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it's free! Saep, saep
BK MAGAZINE NO. 594 FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2015. www.bkmagazine.com
Northeast Renewal
Thanks to cool new cafes and hotels, Isaan has never been this exciting Cover_594_Jun19_15_NEW.indd 1
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page 3 6 cover story
Hip Isaan
Mind in the Gutter
14 shopping
16 health
Play it Safe
Stretched Thin
20 blends
22 bites
Japanese Whiskey
Cheese Dreams
24 restaurant
37 last word
Ital-Thai
Suthep Speaks
Who's in charge? General Manager Andrew Hiransomboon Managing Editor, Product Director Gr goire Glachant Managing Editor Oliver Irvine Deputy Editor Carl Dixon Features Associate Monruedee Jansuttipan Senior Staff Writer Vasachol Quadri Staff Writer Pinnyada Tanitnon, Lily Kittisrikangwan Junior Content Coordinator Nontaya Kumyat Junior Writers Natcha Sanguankiattichai, Sam Nathapong Production Supervisor Komkrit Klinkaeo Art Director Dechart Sangsawang Senior Graphic Designer Panita Thiraphapong Graphic Designers Chantich Kongchanmitkul, Peeraya Sirathanisa Junior Graphic Designers Nemintorn Ketkeaw, Wariya Whangwaewklang
Advertising Director Wanida Akeapichai Sales Manager Tipkritta Chiraporncharas Senior Sales Associates Tassanee Mahamad, Orajira Sukkasem, Onwara Sittirug, Waranuch Thaneerat, Nattaya Bovornsettanon, Orakarn Laohakanjanasiri, Amarit Jinaya Regional Marketing Manager Pavida Chitprasertsuk Marketing Executive, Creative Services Puttipat Teerakawongsakul Marketing Service Associate Chochat Masrat
Administrator Yaovaluck Srisermsri Accountant Manita Bangmoung Contributors Rob Brezsny, Kathy MacLeod Interns Arisa Wiwatsomwong, Thammika Sawaengsri, Lalita Kittisrikangwan, Pimploy Phongsirivech, Jatuphorn Yamprasert, Varunthorn Uraroongroj, Pornchanit Visitchaichan, Korakodch Suratanamongkon, Pinyapat Bannarakhiran, Rattika Sudechawongsakul
IT Manager Takrit Jitjaroen Distribution Executive Suda Angsuputiphant Finance Manager Supaporn Bangmoung Assistant Finance Manager Anchalee Limkhamduang Senior Accountant Maneeya Kanthongdang
Cover by Jatuphorn Yamprasert and Varunthorn Uraroongroj
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
BK is moving offices soon. And we couldn’t help notice that His Lordship MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra the Great has (finally) rolled up his sleeves and gone off to do some PR in Bangkok’s sewers. What did he find down there, blocking our drainage pipes and causing all the chaos and flooding? A nice red couch. Yes, a perfectly fine couch had been dropped carelessly into the city’s sewers, forcing His Gubernatorial Graciousness to cut his European trip short and go yank it out of there. Well it did have a few slash marks but it’s nothing duct tape can’t fix. Let’s get to the point: We need that couch for our new office (the publishing business isn’t what it used to be). In fact, there are a few other things we’d like Lord Mayor Sukhumbhand to keep an eye out for when he goes exploring in the drainage pipes: 1. Thonburi. We keep hearing about it but have actually never seen it. We heard it’s underwater or across the river or something like that. You’ll know you’re there, Governor, when you see Duangrit Bunnag wearing a panama hat as he mumbles incomprehensible architectural philosophy. 2. Thailand’s economic growth. We haven’t seen it in months. Most likely to be lurking beneath Emquartier. Least likely to be anywhere near Phloen Chit. 3. The next food trend. We think it might be stuck in a toilet pipe somewhere near Thonglor, behind half-eaten lamb burgers, bao buns, heaps of rocket salad, way too much balsamic, an apron, a white chef cursing at a farmed shrimp and some organic wines. If spotted, try Alka Seltzer and lots of fiber. 4. BK’s online viral hits. Last seen at mthai.com and boxza. com, translated to Thai, but otherwise perfectly identical to their former selves. If found, please return to their rightful owner (that’s us) but leave boxza and mthai in the gutter, where they belong. 5. Boots. Preferably from Burberry but we’re not picky. 6. Freedom of speech. First seen Jun 24, 1932. Last seen May 22, 2014. Usually comes equipped with clappers, whistles, somtam stalls, grenades, foreign journalists, colorful shirts and flanked by a coup on each side. You can’t miss it, but don’t expect to see it Jun 24 for the commemoration of the Siamese Revolution. Maj Gen Sansern says it ain’t happening. Thanks Governor. That’ll be all for now. Happy hunting!
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, June 19, 2015
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upfront HOT OR NOT
Hot: Yannawa River Walk
Not: Chao Phraya River Walk
Who cares about public opinion when you’re the BMA? Our city authorities have decried that what the Chao Phraya needs is a 7km, B14 billion walkway that displaces a local community and could have potentially disastrous environmental consequences on Bangkok’s biggest waterway. What’s more, the plan looks ridiculous––like a neverending strip of green Silly Putty––and comes at a time when Shma Design and UDDC have proposed a beautiful alternative.
STREET TALK
Hot: Grilled cheese
Not: Barbecue
That’s it. We’ve given up ever trying to find that Meat & Bones food truck. We’re beginning to think the whole thing might be an elaborate hoax. Instead, we’ll be dining out on the new fad for restaurants serving food you can cook at home, starting with a grilled cheese sandwich. See page 22 for our roundup. facebook.com/Sukhumbhand.P
Hot: The monkhood
Not: Politics
Now is really not a good time to be a politician. One minute your trip to Amsterdam is being cut short because of floods, the next your likeness is clogging up the internet as a meme accompanied to some crap you said without thinking. No wonder Suthep’s having nothing more to do with the whole business of politics and staying a monk (read our interview, page 37).
As a lawyer specializing in human rights for over 22 years, Yaowalak Anupan, 48, was one of the scheduled speakers for last Thursday’s disbanded briefing at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand on the country’s current human rights situation under the junta. Her work as the co-founder of Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, which provides support to Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNCHR), was awarded in December 2014 by the French Embassy in Bangkok with its inaugural Human Rights Award. Here, she talks about the challenges currently facing human rights work in Thailand. Your organization is new here. What is the duty of Thai Lawyers for Human Rights? We are a group of lawyers and attorneys. Our objective is to focus on issues of human rights violation. We provide legal assistance and legal advice to individuals facing charges by the NCPO, and collect information about the cases. H ow d o yo u fe e l a b o u t t h e FCCT’s event being canceled by the NCPO?
Hot: Buying books
Not: Reading books
Aren’t Bangkokians only meant to like reading Pantip drama? You’d never believe it to see the crowds at any and every book event in this city. Dig out your best canvas tote for Thailand Independent Bookstore Week (see page 30). The perfect excuse to purchase some sexy literary shelf candy.
It’s no surprise that happened. I was expecting it. The NCPO would never tolerate people criticizing the military’s achievements during the current regime. It happened once last year but that time they called me and threatened to arrest me if I went ahead with the event. I told them that I wasn’t violating any Thai laws. Article 4 in The Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand states that
Thailand must respect The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights legislated by the UN. After I stated the facts of my position, they sounded agitated and pointed out that I shouldn’t use “my” law against “their” law. They still threatened arrest and said I would be subjected to attitude adjustment. There were no arrests in the end because I had done nothing wrong. Law is my expertise. So this time they didn’t call me; instead they went directly to the FCCT. How would you like to see conditions change before Thailand goes forward with an election? The country needs to be more tolerant and open-minded. Thais are likely to make abrupt decisions and always follow the actions of the past. At the time of the 2006 coup, the popularity of Thaksin’s government had hit its peak; it
was about to decrease. Then the military seized power and brought gunfire and tanks onto the street. We thought our interminable political situation was going to be resolved but it wasn’t. It started a slow burning fire that led to Yingluk being elected as Thailand’s prime minister. How does the country move forward now? Thailand needs a new election. It has to return the right for individuals to express their opinions as soon as possible. There is a possibility that the Thai military will extend its rule for two more years because they say Thailand needs to undergo some unclear process of reformation before elections can take place. That means Thais are being denied their right to political participation. Interview by Sam Nathapong
THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID
by Kathy MacLeod kathymacleod.blogspot.com
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cover story A
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NewIsaan
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The Northeast is changing. Thanks to young locals with an eye for international trends in dining and design, it’s now as easy to find a slow-drip coffee in Korat as it is in Chiang Mai. We spoke to the faces behind some of these burgeoning small businesses to create the definitive modern Isaan checklist.
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By Monruedee Jansuttipan, Arisa Wiwatsomwong and Natchaya Angsatitanan NORTHEAST OF THAILAND
EAT
DRINK
K HON KAEN
SHOP
BK ASKS
PUN PANG This much-Instagrammed cafe was established after three years operating as a cake delivering service. Try the seasonal durian cheesecake (B85) this season. 577 Moo 7, Soi Ban Kok 40, Ban Ped. 096-130-8479. Open daily11am-8pm. www.fb.com/punpangbakeAcake
NEIGHBOUR This little cafe quickly won locals’ hearts with its minimal design and tasty cakes. Try the Oreo cheesecake (B70) and brown mint choco wheat waffle (B135). Lang Mueang Rd., 081-546-1946. Open Tue-Sun 10am-7pm. www.fb.com/neighbourcafe
THE CONCEPT AROMATIC THAI CUISINE
THE TERMINAL
The young guy behind this project, Warong Laopaiboon, studied at Le Cordon Bleu at Dusit Thani before working at W Bangkok and Hilton Sukhumvit. Together with friend Chot Wongsaman, they serve both Thai and international dishes. Highlights include Isaan ome (Isaan-style spicy vegetable soup with beef, B195), laab pla duk (spicy cat fish with herbs, B180) and fusion fried pork knuckle with fish sauce (B380). There’s a vast and constantly changing list of imported beers, too. 192 Airport Rd., 094-512-8685. Open daily 11am-10pm. www.fb.com/concept.khonkaen
BLUE JAYS BURGERS SALAD MANIA This all-white, minimal salad cafe belongs to an architect couple. Their specialty is vegetables, offering a salad bar at B25 per 100g. It’s always packed in the evenings, mainly with joggers who train around the area. Their signature dressing is an oilfree version of Japanese sesame.
This food truck serves burgers made using local beef, including the popular pineapple-topped Hawaiian burger and fresh veg Canadian burger. They normally station at Hugz Mall, the new trendy community mall in the city center, but check their Facebook page to avoid disappointment.
Located near Khon Kaen Train Station, this contemporary hotel takes influence from Thailand’s railways. The lobby is dotted with vintage benches while rooms feature aluminum train seats and step-ladders from sleeper carriages. Room rates start at B1,200 for superior and B2,200 for the four-bed Classic room. 181/44 Laonadee Road, Muaeng, 043-227-000-1. www.theterminalhotel.com
SUPANNIGA HOME This boutique hotel is set amid lush greenery and offers various programs for those who want to explore the traditional side of the region. Room rates start at B4,380 for two persons and B18,000 for four persons. 130/9 Potisarn Rd., 089-944-4880. supannigahome.com
180/1 Nai Mueang, Maliwan, 098-584 -287. Open daily 5:30-10pm. goo.gl/nzS9Ff
After studying to become a chef at George Brown Col lege in Toronto, where he worked at several Italian and French kitchens for a decade, Suphachai returned to Khon Kaen and opened this burger truck named after Toronto’s iconic baseball team.
Why did you return to Khon Kaen? I wanted to be close to my family, but now I have plenty of new friends and support from locals.
Blue Jays Burgers
The Terminal
Supachai Srisudto, 36, Blue Jays Burger
Why did you choose to open a food truck rather than a restaurant? It’s cheap and you don’t need to do much marketing. Everyone knows burgers and loves them. I’ve been overwhelmed by the response.
Adunyaram Soi 2, Muaeng, 083-451-1155. Open Sun-Fri 4-10pm. goo.gl/7sjley
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Pun Pang
How has the restaurant culture in Khon Kaen changed? It’s really changed a lot. The new g e n e rat i o n i s wa k i n g u p to international food trends and wants to try new food experiences. My customers don’t just come for the food; a lot of them also studied abroad, so they gather here to share their experiences.
The Concept Aromatic Thai Cuisine
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cover story UBON RATCHATHANI
BK ASKS
NOM NOIR THE MILK BAR The latest addition to Ubon’s milk culture offers toasted bread and fresh milk, as well as a classic coffee list. Their signature, Nom Noir, mixes hot milk with caramel (B25). Sukhauppathum Soi 9, 095-883-4383, Open daily 11am-10pm. FB.com/nomnoirubon
Nathida Palasak, 32, owner of Charcoal Soymilk
Papilio
PAPILIO This minimal, Japanese-style bakery sets itself apart from others thanks to its rose macarons (made in-house from roses imported from France), Viang Jumon tea from Chiang Mai and TWG tea sets at affordable prices.
Ubon native Nathida Palasak is a designer at fashion label Shaka (3/F Siam Center. www.shakastyles.com). Last year she rebranded her favorite local soymilk into the contemporarystyled Charcoal Soymilk (FB.com/ charcoalsoymilk). The popular drink can now be found at Emquartier and Siam Paragon, but also still holds a place in Ubon locals’ hearts.
than you’ll find in Bangkok. Sappasit Rd., 081-6006460. Open 9am-11pm. goo.gl/MkM39n
YES This coffee bar and bistro is more like a pub, perfect for hanging out for a drink at night. The vibe is all about American retro, from the lightbulb-illuminated sign outside to drawings of Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe.
Nom Noir The Milk Bar
Pals
Ubon Square 21/2, Chayangkul Rd., 093-448-8855. goo.gl/jx3Zc5
NA NA HANI
PALS
This small hotel incorporates plenty of Isaan charm thanks to the work of local artists depicting important local festivals such as Boon Bung Fai (rocket festival) and Wan Khao Phansa (Buddhist lent), the famous candle festival of Ubon Thani.
Sharing a home with Charcoal Soymilk (see BK Asks, right), Pals serves healthy junk food alternatives like gelato sherbert, smoothies and thin-crepe pizza, as well as salads and cold-pressed juices.
It’s really happening in my eyes. We can’t beat Chiang Mai quite yet, but there is definitely a cafe culture here now. It’s the businesses that are really offering something different which I believe will live longest. How do you find the social life?
274 Oob Lisan Rd., 095-451-5655. FB.com/palstable
Room rates start BTK. 65/3 Soi Shayangkul 12, 061136-9693. FB.com/nanahaniubon
Na Na Hani
DOSE ESPRESSO
SAMUAY & SONS
Borrowing its name from the popular Sydney coffee shop, this cafe specializes in quality coffee which the owner, Naowarat Kuwajanakul, sources with the help of Dose Espresso in Sydney (where she used to work as a barista). Naowarat also plans to open a second branch at the end of the month, focusing on clean, organic food as well as coffee.
The brothers behind this tailors’ home turned restaurant, Weerawat and Worrawut Triyasenwat, both have experience from top kitchens in San Franciso, including Commonwealth (which just lost its Michelin star this year) and Thai restaurant Osha (which also now has a Bangkok branch). Their menu is a mix of ancient and new recipes from Isaan and elsewhere in Thailand, like saeng wa (non-spicy yam) and baby bamboo in fermented fish soup topped with fried giant cat fish.
106/40 Soi Ratchapatsadu (Thanarak Market), 092-991-9225. goo.gl/Isnoxr
UNDER THE TREE Expect this whimsical country cottage-style cafe to be packed almost every day thanks to its signature “pizookie” (B85), a pizza-size cookie served with ice cream. They also come up with unorthodox drinks like espresso soda (B75). 888 Pracharaksa Rd., 085-456-1199. Open daily 10am-8pm. www.fb.com/cafeunderthetree Wolf’s Den
BAAN RARE Designed by its architect owner (see BK Asks, right), this minimal guesthouse is chockfull of Isaan touches, from pakaoma (local gingham) pillows to kratib (sticky rice bamboo containers). The same owner also runs a bike tour operator called Otto, which offers bike trip to Laos starting from B12,000 per person. Room rates start from B500-B,1000 with breakfast. Samuay & Son
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4/8 Po-Sri Rd., Maak-Kaeng, 081-260-1333. www.fb.com/baanrare
I don’t really see much difference between people here and in Bangkok. They both love to go to new places and share them on social media. Here, the slower pace of life is much nicer than Bangkok.
BK ASKS
UDON THANI
Dose Espresso
After living in London and Bangkok, how do you find being back in Isaan?
133/25 Ponepisai Rd., 086-309-6685, 083-056-0380. Open daily 11am-9:30pm
WOLF’S DEN Twins Pitawat and Nichaporn Urwongkul teamed with chef friend Menat Sikala, who previously worked at JW Marriott Phuket. They offer homemade Italian dishes, from fresh pasta to desserts. Try their Australian ribeye with port wine gravy (B450). The venue looks stunning, too; Pitawat used his architect background to revamp two old shop-houses in a very chic industrial style. 43/33-34 Srisuk Rd., 085-221-0330, 083-357-2287. Open daily 10am-8pm. www.fb.com/w.wolfsden
MAIBAN VILLAGE Here you’ll find two shops worth checking out: furniture store Maibaan (FB.com/maibaan) and Japanese knickknack shop Soontaree (084-478-0919, FB.com/soontareebrand), both of which sell stylish souvenirs and keepsakes. 333/20 Ring Rd. Open daily 9am-8pm
Rirk Chaowanakawee, 51, owner of Rare Guesthouse Bangkok-born Rirk, an architectturned-marketing consultant for hotels opened his small 12-room guesthouse in 2013. Why invest in Udon? Udon Thani is a hub for international travelers on their way to Nong Khai and Laos. But the Isaan region also has its own rich culture. It’s like a spicy dish that you never get bored of. The people, too, are so friendly and open to newcomers. Do you see a lot of growth p o t e n t i a l f o r t h e re g i o n ? There is stil l vast room for investment, which can’t be said for other parts of Thailand in the North and South, which are so packed and expensive. Route R9, connecting Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, has huge potential to grow. We just need to be careful to retain Isaan unique character.
BK Magazine Friday, June 19, 2015
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cover story
8 Bistro
Yellow Pumpkin
8 Bistro
NAKHON RATCHASIMA (KORAT)
Polar Polar
FIKA
BAAN ISSARA
This cafe and co-working space sits in an old wooden house. As well as serving Thai coffee and fusion spaghetti dishes like nam prik ong and kua klong (B135), it’s also a dealer of TokyoBike brand bicycles, and hosts a craft market once a month.
Baan Issara offers three types of accommodation: a hotel, a resort and a townhouse-style villa for families. Room rates start at B550 for superior rooms, B1,000 for suites and B1,500 for two bedrooms.
Charng Pueak Soi 6, 062-139-2699. Open daily10am-10pm. www.fb.com/WeloveFika
259/9 (Behind The Mall Korat), Trok Wat Thatako. 087-962-5553, 094-275-3555. www.fb.com/ BaanIssaraKorat
POLAR POLAR A bit out from the city center, Polar Polar is a good spot to stop by for sweets and coffee (made using beans from Bangkok’s Roast). They also regularly host a street art market selling toys, home and phone accessories, and clothes from local designers. 508 Moo 11, Khok Kruad, 083-788-8338. Open daily 8am-8pm. www.fb.com/polarpolarcafe
YELLOW PUMPKIN Newly built but with a nostalgic vibe, this cafe in the busy city center hosts regular talks and group bike rides, and also serves as a pop-up gallery. Their signature ingredient is pumpkin, which they bake into cheesecake and muffins. Fika Cafe
1223 Trok Samranjit, Chomphon Rd., 098-221-2001. Opens Fri-Tue 10am-7pm. www.fb.com/yellowpumpkincafe
CLASS This local chain of coffee roasters has four branches serving both local and international beans. Prices range from B55-B115 per cup. Their third branch (near Wat Bu) also has a grill station called Scale Burger, serving New York-style burgers at B160 for pork and B180 for Angus beef. Chomsurangyart Rd., 044-007-277. Open daily 7am-8pm. www.class.coffee
Class
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8 BISTRO Run by the owners of a successful Korat pub and restaurant called Hansa, this bistro focuses on European food and imported beers. 9/8 Trok Saowtong, Mukkamontri Rd., 044-248-888. Open 10:30am-midnight. www.fb.com/8bistro
C’EST SI BON Operated by an alumni of Dusit Thani’s Le Cordon Bleu cookery school, this little French-influenced kitchen serves classics like eggs Benedict and duck confit alongside burgers and luxurious desserts. Don’t leave without trying the double chocolate croissant. Time Square, 1849/25-27 Suebsiri Rd., 044-353-525-6. Open 10:30am-8pm. www.fb.com/cestsibon.th
ART AND FRIENDS MARKET Gathering on the first week of every month, this art and crafts market hops around town visiting Korat’s various cafes. The same group also runs “art farm,” where you’ll find businesses like Baan Baan Décor (084-410-4040, goo.gl/teXisr), the beloved eco shop selling wooden home accessories, ceramics and tie-die along with homemade pizza. Follow their event at goo.gl/PF52xp.
C’est Si Bon
BK ASKS
Marut Chumkhuntod, 37, Class Cafe owner Marut packed in his job in digital marketing at a telecommunication company to open a cafe in his hometown, Korat. Was there anything like Class Cafe in Korat a few years ago? If you go back three years, there was no cafe that people could actually connect with. There were expensive Starbucks hidden in malls that didn’t open till at least 10am. I wanted to create a sense of coffee culture; somewhere that opens at 7am and serves quality coffee. The young entrepreneurs really love it. We’re always busy in the morning. What differences do you see in Isaan’s youth culture compared to Bangkok? Big brands often fail here because they bring in things that people don’t want. In Bangkok, the pace is much faster, service needs to be sharp. Here, it takes most people 10 minutes to get from their home to the office so they have more free time. There are a lot of opportunities waiting for those who see them.
BK Magazine Friday, June 19, 2015
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ADVERTORIAL
Joining forces for Sustainable Events
People
Profit
Planet
We speak to Nichapa Yoswee, MICE Capabilties Director at TCEB. With 20 years experience in the field, she has been at the forefront of emerging trends in the industry. Today, she is leading the adoption of sustainable practices by Thailand's MICE Industry. We asked her what sustainibility canaccomplish for MICE professionals and how to achieve it. Why is sustainability important to the MICE industry? The MICE industry creates a lot of waste and racks up a large carbon footprint. Every business sector, all over the world, has come to realize that cost and is moving towards sustainability. As a result, businesses want to work with partners that are internationally certified for sustainable management, such as ISO 50001 (Energy Management Systems) and ISO 20121 (Event Sustainability Management Systems). We were the first country in the world to adopt ISO 20121 standards in the MICE industry after it was first implemented at the London Olympics 2012. We successfully helped Plaza Athenee to be world’s first hotel certificated with this ISO too.
Sustainability Sustainability is at the convergence of people, profits and the planet. When these three elements are in balance, a business can grow and keep growing without having an adverse impact on its community or environment.
Jargon 101 MICE Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions. These can range from a book fair at Queen Sirikit Convention Center to a business convention at a hotel or an international trade fair at IMPACT.
ISO While these three letters stand for International Organization for Standardization, they are usually followed by some numbers to designate a specific standard. IS0 9000, for example, stands for a certification in quality management.
TCEB The Thailand Conventions and Exhibitions Bureau is a government agency dedicated to strengthening and promoting MICE events in Thailand.
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The MICE industry creates a lot of waste and racks up a large carbon footprint. Every business sector, all over the world, has come to realize that cost and is moving towards sustainability.
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The Thailand Conventions and Exhibitions Bureau (TCEB) is putting sustainability at the forefront of the MICE industry’s priorities, in line with growing global demand for more responsible events.
Why is sustainability good for local businesses? CEOs must stop thinking that green regulations are a cost. They actually help you gain more profit and reduce costs. TCEB has worked closely with venue operators and found that sustainable regulations help venues save money. For example, IMPACT’s savings are in the eight digits thanks to their new focus on energy management. What’s the perk of being part of a sustainable business? We meet lots of international businesses around the world and we know what they want. Their main questions are now, “Are your operators, such as convention centers and hotels, certified with sustainable practices?” If you have these certificates, customers will come to you because it guarantees the best standards reviewed by international regulations. What is the future of Bangkok’s MICE industry? We set big goals for ourselves. In 6-10 years, Bangkok will be the Sustainability City of Asia. To get there, we need to create a sustainability mindset in people to implement sustainable practises in their organizations. TCEB will invite all stakeholders to engage in networking and educational opportunities such as providing sustainable guidelines to Thailand's MICE businesses. We all need to act like global citizens to help the drive for sustainability.
To get more information, please visit www.micecapabilities.com
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escapes ESCAPE ROUTES By Monruedee Jansuttipan and Pinnyada Tanitnon
PHUKET
Sail the Seas Don your nautical stripes and Sperrys to watch Phuket Race Week 2015 at the Cape Panwa Hotel in Phuket this Jul 15-19. The international-level yacht race features four days of yacht racing and five nights of beachside celebrations. Those participating in the race events will have access to the regatta area, while those who wish solely to spectate can get tickets at the venue, though these will be in limited supply with none on pre-sale. Another option is to rent a yacht and watch the race from the ocean. Come nightfall you’ll be able to access the parties, equipped with freeflow beer, wine and spirits. Tickets cost B800-1,200 depending on the night of the party. For more information, visit www.phuketraceweek.com.
Local Pick Movenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach is offering Thai residents good incentive to visit Phuket Beach during the rainy season. From now through Oct 31, a two-night stay at the resort for a party of two costs just B7,000, inclusive of breakfast and roundtrip transfers to Phuket International Airport. Additionally, guests get a complimentary chocolate hour at the resort’s Kinaree Bar as well as 15 percent off food and beverages and 50 percent off on spa treatments. As an added incentive, guests also have the privilege of early check-in and late checkout subject to availability. More information at ow.ly/NRp3e.
AIRLINES
Fly Away Bangkok Airways’ new Bin Dee Yu Dee deal offers some great discounts on flightwith-room packages at both local and regional 4-5 star hotels. The airline’s eight domestic destinations include Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Sukhothai, Lampang, Trat, Phuket, Koh Samui (Koh Phangan), Krabi and Udon Thani, while the international destinations are Luang Prabang and the Maldives. Domestic packages start from B6,900 per person, while international packages start from B11,400. Bookings must be made through a partner travel agency such as Bangkok Airways’ Bangkok Travel Club (02-265-5700), through which we’ve found deals to Sheraton Krabi Beach Resort at B8,900 for two nights and flights, as well as two nights and flights to Samui’s five-star Akyra Chura for B12,900. Roundtrip stays at beautiful hotels in the Maldives start at B35,300. All prices are per person on a twin-share basis. Check the company’s vast list of properties, including Anantara Veli Resort & Spa, here. The packages are available from now until Oct 31.
Local Flavor As part of Thai Airways’ 55th anniversary celebrations, the airline has teamed up with chefs Dylan Jones and Bo Songvisava, the husband-and-wife duo behind Bo.Lan restaurant (ranked 37th in this year’s Asia’s 50 Best Restuarants), for a new menu exclusive to flights from Singapore to Bangkok (but not vice versa) until Aug 15. In keeping with Bo.Lan, the new recipes draw on traditional, seasonal Thai flavors derived from ancient recipes, like kaffir lime and lemongrass-infused puffed rice, fish curry and stir-fried pickled turnips. The menu is being served to both economy and Royal Silk passengers on all Singapore to Bangkok flights except TG402. More information at ow.ly/NRaFF.
Have some cool rooms? Email your news and promotions to travel@asia-city.co.th
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WORKSHOP
Master Class Art teacher Paron Mead’s Paron School of Arts has grown from a pop-up project to a permanent school, offering rotating small-sized classes and workshops for all generations. The Central Saint Martins design graduate, who has been teaching art at Harrow International School for the past seven years, offers courses including Portfolio Preparation, Monet’s Garden (Impressionist-influenced line, tone and color techniques) and Architecture 101 (drawing, collage and model making). There’s also a monthly art and wine painting class for adults and the option to arrange private classes for special occasions. Tuition fees range from B800-7,900 (based on course length and material requirements). 2/F, Happiness Premium Sweets & Bar, 257/1-2 Ekkamai Soi 11, 089-795-8765. www.paronschoolofart.com
SHOPPING
PROPERTY
TECH
Treasure Trove
One That Matters
Get Hooked
Founded in 2009 by jewelry designer Yolwaree “Ing” Sathayanawin, who also owns the online jewelry brand Yolwaree, the Haus of Jewelry online shop now has its own by-appointment-only store. An old house in On Nut Soi 66 has been turned into a showroom for a diverse range of fine gems and silver jewelry sourced from all over the world. Noted brands include Missile, Vickisarg, Aerin, collection, Lele Sadoughi, Ford and Harris, O Thongthai and Yolwaree. Check out the collections on the website before making an appointment with Ing to see the real pieces and hear the concepts behind the designs. 443 On Nut Soi 66, 092-926-5552. BTS On Nut. www.hausofjewelry.com
One of Bangkok’s biggest real estate developers, SC Asset, has launched its latest luxury high-rise residence. Saladaeng One is located in the middle of the central business district, 120 meters from Lumphini Park and even closer to MRT Lumphini station. The early 3D renderings show an elegantly modern design clad with a high-end marble facade. The interiors feature large glass windows that embrace the views of the park. The 33-story building offers 185 units ranging from 1-3 bedrooms to duplexes, penthouses and two pool villas. Rates start at B13 million, with an expected completion date in 2017. Contact 1749 for more info, www.saladaeng-one.com
AIS has partnered with Singtel, Sony Pictures and Warner Bros. to launch Hooq, a new video-on-demand streaming service. The platform promises over 10,000 movies from Sony and Warner Bros., including the Spider-Man and Harry Potter franchises, along with television series such as Friends, Criminal Minds, ER and Smallville. Each week will feature a new theme to help you pick your favorite viewing. You can also save up to five movies on your devices (one phone, tablet and laptop per account) for you to view without internet connection. The price is B119 per month for unlimited access, while AIS is also offering up to six months free use of Hooq to customers with AIS Fibre home internet. www.hooq.tv BK Magazine Friday, June 19, 2015
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Live To Ride Bangkok’s a dangerous city for bike riders. Here are eight cycling safety essentials. By Arisa Wiwatsomwong 8
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Headlights
The Fenix BT20 (B2,950) features a dual-distance beam system, which means you get both close- and long-range visibility from four output levels (750 lumens max). Available at Thai Power Light, 29/99 Thai Power Light Building, The Primary Kaset-Nawamin, Prasertmanukij Rd., 02-946-6969. Open MonSat 10am-7pm. www.thaipowerlight.com 2
Tail Lights
The pocket-friendly CatEye Rapid 3 TL-LD630 (B790) has three customizable LED light patterns: rapid mode for maximum attention, flash mode for night cycling visibility, and constant mode for daytime. Try Aim Bike, 121/8 Bond Street Rd., Muangthong Thani, 02-984-0427. Open Tue-Sun 9:30am-7pm. www. aimbike.com 3
Eyewear
This new Oakley Polarized Jawbreaker (B10,550) collection features technology designed to adapt the lens to changing light conditions. The strap can also be adapted for three sizes of helmet. Try Oakley Shop, M/F, Terminal 21, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-108-0761
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Sun Screen
Face Thailand’s crushing sun with La Roche-Posay ANTHELIOS XL CREAM SPF 50+ (B1,200/50ml) for face protection, paired with Banana Boat Sport Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 PA+++ (B535/90ml) for body protection. Both available at Watsons stores nationwide. Try Siam Square Soi 1, 02-658-3969. 5
Helmets
Available in seven different colors, the lightweight Giro Trinity (B1,400) has a classic, simple design and affordable price. It’s also a quality bit of kit, offering high-impact protection thanks to the polycarbonate shell and expanded polystyrene protective foam. Try Sangphet Bike, 132/7 Charansanitwong Soi 20, 02-411-0039. Open daily 8:30am-7pm. www.fb.com/ SangphetBike 6
Bike Backpack
This cool 22-liter pack from the Osprey Spin Cycling collection (B4,400) not only fits a 15.4-inch laptop computer, but is also optimized for safety and rider comfort. There’s a blinker light attachment, a Lid Lock clip to attach your helmet, and a built-in raincover. Available at Sports Mall, 2/F, Siam Paragon, Rama I Rd. BTS Siam
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Bicycle Lock
Australia-based company Knog’s 13mm U-lock, the Strongman (B2,400), is one of the most well-designed and tough bike locks on the market, thanks to its double dead lock mechanism and UV resistant silicone outer. It comes in a choice of colors: white, black and red. Try Bo Velo, 221 Vibhavadi Rangsit Rd., near Sutthisan-Vibhavadi Intersection, 087-701-5151, 083-2978800. Open daily 10am-8pm (closed on every other Monday). www.bovelobangkok.com 8
Gloves
Essential for hot-day riding, the half-finger Bontrager Solstice (B750) gloves will enhance your grip as well as help your sweaty hands to breathe. Their gel foam padding is comfy, too, and they come in seven different colors. Try Nakornthai Bike, 2923-2925 Soi Ladprao between Soi 101/1 and 101/2, 02-3771701. Open Mon-Sat 9am-8pm, Sun 9am-5pm (closed on the second, third and fourth Thursday). www.nktbike.com
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Rana Yoga
HEALTH
Strike a Pose To welcome International Yoga Day on June 21, here are Bangkok’s newest yoga studios to open up your chakras. By BK Editorial Roots 8
NEW STANDALONES
FLY YOGA
Roots 8
Yoga & Me
Cafe Bangrak’s owner Kook Pacharawan has teamed up with experienced Indian yoga mentor Vivek Singh to offer courses for both beginners and advanced yogis in two non-air-con rooms. For beginners, they recommend the one-hour Hatha yoga class to learn the basic poses. Beyond that, the studio also offers classes in Ashtanga, Alignment and Flow Vinyasa yoga. The price is B3,900 per 12-class course. Also on-site you’ll find Yogi’s Spicy, which serves vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
This studio offers every level of fly yoga: basic fly, flashy fly (intermediate, focusing on ab and hip exercises), skinny fly (freestyle poses) and spike fly (the highest level). There are also separate classes for a technique called Gyrotonic (yoga poses on a special fitness machine). Prices for normal yoga, Pilates and fly start from B7,900 for 20 classes (two months), B14,900 for 50 classes (six months) and B19,900 for 80 classes (one year).
Sathorn Soi 8, 02-234-0428. Open Mon-Fri 7am-8:30pm, Sat 9am-8pm, Sun 9am-11am. BTS Chong Nonsi. www.fb.com/roots8yoga
Yogatique A low-key alternative to the major yoga hubs, this small, community-based studio on Sukhumvit Soi 23 offers a variety of classes, covering all physical practices (flexibility and fitness) as well as holistic approaches like breathing and balancing the body and soul, aka Yin and Yang. No need to book in advance as you can drop in for B400/class. If you’re hooked, it’s B3,500/month. 4/F, RE/MAX Building, Sukhumvit Soi 23, 02-662-0172. Open Mon, Wed and Fri 10am-8pm, Tues and Thurs 7:30am-8pm, Sat 8am-2pm, Sun 10am-2pm. BTS Asoke. www.fb.com/yogatiquebangkok
Rana Yoga Located on the second floor of the Green Connect community mall, this tiny studio offers many types of yoga, from hatha and body balance to hot yoga and sun series, with classes limited to a maximum of 15 students. The schedule is updated monthly on the school’s Facebook page and no prior reservations are required. Packages start from B3,500 for 10 visits (valid for three months) or B3,500 per month with unlimited classes. 2/F, The Green Connect, Sukhumvit Soi 31, 081-965-1951. Open MonSun 8:30am-10pm. BTS Asoke. ow.ly/Oab0H
CDC Building L5, Ekamai-Ramintra Rd., 02-102-2975/6. Open Mon-Fri 8:30am-9pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-6pm. www.fb.com/yogaandme
The Pilates Station As the name suggests, this studio specializes in Pilates. Classes include Pilates and yoga fly, body fly (combining yoga, Pilates dance and aerial acrobatics), Corefit (basic Pilates on a mat) and body barre (combining Pilates, yoga and ballet). Prices start at B700 per class.
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2/F, Jasmine City Building, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-661-7468, Open Mon-Fri 8am-9pm, Sat-Sun 9pm-5pm. BTS Asoke. www.fb.com/PilatesStation
YOGA WITH A TWIST
Iyengar Yoga
The yoga here focuses on body alignment through the use of props like belts, cushions and blankets. Prices start from B500 for a single class, B1,200 for three classes within one month, and B3,400 for 10 classes within three months. Fifty Fifth Plaza, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 02-714-9224. Open MonFri 8am-7pm, Sat-Sun 9am-3pm. BTS Thong Lo. ow.ly/Oabj8
Yoga House The classes here focus on Vinyasa yoga, also known as flow yoga, which highlights the control and alignment of breathing. Prices start from B2,950 for one month of unlimited classes, B7,900 for three months of unlimited classes and B12,900 for six months of unlimited classes. 2/F, The Circle Ratchapruek, 39 Ratchapruek Rd., 02-863-8771. Open Mon-Sun 10am-7:15pm. www.fb.com/yogahousebangkok
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Yoga and Me
Yogatique
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Ice Tea For its Emquartier outlet, Harrods has rolled out something new. At Harrods Cafe, you can enjoy pasta, sandwiches and salad as well as baked items like croissants, muffins and cakes. The highlight would have to be their adjacent Ice Cream Parlour with signature ice-cream flavors like No.42 Earl Grey Salted Caramel, Midnight Rose (charcoal and rose lychee ribbon) and Macadamia Salted Caramel at B89/scoop. Or make it a sundae with options like the coppa cioccolata calda (Belgium chocolate and macadamia sea salt caramel ice cream with English milk cream soft serve and chocolate sauce, B220). G/F, Emquartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-003-6424. BTS Phrom Phong
COFFEE
DINNER
BRUNCH
Summer Brew
Flying Visit
Sunday Graze
Appearing regularly as a stall at foodie events like K Village’s Urban Eatery (the fourth weekend of every month), Finca de Barn is one of the town’s few spots to offer nitro cold brew coffee, served on tap not unlike beer. Owner Santiti Untabal oversees the whole process, from the farming and processing to the roasting and beyond. The Arabica beans are mostly grown on his family’s farm in the highlands of Kanchanaburi, near the Myanmar border, where Santiti says the conditions are similar to coffee-growing regions in Central America—hence the name. In fact, one of his blends, Cigarato, is designed to be enjoyed with a cigar in hand. You can order the beans starting at B300/250g through Facebook (on. fb.me/1C04t6A). The next pop-up is at this weekend’s Soi Nana Jumble Sale (see BK Now, Page 28).
This Jun 24-27, Vie Hotel’s French restaurant La Vie welcomes guest chef Stephane Carbone, chef and owner of the eponymous Michelin-star restaurant in Caen, France. During this period, Carbone will serve a five-course dinner priced at B5,000/person or B7,000/person with wine pairing. Diners can expect plenty of modern techniques in French dishes like pistachio-crusted duck foie gras with cherry jelly and beetroot ice cream, veal baked at a low temperature served with polenta, flower of thyme and cream of sweet cider, and half sphere of meringue, caramel cream and whipped vanilla cream with apple chips. Reservations can be made at afbm@viehotelbangkok.com or 083-8204224. 11/F, Vie Hotel, 117/39-40 Phaya Thai Rd., 02-309-3939. BTS Phaya Thai
After a couple of months of settling in, the new head chef at No Idea, Blair Mathieson (formerly of Quince), has announced his arrival with the new Lazy Sunday Grazing Brunch. Available every Sunday from 11:30am-3pm, the menu spans organic poached eggs (B420), pork-duck rillettes (B280) and slow-roasted lamb shoulder (B2,250) to healthy salads with grilled octopus (B450) and crisp duck (B350). Complete the Sunday vibe with a shot of Bloody Mary with freshly shucked oyster (B150), a glass of Montelliana Prosecco (B990/bottle) or sangria (B150/B800). No Idea, 8/3-4 Sukhumvit Soi 22, 02-663-6686. Open Mon-Tue 3pm-1am, WedSat 12pm-1am, Sun 11.30am-1am. BTS Phrom Phong
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blends
Hanakaruta
BARS
Yoichi Nikka
Nippon Blends Where to find the best Japanese whiskey in Bangkok. By Vasachol Quadri Asia owns the whiskey scene right now. Japan’s Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt 17 Years Old is the latest drink to steal the headlines, winning the prize for World’s Best Blended Malt in 2014 and 2015. But that’s just one in a long list of Japanese and Taiwanese whiskies to have won the whiskey world’s most prestigious accolades since the late 2000s. Though the coveted Taiwanese labels are still hard to come by in Bangkok—we’ve yet to find anywhere selling the Word Whiskies Awards 2015 Best Single Malt-winning Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique Single Cask Strength—there has never been a better time to explore this city’s booming Japanese whiskey bar scene. And to taste the country’s most coveted bottles.
Yoichi Nikka
Hanakaruta
6/11 Sukhumvit Soi 39, 02-662-4270. Open daily Mon-Sat 4pm-1am
The Hanakaruta brand sprung to fame thanks to its floorto-ceiling stack of whiskey bottles in a tiny little Sukhumvit Soi 39 bar (staffed by a friendly barman who was crafting ice balls long before everyone else). The Sathorn Soi 10 branch opened in 2014 offering more of the same, only in a larger space, more open to the outside world. Both Suntory Yamazaki and Nikka whiskies are in ready supply, including limited-edition bottles like Suntory Single Grain (B400/glass) and Nikka Single Cask Whiskey 20 Years Old (B1,500) alongside smaller producers like Hanyu Ichiro’s Pure Malt Whiskey Wine Wood Reserve (B650) and Ichiro’s Malt Mizunara Wood Reserve (B650). Sathorn Soi 10, 085- 061-7318. Open Mon-Sat 5pm-2am 36/4 Sukhumvit Soi 39, 089-783-3534. Open Mon-Sat 5pm-2am
Nori’s Bar Hanakaruta’s founder, Noriaki Tsuboshi, has actually left his original business to work at this more intimate watering hole for serious drinkers. The whiskey list is handpicked by Nori himself. Right now, expect to find Suntory Royal Blended Whiskey, Suntory Special Reserve, Hakushu Single Malt 10 and 12 Years and Yamazaki Single Malt Whiskey 12 Years. 3/F, 47/1 Sukhumvit Soi 49. 085-147-7085. Open daily 8pm-2am
Whisgars Japanese labels can only be found in two branches of this whiskey-specializing chain of bars: Silom and Sukhumvit Soi 23. Nikka Taketsuru 12 Years Old (B300/glass), Hakushu 10 (B280) and 12 Years Old (B330), and Suntory Hibiki 17 Years Old (B640) are on the list at both. 16 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 02-664-4252. Open daily 2pm-2am 981 Silom Rd., 02-661-3220. Open daily 2pm-2am
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Located just a few steps from Hanakaruta’s Soi 39 branch, Yoichi Nikka is the first venture outside of Japan by APR Trading Group, which is behind more than 30 restaurants in Hokkaido, and specializes in food and drinks from the country’s northernmost island. Here you can find most selections from Nikka Company, including the award-winning Takesuru 17 Years Old (B400). For an affordable journey into the flavor profiles of Japanese whiskies of different ages, try one of the tasting flights, like the Taketsuru set (12, 17 and 21 Years Old, B700) and the Yoichi set (10, 12 and 15 Years Old , B700).
Whisgars Silom
Walden This minimal Japanese bar is very cozy and private. But despite the size, the owner stocks many of the best Japanese whiskies. Along with Hibiki (starting B550 for shot) and Yamazaki, you’re also likely to find drinks from smaller producers like Hanyu Ichiro’s IWAI Tradition Blended Whiskey and White Oak Akashi—the latter is highly recommended by the owner. That said, he can be cagey about exact prices, since what’s in stock varies all the time. Just know that the list starts at B200/glass.
Black Amber Thonglor Social Club
Nikka Distillery
HOKKAIDO Hakushu
2/F, 7/1 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 02-662-8087. Open daily 6:30pm-1am
Black Amber Thonglor Social Club Tucked down a no-name soi, this gentlemanly bar is one of Bangkok’s best spots to get a good selection of whiskey in a casual vibe. Going beyond Scotland, they also serve some niche bottles like the Eigashima Akashi (B470) and Hakushu 10 years (B300).
Chichibu (Hanyu) White Oak (Eigashima Akashi) Yamazaki Distillery
160/17 Thonglor Soi 6, 092-276-2772. Open Tue-Sun 6:30pm-1am
Up & Above Bangkok’s most high-end Japanese hotel, The Okura Prestige, does a great line in both Japanese wine and whiskey. Check out their list of premium bottles like Suntory Hakushu 12 Years Old (B450), Suntory Kakubin (B290) and Taketsuru Pure Malt (B690). Normally, the whiskey is served neat or with an ice ball, but there’s also one cocktail on the list made from Suntory Hakushu 12 Years, Massenez Creme de Griotte, antica formula vermouth and orange, called Blood and Sand (B475).
TOKYO KOBE OSAKA
JAPAN’S BIGGEST WHISKEY DISTILLERIES
24/F, The Okura Prestige 57 Wireless Rd., 02-687-9000
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bites 3 ingredients to make the ultimate grilled cheese at home
What: Sourdough bread Where: Amantee White bread might be classic, but the satisfying crispiness and chewy texture of two slices of sourdough will take your grilled cheese to a different league. This artisanal bakery’s can’t be beat.
ROUNDUP
Toasted to Perfection
2240/12-13 Chan Kao Rd., Narathiwat Ratchanakarin, 02-678-1300. Open Tue-Sun 7am-7pm
Grilled cheese or cheese toastie; whatever you call it, it’s hot. Here’s where to get Bangkok’s best. By BK Staff Holy Cheese
What: Cheese Where: Quintessence
Deli-Q
Holy Cheese
Holy Cheese
The only restaurant in town to solely specialize in grilled cheese started as a pop-up before taking up permanent residence 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). Only open Wed-Sun. Container zone, Rod Fai Market 2, 1390/75 New Ratchadapisek Rd. Open Wed-Sun 5pm-midnight. MRT Thailand Cultural Center. www.fb.com/holycheesebkk
Rocket Rocket
Even this wholesome, feel-good coffee shop is getting in on the grilled cheese action. You can stop pretending with the open-face affairs of pickled fish and rye bread now they’re offering an indulgent cheese toastie (B195) made using fontina (a mild Italian cow’s milk cheese perfect for melting) and truffle paste. It’s served alongside a mini tomato-watermelon gazpacho soup—so it’s not all bad. 149 Sathorn Soi 12, 02-635-0404. Open daily 7am-9pm. www.rocketcoffeebar.com Siwilai Rocket Coffee Bar, 5/F, Central Embassy, 1031 Ploenchit Rd., 02-160-5836. BTS Phloen Chit Rocket S 49, 1/F, Grease building, Piman 49, Sukhumvit Soi 49, 02-662-6637
Dean & Deluca
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Appia
Deli-Q
Mainly anchored at the freshly-opened Wishbeer Home Bar (Sukhumvit Rd., between soi 63 and 65) while also moving around the city, this new food truck specializes in Southern-style barbecue meats but also does a mean grilled cheese (B150) made Wisconsin-style from one of the American owner’s family recipes. If that’s not enough calories for you, also check out the Patty Melt (B200), which throws a beef burger, bacon and fried onions into the mix. Check their Facebook page for a schedule of the truck’s locations.
Cheddar and mozzarella might be standard, but you can do better than that. You want something strong enough to stand up for itself, but which also melts well. Check out cheese-specialist Quintessence’s maroilles (B595/200g). They do good butter, too. Order online at www.cheesequintessence.com
087-593-9973. www.fb.com/deliqbkk
Appia This Roman-style Italian restaurant serves possibly Bangkok’s king of grilled cheese sandwiches in the form of its mozzarella in carrozza with anchovy (B220). Not so much grilled as shallow-fried to golden-breadcrumb perfection, this decadent treat takes some beating when topped with a spoonful of Appia’s beautifully balanced tomato sauce. 20/4 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 02-261-2056. Open Tue-Sun 6:3011pm; Sun 11:30am-2:30pm. www.appia-bangkok.com
Dean & Deluca (Mahanakhon) This is exactly the kind of food the New York-style Italian deli does best. Dean & Deluca’s “Ham & 3 Cheese Melt” (B190) is made using liberal portions of sliced ham for that classic, bursting-with-meat deli sandwich look, in between which are layers of molten cheddar, emmental and gouda cheese. It’s all served up between two thin slices of sourdough bread.
What: Smoked bacon Where: Sloane’s Everything tastes better with bacon. Do it properly with Sloane’s US-style smoked bacon (B150/250g) cut into lardons and fried till crispy before adding to the sandwich. 160 Soi La Salle 34-36, Sukhumvit 105, 02-398-2294. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; Sat 8am-noon
G/F, Mahanakhon Cube, Narathiwas Rd., 02-234-1434. Open daily 7:00am-11:00pm. BTS Chong Nonsi. www. deandeluca.co.th
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OPEN DOOR
Italics A restaurant where local Thai produce takes center stage in classic Italian dishes. The buzz: The first standalone Bangkok restaurant from AHMS Hotel group (Aleenta, Akaryn and Akyra resorts) claims to use 100-percent Thai-sourced produce, with which it tries to do a bit of everything: neighborhood coffee spot, lunch-friendly bistro, evening restaurant and even deli. The decor: The entire place is modishly kitted out in black and white, save for some pink-and-white, neo-baroque upholstery on the seats. There’s a grab-and-go counter upfront right when you open the door, serving coffee and pastries. Inside, the intimate dining room, decorated with monochrome portraits of local farmers, seats about thirty people. There’s also a deli counter in the back, where locally-made charcuterie and cheese are soon to be on offer.
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The food and drinks: AHMS group has an organic farm at Aleenta in Hua Hin, which yields chicken and eggs as well as herbs and chili. Using these and other local ingredients, British chef James Douglas Noble creates what he calls new interpretations of Italian cuisine, with dishes like calamari frito (fried squid with chili powder, B300), smoked duck with mango and red onion jam and ribbon vegetables (B275), and buffalo poached chicken (poached chicken with mozzarella cheese, sundried tomatoes, grape balsamic and herbs (B260). The restaurant also makes pasta and pizza dough in-house, and cooks its pizza in a wood-fired oven. The 4x Caprese pizza (tomato, cherry tomato, tomato sauce and sundried tomato, B320) is a real highlight. On top of coffee (from B100), juices (from B160) and cocktails
(B270), the restaurant serves local wine from Monsoon Valley at B350/glass and B1,450/bottle (red and white). Stay tuned for the collaboration with the soon-to-open whiskey and cigar bar next door, as well as a longer wine list. Why you should care: Italics is really making an effort with local produce, refreshing to see when so many new places brag about this from Italy and that from Japan. Natcha Sanguankiattichai 63/3 Soi Ruam Rudi, Phloen Chit Rd., 02-253-2410. Open daily 7am-11pm. BTS Phloen Chit
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Fatboy Sushi
TABLE TALK Frozen Bride
The Ocean Brew
NEW AND NOTED
Frozen Rose New, 12-seat gelato parlor Frozen Bride (7/F, CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd. BTS Chit Lom) claims to import most of its ingredients from Italy. There are more than 15 flavors on offer and cones can either be served with one or two flower-shaped scoops (B139/B159). Recommended pairings include the fior di latte (Italian for "flower of milk") with extra dark chocolate, and azzurro cielo (candy mint) with bubble gum. New special flavors are introduced every two days too.
Fatboy Swim Fatboy Sushi (Soi Yommarad, Sala Daeng Rd., 090-419-9969. BTS Sala Daeng. www.fb.com/fatboysushi) is a minimalist sushi bar located down a small alley off Soi Saladaeng. Claiming that their ingredients are fresh and imported from Japan three days a week, the restaurant serves a list of both traditional and fusion sushi including some seasonal fish offerings.
Recommendations include the ikura truffle oil (B150), unagi foie gras (B150), and Fatboy Roll (B750), which is filled with foie gras, wagyu beef and cream cheese. There are also rice bowl dishes starting at B150, and sushi sets from B180 up to B1,200.
Deep Blue Tucked in a quiet area of Sukhumvit Soi 39, The Ocean Brew (7/1 Sukhumvit Soi 39, 085-665-5069) is a cafe expansion of the family-run diving business. The owner serves up inventive fusion-style dessert recipes while her son, who designed the cafe, is responsible for the drinks. Try the Ocean Blue Velvet (B135), a Japanese-style blueberry cream cheese chiffon cake topped with white chocolate sea shell or the Thai Silk Cake (B125), a sangkaya-filled chiffon cake with foi thong (sweet shredded egg yolk), thong yib (sweet egg yolk cup) and vanilla sauce. Drinks include the Passionate Peach (B120) and a range of coffees with ocean-inspired twist. Arisa Wiwatsomwong
Ginza Shabu-ten 8/F, Emquartier, The Helix Quartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-003-6206. Open Mon-Thu 10am-10pm; Sat-Sun 10am-11pm. BTS Phrom Phong This restaurant is a few notches above the many shabu-shabu chains out there. Here, the dishes are designed by Japanese Michelin-star chef Takayasu Ono. The elegantly plated dishes include the likes of shabu in kombu soup with premium meats like hida beef (B2,400/200g), kuroge (B1,800/200g) and kurobuta pork (B600/200g) imported straight from Tokyo. Spice it all up with their original sesame sauce, goma dare, and then cleanse your pallet with some ice cream parfait (B150) to finish your meal. Exclusive privileges for Citibank credit cardmembers. Get 20% discount on selected menu Get 15% discount on Hida beef shabu course, Kuroge Wagyu shabu course, Hida beef topping, and Kuroge Wagyu topping. Today–31 Dec 15
To redeem your favorite dining vouchers, please visit www.citirewards.com. Simply click “Thailand” and then “Gift voucher”
BK Magazine Friday, June 19, 2015
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bites & blends market + Events
Deals
An Enchanting Musical Evening J’aime hosts a five-course tasting menu paired with wine this Jun 24, with a musical quintet playing along with the dinner. B6,900/person. 2/F, U Sathorn Bangkok, 105, 105/1 Soi Ngam Duphli, Sathorn Rd., 02-119-4899
Bamboo Chic
Bamboo Chic Two-hour unlimited wine for B699 (Jump Yard cellar selection with unlimited snacks) or B1,500 (choice of 15 labels and snacks) daily. Groove’s Farmers Market
Groove’s Farmers Market Meet the food producers and enjoy locally-made eats and products. Jun 20-21. Groove @ CentralWorld, 999/99 Rama 1 Rd.,02-613-1270. BTS Siam
Le Meridien Bangkok, 40/5 Surawong Rd., 02-232-8888
Happy Hours Sundowner Enjoy 2-for-1 on signature cocktails every day from 5-7pm at Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar. Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit, 2 Sukhumvit Soi 57, 02-797-0400
Levels Club & Lounge Ladies who arrive before midnight get three free drink coupons every Thu.
Advertise your business with us starting from B6,000
Email sales@asia-city.co.th or call 026249601
6/F, No.35, Sukhumvit Soi 11, Sukhumvit Rd., 082-308-3246
Issaya Cooking Studio
Support RED Class As a part of the Eat (Red) Drink (Red) Save Lives campaign, Issaya Cooking Studio holds a special class on Jun 26 from 3-5:30pm featuring red-color foods like gaeng ped (red curry duck), pad preaw wan (sweet and sour pork) and tub tim krob (water chestnut tapioca pearls dessert). B3,000/person. Reservations at contactbooking@ issayastudio.com or call 02-160-5636.
AmBar Bangkok Every Fri-Sat, ladies get free-flow cocktails, spirits and wines from 10pm-midnight. Every day from 9-10pm, buy one get one free on selected wine, beers, cocktails, spirits, soft drinks and fruit juices. Four Points by Sheraton, Sukhumvit Soi 15, 02-309-3000
New Venues
LG/F, Central Embassy, 1031 Ploen Chit Rd., 02-160-5636. BTS Phloen Chit
Brewtopia On Jun 29 from 7pm, Uppercut Brews hosts a beer event featuring local craft breweries X Beer, TriplePearl, Purr Beer, Happy New Beer, Jo+ Beer, Silom Beer, Soi Beer and Golden Coins. Food trucks Deli-Q and Cactus will also be there. Whiteline, Silom Soi 8, 087-061-1117
Masizzim
Masizzim Siam’s new spot for Korean-style stews. 430/23 Siam Square Soi 9, 02-658-1988. BTS Siam
Missed the guide? Visit BKmagazine.com/TopTables2015
Hashme European fusion food on the roof of Thonglor’s 9:53 Community Mall. 9:53 Community Mall, 124 Thonglor Soi 9, 02-662-4238
Senor Pico
Luis Felipe Edwards Wine Dinner On Jun 25, Senor Pico does a fivecourse dinner paired with Latin American wines at B1,500/person with a live Mexican band.
Craft (Silom)
1/F, Rembrandt Hotel, 19 Sukhumvit Soi 18, 02-261-7100
Craft (Silom) The craft beer pop-up lands in a second permanent location. G/F, Holiday Inn Silom, 981 Silom Rd.
THE EASIEST WAY TO BOOK YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS 26
Find out more at www.chope.co/toptables
BK Magazine Friday, June 19, 2015
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bites FOOD REVIEWS
New York Style Steak & Burger HHHH 2/F, Park 22 (opposite the former Imperial Queens Park Hotel), Sukhumvit Soi 22, 094482-4769. BBB-BBBB
This all-American-via-China diner opened in Bangkok to much fanfare, boasting exclusively USDA-certified Angus beef steaks and burgers carrying accolades like “best in Shanghai” from more than one major publication. Evidently, this is no ordinary chain. While the restaurant’s matter-of-fact name, sleek metropolitan decor and menu chockfull of cocktails referencing Soho and Central Park rather bludgeon home the New York theme, the food mostly delivers big-time, too. And we mean big. In this town, we’re not often given reason to complain about portions being too large, but that’s (almost) the case with the likes of the signature burger, the Manhattan Monster (B490). There’s little chance of wrapping your jaw around this hulking mass of bacon, cheddar, fried egg and onion rings atop a perfectly rounded,
Sabroso HHHH Mexican. 24/5 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 02-262-0997. Open Tue-Sat 3-10pm; Sun noon-10pm. MRT Sukhumvit. BB
This is one of only a few Mexican restaurants in Bangkok that’s actually run by Mexicans. Jorge Bernal, who originally set up another of this town’s most reliable Mexican joints, Tacos & Salsa, has kitted out his new 20-seater restaurant with a homey, intimate vibe that doesn’t skimp on Mexico’s bold signature colors of blue, red and yellow. Expect to be warmly welcomed by the owner and his staff, who will guide you through the three-page menu, which contains every traditional Mexican dish you can think of as well as a few that go beyond expectations. Leaving our Tex-Mex tongues behind for a while, we start with a traditional pozole soup (B170) and fall in love straight away. The mixture of pork broth, corn, lettuce and radish tastes perfect: slightly sour yet so
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.
220g ground-beef patty without making a scene. The lightly seasoned patty, though, is grilled with juicy precision (you can see chef Naalinlat Kollman and co. at work in the semi-open kitchen). We especially enjoy the slathering of chili con carne, while the bun—supposedly made in-house daily—and massive side of fries are also winners. The steaks, which start at B1,250 an d go u p to B 3, 2 5 0 fo r a 5 0 0 g Chateaubriand, are rather less showy and we’re thankful for that. Last visit we ordered the 350g ribeye (B1,550) medium rare and weren’t disappointed by the rich, marbled goodness and delicious charring. The meat’s flavorsome enough to not really need sauce, but there are five varieties available. (Aside: The rich, sweet house steak sauce puts the pre-made ketchup and onion ring [B160] dipping sauce to shame.) As for dessert, the apple pie (B250) is as wholesome as they come, a sweet, dense apple filling encased in deliciously flaky crust—we only wish it had been served piping hot rather than lukewarm. While there are chicken and shrimp burger options—and the mild Waldorf salad (B290) comes with nice and smoky, albeit small, chunks of grilled chicken—don’t kid yourself; the restaurant’s really catering to beef lovers with a big appetite. New York Style’s prices aren’t cheap but also aren’t out of the ballpark for the size and quality. This is red meat worth braving Sukhumvit Soi 22’s garish array of street meat for.
balanced. The waitress might recommend you add some hot sauce, which lifts the flavor even more. The nopales salad (cactus salad, B250), though unusualsounding, has a comforting flavor of mild pickle (if a little slimy), while the rich nuggets of deep-fried pork skin, avocado and feta cheese cut through the acidity of the lime juice and tomato. We also like the chicken with mole enchiladas (B280) thanks to the thick, moreish mole sauce and well-fried enchiladas, which go well with a michelada (beer cocktail, B40 addition to beer price). The horchata (rice drink, B70) has a refreshing rice and cinnamon aroma, resembling arroz con leche (Mexican rice pudding) in drink form. There are eleven different taco fillings (B220/3 pieces) but we’d go cheesy with quesadillas (B270). Though the richness of cheese nicely cuts through the sourness of some of the other dishes we h ave o n t h e t a b l e, i t ’ s a b i t overwhelming—in fact we can hardly taste the pork. The guacamole (B70) here is not the familiar green cream but more like avocado chunks in tomato salsa, which for us tastes too s alty. Final ly, we’d recommend the well-cooked and mildly sweet arroz con leche (B65) over the intensely sweet Napolitano flan (B60) for dessert. All in all, we’d happily drop by Sabroso again, especially for Saturday’s B500 taco buffet.
Under B500 B500-900 B900-1,500 B1,500 and up Price per person, including one drink, appetizer, main course, dessert, charges and tax.
Symbols
H Reservations recommended F Parking available E Dress requirements G Live music
BK Magazine Friday, June 19, 2015
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now THU Lost Treasures
FRI Open Book
Haven’t got plans after your late Sunday brunch this Jun 21? Head over to Charoenkrung from 4pm onwards for a chilled backyard sale of vintage clothing, small furniture, art and handicraft items hosted by the trending shop-houses of Chinatown's Soi Nana. After a successful first edition, Soi Nana Craft & Jumble Trail returns with a food-heavy lineup of local food trucks, Thai barbecue, snacks, local kombucha and craft beers. Here’s your chance to see the new establishments like 23 Bar & Gallery and Tep Bar, and revisit old favorites like El Chiringuito and Cho Why.
It gets bigger every year for Thailand Independent Bookstore Week, now moving into its third year. Fifty-five indie bookstores across the country, many of which you probably didn’t know existed, will be holding special events, talks and sales during Jun 20-28. For a quick glance at some of the activities happening in Bangkok, see page 30.
SAT Nippon Love No need to cry if your flight to Tokyo got canceled. Get your piece of Tokyo art at the Jam Factory ( 41/1-2 Charoennakorn Rd.) this Jun 19, with the opening of Shibukaru Matsuri goes to Bangkok. The hip collaborative exhibition features 2 and 3D illustrations, video installations and fashion designs by 10 upand-coming female designers and artists from Japan alongside seven Thai female artists selected by Practical Design Studio. It opens at 7pm, with a live painting show by Ai Madonna and Ly, a fashion show by Norikonakazato and a live outdoor gig by the indie girl-power group Yellow Fang. Busy that day? The exhibition runs through Jun 28.
SAT Ideal Rave Party organizer Kolour makes a big comeback this Jun 20 with the launch of its new nightlife concept that promises to go beyond the Bangkok clubbing norm. Sunn is a nine-hour music fest with three music zones and a lineup packed with some of the most well-known Bangkok-based DJs, plus special headliner German DJ KowieSix from Moonbootica. Expect oodles of killer visuals, gourmet food and craft beers. Online tickets are all sold out, so better head over to Live RCA early for final B800 passes at the door.
WORLD CLASS GUEST BARTENDER’S NIGHT - 29 JUNE Having recently announced Bangkok’s four top bartenders to attend the Southeast Asia stage of the Diageo World Class competition in July, Diageo is gearing up to host a guest bartender night. For the first time in Bangkok, Diageo World Class will bring in four internationally-renowned mixologists from award-winning bars around the world to shake and stir up their creative cocktails at four of the city’s best bars. Starting at W Hotel, Woo Bar will welcome Londonbased Slovakia mixologist Martina Brenanova, who has spent five years behind the bar at Nightjar. The glamorous venue was rated 2nd Best Bar in the World by Drinks International in 2013 and nominated for World’s Best Cocktails Menu at the Tales of the Cocktails of the same year.
Martina Breznanova @ Woo Bar
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Charles Joly @ Hyde & Seek
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Jeff Bell @ Vesper
Tim Philips @ Bamboo Bar
Meanwhile, Hyde & Seek Gastro Bar will host Chicago native Charles Joly, the Global World Class Bartender of the Year 2014. Joly also co-founded Crafthouse Cocktails in 2013, for which he was
ADVERTORIAL
awarded the World’s Best Cocktails Menu at the Tales of the Cocktails 2014. Bamboo Bar at the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok will open its doors to Tim Philips, the Diageo Reserve World Class Bartender of the Year 2012 who currently works at one of Australian’s best cocktail institutions, Bulletin Place. And finally, Bangkok’s cocktail institution Vesper will welcome New York-based mixologist Jeff Bell from the famed PDT Bar. Bell has over a decade’s experience in bartending and is perhaps best known as one of Zagat’s 30 under 30 for New York City and Diageo World Class American Bartender of the Year, both in 2013. Experience one special night with some of the world’s best bartenders at the four locations same date on Jun 29 starting at the same time from 8:30pm, as we count down to the Southeast Asia World Class Finals 2015 next month. www.facebook.com/worldclassthailand
6/12/15 6:30 PM
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now GET.A.ROOM DJ Mowgli from Leeds and Disco Robot's Jaydubb play house and techno music at the late-night Ekkamai party venue. Jun 19, 9pm. Dark Bar, 2/F, Ekamai Mall, Ekkamai Soi 10, 02381-9896, 090 528 4646. B100.
THE SOUND OF HAITI: MERINGUE, KOMPA KREYOL AND ELECTRIC FOLKLORE FROM HAITI
Red Bull Thre3style
DJS OBEY RADIO BANGKOK The renamed Mansion House RCA plays host to a party by Obey clothing, featuring music by LA DJs Free the Robots and Roam Elsewhere plus Quay Records' DJ Pichy. Jun 19, 9pm. Live RCA Bangkok, RCA, Rama 9 Rd., 086-860-0808. B400 one free drink.
A F R I K A I S L A M + WA S A B I BYTES & OVERGROUND'S 2ND BIRTHDAY The bar/cafe and the hip-hop DJ celebrate together with a set and a live jam session with local electronica duo Wasabi Bytes. Open bar on standard drinks from 9-10pm, with free Wasabi Bytes CD. Jun 19, 9pm. The Overground Bar & Cafe, 6/1 Sukhumvit Soi 22, 081-701-7664. Free.
New York-based DJ Vik Sohonie plays rare vinyl from Haiti, plus '70s dance tunes from Lusophone Africa. Jun 19, 9pm. Studio Lam, Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-261-6661. B200. BTS Thong Lo.
KONTRABAND FEAT. DAVE MILLIGAN AKA SPECIALIST This month's edition features the drum 'n' bass sounds of Bangkok-based DJ Specialist, with support from DeLorean, Azek and Will. Jun 20, 9pm. Dark Bar, 2/F, Ekamai Mall, Ekkamai Soi 10, 02-381-9896, 090 528 4646. B150.
THE LIGHT CYCLE G SESSION PARTY A futuristic party featuring DJs Dextor and Queen P. with lasers around the Lobby's Playground & Bubbles Mixology Bar and special themed cocktails at B200. Complimentary Light Jelly shots upon entry. Jun 25, 6:30pm. Pullman Bangkok Hotel G, 188 Silom Rd., 02238-1991. Free. BTS Chong Nonsi.
BK ASKS Coran Maloney, co-founder of Kolour is changing the face of Bangkok EDM club nights. How? He tells us here.
DIMITRI FROM PARIS @ VAULT The French DJ and producer ("Sacre Francais") plays his blend of disco, R&B, electro and house at the speakeasy-style club. Jun 27, 10pm. The Vault, 34 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 082-308-3246. Free. BTS Nana.
RED BULL THRE3STYLE THAILAND 2015 Bangkok's final round of the global DJ competition features performances by local DJs Spydamonkee, Dragon, Maiam, Nutty, Tnt, Bomber Selecta, Zlexii and Jedie. Each will pick at least three genres of music to spin during their 15-minute set. Jul 4, 8:30pm. Route 66, RCA, 02-203 0936. B300.
"We got lots of feedback from the Kolour community, and we want Sunn to incorporate a lot of things that the Bangkok nightlife scene has been missing. Here, you’ve got everything you need for a perfect night out—it’s definitely more than just a club. We’ve got gourmet food trucks and craft beers on the outside-terrace, with lower level disco music during the first part of the party so you can talk to people and meet new faces. It progresses into a big clubbing event once the main room opens, and ends with our international headliner. This is more than just a night where organizers bring in a DJ, turn on the sound, and that’s it. We’ve got a new production team to work on the visual and sound elements— we’ve even brought in new furniture and redesigned the decor entirely. With all the tickets sold out, we’re planning to make it an ongoing series of seasonal events throughout the rainy season.”
THAI FOLK: TUGSUK AND YOUTH BRUSH
Betty Folks Bangkok
GIGS CLEM SNIDE LIVE Israeli-born American songwriter Eef Barzelay, founder of the band Clem Snide, plays a gig in Bangkok, with local support by Gardener Twins and Matthew Fischer. Limited tickets available at the bar. Jun 19, 8pm. Fatty's Bar & Diner, 598/66 Asoke Din Daeng Rd., 081-438-7221. B600 (one free drink). MRT Rama 9.
1979 LIVE//JUNE EXPERIMENTAL Experimental, instrumental rock sounds by local acts Aire, Hope the flowers and W Map. Tickets only available at the door. Show up early as spaces are very limited. Jun 20, 6pm. 1979 Vinyls and Unknown Pleasures, 4/F, Black Amber, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), between sois 5 and 7. B100.
FLURE LIVE AT PARKING TOYS The beloved rock band whose lead singer, Q, can reach operatic heights, haven't released an album in years, making their performances all the more special. Limited tickets. Book through payment transfer at on.fb.me/1RLIaL1. Jun 24, 11:30pm. Parking Toys, 17/22 Ram Indra Soi 14, 02-907-2228. B300.
The gig is a part of Rumbustion, a series of creative events sponsored by Bacardi featuring DJs, live music, food and performances with a special Bacardi rum cocktail on the night. This edition features two distinctive local indie folk bands. Jun 25, 9pm. WTF Gallery & Cafe, 7 Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02662-6246. Free. BTS Thong Lo.
WILDERNESS - VALLSUNDET 1924 The album release party for the Stockholm-based indie pop group, with performances by local indie groups Aerolips, Hariguem Zaboy and Lala. Tickets only available at the door. Jun 26, 9pm. The Beer Cap, RCA Block C, 21/66 Soi Soonvijai, Rama 9 Rd., 02-641-4544. B200 (one free drink).
BETTY FOLKS BANGKOK A mini folk music festival featuring artists Gabriel Lynch, Soranut Masayavanich, Ben Edwards, Jeff Baker, Eico and Alex Sypsomos, plus local craft beers by Uppercut Brews and live art by Joe Delaney on the night. Also coincides with the launch of John Will Sail's debut solo album, The City Sea June. Jun 27, 8pm. Bangkok Betty, G/F, Holiday Inn, 1 Sukhumvit Soi 22, 02-663-4223. Free. BTS Phrom Phong.
#BEERBODS SPACE: COLLECTIVE GIGS AND GIGGLES Local bands Follows, Hariguem Zaboy, New Mandarin and DJ Sokoke at I'm Park Chula's niche cafe. First 50 guests get a complimentary shot. Jul 4, 7:30pm. High Thyme Cafe, 3/F, I'm Park Samyan, Chulalongkorn Soi 22, 02-214-4221. B350 (one free draught beer).
LAST CHANCE Rainbow City Here to celebrate Central Embassy’s first birthday, the fine arts collaboration between American and Cuban artists Samuel Borkson and Arturo Sandoval III, FriendsWithYou, seeks to spread positive messages of friendship, fun and magic. The Rainbow City interactive art installation, inspired by a theme park sprayed with holi-colored powder, has brightened up the luxury mall since May 28 with air-filled sculptures. The vibrant and colorful exhibition has garnered popularity across the world with exhibitions in Toronto, Miami and New York City. Now is your last chance to get that colorful Instagram shot (#nofilter), before it closes on Jun 25. Central Embassy, 1031 Ploenchit Rd., 02-119-7777, Open daily 10am-10pm. BTS Phloen Chit
BK Magazine Friday, June 19, 2015
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CONCERTS & MUSIC FESTIVALS
Thai Independent Bookstores Week 2015 From Jun 20-28, some of Bangkok’s coolest bookstores roll out special events. By Thammika Sawaengsri
Candide
Primeval Music Festival
PRIMEVAL MUSIC FESTIVAL
MACHINE HEAD LIVE IN BANGKOK
An intimate live electronic music fest featuring creative performances by Oake, Koichi Shimizu, Highlag, Stylish Nonsense and more. Barbecue and live music from 5pm onwards. Jun 27, 5pm. Live RCA Bangkok, Rama 9 Rd., 086-860-0808. B400 (one free Pistonhead Lager).
The veteran heavy metal band from Oakland are on an extended world tour this second half of the year, making stops in Japan, Taiwan and Thailand. This will be their debut live show in Bangkok. B1,800 tickets also available at the door. Jul 8, 8:30pm. Centerpoint Studio Thailand, 9, 11 Sukhumvit Soi 105, 02361-9229. B1,500 from Thaiticketmajor.
ONE LOVE... ALWAYS
Bookburi
The legendary Thai folk singer Pu Pongsit performs an intimate concert for his fans, promising his most well-known love songs across the decades plus his latest single featuring Boom Boom Cash. Tickets at www.allticketthailand.com. Doors open 30 minutes before the show. Jun 27-28, 2pm, 7pm. Siam Pikanet Theater, 7/F, Siam Square One, Rama 1 Rd. B1,0002,000. BTS Siam.
GANGSTAR PARADISE The first 4Element hip-hop culture festival in Bangkok brings together local acts from across the community's spectrum. Expect B-boy and street dance shows, live MCs, rap battles, live DJs and improv jams through midnight. B300 tickets come with three Singha light. Jun 28, 3pm. JJ Green, 110/46 Lad Phrao Soi 18, 086-331-5657-8. B200-300. BTS Mo Chit.
INDIAN CLASSICAL AND FUSION CONCERT
POW! FEST
World-renowned sitar artist Purbayan Chatterjee, Bangladeshi singer Joyeta Choudhury and young tabla performer Rupak Battacharjee take the stage for a night of classical and Indian jazz fusion. Tickets can be used for a special buffet dinner at Pathummat International Restaurant. Part of the proceeds go to Sirindhorn Craniofacial Center. Jun 29, 7:30pm. The Sukosol, 477 Sri Ayutthaya Rd., 02-247-0123. B500 from Thaiticketmajor. BTS Phaya Thai.
Parinam Music's first official mini-music festival at Live House BKK features guest artists from indie labels like Smallroom and Panda Records. The lineup includes electronic pop act Gym & Swim, Slur, The Fin, Summer Dress, Seal Pillow, Aire, Hariguem Zaboy, Wave and So, Fwends and Safe Planet. Early bird tickets at B500 through Jun 30. Jul 4, 4pm. JJ Green, 110/46 Lad Phrao Soi 18, 086-331-5657-8. B500-700 from Thaiticketmajor. BTS Mo Chit.
Steel Roses Restaurant & Bookshop
BOOK DISCUSSION
CLASSICAL
This Jun 20, Candide, the much-loved bookstore across the river, invites book enthusiasts and curious minds to join the discussion of Memory of Space, Space of Memory, where you can meet local literary figures Tomorn Sookprecha, Uthit Hemamun and Nanthanoot Udomlamun, from 6:30pm-8pm. In addition, on Jun 27, 4:30pm-6pm, the bookstore will collaborate with Nanmeebooks to hold a small but sophisticated afternoon tea party, dubbed Read Nobel Prize Winning Writers’ Books, where you can meet and talk with the literary scholar Assoc. Prof. Threesil Boonkajorn and writer-slash-critic Sakul Boonyatad.
The Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra is joined by pianist Xak Bjerken in a performance that celebrates the 150th birthday of Jean Sibelius. Featured pieces include Ravel's Piano Concerto in D Major and one of Sibelius' masterpieces, Symphony No. 5 in E flat Major. Conducted by Jeffery Meyer, with a pre-concert talk 45 minutes before the show. Jun 19, 7pm; Jun 20, 4pm. Prince Mahidol Hall, Mahidol University (Salaya Campus), 25/25 Buddhamonthon Sai 4 Rd. B100-500 from Thaiticketmajor.
RAVEL & SIBELIUS
41/4 The Jam Factory, Charoen Nakhon Rd., Khlong San, 02 -861-0967
SIMONE KOPMAJER LIVE IN BANGKOK
IMMORTALBOOK TALK
Meet and talk with renowned writers Tomorn Sookprecha, Sarinee Achavanuntakul, Kamin Kamani and Prachakom Lunachai at Bookburi, a bookstore situated in the Old Town. The ImmortalBook Talk, under the topic, dubbed “How Reading Can Change the World?” will take place this Jun 27, 2:30pm-5pm. There will also be charity activities that day, where you’ll get discounts if you buy new books to donate to children and inmates. Reserve your seat at 081-6492214.
Simone Kopmajer
The Austrian jazz vocalist, who's toured around the Netherlands with the Euro Big Band and performed at jazz festivals around Europe, holds an intimate show in Bangkok before heading to Phuket for the Jazz for Nepal concert. Jun 21, 8pm. Landmark Hotel, 138 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-254-0404. B1,500-2,000 from Thaiticketmajor. BTS Nana.
102/3 Krungkasem Rd., Bangkhunprom, Phra Nakorn, 02-282-4916
BOOK BAZAAR
The bookshop in Rama 6 Soi 30’s Aree Garden, Mahuna Books Et Cetera, will host Book Bazaar on Jun 27, from noon-7pm. Expect booths from 10 small publishing companies, and various book-related activities, including exhibitions and a writers' talk with two S.E.A Write Award recipients, Naowarat Pongpaiboon and Rewat Punpipat. There will also be a Mini Book Bazaar event for kids to learn and enjoy artistic activities and swap books. Participant numbers for the mini event are limited, so be quick. 62 Rama 6 Soi 30, Samsennai, 085-903-7371, 02-278-0944
LITERARY EXPLORATION
This Jun 21, 2pm, at Steel Roses Restaurant & Bookshop in Bang Na you can join the dialogue and exchange ideas about literary exploration with GM magazine editor Wuttichai Krisanaprakornkit, Happening magazine manager editor Vip Buraphadeja and staff from the Afterword startup. This indie bookstore and restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere in which to curl up with a book and grab a Thai or European meal. Srinakarin Rd., Bangna, 02-398-8488. BTS Bangna
HEALTHY BOOKSTORE
Suan Nguen Mee Na Green Shop is not only a bookstore but also an organic shop, a cafe and a restaurant, where organic lunch sets are served. Situated on the small Fuang Nakorn Road, it offers alternative books, mainly focusing on health, motivational and spiritual genres. This Jun 20, 2pm-3.30pm, Suan Nguen Mee Na invites you to join their afternoon tea party, The 1st Garden Tea Party: Maite Coiffure, featuring a talk by Sasiwat Viriyalai and Ticha Na Nakorn.
MUSICALS DEMON BY PASTEL THEATRE
OUR LAND
A dark musical that follows the story of a family after one of them mysteriously disappears. Directed by Rattapong Pinyosopon. Reservations at 085-188-5135. Jun 25-28, 8pm; Jul 2-5. Crescent Moon Space, 65/1 Thonglor Rd., 02-3813860. B500. BTS Thong Lo.
Previously adapted into film and drama, this musical stars Sarunyu "Tua" Wongkrachang and Mai Charoenpura with a 10-round performance telling the dramatic lives of three sisters of the Jirawes family. Through Jun 29, 7:30pm. Muang Thai Rachadalai Theatre, 4/F, The Esplanade, 99 Ratchadaphisek Rd., 02-262-3456. B1,000-3,500 from Thaiticketmajor. MRT Thailand Cultural Centre
Fuang Nakorn Road, Phra Nakorn, 02-622-0955. Opposite to Wat Ratchabophit
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now DANCE PERFORMANCES
Urban Templates
Hip-Hop Battle
STANDARDS French choreographer Pierre Rigal presents a production that sees eight hip-hop dancers question the meaning of liberty, equality and fraternity, as symbolized by the French flag. Jun 19, 8pm. Sodsai Pantoomkomol Center for Dramatic Arts, 254 Phaya Thai Rd., 02-218-4802. B150-250 from Thaiticketmajor.
HIP-HOP BATTLE Dancers from all around the country and overseas compete to win the first prize of B18,000 at Live House Studio Bangkok. The semi-finals will take place around 8pm along with a dance party, "Go Grrrls' Riot Grrrl House." by DJ Dookie and DJ Maehappyair, from 8:30pm till late. Jun 20, 2pm. JJ Green, 110/46 Lad Phrao Soi 18, 086-331-5657-8. Free. BTS Mo Chit.
GIRL X, JAPAN-THAILAND CO-PRODUCTION VERSION A reconstructed contemporary dance performance by Japanese director Suguru Yamamoto and Thai director Thanapol Virulhakul. Inspired by and developed from the original show that premiered back in 2013 that featured live performance, images and text that reflect the atmosphere of Japanese society after the Great Earthquake of Eastern Japan in 2011. To be performed by Teerawat Mulvilai and Peerapol Kijreunpiromsuk. More information on bank transfer at 081-441-5718. Through Jun 20, 8pm. Democrazy Theatre Studio, 1034/29-30 Soi Saphankhu, Rama 4, 089-126-7112, 081-441-5718. B350. MRT Lumphini.
URBAN TEMPLATES A two-part contemporary dance production that examines human interaction with urban landscapes. Metasystems is choreographed by James Batchelor, featuring eight Thai and Australian performers. Fractals is choreographed by Navinda Pachimsawat Vadtanakovint, which portrays the mechanical aspects of our existence, with support of Australia-Thailand Institute Grant. B200 tickets for students. Bookings at creativeindustriesbkk@gmail.com or 086-300-2081. Jun 19-21, 8pm. M Theater, 2884/2 New Petchaburi Rd., 08-0260-0771/-6. B300.
BE GOOD Organic Urban Farming
These days anyone can have a cool garden, regardless of the size of their home/condo/ flat/shop-house—and now it’s time to make that vision a reality. This Jun 21, Hivesters, in collaboration with Happy City Farm, will be showing you how to add some green touches to your city-crib in a small, three-hour workshop, limited to 20 students. At B800 per person, you’ll get to learn how to work with basic seeds, create good quality soil and organic compost, learn the strategy of what plants to grow and where to plant them in your home, and understand the growth stages of the gardening process. As a bonus for the health-conscious, you’ll also get to grow and take home fresh green and red oak leaves for your organic salad. Just bring a hat (if you hate the sun), and a recycled plastic bottle or container to grow your plants in. The meeting point is in Bang Na, and the exact location will be given after payment is confirmed. For registration and more details on the workshop, see bit.ly/1JBBV9W. Hivesters is a social enterprise that uses fun activities to promote a more sustainable lifestyle, from cultural preservation, sustainable tourism and sustainable farming to animal conservation and nature preservation. For more interesting experiences with a positive slant, see www.hivesters.com BK Magazine Friday, June 19, 2015
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The exhibition focuses on the moment of initial inspiration that artists experience, such as sketches, scribbles and other objects and media that often get lost by the end of the creative process. Participating Bangkok and overseas artists include: Justin Mills, Joe Delaney, Michelle Roberts, Hannah Theodorou, Jeff Ross, JP Permpasorn and Karma Sirikogar. Dates: Opens on Jun 19 at 7pm. Through Jul 19 Brownstone Studio, 1395 Sukhumvit Soi 77, 087-703-0448
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FabCafe, 77/1 Ari Soi 1, 083-619-9983. BTS Ari
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The design-focused co-working space opens a new exhibition by local artist Gong Kantapon Metheekul, known for his unique portrait sketches on Instagram (@gongkanstudio). Dates: Opening party on Jun 20 at 5pm. Through Jun 28
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Hof Art Space, W District, Sukhumvit Soi 69-71. BTS Phra Khanong
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ART Opening Exhibitions
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A one-week thesis exhibition for fifth-year students from the Architecture, Interior and Industrial Design Program, King Mongkut University of Thonburi, at the Art Residency. Thesis topics include Room to Rooms: Vertical Urban Building, Lost in Thesis, PlantBank, New World - Urban Juncture and Comfortory. Dates: Opens Jun 20 at 3pm, with food, drinks, live music and DJ performances. Through Jun 28
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Two arty nights of movement-based performances, featuring a duet by Cerissa Nyen and Vidura Amranand, a local quartet, plus a photo exhibition by Wichaya Artamat. B250 on the second night, with one free drink at the late-night party with DJ Eyes Cafe and Synchro System. Dates: Jun 19-20, 8pm HAVE YOU SEEN ME LATELY?
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Local artists Winyagorn Junthasiri and Tetat Tanachoktaweporn present colorful, abstract art on canvas in a new exhibition that represents human emotions towards the physical world. Dates: Opens on Jun 24 at 6:30pm. Through Jul 19
FACE TO FACE
Jamjuree Gallery, Chulalongkorn University, Phaya Thai Rd., 02-218-3709
LOSE LOVE
BREAKING NEWS
CANAL LIFE
THEATRICAL HIDEOUT
Ever since the launch of Khlong Padung Krung Kasem’s Floating Market in February, the canal has been a regular venue for the government to roll out market after market to promote Thai products. Now known as “Prime Minister’s Market,” this month’s edition features stalls selling floral house plants and beautiful fish. The Mai Dok Mai Pradub and Pla Suay Ngam Festival will run daily from 10am-7pm through Jun 28. It’s also been confirmed that a new themed market will be launched every month for the rest of the year.
B-Floor and Democrazy Theatre Studio ensure you’ve got more than enough stage performances to keep you entertained indoors this rainy season. Monsoon Theatre Program launches this Jul 7 with a restaging of Ka-ge Teerawat Mulvilai’s solo, movement-based production titled Iceberg, which launched last year to critical acclaim. Jul 19 sees the co-directorial debut of B-Floor’s Sarut Komalittipong and Sasapin Siriwanji in a WWI-inspired production titled “WW101.” The season ends with an experiential performance by Dujdao Vadhanapakorn in a dance called “Secret Keeper,” kicking off on Aug 5 at the BACC.
For the latest updates, see www.fb. com/khlongphadungkrungkasem. Opposite Wat Somanas, Krung Kasem Rd.
For the latest updates, see www.democrazystudio.com
ART AND ABOUT
If you’re one of those busy bees who don’t usually have enough time to visit the city’s diverse range of galleries, here’s another chance to explore a bunch of them all in one night. This Jun 26, the galleries along the Chao Phraya River will join forces for the Mid Year Gallery Hopping Night, where they’ll stay open till late for the launch of their new exhibitions, parties and arty activities. We’re expecting participation from over a dozen galleries, so save the date (and pack an umbrella). See more at www.fb.com/galleryhoppingbkk
THE ART IN YEN AKART
Yen Akart Villa is the latest art space to open, run by French nationals Frederic Meyer (Issaya Siamese Club, Kom-Ba-Wa, Namsaah Bottling Trust) and diplomat Jeremy Opitresco, promising a new exhibition every month and regular food events. Aiming to become a meeting point for artists, critics, collectors, journalists and entrepeneurs, the owners plan to host invite-only dinner events every two weeks. The rest of us can visit the gallery by appointment. 69 Soi Prasat Suk, Yen Akart Road., 02-235-9800. www.fb.com/yenakartvilla
International Day of Yoga
TALKS & WORKSHOPS TCDC SOCIAL CLUB: LEATHER ROCK
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA
This month's talk brings speakers in the leather industry, such as Labrador, Oyster Footwear, R Studio and Jirawat Leather, with an accompanying leatherwork exhibition at TCDC Resource Center. Advance reservation required at 02-6648448 or bit.ly/1EY7mVj. Jun 20, 1pm. Thailand Creative and Design Center (TCDC), 6/F, The Emporium, 662 Sukhumvit Soi 24, 02-664-8448. Free. BTS Phrom Phong.
Celebrating the International Day of Yoga, the Embassy of India organizes a mass yoga event at the playground opposite the main auditorium, with all participants receiving a T-shirt, yoga mat, energy drink, snack pack, milk and water. Class starts at 7:30am. RSVP at yoga2015@indianembassy.in.th. Jun 21, 6:30am. Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phaya Thai Rd., 02-215-0871/-3. Free.
LOW CARBON TOURISM
Local internship platform CareerVisa organizes a three-hour workshop with career coaches from the Thai Finance industry, in collaboration with i-Learn, for first-third year university students that interested in a Finance-related career. Limited to 50 students. Register at goo.gl/PtVny9. Jun 27, 9am12pm. Royal Hall, 1/F, Sasin Graduate Institute of Business Administration, Chulalongkorn University. Free. www.careervisathailand.com.
A talk organized by the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration on new, environmentally-friendly ways to travel, led by author and social commentator Wannasingh Prasertkul and solo traveler Monthon Kasantikul (aka I Roam Alone). Talk is in Thai. Reservations at 02-357-3580 ext. 402-404. Jun 24, 1pm. Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), 939 Rama 1 Rd., 02-2146630-8. Free. BTS National Stadium.
PASSION DECODE EP. 4: FINANCE
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WHY NOT
Experience the Cycling Culture
Artbox Exhibition Market
LOL Market Ep. 3
Pop-Ups ARTBOX BKK: FIRST IMPRESSION
Dates: Jun 19-21, 11am-11pm Venue: Makkasan Airport Link Station What: Unlike the so-called Container Market at the Bloc, here all the booths are actually organized inside real shipping containers. It also aims to attract hipsters with a "vintage style" theme with 300 stalls in the fashion zone and over 100 stalls in the food and cafe zone. LOL MARKET EP. 3
Dates: Jun 26-28, 12pm Venue: CentralWorld, 4, 4/1-
4/2, 4/4, Ratchadamri Rd., 02635-1111. Free. BTS Chit Lom What: The third edition of the fashion-focused fair turns into a Warhol pop-art style supermarket. This is also the first aircon market to be held in a new 1,200 square-space set up on CentralWorld's front square.
Fairs VISIT JAPAN FIT TRAVEL FAIR #7
Dates: Jun 25-28, 11am Venue: Central Plaza Rama 9, 9/8-9 Ratchadaphisek Rd., 02667-5555 What: The fair attracted a massive crowd at the end of last year at Siam Paragon with its winter edition, offering travel
information, deals for flights, hotels and rail passes, plus travel consultation for those that want to explore Japan on their own. Organized by Japan National Tourism Organization. FOOD & HOLISTIC HEALTH FESTIVAL 2015
Dates: Jun 25-28, 10am Venue: Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd., 02-833-4455. What: The second edition of the food expo for the health-conscious packs in over 100 shops from all over Thailand, plenty of tastings and 20 free food-related workshops on topics such as urban farming, traditional massage,
choosing organic produce and nam prik-making. 35TH THAI TEAW THAI FAIR
Dates: Jul 2-5, 10am Venue: BITEC, 88 Bang Na-Trat Rd., 02-749-3939. BTS Bang Na What: The popular domestic tourism fair is back with travel deals, spa packages and experience activities from all over the country. We suggest you check out the exhibitors' list in advance at www.thaiteawthaiplaza.com to snag the best rates for your rainy season/winter holiday plans.
We’ve always liked the range of bikes, parts and cycling-related products at Culture Cycliste. But did you know that you can also join their community of cycling enthusiasts and go on trips around the country as part of its CC Sunday Joy Ride? The ride takes off at its Phuttamonthon store at 7:30am every Sunday, covering distances that vary from 45-60km, with a service van to ensure your safety throughout the trip. Jun 21’s trip is a 45km cycle to Samrong Temple (Soi Bang Kruai-Sai Noi 18, Bang Kruai District, Nonthaburi), and Jun 28’s trip is a 50km cycle to Khu Wiang Floating Market (Bang Khu Wiang, Nonthaburi). Oh, and it’s entirely free. But if all that sounds too intimidating for you, start off with the beginner’s route on the weekly CC Saturday Joy Ride’s Rookies Day, which covers 20-30km of the Phuttamonthon Public Park. The ride starts at 5pm. For more cycling destinations in the coming weeks, see www.fb.com/culturecycliste. Culture Cycliste Limited, 2/388 Image Mall, Phuttamonthon Sai 4 Rd., 02-404-2185. ccshopbangkok@gmail.com
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FREEWILL ASTROLOGY ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19): Would you like to stop pushing and struggling for a while? Then do it! Now would be a good time to take a sabbatical from any situation that feels too demanding or frustrating. You wouldn’t incur the wrath of the gods or the twists of karma if you sneaked away to indulge in some recreational frivolity. For the foreseeable future, “relax” and “surrender” are your words of power.
Love & Mercy (USA)
Survivor (USA)
Biopic. This account of reclusive Beach Boys member Brian Wilson (John Cusack and Paul Dano) charts the performer’s incredible success as well as his subsequent nervous breakdown and encounter with controversial therapist Dr. Eugene Landy (Paul Giamatto). Jun 18
Action. After being framed for a terrorist bombing, a new employee at the American Embassy in London (Milla Jovovich) must run from the authorities while also racing against time to prevent another deadly attack. Also stars Pierce Brosnan. Jun 18
Insidious: Chapter 3 (USA)
The Loft (USA)
Horror . In this prequel, a gifted psychic (Lin Shaye) reluctantly agrees to use her ability to contact the dead in order to help a teenage girl (Stefanie Scott) who has been targeted by a dangerous supernatural entity. Jun 18
Mystery. Five married guys share a swanky bachelor’s pad in the city, unbeknownst to their wives. But when they discover a dead body in the loft, they realize one of the group must be involved. Limited at SF World Cinema. Jun 18
Monsters: Dark Continent (UK) Action. Ten years after the events of the original Monsters film, the ‘Infected Zones’ have now spread to the Middle East where American soldiers embark on a mission to save four comrades trapped in alien territory. Jun 18
Upcoming
Maggie (USA)
Barely Lethal (USA)
Drama. When his beloved daughter (Abigail Breslin) is infected by a disease which slowly turns her into a zombie, Wade Vogel (Arnold Schwarzenegger) tries to protect her for as long as possible. Jun 25
Action/Comedy. Teenage spy prodigy Magan Walsh (Hailee Steinfeld) fakes her own death and enrolls in high school in order to experience the life of a normal teenager. Jun 25
Steak (R)evolution (France) Documentary. Follow filmmaker Franck Ribière on a gourmet road trip looking for the best steak in the world, and gain an inside look at the modern meat industry. Limited at SF World Cinema. Jun 25
The Duff (USA) Comedy. High school senior Bianca Piper (Mae Whitman) looks for a way to reinvent her reputation as a DUFF — Designated Ugly Fat Friend — in order to date a jock (Robbie Amell). Jun 25
Free Screenings Alliance Francaise Movies are subtitled in English. Screening starts at 7pm. June 24. Les Interdits: Friends From France (2013): In 1979, two cousins from France pose as a couple traveling to Odessa to help their Jewish friends escape from persecution. 179 Witthayu (Wireless) Rd., 02-670-4200. Jam Every Wednesday night is Cult Movie Night. Theme for June is the host Nate’s Private Stash. 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.
The Friese-Greene Club The schedule follows a daily theme. This June it’s Pushing the Boundaries (Wed), Costa-Gavras (Thu), Peter Sellers (Fri), Cooking Up Something Special! (Sat) and Spielberg (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, 087000-0795. Open Wed-Sun 6pm-late.
TAURUS (Apr 20-May 20): Theologian Karl Barth speculated that when the angels get together to praise and honor God with music, they perform the compositions of Bach. But when they are playing for each other, they are more likely to choose Mozart. I guess that’s because Mozart’s stuff is loose and free and inventive compared to Bach, who’s formal and sober and systematic. I’m seeing the coming days as a time when you, like the angels, should be especially willing to express yourself in very different ways, depending on the audience. GEMINI (May 21-Jun 20): Before E. Annie Proulx became a Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist, she wrote a series of how-to books, including a dairy foods cookbook and an instructional text on making your own hard cider. But the manual of hers that I especially want to call your attention to right now is Plan and Make Your Own Fences & Gates, Walkways, Walls & Drives. You’re in a phase when it makes perfect sense to create new paths for yourself. This will allow you to forgo others’ paths that can’t actually take you where you need to go. CANCER (Jun 21-Jul 22): My hope is that you will close the gap between the real you and the images that people have of you. Does that sound interesting? Or have you become so fond of being a big riddle that you can’t imagine any other way to be? Maybe I can tempt you to be more self-revelatory if I add this: Taking your disguises off even briefly will enable you to discover intriguing secrets about yourself. When you put them back on, you will seem more mysterious than ever. LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22): A new cycle will begin for you after your birthday. Between now and then you will be wrapping up the current cycle. I invite you to do so with a flourish. Don’t just wait around passively. Bring them to a climactic close. Schedule a splashy graduation or a grand finale. Plan a cathartic party or a celebratory rite of passage. Take a playful leap of faith or try that magic trick you’ve been saving. Or all of the above! VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22): “I’m tired of all this nonsense about beauty being only skin deep,” said author Jean Kerr. “That’s deep enough. What do you want, an adorable pancreas?” In accordance with the current astrological omens, Virgo, you should feel free to play around with that impish idea. Just for now, appreciate and enjoy the surfaces of things. Make decisions based on first impressions, and don’t think too hard about stuff that presents a boring appearance. LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 22): Now is a favorable time to wish upon a star. In other words, you can enhance the likelihood that your wish will come true if you choose this phase of your cycle to enlist the assistance of a higher power. It’s your duty to make sure, however, that you wish upon
the right star. Pick a higher power that can truly help you with your wish, not necessarily one that has worked for other people’s wishes. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): If you are both honest and kind, you will have more power to heal other people than you’ve had in a long time. Here’s a caveat, however: The therapeutic influence you have to offer might be scary to those who aren’t ready to be cured. The solutions you propose could be disruptive to anyone who is addicted to his or her problems. That’s why I advise you to be discerning about how you share yourself. P.S. The medicine you are generating is not too potent for your own use. SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21): Each of us has at least one pesky ghost that occupies a dark corner of our psyches, but most of us can benefit from conducting a periodic banishing ritual. Now would be prime time for you to do just that. Ready? With your imagination, draw a clockwise circle of your favorite-colored light on the floor or ground. Next, identify an image that makes you feel happy and safe, and visualize four versions of it at the four cardinal points, hovering three feet above your circle. Then say this: “I dissolve any hex and banish any pest that has been draining my energy.” To put the seal on your magic, laugh for two minutes. CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19): By my estimation, 97 percent of the population is chronically starving for the pleasure of being listened to with deep empathy and focused intelligence. It’s rare to be in the presence of a person whose sole agenda is to be innocently curious about you. Your assignment, Capricorn, is to go on a quest to remedy this shortfall. (P.S. One way to prime the magic is to offer yourself up as a skillful listener to others.) AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18): At this year’s Grammy Awards ceremony, British singer Sam Smith won in four categories. In one of his acceptance speeches, Smith expressed appreciation for the difficult muse who inspired the song. “I want to thank the man who this record is about, who I fell in love with last year,” he said. “Thank you so much for breaking my heart, because you got me four Grammys.” I invite you to come up with a comparable expression of gratitude, Aquarius. Now would be a perfect time to turn any experience of tough luck into a blessing. PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20): The Bay of Fundy is a branch of the Atlantic Ocean between the Canadian provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. It’s renowned for its tidal range. The shift back and forth happens twice a day. I’m wondering if in the coming weeks your emotional ebb and flow will have a similar variability. According to my reading of the astrological omens, you could experience both very high highs and very deep depths. I’m talking about a profound ability to feel your way into the heart of things.
Japan Foundation Movies are subtitled in Thai and screened at 6:30pm. Theme for May is Tora-san. June 26. It’s a Hard Life (1969): After a long absence, Tora-san finally returns to his hometown but has difficulty adjusting to life in a drastically changed environment. 10/F, Sermmit Tower, 159 Soi Asoke, 02260-8560. www.jfbkk.or.th
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marketplace PROPERTY For rent
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BK Magazine Friday, June 19, 2015
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last word
Suthep Thaugsuban Shortly after the military coup of May 22, 2014, Suthep Thaugsuban, 65, leader of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), entered the Buddhist monkhood. An outspoken right-wing politician and former deputy prime minister under Abhisit Vejjajiva’s Democrat Party government (2008-2011), Suthep led an anti-corruption protest that gathered an estimated 10 million followers despite having previously been embroiled in a corruption scandal himself. BK visited the conservative firebrand in Surat Thani province to discuss his opinions on military intervention, and why he considers himself a born politician. There was no privilege that came from being the son of a rural sub-district headman. My aspirations were no different from any other kid growing up in the suburbs in the South of Thailand. The simplicity of country life is the highlight of my childhood. I couldn’t wait for the day when the temple would host its fair so I would get to hang out with my friends. Everything changed when a teacher of mine named Preecha Pimphan had the crazy idea to ride a bicycle to America to obtain his master’s degree. I joined him for a ride from Surat Thani to Bangkok alongside the railway track. The trip took five days. I ended up studying in Bangkok and he ended up being the first Thai person who ever rode a bicycle across three continents, making his way to America. I am a politician at heart. I was elected to be school student committee president while I was studying political science in Chiang Mai University. I knew more than half of the 7,000 students in CMU.
I realized I was going too fast. I took up the role of sub-district headman, succeeding my father, because I wanted to revisit the countryside and gain a better understanding of my roots through the eyes of a grown man making his first steps in a life of politics. My first political move was to build a school. Political participation was unheard of in Thailand during the late ’70s. In order for everyone to participate there must be equal education. My attempt to build schools ultimately made those in authority mistake me for a communist leader. My name appeared in papers and people began to know me. Thailand’s political dynamic is hard to understand, especially when you’re not familiar with our culture. Democracy is versatile. Each country has its own interpretation of democracy. Americans eat bread and Thais eat rice. It’s impossible to force the same interpretation of democracy down one another’s throats.
But the core of democracy is not a thing to be changed. It’s about the people’s voice determining the shape of our society. We must put fear into politicians’ heads; fear of the people. In order to do that, the people must know how to fight on a sophisticated level. Decent education for everyone is needed.
When you lead millions of people marching on the street blowing whistles and fighting against the Thaksin regime, injuries and casualties are inevitable. I sought shelter in the monkhood when it ended.
Life is short. Religious studies, no matter which religion, may well come in handy. This knowledge has been practiced and proven over 2,000 years. That’s safer than wasting half your life trying to find answers that are right under your nose.
Villagers occasionally invite me to bless their home or perform Buddhist rituals. They tell me to keep my whistle ready in case the people are back protesting on the street. If there isn’t enough time to leave the monkhood, they suggest I go wearing my yellow robe.
Entering the monkhood has given me time to reconsider my options. I’ve decided not to return to politics.
I’ve decided not to return to politics.
The May 2014 co u p i s n ot a victory for any of us. The PDRC aimed to dethrone the crooked politicians and demolish corruption at its roots. The army had no choice but to interfere with our protest in order to prevent bloodshed.
Believe me; the Royal Thai Army doesn’t want to step up every time shit hits the fan. They’re not political leaders, but in order to return peace to the nation they must take action.
Some people think it’s cool to live religion-free and label themselves independent. You want to live free. I get it, and I think it’s fun. But that’s just a temporary thing. When you have no religion, it’s easy lose your principles.
Whatever I do next will not be for myself. I still have resources and power to help drive the country and educate the people for political participation. I will continue to build schools. The world is cruel. Blind optimists will never survive in a world where capitalism and materialism overcome goodness and humility. I want to build a generation strong enough to combat false passion and greed. It’s a radical idea to make change in Thailand. Interview by Sam Nathapong
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