BK Magazine 604 Aug 28, 2015

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BK MAGAZINE NO. 604 FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2015. www.bkmagazine.com

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ADVERTORIAL

Krungsri Decadent Gourmet Discounts handcrafted cuisine

Bitterman Bitterman serves Thai and Western comfort dishes from a two-story glass house designed by its owners, a group of Chula architecture students. Interior-wise, it offers the same mix of bare bricks, skinny metal window frames and ferns we're accustomed to, while the menu features things like somtam with sticky rice and grilled chicken as well as plenty of pasta dishes (try the Arabbiata sauce and grilled shrimp "Mr. Rapee").

• Get a free refreshing drink valued 300 THB (lunch only) • Get free cake of the day valued 220 THB when dining for over 1,000 THB/sales slip, valid on your next visit Only Krungsri Credit Card and Central Credit Card

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• 15%* discount on food (only Krungsri Exclusive Signature Credit Card, Krungsri Signature Credit Card, Krungsri Platinum Credit Card, Central The Black, Central Black and Central Credit Card Platinum) • 10%* discount on food (for other card types)

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page 3 6 cover story

Love this City

Bags of Fun

12 escapes

16 fashion

Temple Run

Insider Picks

Let’s Open the Bag for Make Safe Together!

Issued at Bangkok at 16:30 hrs. (GMT+7) on August 28, 2015, by the TTT

17 home

22 bites

Good Design

Dinner Dates

24 bites

32 BK Now

Coffee Buzz

Run Free

Who's in charge?

Managing Director Andrew Hiransomboon Editor in Chief / Product Director Grégoire Glachant Managing Editor Oliver Irvine Deputy Editor Carl Dixon Features Associate Monruedee Jansuttipan Senior Staff Writer Vasachol Quadri Staff Writers Pinnyada Tanitnon, Lily Kittisrikangwan Junior Content Coordinator Nontaya Kumyat Junior Writer Natcha Sanguankiattichai Production Supervisor Komkrit Klinkaeo Art Director Dechart Sangsawang Senior Graphic Designer Panita Thiraphapong Graphic Designers Chantich Kongchanmitkul, Peeraya Sirathanisa Junior Graphic Designers Wariya Whangwaewklang

Where to find us!

The Asia City Media Group

Advertising Director Wanida Akeapichai Sales Manager Tipkritta Chiraporncharas, Orajira Sukkasem Senior Sales Associates Tassanee Mahamad, Onwara Sittirug, Waranuch Thaneerat, Nattaya Bovornsettanon, Orakarn Laohakanjanasiri, Amarit Jinaya Regional Marketing Manager Pavida Chitprasertsuk Marketing Service Associate Chochat Masrat

Administrator Yaovaluck Srisermsri Accountant Manita Bangmoung Contributors Rob Brezsny, Kathy MacLeod Interns Pimploy Phongsirivech, Kantita Leangcharoenpong, Theerada Moonsiri, Walaipan Anotaiyuenyong, Jirashaya Chairayus, Nutrada Sottivoranan, Sunputt Puangpet

IT Manager Takrit Jitjaroen Cover Panita Thiraphapong Distribution Executive Suda Angsuputiphant Finance Manager Supaporn Bangmoung Assistant Finance Manager Anchalee Limkhamduang Senior Accountant Maneeya Kanthongdang

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

Don’t you feel safe in Bangkok? We sure do. We’re particularly impressed by efforts all over town to show tourists they’re still welcome here, no matter where they’re from and why they’re here, as is clear from this new campaign being rolled out by the Ministry of Tourism, Tuk-tuks and Thainess:

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

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

Terrorists, come joining the new bag inspectors at every BTS and MRT station and experience the unprecedented friendliness of Thai hospitality and spirit of the Land of Smiles!

With the increase threat of the terrorist attack in Bangkok, we like to invite all foreigners with the bomb to make a bag check when entering the BTS and MRT. We welcome in your cooperation at this very security time.* From now until through September, our staffs will be ready to greet you with cold toilets and complementary lotus flower to make sure you feel pamper from the moment you go to make a bag check together. Foreigner who are not terrorist are also welcome to enjoy a new bag stop, but VIP lane is reserve for terrorist only, so please patience!

We also honor to inform you that for each bomb that confiscate after inspection, you can redeem value up to B100,000 at Suvarnabhumi after make a free ride to the airport courtesy of Royal Thai Police. Additional B500 gift vouchers exclusively for terrorists when shopping over B10,000 at the airport (limit: one voucher/terrorist/visit).

Let’s Open the Bag for Make Safe Together! is part of a new exciting campaign by the Ministry of Tourism, Tuktuks and Thainess. On behalf of the campaign, spokesman Maj. Gen Somsak Somchai, said: “Please be careful when open your bag to not have a newspaper or an old t-shirt on your bomb. If the security cannot see the bomb, then we cannot know if you are a terrorist or just another sex tourist.”

As part of the TTT’s show the world to make a safety destination in Thailand, terrorists visiting the Kingdom can also enjoy indefinite free stays at “Bangkok Hilton.” To apply, visit Lumpini Police Station and show the valid terrorist card ID for redeem.

*Please note that bag checks is entirely voluntary. **Thank you to the Ministry of Immigritation for the translate.

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, August 28, 2015

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upfront HOT OR NOT

Hot: Tim Ho Wan

Not: Robuchon

Thanks to the arrival of the Hong Kong-born barbecued pork bun specialist rated the cheapest Michelin-listed restaurant in the world (see next week’s issue), you too can now enjoy Bangkok’s new wave of Michelin-star-affiliated restaurants. In a shopping mall. After queuing for two hours. With aunties.

Hot: Contradiction

Not: Investigation

Just three days after the bomb, we’d already had the police saying they’d requested international help and Prayut saying we don’t need international help; one general saying the suspect probably isn’t in the country and another saying he definitely is in the country; and the finger pointed firmly at pissedoff Uirghurs and then retracted and pointed at organized crime. Military and police spokespeople, repeat after us: “This is an ongoing investigation. We can’t comment at this time.”

INTERVIEW Landscape architect Yossapol Boonsom, 38, launched the non-profit organization Friends of the River (FOR) in a bid to prevent construction of the Chao Phraya Riverside Promenade. This highly-divisive, B1.4 billion government project will see 14km of the river turned into a walkway and bike lane. Its detractors say not enough thought has gone into either the aesthetic or environmental consequences of such a massive construction project. Here, Yossapol discusses how the promenade could change Bangkok’s riverside.

H ow i m p o r t a nt i s t h e C h a o Phraya for most people’s daily life?

Hot: Ramen burgers

Not: Bao

And it’s about time. These dirty-food beasts were attracting hundred-strong queues at Williamsburg Market back in 2013. But artery-clogging food fads are like buses­­—you wait forever before two come along. So this weekend, make up for the fact bao are now officially off the menu at Opposite by dropping

by Lab Ramen Burger pop-up at Great Outdoor Market (see page 32), before heading to Roger That for even more handheld, pan-fried noodle goodness.

We have neglected the Chao Phraya River. We’ve been destroying it unawares for years. For example, when the flood occurred, we just conceded and let a two-meter-high barrage of water tear local communities and the river apart. There’s no cultural bond left between the riverside and people; nowadays it’s just a drain.

How do you see the new promenade causing more damage to the river?

Hot: Mini Marathons Not: Full marathons After getting really, really into running last year, it seems either a) everyone’s realized they don’t like training, or b) us lazy people want in on the action too. If you fit either of these descriptions, check out page 32 for a list of all the runs coming up in Bangkok—half of which won’t make you break a sweat.

Even at the moment, many attractions like temples, mosques and other buildings are obscured— nobody even realizes that they are there. If the promenade is built, tourism will definitely face a big problem. Most tourists are keen to see the beautiful spots along the river, but to build such a large stanchion would deny them that priv-

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ilege. It will only bring more Starbucks and more McDonalds. The public does not want another Asiatique; we want preservation of Bangkok’s heritage.

How would you rather see the budget spent?

The project could be invaluable if it were planned more logically. Let the public and residents of the riverside express what they want. If we’re going to have a promenade, it should be well connected with the surrounding areas. For instance, would it not be more effective to connect the existing communities with the promenade by extending the bike lane around them. That way, tourists could get a chance to explore real Thai cultural heritage.

Plans like this are only going to make people increasingly mistrustful of the government. I feel sorry that public money is being wasted.

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What is FOR’s next move?

At the end of this month, we expect 7,500 supporters to sign the petition against this promenade project at Change.org in order to slow down the process of construction and ask the authorities to rethink.

Apart from that, we would like to create a public space where everyone can share their opinions and make considerable progress together.

Any last words?

The Chao Phraya River is a precious gem. If we polish it and look after it, it will be worth a fortune. We can’t make any more mistakes.

To sign the petition, visit ow.ly/R8991 Interview by Theerada Moonsiri

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THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID

by Kathy MacLeod kathymacleod.blogspot.com

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cover story

By BK Editorial

1. THE BOOMING HOMEBREW BEER SCENE

9. SOME OF WORLD’S BEST RESTAURANTS

13. IT’S A LOT EASIER TO EAT HEALTHILY

The list of locally brewed beers just keeps getting longer. From last year’s Udomsuk Brewing, Chit Beer, Sandport Brewing and Golden Coins, we’ve now got Pheebok Beer, Jo+ Beer Home Brew, Purr Beer, Triple Pearl and many more. And it’s not even that difficult to hunt down these brews anymore, thanks to events like Brewtopia at the new Silom art bar Whiteline. Check out the bar’s event schedule at fb.com/whitelinebangkok.

Gaggan’s progressive Indian restaurant, in addition to being placed first in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, has made it into the World’s 50 Best Restaurants at #10. David Thompson’s traditional Thai restaurant Nahm placed #7 in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list, Tim Butler’s modern International restaurant Eat Me #25, Bo and Dylan and their Thai restaurant Bo.lan came in at #37, while Ian Kittichai’s Issaya Siamese Club still stays in the list at #39.

Thanks to a new range of health-focused restaurants, delivery services and juice bars, it’s never been this easy to eat clean or detox.

Some of our favorites include Fit Meal and Eat Clean BKK.

2. NEW PARKS AND GREEN SPACES ACROSS THE CITY

10. UPCOMING RESTAURANTS WE’RE DROOLING OVER

From Pathumvanarak Park, a huge new public park next to CentralWorld, to small-scale independent initiatives like Thonglor’s Root Garden and educational projects like the rooftop Siam Green Sky in collaboration between Siam Square One and Chulalongkorn’s Faculty of Architecture, there have never been so many people doing so much to make Bangkok a greener place to live.

3. THE AWESOME LIVE MUSIC SCENE From small gigs by quality local bands like Monomania, La-La and DCNXTR at Moose and Play Yard to the high-rise Psych-Fest on the rooftop of HOF Art Space, or niche Plutonians musical gathering at the Bangkok Docklands last week , Bangkok has it all. We also welcomed the launch of Sofar Sounds BKK (fb.com/sofarsoundsbkk), a series of secret gigs around the city which kicked off last month (see BK Now for what’s coming up, page 28)

4. SO MANY NEW WAYS TO KEEP FIT Physique 57, Surf Set, Hit it; there are so many more new ways to keep fit in Bangkok that there’s really no excuse not to shed those pounds and tone those abs.

5. WORLD-CLASS DJS ALL-YEAR ROUND Sure, Summer Sonic and Ultra Music Festival don’t come to Thailand. But we’ve been getting some of the best DJs around pretty much every other month, from Hardwell, Martin Garrix, Krewella and deadmau5 to Vicetone and Steve Angello. And we’ve still got more to come with the arrival of Grey Goose’s TGIF (see BK Now, page 28), as well as the return of Waterzonic at the end of this year.

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Root Garden

Jess Barnes is moving out of Opposite to open i n t h e eve r- i m p rov i n g S at h o r n S o i 1 0 neighborhood.

14. NEW SPACES SUPPORTING A GROWING ART COMMUNITY Just these last few months alone, Bangkok’s been blessed with so many new contemporary art spaces, from gallery-slash-bars like U Baan and Whiteline to grand openings like YenakArt Vil la and B angkok Citycity Gallery, which premiered its debut exhibition, Melo House, on Wed, Aug 26.

11. A GROWING CAFE RACER 15. MORE AND MORE SCENE AMAZING NIGHT MARKETS

Holy Cheese

We’ve been getting cheaper bikes from the likes of Ducati and Triumph for a while now, but with RCA’s 8080 Cafe expanding to three branches nationwide and clear signs Aussie custom masters Deus Ex Machina are coming to town, it seems the cafe racer scene is finally going to kick it up a gear.

6. DARING DANCE AND STAGE PRODUCTIONS

12. MICHELIN STAR RESTAURANT OPENINGS

Watching Bang La Merd was pretty surreal.

Among other things, performer Ornanong Thaisriwong detailed her ordeal registering her play with the army. Meanwhile, sitting with you in the audience, were two people from the United Nations observing two actual plainclothes soldiers recording the performance. Following it up was this month’s Secret Keeper, the latest project from groundbreaking Thai performance artist Dujdao Vadhanapakorn.

Tim Ho Wan, the Hong Kong hole-in-the-wall dim sum restaurant that surprised the world by gaining a Michelin star, has now launched in Bangkok. And it’s just the latest in a long line of seriously-credentialed openings, including J’aime by Jean Michel Lorain and the Bangkok debut of Robuchon.

No need to restrict yourself to Chatuchak Weekend Market. With the addition of Siam Gypsy Junction and the new, more easily accessible Rod Fai Market, now’s the time to venture out into night for vintage wares and antique collectibles.

Tim Ho Wan

7. COOL NEW BOUTIQUES Onion has opened its follow-up store in Ari, Another Story brings together some of the best furniture and fashion at Emquartier (along with a few artisanal food products), and 2/7: Twice a Week offers a cool selection of Polaroid cameras and home decor.

8. GRILLED CHEESE IS NOW A THING This year we’ve really dined out on the new fad for restaurants serving food you can cook at home, namely grilled cheese sandwiches.

Check out Holy Cheese and Deli-Q, our faves.

2/7: Twice a Week

YenakArt Villa

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cover story been reinvigorating their products with local materials and manufacturing techniques.

24. THE COMFORT FOOD COMEBACK There was a moment at the end of last year when our restaurant scene looked like it was getting seriously fancy. But the arrival­—and consequent success—­­of places like Smokin’ Pug, Err and the new La Monita has proved most people still just want casual food and stiff drinks.

We’ve also got the recurring Noise Market, and Winter Market Fest (see BK Now, page 32) to look forward to at the end of the year.

30. FARMERS’ MARKETS DIVERSIFYING Competition is heating up on the farmers’ market front, with Bangkok Farmers’ Market leaving K Village for venues all over town, to be replaced by newbie Urban Eatery and the similarly named K Village Farmers’ Market.

31. ARTISANAL FOODS 25. HOMEGROWN SOCIAL DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR ENTERPRISES Despite all the market openings, we don’t Marcel

Rodfai Market

16. WINTER IS COMING Until this year there was really only one thing B angkok missed: snow. Now, Gateway Ekkamai’s opened the doors to Snow Town, a little themed village where you can pretend to be in Niseko thanks to some seriously strong air-con.

17. GROWING AWARENESS ABOUT CYCLING AND PLACES TO DO IT Earlier this month, Bike for Mom showed that Bangkok is getting serious about cycling. And it’s only the tip of the iceberg. If you’re looking to get off Bangkok’s notorious roads, the brand new Peppermint Bike Park might be just the place for you to set your wheels in motion.

18. SERIOUS BARBERSHOPS Down with hair salons. Guys want proper barbershops. Aside from the ever-reliable Neversay Cutz (now also in Silom), the latest spots for that perfect rockabilly coiffe include Barberford, Maduro and Truefitt & Hill.

19. CHAROENKRUNG’S REBIRTH

PDM Brand

we envisioned, leading us to declare the area a flop. Now that Revolucion Cocktail and Marcel have just opened, soon to be joined

by Jess Barnes’ Daisy Matthews, we’re having to change our tune one more time.

The place is hot!

Social enterprises are not just a sexy new t hi ng fo r t he el i tes. We’ ve b e e n ve r y impressed with the work that they do to solve social problems through sustainable means.

Some of the best include SocialGiver, L o c a l A l i ke a n d M a . D H u b f o r S o c i a l Enterprises.

actually need to queue up outdoors anymore to buy our favorite locally produced food stuff; online companies like Passion Delivery, Delishop, Quintessence and Radiance Wholefoods will bring them straight to your door.

26. HAPPY FUN RUNS

32. ALL THE AWESOME PIZZA

M a ra t h o n s a re n o l o n g e r j u s t fo r t h e competitive. Two exciting fun runs that we’re really looking forward to are the debut of the Color Run Thailand this Oct 31-Nov 1 and The Music Run Thailand by AIA this Nov (see BK Now, page 32).

In the past year, some amazing things have happened on Bangkok’s pizza scene. Like world-beating, you-won’t-find-pizza-this good-outside-of-Naples amazing. For a slice of the action, see Peppina, Pizza Massilia, Sfizio and the second branch of Pala.

27. TACO TRUCKS

33. SEAFOOD, GLORIOUS SEAFOOD

You asked for it and you got it. In the past few months, no less than five new taco trucks (or kiosks) have popped up: Tacos Factory, Two Angels, Express Mexican, Taco Taxi and Cactus.

22. EMQUARTIER

28. MORE EXCUSES TO HAVE A STAYCATION IN THE OLD TOWN

What! Another mall?! It’s an outrage! Every time a new mall opens, out come the trolls wishing for all its shops to fail and for the greedy fat cats who built it to spend the rest of their lives regretting they ever attempted to make our lives better with more restaurants, more shops and more places to walk straight from the Skytrain and into airconditioning. Screw that. Have you seen Emquartier’s waterfall? And they’ve got a Pierre Herme. And Another Story. And another Roast...

It’s not just about the always-packed Grand Palace or the notorious Khao San Rd. This part of town’s got some of the best street food, interactive museums and exhibition halls, new restaurants and bar openings, hip bookstores and some of the best riverside restaurants around. August has also been a great month for Thai art on Rattanakosin Island, with not-to-miss exhibitions at the National Gallery, The Queen’s Gallery and the Ratchadamnoen Contemporary Art Center (see BK Now, page 30).

23. LOCAL DESIGN EMBRACING LOCAL CRAFT

29. NEW MARKETS AND FAIRS

The big trend in design circles for the past year has been to trace back to the roots of Thai craftsmanship. Rather than looking to the furniture fairs of Europe, local design houses like Thinkk, Veave and PDM Brand have

Bangkok’s got tons of pop-up markets and fairs virtually every weekend. And we love it.

Some of the best this year include Art Box Exhibition Market, The Knack Market at the Jam Factory, and the Great Outdoor Market.

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

34. RIDICULOUSLY CHEAP TOMAHAWK STEAK The lead singer of Silly Fools, Toe Sattaying, ditched his band, turned to Islam, and channeled his newfound religion into Company B, which sells huge chunks of dry-aged beef for practically no profit. For you and us, that means 730g tomahawk steak for just B730.

35. COLD BREW COFFEE Cold brew is currently the coolest way to get your caffeine fix, and the city’s top baristas are hard at work extracting complex flavors from single-origin beans and bottling them up in a fashion that puts your old plastic cup (or bag) to shame. Our picks: Roots, Brave Roasters and Rocket.

The in-crowd have moved to Charoenkrung, opening restaurants, galleries, bars and unbearably cool galleries-slash-bars. See Tep Bar, 23 Bar & Gallery, Soulbar and Cho Why. Act fast if you want to live the shop-house dream, as rents are set to go through the roof.

20. COMIC BOOK CAFES Comic book fever is sweeping the city, with not one but two superhero-themed cafe openings—Hero Food & Gathering and Hero Cafe—taking up space that might otherwise have been turned into more board gamerelated businesses.

Pizza Massilia

21. SATHORN’S SECOND WAVE After Rocket opened, we banged on about that soi being Bangkok’s hottest neighborhood for about a year. Except Rocket was never joined by the legions of galleries and cafes

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Crab and Claw

The Color Run

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cover story 43. CLASSIC OUT-OF-TOWN RESTAURANTS For a true taste of old-time authenticity, check out the latest restaurants from the provinces making their way to the big city: Prai Raya, Laemgate and Salapao Ko Uan.

44. COOL CHINESE FOOD We’re really beginning to get a taste for Chinese food now that it’s coming out of our favorite hipster chefs’ kitchens, like Opposite Mess Hall, Little Beast and Junker and Bar.

45. PET-FRIENDLY BUSINESSES

Kom-Ba-Wa

First Bangkok’s dog-lovers got Barkyard, a whole compound of doggie-centric business on Sukhumvit Soi 26, followed by the news that every Sunday, dogs are invited to the barbecue at the new rooftop bar The Garden at Central Embassy.

36. NEW SKYSCRAPERS— EVERYWHERE Bangkok is rising. Why live in a crumbling old shop-house with stinking sewage backing up into your toilets and soi dogs baying at the moon all night when you could enjoy the modern comforts of a starchitect-designed high-rise?

MahaNakhon is going up fast and Siam Tower will be the tallest building in ASEAN.

46. EVEN MORE PLACES FOR BREAKFAST The deliciousness that is Taper’s brown rice congee has made all other breakfast spots in Bangkok obsolete in our minds. Though if stylish decor is what you’re after, look no further than Black Box.

Taper

37. SWINGING SUAN PHLU Small’s ramshackle three-story bar, Junker and Bar’s huge, greasy burgers and local-spirit cocktails, and Kom-Ba-Wa’s delicious, contemporary takes on Japanese food are just three reasons why this is currently one of the coolest streets in town.

38. THAI DOCUMENTARIES THAT ARE ACTUALLY SHOWING IN CINEMAS

47. NEXT-LEVEL SUSHI Ginza Sushi Ichi and Sushi Hinata both proved that, when it comes to getting your fish straight from Tsukiji, three times a week just isn’t good enough for Bangkok’s most serious sushi aficionados.

Wardrobe Ministry

Tep Bar

When we announced our BK Film Awards 2015, the clear trend this year was that while our fictional films continue to be a mix of slapstick and patriotic chest-thumping, there’s a talented new generation of documentary filmmakers to look out for. Some of which are actually getting proper screenings here—even if it takes six months, as in the case of Y/Our Music.

Tapping into Thai culture, the recently opened Tep Bar has joined Studio Lam to specialize in home-infused ya dong (herb-infused Thai moonshine), whether straight (like Phra Apai Manee, Ratchasri Kamram or Khaiki) or in cocktails. The same bar also features a traditional orchestral band playing luk krung music daily.

39. HIP TEA-HOUSES

49. THE CHAO PHRAYA RIVER IS CHANGING FOR THE BETTER

Don’t get us wrong, we need our fix of caffeine as much as anyone else. But all these coffee shops look so similar (industrial, dangling lightbulbs stuff), so we’re happy to welcome a fresh wave of places focused on tea that tap into our regional heritage rather than New York’s. Try Peace Oriental Teahouse and Double Dogs.

Smokin’ Pug

40. THAI MENSWEAR BRANDS THAT DON’T MAKE YOU FEEL LIKE A JERK Gentlemen, have you had it with dog-logo shirts, unnecessary “playful” tweaks and frills? You are not alone. And you don’t have to plan a trip to New York or Tokyo to stock up on tasteful basics anymore. For well-made, crisp-fitting locallydesigned menswear, check out names like Timo, Rosemanclub, SSAP and Wardrobe Ministry.

Y/Our Music

Ginza Sushi Ichi

With the mercury rising, you know where to find us: we’ll be eating popcorn in the air-conditioned comfort of a luxury cinema. Thanks to the new one at the Emporium, Emprive Cineclub, we can actually afford to.

42. BARBECUE WORTH QUEUEING FOR

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Big new developments are both underway and moments from being given the BMA’s green light, including new water-borne transportation links, pedestrianized boardwalks and a shopping mall offering Paragon-levels of luxury retail. The most exciting development is arguably that Thailand Creative and Design Center (TCDC) is relocating to the nearby Grand Postal Building and will be open by the end of 2016.

50. THE PEOPLE OF BANGKOK

41. AFFORDABLE LUXURY CINEMAS

Meet the latest wave of food trucks and restaurants embracing the no-nonsense pleasures of a slow charcoal grill. Meat & Bone, Smokin’ Pug, Lady Brett and Bud’s Barbeque know how to let their meat do the talking.

48. NEW BARS ARE EMBRACING THEIR THAI ROOTS

Seriously, we just keep getting better and better. We’ve traveled the world. We’ve brought back tons of fresh ideas but we made them our own. We’re more cosmopolitan than ever, with the line between locals and adopted locals increasingly blurred. We’re not ashamed of our ya dong and molam anymore, but we can also tell crap coffee from the good stuff. And it’s not always easy to live in a city going through so much turmoil, but we manage to do great things here in spite of it all. In terms of lifestyle, we rate Bangkokians 4 stars (remember, BK’s rating only goes up to 4 stars.)

The Garden

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escapes CAMBODIA

Angkor Express How to maximize your time during a short trip to Cambodia’s UNESCO-listed heritage heartland.

By Monruedee Jansuttipan Cuisine Wat Damnak

Angkor Wat

Temple Hopping Of course, you can’t miss Angkor Wat. The best time to visit this giant temple is in the early morning, when you can catch the sun reflecting on the moat and before the temperature heats up. Make it to Angkor Wat early enough and you’ll still have time in the same day to visit Bayon Temple, situated in Angkor Thom, where the top tower is home to the 200 smiling faces of Lokesvara. If you don’t mind jostling with 300-500 other tourists, then Phanom Bakheng is the most popular of Siem Reap’s temples for viewing the sunset—but it can be hard to get a good spot with that many people around. Since the UNESCO site opens at 5am, we recommend waiting till the next day and hiking to the top at dawn. Another lesser-known temple worth a visit is Phimeanakas, which was the area’s first royal palace and the only temple built from sandstone above three tiers of laterite rock in the form of a pyramid. Also make the time to visit Banteay Srei, the pink temple, and Ta Phrom. The latter, which was used as a set for 2001’s Tomb Raider, is at its most picturesque in the late afternoon, when golden light shines through the trees and onto the red stone.

Also, don’t forget to visit the eight-meter-high Angkor Thom South Gate flanked by stacks of devas and demons.

Local Flavors Khmer cuisine is undergoing a fine-dining renaissance. For the hottest table in town, book in at Cuisine Wat Damnak (between Psa Dey Hoy market and Angkor High School, Wat Damnak village, Sala Kamreuk Commune. www.cuisinewatdamnak.com), which recently made it into San Pellegrino’s guide to Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants (see the list at goo.gl/I5v7Cx). The chef, Joannès Rivière, is praised for bringing foraged Cambodian ingredients into a refined setting. You can also find a modern take on traditional Cambodian food at Viroth (Street 24. www.viroth-hotel.com) has win the trust on its fusion Khmer cuisine. If you’re looking for something more classic, head to Sugar Palm (Taphul Rd. www.thesugarpalm.com) for original Khmer cuisine prepared to the pre-civil war recipes of the owner’s grandmother.

Coffee Culture Siem Reap is catching up with international coffee trends, offering quality coffee in modern settings—and for a good cause. The much beloved cafe in town right now is Sister Srey Cafe (200 Pokambor St, Riverside [Old Market area]. www.sistersreycafe.com), which serves an all-day breakfast and lunch menu. Try their smashed avocado on toast with slow-roasted tomatoes and beef burger. The coffee beans are selected from 100-percent organic crops from the northern highlands of Laos and Dalat in Vietnam. On the second floor of the old building, you’ll find a shop dedicated to handmade Cambodian clothes, accessories and bags, with prices ranging from US$1-40.

Also check out Little Red Fox Espresso (593 Hap Guan St. www.thelittleredfoxespresso.com). The Australian owners, David and Adam,

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select their beans from Chiang Mai, Laos and Cambodia’s main coffee growing region in Rattanakiri Province. Above the cafe, Adam, a former hairstylist in Brisbane, runs a barbershop. Still not got your caffeine fix? Drop by The Hive (631 Phsar Kandal Street, www.fb.com/ thehive.siemreap), where you’ll find good coffee, health-centric food, detox juices and a chic interior. For something sweet, we like the newly relocated Gelato Lab (Alley West, www.fb.com/gelatolabsiemreap), both for its coffee, bakery and ice-cream (try the pistachio and chocolate-hazelnut coffee flavors), as well as old-favorite La Boulangerie Cafe (7 Street, Old Market area) for its French-style pastry.

Ta Phrom

Street Shopping In addition to the Night Market and Old Market, Siem Reap has recently welcomed a new shopping area focusing on art and culture called Kandal Village. Founded about a year ago, this area of Hup Guan Street is populated with local designers. Interesting names to look out for include Sirivan (10 Hup Guan St.), a fashion, accessories and homeware label created by a Paris-trained local, and Trunkh. (642 Hup Guan St. www.trunkh.com), one of Cambodia’s more established lifestyle brands, offering artful homeware, furniture and fashion inspired by Khmer daily life. Also check out Louise Loubatieres (7 Hup Guan St., louiseloubatieres.com), which sells boldly colored textiles and homeware.

Trunkh.

Nights Out The nightlife mecca Pub Street just welcomed the newly renovated Beer Battle House (366 Group 6, Svay Dangkhum Commune), where you’ll find many imported beers on tap as well as live music. Not far from Pub Street, Miss Wong (The Lane. www.misswong.net) allows you to sip some of the best cocktails in town in a nostalgic, 1920s Shanghai-inspired setting. To try your hand at making Khmer cocktails, visit Asana (Street 7, www.asana-cambodia.com), where a US$15 cocktail-making class takes you through the basics of Khmer spirits, local herbs and Sombai, the local infused liquor.

Sister Srey Cafe

Essentials AirAsia, whose regular rates start at B7,000 round-trip, is offering 50% off flights starting Sep 1, with rates as low as B3,573.

AirAsiaGo (www.airasiago. com) also offers cheap package flights with rooms starting from B3,500.

Bangkok Airways from B8,135 round-trips. www. bangkokair.com

Viroth Hotel, Street 23, Krong Siem Reap, www.viroth-hotel.com Rooms from B3,100.

Park Hyatt, Sivutha Boulevard, Siem Reap, siemreap.park.hyatt.com Rooms from B6,700.

Visa fees US$37, Thais are exempt B1=116 riels, $1=B35

Miss Wong

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ESCAPE ROUTES

By Pinnyada Tanitnon and Thammika Sawaengsri

PATTAYA

Royal Revamp After being blocked off for renovation since January, the Royal Cliff Pattaya (www. royalcliff.com) is finally ready to unveil its latest revamp. To celebrate, the resort is offering a discount package for guests to break in their brand new Grand Sea View and Grand Sea View Plus suites, which feature a more contemporary style and large marble bathrooms. From now through Sep 30, rates start at B5,000 per night for the Grand Sea View rooms and B5,445 per night for the Grand Sea View Plus rooms. The deal is inclusive of breakfast for two, and guests will get a 15-percent discount at the spa as well as 10-percent off food and beverages. Speaking of food, the hotel has also unveiled three new restaurants and a cigar lounge.

CHIANG MAI

Catch Some Z’s Non @ Chiang Mai is a recently-opened industrial-style hostel located very close to the beautiful Wat Phra Sing temple in the Old Town. Attracting a mostly young crowd, the dimly-lit, bare-cement hostel is decked out in wooden furniture and bicycles, and home to three co-ed dorms of four, six and 12 beds, plus a four-bedroom female-only dorm. With its emphasis on a good night’s sleep (the name translates to “sleep”), guests each get a thick and cushiony duvet cover, comfortable mattress and 24-hour security system. There is also free Wi-Fi and on-site laundry, as well as a communal social terrace. Rates start at a low B320 per person per night, inclusive of a light breakfast, and reservations can be made directly at www.nonatchiangmai.com.

SAMUI

Beach Escape Through Oct 31, W Retreat Koh Samui is offering a low season special where guests will get their last night free if they stay for four consecutive nights. This chic, all-villa resort is also known for its weekly bubbly breakfasts every Sunday (B1,200), as well as their Mo-Hee-Toes Madness (B888) event at their Woobar every Friday from 5-8pm, where you can enjoy six different types of mojitos with a beautiful view. Prices range from B18,750 to 24,750 per night. Rates include private pool retreat and daily breakfast for two at The Kitchen Table. Visit ow.ly/R8u70 for more details.

MYANMAR

Gay Times Next time you visit Myanmar, drop by Fahrenheit (www.fb.com/FahrenheitYGN), a hip, industrial-style bar specializing in Mexican-Myanmar fusion fare. Here, you’ll find East-meets-West dishes like pad Thai chimichanga (pad Thai stuffed fried burrito, B249), garlic ginger curry chicken tacos (B267) and Myanmar empanadas (traditional Myanmar curried pork stuffed in Mexican empanadas B213). When it comes to drinking, there are potent cocktails such as the Ginger Fahrenheit and the Campari Shady (Campari and beer). Beer-wise, there are a bunch of brew options on tap. Most importantly, the venue hosts giant LGBT parties every last week of the month, making it a pioneer on Yangon’s gay-friendly scene.

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

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avenue HOSTEL

Bed and Bar Located next to Khaosan Road, Secret Service is a brand new secret-agent-themed hostel with a rooftop bar. The lofty design offers many quirky decor details to make your stay more interesting, like doors disguised as mirrors which guests need to push in order to access the bedrooms. The hotel provides 14 rooms, all equipped with Wi-Fi, cable television and lockers. There are three room types: two-person with one bunk bed for B1,000 or double bed for B2,000, and four-person with two bunk beds for B2,000. Outside guests can enjoy Thai-fusion food at the open-air rooftop cafe, Atmosphere, where dishes include stir-fried spaghetti with dried chili and bacon (B150) and spicy raw salmon salad in wasabi sauce (B180). Or grab a bottle of Singha at B100. 113/1 Tanee Rd., 091-730-0788. www.thesskaosarn.com

PLAYGROUND

WEBSITE

TECH

Child’s Play

Read More

Movie Time

Taking over an area of 1,400 meters on the third floor of The Emporium, Imaginia is a new playground for kids. The massive space is divided into 19 different zones, with highlights including the Art Gallery, which gathers reproductions of worldclass masterpieces from around the world, the Book Cave corner dedicated to the best children’s literature, and the DJ Canopy station for aspiring young DJs to work on their first killer mixes. Entry is free for children under 70cm; B200 for children between 70-100cm and B500 for children above 100cm; B200 for guardians who are above 16 years of age. 3/F, EmPlayground, The Emporium, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-664-8337-8. BTS Phrom Phong. www.imaginiaplayland.com

Young independent publisher Salmon Books has launched its online community, Minimore.com, adding several new features to the test site you may have tried earlier this year. As well as letting you read samples of publications online, the site now also includes a news update page called Feed, as well as an online shop in partnership with other publishers like Typhoon, Bun Book and Bunlue. The Original section also allows independent bloggers to create their own pages and even put items up for sale, while the QR codes found on most Salmon publications can be used to unlock extra web content. Check out www.minimore.com.

It’s been a big year for film and television streaming in Bangkok. Earlier this year, we welcomed PrimeTime and HOOQ, and now the familiar international name Iflix is set to launch in Bangkok by the end of August. The new subscription video on demand service has already launched in Malaysia and the Philippines, in collaboration between Catcha Group and Evolution Media Capital. The service offers thousands of TV shows, series and movies from Hollywood, Korea, China and Southeast Asia. With one subscription (B100/month), you can sign in with a maximum of five devices (smart TV, smartphone, tablet or laptop) and stream on any two devices at the same time.

You can also download videos to watch offline. Sign up now at www.iflix.com.

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avenue FASHION

Buyers’ Notes Bangkok’s top fashion buyers on what they’ve picked for this season and why. By Pimploy Phongsirivech

Veja

Kapital

The Hill-Side

Him and Her

P.mith

WoodWood

Delvaux

The Hill-Side

Saturdays Surf NYC

WoodWood

Named this year’s Best Menswear Brand by GQ, The Hill-Side hails from South Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Founded by two brothers, this label adds refreshing prints to accessories like neck-ties, buttons, bandanas and pocket squares. We like the Endo Print Necktie (B2,632) and the Multi-Stripe Oxford Bow-tie (B1,974).

As the name suggests, this Manhattan-based brand is rooted in an appreciation of surf culture. Saturdays Surf NYC is known for its variety of clean-cut products from parkas, T-shirts and chinos to bucket hats. For your next long weekend, we suggest the Grant Board Shorts (B3,900).

Based in Copenhagen, WoodWood produces contemporary streetwear that draws inspiration from both high fashion and sportswear.

For girls, we like the Bright White Maxine Sweatshirt (B4,550), and for guys the Cy Shirt (B5,950).

What the buyer says: “A fashion crossover that fuses American-quality manufacturing with Japanese premium materials.” –– House Sorasak, owner of Onion Store

What the buyer says: “It’s incredibly popular abroad, but not so here. It took some time introducing the brand to our customers, but with accessible prices, simple yet stylish designs and materials suitable for climates like ours, it’s finally becoming well-known.”

–– Rassamee Aernusornvorakul, brand manager at Next To Normal and American Rag Cie

Get yours at: Onion Store: Aree, 2/F, 66 Rama 6 Soi 30. www. onionbkk.com

Delvaux Claiming to be the world’s oldest leather luxury goods company, Delvaux’s latest season offers some of the label’s classic models redesigned. Check out the Brilliant, which is now available in a mini version at a still-whopping B160,000.

What the buyer says: ”We’ve got our eyes on the Brilliant. It’s Delvaux’s most celebrated and loved bag.”— Suchaya Chearananta, senior buyer at Siwilai Get yours at: Siwilai, 5/F, Central Embassy, 1031 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-160-5809 ext.12. BTS Phloen Chit. www.siwilaistore.com

Maison Kitsune Doubling as a fashion label and an electronic music record label thanks to the meeting of its founders (a Japanese architect-turned-fashion-designer and Daft Punk’s former artistic director), this French brand blends French and American styles under a Japanese name. Highlights include the Maison Kitsune jumper in cream (B11,900) and the Kitsune Camo Cap (B4,900).

What the buyer says: “The brand has been popular for some time now, but not tremendously so. Lately, it’s starting to appeal to more people from different circles because it’s got cute prints and is easy to wear.”–– Rassamee Aernusornvorakul, brand manager at Next to Normal and American Rag Cie Get yours at: Next To Normal, 1/F, CentralWorld, Rama 1 Rd., 02-646-1847, fb.com/nexttonormalstore. BTS Siam/Chit Lom. Siwilai, 5/F, Central Embassy, 1031 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-160-5809 ext.12, www.siwilaistore.com. BTS Phloen Chit

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Get yours at: American Rag Cie, 1/F, Groove, CentralWorld, 02-2516880. BTS Siam/Chit Lom. www.fb.com/americanragbkk.

Veja Veja is a brand for the environmentally-conscious. Designed in Paris and made in Brazil, the company aims to produce sustainable footwear while engaging in fair trade. We like the Esplar Leather Extra White (B5,070) tennis shoes, named after an NGO that supports organic cotton farming families in north Brazil that Veja works with.

What the buyer says: “With organic cotton, wild rubber and vegetable tanned leather, Veja is trying to change the world’s trading rules. It’s a whole new concept of ecological sneakers.”–– Maryse Kraatz, director of retail development at Another Story Get yours at: Another Story, 4/F, The Helix Quartier, EmQuartier, 02-003-6139. BTS Phrom Phong. www.fb.com/anotherstoryofficial

Kapital This Japanese label is known for its premium denim products and elaborate manufacturing processes. Recommended items include the Kapital Century Denim (B9,900), which gets its brown hue from kakishibu, a Japanese tradition of dyeing with persimmon.

What the buyer says: “I recommend all of Kapital’s stuff. It’s beautiful even after having been worn for years, and shows the great spirit of clothing. Try it. You’ll buy it.” - Ben Viapiana, Heavy Selection collaborator and designer and founder of Viapiana jeans

What the buyer says: “The brand perfectly fuses high fashion, sportswear elements, streetwear with youthful attitude and groundbreaking technology yet it’s so practical and stylish for everyday wear.” –– Gift Sirigunya, managing director at Uncensored Get yours at: 1/F, The Helix Quartier, EmQuartier, 02-003-6094, BTS Phrom Phong. uncensored-bangkok.com.

P.mith Barely a year old, Thai label P.mith creates meticulously crafted products aimed at what they call the “modern gentleman.” Its tailoring services provide a range of materials for guys to have made into custom suits, which start at B8,500.

What the buyer says: “P.mith is one of the younger suit brands out there, but with the use of premium materials, it’s not surprising that it’s a popular choice among Gin & Milk customers.” –– Wattanakiat Phatchrachokmongkol, buyer for Gin & Milk Get yours at: Gin & Milk, 3/F, Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd., 02-6581191. BTS Siam. www.fb.com/ginandmilkstore

Him and Her Bangkok-based womenswear label Him and Her specializes in eye-catching prints on ready-to-wear items. By adding dashes of colors to basic pieces, they give their crop tops, shorts and swimwear quirky touches. Check out their Wilder Jacket (B3,690).

What the buyer says: “A lively and upbeat brand with accessible prices. Great for mixing and matching.”–– Jitlada Vongpraomas, buyer for The Wonder Room.

Get yours at: The Wonder Room, 3/F, Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd., 02-658-1000 ext. 1379. BTS Siam. www.fb.com/thewonderroomstore

Get yours at: Heavy Selection, 2/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 090938-1290. BTS Siam. www.fb.com/heavyselection

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avenue TECH REVIEW HOME

Nikon 1 J5

Design Contenders The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) announced its 2015 edition of the annual Design Excellence Award (DEMark) on Aug 3. Featuring 69 winners from six categories, the event highlights those who will go on to exhibit at the Good Design Exhibition in Tokyo on Oct 30-Nov 4. Here, we’ve selected eight of our favorite products. By Vasachol Quadri

Tori Chair

Kapp

The Placer

Tori Chair

Kapp

Designer: Jakkapun “Golf” Charinrattana from Golf JC Studio Why we like it: The body is made from curved oak while the seat is genuine leather, making for a very comfortable combination. Though the leather looks like it won’t take that much weight, the designer has used hidden steel reinforcement to create a highly sturdy piece of furniture in contrast to its delicate looks.

Get it at: B16,500 from www.golfjc.com

Designer: Waewyos Sonthichai from Pana Objects Why we like it: The wood-loving Thai brand designed this product to be a functional, single material piece that people can take anywhere. Kapp is a bottle opener made from maple and walnut wood that’s portable, pretty and easy to use by just adding a coin in the middle.

Get it at: B360 for maple and B400 for walnut from www.fb.com/panaobjects

Geowl

Klank Wireless Speaker

Designer: Piyanat Ratanawongsarot from Barketek Why we like it: This pet food bowl is made from ceramic and helps to keep ants out by having a water gap in its lower part.

Get it at: B1,250 from www.barketek. com

Designer: Warin Thanathawee from Core Design Studio Why we like it: Klank is a portable speaker connecting via Bluetooth to your phone, while also acting as a tablet dock and device charger.

Get it at: B5,990 from klankproject.com

Jockey Chair Designer: Wiroon Sanguanwongwan from Performax Why we like it: The brown bamboo mixes beautifully with the genuine leather navy seat.

Get it at: B9,000 from www.pformax.com

The Placer Designer: Pitchaya Maneerattanaporn from Whoop furniture Why we like it: The minute size belies its function as a seat and storage, while the vertical rack can also be used to hang two bicycles.

Get it at: B8,800 from fb.com/whoop. is.home

Geowl

Jockey Chair

Facet

Plugged: + The tiny retro-style body is just 3.9 -inches wide and 2.4-inches tall + Easy sport mode with powerful shutter at 1/16,000th of a second. And it shoots RAW. + Flip-out touch screen. Yes, it’s ancient technology but Nikon is only just getting on the bandwagon. + Time-lapse, Fast Motion, Jump Cut and 4-Second Movie video modes. Motion Snapshot also records lovely sound. + Good image stabilization. + Really nice low-light capabilities. + DSLR-like ring controller along with separate video and still shutter buttons. + Built-in Wi-Fi. Bugged: - 2x crop factor is not good for selfies compared to Sony, which is 1.5x. The flip-monitor function is also useless without a 10-30mm lens.

- Fiddly controls for big hands.

- Shutter-lag - Only 15 fps 4K video, which looks way worse than 60 fps HD. Verdict: Good if you want a tiny camera with giant performance and good movie functions. Nikon’s WMU app also lets you save pics directly to your smartphone. The powerful shutter speed solves blurry-picture problems, but it’s not going to be much use for capturing sports unless you attach a monster lens. In which case, why bother with a compact?

Z Series Designer: Papawee Pongthanavaranon, Sarinee Balavarnabha and Anek Kulthaveesup from Labrador Why we like it: This clutch opens in a Z pattern to let you see everything inside while keeping it organized and upright.

Get it at: B790-B1,490 at Labrador shops nationwide. Try G/F, Silom Complex, Silom Rd., 02-632-0388. BTS Sala Daeng

Though Sony and Olympus have been reigning the mirror-less market of late, Nikon isn’t content to give up just yet, rolling out the latest model in its J-series, the J5, which claims to feature the most powerful shutter speed in the digital world at 1/16,000th of a second. But can it be your all-in-one camera? Here are the pros and cons we found.

Klank

Price: B21,990 with 10-30mm kit lens. Available in black and silver.

Facet

Specs: 3-inch tilting LCD touch screen, 20.8 MP censors with built-in flash, ISO 160-12800, 1/16,000 -30 second shutter speed, manual mode, 60 fps continuous drive, 4K and HD movie. Monruedee Jansuttipan

Designer: Siree Chitphong from Noon Studio Why we like it: This young jewelry design studio is unique for its use of natural materials like rock and sand to create wearable pieces of art.

Get it at: B1,850 (rings), B2,450 (necklace or earrings) at www.fb.com/nnnoonstudio Z Series

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bites & blends RESTAURANT

Fresh Sprouts The old building on the corner of Sukhumvit Soi 49 has been renovated and turned into a lively addition to Bangkok’s vegetarian scene. Founded by the health-conscious Naya Ehrlich-Adam (of Monsoon Restaurant in Yangon and Ho Chi Minh), Broccoli Revolution draws on her well-traveled background to make vegetarian food more fun. Highlight dishes include the Lebanese mezza platter (hummus, baba ganoush, tabbouleh, tzatziki, fresh radish and marinated olives with pita bread, B290), Myanmar vegetables tempura with tamarind sauce (okra, gourd and pennywort, B180) and the delicious broccoli quinoa charcoal burger (broccoli quinoa patty, mango tomato salsa, dill spread, cranberry and charcoal bun, B220). Cold-pressed juices are on offer at B100-180, both dine-in and takeaway, as well as Farm to Table Cafe’s specially made vegetarian ice cream (B50/scoop), including the signature broccoli flavor. 899 Sukhumvit Soi 49, 095-251-9799. Open daily 7am-10pm. BTS Thonglor

CAFE

LUNCH

EVENT

Rabbit Run

Old Town Update

Organic Riverside

One of the first niche coffee specialists in Bangkok, Casa Lapin, has gone full restaurant for its Phloen Chit venue. On top of the familiar focus on seriously good coffee, Casa Lapin x Phloen Chit also offers a menu of breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner favorites.

Dishes like Croque Madame with Parisian ham and spinach, fruit pancakes and granola highlight the morning menu­—with a convenient grab-and-go window for busy office workers—while heartier dinner dishes include panaeng curry, spicy seafood spaghetti, salmon teriyaki and whole roasted chicken in orange sauce. There are also happy hour drinks promotions: 7pm-8pm daily get one hour of free-flow wine for B550 or buy-two-get-one-free on beers starting at B100. 888/63 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-651-4874. Open daily 7am-10pm. BTS Phloen Chit

The much-loved Mediterranean restaurant Seven Spoons has finally rolled out its new lunch menu and it extends well beyond salads, pasta and grilled mains. You’ll also find some of chef Somkiat Pairojmahakij’s more experimental dishes made from local seasonal ingredients. Highlights include the prawns on toast with goat yogurt and chives (B280), which comprises house-made rye bread, fresh and firm boiled shrimp, topped with a goat yogurtmayo mix; blini (buckwheat pancakes) topped with lentils and cream cheese (B220); and pizza (B260). 22-24 Chakkaphatdi Phong Rd., 02-629-9214. Open Mon-Sat 11am-3pm; Tue-Sun 6-11:30pm

This Oct 2-4, from 9am-7pm, Riva Surya hosts the Asian Organic Gourmet Festival. Charted to be an annual event, the festival will feature Asian guest chefs cooking organic food, organic wine and a farmers’ market. Guest chefs Sompong Suksuwan, Satawat Kunarasai and Surasing Viratsakul will cook up a demonstration lunch (B1,950) on Oct 2 and 4 and a four-course dinner (B2,500) using organic ingredients on Oct 2-4. The farmers’ market will also offer organic produce including products from the Royal Projects.

Part of the revenues will be donated to the Food4Good program which works to help malnourished children. 23 Phra Athit Rd., 02-633-5000. www.fb.com/RivaSuryaBangkok

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blends

Do Not Disturb

Kukkuuk Yakiniku Café The Bar at The Peninsula Bangkok

Game On Heading out for a big night? Skip the shots. Here’s how to warm up in style.

Le Café des Stagiaires

Hanakaruta Sathorn

Le Café des Stagiaires was founded by five college friends in Shanghai as part of their final school project back in 2011, this bar expanded to Bangkok in July this year. This charming bar-house on Sathorn Soi 12 offers a colorful and unpretentious atmosphere in which to start your night out (happy hours 4-8pm). To go with your drinks, try their choice of tasty tapas like frog legs with parsley and garlic (B120) and vegetable crostini with French anchovies (B150).

Try: Mint Julep (Chivas Regal Extra mixed with sugar, lime and mint leaves, B340) or go with Chivas Regal Extra on the rocks (B260) Where next: To keep up the lively vibe, take a three-minute walk around the block to another new French-operated (though Cuban-themed) bar, Revolucion on Sathorn Soi 10.

The modern Japanese izakaya on Sukhumvit Soi 39 has an equally moody second branch in the up-and-coming Sathorn Soi 10 neighborhood. This bigger venue not only serves good food and drinks but also offers private booths to let you and your friends party in your own space. Try their easy dishes like salmon avocado sushi roll (B210) and raw tuna carpaccio (B250), while selecting your poison from the wall-to-ceiling whiskey shelf that’s stocked with interesting bottles from all around the world.

Try: The exclusive Chivas Regal Mizunara (B300), usually only available in Japan, served with an ice-ball.

Where next: After a sizeable meal, you might need need some fresh air and a nice view at Skymoon Bar.

142/21 Sathorn Soi 12. 081-207-3077.

Facebook: Le Café des Stagiaires - Bangkok

Sathorn Soi 10, 085-061-7318. Mon-Sat 6pm-2am.

Facebook: HanakarutaSathorn SAKE Bar&Japanese Food

Hanakaruta Sathorn

Kukkuuk Yakiniku Café/ The Bar at The Peninsula Bangkok Do Not Disturb If you’re looking to spend an elegantly-styled night with a little privacy—and delicious craft cocktails to match— this could be the spot. Enjoy a classic Thai dinner at Thiptara while taking in the sunset over the Chao Phraya River, before heading upstairs to The Bar lounge on the ground floor for a few more drinks. Decked out with a very classic, art deco-evoking design, this bar’s just the place to pick a seat at the bar and ask the bartender to craft your drink according to your mood.

Try: Extra Old Fashioned, a twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail with Chivas Regal Extra as the base spirit (B390) Where next: To continue your sophisticated evening, choose to stop next at either Vogue Lounge on Narathiwat Road or Cloud 47 on Silom Road for their breathtaking rooftop views.

G/F, The Peninsula, 333 Charoennakorn Rd., 02-6261846. Open daily 5pm-1am.

Situated on the second floor of night club Do Not Disturb, this Japanese-style grill and bar is a logical starting point for a night of dancing. Inside is decorated in a whimsical Japanese style reminiscent of cult film Always: Sunset on Third Street, while the outdoor cactus garden offers a breezy spot to fill up on Thai-Japanese fusion dishes like pad Thai with taraba crab (B350) and grilled ayu sweet fish (B220).

Try: Their crafty cocktails which come with playful twists and Instagram-worthy presentation like Samurai (B360), a whisky-based drink served with smoked applewood chips.

Where next: After a drink or three, head downstairs to Do Not Disturb to catch top local DJs spinning electronic tunes. Continue your drinking with Chivas Regal Extra at B2,400/bottle including free-flow mixers on weekdays. Also, don’t miss the chance to win a free trip to Ultra Japan EDM Festival this September, simply by opening two bottles of Chivas Regal Extra.

Ekkamai Soi 7, 094-446-6269. Open Tue-Sun 8pm-1am.

Facebook: Kukkuuk Yakiniku Café / DND Club

Le Café des Stagiaires

BK Magazine Friday, August 28, 2015

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bites GUEST CHEFS

World of Choices With Anantara Siam’s World Gourmet Festival lined up for Sep 7-13, you’ve got a total of 14 dinners to choose from cooked by seven chefs from around the world. If you were to eat a dinner with each of them, it would cost you B48,900. Here’s where we’d put our money. By Natcha Sanguankiattichai Francesc Gimeno Manduley

Hirofumi Imamura

Patrick Raingeard (Sep 11-12) Where from: Cap Estel, French Riviera, France What: Produce-centric Mediterranean What you’ll pay here: B6,900 What you’d pay there: Degustation menu is priced at B5,900 What they say: Awarding Cap Estel one star in 2015, Michelin Guide inspectors said, “Patrick Raingeard pays a fitting homage to the Mediterranean and its coasts… It all makes for a special meal.”

Verdict: Though the menu here is not much different in price, Raingeard’s home restaurant is on the French Riviera, in a very fancy hotel, not far from Monaco. We can’t quite see Ratchadamri replicating the experience.

Pierre Crepaud (Sep 7-8) BK PICK! Where from: Lemontblanc, Crans-Montana, Switzerland What: Modern European What they say: The restaurant is rated 16/20 by Gault & Millau Switzerland guide.

What you’ll pay here: B6,900 What you’d pay there: B5,000-5,500 for a tasting menu Verdict: This Alpine restaurant looks like it does very pretty plates of food. For the price, we hope we’ll see some of the very fancy creations here as well. Can’t wait to Instagram them.

Hirofumi Imamura (Sep 10-11)

Where from: Kazuo Okada, Kowloon, Hong Kong What: Japanese kaiseki (full-course set menu) What you’ll pay here: B7,500 What you’d pay there: B5,870-8,620 for a ninecourse kaiseki dinner What they say: The Michelin Guide for Hong Kong and Macau awarded his signature restaurant, Kazuo Okada, one star, calling it “particularly pleasant.”

Verdict: Headlining the fair this year, Imamura’s dinner is B600 more expensive than all the other participating chefs, but this is produce-driven Japanese food—and Bangkok diners know how expensive that is. We’d be keen to try this certified sake sommelier’s pairing menu.

Sean Connolly (Sep 9-10) Where from: Sean’s Kitchen, Adelaide, Australia What: International What you’ll pay here: B6,900 What you’d pay there: Approx B2,300 for a set menu What they say: Local site In Daily says, “a great meal in a pleasant setting.”

Verdict: In Australia, Connolly has quite a reputation as a TV chef, and though his self-branded restaurant says brasserie not fine dining (and hasn’t always won over the critics), his past ventures have received almost unanimous praise. We’re interested to see what he’ll do here.

Francesc Gimeno Manduley (Sep 11-12) Where from: Bohemic Bistro, Barcelona, Spain What: Creative Spanish What you’ll pay here: B6,900 What you’d pay there: At his humble bistro, the cost for a meal is unlikely to exceed B2,000.

What they say: The New York Times wrote in 2014, “Even with his low-cost menu he is regularly putting out some of the city’s most creative cuisine, though perhaps not at the level that he would like.”

Verdict: Steep markup here.

Sean Connolly

Jean-Francois Berard (Sep 9-10) Where from: Rene & Jean Francois Berard, La Cadiere d’Azur, Provence, France What: Modern Mediterranean-inspired Provencal cuisine What you’ll pay here: B6,900 What you’d pay there: B2,200-6,600 for prix fixe menu of 4-8 courses What they say: Michelin inspectors gave his restaurant one star, saying of his food, “Heritage and innovation is brought together in the quest for taste.”

Verdict: A good amount of the reviews praise the collaboration of the chef and his father, who’s not present here, as well as the Provence restaurant’s hill-top views. We’d say it lacks too many parts of the experience.

Francesc Rovira (Sep 7-8)

BK PICK!

Where from: Fonda Xesc, Gombren, Girona, Spain What: Traditional Catalan dishes with modern twists What you’ll pay here: B6,900 What you’d pay there: B2,000-2,700 for an a la carte meal. Set menu ranges from B1,500-3,000 What they say: Michelin Guide awarded the restaurant one star, writing, “A family-run restaurant that comes as a pleasant surprise in this mountain village.”

Verdict: Another chef who’s doing an affordable job at home. But we’re really drawn to the look of his tucked-away, homestay restaurant on the Mediterranean border between Spain and France. With all the restrictions to eating there, we thank the organizer for this leftfield choice.

Pierre Crépaud

Pattrick Raingeard

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8/21/15 3:30 PM

+ bites & blends market Events

So Amazing Chefs The annual international chefs gathering takes place on Oct 6-11. Expect dinners, brunches and workshops.

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

Deals K Village

Urban Eatery This foodie market promises international dishes, mini cafes, handicrafts, clothing, home decor and more in a vintage garden atmosphere, with a zone for drinks with activities like beer pong and drinking contests which stays open till 11pm. Aug 28-30, 10am-10pm.

K Village, Sukhumvit Soi 26

Wine Wednesdays at Diplomat Bar Two-for-one on all wine by the glass every Wednesday from 5pm at Diplomat Bar and 30-percent off all dishes on the tapas menu with wine order.

1/F, Conrad Bangkok, 87 Wireless Rd., 02-690-9244

Advertise your business with us ­

Overtime Thursday Get draft beers at B100/half pint or B200/pint from 5-8pm every Thursday with live DJs and food trucks at Wishbeer Home Bar.

starting from B6,000

The Loft Ekkamai, Sukhumvit Rd., between soi 63 and 65, 02-392-1403

Roast with the Most Come-four-pay-two for the buffet with extensive roasts at The Huntsman Pub. B790/person.

Spring Summer

Spring Epicurean Market A community market devoted to good food featuring a lineup of local artisans and vendors including Joe Sloane’s sausages and Conkey’s breads, with a space for kids and live music. Aug 30, 8am-1pm.

Spring Summer, 199 Sukhumvit Soi 39, 02-392-2747

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

Landmark, 138 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-2540404. BTS Nana

New Venues Le Cafe des Stagiaires A new casual neighborhood bar on Sathorn Soi 12.

142/21 Sathorn Soi 12, 081-207-3077. BTS Surasak

Austrian Wine Master Class This Aug 31 from 3-5pm, former sommelier Franz Hofstaetter takes you on a journey through Austrian wines, including Gruber, Rabl, Zillinger, Wachter Wiesler and Tegernseerhof. Reservation can be made at kim@winegarage.asia Embassy Room, Mandarin Oriental, 48 Charoenkrung Soi 40, 02-659-9000

Chef Pierre Gagnaire’s Visit The founder of the three-Michelin star Pierre Gagnaire restaurant in Paris cooks a seven-course wine dinner at B13,500 on Sep 2-4 at Fireplace Grill.

Tim Ho Wan

Tim Ho Wan The world’s cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant has arrived in Bangkok.

3/F, Terminal 21, Sukhumvit Soi 21. BTS Asoke

Intercontinental, 973 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-656-0444. BTS Chit Lom

A Guide to Bangkok’s Best Restaurants BKmagazine.com/TopTables

Tan-Yu Tofu

Tan-Yu Tofu

World Gourmet Festival

World Gourmet Festival

One of the most popular spots on Bangkok’s pastel tofu jelly dessert scene.

Thaninthon Village, Viphavadi Rangsit Soi 35, 02-023-2267

The 17th World Gourmet Festival takes place from Sep 7-13, when chefs, winemakers and food experts from all over the world will create dinners, brunches and high tea buffets. See page 22.

Anantara Siam,155 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-126-8866. BTS Ratchadamri

THE EASIEST WAY TO BOOK YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

Find out more at www.chope.co/toptables BK Magazine Friday, August 28, 2015

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bites

OPEN DOOR

D'Ark A cafe with serious restaurant aspirations.

The buzz: Sukhumvit Soi 49's D’Ark aims to be both a restaurant and coffee shop. The small but stylish space is already drawing in Thonglor's pretty people, while the kitchen is helmed by two young French chefs who claim experience at some Michelin-starred restaurants.

The decor: Taking over two stories of the first building in Piman 49, the cafe is decorated in sleek black and white tones. Though small, the space is surrounded by glass walls, while the second-floor balcony ensures it feels spacious and receives lots of natural light.

Downstairs is dominated by a white communal table and metal coffee bar, around which are a few high tables and long bench seating taking up one wall.

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The food and drinks: Using beans from Australian roaster Di Bella, the cafe offers both single-origin coffee from Peru, Kenya, Costa Rica and India (B150/pot) and some blends. The same beans are also used in both the savory and sweet food menu. Executive chef Jeriko Van Der Wolf, who previously worked at the Michelin-starred Regis et Jacques Marcon in France, rolls out dishes like Georgette's soup (B160), in which an espresso shot is added to balance out the sweetness of the whipped-cream onion soup, as well as more standard comfort food like the Jeriko's duck burger (B320) and smoked beef and burrata (B280). The dessert kitchen is helmed by French pastry chef Joffrey Jacob, who bakes not only muffins (B60) and croissants (B60) ready for takeaway, but also more substantial coffee-flavored treats. D’Ark opera (B160) is a deconstructed opera

cake comprising chocolate sponge, coffee ice cream and chocolate ganache, while the D’Ark espresso tiramisu (B160) is prepared a la minute with ladyfinger biscuit, mascarpone sabayon, an espresso shot and cocoa powder.

Why you should care: D’Ark shows more love to its food than most coffee shops in town, with not one but two actual chefs in the kitchen. This means you can now actually enjoy your food after posting a photo to Instagram. Natcha Sanguankiattichai Piman 49, 46 Sukhumvit Soi 49, 02-662-7900. Open daily 8am-9pm. www.darkoffee.com

BK Magazine Friday, August 28, 2015

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Simmer

Theo Mio

1920 Bar & Restaurant

Mikaku

NEW AND NOTED

Cookbook Classics

Helmed by the owners of Paega publishing house, the cozy, semi-industrial restaurant Simmer (1/F, Sindhorn Building, Wireless Rd., 062-471-9968) serves rare traditional Thai food along with some Western dishes taken from their catalogue of cookbooks. The menu spans single-dish items like kao kluk kapi (shrimp paste rice with condiments, B135) and Southern yellow curry with saba (B180). Other highlights include the pla too tom kem (mackerel simmered in sweet and salty sauce on a wood stove for 48 hours, B130) and the signature gaeng kati ranjuan (spicy soup with shrimp paste, B135).

Prohibition Seafood

Decor-wise, 1920 Bar & Restaurant (Rama 9 Soi 41, 099-9198400) rather obviously takes its cues from the roaring '20s. As for food, though, it's all about seafood, imported daily from the South. Highlights include grilled prawn (B800/kg), steamed crab (B680/kg) and deep-fried sea bass with sweet fish sauce (B420).

TABLE TALK

Also, don’t miss the fresh giant oysters (B90 each). Every Sunday from 11am-2pm and 6-9pm, they offer a seafood buffet at B799. Live music Mon-Sat.

London Calling

Intercontinental Hotel has swapped one international chef for another. Taking over the former spot of Grossi Trattoria & Wine Bar, Theo Mio (G/F, InterContinental Bangkok, 973 Ploenchit Rd., 02-656-0444) is the first restaurant outside of the UK for British chef Theo Randall. On top of his eponymous restaurant at Intercontinental London Park Lane, Randall also hosts the weekly video blog “Recipe for the Weekend” for Huffington Post and has appeared on The Chef Protege culinary competition on BBC Two. Here, he serves dishes like sourdough pizzas, carpaccio of beef fillet, fritto misto of local shrimp and pan-fried squid with fresh chili. His Cappaletti di Vitello with porcini mushroom sauce was awarded the Best Restaurant Dish for 2014 by Tatler magazine in the UK. Natcha Sanguankiattichai and Thammika Sawaengsri

2/F, 103/1 Sukhumvit Soi 55, between Thonglor soi 3-5, 02-712-9080. Open daily 5-11pm; Sat-Sun noon-2pm This is the first branch outside Japan for the renowned teppanyaki restaurant from Gion district in Kyoto. Run by the same family for more than 80 years, Mikaku is known for its expert selection and preparation of premium beef teppanyaki. At this branch, the family's third-generation owner and chef mans the grill himself, selecting only A4-5 graded wagyu from Kobe and hand-slicing tenderloin and sirloin to the perfect thickness. Don't miss the melt-inyour-mouth oilyaki teppanyaki.

Exclusive privileges for Citibank credit cardmembers.

Get 10% discount on food and beverages Today-30 Jun 16

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

Simply click “Thailand” and then “Gift voucher”

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bites FOOD REVIEWS

Charcoal Tandoor Grill & Mixology HHHH 5/F, Fraser Suites, Sukhumvit Soi 11, 083-5421111. Open daily 6pm-midnight. BTS Nana.

Corkage B1,000. BBB F H

Charcoal is the follow-up to Soho Hospitality Group’s hit rooftop bar in the same building, Above Eleven, and there’s a familiar air of pre-drink dining about this Indian kabab-specializing restaurant and cocktail lounge. With its sultry blend of dark woods, lattice screens, spice jars and barely existent lighting, there’s a clear similarity to Maya, its closest contemporary Indian competitor, though here you’ll find a tighter menu focusing almost exclusively on tandoor-cooked kababs. Like all Charcoal’s food, these are wonderfully spiced and flavorful. The classic lamb sheekh kabab (B390 for three pieces) features finely minced lamb blended with a potent mix of ginger, green chilies, coriander and royal cumin, while the murgh malai kabab (B400 for five pieces) is composed of juicy, perfectly

HUNGRY?

it’s free

Get the inside scoop on Bangkok’s dining and drinking scene from BK Bites & Blends.

Le Dalat (Emquartier) HHHH

Vietnamese. 7/F, The Emquartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-269-1000. Open daily 10am-10pm. BTS Phrom Phong. Corkage B600. BBB F

So, the most refined Vietnamese restaurant in town now has a shopping mall branch. While the setting can’t compare to the original’s beautiful old house (Sukhumvit Soi 23), its worn tile floors, intricate hanging decorations and preponderance of bamboo do a good job of masking the fact you’re eating in the city’s newest shiny playground (though curtaining off the seventh-floor views is odd). Here, you’ll find a kitchen similarly focused on quality ingredients, with a m o re -a cce ss i b l e m e n u of c l a ss i c Vietnamese recipes that have been slightly altered to match the updated decor. We’re particularly impressed with the small plates that fill the first half of the menu. The banh cuon (steamed rice crepe, B150) is a delicate option, though not quite the sil ky treat you get elsewhere, owing to being a little

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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.

barbecued pieces of chicken in a light marinade of cream cheese and hung yogurt. And it’s not just the meats. From the complimentary arrival condiments and papadums to the sinfully buttery dal charcoal (urad lentils, tomatoes, ginger a n d g a r li c , B200) , th e s p i ci n g i s consistently bold and well balanced.

Same goes for dessert. The phirni (Indian rice pudding, B200) is packed with the powerful flavors of saffron and cardamom yet never tastes overwhelming.

Ubiquitous mixologist Joseph Boroski devised the India-inspired cocktail menu, and it delivers some genuinely original drinks that live up to their theme, whether it’s the clove -rich 1947 Independence (mace and clove-infused vodka, Indian pomegranate, fresh lime, hibiscus syrup and frothed egg, B300) or betel-leaf-infused, martini-style Horn OK Please (gin, betel nut leaves, basil, green m a n g o c h u t n ey p u re e, l i m e a n d sugarcane B300). It’s very hard to fault Charcoal on the food. As a place to dine, the grownup atmosphere is let down somewhat by kids playing in the swimming pool outside, but any noise is drowned out by a soundtrack of slightly cheesy dance anthems. Our only other gripe is the service staff, who deliver such a minute description of every dish that you wonder when you can start eating.

But if what you want is flashy Indian, then it delivers both on flash and flavor.

overcooked. Flavor-wise, the ground pork and mushroom filling go perfectly with the do chu (pickled daikon and carrot) dipping sauce, while the fried onion garnish takes the dish to another level.

Even more impressive are the prawn crackers topped with noodles, sauteed pork and prawn (B140), which burst with a mix of textures and a light zestiness.

The more substantial dishes are all solid if slightly unspectacular, as if toned down for a non-discerning mall crowd. The pho ga (chicken noodle soup, B160), for instance, comes with a gentle, soupy broth that lacks the fullness of a longsimmered affair. The sizing is a bit on the small side, too, but we can’t fault the thin slithers of delicious chicken or the accompanying lush greens. The chao tom (pounded shrimp on sugarcane, B490) gets the texture just right—soft and springy—but tastes under-seasoned. It’s saved somewhat by a piquant hoisin peanut dipping sauce. On the other hand, the French-leaning lamb curry (B360) is a heady mix of bay leaf, ginger and turmeric, with juicy chunks of lamb, only the sad, burnt bread on the side is more crouton than baguette. With its unwavering service and crisp decor, Le Dalat is one slick operation. The food is fresh and healthy, however some dishes simply lack the wow-factor that so typifies Vietnamese cuisine; and it’s a positive sign of the times that we’ve come to expect more.

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

8/24/15 3:52 PM

8/24/15 6:09 PM

now SAT Wild Imagination End August on a high note with one of the year’s biggest concerts this Saturday, Aug 29. Grammy Award-winning alternative rockers Imagine Dragons, known for big radio hits like “Radioactive” and “Demons” as well as their killer live performances, will be making their Bangkok debut at Impact Arena (Popular Rd.) as part of the 2015 Smoke+Mirrors Tour. Tickets are B1,500-4,000 at Thaiticketmajor.

SUN Cry Wolf Fans of Martin Scorsese’s 2013 blockbuster movie The Wolf of Wall Street won’t want to miss this Sunday (Aug 30)’s nine-hour special seminar given by the real wolf himself, Jordan Belfort Live in Bangkok. Now on a world tour, the Wall Street entrepreneur and his team will be guiding the Bangkok audience on his record-breaking sales techniques and “Straight Line System.” Blow and hookers not included. To be held at Impact Exhibition Hall 4 (Muang Thong Thani, Popular Rd.). Tickets are B4,000 (bronze), B6,000 (silver), B9,000 (gold) and B19,000 (platinum), available on Thaiticketmajor.

WED Party Crowds

WED Return of the Dragon If you’re more of a metal fan, Indy Pop Concerts are bringing the British power metal band Dragonforce to Hollywood Awards (72/2 Ratchadaphisek Soi 8). Known for crazy guitar solos by Herman Li and fantasy lyrics, they’ll be rocking the stage, on Aug 29, as part of their Maximum Overload World Tour. Tickets B1,600 at on.fb.me/1MHMOKm.

There’s a lot happening this Friday night, Aug 28, for all you party people. For some guilty pleasure hits with a sassy crowd, look no further than the aerobic-themed party Shark x Trasher: The Magic Bite Burn Baby (B300, Sub Zero Ice Skate, Major Sukhumvit, BTS Ekkamai). Fans of indie rock music can head over to Wine Bibber Sangria (B100, Ekkamai Soi 2) for the launch of the brand-new Whatever Party, taking over the second-floor Discotheque from 9pm till late. EDM fans can try out the new Ztudio Live Hall (Free, RCA, Rama 9 Rd.) for a live set by Tom Swoon at Grey Goose-Zaap’s TGIF party.

Heiko S

SAT Run this Town

SAT One Man Show September also looks to be a promising month for indie music (see page 28). Visit Play Yard by Studio Bar (Lad Phrao Soi 8, MRT Phahon Yothin) to see New York City-based indie folk garage band Jeffrey Lewis & The Jrams on Sep 3, with local support from Yena and Superstar. Ticket info at www.fb.com/mindthegapthailand. The multi-talented frontman will also be headlining a special Bangkok Poetry event, Broken, Broken, Broken Heart, just the night before on Sep 2, alongside eight other Bangkok talents at WTF Gallery & Cafe (7 Sukhumvit Soi 51, BTS Thong Lo).

This Sunday Aug 30 sees another great run kick off at the ungodly hour of 3:30am (for the 21km runners) at Thammasat University (Tha Phra Chan campus). Human Run 2015 makes a great change from other Bangkok marathons as it covers beautiful monuments across the Old Town, like The Grand Palace, the colonial-style Defense Ministry, Phra Sumen Fort, the iconic Rama 8 Bridge and the Giant Swing. No worries if you didn’t sign up in time, as there are still plenty of runs to look forward to for the rest of the year (see Winter Runs, page 32).

SAT Sociology Soapbox The Reading Room (2 Silom Soi 19, BTS Surasak) launches the first of its new speakers’ series, co-organized by the Faculty of Sociology and Anthropology, Thammasat University, this Saturday afternoon, Aug 30, at 2pm. Set to take place every month, Ontological Turn kicks off with a discussion led by Political Science Professor Jakkrit Sangkhamanee and Associate Professor in Philosophy Kasem Phempinant, who'll be introducing the idea of ontology in contemporary anthropological studies. Free.

BK Magazine Friday, August 28, 2015

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now NIGHTLIFE

GIGS

Tritonal

NEON - NIGHT LIGHTS W/ DJ MYSTIQUE (TOMORROWLAND, SPINNING')

Expect lots of lights and laser shows at this new EDM party concept, featuring the Tomorrowland DJ in the main EDM room with support from DJs Zara Gift, J.a.m.e.s. and Luck-E. Special hip-hop room hosted by Dope As Funk BKK, featuring resident DJs Karl Andy, Tommy Nori and Unda. B500 pre-sale tickets available at www.ticketmelon.com/event/4. Aug 28, 8pm. Live RCA Bangkok, RCA, Rama 9 Rd., 086-860-0808. B500-700.

RETOX SESSIONS PRESENTS CHRISTIAN SMITH (TRONIC)

The Swedish-born, Sao Paolo-based house and techno DJ hits the decks at the late-night club, with local support from Sunju Hargun. Aug 29, 10pm. Glow, 96/4-5 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 02-261-3007, 02-261-4446. B450 (one free drink).

MRT Sukhumvit.

JMJ SON OF RUN DMC FEATURING IYAZ LIVE IN BANGKOK

A night of hip-hop and reggae music headline by Jam Master Jay and Iyaz, with support from DJs Bomber Selecta (1st Red Bull Thre3style Championship Thailand 2015) and Outkast. Tickets available at bit.ly/1IZ2bKc. Sep 3, 8pm.

Live RCA Bangkok, RCA, Rama 9 Rd., 086-860-0808. B900.

TRITONAL @ LEVELS

Epic Entertainment presents the debut of the DJ duo, who have performed at Ultra Music Festival and Creamfields Australia, and have the backing of big DJs like Armin van Buuren and Nicky Romero. Tickets are available at www. ticketmelon.com/event/1. Sep 3, 9pm. Levels, 6/F, Aloft Hotel, 35 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 082-308-3246. B300-500 (one free drink). BTS Nana.

INTUS PRES. PAN-POT

The Berlin-based house-techno DJ duo headline the RCA venue, with support from DJs Atma, Coran and Koish. Expect German street food, drinks and other fun games till late. Sep 5, 7pm. Live RCA Bangkok, RCA, Rama 9 Rd., 086860-0808.

Youngman and The Sea

NEW INDIE HAPPENING SING SING!

BURIN LIVE AT PARKING TOYS

The book launch party of New Indie, with talks and live performances by featured artists Seal Pilllow, Aire, Youngman and The Sea, Jinta, Abstraction XL and more.

A pair of tickets for entry to happening@house*6 this October for those who purchase the book on the day.

Ten percent discount on all Thai CDs on the day. Aug 30, 6pm. Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), 939 Rama 1 Rd., 02-214-6630-8. Free. BTS National Stadium.

The disco funk singer-songwriter and former frontman of Groove Riders performs a live gig, sponsored by Jack Daniels. Tickets available at on.fb.me/1E5KFWe. Sep 4, 11pm. Parking Toys, 17/22 Ram Indra Soi 14, 02-9072228. B350 (one free drink).

SANAMLUANG MUSIC POP-UP PARTY

A rock 'n' roll party featuring Tabasco, who recently signed to the record label, plus a late-night gig by Apartment Khun Pa. Tickets available at the door. Sep 2, 9pm. Parking Toys, 17/22 Ramindra Soi 14, 02907-2228. B250.

ARE YOU 90'S: NU METAL ALL STARS

Seven bands perform covers of big-name nu metal bands like Slipknot, Korn, System of a Down, Incubus, Rage Against the Machine, Limp Bizkit and Staind, to name a few. B250 pre-sale tickets available at the venue and 099-191-5666. Sep 4, 7pm. The Rock Pub, Hollywood Street, 93/26-28 Phaya Thai Rd., 02-251-9980, 086-977-0621. B300. BTS Ratchathewi.

SECRET GIG PRESENTS SICK TIMES

The German hardcore punk band perform in Bangkok, with supporting acts Green Love from Malaysia, and local acts The Die Hards, Jimmy Revolt, Low Fat and Pistols 99. Sep 4, 7pm. Immortal Bar, 6 Soi Bun Chu Si, Din Daeng Rd., 086-707-1749. B200 one free drink.

OUT OF TOWN

THAI CONCERTS

Ingrid The Voice

INGRID THE VOICE MINI CONCERT

The hip Thai-Austrian contestant from 2014's The Voice Thailand performs an intimate acoustic show, with supporting guest Nut The Voice. Limited to only 30 guests. Reservation is required at 089-047-1456 or kinjobkk@hotmail.com. Sep 5, 6:30pm. Bangkok Okinawa Restaurant Kinjo, 24/1 Sukhumvit Soi 69, 02-711-0536. B300 (one free drink).

DIB: DEEP IN BALLAD

An experimental music festival in a niche location in the Old Town featuring live rock and post-rock bands like Mat-Chi-Maa, Solitude is Bliss, Pry x May-T Project, Migrate to the Ocean and Desktop Error. B500 early bird tickets through Aug 30. Sep 5, 6pm. Courtiers' Club, Tha Tien. B700 from Thaiticketmajor.

WHILE SHE SLEEPS LIVE IN BANGKOK

The British metalcore band from Sheffield and winner of Kerrang! Awards' Best British Newcomer (2012) take the stage at Live House Studio, with support from Bangkok rock acts Sweet Mullet, Hopeless and newbie metal band Defying the Decay. The band released its second album, Brainwashed, earlier this year. Sep 16, 6pm.

JJ Green, 110/46 Lad Phrao Soi 18, 086-331-5657-8.

B1,200 from Thaiticketmajor. BTS Mo Chit.

Go Organic 101

Hugo Chulachak

CHANG MUSIC CONNECTION PRESENTS 25 HOURS MOM & POP SHOP

The local folk-alternative band from Genie Records launches its own limited-edition collectible store with a concert that features music from their first album through to their latest singles. Aug 29, 6pm. Muang Thai GMM Live House, 8/F, CentralWorld, 999/1 Rama 1 Rd. B1,200 from Thaiticketmajor. BTS Chit Lom. 30 YEARS BYRD & HEART SOMETIMES BUT ALWAYS

A 30-year anniversary concert by the pop duo behind many Thai hit ballads, who'll be supported by Burin, Blackhead, ETC and Champ Supawat.

Sep 12, 3pm. Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd., 02-8334455. B500-3,000 from Thaiticketmajor.

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CHANG MUSIC CONNECTION PRESENTS BAND ON THE RUN CONCERT SERIES 2015 SHOW #1

The battle of the bands series kicks off with songwriter duo Boykor and Sanamluang Music's boy group Jetset'er. Sep 18, 7pm. Muang Thai GMM Live House, 8/F, CentralWorld, 999/1 Rama 1 Rd. B1,000 from Thaiticketmajor. BTS Chit Lom. DRINK DANCE DELICIOUS BANGKOK SEPTEMBER FEST

A 12-hour musical journey featuring the legenday Thai rock band Carabao, indie-rock artist Hugo Chulachak, and EDM acts Boom Boom Cash and DJ 22 Bullets. Food and drinks provided on-site throughout the night. Sep 5, 1pm. BITEC, 88 Bang Na-Trat Rd., 02749-3939. B950-2,500 from Thaiticketmajor. BTS Bang Na.

Ladies, if you’re looking for a last-minute, cleansing getaway this weekend, here’s the perfect opportunity to visit Santosha Lifestyle Resort & Holistic Health Coaching. Pakchong Slow Life, the team behind Niche Niche Weekend Market Handmade market, in collaboration with Organic 101 Workshop, is holding the second edition of its two-day “Organic Beauty” workshop this Aug 29-30. The class begins on Saturday at 10am, led by founder of SRAAN Handcrafted Soap. You’ll learn how to make organic products for a complete body rejuvenation—including organic soap, lip balm, make-up removing oil, shampoo, hair mask, body scrub and aromatic massage oil. All products will be packaged in a box set for you to take home at the end of the workshop.

The fee of B5,200 covers workshop participation, accommodation for two at the holistic health resort, lunch, snacks and breakfast for the weekend. Sign-up at www.fb.com/organicworkshop101 or 080-974-0007.

Santosha - Lifestyle Resort & Holistic Health Coaching, 889 Moo 5 Soi Kamnun Pracha, Ban Nong Makha, Pakchong, Nakhon Ratchasima, 044-318-176/44. www.santoshathailand.com.

Neighborhoods Explore Your Favorite Neighborhoods

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now STAGE PERFORMANCES

CLASSICAL

Take Off Festival

Premiere YUD PHOP THE MUSICAL Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra

SOIREE OF FRENCH MASTERPIECES

MAESTRO STRAVINSKY

Piano duo Tetsu Mashiko and Masaki Nishihara perform a program of Franck, Hahn, Debussy, Ravel, Pierne, Saint-Saens, Poulenc, Damase and Gounod. Tickets are inclusive of reception before and after the concert, and must be reserved at www. salasudasirisobha.com. Proceeds go towards the Gift of Life Foundation.

Aug 29, 7:30pm. Sala Sudasiri Sobha, Lad Phrao Soi 41, 02-5418662. B700.

Piano soloist Poom Prommachart and the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra perform the world premiere of Thomas Hyuk Cha's Brilliance and Beauty, Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor, op. 30 and Stravinsky's Petrouchka. Sep 4, 7pm; Sep 5, 4pm.

Prince Mahidol Hall, Mahidol University (Salaya Campus), 25/25 Buddhamonthon Sai 4 Rd. B300-500 (B100 tickets for students) from Thaiticketmajor.

BEETHOVEN FESTIVAL THAILAND 2015

A four-day music fest to honor the legendary German composer. Day one features a piano-contemporary dance performance of "Beethoven In Motion," featuring Caroline Fischer and choreographer Thanapol Virulhakul. Day two features a dialogue titled "Why Beethoven?" by music journalist Bavornpong Suppasopon, Dean of the Faculty of Music (Silpakorn University) Professor Dumrih Banawitayakit and Chair of the Piano Department at the College of Music (Mahidol University). A piano battle by music students takes place on day three and the finale is a performance by the winners of the Beethoven Competition Thailand from 20092013. No reservations needed. Sep 1-4, 6pm. Goethe Institute Auditorium, 18/1 Soi 1, 02-108-8200. Free.

PIANO RECITAL

A recital by leading pianists Usa Napawan, Kattalee Magtanaroong and Wattanee Saphakkul, who'll be playing beautiful pieces by Schubert, Strauss and Liszt. All proceeds will go towards the library. Sep 5, 7pm.

Neilson Hays Library, 195 Surawong Rd., 02-233-1731. B500 (B400 for the library's members, and B300 for students).

JAZZ CONCERT: PEIRANI-PARISIEN DUET

A saxophone-accordion collaboration between the two artists, inspired by Duke Ellington and Sydney Bechet.

The duo have recently won an Echo Music award in Germany as Ensemble of the Year earlier this year. B500 tickets for students and members.

Reserve your tickets at lc.cx/Zdu5.

Sep 14, 7:30pm. Alliance Francaise de Bangkok, 179 Rd., 02-670-4200.

B700. MRT Lumphini.

ART Opening Exhibitions

A romantic drama musical following the love triangle between Thanet, Khem and Marisa, who must face a never-ending cycle of love, infatuation and pain. Twelve rounds of performances with 2pm matinee rounds on Sat-Sun. Sep 3-6, 10-13, 7:30pm. M Theater, 2884/2 New Petchaburi Rd., 08-0260-0771/-6. B650-850 from Thaiticketmajor.

GUY + FORM (TAKE OFF FESTIVAL 2015)

The annual performing arts festival featuring selected new graduates kicks off with this dance program featuring two performances by Atthapol Gatenuam, who touches upon a homosexual phenomena in Guy, and Natnareekarn Pongprasatsuk, who looks at the idea of overparenting in Form, inspired by Tennesee Williams' The Glass Menagerie. 2pm rounds on weekends.

Reservations at bit.ly/1E2KACg. Sep 4-6, 8pm. Thong Lor Art Space, 58/14-15 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 095-924-4555. B350-400.

Closing PLENG RUK SAM RUEDU THE MUSICAL

The three-part musical follows three romantic-tragedy stories set in different seasons of the year, taking the audience back to the period of the Vietnam War. Starring B Peerapat from Crescendo, popular singer-actress Nuna Neungthida (Guan Meun Ho) and veteran TV actors Klot Atthaseri and Sumet Ongart. Aug 29-30, 2pm, 7:30pm.

Siam Pikanet Theater, 7/F, Siam Square One, Rama 1 Rd. B1,000-3,500 from Thaiticketmajor. Siam.

WAN SALA SOD THE MUSICAL

In this light-hearted comedy performance, The Star's Kaengsom plays a charming architect who's about to marry a Thai girl educated abroad, played by Pleng Asawahem. On the day of the wedding, both must face up to their complicated past. Also starring Academy Fantasia's Patcha and Aof Pongsak, Yhing Rata and Ratklao Amaradit. 6:30pm on Sundays and 2pm matinee rounds on weekends. Through Aug 30, 7:30pm.

Muang Thai Rachadalai Theatre, 4/F, The Esplanade, 99 Ratchadaphisek Rd., 02-262-3456. B500-3,000 from Thaiticketmajor. MRT Thailand Cultural Centre.

The Butterfly Lovers

THE SOUND OF MEMORIES

A new stage production by Shogo Tanikawa in celebration of Mother's Day. The play follows a boy who falls asleep while looking after his sick mother, and wakes up to find himself transported to the past when his parents were still young adults. Extra 2pm matinee rounds on weekends. B300 for students, and B350 for early birds (before Aug 15). Reservations at 087-569-0680 or on. fb.me/1efCnhS. Through Aug 30, 7:30pm; Sep 3-6, 7:30pm. M Theater, 2884/2 New Petchaburi Rd., 080260-0771/-6. B400.

Coming Soon NOTE UDOM NO. 11

Thailand's number one comedian makes a comeback after a two-year hiatus with the 11th edition of his infamous standup show, this time taking on the theme "returning the happiness" to the audience. Sep 11-27, 7pm. Royal Paragon Hall, 5/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-8023. B1,500-4,000 from Thaiticketmajor.

BTS Siam.

THE BUTTERFLY LOVERS

The premiere show of this year's International Festival of Music and Dance features the Thailand debut of the Zhejiang Yue Opera Troupe, whose grand Chinese opera performance has been voted as the best in China. This love tragedy is based on one of the most well-known Chinese epic tales. Sponsored by the Chinese Embassy.

Subtitles in Thai and English. Sep 11-12, 7:30pm; Sep 13, 2:30pm. Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Rd., 02-262-3456. B1,200-4,000. MRT Thailand Cultural Centre.

WHAAM! (THE BRIEF HISTORY OF UNKNOWN ASTRONAUT)

SplashingTheatre Company presents a play about a Thai astronaut who travels the universe with his deceased mother, sister and lover. Part of the 8th Performing Arts Festival by Pridi Banomyong Institute. No performances on Wednesday, Sep 23. Ticket reservations at 062643-9062 or www.fb.com/splashingtheatre. B290 early bird tickets through Sep 6. Sep 18-28, 8pm. Crescent Moon Space, 65/1 Thonglor Rd., 02-3813860. B450.

BTS Thong Lo.

AAA ASIAN AUSPICIOUS ANIMALS

A collection of revered animals in Asian culture, from dragons and tigers to tortoises and bats, in the form of furniture, fabrics, woodcarvings, bronze and stone objects, taken from the Neolithic era to the 19th Century.

Dates: Opens on Sep 3 at 7pm.

Through Sep 20.

Golden Tortoise Gallery, 100 Sukhumvit Soi 49, 02-662-5600.

IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE

A group exhibition by 26 photographers from the Bangkok Photographers Group, featuring 70 images that represent the opening and closing of the camera shutter.

Dates: Opens on Sep 3 at 6pm.

Through Sep 30.

BE GOOD Shop for Change One of Thailand’s most recognized social enterprises, SocialGiver, which works as a lifestyle shopping platform, has just launched its latest social project in collaboration with Community Partners International (CPI) to support the Myanmar Flood Relief. The recent flood disaster affected over 300,000 people in 12 districts out of 14, and impacted more than 1 million acres of fertile land.

And you can make a difference, too. Visit www.

SocialGiver.com and check out the great deals by local businesses, which range from hotel stays in Anantara Lawana Koh Samui to restaurant gift cards at Isao and Peppina. Every baht spent will then be turned into social coins, sent to support the social project of your choice.

It’s quick, simple, and Myanmar needs the help.

Neilson Hays Library, 195 Surawong Rd., 02233-1731.

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ADVERTORIAL

3

Reasons to celebrate Asiatique’s brand new Urban Chic section

This October, the beautiful heritage-style Asiatique The Riverfront will be introducing Urbano @ Asiatique, a new section catered towards a younger crowd. Apart from it being the first urban lifestyle center by the river, here are five other reasons why you should check it out early:

1

It will carry the freshest trends:

Geared towards the Gen-Y crowd, the shopping mall will feature young and hip lifestyle boutiques carrying items of all sorts, such as cutting-edge clothing and decor that will suit a youngster’s fancy.

2

3

You’ll get to experience a new shopping experience:

You may be crowned as “The King of Paparazzi”:

Urbano will be hosting a fashion showcase to bring forth a unique shopping experience where the internal team will act as presenters, partners, butlers, advisors, sellers and receptionists while you browse around and treat yourself with all that the section has to offer.

To celebrate their launch, Urbano is hiding an “Urbano Suptar” somewhere in their fresh, new compound. The person who finds him or her will be honored as the “King of Paparazzi”.

Asiatique Aug28_604.indd 7

5 Things You Need to Know About Bangkok’s First Ever Color Run

8/21/2558 BE 10:27 AM

The international running series dubbed “The Happiest 5K on the Planet” is coming to Bangkok for the first time. Here’s what to expect.

1. It’s the largest running series on the planet.

Since its inception in the US back in January 2012, the Color Run has expanded globally to over 500 running events at cities around the world, gaining participation from over a million runners by the end of 2014.

In the spirit of celebrating health, well-being and happiness in Thailand, property developer Fragrant Group, IMG and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration have joined forces to bring the Color Run to Bangkok for the first time this Oct 31-Nov 1.

Taking place across Queen Sirikit Park and Vachirabenjathas Park (Suan Rod Fai), over 16,000 participants are expected to turn out this year.

2. The rules are super simple and fun!

If it isn’t already obvious, you will be splashed with colors. Lots of colors. Wear white at the starting line, and you’ll be plastered in clouds of colored powder from head to toe at each kilometer of the course, each shade celebrating the diversity, culture and creativity of Bangkok.

Registration is already open. Just log on to www. thecolorrun.co.th. Regular registration fee is B900.

That covers a runner’s T-shirt, headband, tattoo and plenty of other goodies. Children under 3 can even take part for free!

3. Everyone's a winner in this race.

Doors to the village area open at 6:30am and the first wave of runners take off at 8am on both days.

You can run, jog, walk or stroll to the finishing line.

The choice is yours.

4. It's the perfect run for newbies.

It's never too late to get started. In fact, sixty percent of Color Runners are first-time 5km runners, so there's no need to feel intimidated to put on those running shoes.

Just make sure you're well-rested the night before the race, wear comfortable sneakers and don't forget to stay hydrated throughout the run.

5. There’s even more colorful fun at the post-run party.

On top of the four color zones, even more colors will be thrown at regular intervals in the post-5km “Color Festival,” located near the stage in the event village area. There’ll also be lots of singing, dancing, music and partying in rainbow colors.

So what are you waiting for? Sign up now before places fill. Be a Color Runner and share the fun with your loved ones using #TheColorRunTHA. Stay up-to-date with the latest updates at www. facebook.com/TheColorRunThailand, www.twitter.com/TheColorRunTHA, instagram.com/TheColorRunTHA and www.thecolorrun.co.th.

It’s all about fun and positive energy. The race is

untimed, which means there’s no need to worry about finishing first or last. There’s no age limit either, which means that absolutely everyone and anyone can take part.

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now RUN BKK Winter Runs 2015

LAST CHANCE

Expression of Thai Art

Don’t make the same mistake of leaving it last minute to sign up for Bangkok marathons. Here are some of the most highly-anticipated runs coming up this second half of 2015 that you can still sign up for.

The Color Run Thailand

SEPTEMBER CENTRAL GROUP MINI MARATHON 2015

What: For the ninth year running, this is the annual charity event organized by the Central Group to support those affected by the ongoing conflicts in the three Southern provinces of Thailand.

When: Sep 12, 4:30-8am Where: CentralWorld Plaza, Ratchaprasong Rd. BTS Chit Lom Distances: 10km, 5km and 3km Registration: Tickets are B350, available at Central Chidlom (2/F), Ladprao (1/F), Pinklao (1/F), Ramindra (3/F), Rama 2 (2/F), Rama 3 (2/F), Chaengwattana (1/F), Robinson Rama 9 and Supersport CentralWorld (3/F). More information at 02-100-9794-5, 02-1000-9763. *Note: Race kit collection on Sep 5-8 at CentralWorld (11am-7:30pm).

OCTOBER EMPIRE TOWER WE RUN 2015

What: Claiming to be the first ever 100-percent Green Marathon in Thailand, this annual charity run raises money to buy sport kits for children in need.

When: Oct 11, 5-9am Where: Em Space, Empire Tower, Sathorn Rd. BTS Chong Nonsi Distances: 21km, 10.5km and 4.1km.

Registration: TBA (early September) online at www.empiretower.co.th.

AMARI WATERGATE & BMW THAILAND CHARITY MIDNIGHT RUN 2015

What: For those that don’t want to fight the heat of the day, here’s the run for you. The 18th edition of the run raises money for the following charities: the Chalerm Prakiat HRH Princess Sirindhorn School and Baan Gerda.

When: Oct 17, midnight Where: Amari Watergate Bangkok, 847 Petchaburi Rd. Distances: 6km and 12km Registration: B1,000 for charity entry, B500 regular entry, available at bit.ly/1Ex5pRa through Sep 30. *Note: Race kit collection on Saturday Oct 17 at the Concierge (10am-6pm) and the Lower Lobby (6-11:30pm) of the hotel.

BANGKOK 10KM INTERNATIONAL RUN (UN DAY RUN)

What: The annual run passess Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue, the Marble Temple, Chitralada Palace, Khao Din zoo, The National Library and parts of the Old Town. There’s also a special, free 1km “Stars of Tomorrow” for parents to take part with their children (must be under 12).

When: Oct 25, 5:30am Where: United Nations Building, Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue.

Distances: 10.5km Registration: B400 before Sep 15, B600 from Sep 16-30, available at www.amazingfield.net. *Note: Race kit collection at Amazing Field (10am-4pm) or on Oct 24 in front of Makutkasatiyaram School.

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The Music Run by AIA

THE COLOR RUN THAILAND: THE HAPPIEST 5K ON EARTH

What: Everyone’s a winner in this race. This is the debut of the colorful, untimed fun run in Thailand, with clouds of different powdered colors being splashed at you at every kilometer you cover. There’s also a color festival at the end of the race.

When: Oct 31-Nov 1, 8am Where: Vachirabenjatas Park (Suan Rod Fai Public Park), Phahon Yothin Rd. BTS Mo Chit/ MRT Chatuchak Distances: 5km Registration: B900 at www.thecolorrun.co.th. *Note: All runners must wear white!

NOVEMBER THE MUSIC RUN BY AIA 2015

What: Another untimed, non-competitive fun run, divided into five zones of five genres of music from rock, pop, old school, to hip-hop and dance, blasting through the speakers, selected by the runners prior to the run. A music festival awaits at the end of the course.

When: Nov 7, 3pm Where: Suan Luang Rama IX Public Park, Rama 9 Rd. Distances: 5km Registration: B700 Standard pack and B1,100 Rock Star pack. Twenty-percent discount for those that pre-registered.

This is the last week for you to catch this huge collection of Thai masterpieces

by Suwatchai Tubtim, a rising star in the Thai art scene with the support of big names like Chalermchai Kositpipat. The award-winning artist aims to create his own style of paintings and sculptures that maintains the artistic integrity of traditional Thai art but with contemporary touches.

Through Aug 31. Exhibition Room 5-8, National Gallery, 4 Chaofah Rd., 02-281-2224.

POP-UP MARKETS

STANDARD CHARTERED BANGKOK MARATHON 2015

What: The undisputed biggest marathon of the year, with distances for beginners to professional runners. Expect around 30,000 runners.

When: Nov 15, 2am Where: The Grand Palace, Na Phra Lan Rd. Distances: 42.195km, 21.1km, 10km and 1.5-4.5km Registration: B500-1,200, available at www.bkkmarathon.com through Aug 31. Non-residents can register online at www.goadventureasia.com.

The Knack Market

DECEMBER THAILAND INTERNATIONAL HALF MARATHON 2015

What: This is a completely car-free road race, taking place on the elevated Bommratchonni Road. organized

by Thammasat Association. There will also be a photo certificate for 21.1km runners.

When: Dec 13, 5:15 Where: Suan Luang Rama 8, Rama 8 Bridge, Arun Amarin Rd. Distances: 21.1km, 10.5km and 5km Registration: B300-600, available at www.thailandhalfmarathon.com and www.tfaforms.com/384999.

THE GREAT OUTDOOR GALLERY

The team behind the popular Great Outdoor Market presents a side project that features a chilled-out pop-up space that comes with art installations, a product display wall by young designers, a gallery shop and pop-up cafes.

Part of the Em District Art Festival. Aug 29-30, 11am. The Emquartier, The EmQuartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-269-1000. Free. BTS Phrom Phong.

THE KNACK MARKET

The new flea market's second edition takes over the lawn of the Jam Factory under a '70s hippie theme, promising lots of art and design products, crafts and street food, plus live music till late. Don't forget to dress up. Aug 29-30, 3pm. The Jam Factory, 41/1-41/2 Charoen Nakorn Rd., 02-861-0950. Free.

ARTBOX SIGNATURE

After hugely successful runs at Makkasan Airport Link, one of the biggest outdoor markets moves to a new location, bringing together over 150 fashion stores and 200 Instagram-friendly food stalls. Aug 28-30, 4pm. Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, 60 New Ratchadapisek Rd., 02-229- 3000. Free.

MRT Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.

THE EM DISTRICT ART MARKET

Bangkok-based creative and design collective Farmgroup brings cutting-edge Thai artists and designers together, including 56th Studio, Anon Pairot Design Studio, Atta Gallery, BACC, The Archivist, Yenakart Villa and many more. Food provided by Charme de L'asie, The Oyster Thing and Pu Pen Pu. Drinks by Drink Sauce and Singha. Plus live DJs. Aug 29-30, 10am. The Emquartier, The EmQuartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-269-1000. Free. BTS Phrom Phong.

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FILM Opening

367 DAYS HIM & HER (THAI)

REGRESSION (USA)

Drama/Comedy. After moving to Chiang Mai from Bangkok, Tine (June Chonrudee Amornluk) falls in love with her school’s resident bad boy, Head (Baan Kanut Rojanai). Aug 27

Thriller. Detective Bruce Kenner (Ethan Hawke) investigates the case of a man (David Dencik) who allegedly sexually abused his young daughter (Emma Watson), but has no memory of it. Aug 27

PAPER TOWNS (USA)

ABSOLUTELY ANYTHING (USA)

Drama. Quentin (Nat Wolff) and his friends go on a road trip to track down his crush, next-door neighbor Margo (Cara Delevingne), who’s gone missing.

Aug 27

Comedy. After aliens give a disillusioned school teacher (Simon Pegg) the power to do anything he wants, he calls upon his best friend, Dennis the dog (voiced

by Robin Williams), in order to come to grips with his newfound abilities. Also starring Kate Beckinsale and the voices of Michael Palin, Terry Jones, Terry Gilliam, John Cleese and Eric Idle. Aug 27

Free Screenings JAPAN FOUNDATION

THE FRIESE-GREENE CLUB

Movies are subtitles in Thai and screened at 6:30pm. Theme for September is Fly. Sep 4. Happy Flight (2008): Flight 1980 for Honolulu seems to be a normal flight until something unexpected changes everything. 10/F, Serm-Mit Tower, 159 Soi Asoke, 02-260-8560. www.jufbkk.or.th

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

ALLIANCE FRANCAISE

Every Wednesday night is Cult Movie Night. Screenings start from 8pm. Visit www.fb.com/JAMCAFEBKK for weekly schedule. 41 Chareon Rat Soi 1, 089889-8059. Open Tue-Sun 6pm-midnight.

BTS Surasak

Movies are subtitled in English and screened at 7pm. Sep 9. Maestro (2013): Struggling young actor Henry (Pio Marmaï) is cast in a movie with a cinema legend (Michael Lonsdale), who recognizes his potential. Auditorium Alliance Francaise, 179 Witthayu (Wireless) Rd., 02-6704200.

JAM

SPECIAL SCREENING Documentary Club

AMY (2015)

Aug 27-Sep 2. A documentary charting the rise and fall of the late soul singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse, remembered for songs like “Rehab,” “Back to Black” and “Valerie,” who died in 2011 aged 27. Screening only at SF Cinema branches. www.sfcinemacity.com

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marketplace PROPERTY

SERVICE

For rent

For Sale

OFFICE for Rent – 18,000 THB – 100 m2 Office for rent in Soi 33 of Sukhumvit 107 (Bearing), 3 km from Bearing BTS station, 100 Sq m office space with conference room, ample parking & CCTV. The office, with separate entry, is situated on 1st floor above EuropenAccountants offices. Available immediately. Call Paul on 081- 633 8468 or Thapanee on 081-4023918

A-SPACE Condo. 2 klm from BTS On-Nuch (Sukhumvit 77).

6 Floor, 35.5 SQM. 1 bed 1 living, wide balcony. Swimming pool view. Furniture includes: Bed, Sofa, TV, Air-con, Microwave, Fridge. Facilities are pool, security card & guard, parking. 1.87 MB. or rent minimum 1 year contract.

Contact: Duke 084-081-1178

Urgent sale condo great location Sukhumvit soi 6, 100 m. from BTS Nana Saranjai Mansion 18 floor corner room with balcony swimming pool view and lake view of Sirikit Convention Center 61.95 Sqm. 2 bedrooms, living room, pantry,bathroom swimming pool, laundry service, exercise room, security. Sale 4.5 MB contact Sarunpat 081-870-9661, email sarunpat99@gmail.com

Anghin Architecture. Bangkok-based designer, architect and interior architect with experience in residential and commercial projects, handling both design and project oversight. At Anghin Architecture, we believe simple, functional design is naturally elegant. Do you have a project?

Contact us for a consultation and see our work at www.anghin.com. info@anghin.com. 08-9201-2692.

02-254-9327.

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last word FREEWILL ASTROLOGY by Rob Brezsny ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19): You like to run ahead of the pack. You prefer to show people the way, to set the pace. It’s cleaner that way, right? There’s less risk you will be caught up in the messy details of everyday compromise. But I suspect that the time is right for you to try an experiment: Temporarily ease yourself into the middle of the pack. Why? Because it will teach you lessons that will serve you well the next time you’re showing the way and setting the pace.

TAURUS (Apr 20-May 20): Are you ready to revise your ideas about how love works?

Would you consider re-evaluating your relationship to romance and your understanding of sex? Now is a favorable time to make changes that will energize your love life with a steady flow of magic for months to come. To get the party started, make a list of your customary romantic strategies, and rebel against them all. Speak sexy truths that are both shocking and endearing.

GEMINI (May 21-Jun 20): Querencia is a Spanish word with many nuances. At its simplest, it refers to your favorite spot, a place where you long to be. But its meaning can go even deeper. Querencia may be a sanctuary where you feel safe, or a situation that enables you to draw on extra reserves of strength. It’s a special kind of home: an empowering shelter that makes you feel that you belong in this world. These days you need to be in your querencia even more than usual, Gemini. If you don’t have one, formulate a fierce intention to locate it.

CANCER (Jun 21-Jul 22): The art of effective communication consists of knowing both what to say and what not to say. It’s not enough to simply find the words that accurately convey your meaning. You have to tailor your message to the quirks of your listeners. For example, let’s say you want to articulate a point about an important issue. You would use different language with a child, an authority figure, and a friend. Right? You are currently at the peak of your abilities to do this well, Cancerian. Take full advantage of your fluency. Create clear, vivid impressions that influence people.

LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22): Arthur Conan Doyle first used the term “smoking gun” in a story he wrote over a century ago. It referred to a time the fictional detective Sherlock Holmes burst into a room to find a man holding a pistol that had just been fired, along with the fallen body of a man who had been shot. Since then, the meaning of “smoking gun” has expanded. Now it’s any piece of evidence that serves as compelling proof of a certain hypothesis. If you can’t find the cookie you left in the kitchen, and your roommate walks by with cookie crumbs on his chin, that’s the smoking gun.

What question do you need answered? The smoking gun will appear.

VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22): At least for now, I suggest you suspend the quest for order and perfection. The wise course of action is to disengage from your fascination with control, and instead give yourself to the throbbing pulse of the Cosmic Wow. Why? If you do, you will be able to evolve faster than you thought possible. Your strength will come from agile curiosity and an eagerness to experiment. Do you remember when you last explored the catalytic wonders of spontaneity and unpredictability? Do it again!

LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 22): This is the deepest, darkest phase of your cycle. The star that you will ultimately make a wish upon has not yet risen. Smoke from the smoldering embers in your repressed memories is blending with the chill night fog in your

dreams, making your life seem like a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside a taco. Just kidding about that last part. I wanted to see if your sense of humor is intact, because if it is, you will respond resiliently to all the cosmic jokes in your upcoming tests.

SCORPIO (Oct 23-Nov 21): According to the poet Rainer Maria Rilke, here’s what God says to each of us: “Go the limits of your longing… Flare up like flame and make big shadows that I can move in. Let everything happen to you: beauty and terror. Just keep going. No feeling is final.” Whether or not you’re on speaking terms with the Creator, this is excellent advice. It’s time to give everything you have and take everything you need. Explore the feeling of having nothing to lose and expect the arrivals of useful surprises.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21): The sun and the expansive planet Jupiter are currently making a joyful noise in the sign of Virgo, which is your astrological House of Career and Ambition. This does not necessarily mean that a boon to your career will fall into your lap. More importantly, this omen suggests that you will influence luck, fate, and your subconscious mind to work in your favor if you take dramatic practical action to advance your career and ambitions.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19): On Aug 28, 1963, Capricorn hero Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech to a crowd of thousands in Washington, D.C. In that address, he imagined what it might look like if African Americans were free of the bigotry and oppression they had endured for centuries at the hands of white Americans. I encourage you to articulate your own “I Have a Dream” vision sometime soon. Picture in detail the successful stories you want to actualize in the future.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18): If you have been patiently waiting for a propitious moment to buy a new yacht, pledge your undying love, or get a tattoo that depicts Buddha wrestling Satan, now is as close as you’ll get to that propitious moment, at least for a while. Even if you have merely been considering the possibility of signing a year-long lease, asking a cute mischief-maker on a date, or posting an extraedgy meme on Facebook or Twitter, the next three weeks would be prime time to strike. Diving into a deep, heart-crazed commitment is sometimes a jangly process for you Aquarians, but these days it might be almost smooth and synchronistic.

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PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20): Get a piece of paper and a pen. Light a candle, take three deep breaths, and chant “YUMMMM” five times. Then spend 10 minutes writing down the qualities you would like your perfect lover to possess. When you are finished, burn the list you made. Disavow everything you wrote. Instead, make yourself extra receptive to the possibility that you will learn new truths about what you need. I suspect that love has elaborate plans for you in the next two years. You will be better prepared to cooperate with them if you are initially free of strong agendas.

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