ko Uan

The new two-story coffee shop by Ceresia, the guys behind some of our favorite coffee beans, is all about freshly roasted, single-origin beans (starting at B480/250g) sourced from all over the world. Filter coffee starts from B95 while espresso is B70. There are also baked items from Austro Pro, cakes from Sticky Piggy, sandwiches from Le Lapin and Marou chocolate bars available, but no tea or cocoa drinks. As there is more space at this venue, the roasters plan to do some caffeine-inspired workshops on their second floor, too.

Tucked down Sala Daeng Soi 1, this two-story glasshouse owned and designed by a group of Chula architecture students, is now popping up all over on Instagram. Bitterman serves Thai and Western comfort dishes. Interior-wise, it offers the same mix of bare brick, skinny metal window frames and ferns we’re accustomed to, while the menu features things like somtam with sticky rice and grilled chicken (B180) as well as plenty of pasta dishes. Try the Arrabbiata sauce and grilled shrimp, dubbed “Mr. Rapee” (B320), and the signature Bitterman cocktail (B250).

A spinoff of Ekkamai Soi 4’s Heritage Bakery Cafe and Bistro, this new version is larger than its predecessor, and serves a 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).

Tisco Tower, 48/2 Sathorn Rd., corner of Soi Sala Daeng. Open Mon-Fri 8am-6pm

Pala Pizza Romana The much-loved grab-and-go pizza place tucked beneath BTS Asok has opened its second branch at CP Tower, serving up its trademark pizza made with dough left to rise for 72 hours to create a base that’s crispy and perfectly aerated. On top of the classic pizza al taglio (starting at B45/ slice) you can expect a full menu including appetizers, salads, pastas and desserts. Italian beer and wine are also available, as well as cold cuts and cheese.

1/F, CP Tower, 313 Silom Rd. Open Mon-Sat 10am-midnight; Sun 11am-midnight

Soi Sala Daeng 1, Silom Rd. 091-740-6486. Open daily 11am-11pm

Touka Not far from Bitterman is another semi-glasshouse. The newest izakaya in town serves bar bites in a pared-back, modern Japanese interior.

Promising lots of chef-customer interaction, the restaurant’s signature dishes include six kinds of kushiyaki (grilled chicken and pork skewers, B600), sashimi kushi (B500) and hiyashi zenzai (cold dessert with red beans, B120). Naturally, you should wash it down with sake, either in cocktail form (B180) or as part of a set (B450), which lets you select three different types.

They’ve just rolled out lunch sets, too.

14/2-3 Soi Convent, Silom Rd., 02-001-2299. Open Mon-Sat 7:30am-11pm; Sun 7:30am-6pm

Smokin’ Pug A short walk past a connecting soi from Silom to Surawong, you’ll see a hip place standing out from other shop-houses beside the Tawana hotel. It’s the new brainchild of the barbecue aficionados behind the 10-year-old Lazy Pug in Chengdu, China. They specialize in the lowand-slow grilling technique resulting in tender and aromatic meats. The brief menu includes smoked buffalo wings (B240), pulled pork sandwich (B350) and spare ribs (B450/half rack).

Also expect some colorful Tex-Mex dishes like the smoked brisket quesadilla (B395) and the citrus shrimp tacos (B450). The Pug also doubles as a blues bar.

88 Surawong Rd., 083-029-7598. Open daily 11:30am-midnight

The much-hyped salapao specialist, from Hat Yai, has opened its second branch in Bangkok, in a cool, blue container on Silom’s crowded Soi Lalaisap. Tucked behind Bangkok Bank’s headquarters, the takeaway venue serves the same goodies as the Asoke branch. Do try the superfluffy steamed buns (B20-22) with fillings like shrimp and salted egg, as well as the crunchy, fried variety (B25) in flavors including barbecue pork with salted egg.

In front of Villa Market, Trinity Complex, Silom Rd., 02-636-6608. Open Mon-Sat 7am-4pm

Pizza Massilia Currently anchoring at Sala Daeng’s MK Gold parking lot, this new food truck stems from a collaboration between two French and Italian powers, namely French restaurateur Frederic Meyer (Issaya Siamese Club and Namsaah Bottling Trust) and Italian chef Luca Appino (La Bottega di Luca). And the pizza is pretty amazing. In addition to the classic margherita (B250/400), other options include spicy andouja and garlic (B380), the French-inspired la ratatouille (B400) and baby squid provencal (B300). Drinks range from limonata and orangeade to wine and Italian draft beer.

MK Gold Parking Lot, Soi Sala Daeng, Silom Rd., 02-259-9294. Open Tue-Sun 5:30-10pm

Bandara Suites Silom, 75/1 Sala Daeng Soi 1, 02-2368230

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Wax

BARS

Bad-Idea Bars Had too much to drink and don’t want to call it a night? Chances are you’ll end up at one of these six bars. By Vasachol Quadri Dark Bar

Wong’s Place

Safe House

How you end up there: After bumping and grinding (not to mention drinking like no tomorrow) at the latest Trasher party, The Mansion kicks you out at 1am. You’re obviously still in the mood—and so is half the party. That’s why you’re now forcing your way through a red-lit corridor of sweaty expats and party boys while being shouted at by an angry Chinese man.

How you end up there: You go overboard on the self-pour craft beers at Sway and decide to see what’s going down at Funky Villa and Demo. As usual, nothing. You left it too late and now the party’s headed over to the only place still open: Safe House.

Why it’s a bad idea: Wong’s is the kind of place you swear the morning after you’ll never go back to (the smoky hair, the pounding headache, the person lying next to you). You can forget dancing, too. The place is so tiny everyone’s basically groping one another while trying to reach the serve-yourself fridge. But for some reason—animal magnetism?—you’ll do it all again. And again. And again. Each time followed by the daylight walk of shame to Malaysia Hotel for breakfast.

Soi Sribumphen, Rama 4 Rd., 081-901-0235. Open daily 10pm-very late

Mulligans (Khao San) How you end up there: You and your small group of friends decide to have a chill night out on Phra Athit Road. Somewhere you can chat and reminisce over a few casual drinks. Two bottles of Sang Som later, the shutters come down and you’re in no mood for going home. That’s when someone suggests, “Let’s have one more at Mulligan’s.”

Why it’s a bad idea: You’d think a sit-down Irish bar would be a chat-friendly kind of place. But no. The live band performs hit after Billboard hit at an ear-splitting volume, while all around you backpackers try and get laid. At least some of them do look kind of cute.

265 Khao San Rd., 081-893-5554. Open daily 24 hours

Wip 168 How you end up there: After waxing nostalgic about high-school nights, you and your friends decide to start at Nunglen. But instead of taking the tasteful option of nearby Do Not Disturb, you complete the throwback vibe with a visit to this late-night Thonglor institution.

Why it’s a bad idea: Entry still requires your group to open a bottle of whiskey, and at this hour of the night the last thing you need is another bottle of whiskey. There are only ever three possible outcomes: falling down the stairs, crawling onto the stage or both.

2/F, Liberty Building, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 087-5058432. Open daily 10pm-late

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Why it’s a bad idea: No one’s here for the music and everyone’s as desperate as you are. But at least the hip-hop “boiz” in their super-oversized tees, neon sneakers and snapback caps only have eyes for girls dressed head-to-toe in Milin SS’15. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse, you bump into someone you know from work. And they want you in their drunken group selfie.

Mulligans

Safe House

Ekkamai Soi 7, 02-328-8928. Open daily 11pm-late

Wax How you end up there: A guy from school who you never normally hang out with drags you to Soi 11 to watch the football. You spend three hours in Mulligan’s envying the people who got bar stools when finally his group decides to leave. But they’re not going to bed. So you trail them to this expat favorite to numb the tedium with halfa-dozen vodka Red Bulls.

Why it’s a bad idea: Because Wax does house music. And only house music. Even after the intoxicating blend of caffeine, glucose and alcohol, you spend the night awkwardly in the corner, trying not to look at the people making out all around you.

37 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 082-308-3246. Open daily 9pm-2am

Dark Bar

Dark Bar How you end up there: The Go Grrls party got out of hand, but instead of following the riff-raff to Wong’s, you took the sensible option and strolled down to this more-glamorous (by your drunken standards) afterhours spot.

Why it’s a bad idea: Everyone is way cooler than you, including the people behind the bar. But don’t let the distressed-goth vibe trick you; this is basically Wong’s for people who never leave Thonglor/Ekkamai.

You’ll also get way too drunk because the Jameson is priced as if it were Johnnie Red at, well, the exact number depends what the bar staff can remember, but it’s always below B200.

2/F, Ekkamai Mall, Ekkamai Soi 10, 02-381-9896, 090-5284646. Open Wed, Fri-Sat 9pm-2am Wong’s Place

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OPEN DOOR

Taper The head chef of Le Du can now also be found at this down-to-earth daytime cafe.

The buzz: Following the success of his inventive Thai restaurant Le Du, chef Thitid Tassanakajohn has teamed up with his ex-classmate from the Culinary Institute of America, chef Tatchapol Choomduang (formerly of Tribeca) to open a new joint. Tatchapol takes the helm, here, but the focus on breakfast and brunch-y dishes also allows Thitid to come over during the day, before heading to Le Du. The decor: The ground floor of Taper’s relatively small shop-house is dedicated to an open kitchen where all the cooking happens.

There are also a few counter seats as well as some tables by the window. The mezzanine level has a more intimate feel, with space for about 20 people in a room decorated in copper and cream col-

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ors. The aromas wafting up from the kitchen make for a homey, warm ambience.

The food and drink: On top of staples like eggs Benedict (B260320) and granola yogurt (B225), the chefs have also created their own Asian-inspired breakfast and lunch recipes. The popular Vietnamese banh mi sandwich (B290) is served here with duck confit and spicy duck mayo in Maison Jean Philippe’s carbon bread. Apart from this, the chefs try to cook everything in-house, from the freshly baked biscuits to pasta, which is served in Asianthemed dishes like salted egg carbonara (B290) and Isaan sausage olio (B290). Le Du’s pureed brown rice congee is on the

menu, too, served with sous-vide egg, a thick chunk of bacon and fried ginger. They haven’t done much on the drinks front yet, but brunch cocktails are on their to-do list.

Why you should care: Chefs specializing in breakfast are popping up like crazy, but this is one of the few places that actually goes beyond eggs Benedict to create some really inventive dishes—and pulls them off. Natcha Sanguankiattichai 44/11 Thonglor Soi 13, 099-929-5464. Open Tue-Sun 9am-4pm

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Village of Food

TABLE TALK Seobinggo

Vivarium

3/F, 2nd floor Nihonmura Mall, Thonglor Soi 13, 02-712-6868. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30-10pm

NEW AND NOTED

Village People

This new restaurant has taken over the sadly-defunct Familia Chicken and Grill. But the new owners liked that place's Peruvian grilled chicken (B490/whole chicken, B270/half) so much, they serve up the same recipe, among a list of other French-influenced American dishes, all in hearty portions. Village of Food (VOF, 66 Rama 9 Soi 41, 091-763-4436) takes its inspiration from the city of New Orleans, where the three partners, all Suan Dusit graduates, had their training. Another recommended dish is the beef steak (tenderloin/rib eye, B550) grilled on lava stone and served with their special bordelaise sauce.

Snow Time

Bangkok's first Korean dessert cafe, Seobinggo (Siam Square Soi 7, 086-394-4245), is causing a stir in the middle of Siam Square. The main attraction is bingsu, but this is no ordinary shaved ice: the fine, snow-like frozen milk is piled high to into

Yashin by Tenyuu

a mountain, which you can decorate with a choice of toppings.

The toast here is also made specially of tteok (rice cake). Try the cheese bingsu (B250), topped with grated parmesan cheese and chunks of cheesecake.

Chef vs. Chef

Two big-name Iron Chefs, Chumpol Jangprai of Siam Wisdom (Thai cuisine Iron Chef) and Boontham Pakpoh of Honmono Sushi (Japanese cuisine Iron Chef), have collaborated to open Vivarium (G/F, Portrait Condo, 3675 Rama 4 Rd., 02-261-9507).

Here, they serve Thai food made with imported Japanese ingredients: Hokkaido crab curry, green curry with Kobe beef and stir-fried sablefish with ginger and chili. The vast space also comprises a wine cellar, a single malt bar and another bar with mixologists from Diageo. Natcha Sanguankiattichai

Located in Nihonmura Mall, this Japanese restaurant has the backing of Tenyuu Grand on Sathorn, As such, you can expect a rich variety of classic Japanese dishes to choose from. Opt for the omakase option (from B2,500 for 10 courses to B5,500 for 20 courses) and leave it up to the chef to decide on your sushi fix. Another specialty is shabu with tender beef (iwase at B1,590/100g and omi at B2,500/100g) and pork (kurobuta at B1,290/150g and mangalitsa at B1,590/150g) accompanied by succulent soup.

Exclusive privileges for Citibank credit cardmembers.

Get 10% discount on food only and get free Toro Combu Maki valued 500 baht when spend 1,000 baht or more / sales slip (Limit 1 dish /card /table /sales slip)

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

Simply click “Thailand” and then “Gift voucher”

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bites FOOD REVIEWS

Mejico HHHH Mexican. 2/F, Groove @ CentralWorld, Rama 1 Rd., 02-252-6660. Open Sun-Thu 11am-midnight; FriSat 11-1am. BTS Chit Lom/Siam. BBB F

This Bangkok offshoot of Sydney-born restaurant Mejico does away with Mexican restaurant cliches and instead goes for a cosmopolitan, cocktail-bar kind of feel.

Comedy sombreros and cactuses are out, in favor of concrete walls, carefully mismatched furniture, colorful pillows and lots of tequila bottles. The drinks menu is huge, and reads like a Wikipedia page on Mexican alcohol thanks to over 40 carefully described labels of tequila and mescal, ranging from B120 all the way up to B1,900 a shot. They also make some pretty decent cocktails, like the signature margarita (B250), which mixes El Jimador blanco tequila, mango, coconut and pandan into a sort of pina colada-margarita hybrid. It’s delicious. Most of the food menu is taken up by small plates, from Mexican staples like tacos (B185-235) and nachos (B235275) to a section devoted to raw food. The

Miharu HHHH

Japanese. 14/9-10 Sala Daeng Soi 1, 02-633-8388.

Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30-10:30pm. MRT Lumphini. BBB

Sala Daeng is a whole different vibe to Soi Thaniya, just opposite on Silom. While Soi Thaniya turns into a seedy Japanese redlight district at night, Sala Daeng, particularly Soi 1, fills up with office workers from the nearby towers. And while we wouldn’t recommend the food at Miharu over what you can get in Thaniya, the vibe is definitely much nicer. Occupying two former shop-houses, the space is now decorated with plenty of nods to Japan, but also a splash of whimsy: patterned fabrics, screens providing intimacy and ceiling mobiles. The ground floor, home to a few tables and a sushi bar, leads up to a larger dining area, mezzanine and private dining room. It means the place works both for a couple and for big boisterous tables—and allows them all to coexist happily. Overall, it just feels a lot more friendly than your average gritty izakaya. Despite Tokyo-born chef Yoshihisa Sahara, who has 30 years’ 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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restaurant also makes big claims about the freshness of its ingredients, whether it’s sourcing them from Mexico or Thailand’s Royal Projects. We’re not doubting them, but honestly, aside from the raw food section, freshness isn’t what springs to mind when eating at Mejico. This is elegant comfort food, with plenty of frying and fullfat sauces. We love the roasted whole chili (B185), which is basically a chili con carne made using chorizo sausage for a rich, decadent taste. But this is the only savory dish we’ve tried that doesn’t feel like it’s lacking a punch of flavor. The tuna tostadas (diced tuna, tiger’s milk and spiced tapioca pearls served on corn tortillas, B235), for example, don’t have that powerfully acidic kick of a good ceviche. Likewise, the deepfried jalapeno poppers’ (B235) combination of jalapeno pepper and feta cheese promises a salty-sharpness which just isn’t there. Dessert is a different matter. The peanut cajeta flan (peanut-caramel flan with blueberry compote and coconut icecream, B175) is a gooey, crisp, indulgent treat far too big to finish, but tasty enough to make you try. We’d definitely go back to Mejico. Not just because it’s unlike anywhere else in Bangkok, but because eating here feels like good value. A couple of small plates, which are mostly around the B200 mark, plus dessert and you’ll be happy—even more so when you look at what the same dishes cost in Sydney. Add in the quality drinks (or just a local beer at a reasonable B120) and it makes for one of Groove’s best.

experience in the game, Miharu is equally influenced by its owner, an heir to the Rojana Industrial Estates. The result is a menu that spans everything from fusion maki and salads drizzled in mayo to shabu, light drinking snacks, sushi, sashimi, tempura and grilled fish. Results are disappointing. Both in the sushi and the don (rice bowls), the rice feels dry, the grains too small and compact. The hana nigiri sushi set (B500) comes with several other issues: a dryly cooked shrimp, sloppy or excessively thin cuts of fish and shrimp roe instead of salmon roe. We can’t help but compare it to the excellent sets at Sushi Masa (B350, salmon roe included). We’d also advise you avoid the tempura altogether (tempura moi awase, B230). The batter is thick, oily and the produce inside limp and mushy. We don’t think a deepfried battered shrimp should droop down like a flag on a windless day when you hold it by its tail. Mihuro takes pride in its salmon oyako don (salmon sashimi and salmon roe on rice, B380) and salmon kisami wasabi don (cubed salmon and maguro sashimi on rice, B380) and we’d tend to agree they’re some of the safest bets on the menu. The fresh wasabi has a much cleaner, more vibrant kick to it than the usual stuff and portions are generous. You also have to look for their many deals on their Facebook page, which range from happy hours to sets and shabu buffets (currently B499). Miharu is a cute, affordable place with decent food, but in a city so obsessed with Japanese cuisine, it fails to stand out.

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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bites & blends market Events

Happy Hours Mixo Free-flow wine and tapas with special guest DJ every Fri 7-9pm at B600 Sofitel So Bangkok, 2 Sathorn Rd., 02-6240000

Red Oven

Celebrating Greek day From Mar 25-27, Red Oven adds Greek specialties to its buffet line to celebrate Greek national day. B900 four lunch, B1,200 for dinner on Wed-Thu and B1,300 for dinner on Fri. Sofitel So Bangkok, 2 Sathorn Rd., 02-6240000

Candlelit Dinner On Mar 28, to celebrate Earth Hour 2015, Scalini is doing candlelit dinner with live acoustic music. Certain bottles of wine are 50-percent off, too.

Abbot

Abbot Daily two-for-one on standard house pours and selected cocktails from 10pm-midnight.

253/2 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 02-258-6250

1/F Hilton Sukhumvit, 18/1 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-649-6699

Advertise your business with us ­ starting from B5,000

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

Octagon

Octagon Buy-one-get-one-free cocktails from 5-9pm, Mon-Thu. The Sukhothai

4/F, Mercury Ville, 504 Phloen Chit Rd.,

A Tempting Easter Feast An Easter-themed Sunday Brunch on Apr 5 at B3,500 per person. There’s also an Easter Chocolate buffet from Apr 3-5, 2-5pm at B990.

The Sukhothai, 13/3 Sathorn Rd., 02-3448888

Easter Feasting and Family Fun Seasonal Taste has an Easter Sunday lunch buffet with Easter egg activities for kids on Apr 5, noon2:30pm. B2,490 per adults and free for 3-to-10-year-old kids.

Westin Grande Sukhumvit, 259 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-255-2441

Easter Brunch B1,499 gives you an access to The Square’s Easter brunch from noon3pm on Apr 5.

The Square, Novotel Bangkok Ploenchit, 566 Ploen Chit Rd., 02-305-6000

Deals

22 Kitchen & Bar

22 Kitchen & Bar Every Thursday from 7-9pm, enjoy free-flow sparkling wine and selected cocktails for ladies with a live DJ from Kollectiv at 22 Kitchen & Bar. 22/F Dusit Thani, 946 Silom Rd., 02-2009000

New Venues Croissant Taiyaki The long-queued pop-up store selling twisted Japanese fish-shaped sweets has just landed at a permanent spot in Mega Bangna.

In front of Big C, 1/F Mega Bangna.

Wuntunmeen The new Thonglor restaurant specializes in the eponymous dish of Cantonese soup noodles with shrimp dumplings.

Coming Soon in March

Who’s going to make the cut this year?

Sign up for Bites & Blends e-newsletter to get more updates www.bkmagazine.com/ newsletters

161/7 Thonglor Soi 9, 080-588-7715

Miss Siam

Miss Siam From Mar 14-Apr 30, Miss Siam restaurant serves all-you-can-eat Khao Chae daily from 11:30am-2:30pm at B295.

Jirafu Sushibar The big bold concrete establishment is Ladprao’s newest joint for sushi and beer.

655 Ladprao Rd., 087-786-6440

Hua Chang Heritage, 400 Phaya Thai Rd., 02-217-0777

updates on Bangkok’s dining scene THE BITES & BLENDS NEWSLETTER The latestwww.bkmagazine.com/newsletters 36

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Modern Marvels

SAT

After appearing in Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Jakarta and Singapore, Essential Eames: Icons of 20th Century Design finally arrives in Bangkok at the TCDC this Mar 20. The exhibition looks at the work and philosophy of mid-century America’s design power couple Charles and Ray Eames, who pioneered fiberglass furniture technology and revolutionized modern architecture. See HAPPENINGS, page 43.

Coffee House King

Great news for fans of acoustic crooner Jason Mraz. The Bangkok organizers of his concert with Raining Jane have added extra tickets for this Saturday, Mar 21, after selling out the original 5,000 in a flash. See MUSIC, page 39.

SUN TUE

Studio Session

The local alt-music crowd heads over to Studio Lam this Mar 22 as Dood x Studio Lam Electronic Trip! promises a lineup of BeforeChamp, Aerolips, Broken YaakBeat, Highlag and Stylish Nonsense, with booze provided by Sandport craft beer. The Japanese Giant Swing DJs take over later in the night. See NIGHTLIFE, this page.

Stand Alone

This Mar 24, Democrazy Theater Studio launches a solo contemporary dance number directed and performed by Vidura Amranand (The Last Schomburk’s Deer). In One Night Stand, she explores controversial desires, intimacy and social acceptance. See STAGE, page 40.

SAT

Over the Rainbow

The Jam Factory hosts an acoustic garden music session this Mar 21, featuring the soothing sounds of Norwegian singer Erlend Oye. He’ll be playing laid-back folk-pop and cool ballads with the support of The Rainbows. Never heard of him? Royskopp, Kings of Convenience and Whitest Boy Alive—he's involved in all those projects, too. See MUSIC, page 39.

NIGHTLIFE Abel Rogers at Vogue Lounge The Hong Kong-based DJ, from the Armani/Prive club, plays soulful house and disco. Dress code is smart/fashionable, with Johnnie Walker Gold Label at B4,999 (three mixers) all night. Mar 20, 10pm. Vogue Lounge, 6/F, Mahanakhon Cube, Silom, Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Rd., 02-0010697. Free. BTS Chong Nonsi.

Lorem Ipsum

Stylish Nonsense

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The new Ekkamai bar holds a late-night rave with live DJs playing techno. Mar 20, 10pm.

Dark Bar, 2/F, Ekamai Mall, Ekkamai Soi 10, 02-381-9896, 090-528-4646. Free.

Moodwax Presents Inhale Exhale: Moodwax & Oliver Osborne A three-hour set by Moodwax, with support from Oliver Osborne from Singapore. Mar 21, 10pm. Glow, 96/4-5 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 02-261-3007, 02-261-4446. B350 (one free drink). MRT Sukhumvit.

Dood x Studio Lam *Electrosonic Trip!

An indie lineup of BeforeChamp, Aerolips, Highlag , BrokenYaakBeat and Stylish Nonsense, with DJ Masa and VJ Qotaroo in the house. Mar 22, 6pm.

Studio L am, Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02261- 6661. BTS Thong Lo. Price B100.

Tools For School The monthly electro-dance music night returns with DJ Sunju Hargun and the Kolour Crew's Sarah De La Rosa from Germany and Atma from Australia, playing at Case 49 (4/F).

Mar 27, 10pm. Grease, Opposite Villa Supermarket, 46/12-13 Sukhumvit Soi 49, 02-6626120-1. Free.

A Guy Called Gerald The DJ with nine albums and 25 years of EDM experience, best known for his "live session" performances, plays in Bangkok with support from local house/electronica duo Wasabi Bytes. B100 on standard beers all night. Only 150 tickets available at the door. Apr 3, 9pm.

The Overground Bar & Cafe, 6/1 Sukhumvit Soi 22, 081-701-7664. B350.

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now Phatfunk & Dubway present Om Unit Phatfunk's biggest drum 'n' bass event to date features British DJ Om Unit, a BBC Radio 1, Boiler Room and Mixmag regular known for warped hip-hop and jungle tracks. With support from Phatfunk's resident DJs. Apr 3, 9pm. Glow, 96/4-5 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 02-261-3007, 02-261-4446. B450 (one free drink). MRT Sukhumvit.

W Bangkok Presents "Songkran Splash Away" Pool Party The chic hotel's annual festive pool party returns in collaboration with the Kolour crew. Enjoy crafted cocktails sponsored by Ciroc Vodka at the Wet Deck, with live music

by DJs Andy, Dan Buri, Koran, Sir Walt, Tim Roemer, Koish and Atma. Prizes from Bang & Olufsen to be won. Book your tickets at bit.ly/1E2q9iq or email bf.wbangkok@whotels.com. Apr 11, 1pm. W Bangkok, 106 Sathorn Rd., 02-344-4000. B750 (two free drinks before 3pm). BTS Chong Nonsi.

Songkran 9 This three-day Songkran party attracts both local and international gay crowds. Night parties include: "Wicked" opening party, "Neon" main party on Apr 11 and "Pharoah" closing party on Apr 12. Day-time Bear pool party at Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel on Apr 11 and Boy pool party at Sofitel So on Apr 12 (sold out). Early standard night only pass at B3,300 for Thais (B4,500 on the day) and B4,800 for foreigners (B6,300 on the day).

Early standard all-access pass at B4,600 for Thais (B6,200 on the day) and B6,100 for foreigners (B8,000). All Access VIP pass at B7,300 (B10,400 on the day). A pool party-only pass is B1,400 (B1,700 on the day).

Apr 10-12, 2pm. Bangkok Convention Center, Centara Grand at CentralWorld Hotel, 999/99 Rama 1 Rd., 02-100-1234.

B1,700-8,000 from Thaiticketmajor.

Nowhere End #10 Psychedelic rock to funk performed by Chladni Chandi, Woot Root, Street Wreck and The Lowdowns. Mar 28, 8pm. Jam, 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 083-5451-833. B150 (one free drink). BTS Surasak.

Kenya Special: Selected East African Recordings from the 1970s & 80s with Fredrik Lavik Afro7 The Norwegian DJ and vinyl collector, one of the main compilers of Soundway Record's Kenya Special release, plays unheard sounds of East Africa on original vinyl 45s. Mar 28, 9pm. Studio Lam, Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02261-6661. BTS Thong Lo. Price TBA.

JJ Sundays Launch Party A new late-afternoon chillout party at the outdoor venue, with cheap drinks and music provided by DJs from various Bangkok collectives, including DiscoRobot, Vogue Lounge, Barrio, High Time and Dope As Funk. Mar 29, 5pm. JJ Green, 110/46 Lad Phrao Soi 18, 086-331-5657-8. Free. BTS Mo Chit.

No Brain Day An acoustic party with local indie acts Lek from Proud, Pla Nin Tem Baan (Dark Fish Full House) and Nap A Lean. Limited to 200 tickets, available at the bar. Apr 2, 8pm. Play Yard by Studio Bar, Lad Phrao Soi 8, 081173-3616. B250. MRT Phahon Yothin

concerts Have You Heard? Presents Erlend Ă˜ye and The Rainbows Live in Bangkok The Norwegian singer of Kings of Convenience and The Whitest Boy Alive fame performs acoustic pop tunes from his solo album Legao, with the support of his companions The Rainbows. Local indie group My Life as Ali Thomas also perform. Only 350 tickets, available at bit.ly/1MpunHq. Mar 21, 6pm. The Jam Factory, 41/1-41/2 Charoen Nakorn Rd., 02-861-0950. B1,000 (one free drink).

Jason Mraz and Raining Jane The acoustic singer-songwriter, whose latest album Yes! peaked at number 1 in 46 countries around the world, is back in Bangkok for a third visit. He will also be joined by his long-time musical companions Raining Jane.

Mar 21, 8:30pm. Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd., 02-833-4455.

B1,000-5,000.

The Masterpiece Koh Mr. Saxman Concert 2015 The popular Thai saxophonist plays two rounds of jazz concerts, with support from Thailand's Got Talent winners Myra, Yazzmn Dinesen, The Voice Thailand's Fangkhao and Non, The Sound of Siam and Takeshi Band,

among many other special guests. Mar 22, 2pm. Aksra Theatre, 3/F, King Power Complex, 8/1 Rangnam Rd., 02-677-8888.

B1,500-3,500 from Thaiticketmajor. BTS Victory Monument.

Sunsilk Perfect Straight Presents Popular pop and rock acts Potato, Tattoo Colour, Joey Boy, DJ Spydamonkee and Tata Young, plus the Trasher Bangkok party crew, join forces at this UFO Dance arena, with Miss Thailand World 2014 Maeya as special guest. Mar 28, 6pm. Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd., 02-833-4455. B800 from Thaiticketmajor.

classical Beethoven's Pastorale German conductor Stefan Willich debuts with the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra performing a program of Beethoven, while Thai classical saxophonist Wisuwat Pruksavanich performs the Peterson Saxophone Concerto. Pre-concert talk 45 minutes before the show. B100 for students. Mar 20, 7pm; Mar 21, 4pm. Prince Mahidol Hall, Mahidol University (Salaya Campus), 25/25 Buddhamonthon Sai 4 Rd. B300-500 from Thaiticketmajor.

An Afternoon of Classic Delight Ian Lloyd (flute and cello), Licentiate of the

Boston Brass Live in Concert The brass quintet with 27 years' experience play classical and jazz in Bangkok. Tuba player Sam Pilafian will also hold a workshop on how to breathe (free of charge) at 2:30pm. B100 for students. More information at 02-800-2525 ext.10. Mar 23, 7pm.

Mahidol University (Salaya Campus), Music Auditorium, College of Music, 25/25 Buddhamonthon Sai 4 Rd., 02-800-2525/-34 ext. 154-5. B200.

BSO Classical Concert No. 3 The Bangkok Symphony Orchestra and solo violinist Pisoot Saay-Op-Oua play Mozart's The Magic Flute and Serenade in C minor KV 388, and Haydn's Violin Concerto No. 1 in C major and Symphony No. 82 in C major.

Mar 24, 8pm. Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Rd., 02-262-3456. B300800. MRT Thailand Cultural Centre.

Art Music Fest VII The CU Symphony Orchestra hosts three free concerts at the Music Hall, Culture Building.

The Voice Recital is on Mar 13, the Woodwine Ensemble on Mar 17, the Percussion Ensemble on Mar 20 and the Saxophone Ensemble on Mar 27. Reservations at cusymphony@gmail.com. Through Mar 27, 7pm.

Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phaya Thai Rd., 02-215-0871/-3. Free.

Trisdee Conducts Haffner and Jupiter The Siam Sinfonietta perform Mozart's pieces, conducted by Trisdee Na Patalung, as a part of the series of free concerts to promote classical music. Free tickets available at goo.gl/L7vm6O. Donations are welcome.

Mar 28, 4pm. Dr. Thaworn Phornprapha Auditorium, Siam Motors Building, 891/1 Rama 1 Rd., 02-215-0830-50. Free.

Songkran Foam Party 2015 - International Songkran Party The annual outdoor Songkran foam party is back, with local and international DJs, unlimited foam, professional dancers, outdoor DJ booth and stage. A bottle of liquor gets you free entry for 4-6 guests. Dress in white.

Apr 12-15, 6pm. Narz, Soi 23 (Sukhumvit), 08-9842-5202. B500 (two free drinks + one McDonald's burger).

music festivals Pepsi S2O Songkran's Official Electronic Dance Music Festival

MUSIC

A four-day EDM fest over the Songkran holiday, featuring DJs like Krewella, Armada Music's Andrew Rayel, Julian Jordan, Jetfire, Sidney Samson and Kenneth G, and more.

VIP pass includes access to Dry Zone Only, private bar and restroom. One-day VVIP package is B100,000 per villa/day, with a Dry & Wet Zone, private lounge and restroom, personal butler and VVIP fast lane for 20 guests. Apr 11-14, 4pm. S2O Factory, RCA. B1,500-6,000 from Thaiticketmajor.

gigs Samurai//Ginkz//Bali Three local rock bands with three distinct styles play a small gig at the retro vinyl store. Show up early as space is limited.

Tickets only available at the door. Mar 21, 6pm. 1979 Vinyls and Unknown Pleasures, 4/F, Black Amber, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor). B100.

Festival of India in Thailand

Private Selection: A musical journey through the vinyl collection of Mike "The Butcher" Allin

A two-month Indian art and music festival, with performances taking place throughout Bangkok. The Indian Fun Fair will be at Thammasat University on Mar 22. An art exhibition at Chula runs from Apr 27May 10 and the festival ends with literary talks on May 25 at Chula. Through May 25, 6:30pm.

The vinyl DJ plays four hours of jazz, soul, afrobeat, funk and disco music through the ages. Mar 21, 9pm. Studio Lam, Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-261-6661. B100. BTS Thong Lo.

ART HIGHLIGHT

Royal Academy of Music, accompanies Nat Yontararak (piano) through a program of Faure, Bach and Mendelssohn. A reception takes place before and after the concert, with proceeds going towards the Gift of Life Foundation to help blood disease patients in Thailand. Reservations at www. salasudasirisobha.com. Mar 22, 4pm. Sala Sudasiri Sobha, Lad Phrao Soi 41, 02-5418662. B700.

Crossover: The Unveiled Collection The main gallery (7/F) of the Bangkok Art and Cultural Center is currently home to an exhibition that explores the development of Thai art throughout history from the perspective of private collectors and organizations.

Each has been chosen for the vital role it plays in preserving the arts despite being overlooked by art historians. Crossover: The Unveiled Collection aims to understand the role of these collectors, their research, collection and preservation methods, and their non-academic views on aesthetics and artistic values. Through the works of both distinguished and relatively obscure artists, the audience will be presented a holistic view of the Thai art community and its collectors. Featured collectors include Chatvichai Promadhattavedi, Jean-Michel

Beurdeley and Pongchai Jindasuk. Curated by Tawatchai Somkong and Chol Janepraphaphan.

Video interviews with the collectors can be found at www.fb.com/crossoverexhibition. The exhibition runs through Jun 14. The BACC has also arranged a guided tour of the exhibition every Wednesday and Friday at 3pm and Saturday-Sunday at 2pm. Admission is free. Reservations for large groups can be made at 02-214-6630-8 or email exh_activity@bacc.or.th.

BACC, 939 Rama 1 Rd., 02-214-6630-8. www.bacc.or.th. BTS National Stadium

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COMEDY

Upcoming Comedy and Open-Mic Nights

The Magic of the Musicals

STAGE

dance COMEDY CLUB

We can now rely on at least one consistent night of comedy every week thanks to the founders of Bangkok’s first dedicated comedy club, Chris Wegoda, who used to run the open mic shows at The Londoner Sukhumvit, and Drew McCreadie. The club organizes events every Friday, often headlined by international, award-winning guest comedians. This week, Mar 20, Whose Line? The Improv Comedy Show (B400, one free drink with advance payment) encourages lots of audience participation. Those looking to improve their comedy craft can also sign up for the two-hour stand-up comedy workshops at www.

ComedyClubBangkok.com.

Venue: The Royal Oak Pub, 595/10 Sukhumvit Soi 33/1, 02-662-1650. BTS Phrom Phong

Dance Dance Asia - Crossing the Movements Bangkok Tour As part of a cultural exchange project, Japan Foundation Asia brings over dance groups Umebou, Tokyo Gegegay and 90's for two days of dance workshops (1pm-6:30pm, B300) and live performances (B150 for students). Mar 28-29, 7:30pm. M Theater, 2884/2 New Petchaburi Rd., 08-0260-0771/6. B300.

One Night Stand This 90-minute contemporary solo dance by Vidura Amranand integrates movement with text and audience interaction, questioning the idea of dignity through one-night stands.

No performance on Mon-Tue. Advance tickets B400. Ticket information at 092-252-0024 and 081-441-5718. Mar 24-Apr 9, 8pm.

Democrazy Theatre Studio, 1034/29-30 Soi Saphankhu, Rama 4, 089-126-7112, 081441-5718. B450. MRT Lumphini.

The musical adaptation of the popular Thai musical-drama film with the same title, released in 2004. It follows the life of Thai palace musician Sorn through the golden age and the decline of Thai classical music. Inspired by the story of Luang Pradit Piroh. 15 rounds of performances at the brand new theater, with live ranad ekk (wooden xylophone) music duels on stage. Apr 4-5, 7:30pm; Apr 5, 2pm; Apr 23-26, 7:30pm; Apr 25-26, 2pm; Apr 30May 3, 7:30pm; May 2-3, 2pm. Siam Pikanet Theater, 7/F, Siam Square One, Rama 1 Rd. B1,000-3,000 from Thaiticketmajor. Siam.

ART

musicals 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: Sound of Music on Mar 27, Les Miserables on Apr 24 and Phantom of the Opera on May 29. Make reservations at 02-207-7777 or email fb.bangkok@ stregis.com. Mar 27, 8pm; Apr 24, 8pm; May 29, 8pm. The St. Regis Bangkok, 159 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-207-7777. B1,850.

BTS Ratchadamri.

Disney on Ice! Dare to Dream Meet your favorite Disney princesses, from Rapunzel (Tangled) and Tiana (The Princess and the Frog) to Cinderella and Snow White in a magical ice-skate musical. Performance in English on Mar 28 at 11am and Mar 29 at 7pm. Mar 26, 3pm; Mar 27, 11am, 3pm, 7pm; Mar 28, 11am, 3pm, 7pm; Mar 29, 11am, 3pm, 7pm. Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd., 02-833-4455.

B300-2,500.

ongoing 15 Minutes German photo-artist Patrik Budenz captures the emotions of Muay Thai boxers as they leave the boxing ring at stadiums across Bangkok. The photographer won the New York Photo Award with his series "Post Mortem." Through Apr 26. Kathmandu Photo Gallery, 87 Pan Rd., 02-234-6700.

7 Samurai Artist by Groundstar+ The first of a three-part art series, "Showcase," features the works of seven Japanese artists.

Through May 3, 7pm. GOJA Gallery Café, 5/2 Pridi Soi 3, 085-848-7576.

A Light in Time The memorial exhibition for Petite Fleur Lukae Paschal (Theresa Ann Moriarty), combines her photographs, paintings and journals. All her artwork is for sale, with proceeds going towards a grant for two International Community School students applying to pursue art or creative writing at university level. Through Mar 31. Rooftop Gallery by Farmani, 440/10 Sukhumvit 55 (between Thonglor Soi 14-16), 091-573-6841.

TAKE NOTE

BANGKOK LYRICAL LUNACY

This crew hosts the Spoken Word Poetry Open Mic Show in a different venue once a month, calling on local poets, singers and artists to show off their talents.

The next show is scheduled for Mar 28, to be held at the new reggae-styled Bob Harley Bar. The theme this month is “Quest.” Sign up at bangkoklylu.com/ openmic or email info@bangkoklylu.com. Doors open at 5pm, with the first act kicking off at 6pm. Cocktails start at B100 before 8pm.

Venue: Bob Harley Bar, 103 Udomsuk Rd., 085-204-0451. BTS Udom Suk BANGKOK HILARIOUS

Every first and third Saturday of the month sees Bangkok Hilarious take over the Overground from 8:30pm till late, welcoming eight performances of all sorts: singing, stand-up comedy, monologues, sketches and mime. Later in the night, DJ Rory Breaker-Morant takes over the decks. The crew are also hosting a special event this Mar 27 featuring international headliner Aiden Killian, with local support from Stacy Williams and Graham Wooding.

Venue: The Overground, 6/1 Sukhumvit Soi 22. 081-146-5110. BTS Asok/ Phrom Phong STANDUP COMEDY OPEN MIC

This week, Mar 20, also sees an informal gathering at Fatty’s Bar & Diner, giving you an opportunity to try out your skits before an appreciative audience.

Grab a burger, some beers and enjoy free comedy. More information at www. fb.com/fattysbardiner.

Venue: Fatty’s Bar & Diner, 598/66 Asoke Din Daeng Rd., 080-551-1959. MRT Rama 9 OFF CENTRE COMEDY

The Overstay, the vibrant hostel on Charansanitwong Road, has been busy organizing gigs, DJ events and reggae jungle parties all year. It’s also home to the super-chill Off Centre Open Mic Comedy Nights—though they only happen every now and then. Stay tuned at www.fb.com/TheOverStay.

Venue: The Overstay, Charansanitwong Soi 40. 02-883-4836 NEW: WORDS IN EARS

This indie cafe/art space Bridge just launched its recurring spoken word event last month. Bangkok lovers of poetry and prose can email bridgeartbkk@gmail. com or just turn up on the night to give it a shot in this intimate and friendly space. The theme for the third edition of Words in Ears on Apr 9 is Mortality & Immortality, kicking off at 7pm.

Venue: Bridge, Charoenkrung Soi 51, 086-986-9421. BTS Saphan Taksin

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GO LOCAL

SOCIAL CLUB

After the success of the mega floating market on Khlong Padung Krung Kasem last month, the government has decided to organize Art Market, a new weekend gathering of art-related booths. Taking place every Friday through Sunday till the end of March on Krung Kasem Road, the market is divided into four zones: 25 booths of contemporary art, 10 booths of local products and demonstrations, 10 booths selling traditional delicacies, and another 15 booths of food and beverages. Other highlights include ballroom dance performances on Mar 20-22 and Eat & Art @ Khlong Padung, which comprises music performances and art exhibitions, on Mar 27-29.

The exclusive Pacific City Club has launched an after-work Sundowner’s Networking Fridays event especially for business professionals. Members and non-members can enjoy free assorted tapas, beers at B150, wine and cocktails at B220 and sparkling wines at B250, from 5pm-8:30pm. Live jazz

by The Sharp Nine Band also takes place every Wed-Fri from 6pm-10pm.

Padung Krung Kasem Rd., between Makkhawan and Orathai bridges

CINEMA UNDER THE STARS

Co-working space The Hive Bangkok just relaunched its Rooftop Open Air series of film screenings. Grab a beanbag and enjoy selected film screenings at B200 per person, which includes a welcome drink and popcorn. Screenings are scheduled to take place once a month on a Saturday night, from 6:30-9pm, and you don’t have to be a member of the place.

RSVP at events@thehive.co.th. Check out the latest updates at www.fb.com/TheHiveBangkok.

6/F, The Hive, 46/9 Sukhumvit Soi 49, 02-662-6062. BTS Phrom Phong

28/F, Two Pacific Place Building, 142 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-6532450. BTS Nana

LATIN NIGHTS

Saturday nights at Whisgars 23 are about more than cigars and whiskey. They’ve also introduced live mambo, salsa and Afro-Cuban jazz, with two-for-one mojitos and daiquiris by the Havana Club from 9-10pm, on top of the usual Nicaraguan cigars. Table bookings are advised at 089-035-1032 or 084-023-3999.

981 Silom Rd., 02-661-3220. BTS Surasak

GET JAZZY

American jazz singer Deborah Davis will join forces with pianist Randy Cannon every night at The Living Room from now through Mar 28. Check out the latest jazz schedule at www.thelivingroomatbangkok.com.

1/F, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, 250 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-649-8353.

BTS Asok

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THURSDAY FEELINGS

An exhibition of ready-made art objects, taken from different cultures in South East Asia. Curated by Kritsada Duchsadeevanich. Through Mar 27, 9am. Silpakorn University Gallery, 31 Na Phra Lan Rd., 02-221-3841.

Start the weekend early with these hot Thursday night promos.

State of the Ridiculous

Print Make Print

22 Kitchen & Bar

ART/CONTINUED Build Your Own Bangkok Bangkok-born illustrator Kathy MacLeod presents an exhibition of large-scale drawings mapping out Bangkok as a series of eco-systems, each with its own unique inhabitants. Viewers are provided with field guides to learn about species from sex tourists to backpackers. Through Apr 11.

WTF Gallery & Cafe, 7 Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-662-6246. BTS Thong Lo.

Maya

Connectivity Sarawut Yasamut highlights the link between the social media and the real world,using abstract art. Through Apr 28.

Hof Art Space, W District, Sukhumvit Soi 69-71.

Copy-Paste The exhibition explores problems found in the Thai education system through the work of seven artists who have been students and teachers in this country. Through May 9. Sombat Permpoon Gallery, 12 Sukhumvit Soi 1, 02-254-6040.

Vault Speakeasy

PARTY KOLLECTIV

The Dusit Thani hotel just launched a ladies’ night at its rooftop venue 22 Kitchen & Bar. Ladies get free-flow sparkling wine and selected cocktails from 7-9pm, accompanied by music from the Kollectiv DJs.

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

Through Mar 31. H Gallery, 201 Sathorn Soi 12, 085-021-5508.

Haynesville

29/F, Holiday Inn Bangkok Sukhumvit, 1 Sukhumvit Soi 22., 02-683-4888. BTS Asok

American-Swedish photographer Jesper Haynes opens another exhibition in Bangkok, showing black and white photography through the eyes of a 10-year-old boy who's just received his first camera in Haynesville, Louisiana. Through Apr 18. Soy Sauce Factory, 11/1 Charoenkrung Soi 24, 081301-2669.

PRIVILEGED FEW

Hope in the Darkness

22/F, Dusit Thani, 946 Rama 4 Rd., 02-200-9000 ext. 2345. MRT Silom

MEN ONLY

The contemporary Indian joint at the top of Holiday Inn, Maya, is bucking convention with its Men’s Night Out deal. At B499 per person, get three hours of free-flow draft beer as well as discounts on bar snacks.

The new addition to Suk 11, Vault Speakeasy, is also looking to pull in the women of Bangkok every Thursday with its Privileged Ladies’ Night. From 9pm onwards, they can expect free-flow cocktails all night long. Don’t forget to dress to impress.

34 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 082-308-3246. BTS Nana

LIVE LOUNGE

Across the road on Suk 11, Le Fenix Hotel has live performances from local acts at the sky-high Nest Rooftop Lounge every Thursday night. Music ranges from jazz to rock and indie. Performing pop covers this Mar 26 is local group Chubby Bear, who’ll take the stage at 9pm.

Rooftop/F, Le Fenix Hotel, 33/33 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-255-0638-9. BTS Nana

MOJITO MADNESS

Community Mall Mercury Ville is not only a great foodie hub during the day. Its rooftop bar, Roof 409, features an all-you-can-drink mojito offer every Thursday from 6-9pm at B395 per person. Classic mojitos at B150 through midnight.

4/F Mercury Ville, 540 Mercury Tower, Phloen Chit Rd., 081-995-6984. BTS Chit Lom

THIRSTY THURSDAY

Creative entrepreneurs of Bangkok can find like-minded freelancers, designers, photographers and programmers to exchange startup ideas at The Hive’s Rooftop Garden (first Thursday of every month). It’s open for members and non-members, with one free beer on entry between 7-9pm.

6/F, 46/9 Sukhumvit Soi 49, 02-662-6062. BTS Phrom Phong

BLAST FROM THE PAST

The rooftop terrace at Park Society looks to the 80s and 90s to produce playlists with a different theme every night. Best part, it’s B350 for an open bar from 9-10pm every Thursday. And the view of Bangkok’s skyline isn’t half bad either.

29/F, Sofitel So Bangkok, 2 Sathorn Rd., 02-624-0000. MRT Lumphini

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Bangkok artists Preecha Noulnim and Aphiphol Techamangkhalanon depict urban life in Thai society using various media.

Through Mar 29. Whitespace Gallery, 4/F, 1 Sala Daeng Soi 1/7-9, 02-235-2500, 081-699-5298.

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.

Intermezzo Three internationally recognized artists—GiOk Jeon, Pattree Chimnok and Melanie Gritzka del Villar—hold a multimedia group exhibition on the subject of "intimate space."

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, through 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., 02216-7368.

Kham-Phak Group Exhibition

Tuksina Pipitkul and Wantanee Siripattananuntakul's new installation take over the gallery's main space, as well as H Project Space, to question how we relate to circumstances in the contemporary world.

Through Apr 26. H Gallery, 201 Sathorn Soi 12, 085-021-5508.

Surrounded by Details - The Art of Design

An exhibition as part of the grand opening of the new riverside community mall in Phra Nakhon, featuring the work of eight local artists. The title translates to "across the bank" in Thai. Through Mar 31. Tha Maharaj, 11/1, Maharaj Rd., 02-866-31634, 090-926-5265.

An underground art exhibition by German/ Swedish photographer Stev Bonhage, who's turned his art into wearable designs for the new clothing label Ichigo Ichie. Through Mar 29. Chomp, Samsen Soi 1, 084-0988633.

Knowledge is Everything

This exhibition brings together 50 pieces of work by six Thai artists who painted the walls of Buddhapadipa Temple, the first Buddhist temple in the UK, in 1987, including those of Professor Panya Vijinthanasarn, last year's National Artist in Visual Arts. Through Apr 26. Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Room 499, Bejajinda Building, Wiphawadi-Rangsit Rd., 02-953-1005-7.

Visual artists Jan Krogsgaard and Liam Morgan present a projection installation with an integrated sound system, creating different pieces that cannot be repeated despite strict control of the conditions. Through Mar 29, 10am. Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), 939 Rama 1 Rd., 02-214-6630-8.

BTS National Stadium

Letter from Rome

Thai Neotraditional Art

An exhibtion of drawings by Siriswat Phanthumasut, aka Na Pat, the legendary artist from Silpakorn whose unique illustrations have regularly been featured in local magazines. Na Pat created this set of unseen drawings while studying at Academia di belle Art di Rome, Italy. Through Mar 31.

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

Toystory

Life in Monogram Silawat Poolsawat creates oil paintings from old photographic portraits of Asian women, revealing past ways of living, traditional culture and beliefs in Southeast Asia. Through Apr 30. Koi Art Gallery, 245 Sukhumvit Soi 31 (Soi Sawasdee), 02-662-3218.

The historic library's Rotunda Gallery and Cafe's new exhibition features the work of Millie Young, who captures images of elephants, the national animal of Thailand, through various media. Through Mar 29.

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

Love Interlaced

Truthful Energy

The debut solo exhibition of Thanawat Promsuk, who integrates woven yarns into prints on canvas. Through Apr 2. La Lanta Fine Art, 254/14 Soi 31 (Sukhumvit), 02260-5381, 02-204-0583.

Luong Trung/Street Feelings A solo exhibition by the young Vietnamese contemporary artist, showing the changes to Hanoi, Vietnam, and its art scene over past years. Through Apr 20. Artha Gallery, 5-7 Charoen Krung Soi 36, 02-6309489.

Maitrii Art Exhibition A group art exhibition by Thai artists and the gallery's resident Indian artists, featuring sculptures, paintings and drawings that represent the history of the two cultures.

Through Mar 31. The Seven Art Gallery, 1/F, Tara Sathorn Building, 119 Sathorn Soi 5, 02-639-2315.

Michael Shaowanasai presents...

A daring new collection of paintings, interactive sculptures and installations that ask the audience to look beyond seemingly sexual visuals. Through Apr 19. The Adler Subhashok Gallery, 160/3 Sukhumvit Soi 39, 02-662-0299.

New York Darkroom The art space turns into a darkroom for American-Swedish photographer Jesper Haynes' selected shots from his time in downtown New York in the 1980s and 1990s. Through Mar 29. Speedy Grandma, 672/50-52 Charoenkrung Soi 28, 089508-3859.

The first exhibition by the new project Speedy Grandchild (2/F) features the work of Kunlapak Chintanakorn, who tells a personal story through objects from two of the seven houses he lived in. Through Mar 28. Speedy Grandma, 672/50-52 Charoen Krung Soi 28, 089-508-3859.

Trunkated Tales

Korean artist Young Ji Kim translates the energy and dynamism she finds in Bangkok through colorful and striking portraits of the people she confronts. Through Apr 19. Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phaya Thai Rd., 02-215-0871/-3.

Tzisss Concrete.Projects curates a new group exhibition by Asin, Diamond, Druide, Matt Adams, Phai Amp, Toska, Trick and Trk that explores the artistic significance of graffiti, street and tattoo art. Through Apr 11.

Bridge, Charoen Krung Soi 51, 086-9869421. BTS Saphan Taksin

Untie Group Exhibition Local artists Kittaya Poolsawatdi, Prang Jorakhet and Songwoot Kaewwisit show off their different experiences through various artistic styles free from creative restrictions. Through Apr 5. The Adler Subhashok Gallery, 160/3 Sukhumvit Soi 39, 02-662-0299.

Inhabited Hypercube After the closure of its Ekkamai space early this year, Toot Yung Gallery organizes its first "nomad project," a seven-day solo exhibition/block party in Chinatown's Soi Nana.

Dutch artist Daan Botlek exhibits large-scale paintings, posters, silkscreen prints and laser cut art objects over three art spaces. There will be daily workshops with street artists for children at Hub Sai Dek, a Chinatown NGO. Through Mar 22, 6pm. Cho Why, 17 Soi Nana, Charoenkrung Rd., 086-340-4791.

Hua Lamphong

Print Make Print Trairat Sriburin presents his huge collection of prints, depicting the daily life of someone who's migrated from the countryside to Bangkok. Through Mar 29. National Gallery, 4 Chao Fa Rd., 02-282-2639-40.

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now HAPPENINGS

classes & workshops Contact Improvisation with Ralf Jaroschinski Sun Dance Theater hosts two contact improvisation and alignment workshops, to be run by the international artist/chreographer. Suggested donation is B150-B350. (Contact Improvisation is a form of postmodern dance). Suitable for dance students of all levels and disciplines. More information at 083-094-5950. Mar 19, 20, 1pm.

Sun Dance Theatre, 5/F, Silom Society, 12/3 Silom Rd., 088-018-5966. Free. BTS Sala Daeng.

The Story Only You Can Tell A two-session workshop for aspiring creative writers of all levels with Anette Pollner.

Pre-booking fees at B2,500 (two sessions), B1,500 (one session). Bookings can be made at bkk.writers.workshops@gmail.com. Mar 21, 28, 1pm. HUBBA, 19 Ekkamai Soi 4, 02-7143388. B1,800.

Supersweet x Moumi Concept Store Presents 2D Paper Sculpture Learn how to create 2D paper sculptures of cats with Teaspoon Studio's Pimm Chongcharoen.

Limited to eight participants per class. Reserve your spot at perfectsaturdayworkshop@gmail. com or 02-618-4398. Mar 21, 29, 1pm. Supersweet x Moumi, The 49 Terrace, 49 Sukhumvit Soi 39, 02-662-5535. B2,800 (Pimm x moumi goodie bag).

European Languages Cafe A social event at the new breakfast-oriented cafe for local students to practice their European language skills with native speakers of Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian, Spanish and Swedish.

Organized by the EU Delegation. Mar 26, 4pm.

Black Box, Mahatun Plaza, 888/8-9 Ploenchit Rd., 02-651-5188. Free. BTS Phloen Chit.

Passion Decode: Ep. 1 Marketing CareerVisa Thailand hosts a series of intensive three-hour sessions exploring different career options. The first edition features marketing career paths for 70 participants, with guest speakers Rawit Hanutsaha, the guru behind the rebranding of Srichan Power, and Medhee Jarumaneeroj, ex-P&G Global Communication Leader. Register at goo.gl/hI0SGl. Mar 29, 8:30pm.

Sasin University, Chulalongkorn Soi 2, 02 216 8833. Free.

design exhibitions Design Plant 2.5 Young Thai furniture designers exhibit their new, innovative designs for a month, ahead of the International Fashion Fair 2015 at Impact Arena. Through Mar 25. Ratchadamnoen Contemporary Art Center (RCAC), 84 Ratchadamnoen Klang Rd., 02-422-8837.

Design Object Movement: Indonesia - the Philippines The mini exhibition selects selects local, creative design products from Indonesia and the Philippines that have been adapted to meet global trends, as well as global products that have been adapted to meet local tastes.

Through Mar 31. Thailand Creative and Design Center (TCDC), 6/F, The Emporium, 662 Sukhumvit Soi 24, 02-664-8448. Free. BTS Phrom Phong.

sales & fairs In the Box Market "Summer Chill Out" Over 200 pop-up stalls by Instagram fashion brands and celebrity shops, plus homemade food and bakery goods, take over Square A, with live music and various activities by Mellow magazine. Mar 20-22, 2pm. CentralWorld, 999/1 Rama 1 Rd. BTS Chit Lom. Free.

Bangkok Wonderland CentralWorld will be filled with hundreds of white tents with the return of this designer market, offering jewelry, shoes, clothes, accessories to home decor and other lifestyle products. Expect lots of celebrity stalls. Mar 19-22, 10am.

Siam Discovery, 989 Rama 1 Rd. 02-265-81000. BTS Siam. Free.

Zaap On Sale The massive shopping event returns for its third time, taking over Royal Paragon Hall with the usual parade of fashion items for the shoppers of Bangkok. Interested vendors can still book their spot at www.fb.com/zaaponsale. Mar 2829, 12pm. Siam Paragon, 991/1 Rama 1 Rd., 02-690-1000. BTS Siam. Free.

43rd National Book Fair & 13th Bangkok International Book Fair 2015 Expect a massive crowd to gather for the biggest book fair in Thailand, which brings together local and international books of all genres.

Organized by the Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand. Mar 27-Apr 6, 10am.

Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, 60 New Ratchadapisek Rd., 02-229- 3000. Free.

MRT Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.

Bits and Bobs Tiny Vintage Festival The team behind the Cheap and Cheerful Open House Fest hosts a series of events reflecting the culture of the 50s, 60s and 70s every Wednesday (bar May 1). Activities include: a swing dance workshop, 50s fashion workshop, an academic discussion on hipster-jazz culture, live music and film screening with post-film discussion by the director and film critic. Also features a mini vintage fair. Mar 25-May 6, 4pm. Method to My Madness, Lad Phrao Rd., 085-356-3447.

MRT Phahon Yothin.

sports Run For Your Lives Thailand A new take on marathons. Participants who register as "survivors" must pass obstacles like the laser grid, blood pit, cage crawl, tire graveyard and zombies to reach the safe zone and receive a survivor medal. All participants must register at register.runforyourlivesthailand.com and claim their kit on the day. Post-run concert by local artists Lomosonic, The Mousses, Flure and DJ Roxy June with a food and drink fair.

Mar 28, 8am. Wonder World Fun Park, 41 Kanchanaphisek Rd. B1,500 from Thaiticketmajor.

Wet Summer Run 2015 A 5km fun run with a twist on the last day of the Songkran break, with a mysterious bag given at the weapon loading point for water fights. Apply now at www.esm-sundaymorning.com. B60 for kit delivery. Apr 15, 7am. Lumpini Park, Rama 4 Rd. B400. MRT Lumphini

Essential Eames: Icons of 20th Century Design Herman Miller and Chanintr Living present this interactive exhibition based on the revolutionary furniture designs of Charles and Ray Eames. The exhibition features the special chair designed for Pope John Paul II, the vintage fiberglass Eames shell chair, as well as over 90 pieces of furniture designed by the Eames and 125 of their films.

Mar 20-May 31, 10:30am. Thailand Creative and Design Center (TCDC), 6/F, The Emporium, 662 Sukhumvit Soi 24, 02-664-8448. Free. BTS Phrom Phong.

Get all the latest events and restaurant openings from BK Magazine in real time with BK Now

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now Unbroken (US) HHHHH

SPECIAL EVENT

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

Highlights from Chula’s documentary exhibition, Open Secrets

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).

upcoming The Way He Looks

FILM Gaddafi

opening The Divergent Series: Insurgent

La Famille Bélier (France) HHHHH

Paddington (UK)

Comedy. A French high-school girl must choose between advancing her singing career and taking care of her deaf family.

At SF Cinema CentralWorld.

Zhong Kui (China)

Cat a Wabb! (Thai) HHHHH

Family. A homeless Peruvian bear (Ben Whishaw) makes his way to London where he finds shelter with the kindly Brown family. However, he soon comes face-to-face with the sinister taxidermist Millicent Clyde (Nicole Kidman). Mar 26

Life Partners (USA) Comedy. The friendship between Sasha (Leighton Meester) and Paige (Gillian Jacobs) is put to the test when one of them gets serious with a guy for the first time.

2538 Al Ter Ma Jeep (Thai) Romcom. The social network-addicted Kong (Danaroon Ramnarong) finds himself transported back in time to the golden age of Bangkok’s alternative music scene, where he must help his teenage father meet his mother.

Feel Good (Thai) Comedy. A high-school boy is assigned a school project under the subject of love.

The Way He Looks (Brazil) My Grandpa’s Route Has Been Forever Blocked

Drama. This coming-of-age tale follows a blind teenager whose world is changed forever by the arrival of a handsome new classmate. At SF Cinema Centralworld

The Art Center at Chulalongkorn University has teamed up with seven renowned Thai artists and filmmakers to present 11 documentaries that tackle social, environmental and historical subjects. Our picks include:

now showing

BABY ARABIA (KONG RITHDEE, 2010, 73 MINS)

Action. A young convict, JR (Brenton Thwaites), escapes from prison with Australia’s most notorious criminal, Brendan Lynch (Ewan McGregor). Together, they form an unlikely master-apprentice relationship, but as Lynch’s gang plans a gold heist, the two men soon turn against one another.

The film chronicles the career of Baby Arabia, a Thai Muslim band who for the past three decades have toured mosques, circumcision rites and Muslim weddings in Bangkok and the Central region.

GADDAFI (PANU AREE, KONG RITHDEE, KAWEENIPON KETPRASIT, 2013, 23 MINS) Gaddafi Muhammad is a 14-year-old Muslim boy living in central Bangkok named after slain Lybian dictator Muanmar Gaddafi. The film follows him as he applies for an identity card.

UNREAL FOREST (JAKRAWAL NILTHAMRONG, 2010, 70 MINS) The young Thai filmmaker Jakrawal Nilthamrong follows Zambian filmmaker Watson Mututa as he makes a documentary on an African shaman.

ORCHESTRA (JAKRAWAL NILTHAMRONG, 2008, 22 MINS) The surreal film blends dreams and reality through the lives of five employees in a silk factory.

JUST A SECOND: THE KLONG LEGEND (SANTIPHAP INKONG-NGAM, 2003, 51 MINS) Inspired by the Theory of Relativity, the filmmaker tells the story of the Mekong River’s mythical Nagas. Produced in collaboration with Art Network Asia and filmed across Thailand, China, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.

MY GRANDPA’S ROUTE HAS BEEN FOREVER BLOCKED (SUTTHIRAT SUPAPARINYA, 2012, 15 MINS)

The filmmaker takes you on a split-screen journey across the Ping River, the artery of Northern Thailand, from the perspective of his grandfather.

Movies are subtitled in English. Open 7am-7pm on weekdays and 9am-4pm on Sat. Through Apr 10.

The Art Center, Office of Academic Resources, Chulalongkorn University. Free entry.

ID required to enter the building. 02-218-2965. www.car.chula.ac.th/art/en

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Ode to My Father (Korea) HHHHH Drama. Longing to reunite his family, North Korean refugee Deok-Su (Hwang Jung-min) tries to keep a promise he made to his father before they were separated by war.

Animation. After an extra-terrestrial race called the Boov invade Earth, misfit alien Oh (Jim Parsons) forms an unlikely friendship with an adventurous young girl Tip (Rihanna). Together they embark on a journey and find the true meaning of the word “home.” Mar 26

(USA) Action. In the ruins of a futuristic Chicago, Tris (Shailene Woodley) and Four (Theo James) run from the power-hungry Eridites, and search to discover why Tris’s family sacrificed their lives.

Fantasy. Facing the forces of Heaven, Earth and Hell, the young Zhong Kui (Chen Kun) must use his powers to save his countrymen and the woman he loves.

Unreal Forest

Home (USA)

Son of a Gun (USA) HHHHH

Cinderella (USA) HHHHH Fantasy. Disney’s new live-action movie takes on the classic fairy tale of a young servant girl (Lilly James) in pursuit of her prince charming. Also stars Cate Blanchett.

Love Is (Thai) HHHHH Romance. A Thai-Chinese man must fight to be with his true love against his family’s wishes for an arranged marriage.

Run All Night (USA) HHHHH Action. An aging professional hitman (Liam Neeson) fights to protect his estranged son (Joel Kinnaman) from a dangerous mob boss.

Everly (USA) HHHHH Thriller. A popcorn flick about Everly (Salma Hayek), a woman holed up in her apartment by assassins sent by her ex.

Superfast (USA) HHHHH Comedy. Undercover cop Lucas White (Alex Ashbaugh) joins a group of illegal street-racers who plan to rob the local kingpin of all his cash, which he keeps in a downtown Taco Bell.

Romcom. Meyo (Pimchanok Luewisetpaiboon), an intern at an ad agency, develops a crush on her trainer, More (Arrak Amornsupsiri). Her hopes are quickly dashed, however, when she loses Johnny, the cat starring in a big commercial.

Mor 6/5 Pak Mha Taa Kod Phee (Thai) HHHHH Horror/Comedy. The third film in the teenage horror-comedy series sees the previous films’ characters finally graduate from high school and head on a trip to Phuket together before leaving for college.

Chappie (US) HHHHH Sci-Fi/Drama. The third feature film from the director of District 9 and Elysium tells the story of a police robot in a futuristic post-apocalyptic Earth that develops human feelings and thoughts.

Parasyte: Part 1 (Japan) HHHHH Horror/Action. This live-action adaptation of the phenomenally popular Japanese manga follows teenager Shinichi Izumi (Shota Sometani), who wakes up one day to find that his right hand has been replaced by a man-eating alien parasite.

Focus (US) HHHHH Drama/Comedy. Veteran con-artist Nicky (Will Smith) takes the seductive Jess (Margot Robbie) under his wing, teaching her the tricks of the trade.

The Lazarus Effect (US) HHHHH Horror. Medical researchers Frank (Mark Duplass) and Zoe (Olivia Wilde) successfully develop a way to revive the dead. But when Zoe is killed in an accident, Frank is forced to use the method on her.

Predestination (Australia) HHHHH Action/Drama. Ethan Hawke stars as The Barkeep, an agent of the Temporal Bureau, a peace-keeping organization that sends agents back through time to stop major crimes.

Outcast (USA) Action. A reluctant, world-weary crusader (Hayden Christensen) teams up with the son and daughter of a deposed Chinese emperor in order to overcome their bloodthirsty brother. Mar 26

X+Y (UK) Drama. A socially awkward teenage math whiz (Asa Butterfield) is awarded a spot representing Great Britain at the International Mathematics Olympiad in Taiwan.

Also starring Rafe Spall and Sally Hawkins.

Mar 26

Robot Overlords (UK) Sci-fi. A group of kids must choose between hiding in their homes or battling android invaders from outer space to save humanity. Starring Ben Kingsley and Gillian Anderson. Mar 26

free screenings Jam Every Wednesday night is Cult Movie Night. Theme for March is Filmed in Thailand. Screenings start from 8pm, visit www.fb.com/JAMCAFEBKKfor schedule. 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 083-545-1833. Open Tue-Sun noon-midnight.

The Friese-Greene Club The schedule follows a daily theme. Films start from 8pm, visit www.fgc.in.th for the full line up and to reserve your seat.

259/6 Sukhumvit Soi 22, 087-000-0795.

Open Wed-Sun 6pm-late.

Alliance Française Movies are subtitled in English and screened at 7pm. Mar 25. Elle S’en Va (On My Way): The story of a 60-year-old former beauty queen who decides to leave her old life behind by embarking on an unplanned road trip. 179 Witthayu (Wireless) Rd., 02-670-4200.

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

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

Get all the latest events and restaurant openings from BK Magazine in real time with BK Now

Birdman (US) HHHHH 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.

BK Magazine Friday, March 20, 2015

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FREEWILL ASTROLOGY ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19): You’re entering a time and space known as the Adlib Zone. In this territory, fertile chaos and inspirational uncertainty are freely available. Improvised formulas will generate stronger mojo than timeworn maxims. Creativity is de rigueur, and street smarts count for more than book-learning. May I offer some mottoes to live by when “common sense” is inadequate? 1. Don’t be a slave to necessity. 2. Be as slippery as you can be and still maintain your integrity. 3. Don’t just question authority; be thrilled about every chance you get to also question habit, tradition, fashion, trendiness, apathy, and dogma.

TAURUS (Apr 20-May 20): By 1993, rock band Guns N’ Roses had released five successful albums. But on the way to record their next masterpiece, there were numerous delays and diversions.

Band members feuded. Some were fired and others departed. Eventually, only one original member remained to bring the task to conclusion with the help of new musicians. The sixth album, Chinese Democracy, finally emerged in 2008. I’m seeing a similarity between Guns N’ Roses’ process and one of your ongoing projects, Taurus. The good news is that I think most of the hassles and delays are behind you, or will be if you act now. You’re primed to make a big push toward the finish line.

GEMINI (May 21-Jun 20): The anonymous blogger at Neurolove.me gives advice on how to love a Gemini: “Don’t get impatient with their distractibility.

Always make time for great conversation. Be understanding when they’re moody. Help them move past their insecurities, and tell them it’s not their job to please everyone. Let them have space but never let them be lonely.” I endorse all that good counsel, and add this: “To love Geminis, listen to them attentively, and with expansive flexibility. Don’t try to force them to be consistent; encourage them to experiment at uniting their sometimes conflicting urges. As best as you can, express appreciation not just

for the parts of them that are easy to love but also for the parts that are not yet ripe or charming.” Now feel free, Gemini, to show this horoscope to those whose affection you want.

CANCER (Jun 21-Jul 22): You have recently been to the mountaintop, at least metaphorically. Right? You wandered out to the high frontier and ruminated on the state of your fate from the most expansive vista you could find.

Right? You have questioned the limitations you had previously accepted, and you have weaned yourself from at least one of your devitalizing comforts, and you have explored certain possibilities that had been taboo. Right? So what comes next? Here’s what I suggest: Start building a new framework or structure or system that will incorporate all that you’ve learned during your break.

LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22): According to the international code of food standards, there are 13 possible sizes for an olive.

They include large, extra large, jumbo, extra jumbo, giant, colossal, super colossal, mammoth, and super mammoth. If I had my way, Leo, you would apply this mind-set to everything you do in the coming weeks. It’s time for you to think very big. You will thrive as you expand your mind, stretch your boundaries, increase your territory, amplify your self-expression, magnify your focus, and broaden your innocence.

VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22): “Half the troubles of this life can be traced to saying yes too quickly and not saying no soon enough,” proclaimed humorist Josh Billings. That’s an exaggeration made for comic effect, of course. (And I think that some of life’s troubles also come from saying no too much and not saying yes enough.) But for you, Virgo, Billings’ advice will be especially pertinent in the coming weeks. In fact, my hypothesis is that you will be able to keep your troubles to a minimum and boost your progress to a maximum by being frugal with yes and ample with no.

LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 22): Your mind says, “I need more room to move. I’ve got to feel free to experiment.” Your heart says, “I think maybe I need more commitment and certainty.” Your astrologer suggests, “Be a bit more skeptical about the dream lover who seems to be interfering with your efforts to bond with the Real Thing.” I’m not sure which of these three sources you should heed, Libra. Do you think it might somehow be possible to honor them all? I invite you to try.

SCORPIO (Oct 23-Nov 21): “Without your wound where would your power be?” asked writer Thornton Wilder.

“The very angels themselves cannot persuade the wretched and blundering children on earth as can one human being broken on the wheels of living.”

Let’s make that one of your ongoing

meditations, Scorpio. I think the coming weeks will be an excellent time to come to a greater appreciation for your past losses. What capacities has your suffering given birth to? What failures have made you stronger? What crucial lessons and unexpected benefits have emerged from your sadness and madness?

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21): “Creating is not magic but work,” says Kevin Ashton, author of the book How to Fly a Horse: The Secret History of Creation, Invention, and Discovery. In other words, inspiration is a relatively small part of the creative process. Over the long haul, the more important factors are self-discipline, organized thinking, hard work, and attention to detail. And yet inspiration isn’t irrelevant, either. Brainstorms and periodic leaps of insight can be highly useful. That’s a good reminder as you enter a phase when you’re likely to be more imaginative and original than usual. I expect creative excitement to be a regular visitor.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19): The fictional detective Sherlock Holmes was a good Capricorn, born January 6, 1854.

In the course of Arthur Conan Doyle’s 60 stories about his life, he revealed his exceptional talent as an analytical thinker. His attention to details was essential to his success, and so was his expertise at gathering information.

He did have a problem with addictive drugs, however. Morphine tempted him now and then, and cocaine more often, usually when he wasn’t feeling sufficiently challenged. Let this serve as a gentle warning, Capricorn. In the coming weeks, seek more relaxation and downtime than usual. Focus on recharg-

ing your psychic batteries. But please be sure that doesn’t cause you to get bored and then dabble with self-sabotaging stimuli.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18): English is my first language. Years ago there was a time when I spoke a lot of French with my Parisian girlfriend, but my skill faded after we broke up. So I’m not bilingual in the usual sense. But I do have some mastery in the language of music, thanks to my career as a singer-songwriter. Having raised a daughter, I also learned to converse in the language of children. And I’ve remembered and worked with my nightly dreams every day for decades, so I speak the language of dreams. What about you, Aquarius? In the coming weeks, I bet you’ll be challenged to make more extensive use of one of your second languages. It’s time to be adaptable and resourceful in your approach to communication.

PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20): Do you need a reason to think sharper and work smarter and try harder? I’ll give you four reasons. 1. Because you’re finally ready to get healing for the inner saboteur who in the past has undermined your confidence. 2. Because you’re finally ready to see the objective truth about one of your self-doubts, which is that it’s a delusion. 3. Because you’re finally ready to stop blaming an adversary for a certain obstacle you face, which means the obstacle will become easier to overcome. 4. Because you’re finally ready to understand that in order to nurture and hone your ample creativity, you have to use it to improve your life on a regular basis.

BK Magazine Friday, March 20, 2015

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last word

Linda Charoenlab Fashion designer and stylist Linda Charoenlab, 37, launched Lalalove as a T-shirt collection back in the early 2000s while studying at the London College of Fashion, and her designs were quickly picked up by Topshop in Oxford Street, London. The former Dazed & Confused stylist brought her collections to Bangkok soon after, and now ranks as one of the city’s most in-demand designers and stylists. As she readies her new shop, opening at EmQuartier this Mar 27, she spoke to BK about her journey and aspirations.

I made my first sale at Lachetta in Milan after two terrible seasons.

After that I went to a fair in Berlin, where my original T-shirt designs caught the eye of a buyer from Topshop. She gave me the opportunity to open my first concession store in Topshop’s flagship store on Oxford Street, London.

At London College of Fashion, I was practically given the brand name Lalalove. My classmates would always spell my last name wrong or pronounce it too quickly.

They made Charoenlab sound like Cha-ren-la or even just La-la-la.

I lived in a house with like-minded people enrolled in design school.

I was doing an unpaid internship, and worked as a stylists’ assistant at Dazed & Confused for free for several years. At the same time I was trying to finish up my thesis, maintain a social life and make enough money to get by in London.

I used to carry my T-shirts on the bus to sell at Portobello and Spitalfields Markets. I was rejected four times before I managed to reserve a space—it was a period of ups and downs.

looked—you won’t get the government’s attention unless you’re making OTOP products. Thai designers have been helping each other to put Thailand in the fashion spotlight.

I never originally intended to bring the brand to Thailand. I didn’t think Thai people would get my designs—it’s a love-it-or-you-hate-it style that can be difficult to pull off: unicorns, stars, sea creatures.

I worry about newly-graduated fashion designers who think they can start their own brand right away. It’s not about the art of design but also marketing strategies and experience.

I’ve talked to my interns about it. Thai university fails to create young blood with the right experience.

Style depends on the individual.

It’s a mirror reflecting who you are to the world. Everyone has their own style. Thai people have become more and more individual, developing their own critical approach to style. The fashion scene here has never been better.

Thais have more than enough potential to compete with international designers. I’m not just talking about the fashion industry, but all creativity-related jobs. The value of Thai design is so often over-

how I spent my days in London, and I still rely on those skills.

What I like most about being a fashion stylist is seeing a simple, sorry-looking piece of cloth, and then using the lights, the setting and the models to turn it into something special. It takes time and diligence.

The fashion scene here has never been better

Every designer should learn the art of management. Don’t just spend money hiring someone to sew your dress; you need to get an apprenticeship at a design house to learn the skills for yourself. That’s

I learned how to select fine materials during my time as a sales assistant for Gucci, and how to design shop outlets from doing visual merchandising at Moschino.

new collections every season. In the future, after opening a few more outlets, we’ll have to be more responsible.

The most important thing in life is to always be positive. I am a mother, a fashion designer and still a daughter. This is what keeps me happy. It doesn’t matter how much money you earn if you’re stuck in a job you hate.

In the future, I want to open my own shop in England. I am getting there. I get the fuel to keep moving forward from seeing my collections on sale in Europe and receiving recognition. I know I have to work harder, but that’s something I have to deal with and find joy in the process of solving problems. Or just lose some weight. Interview by Monruedee Jansuttipan and Sam Nathapong

Because we are a small brand, we can still experiment with new designs, predict and create trends.

We don’t have to come up with

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