BK Magazine 590 May22, 2015

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it's free!

One year later

BK MAGAZINE NO. 590 FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015. www.bkmagazine.com

Sexual Harassment in Bangkok’s Offices The law is on your side.

But what about your HR department?

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page 3 8 cover story

Booking Engine

Just a Bit of Fun?

16 avenue

18 shopping

Prim and Proper

One Man’s Trash

24 bites

26 bites

Breaking Bread

Southern Comfort 22 blends

36 BK Now

Bottled Up

Art Openings

Who's in charge?

General Manager Andrew Hiransomboon

Advertising Director Wanida Akeapichai Sales Manager Tipkritta Chiraporncharas Senior Sales Associates Tassanee Mahamad, Orajira Sukkasem, Onwara Sittirug, Waranuch Thaneerat, Nattaya Bovornsettanon, Orakarn Laohakanjanasiri, Amarit Jinaya

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, Natcha Sanguankiattichai, Sam Nathapong

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

Administrator Yaovaluck Srisermsri Accountant Manita Bangmoung Contributors Rob Brezsny, Kathy MacLeod Interns Kwanwalai Rodsaward, Dharath Hoonchamlong, Arisa Wiwatsomwong, Natchaya Angsatitanan Cover by Dechart Sangsawang

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

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

Where to find us!

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

Singapore Asia City Publishing Pte. Ltd. Block 211 Henderson Rd. #07-02 Henderson Industrial Park Singapore 159552 Tel: 65-6323-2512 Fax: 65-6323-2779 Email: contact@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

Have you noticed how nice generals are to other generals? If you’re a journalist and you ask something like, “Sir, generalissimo, we’ve been hearing reports that there are people on boats…”, the general will cut in.

General: “Let me stop you right there. I have no idea what you’re getting to at this point. But please proceed with caution as questions that carry falsehoods will result in instant execution. So. Your question.”

Journalist: “Uhm… Yeah. You know what, I’ll pass. I’ll just skip my question. I’m good.”

Now if you’re a general dissing another general, that’s completely different. Like that guy in Burma, Thein Sein. President Thein Sein suddenly decided to cancel Prayuth’s big picnic that he organized under the theme “Rohingya.” Now that’s just rude.

We at BK know how much work it is to organize these things. You need a band doing bossa nova covers of top pop hits—good luck finding one that’s free on a Sunday. You need Joe Sloane to make Rohingya-style sausages. You need to get BK Magazine to write about it like it matters. You need Chris & Som from WTF to get a white guy to print out pictures he shot of people on boats. It’s work.

So when a guest cancels, even if it’s President Thein Sein, it sucks. And because we don’t take credit cards for reservations in this town, there’s nothing Prayuth can do. He can’t charge a B3,000 cancellation fee for all the leftover Joe Sloane Rohingya sausages. This is something we’re working on with our partner Chope (better restaurant reservations, not the Rohingya issue), but right now, there’s just nothing our Dear Leader can do.

Well there is one thing. He could talk back. He could say, “Thein Sein, I will execute you. Just kidding.” He could flex his sexy Dear Leader muscles. But no, when generals talk to generals, they are the most peace-loving, diplomatic guys you could imagine. Thein Sein cancels on our asses and all we get is: “Whoever wants to come can come. However for those who don’t, no one can force them. Every country has equal dignity.”

Wait, what? That’s it? You’re saying canceling dinner reservations is OK? What a missed opportunity. We could have used this whole regional Rohingya meeting to change things. To show it’s not OK to cancel bookings. To show that, here in Bangkok, we’re not going to stand idle while diners continue to reserve tables and not show up. It’s a great missed opportunity and, once again, we have Burma to blame.

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

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@bkmagazine BK Magazine Friday, May 29, 2015

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upfront HOT OR NOT

Hot: New England seafood

Not: Thai seafood

After Opposite called time on its Dixie crab boils, we thought we’d seen the last of this city’s attempts at the all-American seafood fad sweeping the world. But now that Crab and Claw has opened at Emquartier with its Maine lobster, clam chowder and oyster rockefeller, we’re seeing no reason to ever go back to Thailand’s slavery-tarnished pla tu and pla muk again.

STREET TALK

Hot: Selfie drones

Not: Selfie sticks

White people have finally embraced selfie sticks. But wait, it’s OK when they do it because they use a GoPro and shoot video while kayaking or using public transportation in developing nations. So if you’re still using your phone to celebrate your likeness in front of a monument, your grandparents must be from China. Why not one up everyone and get your own selfie drone at www. lily.camera (available for pre-order at US$499)?

Nonlany Ungwiwatkul, 36, runs the Bangkok Bicycle Campaign, a Facebook page that aims to improve cyclist road safety and raise awareness about the dangers of drunk driving. Following the widely publicized deaths of three cyclists on May 3 in Chiang Mai, and in the wake of news that the Department of Land Transport wants to reintroduce 80-year-old legislation that requires cyclists to carry licenses, she staged a rally on May 15 at the Royal Thai Police Bureau attended by a dozen riders, calling for solutions. Here, she discusses what she sees as the root causes of road accidents involving Bangkok’s growing number of urban cyclists.

The Department of Land Transport has said it wants cyclists to register for licenses to use the road. Do you think this will solve anything?

Hot: Coffee corners

Not: Coffee shops

Homey-industrial coffee shop or expensive cult-label boutique? Seems the choice is too hard for Bangkok’s new wave of young business owners with a shop-house, a till and some air plants. So whether you’re at the new branch of Onion, designer-y concept store 2/7 Week (see page 14) or the relaunched Liberty Area One, you’ll find one corner devoted to the owners’ burgeoning latte art skills. Given how few people go in these places, they should have plenty of time to practice.

It’s totally irrelevant. Almost ridiculous, I would say. A driving license is not always a guarantee of safety.

We should not inconvenience the general public to accommodate the actions of drunk drivers. If that’s how Thailand deals with road safety, then pedestrians should have to register for licenses to use the sidewalk too. People use bicycles regularly all across the city. Introducing licenses would just create more problems and give crooked members of authority new ways to fine people.

What kind of change would you like to see happen?

Hot: Dad bods

Not: Six Packs

Thailand didn’t get the memo about dad bods yet: flip to page 13 for the six-pack themed Samed in Love party, or to page 38 for the Pomelo fashion party with “hot waterboys”. But if we’re to believe Leo DiCaprio’s belly, women like a little padding around the waist. Word of caution: the dad bod is meant to be a muscled physique wrapped in a bit of fat, meaning men can eat and drink more, but must still go to Crossfit. Damn it.

I would like to see initiatives that are more relevant to the cause of the problem: drunk drivers. How

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about bars and clubs close on time?

Why not allow hardcore clubbers to park their cars overnight and have shuttle buses to take them home?

One less drunk driver on the road makes a lot of difference.

Cyclist deaths are a huge talking point right now. Has the number of people riding bikes in the city risen dramatically?

Eight years ago, we had 5,000 members on our web board. Today we have 43,000 members on our Facebook page. There are a lot of cyclists in the city. You can find all kind of cyclist groups, from hipsters who leisurely ride their bikes to coffee shops to old-school grandmothers to fully-equipped adrenaline junkies. I believe there are plenty more cyclists who are not members of our page.

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How has cycling in Bangkok enhanced your everyday life?

It takes three buses to reach my office from my house. I discovered that cycling is a far more convenient way to get to work. It’s flexible. I don’t have to get up early and rush to work anymore.

How does your group support cyclists in Bangkok?

Cyclists are family. Social media has helped enrich our community like never before. When one of our members posts on Facebook that he has a flat tire, other cyclists nearby can contact him and offer help.

Interview by Sam Nathapong Follow Bangkok Bicycle Campaign at www. fb.com/BangkokBicycle

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THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID

by Kathy MacLeod kathymacleod.blogspot.com

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BK Magazine Friday, May 22, 2015

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upfront

One Year Later

It’s exactly one year since the coup of May 22, 2014. With curbs on press freedom and freedom of speech still in place, we speak to three journalists who’ve fallen victim to military intervention.

The Captive We spoke to one of the people called in by the military for attitude readjustment at an undisclosed military camp shortly after the May 22 coup last year.

This person chose to remain anonymous because of pressures from his employer.

How did you find out you were being called in?

The notification was very public.

It was notified on all broadcast channels. My name came out on TV and I actually found out through Twitter.

Phuketwan Journalists Shortly before the May 2014 coup, the Royal Thai Navy sued Phuketwan journalists Chutima Sidasathian, 33, and Alan Morison, 66, over an article which quoted Reuters’ 2014 Pulitzer Prize-winning feature about Thai authorities’ complicity in trafficking of people from Myanmar—a subject which Chutima and Morison have been reporting on firsthand for years.

The case remains unsettled, but was mentioned in 2014’s US State Department Trafficking in Persons report as part of a number of reasons why Thailand should be downgraded to Tier 3—the lowest level for human trafficking, alongside North Korea and Iran. Here, they discuss Thailand’s climate of media suppression.

What was your reaction to the news you were being pros- How has the case affected Phuketwan? ecuted for covering this story?

Alan: Since being sued, we’ve opted to be much more direct Alan: We were shocked to find that we were being sued for and outspoken on the issues that we see need to be fixed on something that Reuters had published. It’s very unusual for Phuket. That’s really our area of expertise. So, if anything, the an organization like the navy to sue anyone. If they have a criminal defamation suit has made us think about how we problem with the story they could first of all make a tele- go about reporting. We’re more inclined to say things that phone call to the editor involved, which in this case would we might have once been careful about saying. It’s kind of have been Reuters. Or they could have called messy but we think that, at the moment, there’s us and we would have said immediately, “Oh, still a chance of this being resolved by frank talk please tell us what you think is wrong and “The authorities with the Royal Thai Navy. we’ll run something that gives your side of create an Chutima: The authorities are trying to silence the the story.” That’s what would normally hapmedia and create an atmosphere of fear for journalatmosphere pen. Instead, the navy used this very dracoists. It’s unacceptable. The story we’re covering is a nian law—criminal defamation and the comof fear for global issue. If they shut us down it’s the equivalent puter crimes act—to prosecute us. We’re still journalists” of blindfolding the rest of the country. Human trafworking our way through the reasons why ficking is one of the worst possible crimes human the navy did this. And, even more imporbeings can commit against one another. tantly now, the reason why the navy is still following this mistaken course, dictated by one or two offi- Do you have a particular philosophy on reporting a story? cers. The Royal Thai Navy really should prove how big it is Alan: The nature of reporting has changed from the day when by changing course, and settling this matter before it brings the classic New York Times attitude of being fair to everybody Thailand’s name into disrepute in a more serious way. prevailed, to the point where there’s so many voices that it’s really up to the journalist to determine right from wrong.

Chutima: It’s totally unfair that we’re the only ones being sued. Up till now, Reuters doesn’t look like it will be a fellow Chutima: I think these days, it’s much more difficult for peoparty in the Royal Thai Navy’s lawsuit, despite publishing the ple to determine what’s right from a single article. Sorting out story—a story that won the Pulitzer Prize in 2014. Let’s look at the facts about any issue is a reporter’s task. You have to try how the world works for little guys like us: while Reuters won to cut to the truth. the Pulitzer, we’re facing a jail term of two years for crimiWhat changes would you like to see happen? nal defamation and five years for the computer crimes act.

Alan: Thailand, like all ASEAN countries, doesn’t interfere Alan: The problem is, these laws are being misused by peo- in Burma’s internal affairs, even when Thailand is directly ple with questionable motives, as in other cases of human affected by what’s happening inside Burma. The whole region rights activists and investigative journalists. It’s sad to see needs to get out of the concept of not interfering. People’s Thailand has these bad laws in place and does nothing to mindsets are changing for the better now. But it won’t be for get rid of them. The longer these laws are there, the more a little while before the Rohingya are treated the way they problems that will arise in terms of international perception. should be treated when they arrive in Thailand. Interview by Sam Nathapong

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two processes. But everyone had the polite company of army officers for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They were trying to win our hearts as well. Having said that, there were torture allegations.

They may have been very selective about the strategies. In the Deep South, things might have been different.

What went through your mind?

I shut off my mobile phone and thought about my options. In the hours after the coup, prior to Has your life changed since the the summons, I had had a meet- camp? ing with some NGO people, dis- The day after I was released, a cussing the safety of those who colonel called me up. He wasn’t hadn’t already fled the country. from the camp. He was effusively They feared we would be tried. polite. He asked if I could kindly So the first option was to flee, but stop tweeting. I replied, “Let’s go it would be naive to go through the Thai way. I’ll try to tweet less an airport; you’d have to cross a frequently and less ferociously.”

Eventually he relented land border. The and thanked me. I also second choice was “It could have to ask for permisto go into hiding sion to leave the counand fight the coup. have been try. They’ve been quite That’s what Sombat much worse accommodating. The [Boonngamanong] but should permission is granted did, although he verbally which means wa s eve n t u a l l y we really be that you have to take arrested. And the grateful for their word for it. But third choice was to that?” then you show up at face the military by immigration and the reporting to them. immigration officers I chose the third ask for written permission and you option. have to tell them that the NCPO What was it like in detention? doesn’t issue written permission.

I was detained for a week without Technically, you can be accused of charge. At the end, we all had to leaving the country without persign an agreement under duress mission. Then they call this miliwherein we supposedly promised tary officer, whose business card I to not partake in, aid or lead any carry on me, and it gets sorted out. anti-coup movements. If you do so, you accept that the military can What are your views on the freeze your assets and you can face country since May 22, 2014? years of imprisonment. Equally What we’ve had over the past important is the agreement that year was not the worst. It could you have to seek their permission have been nastier or more brutal. My feeling is that Thai military in order to travel abroad. dictatorship has evolved. They’ve What about day-to-day life in become more sophisticated. If the camp? you’re for the coup you will feel One of the first things that the very free today a year after the commander of the camp told coup, just as free as you would in us, in a very nice and very polite every democratic nation. However, tone, addressing us as elder brothif you’re anti coup, your basic rights ers, was, “Consider this as a vacato freedom of assembly have been tion.” There were nice fruits on the removed. It’s all become normalplates in our rooms. We could walk ized. You learn to accept that this around. We played football against is the limit. If you become used to them. It was a combination of hard it, you become a docile populaand soft power. You could either tion. Many people are wondering face prosecution, flee or deal with if the military will overstay. I’m not this whole thing. Not all of us were very optimistic. Yes, it could have treated identically. Some were been much worse but should lectured in Bangkok prior to the we really be grateful for that? camp. Others were interrogated. I Interview by Gregoire Glachant never went through either of those

BK Magazine Friday, May 22, 2015

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5/18/15 6:01 PM

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cover story

Creeps This May 27 marks seven years since the Labor Protection Act recognized sexual harassment as a distinct form of workplace misconduct. Here, we speak to the victims of sexual harassment in some of Thailand’s biggest businesses and uncover what exactly the law can do for anyone in their situation.

By Oliver Irvine, Monruedee Jansuttipan

ne night, I was working late and didn’t realize I was alone in the office with my boss. When I went to leave he walked towards me and hugged me from behind. I couldn’t fight him back. He’s six feet tall while I’m just 5-foot-2.”

This is Gift, 40, a client service director at a Bangkok advertising agency and just one of the 66 percent of women who, in our recent online survey, reported having been the subject of sexual jokes or unwanted sexual touching in a Bangkok workplace.

UN Women reports that, in the European Union, 75 percent of women in management and higher professions have experienced some form of sexual harassment at work. In Bangkok, well, not that much is known. In fact, only one case of workplace sexual harassment has ever made it to the Supreme Court. It involves a managing director who is alleged to have forced a female employee to have sex with him to advance her career.

The case is still ongoing.

What is known by those who work in Bangkok representing victims’ rights in sexual harassment cases is that the problem is endemic, and spans across all sexes.

“We see allegations arise two or three times a month,” says David Lawrence, a consultant at the law firm Tilleke & Gibbins, “but we rarely, if ever, litigate them. There is a common interest for all parties to handle it without the allegations going to court: the employer wants to keep it quiet; the employee who is harassed wants to keep it quiet; and the perpetrator wants to keep it quiet.”

What tends to happen then, according to Lawrence and his colleague, Sasirusm B. Chunhakasikarn, an attorney-at-law, is that cases get settled out of court, mediated between the company’s legal team and the perpetrator, so no court records can ever give a true estimation of the scale of sexual misconduct at work.

“O

“If a case is against someone on a senior level, the only way to raise this problem is to go to the court. If an employee goes to their human resources department, there is no guarantee as to what they can do for you.”

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Amazingly, the part of the Labor Protection Act that explicitly deals with sexual harassment—Section 16, which states: “It is prohibited for an employer, chief or staff, supervisor or inspector to sexually harass employees”—has also only existed since May 27, 2008.

What this Section makes clear, according to Lawrence, is that the harassment must be at the hands of a senior employee or employer towards their junior. Otherwise, cases of sexual harassment in work fall under the criminal code and its chapter “Offences Relating to Sexuality.”

As such, cases between two employees are a lot less tricky than when allegations are made against the highest level of management or an owner of a company. “From my experience, if a case is against someone on a senior level, like a managing director of a company, the only way to raise this problem is to go to the court,” says Sasirusm. “If an employee goes to their human resources department, there is no guarantee as to what they can do for them. However, if the case is against, say, a chief of staff or supervisor, HR is likely to be a lot more willing to help—they can use the wrongdoing as a reason to terminate that person’s employment contract.”

Nantaya, 26, a consultant working for one of Thailand’s top retail groups, suffered firsthand the difficulties of challenging senior management on sexual harassment claims, when she faced a string of unwanted sexual advances at the hands of a CEO for one of the group’s companies. During an evening out with the CEO, Nantaya says, he began to touch her inappropriately, and in the weeks that followed, “he kept texting and calling, and when I didn’t respond, he’d ask his secretary to call me to his office for a meeting. He would nag me into accepting his invitations and say that I ‘think too much.’ This happened every day for almost three weeks before I quit.”

Nantaya says that, at the time, she did not consider reporting the incidents to the company’s human resources department because the accusations were being leveled at her company’s CEO. “I’ve worked as head of HR. I know how the hierarchy works in Thai corporate offices. HR is under the CEO. But this was a family business, and this particular CEO is not part of the family. In fact, only one member of our team was in the family, though he was younger, only 28. I showed him

BK Magazine Friday, May 22, 2015

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cover story

screen shots of what had been going on and he went to his cousin who’s higher up still. The matter eventually went to the top CEO of [this retail group], who only called in his nephew to yell at him for reporting it. The one who was trying to do the right thing got yelled at.

I had left the company by this stage, and heard about it from one of my other team members.”

Cases of employees driven to quitting their jobs were not uncommon among the respondents we spoke to, with a high case of incidents in financial, legal and consultancy professions. “This is a serious issue that’s not taken seriously in Thai work environments,” says Nantaya. “I ended up being unemployed for four months for something that wasn’t my fault. I am very lucky that I had financial stability. So many people must have to tolerate this bullshit without getting up and leaving because they can’t support themselves.”

Beau, 27, a financial professional with a leading Thai finance firm, did not leave her job when she became the subject of unwanted sexual jokes and slurs, but points to a masculine culture that allows such behavior to take place within her working environment: “My workplace is literally a man’s world. In my industry women are treated with less priority. Our product compensation is less than men’s even when we are equally qualified. Most of my Thai male colleagues interpret my being comfortable working, competing and drinking after work with men as meaning that I’m ‘easy,’ so regularly they tell dirty jokes about me.”

After reporting the issue to the company’s human resources department, she says she received little support: “This is one of the leading companies in Thailand.

It’s conservative and male-dominated. When I reported it to human resources they were actually aware of the issue, but these people are lower ranking. Some of those guilty of the harassment appear in the press; they’re like celebrities in the finance industry. I think the HR person calculated the risk and return for taking it further and in the end ignored my case. It’s not worth making these people upset.”

When, within the same company, the roles were reversed and junior employees were considered to be harassing their seniors, the response was very different, says Beau. “A couple of years ago some female colleagues reported to HR the case of messenger staff cat calling. In that case, HR’s response was quick and it was dealt with immediately. The harassers were low ranking and so HR took responsibility—some of the messengers were suspended from work, some were fired.”

Somchai Charoen-Umnuaisuke, the director general

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“I ended up being unemployed for four months for something that wasn’t my fault. So many people must have to tolerate this bullshit without getting up and leaving.” for the Office of Women’s Affairs and Family Development, the governmental department which sets policies, collects data and implements workplace training scehemes on sexual equality, highlights another difficulty for those who try and report cases of sexual harassment. “In reality, many cases are hard to manage,” he says. “Harassment isn’t like assault. It doesn’t have evidence or even witnesses, so you can’t use criminal law. The big problem in Thailand is about personal perception. Many offenders don’t even know that what they’re doing is sexual harassment, especially when it’s verbal.”

Somchai’s department deals mainly with cases arising within the civil sector, where victims can turn to the Office of the Civil Service Commission with their complaints. He says that, in cases “when someone feels uncomfortable or as though they are being harassed, government departments will set up a committee to handle the case.” He does not go into detail about the outcomes of any of these committees.

So is Thailand exceptional compared to the rest of the world when it comes to not acting on sexual harassment claims? According to David Lawrence, who was licensed and practiced law in the US, there are big differences, principally in the kinds of settlements that are reached. “When I look at Thai cases versus Western cases—civil cases, generally—we [the U.S.] have the jury system, so awards for damages can be in the millions of dollars. We don’t have much data [for Thailand] yet—again, this is a new piece of legislation—but we can guess [that Thai financial settlements] are minimal, like B50,000-100,000. So if you sue in a civil court for damages, that would be a similar amount.”

He also points to the differences in internal company policies on sexual harassment. “For our firm, we generally represent multi-national firms doing business. Typically representing employers against a perpetrator or alleged perpetrator. So when we see sexual harassment cases, it’s because the company we represent has an HR policy that takes action against sexual harassment. Corporate culture is stronger than the local culture.”

Clearly, there is a lot still to be done. Nantaya was left out of work for four months thanks to her experiences, and lost the opportunity to enter a career in retail. “I felt lost and trapped and it wasn’t my fault,” she says. “While I was going through this experience, I was desperate to do something about it but felt like I couldn’t tell anyone. I tried to turn a blind eye but I shouldn’t have to—that mindset was wrong. I want to get my story out there so people who are going through this have a resource to turn to.”

All names of respondents to our sexual harassment survey have been changed.

Essentials Tilleke & Gibbins Supalai Grand Tower, 26th Floor, 1011 Rama 3 Road, 02 653 5555. www.tilleke.com Office of Women’s Affairs and Family Development 255 Rajvitee Road, 02-306-8763 ext.

67/80. www.gender.go.th Office of the Civil Service Commission 47/111 Tiwanon Road, 02-547-1000. www.ocsc.go.th

BK Magazine Friday, May 22, 2015

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escapes ESCAPE ROUTES

By Pinnyada Tanitnon and Carl Dixon

KOH SAMED

No Dad Bods Samed in Love (www.fb.com/samedinlove) music fesival returns for the sixth year this Jun 6 under the theme “six-pack please.” Hosted on Haad Sai Kaew beach, the festival will feature well-loved local artists such as Paradox, Potato and Boom Boom Cash on it’s main stage, while the Monkey Magic DJ Team will oversee the foam party. After dancing the night away, we suggest curing your late-night consequences with a breakfast and fresh coffee (or a morning cocktail) at the island’s Antique Cafe (www.fb.com/antiquecafesamed). Tickets are running out fast, so get yours now for B1,200 at goo.gl/GqNi2r.

PATTAYA

Kandy Crush Specializing in small plates of avant-garde European food, Kandy (304/64 Chateau Dale Plaza, Thappraya Road, Pattaya, www.kandypattaya.com) is a welcome addition to Pattaya’s nightlife scene. Amid a contemporary setting, the restaurant serves dishes from all over the world. Try the tuna tartare (fresh tuna with capers, cucumbers and exotic spices served with passion fruit foam) and the Karoga Chicken (bite-size chicken pieces marinated in East Asian spices). Another highlight are the innovative cocktails served on a rolling bar that comes right to your table.

KANCHANABURI

Alt Escape

Situated right beside the massive Sri Nakarin Lake, Kanchanaburi Lakeside Retreat (082-215-9905, www.kanchanaburilakesideretreat.com) aims to offer an alternative weekend escape for Bangkokians burned out on city life. Launching Jun 5, the retreat offers three types of packages—The Weekend Escape, The Business-Bonding Escape and Your Private Escape—all inclusive of transport from Bangkok and back, daily yoga and meditation classes, healthy meals and unlimited use of jet-skis, dirt-bikes and quad-bikes. The two-night Weekend Escape starts at B9,000 for one person, B16,000 for two people sharing a room and B21,000 for three people sharing a room. They’re currently taking bookings for Jun 5, Jun 19, Jul 3 and dates through the end of August.

In addition, return customers get 20-percent off their next visit.

MALDIVES

75 Reasons The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi (www.thesunsiyam.com/irufushi) has just introduced 75 brand new beachfront and over-the-water lagoon villas.

The villas all come equipped with private pools, oversized bathrooms with rain showers and outdoor spa areas, openstyle bedrooms, outdoor daybeds, 32-inch TVs and Bose home theater sound systems. The resort itself boasts topnotch communal amenities such as a five-star PADI dive facility, multiple pools, a spa, sports courts and a watersports center. As for drinking and dining, there are 14 bars and restaurants on-site. Rates start at approximately B32,700 a night.

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

BK Magazine Friday, May 22, 2015

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HOME

Something for the Weekend Founded by Teema “Min” Muekthong, a full-time lecturer at King Mongkut University of Technology Thonburi’s School of Architecture and Design, 2/7 Twice a Week is a new concept store for Thai designer items. Min has collaborated with the team from the old Fotoguffy Polaroid shop, which used to occupy the same space, to offer them a wall dedicated to Polaroid products, while on the other side of the store is a cafe. 2/7 focuses on brands that don’t have their own shop yet, like Ease Embroidery wall decor, A Pale Petal tote bags, Sattawat furniture and Pana Objects home decor. The cafe offers hot drip (B58) and cold brew (B88) coffee. Note the shop is normally only open on weekends, but sometimes opens during the week too, so do check their Facebook page. 208 Soi Chula 50, Rama 4 Rd. 087-507-1997. www.fb.com/27twiceaweek

GROOMING

FASHION

FASHION

Volcano Effect

Pocket Pimp

Danish Denim

The Brooklyn-based pomade brand Tough & Tumble has arrived in town, offering two different styles of its signature Lava Pomade (both B650): Original Matte for medium hold and a natural finish; and Solid & Shine for strong hold and a glossy finish.

The brand claims to be the world’s first pomade company which uses volcanic clay, said to contain hair-enriching properties and to produce a longer-lasting shine. Purchase products in store at Onion on Ekkamai Soi 12 or online with a free shipping option via brand’s Facebook page (www.fb.com/toughandtumble) and website (www.toughandtumble.com).

Preedakorn “Bank” Metkriengchai, formerly part of the design team at longstanding Thai designer brand Greyhound, and his friends have launched a new men’s accessories line called Rams.

Taking a narrow approach to menswear, it offers only simple items like pocket squares, lapel pins, cuff-links and bow-ties. The brand’s specialty is fabric-flower lapel pins, which are made in fabrics to match the collection of pocket squares. Its first store is now open at the tiny but hip community of shops at Black Amber Thonglor Social Club. 160/17 Thonglor Soi 6, 097-952-2651. www.fb.com/ RAMShandcrafted

The favorite brand of DJ Hardwell, and ranked as one of the Top Five Brands at Germany’s Bread & Butter trade fair in 2013, Napp Jeans has now arrived in Bangkok. The Danish label offers more than 20 premium leather jackets as well as denim for men, and soon plans to bring out a line of womenswear. The College Leather Jacket-Denim (B12,900) stands out with its bold and contemporary mishmash between denim and leather, while the College Leather Jacket-Cognac (B13,800) has a Nordic-vintage touch that matches perfectly with the Slimmy Jimmie-Red Button jeans (B5,700). Also check out the Pax O-neck casual fitted tees (B1,350). 2/F, Siam Square One, Rama 1 Rd., 02-000-6888. Open daily 10am-10pm. BTS Siam. www.nappjeans-th.com

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BK Magazine Friday, May 22, 2015

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Baberford

BARBERS

A Cut Above

Old-school gentleman’s barbers have taken over Bangkok, putting a new slant on traditional men’s cuts. From places that feel like an exclusive gentlemen’s club to cool young street barbers, here’s where to get your retro ’do. By BK Editorial

Three Brothers Barber Shop

Blue Harbour

Barberford

Owned by veteran architect and A49 design studio founder Nithi Stapitanonda, Blue Harbour was perhaps the first standalone men’s grooming venue to put the focus on classic treatments in an equally classy environment. Aside from the meticulous shop design with private cut and shave rooms, the real draw is barber Sawas Saard, who claims to have more than 45 years’ experience in men’s cuts. Perfect whether you want a classic shave with a straight razor or a modern pompadour. Shampoo and cut starts from B1,000, shave from B450.

For all the British-at-heart dandies out there, here’s one more place where you can get a modern take on traditional men’s haircuts. Styled with wood paneling, brass fittings and chocolate leather, Barberford provides each of its customers with a private room furnished with a custom-made barber chair designed to be bigger and more comfortable than usual. All of the barbers have over 10 years’ experience, and offer Korean and Japanese styles alongside vintage European and American cuts. Prices start from B1,100 for wash, cut and set.

Grooming products come from JS Sloane and Kiehl’s.

2/F, K-Village, Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-661-2901/2. Open daily from 10am-9pm. BTS Phrom Phong

David No. 5 Good Old Days Barber

The retro-styled David No. 5 on Soi Thaniya is the new spot for street barber Yothin “Yo“ Kulsamrong. It opens during the unusual hours of 5pm-4am and any rockabilly style will set you back B200: no shampoo; just cut, razor, set and dry. Yo can design your look or you can choose from the shop’s picture menu of classic cuts. Reservations are recommended as there are only two seats and two barbers.

David No. 5, Soi Thaniya, Silom Rd., 093-001-2371. Open daily 5pm-4am. BTS Sala Daeng

Good Old Days Barber The trend has even spread across the river to Pinklao.

Good Old Days Barber is run by Prasert “Sert” Techamaneevat, who has two years’ experience in the pomade import business. His retro-style haircut service is B350 and includes shampoo, cut and styling, while shaving costs B300. Sert and his barbers specialize in the “executive contour” style (think George Clooney’s red carpet look). They also stock pomade from Layrite (B690), Murray’s (B300) and Dax (B520), alongside the local brand Pomade Thai. Closed on the last Monday of every month.

Black Amber Barber Shop & Tattoo

Opposite Pata Pinklao, Somdet Phra Pin Klao Soi 19, 02-4088464. Open Mon-Fri 10am-9pm; Sat-Sun 9am-9pm

Three Brothers Barber Shop Three Brothers stands out for its raw and rustic atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re dropping by a retro Thai barber. The experienced hairdressers offer up equally classic cuts with a focus on 1950s-style quaffs and undercuts—think Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and James Dean.

A shampoo and cut starts at B450. The shop also sells imported men’s pomade Suavecito, Layrite and Murray’s.

David No.5

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Truefitt & Hill

Metro Mall Room 34, MRT Chatuchak Exit 1. 080-970-0216.

Open daily 11am–9pm

4/F, Erawan Bangkok, 494 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-251-0422. Open daily 11am-8pm. BTS Chidlom. www.fb.com/barberford. bangkok

Black Amber Barber Shop & Tattoo Run by the guy behind the Circus Bangkok absinthe bar, Chavin “Kwan” Nantaterm, Black Amber integrates the idea of a gentlemen’s club into its setting, with complimentary single-malt whiskey offered to those getting their hair cut and the option to smoke cigars inside. Cut and shampoo costs B700 (B300 for kids), while a hot towel shave will cost you B500. There’s great attention to detail, with each cut taking up to 45 minutes, and a range of big brand pomades available to purchase like JS Sloane, Trix O’ Treat and Murray’s.

Black Amber Building, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), between sois 5 and 7, 081-869-9393. Open Tue-Sun from 1pm-9pm. BTS Thong Lo

Truefitt & Hill The city’s first branch of England’s oldest barbershop at Central Embassy has recently been joined by a follow-up at Emporium. Both offer old-school services in a fittingly handsome setting. A shampoo and finish (20 minutes) starts from B550 while a Royal Hair Cut is B1,100 (45 minutes) and includes shampoo, cut and styling. A traditional hot towel face shave and head shave is B1,000 for 30 minutes while facial hair wax jobs start at B300.

Manicure (B550/30 mins) and pedicure (B1,100/60 mins) are available, too, as are men’s grooming products and tools. Do note, you need to make a reservation at least three days in advance.

4/F, Central Embassy, 1031 Ploen Chit Rd. 02-160-5755. Open daily 10am-10pm BTS Phloen Chit 2/F, The Emporium, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-259-9159. Open daily 10am-10pm. BTS Phrom Phong

BK ASKS

Yothin “Yo” Kulsamrong, 34, barber at David No. 5 Are retro barbershops just another come-and-go trend?

Barbershops have never just been places where people go and have their hair cut.

They’re places for conversation. Trends change but I have been following the derivative styles of haircut a long time. I always try to catch up with the trends for every age-range, from teenagers to middle-aged men.

What makes a great haircut?

A perfect haircut is a combination of facial structure and hair type. It requires experience to become a good barber. For me, I want to ensure the customer receives my personal service from the moment they set foot in my barbershop. It’s something every barber should adopt as a skill. For one customer I spend approximately 40-50 minutes. I always encourage my customers to try something new. You have to dare to change your hairstyle—I sometimes tell my customers that.

BK Magazine Friday, May 22, 2015

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Capture The Night What can be better than spending a low-key Sunday night before starting a new working week? One of the few cozy-yet-stylish settings you can spend an evening sipping coffee, shopping, dining and drinking is the always-hip Ekamai Shopping Mall—your Sunday night has never been this bright.

5pm: Coffee Time

Auto Mode

Selective Focus Mode

6pm: Shopping Time

As it’s Sunday, you probably don’t want to rush things too much. Start your day out around 5pm with a good book and an even better cup of coffee. Visit (Un) Fashion Cafe, located right at the front of Ekamai Shopping Mall (02-726-9592. Open Tue-Sun noon-8:30pm).

With its bare red bricks, vintage wares and asymmetrical structure, this cafe is pure Instagram material. Thankfully you can also get a good snack like the honey waffle with fresh fruit (B185) to go with your macha latte (B180). For another coffee choice, head up to the second floor of Ekamai Mall for Petite Cafe (2/F, 089-55-1244. Open Tue-Sun 11am-10pm), a tiny counter hidden at the back of the Liberty Area One (02-381-5922.

Open Tue-Sun 10am-10pm) fashion boutique which uses beans from Ceresia Roasters.

After an hour or two sipping and reading, you can swing by the (Un) Fashion cafe’s vintage shop located right next door for a nice bag or a pair of leather shoes. (Un) Fashion Vintage Shop (02-726-9592. Open daily noon-9pm) offers a lot of items imported from Italy, some which date back to the 1970s or even before. The best thing is, the prices won’t give you a heart attack, with items ranging from B380-5,000. For more shopping, check out the new record store, The Reco Room (085-322-5403), located just a few steps away. The focus here is on funk and jazz vinyl including plenty of Miles Davis, Marvin Gaye and Gil Scott-Heron plus reissues of alternative Thai acts like Silly Fools and the brand new Cindy Sui album.

Photo tips: Don’t fret about low light. The Samsung Galaxy S6’s rear camera has an f/1.9 aperture which allows you to get a bright and clear picture even in the low light. If you want to capture the whole scene, a top-view table shot is a must.

Photo tips: The Samsung Galaxy S6's ‘Selective Focus’ function allows you to focus on your chosen item and blur out the background, just like a DSLR.

MORE SAMSUNG GALAXY S6 FUNCTIONS, MORE FUN!

8pm: Dinner Time

Food Shot Mode

Bangkok foodies can’t get enough of gourmet burgers, and Burger Factory (02-7144249. Open Sun-Thu 11:30am-11pm; Fri-Sat 11:30am-midnight) was one of the first proper joints on the scene. Try the signature bacon and cheese Factory Burger (made with Australian beef, B300) along with some greens like smoked salmon salad (B250). Looking for a healthier option? Head over to Ebisu Sushi (087-719-1888. Open daily 5pm-11pm; Sat-Sun noon-3pm), which serves fish fresh from Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market and beef from Hokkaido and Kagoshima. It also launched a new menu earlier this month.

Photo tips: It’s not always true that you need natural light to get a nice food shot. Samsung Galaxy S6’s ‘Professional Camera’ mode lets you adjust the temperature, white balance and more on-screen before you snap your shot.

10pm: Drinking Time

Pro Camera Mode

OK, you want a drink after your meal but can’t go too hard as it’s Sunday night after all. Hop to Castle Bar (Open Tue-Sun 11am-midnight) for a pint of Carlsberg, Paulaner Hefe-Weizen, Guinness or Kilkenny (B175-240). Or head straight for the fridge to check out new craft bottles from Rogue, Brew Dog and, the latest, Japanese Baird Beer. While you can be assured of the weekend’s EPL matches playing on the big screen, you might prefer some music. If retro jazz, old-school r 'n b and funk is your thing, drop by the classic Happy Monday (02-714-3953. Open Mon-Sat 7pm-midnight) for a bottle of Singha. Or if you’d prefer Thai-international hits head up to the rooftop floor for Baan Puen (061824-1747. Open daily 6pm-2am) where the owner often has his artist friends from Tigger Twins performing on stage.

Photos tips: If you want to capture the cozy atmosphere inside the bar to make your friends jealous, the Samsung Galaxy S6’s Real Time HDR compliments the f/1.9 focus to ensure even better scenes in low light.

brought to you by Samsung Galaxy S6

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Not only the mentioned function, Samsung Galaxy S6 comes with Quick Launch feature that lets you use your camera within 0.7 seconds just by double tapping the home button. The life-saving IR White Balance helps you automatically adjust the resolution for both photo and video plus the Image Stabilization prevents your photos or video from being blurry even in low light.

Now with Samsung Galaxy S6, you don’t have to worry about shooting after dark anymore.

BK Magazine Friday, May 22, 2015

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Market Finds

20 vintage discoveries for the nostalgic at heart from Siam Gypsy Junction.

By Natchaya Angsatitanan and Arisa Wiwatsomwong

Radio-equipped classic 7-inch vinyl player, B2,300

Vintage Kickapoo’s 1978 calendar metal sign, B5,000

1940s 8-inch Marelli fan imported from Milan, B17,800

Custom freehand painted helmet, B2,500

1960s UK thermos flask, B600

1886 Swiss glass clock, B8,000

Limited-edition chromium-coated low rider, B18,500

1970s camouflage jeans from Mexico, B1,200

Made-in-Holland leather jacket, B5,500

Retro TV, B5,500

Mickey Mouse clock, B1,200

Torch-equipped US-model wireless radio, B200

Hello Kitty filter-equipped film camera, B450

40-year-old Swedish toaster, B1,000

Mason jar, B49

Nostalgic Thai kiddy snacks, B4 per single pack

Wilshire sunglasses, B150

Swedish Wooden AGA tube radio, B3,800

Yashica 635 camera with a matching bag, B7,500

Vintage bellows camera, B4,500

Siam Gypsy Junction, 95/20 Bangkok-Nonthaburi Rd., Wong Sawang. Open Wed-Sun 6pm-1am

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BK MAGAZINE Friday, May 22, 2015

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bites & blends

RESTAURANT

Eat It The team behind Minibar, Supanniga and EAT (Eat All Thai) tackle street-style staples with their latest venture. At EAT Rice & Noodles, you’ll find single-dish rice and noodle options. Basically, they let you mix and match carbs and protein and tell them how you want your dish cooked. Dishes are priced according to their main ingredient: veggies (B125), chicken (B135), beef (B195) and seafood (B345). Otherwise, take the easy option and order from the picture menu, which comprises the likes of Thai-French beef in oyster sauce and mushrooms (B195) and “premium seafood” with curry (B350). B/F, The Glass Quartier, Emquartier, 689 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-261-0428. Open daily 10am-10pm. BTS Phrom Phong

RESTAURANT

DINNER

CAFE

French Flair

Team Play

Cheese Dreams

There’s a new casual French restaurant-and-bar in swinging Sathorn Soi 10, run by three guys with previous experience working at restaurants and bars in Paris. Marcel is a two-story establishment, the ground floor of which is a bar and the second floor a restaurant. At the bar, you can order tapas like pork terrine (B200), beef balls (B180) and camembert cromesqui (B190), along with beers (B100-140), cocktails (B280) and spirits (B80/shot). For a proper dinner, head to the second floor where the open kitchen rolls out dishes like pork belly with red cabbage and green apple (B430), and fish of the day served with veggies (B480). Sathorn Soi 10, 02-635-3533. Open Tue-Sat 6pm-1am

From May 27-29, Italian chefs Dario Busnelli of Radisson Blu’s Attico and Alessandro Frau of Acqua in Phuket together host the special event 4 Hands at Attico. On these days, Busnelli and Frau present a special degustation menu that combines Tuscan and Sardinian influences. Dishes include buffalo burrata cheese, a seasonal vegetable casserole, roasted pine nuts with anchovies and basil oil, artichoke heart and fresh stracciatella cheese agnolotti served with roasted lamb loin and jus, and wood-fired roasted suckling pig, saffron and violette potatoes and broad beans. On May 27-28, the dinner is B2,500/person while on May 29 it’s B3,000 with Frescobaldi wines. 28/F, Radisson Blu, 489 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-302-3333

Having made appearances at foodie events across town, grilled cheese-specialist Holy Cheese has now found a permanent home at Rod Fai Market 2. Their doorstep-sized savory melt sandwiches are available in flavors including roast beef teriyaki (B165), barbecue pulled pork (B150), kimchi (B145) and triple cheese (B140).

All are made using bread they bake themselves and served with a Belgian-style spicy sauce. They also offer sweet sandwich options like Mello Tella (Burnost cheese, dulce de leche nutella and marshmallow, B105). Container zone, Rod Fai Market 2, 1390/75 Ratchadapisek Rd. Open Wed-Sun 5pm-late. MRT Thailand Cultural Centre. www.fb.com/holycheesebkk

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Chatuchak Treasures The area around the famous weekend market is fast emerging as one of the most livable neighborhoods in Bangkok thanks to its mix of young designers, crafty cafes and vast parks.

Young Design Talents of JJ

opping of actables, od for a e is not

ce and to their

Hangouts and Cafes

1 10Thirty Cafe Not only is it the newest kid on the block but 10Thirty is one of the first cafes on Phahonyothin to operate 24 hours. The cafe is set in a lofty, industrial-chic space with lots of raw cement, red bricks and black steel, promising a friendly environment for relaxing and co-working. Not a fan of coffee? Just go order fruity smoothies from those cute baristas.

Phahonyothin Rd., opposite Major Cineplex Ratchayothin, 02-939-4467. www.facebook. com/10thirtycafe 2 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.

P9, Phahonyothin Soi 9, 089-563-6542.

Open Mon-Thu 10:30am-10:30pm, Fri-Sun 10:30am-midnight.

3 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

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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.

Chatuchak Weekend Market, Section 3, Soi 3. Open Sat-Sun 10am-6pm.

4 Treat Cafe and Hangout Hang out in the Kinfolk-worthy garden or rustic Scandinavian dining room. With the two owners’ vast knowledge of coffee and talented cooking skill, you can rest assured you'll have a perfectly chill and delicious afternoon.

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

5 Tokyobike Named after the famous bicycle brand from Japan, Tokyobike chose Bangkok’s cyclist neighborhood to open their first flagship store in Thailand. The brand claims to “value comfort over speed”, so slow-life enthusiasts are welcome to select your new buddy from a wide range of Japanese-quality bikes with different lovely colors.

Tokyobike, 20, Soi Ari 2, Phahonyothin Soi 7, Samsen Nai, Phaya Thai, Bangkok, 02-1171016. Open Tue-Sun 11am-8pm.

6 PH1b Coffee Bar This homey coffee bar also specializes in creative menu like white choc rum latte and

9 Does Mondays Have an Apostrophe Before the S? This charmingly named shop is a haven for tote and tee lovers. The shop’s signature items are a variety of round collar shirts, to which Does Mondays wittily adds small embroidery for a look that’s simple yet really cute.

Chatuchak Weekend Market, no. 232, soi 45/1, section 3. Open Sat-Sun noon6:30pm

white choc mocha, which you can have with a wide selection of their hard-to-resist snacks and dessert, including heavy carrot cake, orange french toast, croissant benedicts. The cafe’s classic wooden decor ensures locals come here often to pop open their laptop and enjoy a solid cup of Joe in relaxing atmosphere.

Soi Phaholyothin 11, 088-222-6700. Open Wed-Mon 9am-9pm.

7 Salt Smoke This microscopic burger bar has all the airs of a pop-up (it's in a parking lot and rendered in raw cement) but is here to stay. If that sounds too rough, know that plenty of charming details, from potted palm trees to crates of fresh produce, lend the space oodles of hipster bistro charm. The WTF burger combines foie gras, bacon, a wagyu beef patty and cheese. The brioche bun is homemade, making it a surprisingly gourmet treat, as are the beef patties and the sauce.

Piyawan Bldg., Ari Soi 1. Open Mon-Sat 6pmmidnight 8 Fab Cafe Takes the form of a co-working space with product design facilities. The cafe offers 3D printing and 2D laser cutting machines along with instructors to help you out. The cafe also hosts workshops.

77/1 Ari Soi 1, Bangkok, 083-619-9983. Open Tue-Sun 10am-8pm

10 TA.THA.TA Here is another leather specialist. TA.THA. TA hand-crafts each of its products from top quality leather, and stresses that the beauty of leatherwork comes from using it daily. Products include bags, watches, belts, camera straps and key rings.

Chatuchak Weekend Market, no.012, Soi 47/1, Section 4. Open Sat-Sun 10:30am6pm 11 Thammada Studio If bare hands make you feel naked, give this inspiring jewelry shop a visit. In contrast to its name, Thammada ("ordinary"), you’ll find their brass works extraordinarily appealing. The settings range from alphabet plated to stones to specially designed shapes—all have quirky appeal. For more details, check out their Instagram @thammada_design.

Chatuchak Weekend Market, no.291, section 2. Open Sat-Sun 11am-7pm 12 The Sleeveless Garden The 3 architect-school graduates who have turned fashion designers have put all their love for good-quality leather and their design skill to create genuine leather products, using 2 designing methods: follow and oppose. Bags from this shop only use self-structured leather in order to unnecessary supporters, and the results are smart-looking authentic leather goods.​ Chatuchak Weekend Market, no. 018, section 4, soi 47/1, 081-456-0315. www. thesleevelessgarden.com

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Street Feasts

13 Sri Lueng Pochana (in Soi Rong Nung Kao) One of the most talked about Saphankwai restaurants on social media, Sri Lueng Pochana’s claim to fame is its succulent khao mun kai (chicken rice).

14 Sanan (BTS Saphankwai, Phahonyothin Rd., near a bridge crossing to Chatuchak Market) This long-running place is best known for its khao tom pla (rice and fish in hot, clear soup) and fresh seafood offerings.

15 Abu Ibrohim (Soi Praditpat 14)

Perhaps the only restaurant in the area that offers serious halal food, Abu Ibrohim is tucked behind a discreet wooden facade where loyal customers flock for the famed goat curry.

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Where to make your Playgrounds for house a home Art Enthusiasts

16 Little Space by Dao For those not satisfied with the normal market finds, this studio will make your own designs. Little Space by Dao offers made-to-order wooden furniture like tables, chairs and cabinets starting from B15,000. There are also some ready-made items. #041, Zone MRT Khamphengphet Exit 1, 089494-0576. Open daily 9am-9pm

19 Chatuchak Weekend Market “Art Zone” JJ Market is vast, but art lovers know where to go: Section 7. At this remote section at the far-right corner of the bazaar, young and veteran artists gather to display everything from old paintings to watercolors, etchings, charcoals and sculptures.

Prices vary depending on your bargaining skills.

Phahonyothin and Kamphaeng Phet Rd. Open Sat-Sun, 10am-7pm

17 Big Tree Antiques Here’s where stylish bars and restaurants get their furnishings. Specializing in rare antique items, Big Tree Antiques offers various goods ranging from vinyl records to postboxes, glassware, even full-sized superhero models (starting from B18,000) and much more.

Zone MRT Khamphengphet Exit 1, 085-3349559. Open Mon-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat-Sun 10am9pm. www.facebook.com/BigTreeAntiques

20 Numthong Gallery This is the new location for one of Bangkok’s best-known dealers, Numthong Sae Tang. With years of experience in the art business, he curates masterpieces from both established and emerging Thai and international artists, including Montien Boonma, Chatchai Puipia, Vasan Sitthiket, Kamin Lertchaiprasert and Michael Shaowanasai.

Ari Soi 5, Phahonyothin Soi 7, 02-617-2794. Open Mon-Sat 11am-6pm. www.gallerynumthong. com

18 Yarnnakarn This home decor shop stands out from others for its contemporary ceramic goods crafted by talented artists with diverse skills in production who gather to create a great work of imagination and skills. Products include a series of knobs and hooks in small garden-animal shapes, animal trophy urns, nostalgic paper pots, etc. #029-027, Zone MRT Khamphengphet Exit 1,099-152-4635.

Open Tue-Fri 11am-6pm, Sat-Sun 11am-7pm. www.fb.com/yarnnakarn

22 Yoga Buddhadasa Indapanno Archives (aka Suan Mokkh) is in collaboration with Thai Yoga Institute (Folk Doctor Foundation) to organize free yoga lessons. Classes are held in Suan Mokkh, which is located at the entrance of Rodfai Park, on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 5-6:30pm and the fourth Saturday of each month from 10am-noon.

Yoga mats are provided. For more information, contact 02-732-2016-17.

23 Vachirabenjatas Sport Centre Here, you’ll find plenty of activities on offer. With an annual fee of only B40, you can gain access to the sport center’s full facilities, including swimming pool, outdoor courts for football, basketball, petanque and more. Registration hours are 10am-4pm. Bring a copy of your ID card and a medical certificate. For more information, contact 02-272-4844. You can use most of the facilities for free but there are some exceptions.

• Swimming: B15 per 1:30hr. Open Tue-Sun 9am-8pm.

• Tennis: B35 per hour. Court reservation can be made from 10am daily.

• Gym Free of charge. Open Tue-Sun 9am8pm.

24 Running or Cycling in the Parks The Chatuchak area is a runner's paradise with not one but three amazing parks to choose from. It's home to all the best runs, like the yearly TMB Park Run. Runners enjoy the convenient access--two MRT stations and one BTS--and the great food in the neighoborhood to refuel after an epic run. If you do all three parks--Chatuchak, Suan Rot Fai and Queen Sirikit--that's a full 10K!

21 Sala Sudasiri Sobha Founded by Nat Yontararak, an award-winning classical pianist, composer and teacher, this is the city’s most intimate concert hall. The venue, tucked down a dead-end lane, offers a quiet location and a classic architecture to enjoy the masters in style. 158/20 Ladprao 41 Yaek 7-2 Chatuchak, 02-541-8662, 80-407-8231. www. salasudasirisobha.com

5/15/15 7:53 PM

ADVERTORIAL

Return to Real Tea

1. Know your terroir

2. It’s all in the leaves

Teas, just like wine, are highly dependent on the soil and climate they grow in. That’s why different regions produce different teas that are uniquely different from one another in terms of flavour, aroma and mouth feel.

Formerly known as Ceylon by the British, the world’s best teas are grown in Sri Lanka. There are three main tea growing regions—mid, low and high—depending on their altitude. Low grown teas portray a powerful malt flavour, dark tones and heavy notes. High grown teas can be extraordinarily light, with honey tones and grassy aromas.

The process of making tea—hand plucking, rolling, fermenting and baking—has been perfected over centuries. But in recent decades, the CTC method (crush, twist and curl), has been used by many companies because it produces a homogenous flavour and a lot of colour when used in tea bags. Sadly, it also robs the tea of much of its subtleties, local character, body and antioxidant properties. Therefore, look for teas (like Dilmah Real Tea) that make tea in the more ancient “orthodox” artisanal method that preserves the uniqueness, the body and character of tea.

3. Brew it like a pro

4. Perfect pairings

5. Keep it natural

Use good water. If your tap water is bad, get bottled water. Don’t re-boil your water. By doing so, you are changing the amount of dissolved gases in the water and giving it a slightly metallic taste. Pour about 200250ml of hot water for one tea bag—that’s about the size of a regular cup. For black tea, pour boiling water on the tea and let it brew for 3-5 minutes. For green tea, boil the water and let it cool to about 85-90°C first, and brew it for only 2 minutes. Don’t exceed 3 minutes or the green tea will get bitter.

Tea’s natural tannins make it a wonderful companion for food. And we don’t just mean as a drink. Incorporated into recipes, tea can add a layer of complexity and depth, while balancing other flavour notes. Last year, the Shangri-La won Dilmah’s Real High Tea Challenge (see below) with bold recipes such as the Phuket Mud Crab and Nori Sandwich on Squid Ink and Poppy Seed Bread paired with “Extra Special Twist” Sencha Green Extra Special. Delicious!

Strong black teas (like the Dilmah Brilliant Breakfast) can be served with milk and sugar. But most other teas are best served straight: green teas (Sencha, Jasmine Green Tea), infusions (Chamomile) and flavoured Black teas (Rose with French Vanilla and Earl Grey) must be served without milk or sugar in order for their subtle flavour notes to shine through. So take it easy on the enhancements. You want to be able to enjoy the full flavour of a great tea.

5 tips to enjoy Sri Lanka’s national drink at it best

Join The Dilmah Real High Tea Global Challenge 2015!

In partnership with some of the world’s very best hospitality venues and restaurants, Dilmah launched the Dilmah Real High Tea Challenge back in 2007. Judged by a panel of experts, celebrated chefs from all around the world will compete to create the most innovative and flavourful pairings and tea-inspired dishes revolving around real tea. The Dilmah Real High Tea Challenge for Cafes and Restaurants involves some of the most celebrated venues in Bangkok, ushering in our 21st century afternoon tea revolution and demonstrating high tea is a culinary experience that goes well beyond cucumber sandwiches. The competition also aims to strengthen tea appreciation all over the world. In fact, the winner of the Dilmah Real High Tea Challenge for Cafes and Restaurants will be invited to Sri Lanka to deepen their knowledge of tea in its most reputable growing region. Visit these participating venues, join our movement for better tea and discover the winner of the Dilmah Real High Tea Challenge.

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5/15/2558 BE 6:46 PM

blends WINE

Feeling Gruvee

With flavors that match perfectly with Thai salads, Austria’s more costly Gruner Veltliner makes a good case for switching from Bangkok’s ubiquitous Kiwi sauvignon blancs.

By Kim Wachtveitl

G

runer Veltliner, also known by its exported name, Gruvee (pronounced groo-vy), is one of Austria’s biggest export wine hits. Austria enjoys a continental climate with very cold winters and warm summers. This provides each of its regions with unique geological and climatic elements, and as a result creates a broad range of regional styles from one single very characteristic grape. The simple daily wines made with Gruvee are capable of showing personality not unlike good sauvignon blancs; the mid-level, minerally wines have fine acidity and depth of flavors, and are texturally comparable to dry Riesling from the Rheingau; and, at the top end, the rare single vineyard bottles can give fine

Light & Zesty On the lighter and zesty end, such as the 2013 Herbert Zillinger Grüner Veltliner Ebenthaler, Weinviertel and 2013 Weingut Gruber Grüner Veltliner Roeschitz, Weinviertel, the bottles were ideal as an aperitif, for salads, cheeses and most Thai or Asian food.

2013 Herbert Zillinger Grüner Veltliner Ebenthaler, Weinviertel. B1,180 at Fin cellar, 8/22 Soi Sammitr, Sukhumvit Soi 16, 02-653-0154

2013 Weingut Gruber Grüner Veltliner Roeschitz, Weinviertel (organic). B950 at Wine Garage, 4 Sukhumvit Soi 45. 02-2620255

Burgundy domains and crus a run for their money.

In the glass, Gruvee is a god-send for its diverse character, which can be all limes and lemons with zesty acidity when harvested early (think lighter wines), as well as grapefruit and apricot (think fuller styles), but always with a herbaceous touch and signature white pepper finish.

For this tasting, BK Magazine rounded up seven wines from the most recent vintages (2013 and 2012). They are made by estates across multiple regions, some certified organic and biodynamic, and show the wide-ranging style that Gruvee offers.

The best wines come from hillside vineyards, often terraced,

with rocky soil, consisting of either gneiss, granite or schist. This normally translates on your palate into finely edged wines with pristine aromatic flavor.

Reviewers found all wines to be of quality and good drinkability. Yet a word of caution if you are disturbed by a subtle, bitter note in the finish, which goes unnoticed once served with food.

These handmade wines can be found in Thailand from around B800 upwards to B2,000-3,000 per bottle.

Citrus & Flowers

Full & Complex

The 2012 Weingut Knoll Grüner Veltliner Loibnerberg Federspiel, Wachau and 2013 Salomon Undhof Grüner Veltliner Kremser Tor Alte Reben, Kremstal Reserve can be an alternative to your Chablis or Sancerre, and have the same citrus profile, in addition to a floral perfume and aromas of yellow plums or white peach.

2012 Weingut Knoll Grüner Veltliner Loibnerberg Federspiel, Wachau. B,2300 at Wine Gallery, 9/78, Sukhumvit Soi 33, 02-662-1345.

Full disclosure: Kim Wachtveitl works for Wine Garage

2013 Salomon Undhof Grüner Veltliner Kremser Tor Alte Reben, Kremstal Reserve. B2,100 at Karmakamet Dinner, 30/1 Soi Matheenvet, Sukhumvit Soi 24, 02-262-0700

The biodynamic wines like the 2013 Nikolaihof Grüner Veltliner Hefeabzug, Wachau and 2013 Weingut Ott Grüner Veltliner Rosenberg 1er, Wagram definitely offer a positive sensation on the palate, and lastly the fuller wines, such as the 2013 Fred Loimer Grüner Veltliner Loiserberg Reserve, Kamptal and, again, the 2013 Weingut Ott biodynamic wine need time to air in a decanter before they show off complex aromatics and dense texture with tropical notes, honeyed oiliness or nutty spiciness.

2013 Nikolaihof G r ü n e r Ve l t l i n e r Hefeabzug, Wachau (biodynamic).

B1,590 at Gfour fine wines & spirits, 22 Soi Chan 43, Yak 45, Chan Rd., 02-674-0836

2012 Weingut Ott G r ü n e r Ve l t l i n e r R o s e n b e r g 1 e r, Wa g r a m ( b i o d y namic). B2,200 at Wine Garage, 4 Sukhumvit Soi 45, 02-2620255

2013 Fred Loimer G r ü n e r Ve l t l i n e r Loiserberg Reserve, Kamptal. B1,600 at Fin cellar, 8/22 Soi Sammitr, Sukhumvit Soi 16, 02-653-0154

ON THE BAR Baan Puen The buzz: Located on the rooftop of the long-standing-yet-always-happening Ekamai Shopping Mall, joining new late-night party institution Dark Bar, Baan Puen lives up to its name, which literally translates to “a friend’s house.” Its low-key decor is matched by wallet-friendly price tags, offering a folksy alternative to Ekkamai’s hi-so clubs and a focus on live indie music that reminds us of the dearly-departed Stu-Fe. The decor: Pretty bare but cozy in a semi-industrial kind of way. There’s a roofed outdoor spot for rainy-season smokers.

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The music: Lots of Thai and international covers performed acoustically, along with jazz, blues and more alternative sounds. One of the partners is the guitarist in the pop band August and he’ll often jam with his friends. Blue Shades, from the Tigger Twins record label, perform every Tuesday.

The food and drinks: Simple spicy dishes whipped up by one of the partner’s aunts.

Try the khao maew (fried rice with chili paste with mackerel, B130), kai-ton Baan Puen (steamed egg with minced pork, B120) or the deep-fried cheese (B150). Singha starts from B115 for a glass, B285 for a jug and

B690 for a tower. Sharing options include the 12-year Chivas (B2,000), Black Label (B1,900), Jack Daniel Honey (B1,700) and Sangsom (B390), as well as potent cocktail buckets (B390).

The crowd: Mostly groups of 20-somethings too diffident to turn up solo. The occasional gigs from bigger indie acts like Polycat draw a number of loyal fans, too. You’ll also see a lot of the same crowd from Dark Bar pre-gaming before retreating into the shadows.

Vasachol Quadri 3/F, Ekkamai Mall, Ekkamai Soi 10. Open daily 6pm2am. www.fb.com/baanpuenekamai

BK Magazine Friday,May 22, 2015

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5/15/15 7:16 PM

ADVERTORIAL

Heineken

®

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HNK 588 May1_15_3.indd 7

4/30/15 10:32 AM

bites TASTE TEST

Baguette Battle We put eight of Bangkok’s finest bread-makers to a blind taste test. By BK Editorial

Conkey’s (B120) This one’s the longest baguette on the list, if that matters to you. Even so, it has nice even lines without foregoing the home-baked look. Overall, a bit too chewy with a slightly metallic aftertaste.

Verdict: Don’t bite off more than you can chew.

72 Ekkamai Soi 22, 083-040-5911. www.fb.com/ConkeysBakery

Pain Maison (B100)

RUNNERUP!

This small producer makes bread to-order and appears at foodie markets from time to time. The homemade components shine in a nutty smell with slightly burnt notes, together with a yeasty inner.

Verdict: All hail the underdog.

Order at 02-003-6420 or www.fb.com/PainMaisonBangkok

Paul (B75)

BK PICK!

The rustic and nicely-brown look matches the aroma of well-fermented bread. The fantastic crisp crust delivers a rewarding crack when you break into it, while the grayish inner is packed with delicious flavors, including slightly sour notes. It’s pleasantly chewy, too.

Verdict: Frankly, we’re surprised. And the price is pretty amazing for its size.

1/F, Central Embassy, 1031 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-001-5160. Open daily 8:30am-10pm. BTS Phloen Chit

La Baguette (B80)

YUCK!

You can tell right away this is an industrial baguette just by the oh-so-perfect shape.

The inside is dry and bright white in color— which explains the dull taste. The crust is stiff rather than crisp.

Maison Jean Philippe (B70) The shortest and widest of the lot, this baguette also looks the least baked. Appearances don’t lie, either; this is spongy and soft compared to the others, and while the bread has nice irregular bubbles inside, it lacks aroma.

Verdict: All the charm of stale bread.

G/F, Emquartier, 693 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-003-6420

Verdict: Suited to white-bread graduates.

Available at Villa Markets on Sukhumvit Rd. or order from www.passiondelivery.com. Contact the bakery at 092-7809610 or www.fb.com/MaisonJeanPhilippe

Amantee (B85)

RUNNERUP!

Ciao Pane (B80)

A bit darker than most, this baguette has a seductive, slightly-burnt aroma. The crust is crisp without being a jawbreaker, while the fluffy inner is packed with flavor.

This familiar farmers’ market name’s bread has a nice moist and spongy inner. But it’s all a bit too chewy, thanks to an elastic crust.

Verdict: Keep chewin’.

Verdict: Gone before you know it.

Ramkhamhaeng Soi 21, 081-647-1777. www.ciaopane.com

2240/12 Chan Kao Rd., 081-814-0920. www.fb.com/amanteebkk

Maison Eric Kayser (B80)

This Parisian bread-master’s signature Baguette Mongue comes complete with sharp tips. Aesthetics aside, it doesn’t stand out beside the offerings from Paul and Amantee. The crust lacks texture and the inside is a bit too floury.

Verdict: Stick to their croissants.

103/1 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), between Sois 3-5, 02-712-9070.

Open daily 7:30am-10pm. www.fb.com/MaisonEricKayserThailand

Note: All breads were eaten on the day of purchase.

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BK Magazine Friday, May 22, 2015

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5/18/15 6:15 PM

BK MAGAZINE Friday, May 22, 2015

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bites

OPEN DOOR

Prai Raya

The long-established Phuket restaurant has opened a branch in Bangkok.

The buzz: Open for more than 20 years, Raya is well-regarded in Phuket as one of the island’s best restaurants for Southern food. Here, owner Panicha “Prai” Chessadawan serves the same recipes created by her aunt, along with some new additions.

The decor: Like the original branch in Phuket, the cream house is decorated in a Sino-Portuguese style and dominated by green.

There are two parts to the house. The high-ceiling main lobby is lined with bold dark-brown wooden tables which match the green-leather chairs, while the other side of the house has a more relaxing bistro ambience. The retro ceiling fans and chandeliers continue the theme, along with vintage floor tiles.

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The food and drinks: Prai Raya has almost the same menu as its mother branch, featuring all the recommended dishes alongside some other Southern creations. Popular items include the crab meat yellow curry served with rice vermicelli (B400/600), moo horng (Phuket-style braised pork belly with garlic and pepper, B300), nam prik gung siab (deep-fried shrimp in chili paste served with vegetables, B200) and fried shrimp with tamarind sauce (B480). New dishes include the gung mae nam tod krueang sood khun ya (deep-fried river prawns with red curry and shrimp paste, B480). Other Southern staples are also on offer, such as kua kling moo sub (stir-fried minced pork with Southern curry paste, B180), pad pak miang kai (stir-fried melinjo

leaves with egg, B200) and desserts like mamuang bao loy kaew (sour mango in syrup, B50). Ingredients are supplied from Raya Phuket, including the curry pastes.

Why you should care: Come to Prai Raya if you want Southern Thai food that won't burn your palate. The food here is pretty mild (especially compared to the fiery offerings at other Bangkok Southern restaurants like Kua Kling), but the flavors and spices are still well balanced.

Natcha Sanguankiattichai

59 Sukhumvit Soi 8, 02-253-5556. Open daily 10:30am-10:30pm.

BTS Nana www.fb.com/PraiRayaSukhumvit8

BK Magazine Friday, May 22, 2015

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5/18/15 6:18 PM

Yoka Yoka

Kitaohji

Patisserie Rosie

Le Du

NEW AND NOTED

Super Kaiseki Kitaohji (212 Thonglor Soi 8, 02-174-7997. www.fb.com/ KitaohjiBKK), a 70-year-old restaurant that originated in Ginza, has opened its first branch outside of Japan, in a Zen-style house surrounded by a bamboo forest. The specialty is kaiseki, meticulously-presented multi-course meals, made with seasonal ingredients imported from Japan. Unlike any of the Kitaohji restaurants in Japan, this one accepts walk-in customers and also offers a la carte options. Prices range from B2,500-4,500, with each set comprising seven courses.

Fresh from Fukuoka Yoka Yoka (20/27-29 Ruamrudee Village, Soi Ruamrudee, 02-650-8047. goo.gl/WMyqnq) is a modern Japanese restaurant specializing in the Hakata food of Fukuoka. Decorated in a loft-like mix of bricks, wooden furniture and colorful paintings, the restaurant’s first floor serves dishes like Hakata motsu nabe

TABLE TALK

(entrails hot pot, B380), tori no sumibi (charcoal-grilled chicken with yuzu sauce, B185) and honeymoon oyster (oyster with ebiko, uni, ikura, quail eggs and ponzu, B280). The second-floor sake bar does cocktails and other spirits, while the third floor is another restaurant, The Circle, which is currently in its soft opening and shares the same menu as Yoka Yoka. Here, you can enjoy live bands every Thu from 9pm-12am.

Ring Around the Rosie Thonglor has welcomed a new patisserie among all the nightclubs and izakayas. Situated in a shop-house decked out in a vintage style, Patisserie Rosie (113/2 Thonglor Soi 10, 092542-9900. www.fb.com/rosiepatisserie) serves classics with modern twists. Highlights include the light chocolate tart (B160) and cherry ripe (B180), which you can enjoy with oriental tea from Double Dogs (from B120/pot). They also have more substantial bites like open sandwiches (B250) and quiche with salad (B150). Dharath Hoonchamlong

399/3 Silom Soi 7, 092-919-9969. Open Mon-Sat 6-11pm.

Powered by a Thai chef with a degree from the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), this inventive Thai cuisine restaurant focuses heavily on local and seasonal produce, which are prepared using modern cooking techniques. The result is original and delicious food that clearly evokes Thai flavors while challenging diners' senses. Opt for one of the appetizing sets—B990/4 courses or B2,300/7 courses— or go a la carte with the likes of the river prawn with prawn head broth, chili oil and burnt lemon grass (B600) or 30 day dry-aged Pakchong beef (B990).

Exclusive privileges for Citibank credit cardmembers.

Get 10% discount on food only (Today – 28 Feb 2016)

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

Simply click “Thailand” and then “Gift voucher”

BK Magazine Friday, May 22, 2015

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bites & blends market + Events

Happy Hours

Mezza Wine

A Taste of Italy Mezza Wine hosts a wine tasting on May 22 from 6:30-9pm, featuring wines from Italian producer Citra at B799/person. For more information and booking, contact 02-217-3070.

Siam@Siam, 865 Rama 1 Rd., 02-217-3000.

BTS National Stadium

ThaiFex - World of food Asia The huge annual food expo returns on May 23-24 at Impact Exhibition Center with 1,600 exhibitors.

Muangthong Thani, Popular Rd.

Panorama’s Spanish Week Crowne Plaza’s panoramic city-view restaurant presents Spanish Week on May 25-31, when a range of Spanish favorites will be added to their buffet line. B1,200 on Sun-Thu; B1,800 (Fri-Sat).

Bar @494

Bar @494 Every day from 7-9pm, you can enjoy free-flow selected wines at B599 and two-for-one wines, beers and spirits from 5-7pm.

Grand Hyatt Erawan, 494 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-254-1234

The Capital by Water Library From 5-8pm, Mon-Sat, drinks start from B99 along with a special snack menu.

Advertise your business with us ­ starting from B5,000

Empire Tower, 195 Sathorn Rd., 02-2869548

New Venues

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

23/F, Crowne Plaza, 952 Rama 4 Rd., 02-632-9000

Kom-Ba-Wa

Deals

Kom-Ba-Wa Suanplu’s stylish new Japanese restaurant.

39/19 Soi Suanplu, Sathorn Rd., 02-6793775

Charcoal

Family Sunday Brunch Charcoal offers an all-you-can-eat brunch at B625 with a welcome glass of Martini Prosecco. Or B999 for seafood and free-flow bubbles option.

Kids get 50-percent discount with pool access and towel. Reservations 089-307-1111.

5/F, Fraser Suites, Sukhumvit Soi 11, 089307-1111. BTS Nana

Wishbeer Home Bar A new hangout spot to enjoy coffee and beer.

The Loft Ekkamai, Sukhumvit Rd., between soi 63 and 65, 02-392-1403. Open daily 7am-1am. BTS Ekkamai

Le Boeuf The new restaurant specializes in steak-frites in a famous green sauce.

Mayfair, Bangkok - Marriott Executive Apartments, 60 Lang Suan Rd., 093-9718081. Open Mon-Fri 11:30am-11pm; SatSun 11am-11pm

Missed the guide?

Visit BKmagazine.com/TopTables2015

Build Your Own Burger Barsu lets you personalize your 200g wagyu beef or chicken burger starting from B440 with a free drink.

250 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-649-8358. BTS Asok

Saddle and Bun

Saddle and Bun A combination of burgers, bikes and coffee on Charoenkrung.

L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon

1052-1054, Charoenkrung Soi 26, 061-8356834

Dessert, Cheese and Wine At L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon, choose a dessert or cheese with a glass of wine at B1,000 from 8:30pm daily.

5/F, Mahanakhon Cube, Narathiwas Rd., BTS Chong Nonsi

THE EASIEST WAY TO BOOK YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS 28

Find out more at www.chope.co/toptables

BK Magazine Friday, May 22, 2015

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BK MAGAZINE Friday, May 22, 2015

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bites FOOD REVIEWS

Wicked HHHH Fusion. 5/F, Siam Square One, 388 Rama 1 Rd., 02-252-2410. Open Mon-Fri 11am-10pm; Sat-Sun 10:30am-10pm. BB F

We have been a fan of celebrity chef Phol Tantasathien’s cooking show, Phol Food Mafia, for years. He is charming and his presentation is impressive, but we’re not always taken with his dessert shortcuts like chocolate compound and shortening. We wanted to blame the show’s sponsors for these poor substitutes, thinking he wouldn’t possibly use them in his real dishes. But we’re sad to say Wicked proves our faith misguided. Unlike his previous restaurant, Spring Summer, this new one resides in a mall, thus you can expect a steady flow of students and 20-something, who come mostly for dessert . One of the recommended items, Bla Bla (B170)— described as a deconstructed banoffee pie—arrives impressively presented in a

Junker and Bar HHHH Western. 454 Soi Suan Phlu (next to Soi 1), 085100-3608. Open Tue-Sun noon-midnight. BB

HUNGRY?

Junker was one of the first places on the scene for the rebirth of Suan Phlu as a hip, low-rent alternative to Sathorn Soi 10-12. Its recipe is part WTF (crowds drinking on the street outside), part Escapade (hefty-sized, no-nonsense burgers), and after 8pm on any given evening you’ll be lucky to get a seat right away. The compact, galley space packs in a kitchen (OK, a grill, deep-fat fryer and fridge), lots of blond wood, a few tables and chairs—none very comfy—and a well-stocked bar. The owner, Bard Passapong, used to be a cocktail waiter at W Hotel, and makes a big noise about using both locally brewed sprits and his own home-infused concoctions. He also serves a rotating line of Thai-made craft beers, like Pheebok’s delicious Haunting Charming

Sign up for BK Bites & Blends – The inside scoop on Bangkok’s dining & drink scene.

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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cute glass cup fogged up with dry ice, but otherwise is a disaster. The layer of banoffee ice cream tastes artificial, and is topped with sweet chocolate drinking powder. Digging deeper, there’s a layer of crumble that reminds us of cheap convenience-store cookies. Then, after whipped cream and thinly sliced banana, you get to a sticky and starchy panna cotta.

Even favorites from Spring Summer like the BTS (chocolate lava in chocolate tart shell, B150) fall flat. Wicked’s savory dishes are not much better. The inconsistent Ursula calamari (fried squid in squid ink batter, B180) flits between pieces that are crispy and not at all greasy to others which are tough and coated in batter with barely a hint of squid ink. Another recommended appetizer, the Berlin Sausage with a Twist (currywurst with curly fries, B180), has a dense texture and nice aroma, but goes way too heavy on the salt. The signature sood yord khao moo dang (Chinese barbecue ribs with rice, B220) are nothing memorable, with a sauce that’s no different from the street-food staple. On our last visit, our main dishes also didn’t come out until some 30 minutes after ordering when we enquired where they were. If for some reason a friend asks you to join her at Wicked (girlfriend gatherings appear to be the norm here), we say play it safe with the savory dishes. Or better yet, cancel.

pale ale (B180). At B220 (no tax or service charge), his gin sour made with root beer-flavored gin is stiff competition for drinks costing twice that in other bars. But not all the staff are as in-theknow as Bard, which means you need to catch his attention for the best off-menu cocktails. Food-wise, do yourself a favor by skipping the frat-boy college recipes like wild mushroom and bacon “ p i z z a d i l a ” ( t wo g r i l l e d to r t i l l a s sandwiching a mess of tomatoes, mushrooms, cheese and a nauseating amount of truffle oil, B180) and fried “taco dogs” (a hot-dog wiener wrapped in pastry and deep fried, B120) and go straight for the burgers. The meat in the the towering, strictly-knife-and-fork Australian wagyu burger (single meat, B220/double meat, B360) could do with more texture and bite, but it’s lovely and moist, accompanied by a sharp and sweet tomato relish. There’s a definite s i m i l a r i t y to E s c a p a d e ’ s s p o n g y, stomach-churning handfuls. Our advice: save the B140 of going double; one patty is plenty big enough. The lamb burger (single meat, B220/double meat, B360) also packs full-on flavor, though has a disconcertingly fake peppermint taste. Overall, Junker manages to do exactly what it sets out to: decent cocktails, fatty comfort food and a party atmosphere. The neighborhood crowd doesn’t lie.

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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FRI All About the Brass It might be a trek going all the way out to Mahidol University (Salaya Campus) but this week’s special performances by one of the most celebrated trumpet soloists around, Jens Lindemann, on May 22 (7pm) and May 23 (4pm), ought to make the trip worthwhile. He’ll be supported by the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra, taking on a world premiere piece by Thomas Hyuk Cha, plus works by Allan Gilliland and Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. Tickets (B300-500) are still available through Thaiticketmajor.

SUN In the Zone Backstreet Boys didn’t quite fulfill your craving for all things '90s? This May 24 sees the return to Bangkok of Boyzone. You can be sure Ronan Keating and co. will provide you with two hours of melodious nostalgia when they take their heartfelt hits to the stage at Impact Arena.

FRI Comeback Club

FRI Break the Rules Now’s the time to dust off your old school uniform, with two graduation-themed raves this Friday. The artsy kids can head over to Dudesweet: Playhound Art School Graduation Party this May 22, with a free Sangsom bar from 9-10:30pm at Mongkol Studio RCA (free entry). Bad kids (who’ll be lucky to graduate) can drop by Wine Bibber Sangria, the same night, for Go Grrrls Class of 2015, where you’ll be guaranteed lots of Charli XCX, The Runaways and Grimes blasting through the sound system till late. Entry is B200.

After undergoing renovations for three weeks, Bangkok nightlife staple Glow returns this weekend, May 22-23, with Re.Load Party, featuring performances by 12 well-known Bangkok DJs such as Krit Morton, Koish, The Outsider, Coran and Sunju Hargun. The club promises the same techno basement vibe, with a redesigned bar and enhanced lighting and soundsystem. Entry is B300 (one free drink), plus an open bar from 11pm-midnight.

SAT Healthy Cause Bangkok has responded with kindness to the recent Nepal earthquake. The latest fundraising activity to help the aid efforts targets runners. Sign up for the Run for Nepal this Saturday, May 23, kicking off at 6am at CentralWorld. Registration is only B300, all going towards helping the earthquake victims through the Nepal Embassy. For more runs coming up in Bangkok, see page 37.

FRI Epic Tales This May 22 sees the world premiere of Bhuridat the Dragon Lord, under the creative tutelage of Opera Siam’s Somtow Sucharitkul. The show is part of Somtow’s ongoing project to complete 10 linked ballet-opera-musical performances, bringing the stories of the Ten Lives of Buddha to life. This third edition follows Buddha’s life as a naga, and features some of the best classical talents in the country. Shows run through May 24 at 8pm, with a matinee round at 2pm on the last day. B500-5,000 tickets available on Thaiticketmajor.

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SAT Homebrew of the Brave If you can’t get enough of those delicious (and illegal) craft beers made right here in Bangkok, here’s where to get another taste. This May 23, Cho Why (Soi Nana, Chinatown) hosts CBINAC#2 A Craft Beer Exhibition, which will show off some of the capital’s very best homebrews while also discussing the history of craft brewing in the capital. From 5pm.

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on eare pool s been ies on ith an ar that hrough y hapst like d Elekevents. cebook on the eup.

Stanton Warriors

DJS & PARTIES Joie de Viva/Viva Loves Life The riverside bar plays host to another food/music/ lifestyle festival, with proceeds going to support the victims of the Nepal earthquake. May 23, 3pm.

Viva Aviv, B/F, River City Shopping Complex, 23 Yotha Rd., 02-639-6305.

Visual Lounge Reggae Repeat After launching last September, the Samsen bar hosts a second edition of the party in collaboration with Bangkok Reggae Appreciation Society. Expect DJ Woken and guests, plus reggae visuals and special drinks deals. May 23, 7:30pm. Cinema Wine House, 59/61 Samsen Rd., 096-465-6526, 083554-0170. Free entry.

02-261ng

Road to Shiptomania Presents Stanton Warriors

the world. May 23, 9pm. Ku Bar (Ku De Ta), 39/F, Sathorn Square, 98 Sathorn, 02-108-2000.

BTS Chong Nonsi. Price TBA.

Maggie in Wonderland presented by Belvedere Vodka Resident DJs Fred Canal and LazyKay play Mad-Hatter and March Hare at this Alice in Wonderland-themed party at the underground bar. May 27, 9pm. Maggie Choo's, underground/F, Hotel Novotel Bangkok Fenix Silom, 320 Silom Rd., 091772-2144. BTS Surasak. Free entry.

AKA-WTF 5th Year Anniversary The bar/art space celebrates its five-year anniversary with a two-day festival, showcasing the artistic works of non-artists and craftsmen in Bangkok. May 29-30, 6pm. WTF Gallery & Cafe, 7 Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-662-6246. BTS Thong Lo. Free.

The British DJ duo returns to Bangkok as part of their Road to Shiptomania Tour before the actual cruise party kicks off early next year. Guests will have a chance to win a free cabin for two for the five-day music fest, featuring 30 DJs from around

Cat T-Shirt

CONCERTS & FESTIVALS Sangsom Presents Single Festival The popular music festival for single partygoers returns with performances by Thaitanium, Slot Machine, Lomosonic, Paradox, Polycat, Electric Neon Lamp and Boom Boom Cash. B399 for girls and B499 for guys. Dress code: white if you're taken, black if you're feeling lonely. May 23, 5pm. BITEC, 88 Bang Na-Trat Rd., 02-749-3939.

B399-499. BTS Bang Na.

We Came as Romans Live in Bangkok The American metalcore group, whose latest album Tracing Back Roots topped the Billboard charts for Independent Albums, Internet Albums and Hard Rock Albums, make a stop at Live House BKK as part of its Southeast Asia tour. May 25, 9pm. JJ Green, 110/46 Lad Phrao Soi 18, 086-331-5657-8. B900 from Thaiticketmajor. BTS Mo Chit.

Irma: Charity Concert The singer-songwriter from Cameroon performs at this charity concert with proceeds going towards Enfants du Mekong to help support the education of needy children in Southeast Asia. More information at 02-670-4222 or culture@afthailande. org. May 28, 7:30pm. Alliance Francaise de Bangkok, 179 Wittayu Rd., 02-670-4200. B900.

MRT Lumphini.

Our Last Night Live in Bangkok The American post-hardcore band makes a stop in Bangkok after finishing its tour in Europe. Only 300 tickets for the show, available at Indy Pop Concerts (085-060-4120), HOF The Mall Bangkapi (02-7341810) and Gram Siam Paragon (02-610-7995).

May 31, 8pm. The Rock Pub, Hollywood Street, 93/26-28 Phaya Thai Rd., 02-251-9980, 086-9770621. B900. BTS Ratchathewi.

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TVXQ! Special Live Tour - T1St0ry One of the biggest K-pop groups of the early 2000s, dubbed the Rising Gods of the East, returns to Bangkok after six years complete with new members U-Know and Max. May 30, 5pm. Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd., 02-833-4455. B1,800-6,000 from Thaiticketmajor.

100 Plus presents Bodyslam 13 After canceling the last concert, the Thai pop-rock band is back with a concert that takes the audience through 13 years of hits. Doors open at 3pm. May 31, 6pm. Lakeside Muang Thong Thani, Muang Thong Thani, Popular Rd. B1,200-2,000 from Thaiticketmajor.

Cat T-Shirt Cat Radio's two-day T-shirt fest features over 200 stores and 2,000 new T-shirt patterns. Live concert by local groups 25 Hours, Paradox, Superbaker, Slur, Yellow Fang, Stoondio, Aire, The Parkinson, Sqweez Animal, Polycat and Greasy Cafe, to name a few.

B300 for a two-day pass. May 30-31, 11am.

Makkasan Airport Link Station, B200 from Thaiticketmajor.

Fungjai presents Hedsod 2 Back by popular demand, the second concert organized by online streaming website Fungjai features performances by some of the hottest bands in the local indie music scene like Part Time Musicians, Yellow Fang, Summer Dress, DCNXTR, Srirajah Rockers and Goose. Early bird tickets are B500, available through May 31. Jun 6, 6pm. Voice Space, BBD Building, 197 Viphavadi Rangsit, 02261-3883. B1,000 from Thaiticketmajor.

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GIGS

Kingkong and the Chum

Parkinson

HENNESSY X YOUNG GURU

The sound engineer who's mixed albums for Jay-Z, including the Grammy Award-winning "Empire State of Mind," debuts in Thailand at this W-District rooftop party, with support from DJs Ballisticone, DeejayB and Tob from Bangkok Invaders. Limited to 500 tickets. B800 advance purchases at Bottoms Up Thonglor (02-381-8020) and Sneaka Villa (089-168-6336). May 23, 8pm. W-District, Sukhumvit Rd. BTS Phra Khanong. B900.

DOOD X STU-FE' *FRIENDSHIP TRIP!

This month's indie party moves to a different venue, with performances by Tue'sday, Kingkong and the Chum, Fwends, Starfish, The Yam and more plus playlists by DJ KS and Golf till late. Price TBA. May 24, 6pm. Stu-fe, 33/1 Soi Farm Wattana, Rama 4 Rd., 02-712-0375.

JAMROCK - BORON, DUBLICICIOUS, DJ WOKEN & RENRY HOLINS

A dub, reggae, bass spectrum party with a variety of mixes by four DJs. May 26, 8pm. Jam, 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 083-5451-833. B100 (one free drink). BTS Surasak.

SOUL AFTER SIX & PARKINSON

Two local groups take over the stage at the live indie venue. Reservations at 093-1240434. May 27, 10pm. Parking Toys, 17/22 Ram Indra Soi 14, 02-907-2228. B350.

KEEP YOUR EYES ON X PISTONHEAD PRESENT KEEP YOUR LIGHT ON

The event features performances by DJs Anat, Vaan&Nvty, Bassyouth and Breaker Bish, plus an exhibition of lighting and mapping installations for the underground beat scene. May 30, 7pm. Jam, 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 083-5451-833. B100 (one Pistonhead beer). BTS Surasak.

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BK Magazine Friday, May 22, 2015

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now NEW ART SPACES

ART Opening

SATHORN 11

This art space aims to promote the work of local creative talents. It offers four private art studios for four selected contemporary artists, who can take up residency at the studio over a period of 1-3 months before their work gets showcased in its public gallery. They’ve just finalized their selection earlier this month, so it’ll be a while before the debut exhibition.

Sathorn Soi 11, Sathorn Rd., 085-251-6672

COMMDE CREATIVE WALK '15

The annual multimedia degree exhibition features graphic designs, timebased and interactive designs, photography and illustrations by graduating students from Chulalongkorn's Communication Design program. Each of the projects is aimed at solving a different design proplem.

Dates: May 23, 6pm.

FIGURES, EXPRESSIONS, ABSTRACTIONS

American mixed media illustrator Chad Edwards and visual artist Cory Sever hold a joint illustration exhibition of figures in different scenarios.

Dates: May 28, 7pm Bridge, Charoenkrung Soi 51, 086-9869421. MRT Hua Lamphong

IMPOSSIBLE TO IMAGINE

Jorge Manilla creates abstract flower jewelry representing cultural, social and religious symbols.

Dates: May 23, 6pm.

ATTA Gallery, Room 1109, OP Garden, 36 Charoen Krung Rd., 02-238-6422

Department of Industrial Design, Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phaya Thai Rd. MRT Sam Yan.

BE GOOD

Pankan Road Fans of Bangkok’s outdoor markets can have fun doing what they love—i.e. shopping till they drop—only this time, in support of thousands of children in Thailand who cannot afford to complete basic level education. This May 30-31, social enterprise Pankan Society (www.pankansociety.com, www.fb.com/pankansociety) is organizing the fourth edition of Pankan Road, a two-day event at West Village, The Nine Community Mall, where there will be volunteer stalls selling the usual outdoor market food and drinks, secondhand clothes, accessories, toys and crafts. They will also be running small DIY workshops and art sessions on top of live music performances from 11am-6pm. Proceeds from volunteer stalls will go toward scholarship students in the Yuvabhadhana Foundation.

S GALLERY

The luxury hotel has launched its own 100-square-meter gallery inspired

by French contemporary art and design. It hosts a new exhibition every two months, featuring the work of Thai and French painters, photographers, sculptors and installation artists. The current exhibition is Tangled Up in Blue by Pongsakul Chalao, a collection of denim patches that together make up landscapes of the city. Runs through Jun 6.

Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit, 189 Sukhumvit Rd., 093-582-6588. BTS Phrom Phong

More information on how to volunteer at 02-301-1021 and 081-841-5870, or just stop by for a quick shopping session.

Not free on those days? You can drop off your previously owned items at one of their following stores: Paradise Park Shopping Center, The Nine, The Paseo Mall Lat Krabang and Central Ladprao.

999, 999/1-4 Rama 9 Rd., 02-716-7999. www.thenine.co.th

takes the audience through the human world, heaven and the underworld when the Buddha lived as a naga. May 22, 24, 8pm. Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Rd., 02-262-3456. B500-5,000.

MRT Thailand Cultural Centre.

23 BAR & GALLERY

This new addition to the arty scene of Chinatown is run by the guy formerly behind Sukhumvit Soi 16’s Bar 23. Set in an old shop-house, this no-frills bar offers local beers and basic drinks, while the 2/F operates as an art space filled with rotating exhibitions. It is currently home to a solo exhibition of Kongsak Poonpholwattanaporn's lively water paintings.Runs through May 31.

Je Suis Dinner Performance

Soi Nana 92, Charoenkrung Rd., 080-264-4471. MRT Hua Lamphong

Mime Solo "Champ"

The co-working space celebrates its first anniversary with a special French cabaret performance from Hong Kong and a threecourse dinner. Open to both members and non-members. RSVP at events@thehive. co.th. May 22, 7pm. The Hive, 46/9 Sukhumvit Soi 49, 02-662-6062. B1,500.

Fly with me, Free breakfast!

STAGE PERFORMANCES Mime Solo "Champ"

YELLOW KORNER THAILAND

This gallery is part of Another Story, the new concept store at Emquarter’s Helix Building. It houses art photography from all over the world, aiming to make prints more accessible and affordable for a new generation of Bangkok collectors. Prints are catalogued as if they were records in a music store, allowing shoppers to browse with ease.

4/F, 693 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-003-6140. BTS Phrom Phong

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Five mimes—Hero, Puppet, Flower, Marijuana and Toilet—are combined to tell the story of one man's life. B250 for students.

Bookings available at 082-960-3456. May 22-24, 8pm. Crescent Moon Space, 65/1 Thonglor Rd., 02-3813860. B350.

BTS Thong Lo.

The Death of Miss America A comedy about a fictional Miss Tomorrow Pageant that addresses stereotypes of Asian women and the importance of the ASEAN community. Play is in English.

Shows run every Thu-Sun. Tickets available at bit.ly/1HMhpCD. Pre-show cocktails at 7pm. Through Jun 7, 8pm. Culture Col-

lective Studio, 3/F, Chatrium Residence Riverside Bangkok, 26/276 Charoenkrung Soi 70, 099-447-4670. B800.

Dragon's Heart In celebration of the 100-year anniversary of Dr. Puay Ungpakorn, arguably one of Thailand's most loved statesmen, this biographical play traces his life and the ups and downs of Thai history. Play is in Thai, with special discounts for students at B200. 2pm matinee rounds on May 3031. May 29-31, 7pm. Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Rd., 02-262-3456.

B1,000-3,000 from Thaiticketmajor. MRT Thailand Cultural Centre.

Director Damkerng Thitapiyasak adapts into Thai the French comedy Boeing Boeing , telling the story of Bodin, an international trader who manages his romantic relationships with three flight attendants working for different national airlines. Tickets available at showbooking. com/flywithme. Play runs from Thu-Tue. Through Jun 18, 7:30pm. Thong Lor Art Space, 58/14-15 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor). B590.

Bhuridat - The Dragon Lord Part six of the Ten Lives of the Buddha opera-ballet series by Somtow Sucharitkul

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NEW LADIES' NIGHTS Girls, don’t think that the best ladies’ nights are all happening on Thursday.

Ocean Urban Lounge & Boutique Resort

TUESDAY ROOF 409 BAR & BISTRO

The rooftop bar held its first ladies' night last week, handing out free complimentary mini Moscato Rose bottles for the girls from 6pm till late. While the fourthfloor views of the city don’t quite compare to those at high-end hotels, the affordable drinks and more varied house tunes make this a solid stop for a chill night before the rainy season fully kicks in.

4/F, Mercury Ville, 504 Phloen Chit Rd., 081-9956984. BTS Chit Lom

WEDNESDAY Q UP

The renamed Q Bar also just launched its new Wednesday Ladies Night last week, themed “Gangsta Girlz Like it House.”

Ladies can get five free drinks all the way through midnight—great news for committed drinkers and those who like dancing to billboard hip-hop hits and remixes.

34 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-252-3274. BTS Nana

FRIDAY OCEAN URBAN LOUNGE & BOUTIQUE RESORT

Since its renovation earlier this year, the pool party central has been pulling in the ladies on Friday nights with an extended open bar that runs from 8pm through midnight. The party happens indoors just like their underground Elektro Delikatessen events. Check out the Facebook page for updates on the international DJ lineup.

7 Sukhumvit Soi 33, 02-261-2800. BTS Phrom Phong

PLAN AHEAD Preparing for Amari Midnight Run? Standard Chartered? Sign up early for these marathons before places get filled up.

The Rainbow Run

SUPER SPORTS 10 MILES INTERNATIONAL RUN 2015

THE RAINBOW RUN. BE DIFFERENT. BE KIND

Dates: Jun 14, 5am.

Venue: CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd., BTS

Dates: Jun 14, 6pm Venue: Lumphini Park, Rama 4 Rd. MRT

Chit Lom

Silom

Distance: 10 miles (B350, 5,000 runners),

Distance: 2.5km, 5km, 7.5km and 10km.

5 miles (B300, 3,000 runners) and 2 miles (B250, 2,000 runners).

Registration: Online at supersports. co.th/10MilesRun2015.html or at Super Sports Stores & New Balance Shop.

Organized by The Rainbow Room Foundation and Punky Runners in order to spread positive awareness for those with special needs in Thailand.

Registration: J Avenue Thonglor, The Rainbow Room Foundation, Masterpiece by Siam Wood CentralWorld/Central Bangna, Gymboree Rama 3, Aussino Gallery or at the registration desk on the day. More information at 02-023-2396. B300.

BANGKOK LIFE ASSURANCE HALF MARATHON

Dates: Jun 14, 5:15am Venue: Suan Luang Rama VIII Public Park, Arun Amarin Rd.

Distance: Half marathon 21.1km (1,000 runners), mini marathon 10.5km (2,000 runners) and fun-run 5km (1,000 runners). Five runners with the best fancy dress under the theme "Happier Life" also get B2,000 prize money.

Registration: www.tfaforms.com/373755.

B300-600.

WATSONS CHARITY RUN 2015

Dates: Jun 20, 6pm Venue: Lumphini Park, Rama 4 Rd. MRT Silom

Distance: The 4km fun-run features surprise activities along the route, and the 8km-run goes all the way through Sukhumvit Rd. A run in support of the Operation Smiles Foundation, with all proceeds going to support free surgeries for children with facial deformities.

Registration: www.esm-sundaymorning. com. B500.

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now MARKETS THIS WEEK Even as we’re stepping into the rainy season, Bangkok’s market communities are still going strong. Here are the best food, fashion and music pop-up markets coming your way this month.

Zaap On Sale

Pop-Up Markets LOVE @ 1ST SITE

Dates: May 22-24, 1-10pm Venue: Square A & B, CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd. BTS Chit Lom What: A massive fashion market comprising over 400 online stores, including some celeb-run stalls and food trucks. A collaboration between Weloveshopping, In The Box Market and Nylon Thailand.

POMELO BLOCK PARTY (ONCE UPON A SUMMER)

Date: May 23, 1-7pm Venue: Pomelo Fashion HQ, 3556/2 Rama 4 Rd. What: Enjoy up to 90-percent off at the headquarters of the online/pop-up female fashion store, plus deals from beauty brand Luxola, food by Mother Trucker and Fullmoon Truck and drinks by Wateroys.

SOMART SOCIAL MARKET: THE CHILL DENY PARK

Dates: Through May 29, Venue: CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd. BTS Chit Lom What: A solid fashion market full of online stores, one of the regulars at CentralWorld Square, repackaged under a chill park concept.

DAYDREAM GARDEN

Dates: May 30-31 Venue: CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd., BTS Chit Lom What: A shopping session in an artificial garden atmosphere with live jazz in the background, and around 200 fashion stalls.

Pomelo

BIKE PARTY SALE 8TH EDITION

Date: May 30-Jun 1 Venue: 3/F, Paradise Park, 61 Srinakarin Rd. What: A friendly three-day cyclists’ market, with over 80 booths selling bicycle kits, accessories and clothing, both new and secondhand. Free and secure parking space for bikes on the G/F. ZAAP ON SALE #4: SPACE OF YOUR DESIGN

Date: Jun 6-7 Venue: Royal Paragon Hall, Siam Paragon.

BTS Siam What: A chance to shop indoors at over 400 stalls from Bangkok’s hottest fashion brands and local social media businesses.

Food and beverages also available.

New Recurring Markets SIAM GREEN MARKET

Dates: Launching May 22-24, running every third Saturday of the month Venue: Siam Square One, Rama 1 Rd. BTS Siam What: A new urban organic market, offering environmentally-friendly products.

Fairs THAIFEX - WORLD OF FOOD ASIA 2015

Dates: May 23-24, 10am Venue: Impact Arena, Popular Rd. What: An annual food fair taking over four exhibition halls, bringing exhibitors from the food, beverage and food technology industry. There will also be chef challenge competitions, workshops, seminars and product demonstrations.

The 9th Bangkok Music Forum

TALKS & WORKSHOPS Words On Water - the Literature The final event of the Festival of India in Thailand features book readings, talks and discussions with Indian writers on contemporary India and Indian writing in English for a Thai audience. In the presence of HRH Princess Maha Chakri. Register for free at bit.ly/1AoeA4m. May 25, 2pm. Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phaya Thai Rd. Free.

The Puranas by Anita Bose The National Museum's monthly talk covers the topic of Purana, a Sanskrit word for "eternal," touching upon the history, genealogy, culture, civilization and philosophy of global race. B100 for members. Register in advance at nmvmonthlyprogram@gmail.com. May 28, 10am. National Museum, 4 Na Phra That Rd., 02 224-1404, 02224-1333. B200.

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The 9th Bangkok Music Forum: 62 Years of the Peasant Poet Pongthep Gradoanchumnaan, who has worked with well-known local rock-folk band Carabao, talks about his life as an activist and president of Khao Yai Foundation, plus performs a special show featuring his philosophical songs. May 30, 4pm.

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

Cesar Millan: Love Your Dogs Tour 2015 The international dog-behavior expert, known for his hit TV series Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan shares new techniques on how to establish a healthy relationship with your dogs and holds live training demonstrations. Jun 3, 7:30pm. Royal Paragon Hall, 5/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-8023. B2,000 from Thaiticketmajor. BTS Siam.

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now FILM Opening

FREEWILL ASTROLOGY GEMINI (May 21-Jun 20): “Aha!” is your mantra for the coming weeks, Gemini. This always-ready-to-be-surprised-by-inspiration attitude will train you to expect the arrival of wonders and marvels. And that will be an effective way to actually attract wonders and marvels! With “Aha!” as your talisman, all of your wake-up calls will be benevolent, and all of the chaos you encounter—or at least most of it—will be fertile.

Miss Happy (Thai)

Unfriended (USA)

Comedy. The life of a happy young woman (Pancake Khemanit) is turned upside down when she is diagnosed with a rare heart disease that requires her to dance every day to stay alive. Also stars Ben Chalatit. May 21

Horror. A supernatural force takes over social media to attack a group of teenagers in a chat room in revenge for a video clip which caused a girl to kill herself. May 21

Tomorrowland (USA) Adventure. This highly anticipated Disney adventure from Brad Bird (The Incredibles) tells the story of a rebellious teenage girl (Britt Robertson) who discovers an outrageous new world and embarks on a mission with a former boy-genius (George Clooney) to save Tomorrowland. May 21

A Little Chaos (UK) Romance. In this 17th-century period piece, two landscape gardeners, Sabine (Kate Winslet) and Andre (Matthias Schoenaerts), fall in love while building a grand garden at King Louis XIV’s court at Versailles. May 21

Free Screenings Alliance Francaise

The Friese-Greene Club

Movies are subtitled in English. Screening starts at 7pm. May 27. Attila Marcel (2013): A comingof-age story about Paul (Guillaume Gouix), a 30-year-old man-child raised by two eccentric aunts who have visions of him becoming a virtuoso pianist. One day, Paul encounters a neighbor (Anne Le Ny) who takes him out of his aunts controlling world. At 179 Witthayu (Wireless) Rd., 02-670-4200.

The schedule follows a daily theme. This May the FGC presents Great Music Documentary Wednesday, American Palme D’Or Winners Thursday, British Palme D’Or Winners Friday and Films That Are Sexier Than Fifty Shades of Grey and Modern Musical for Sat and Sun. 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.

Jam

Japan Foundation

Every Wednesday night is Cult Movie Night.

Theme for May is Hood Films. Screenings start from 8pm, visit www.fb.com/JAMCAFEBKK for schedule. 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 089-889-8059.

BTS Surasak. Open Tue-Sun 6pm-midnight.

Movies are subtitled in Thai and screened at 6:30pm. Theme for May is Women. May 29. Like Asura (2003): A film by Yoshimitsu Morita about four sisters who go to family get-together for the first time in years and find that their father has a mistress and a child. 10/F, Sermmit Tower, 159 Soi Asoke, 02-260-8560. www.jfbkk.or.th

SPECIAL SCREENING Singapore Film Festival

Sayang Disayang

Banting

The Embassy of the Republic of Singapore (Thailand) and SF World Cinema celebrate the 50th anniversary of Thailand’s diplomatic relations with Singapore with six contemporary Singaporean films on topics including culture, the economy and crime.

BANTING

MS J CONTEMPLATES HER CHOICE

Comedy. Yasmin (Izyan Mellyna), a girl raised in a strict Muslim household, rebels against her family’s traditions to take part in a professional wrestling lesson.

Crime. Pop star Kit Chan’s film debut sees her play a celebrity radio host named Jo Yang who’s forced to make a deadly decision live on air.

SINGAPORE GIRL

UNLUCKY PLAZA

Romantic Comedy. To recover from her lost love, Chloe (Maria Ng) takes a holiday to Thailand, where she meets a Singaporean guy named Leon who’s also on a solo vacation.

Crime/Satire. A restaurant owner (Jeffrey Quizon) whose business is about to go bankrupt takes a group of people hostage in a millionaire’s bungalow, and captures a video that spark an international outcry.

SAYANG DISAYANG Drama. Murni (Aidli Mosbit), a tsunami survivor and live-in nurse, struggles to keep her job for a bitter retiree who demands she cook his favorite dish, sambal goreng, exactly as his late wife did.

BRING BACK THE DEAD Horror. A grieving mother (Jesseca Liu) seeks help from a shaman to bring her son back to life—with unexpected consequences.

CANCER (Jun 21-Jul 22): Do you chronically indulge in feelings of guilt? Do you berate yourself for the wrong turns and sad mistakes you made in the past? These behaviors may be sneaky ways of avoiding change. In presenting the possibility that you might be caught in this trap, I want you to know that I’m not sitting in judgment of you. Like you, I’m a Cancerian, and I have periodically gotten bogged down in the very morass I’m warning you against. The bad news is that right now you are especially susceptible to falling under this spell. The good news is that right now you have extra power to break this spell.

LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22): In the TV comedy-drama Jane the Virgin, the fictional character known as Rogelio de la Vega is a vain but lovable actor who performs in telenovelas. “I’m very easy to dress,” he tells the wardrobe supervisor of a new show he’ll be working on. “Everything looks good on me. Except for peach. I don’t pop in peach.” What he means is that his charisma doesn’t radiate vividly when he’s wearing peach-colored clothes.

Now, Leo: What don’t you pop in? I’m not simply talking about the color of clothes. In the coming weeks, it’s crucial that you surround yourself with influences that make you pop.

VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22): Are you willing to entertain an outlandish possibility? Here’s my vision: You will soon be offered unexpected assistance, either through the machinations of a “guardian angel” or the messy blessings of a shape-shifting spirit. This divine intervention will make it possible for you to demolish a big, bad obstacle you’ve been trying to find a way around. Even if you have trouble believing in the literal factuality of my prophecy, here’s what I suspect: It will at least come true in a metaphorical sense—which is the truest kind of truth of all.

LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 22): “Glory” is the theme song of the film Selma. It’s an anthem about the ongoing struggle for equal rights by African Americans. I want to borrow one of its lines: “Freedom is like a religion to us.” I think those will be good words for you to live by. Are you part of a group that suffers oppression and injustice? Are you mixed up in a situation that squashes your self-expression? It’s high time to rebel. The quest for liberation should be your spiritual calling.

SCORPIO (Oct 23-Nov 21): If you’re planning on breaking a taboo, sneaking into a forbidden zone, or getting intimate with an edge-dweller, don’t tell boastful stories about what you’re doing. For now, secrecy is not only sexy; it’s a smart way to keep you safe and effective. Usually I’m fond of you telling the whole truth. But right now I favor a more cautious approach to communication. Until your explorations have progressed further, I suggest that you only discuss them sparingly. As you put your experiments in motion, share the details on a need-to-know basis.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21): There are many possible ways to create and manage a close relationship. Here’s one of my favorite models: when two independent, self-responsible souls pledge to help each other activate the best versions of themselves. If you don’t have a partnership like this, the near future will be a favorable time to find one. And if you already do have an intimate alliance in which the two of you synergize each other’s quest for individuation, the coming weeks could bring you breathtaking breakthroughs.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19): It’s a challenge to drive a car through Canada’s far north. For example, if you want to get from Dawson in the Yukon Territory to Inuvik in the Northwest Territory, you take Dempster Highway. It’s gravel road for the entire 417-mile trip, so the ride is rough. Bring a spare tire and extra gasoline. On the plus side, the scenery is thrilling. The permafrost in the soil makes the trees grow in odd shapes, almost like they’re drunk. You can see caribou, wolverines, lynx, bears, and countless birds. Right now, the sun is up 20 hours every day. And the tundra?

You’ve never seen anything like it. Even if you don’t make a trip like this, Capricorn, I’m guessing you will soon embark on a metaphorically similar version. With the right attitude and preparation, you will have fun and grow more courageous.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18): Aquarian author James Joyce wrote Ulysses, one of the most celebrated and influential novels of the 20th century.

The narrative is both experimental and tightly structured. Its chaotic stream-of-consciousness passages are painstakingly crafted. (Anyone who wonders how the astrological sign of Aquarius can be jointly ruled by the rebellious planet Uranus and the disciplinarian planet Saturn need only examine this book for evidence.) Joyce claimed he labored over Ulysses for 20,000 hours. That’s the equivalent of devoting eight hours a day, 350 days a year, for over seven years. Will you ever work that hard and long on a project, Aquarius?

If so, now would be an auspicious time to start.

PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20): The English writer and caricaturist Max Beerbohm moved away from his native land when he was 37 years old. He settled in Rapallo, Italy, where he lived for much of the rest of his life. Here’s the twist: When he died at age 83, he had still not learned to speak Italian. For 40 years, he used his native tongue in his foreign home. This is a failing you can’t afford to have in the coming months, Pisces. The old proverb “When in Rome, do as the Romans,” has never been so important for you to observe.

ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19): James McNeil Whistler was an influential painter in the latter half of the 19th century. He advocated the “art for art’s sake” credo, insisting that the best art doesn’t need to teach or moralize. As far as he was concerned, its most important purpose was to bring forth “glorious harmony” from chaos. But I’m nominating him to be your patron saint for the coming weeks for the stylized signature he created: an elegant butterfly with a long tail that was actually a stinger. I think you’ll thrive by embodying that dual spirit: being graceful, sensitive, and harmonious and yet also feisty, piquant, and provocative.

TAURUS (Apr 20 -May 20): Renowned author George Bernard Shaw was secure in his feeling that he did good work. He didn’t need the recognition of others to validate his self-worth. The British Prime Minister offered him a knighthood, but he refused it. When he found out he had been awarded a Nobel Prize for Literature, he wanted to turn it down but his wife convinced him to accept it. The English government also sought to give him the prestigious Order of Merit, but he rejected it, saying, “I have already conferred this order upon myself.” He’s your role model for right now, Taurus. Congratulate yourself for your successes, whether or not anyone else does.

All films are subtitled in English and Thai. At SF World Cinema, 7/F CentralWorld, May 21-24. Free entry. For the full lineup and reservations call 02-686-8888 or www.sfcinemacity.com

BK Magazine Friday, May 22, 2015

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last word

Yossapon Boonsom Shma Design is one of the most popular landscaping firms in Bangkok, having been shortlisted at the World Architecture Festival for three years in a row. They’re also involved in some of the most exciting public projects in the city: Makkasan Park, Yannawa Riverfront and the new TCDC headquarters on Charoenkrung Road. Here, the firm’s co-founder and director, Yossapon Boonsom, 38, tells us why we need better-designed public spaces and assures us that Bangkok’s future is green.

When I studied at Chula, we would go to remote villages in Isaan and build classrooms there, fix houses.

It taught me the value of teamwork.

We also gave out food to people. From year to year, I found that people had kept the empty boxes folded very neatly in a safe spot. It makes you realize how far a little kindness goes.

People who live in the city should all try to live in the countryside. You realize the importance of having a sense of community. People in the countryside are rich in that way.

Thailand’s economic crisis in 1997 forced me and other architects to find work abroad. Those who stayed

put had a very hard time finding work or even had to change careers.

Even without the crisis, I think I would have ended up in Singapore anyway.

There was no real university architecture course in Singapore at the time. Studying was geared towards politics, accounting or business.

Art was not a profession Singaporeans wanted to pursue. And I was lucky to get a job as a landscape architect there.

I learned how to cooperate. I participated in every facet of the design process, from sketching to dealing with contractors.

The office environment was tight and very serious. Everything had to be strictly to plan.

In contrast, Bangkok is so diverse, with people from all kinds of places, all kinds of backgrounds living together. But there’s somet h i n g t h at links us all.

Bangkok is ready to go green.

People are finally seeing the value of parks and gardens.

I don’t want it to be just words, or renderings, from a group of optimistic hippies.

The political situation right now is tricky, though.

When decis i o n - m a king is left in the hands of the few, it’s hard to know which way it will go.

Some authorities still see parks as some big service bestowed by government. They want to fill them with purely functional furniture—not too comfortable—as they are afraid people might use parks as a place for mingling illegally.

It’s not just about changing the physical look of a city.

Landscaping is like that. It’s not just about changing the physical look of a city. It’s the things we can’t necessarily touch but which shape us all.

I joined the Makkasan Hope project because, as a landscape designer, I want to design something that will define the way people look at our city.

Did you enjoy that?

SCG Magazine / October-December 2014

Pure Mastery

ISSUE 04 OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2014

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