BK Magazine 609 October 02, 2015 by BK Magazine

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it's free! Cute pic

BK MAGAZINE NO. 609 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015. www.bkmagazine.com

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page 3 06 cover story

Sex Cells

Hip Hood

4 upfront

12 avenue

Dhamma Bus

Vinyl Heaven

16 blends

18 bites

Something Brewing

On the Road

28 BK Now

32 Film

Market Month

Short Time

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 Writers Vasachol Quadri, Lily Kittisrikangwan Staff Writers Pinnyada Tanitnon Junior Content Coordinator Nontaya Kumyat Junior Writers Natcha Sanguankiattichai, Bonnie Sananvatananont Production Supervisor Komkrit Klinkaeo Art Director Dechart Sangsawang Senior Graphic Designer Panita Thiraphapong Graphic Designers Chantich Kongchanmitkul, Peeraya Sirathanisa Junior Graphic Designers Wariya Whangwaewklang, Parida Ritthiron

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 Kantita Leangcharoenpong, Theerada Moonsiri, Walaipan Anotaiyuenyong, Jirashaya Chairayus, Nutrada Sottivoranan, Sunputt Puangpet, Thaparit Lomsucka

IT Manager Takrit Jitjaroen

Cover Dechart Sangsawang

Distribution Manager Suda Angsuputiphant

Group Directors

Finance Manager Supaporn Bangmoung Assistant Finance Manager Anchalee Limkhamduang Senior Accountant Maneeya Kanthongdang

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

Bangkok Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd. 9/F, Sathorn Nakorn Tower 100 North Sathorn Rd., Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 Tel: 02-624-9696 Fax: 02-237-5656 Email: bkmagazine@asia-city.co.th

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

One year after receiving our marching orders from this city’s largest landowner, we’ve finally moved out of the crappiest looking building on the crappiest corner of Silom. As much as we’ll miss having to step over passed out yaba addicts to get to work, the epic journey from BTS Sala Daeng to BTS Chong Nonsi has been a rewarding one. Obviously our arrival hasn’t gone down well with everyone. On hearing the news, U.N.C.L.E temporarily moved to Vesper and Signature at Ku De Ta promptly closed. Which is a shame because that’s the one part of Ku De Ta that we really liked. But anyway, we’ve been using our time scouting out the area to make some real-world observations. Here goes: 1. There is a French community under 45 in Bangkok We honestly thought the terrace at Indigo was as sexy as it got for this city’s Gallic scene. Turns out we just weren’t getting the right invites. At night, Le Cafe des Stagiaires on Sathorn Soi 12 looks like something from the Canal St. Martin, only with shorts and flip-flops. We walked by; everyone was better-looking than us. (We didn’t get our wallets stolen, though, so this is definitely not Paris.) 2. We’re tight with our money When Revolucion Cocktail first opened with drinks that all cost B400, we choked on our B80 whiskey soda, snickered, and gave them a couple of months. Looks like we need to get with the program and open our wallets. It’s thriving. Unlike the publishing industry. Meaning you’re still more likely to catch us complaining about Facebook over that highball at Hanakaruta. 3. We’re tight in the daytime, too Dean & Deluca and Rocket make for really, really great lunchtime photo ops. But when you’ve grown up on a diet of dirt-cheap sushi sets designed to buy time before Soi Thaniya’s salarymen come out to play, pickled herring on black bread just doesn’t cut it. Also, we’ll take Pizza Pala’s thick Roman-style chunks of bread over New York-style slices any day. 4. It’s actually pretty nice around here The streets are wide, the people less gremlin-y, the houses places where you’d actually want to live. Turns out we were right during those times we bigged it up. Which brings us to our next point... 5. We might as well sleep at the office Chong Nonsi station at 6:30pm? Forget it. Now we just need to start saving for a little townhouse on Sathorn Soi 12— oh and finally make that career change to public relations. Is Ku De Ta hiring?

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, October 2, 2015

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upfront HOT OR NOT

Hot: Ashley Sutton

Not: Maggie Choo’s

After a messy breakup with Maggie Choo’s, and many a slow night at A.R. Sutton Engineers, Mr. Sutton has been having a bit of a comeback lately, releasing his new gin, Iron Balls, and now unveiling his latest design, Sing Sing, a lavish club next to Quince. But as Sutton rolls out a new Chinoiserie drinking den, you’ve got to wonder how pissed off his ex-employers over in Lower Silom feel.

Hot: Censorship

Not: Reality checks

So Thailand wants to build its own Great Firewall of the Internets, the government’s propaganda unit has announced. Will it slow down movie downloads? Will we still be able to browse porn? Will it block political sites that we’re already reading via VPNs? Lastly, does Dear Leader realize his bourgeois fan base will totally flip their shit if he breaks their social apps? On that topic, see page 6.

Hot: Fox cafes

Not: Animal rights

Last week we encouraged you all to go buy stuffed animals to redecorate your living room and visit a Shiba Inu dogs cafe in Hua Hin. This week, we’d like to take it up a notch with a new cafe in Muang Thong Thani (ow. ly/SCaTV) that has a red fox, meerkats and fennec foxes. Next week, we’ll probably have tips on how to slice fins off sharks or make your own foie gras.

INTERVIEW Forty-two-year-old bus conductor Paitoon Samran has hit headlines for his habit of reciting dhamma poetry and stories while on the Phutthamonthon Sai 2 to Ratchaprasong bus route. Here, he discusses how he developed the habit, and the change it has made on his life. What did you do before working as a bus conductor? I left the countryside [Rayong] to come and seek a job here in Bangkok. I have always wanted to serve ordinary people like me; blue-collar workers who don’t have the privileges of rich people. I first worked at Pata Pinklao as a security guard. I got B8,000 per month, which was pretty high pay for 27 years ago. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out and I quit 5-6 years later. How did you become a bus conductor? I was lucky after leaving my job at Pata that BMTA was hiring more workers. I passed the general knowledge test and got a job there, where I was sorted into route 79 from that day. The salary just started at just B3,370, which was much lower than the job at Pata. When did you begin reciting poetry and telling stories on the bus?

Hot: SUVs

Not: Flooding

When 232 people died in Thailand’s 2010 floods, we blamed Abhisit. When 815 people died in Thailand’s 2011 floods, we blamed Yingluck. This year, the flooding is not killing anyone, which is proof that military dictatorship just works. Just in case democracy does return some day, you might want to get yourself a proper vehicle, though. See our roundup of SUVs, page 14.

On the first week I started working there was very bad traffic, so that’s when I sung a poem for the first

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time. After that, most bus drivers thought I was crazy. They did not want to work with me. Even my girlfriend dumped me because she was so upset and ashamed of me. But life has to move forward. Eventually, some passengers started to like it. What kind of stories do you normally tell? It’s almost always about dhamma, ranging from poems and songs to folklore. For example, during the Asian financial crisis in 1997, I sang a song written by one of my passengers encouraging people not to give up on life. Are there any passengers that don’t like you? Of course! Haters gonna hate. They just shut their ears and fall asleep. In the past I have been shouted at wildly. But it’s fine. I don’t care because what I do doesn’t hurt anybody and is not illegal.

by the poem i had just read. She didn’t leave the bus, even when it finally reached the bus depot. Then, she asked me to take her anywhere that could make her felt better. So I took her to Pak Khlong Talat [Bangkok Flower Market]. She told me that she had just fought with her husband, who had taken their child. She had nothing left and wanted to die. If she had not heard me sing that poem that day, she says she would have jumped off a bridge into the river. How has your life changed since word spread about your bus recitals? Oh, it has changed a lot. I have been offered many opportunities to appear on TV shows. I would never change my job. I will keep practising and telling stories. I’m proud of what I do to adjust people’s attitudes towards Bangkok’s buses. Interview by Theerada Moonsiri

Do you have any memorable experiences with passengers? Yes. One woman was crying on the bus, so I asked her why. She answered that she was so touched

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THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID

by Kathy MacLeod kathymacleod.blogspot.com

BK Magazine Friday, October 2, 2015

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cover story

Phone Sex By BK Editorial

e got 165 responses to our little sex apps survey. Only one of them identified as a gay woman and three as bisexuals, hence the sad decision we made to leave them out of our graphs entirely. (One had a great story, though, read it below.) Also, note that 70 percent of the respondents were gay men, and the breakdown for the straight respondents is 60 percent male to 40 percent female.

BANGKOK’S TOP DATING APPS

Tinder Badoo Skout OkCupid Other

WHAT USERS ARE LOOKING FOR

Relationship Casual Sex Both

18%

STRAIGHT

50%

44%

GAY MEN

92% STRAIGHT: Tinder 92% of dating app users’ app of choice

48%

Pim G., 25, consultant “I’ve played around with Tinder, OKCupid and Skout, only to delete everything but Tinder. The other apps are honestly kind of creepy—I feel a lot safer and less exposed with Tinder because I can only talk to people I match with and can weed out the ones that aren’t my type. I get a lot less creepy messages.”

32%

GAY MEN: Grindr Matt F., 35, IT personnel

Mai, 22, hospitality staff

“Of course I would like to have a relationship, but it’s a gamble, even when you match with someone else who’s seeking a relationship. You might realize that she isn’t the one for you after a few dates, or you may click with her, but she may ditch you for someone else she swiped right to. To avoid disappointment, it’s best to be open about what you want when you go on Tinder.”

“I first downloaded Grindr and Jack’d because my friend found his boyfriend through there. It would be nice to have a boyfriend, but a random hook-up wouldn’t hurt either.”

Justine, 36, entrepreneur “I hardly go on my dating apps anymore, but when I had just become newly single, I would go on it very often for some rebound sex.” Ploy R., 25, student “I don’t like the idea of randomly hooking up with someone, so that’s not what I’m looking for on Tinder. I would like to find a boyfriend but it’s just hard to meet new people outside your group of friends or place of work, so I downloaded Tinder and OkCupid to look for potential serious relationships.”

Kevin D., 31, lawyer “I don’t think you can download a dating app with the goal of being in a relationship. If you do, you’re going to have to brace yourself for heartbreak. Personally, if a guy on Grindr hits me up, chances are he wants to just hook up, but I’ll take the risk and go anyway. If we get along very well and end up dating, great! But if not, at least the hook-up was great… hopefully.”

8% 14% 69%

Grindr Tinder Jack'd Hornet Scruff Other

69% of dating app users’ app of choice

Phol, 24, sales associate

Ben R., 31, accountant

“I mostly go on the app for some NSA [no strings attached] fun. A lot of the best looking guys are in open relationships, so why not?”

“I have both Tinder and Grindr, but prefer Grindr because I get more hook-ups out of it. It’s probably because I can freely send a message to anyone who catches my eye. With Tinder, I’ll have to wait for them to like me back, and sometimes they don’t show up until three days later. I also feel Tinder's a little more judgmental towards looks. It isn’t practical if you want a one-and-done.”

HORROR STORIES FAMILY AFFAIR

BITCH PLEASE

Victor, 21-30, male interested in males

Pie, 26, female interested in females

"I was chatting with a guy for days. When we finally met at his place, he was drunk off his face, and post-coital proceeded to show me pictures of his wife and two-year-old daughter. The cringe was high that night, my friends."

“I matched with this super hot girl—tall, long hair, etc. Lipstick lezzie, for sure. We texted a little and found out we were going to the same party. I told her to tap my shoulder when she sees me, forgetting that the Tinder account was my friend's. It was too far into the conversation to tell her so I ended up dragging the friend to the party too, hoping I could reintroduce myself. We looked for her everywhere but we thought she might have left cause she didn’t even answer my text. So I was like, 'Fine! Let's hit the loo then

leave.' While I was queuing, there was a really drunk ladyboy puking near the line. She looked quite similar to the girl I was supposed to meet, so I stared at her. She looked at me and swore, 'Never seen someone puke, bitch?' I was soooo shocked! When I finally walked out, the ladyboy was all over my friend, talking and leaning in very closely. I laughed so hard but kept my distance. But my friend was all like, 'Bitch help!'"

BK Magazine Friday, October 2, 2015

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cover story WHO’S HOOKED UP WITH THE SAME PERSON AGAIN?

HAVE YOU ACTUALLY GOTTEN LAID?

13%

23%

No A few times All the time Just the once

35%

9% STRAIGHT

40%

STRAIGHT

GAY MEN

27%

16%

52% 55%

No Yes, but it hasn't gone anywhere Yes, but it still just for sex Yes, I've developed a relationship

22%

James T., 24, translator

Richard S., 48, business owner

Kaew, 21, student

“I’m always down to hook up, but some of my matches just like to play games. They lead me on and then they always ‘have to go home,’ when I start to invite them over.”

“I only go on Grindr to hook up, so if anyone hits me up, I’m game.”

“I’ve been seeing this guy I met on Tinder for almost two months now. We’d hang out and hook up. I really like him, but he hasn’t asked me to be his girlfriend yet. I hate to admit it but I actually do go on Tinder to see when he was last active… Yup, he’s still swiping, so I don’t know how serious it is. I really hope this is going somewhere and I’m not wasting my time.”

Alice C., 24, underwriter “I’m on it for fun. I’ve only met up with two people and I hooked up with both of them. But if I don’t find them attractive or cool in real life, I’d probably run for my life.”

Allen C., 33 “If I’m not physically attracted to someone I go on a date with, then I’ll politely excuse myself before they mention sex.”

Zach, 35, business owner “I hook up twice a week with this girl I met on Tinder. Pretty sure she likes me, but I don’t know how I feel about her yet.”

Beer S., 31, consultant “I’ve gone on multiple dates, but I haven’t hooked up with anyone! The girl I recently went out with lives with her dad and has a curfew, too!”

14% 21% GAY MEN

STDS CONTRACTED FROM SOMEONE THROUGH A DATING APP Chlamydia Gonorrhea Yes, unspecified None

Chlamydia Gonorrhea Yes, unspecified None HIV Pubic lice Syphillis Trich

STRAIGHT

No Yes, but it hasn't gone anywhere Yes, but it still just for sex Yes, I've developed a relationship

52% Eric, 32, designer

“Of course, I want a boyfriend, but I haven’t found the right guy yet. And when I’ve hooked up with someone I met on Grindr and want to hook up again after a night out, I end up hitting them up again to hook up. When I've hooked up with someone multiple times without going on a proper date with them, the sex has been good, but I've never wanted to call them a boyfriend.”

GAY MEN

76% 95%

13%

Tien, 25, student “I saw this hot guy on Jack’d but he was surrounded by his good-looking friends, so I was too scared to go up to him. Luckily for me, he hit me up on Grindr at 3am and we hooked up at my place. While he’s only hit me up when he wants to hook up after that incident, I’m actually surprised because he’s so good looking I thought it was a one and done from the start.”

HORROR STORIES PYRAMID SCARE

40-YEAR-OLD FREAK

Ronald, 31, male interested in females

Elle, 21-30, female interested in males

“The first date was great, a casual dinner. We had long conversations and realized we had so much in common. We didn’t hook up, but we hung out till very late. She told me she sold Amway part time—cool, whatever, at least she’s hardworking. On the next date, she brought her Amway products and asked if I was interested in anything. I said no, and we continued as if everything was normal. We went to the movies, dinner, lunch, even to concerts, and she would keep bringing up Amway. Every time I tried to make a move, she would leave saying she lives far away. Finally, she texted me and asked if she could come to my apartment to

hang out. I got all dressed up and went to pick her up in my condo’s lobby, only to see her with a bunch of files… Amway files. We hugged and she asked if I wanted extra income. I said no, but she went on and on about selling Amway. I finally asked if she wanted to come upstairs, but she insisted on staying in the lobby. Frustrated, I asked if we could stop talking about Amway. She said no, left, and I never saw her again.”

“The first time I treated my match as a hook-up, I agreed to meet this guy at his place because he looked really cute in the pictures. As soon as I showed up, I noticed he was: a) shorter than me. I’m 5-foot-1 and don’t usually complain about height; b) looked like the 40-year-old version of his pics; c) had a messy room and a huge stuffed teddy bear on his single bed. As soon as he said he needed to use the bathroom, I quietly snuck out, ran three blocks, caught a cab, went home and just used my vibrator.”

BK Magazine Friday, October 2, 2015

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escapes ESCAPE ROUTES By Pinnyada Tanitnon

HUA HIN

Join the Club Hyatt Regency Hua Hin just recently unveiled its sister venue, The Wave Beach Club (91 Hua Hin-Khao Takiap Rd., 032-521-232, www.thewavebeachclub.com), Hua Hin’s first serious beach club located just steps away from the ocean. The club lets you enjoy a cocktail while lying on one of the crisp white sunbeds while listening to house beats during the day. When the sun sets on the weekends, the venue also functions as a restaurant serving tapas-style dishes ranging from crab rolls to sliders and burgers. To celebrate the launch, the beach club is running a deal, where the first 25 adult guests per day get a private sunbed and complimentary locker, as well as B500 credit for food and beverages for, for the entry price of B700. Speaking of Hyatt Regency Hua Hin, the hotel is currently offering a pay-two-stay-three-nights deal, through Dec 19, starting at B4,934 per night for a deluxe king room. Visit www.huahin.regency.hyatt.com.

CHIANG MAI

On Set

Tucked between a newly-renovated coffee shop and a shop-house serving noodles, Chalnatt Hotel (28/4 Nimmanhaemin Soi 11, 094759-9169, www.fb.com/chalnatthotel) is yet another hip hotel opening up North. With its bare bricks, hanging lights and pipelined ceilings, it might look your standard lofty interior, but you can’t beat its location and prices, from B1,250 inclusive of a daily American breakfast.

FLIGHTS

Check it Out We know, planning your holidays way in advance is a pain, but it can be worth it for deals as sweet as low-cost airline NokScoot’s (www. nokscoot.com) latest. Move quickly and you could snap up single-leg tickets to Taipei for an amazing B155 economy or B2,155 business class on one-way flights leaving through Mar 26, 2016. Until the same date, they’re also offering flights to Singapore for B325, Osaka for B4,700 (business from B8,500) and Nanjing for B2,250, all leaving from Don Muang Airport. We’ve checked and actually found some of these deals on both outgoing and return legs. But note that these prices don’t include “airline fees”. By the time we’d finished booking return flights to Singapore at B325, our bill was B2,811 without luggage. Have some cool rooms? Email your news and promotions to travel@asia-city.co.th

BK Weekend Our weekly e-newsletter with top stories and happenings around town

www.bkmagazine.com/newsletters

BK Magazine Friday, October 2, 2015

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ADVERTORIAL

cool Bangkok neighborhoods away from the BTS or MRT

Use GrabCar's chauffeur car service to access Bangkok's best out-of-the-way areas.

Junker and Bar

Waft Me

Phra Sumen Fort

1. SUAN PLU

2. OLD TOWN

3. CHAENGWATTANA

Although centrally located, the alleys of Suan Plu can be tricky to access via public transportation. Just off Sathorn Road, this inner-city hideaway has a lot to offer, especially for drinking and dining. Serious drinkers will want to try the quality craft cocktails at Junker and Bar, run by mixologist Bard Passapong, which has recently expanded into the second shop-house next door. Just a few steps down the main drag is Smalls, a moodily lit, late-night cocktail lounge that specializes in absinthe and live jazz. If street food staples are what you’re after, Suan Plu Soi 8 turns into an affordable street food haven from around 5pm onwards, with stalls offering dishes from somtam with king crab and pork satay to pizza. New food truck Cactus BKK serves up yummy Tex-Mex right on the same soi.

The oldest part of the city is way off the BTS and MRT radar, but that’s what has kept the true charm of this area alive. And it’s not just about late-night partying on Khao San Road, either. There’s plenty to see and do during the day, from art tours (RCAC, The National Gallery, Art Centre Silpakorn) to interactive exhibitions (Piphit Bang Lumphu, Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall and Museum Siam) and iconic monuments (Democracy Monument, Golden Mount and the Giant Swing). Phra Athit, meanwhile, is home to some of the city’s coolest bars and eateries like Escapade Burger & Shakes, Adhere the 13th, Mother Trucker and Sheepshank plus local gems like Roti Mataba and Guay Jub Khun Daeng. Getting to this buzzing neighborhood by GrabCar means you won't have to worry about the notorious traffic thanks to fixed pricing per km.

This year Bangkok has been blessed with huge concerts by bigname international artists, from Katy Perry to Imagine Dragons and Maroon 5. But there’s more to Muang Thong Thani and Chaengwattana than Impact Arena. Book one of GrabCar's personal chauffeurs to go and explore the hipster cafes like Waft Me, Addicted Cafe & Carwash, Seven Days Cafe & Bake House and Two Spoons Tale. Muang Thong Thani is also home to notable established restaurants like Kha Moo Muang Thong, Hong Kong Fisherman and Shabu Shabu Nang Nai. Most recently, though, it’s been in the headlines for the Japanesestyle cafe Little Zoo, where you can play with baby foxes as you indulge in a plate piled with waffles.

Why GrabCar?

Onion Store

Trasher

4. ARI SAMPHAN

5. RCA

There’s a lot more to Ari than what’s lined up by the BTS. The back-end of Soi Ari Samphan is a warren of slow-life cool, whether it’s cute coffee shops like the pioneering Pla Dib and the new Toast. Aree or restaurants like Jim’s Burger & Beer and Kimchi Hour. The highlight, though, has to be the second branch of multi-label fashion store Onion Store: Aree, which has just branched out into womenswear and also does the best coffee in the neighborhood. Come sundown, you can get quality beer at HOBs Aree at Aree Garden community mall (which also hosts a regular weekend Green Market) or venture to the new Moire Bar for some live music.

Getting a cab late at night to this out-of-the-way strip can be a nightmare. Not with GrabCar, which lets you prebook your car two hours in advance. Still pulling in a big party crowd, the street is even better now thanks to the revamp of Live RCA—now the go-to venue for Bangkok party organizers like Trasher and Kolour, and the new Ztudio Live Hall, which is bringing in amazing EDM shows headlined by world-class DJs like Vinai, Vicetone and Yellow Claw. Of course, you can also enjoy live gigs and cheap drinks at places like Mongkol RCA or Vesbar, have a late-night indie cinema break at House RCA or hit the go-kart track at Easykart.

GrabCar makes it easier to get to these hidden gems of Bangkok, offering a classy, comfortable and convenient alternative to traditional public transport for those who don't own a car. The premium on-demand chauffeur service is simple to use—just download the GrabTaxi app, available for free on Apple iOS and Android, book GrabCar through the app and you're good to go. GrabCar's fare (Economy) is calculated from a base rate of B50, plus trip distance in kilometers (+B10 for 0-10km and +B12 for 10km onwards). The total rate will be fixed, regardless of the traffic, and will be displayed on the app before you confirm your journey. With the unique Advance Booking Functionality, you can even plan ahead and book your car two hours in advance. Sit back and enjoy the ride.

TRY YOUR FIRST RIDE FOR FREE!

KEY IN PROMO CODE

UP TO 200 BAHT

BKGC

*This is for first user only. If you have tried any service in the GrabTaxi app before the code would not work.

The promo code will be available from 18 Sep 15 to 6 Nov 15

Grab Taxi 609.indd 7

9/25/2558 BE 11:35 AM

avenue

NEW SHOP

Dig In Vinyl fans have a fresh spot to seek out used and new records. Vinyl Die Hards is run by the daughter of the guy behind Bangkok’s now-closed vinyl institution RS Audio, which ran for 40 years. The new store sits in a bigger space comprising black and red shelves piled with records priced from as low as B100 for used titles into the thousands for new and reissued LPs. Classic names include Ornette Coleman, Nat King Cole, The Beatles, David Bowie and The Carpenters, while you can also find newer records from the likes of She & Him, Tame Impala, Muse and The Vaccines. If you don’t have the time for crate-digging, their website (vinyldiehards.com) offers delivery, too. Opposite Paradise Park, Srinakarin Soi 44, 02-346-4547. Open daily 9am-8pm. www.fb.com/ vinyldiehards

FASHION

Smart and Sexy Even though Elle Fashion Week ended back in September, there are still a number of fashion brands rolling out their fall/winter collections. Designer Anisha Attaskulchai’s ready-to-wear label Lovebird has just unveiled The Lovelace collection aimed at working women who want to keep things sexy. The collection’s patterns and cuts overlap with Anisha’s summer designs, as in the high-waisted flared pants and boyish jacket, but the twist is in the use of materials like lace and sweet colors like rose pink. The key looks are the Lovingly dress, a white V-neck short dress with lace, for the daytime, and the Loverose brown halter with high-waisted flared pants for evening. 2/F, Central Chidlom, Phloen Chit Rd., 094-480-1789. BTS Chit Lom. www.lovebirdbrand.com

BEAUTY

Down to Earth British theater-influenced cosmetics brand Illamasqua has released its latest collection, Earth, which is a significant move away from the label’s usual, bright and extravagant tones. The collection consists of the Nomadic (B1,900) eyeshadow palette in four shades: Loam (deep green), Terra (brick orange), Solitude (soft brown) and Gravity (metallic gray). Our pick is the metallic gray, which also features in the cream eyeliner Slick Stick (B950) and nail polish (B750). Another highlight is the limited edition deep red lipstick Kin (B990), with its satin-like texture. Available at Groove at CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd., 02-251-6883. BTS Siam/Chit Lom. www.fb.com/illamasqua.th

SPORT

Water Wheels Aquabike offers indoor-cycling classes with a difference—your lower body is completely submerged in water. The owners claim that while the sensation of intensity is decreased compared to outdoor cycling, the classes are no less challenging while being easier on the joints to prevent injury. Class types range from Aquabike RPM, which focuses on heart-rate to aid weight loss, to Aquabiking Sculpt, which integrates the use of dumbbells to tone your body. Suited to athletes, including those in rehab, through to the elderly. Rates start at B950 per class, and although no membership is needed, there are six, 12 and 20 class packages available for lower rates. 199/9 Sukhumvit Soi 16, 088-053-2644. www. aquabiking-bangkok.com

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avenue CARS

Seventh Heaven The best new seven-seat SUVs in Bangkok. By Kantita Leangcharoenpong

BMW 2 Series 218i Gran Tourer

MOTORBIKES New Rides

The buzz: The second vehicle from BMW’s first ever line of front-wheel-drive cars. Like last year’s Active tourer, it’s a tall MPV, only this time with two extra seats that fold into the trunk floor. Specs: 1.5L engine; 136 horsepower; fuel consumption 18.5km/L; front-wheel drive. Tech: Up to 645 liters of luggage space; automatic LED front light control and fog sensor; automatic windshield wiper blades; iDrive system for complete control of vehicle settings and media devices. What it says about you: I have four kids but i’ve still got style. Starting price: B2,699,000. www.bmw.co.th.

Vespa Monochrome Limited Series

Toyota Fortuner 2015-2016 The buzz: The biggest overhaul of Thailand’s SUV of choice in almost a decade sees the seven-seater get a tougher, more aggressive face matched with a cabin that draws something from Range Rover’s futuristic styling (only without the high-quality materials).

Tech: Automatic trunk lid; push-start engine; automatically adjusting Bi-Beam LED front lights.

The Buzz: Vespa has introduced two new limited-edition scooters: the Sprint 150 3Vie Monochrome and GTS 150 3Vie Monochrome. The difference between the regular models is all in the styling, with both bikes painted matte black with white lines, leather seats and steel logo plates. Specs: 150cc 3-valve, 4-stroke engine with electronic fuel injection

What it says about you: My neighborhood always gets flooded.

Price: B126,900-147,900 with only 266-364 units. www.vespa.co.th

Specs: 2.8L direct-injection turbo-diesel engine; 175 horsepower; expected fuel consumption below 8L/100km; fourwheel drive.

Starting price: B1,199,000-1,599,000. www.toyota.co.th

Ford Everest The buzz: This closed-trunk, seven-seat alternative to the Ranger pick-up truck adds urban privacy and practicality to a 4x4 with some credible off-road chops: Ford R&D put the vehicle through heavy testing at over 4,000 meters above sea level in China—hence the name Everest. Specs: 3.2L TDCi diesel engine; 245 horsepower; fuel consumption 8.5L/100km; four-wheel drive. Tech: The i4WD Terrain Management System is made for handling heavy loads off road, as is the locking rear differential; 800mm wading depth below water; hill descent control; Panoramic Moon roof that opens up 50 percent of the cabin. What it says about you: Don’t mess with me. Starting price: B1,269,000-1,599,000. Coming end of this year. www.ford.co.th/en/suvs/all-new-everest

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Ducati Scrambler

The buzz: Developed from the Land Rover Discovery, this more compact model offers a practical alternative to the luxurious, coupe-like Range Rover Evoque. The difference here is that you get a full five seats plus two extra that stow in the trunk.

The buzz: One of the most affordable luxury motorbikes, inspired by the current post-heritage trend. Designed to handle rough surfaces as an all-purpose bike and powered by the same L-twin engine as the 796 Monster. Specs: 75 horsepower, air-cooled L-twin engine; 56.9-inch wheelbase

Specs: 2.2L SD4 PS engine; 190 horsepower; fuel consumption between 6.3-10.6L/100km; four-wheel drive. Tech: Terrain Response Electronic Stability Control for genuine off-road capabilities; rear parking sensor; ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System).

Price: B369,900-479,900. www.ducatithailand. com

What it says about you: I like the idea of the great outdoors more than being there. Starting price: B5,990,000. www.landroverthailand.com

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bites & blends

COOKING CLASSES

Master Class New to CentralWorld, Japan’s ABC Cooking Studio boasts more than 30 years in the game, with 134 branches around its home country and another 10 studios around Asia. Here, they offer five main courses: cooking (Japanese cuisine), bread making, cake making, wagashi (traditional Japanese confectionery) and kids (5-10 years old) classes. There are fixed schedules for each lesson with prices starting at B19,800 for 12 cooking classes, B9,800 for eight bread classes, B8,400 for six cake classes, B11,700 for six wagashi classes and B12,000 for six kids classes, on top of a B2,500 one-time membership fee. You can also take a one-time trial lesson at B1,000. 3/F, Central World, 4 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-613-1329. BTS Siam/Chit Lom

EVENTS

SPECIAL MENU

NEWS

Birthday Beers

True Spirit

C’est La Vie

Turning three this October, craft beer importer Beervana is celebrating by bringing in new bottles from the States. Based in San Diego, California, Stone Brewery is one of America’s top 10 largest craft beer brewers that focuses on IPAs. Bangkokians can get a taste at the usual suspects like Hair of the Dog, the two Crafts, Roadhouse Barbecue, White Beer’d and Mikkeller. A series of events will be hosted to support the beer launch this weekend. Following a six-course beer-pairing dinner (B3,400) at Bo.lan (24 Sukhumvit Soi 53, 02-260-2961-2) on Friday, Oct 2, other events include the Go To Stone release party at Craft (16 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 02-661-3220) with free entry, free beer flights for the first 333 heads, seven taps and rare bottles on Saturday, Oct 3, from 5pm. Lad Phrao’s White Beer’d (Crystal Design Center, Praditmanutham) will host Stone for Thai People on Sunday, Oct 4, from 3pm, with four taps. And free beer flights for the first 60 fans.

Mekhong has teamed up with upscale Thai restaurant Vivarium to roll out a special set menu under the theme “The Art of Thai Spirits Pairing.” As part of the spirit brand’s Elite Table series of dining events, the six-course menu comes paired with Mekhong-based cocktails specially made to blend with spicy Thai dishes, such as the Mekhong Cha Thai, which resembles Thai Tea. Priced at B2,500, the menu kicks off with an amuse bouche of grilled scallop with tom kha espuma, an appetizer of hamachi spicy salad and taraba tom tum soup. The two mains are Southern spicy sour soup and steamed snow fish with Japanese udon. The meal finishes with taro cake. The set menu is available until the end of the year. Currently you can also find Elite Table special menus and cocktails at Blue Elephant Cooking School & Restaurant and Osha. Vivarium, 3675 Rama 4 Rd., 02-261-9508

The high-end Balinese nightlife brand Ku De Ta will be leaving Bangkok, with the complex of restaurants, bars and clubs on the top floors of Sathorn Square having confirmed it will soon undergo a rebrand. The move follows a similar name change of the Singapore Ku De Ta at Marina Bay Sands, which last June started operating as Ce La Vi. For now, the club is still open as usual under the Ku De Ta brand, however all of the venue’s restaurants have stopped service in anticipation of a major upcoming change in concept. Ku De Ta Bangkok launched nearly two years ago in October 2013 to much hype thanks to its one-million-baht membership package and the promise of three restaurants, seven themed bars and two clubs spread over two stories. Its rebranding will leave just one official Ku De Ta branch worldwide: the original beach club in Seminyak, Bali. 39/F, Sathorn Square, Sathorn Rd.

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bites FURTHER AFIELD

Charoenkrung Soi 43: Secret Food Hub

JIEW

Kanom Kai Pa Sri

Soi W at S uan Phlu

Selling only limited batches daily, this 50-year hole in the wall, also known as Khao Mok Kai Prai Sanee Klang, does one of the best chicken biryanis (B55) in Bangkok, packed with flavors and aroma, yet not too oily. 786 Charoenkrung Soi 43. 02-266-4903. Open Mon-Fri 10am-1pm

9 3

Char oen Krun g 44

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RESTAURANTS

Where to get bang for your baht on Bangrak’s street food classics. By Natcha Sanguangkiattichai

Prachak

Of all the Chinese roasted duck and pork places in the area, Prachak is the longest standing. Currently in its 106th year, the fourth generation owner says he roasts the delectable duck just the way his great-grandfather did. Order the kao chepo (B70) and you’ll get roasted duck, pork, pork belly and stuffed pig tail, all in one dish. For a slightly younger pit-stop, head down Charoen Wiang Road for Saenyod’s roasted pork on rice (B55). 1415 Charoenkrung Rd., 02-234-3755. Open daily 7:30am-8:30pm. BTS Saphan Taksin 2

Joke Prince

This famous spot located on the ground floor of the now-defunct Prince Cinema is known for its congee with signature burnt notes. A big bowl of plain congee with pork balls is priced at B40 while an additional egg costs you B5. 1391 Charoenkrung Rd., across from Robinson Bangrak, 089-795-2629. Open daily 6-10am and 5-11pm. BTS Saphan Taksin 3

Jao Long/ 4 Jae Lee

When it comes to street food, no rivalry is fiercer than between Jao Long and the stall standing opposite, Jae Lee, who both do fish ball noodles. If it came down to the fish balls, we’d be on team Jao Long, but Jae Lee’s soup wins hands down. 1456 Charoenkrung Rd., 02-234-7499. Open daily 7am-9pm. BTS Saphan Taksin

330 Charoenkrung Soi 43, 02-233-0816, Open Mon-Fri 9am-8pm; Sat 9am-4pm

TAOHOO TORD PRAISANEE KLANG

Charoenkrung Chowdown 1

HONG HUAD

This family-run shop has been selling its house-made ice cream for almost 50 years. Made from fresh produce, the coconut milk ice cream is some of the most flavorful around. Other options include vanilla, strawberry and coffee.

Kanom Krok Pa Aew

Jae Yai Guay Teaw Lord

Located on the footpath right near Robinson Bangrak, this kanom krok (small box/large box, B25/30) vendor’s limited selling hours (7-10pm) make it a bit of a cult favorite. The crispy flour shell retains gooey coconut milk that’s slightly salty and not overly sweet, making this the definition of the perfect kanom krok. But if you’re looking for something similar at breakfast time, seek out the cart on the connecting alley between Charoenkrung Soi 40 and 38.

Operating for more than 40 years, this noodle stall is located right on the corner of Charoen Wiang Road. The specialty guay teaw lord (noodles in brown soup with tofu, mushroom and Chinese sausage, B40) is one of the best around; light and refreshing without being too sweet.

In front of Bata shop. Open daily 7-10pm. BTS Saphan Taksin

Translated directly as “volcano fried oyster,” the shop’s specialty is deep-fried and crispy batter topped with a choice of plump oysters or mussels (B80). Delicious.

Sor Boonprakob Panich

This dessert shop has been operating for more than 80 years now, selling various kinds of Thai treats from yolk-based thong yord (B40) and foi thong (B50) to kanom chan (B25), kaotom pad (sweet sticky rice filled with banana, B20) and rare finds like kanom kai nokkrasa (steamed sago filled with mung beans, B20). The real highlight is the oh-sogood khao neaw moon (sweet sticky rice, B150 for 1kg), which can be eaten with mango and egg custard (B35). 1474 Charoenkrung Rd., 02-235-3442. Open daily 5am-6pm. BTS Saphan Taksin

Corner of Charoen Wiang Rd., 089-493-3361. Open daily 11am-8:30pm. BTS Saphan Taksin 8

Thip Hoy Tod Pukao Fai

Located not for from the soi’s corner, this stall’s offerings are simple deep-fried vegetarian nuggets that are crispy on the outside while soft and well-seasoned inside. Options include daikon, corn and taro nuggets, fried tofu and spring rolls. Corner of Charoenkrung Soi 43. Open TueSat 7am-3pm

KHAO KA MOO NAI GUANG

This braised pork knuckle shop does its dishes in a more Chinese way, meaning The focus is on salty rather than sweet flavors. Do not miss the shop’s housemade pickled cabbage. Charoenkrung Soi 43, 02-235-4342. Open daily 6am-2pm

3 Charoenkrung Soi 50, 02-233-1116. Open Mon-Sat 9:30am-7:30pm. BTS Saphan Taksin 9

Kanom Kai Pa Sri

The lady sitting in front of this compact stall with a cake iron sends a sweet smell around the area. But her little sponge cakes are not all that soft, boasting a uniquely rough exterior made brown and crispy through the use of a charcoal-heated iron. This, the owner says, gives her cakes a more interesting aroma than gas-baked ones. In front of Mengmen pawnshop on Charoenkrung Rd., 081-458-5283. Open daily 12-7pm

LIM YU HONG

This one-unit shop-house actually accommodates three shops. During the day, you’ll find braised duck noodles, while come evening it’s all about khao tom ped (rice soup with various side dishes). Both are equally good. Also residing in the same area is an old-school coffee shop. Charoenkrung Soi 43. Open Mon-Sat 6:30am-7pm

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bites

OPEN DOOR

Theo Mio British celeb chef Theo Randall lends his name to the Intercon's flagship restaurant. The buzz: Bangkok’s Intercontinental Hotel has swapped one celebrity chef franchise for another. Taking over the former spot of Grossi Trattoria & Wine Bar, Theo Mio is the first outpost outside of the UK for British chef Theo Randall, who runs his eponymous restaurant at Intercontinental London Park Lane and also stars in BBC Two’s culinary competition The Chef’s Protege. The decor: Occupying a double-height, all-glass corner of the Intercon's ground floor, Theo Mio is a sun-drenched spot that ticks all the boxes—checkered floors, proper bar and five-star hotel staff—for a sophisticated power lunch. Thanks to an open kitchen and takeaway coffee counter, the vibe remains casual and efficient though, meaning you won't feel out of place ordering a simple pizza.

The food and drinks: The kitchen is led by British chef Chris Beverley, who worked alongside Randall at his London restaurant. The one-page clipboard menu includes Italian classics from antipasti and pizza to meat dishes. Appetizers include snacks like arancini di tartufo (deep-fried rice and truffle balls, B150) and a familiar burrata cheese dish dubbed burrata e pepperoni piemontese, served with slow-cooked red peppers stuffed with tomatoes and basil capers and salted anchovies (B450). For mains, the char-grilled beef sirloin with wild rocket, parmesan cheese, fresh red chili, balsamic vinegar and parsley (B1,400) is a real highlight. The sourdough pizza is made with a thin crust and priced from B390-475, while all the pasta is also house-made. Don’t miss Randall’s award-winning cappelletti di vitello (cappelletti pasta stuffed with slow-cooked veal and topped with porcini mushroom, butter and parsley sauce, B420). The wines

span reds, whites and sparklings from Europe, Australasia and South Africa, starting at B170 by the glass. Cocktails such as the Candy Crush (candy, peach and pears vodka, lychee juice and organic raspberry puree) start at B300. Why you should care: Randall’s London restaurant has some genuine kudos. It has been the highest-ranked Italian restaurant on the Sunday Times Food List, and also won Best Dish at the Tatler Food awards last year for its cappelletti di vitello (see left). While the place still looks a lot like Grossi, Randall's international debut promises to be much more than just another hotel restaurant. Natcha Sanguankiattichai

G/F, InterContinental Bangkok, 973 Ploenchit Rd., 02-656-0444. BTS Chit Lom

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Dazzle

TABLE TALK Giant Squid

Ampersand

NEW AND NOTED

Squid Attack

Hot on the heels of Hot Star's phenomenally popular fried chicken the size of your face, there's a new Taiwanese junk food craze proving size does matter. And this time it's giant, crispy deep-fried squid. First launched in Taipei in 2012, Giant Squid (www.fb.com/GiantSquidTH) specializes in fried squid on a stick, in four flavors: original, spicy, paprika and seaweed. The trademark XXL Bombing Squid sets you back B169, while the XL size is priced at B129. For those who don't want to carry a big mollusk around, you can request to have it pre-cut for you or get only the squid arms for B79. Currently, Giant Squid is only a temporary kiosk at Siam Paragon.

Cool Street

Charoenkrung gets cooler by the day. Newcomer Dazzle (559 Soi Si Wiang, Charoenkrung Rd.) is serious about its ice cream, which is not only made in-house, but also gets creative with flavors. On top of base flavors like triple chocolate (dark chocolate and

dark chocolate brownie), Japanese melon, tiramisu, Hokkaido milk and yakult jelly, there are rotating specials like cheddar cheese and flavors from seasonal fruits like mangosteen and dragon fruit (all at B49/scoop). Another real highlight is the ice cream smoked with wood chips, which comes in a set dubbed The Mist of Dazzle. Don’t miss the Hokkaido milk ice cream with apple wood smoke.

Double Scoop

You don’t have to worry about losing your way on Sukhumvit Soi 39 anymore since ice cream boutique Ampersand (6/F, Central World, 999/9 Rama 1 Rd.) has branched out to a mall. The new counter at CentralWorld hides its ice cream under lids just like in Italy, and serves regular cones (B99-129) and cups (starting at B89), as well as gelato cakes like the mango and sticky rice (B145) and squid ink (B85). Expect the same internationally-inspired flavors like Canadian maple syrup with candied bacon and favorites like dark chocolate. Natcha Sanguankiattichai

Tajima 8/F Emquartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 020-036-271. BTS Phrom Phong This minimalist new Japanese buffet restaurant at Emquartier has it all—from Australian striploin, lobster and mussels to sushi and maki. It offers buffet promotions from time to time like the yakiniku buffet which runs seven days straight from Oct 3 (B490-2,390). If you prefer a la carte, recommended dishes include the grilled salmon topped with salmon roll and the set of mixed meats for yakiniku grilling at your table. As for drinks, expect local and Japanese beers such as Asahi and Sapporo, alongside plenty of non-alcoholic beverages. Exclusive privileges for Citibank credit cardmembers. Get free Ebilco Kanikama Salad when spend 1,500 baht or more/sales slip Today - 31 Dec 15

To redeem your favorite dining vouchers, please visit www.citirewards.com. Simply click “Thailand” and then “Gift voucher”

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bites & blends market + Events

Deals Buy One Get One Free From 7:30-11pm daily, Le Macaron offers buy-one-get-one-free on pastry and cake. Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit, 189 Sukhumvit Rd.

Craft

Advertise your business with us

Stone Launch Events On Oct 3, Craft on Sukhumvit 23 hosts Go To Stone party—free entry with free beer flights for the first 333 heads. On the heels of this, Ladprao’s White Beer’d will host Stone for Thai People on Oct 4 from 3pm, with four taps, rare bottles and free beer flights for the first 60 fans. Craft, 16 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 02-661-3220 White Beer’d, CDC Phase 2, 1420/1 Pradit Manutham Rd, 086-882-9009

Wine Depot

Ladies Night Ladies get a glass of red/white or prosecco wine at B100 every Mon-Wed, from 6-9pm at Wine Depot. 28 Sukhumvit Soi 22, 02-000-4238

Moroccan Cuisine Festival

All You Can Eat

From Oct 3-11, Patummat celebrates 30 years of Thai-Moroccan diplomatic relations by adding Moroccan specialties cooked by the ambassador’s personal chef to its lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch buffets.

Nishiki presents an a la carte buffet lunch and dinner with more than forty dishes at B799/person.

The Sukosol, 477 Si Ayuthaya Rd., 02-2470123

So Amazing Chefs The annual international chefs gathering at Sofitel So takes place on Oct 6-11. Expect dinners, brunches and workshops. 2 Sathorn Rd., 02-624-0000. MRT Lumpini

Chef Jean-Michel Lorain returns to his Bangkok restaurant, J’aime, on Oct 13-17 with an eight-course menu created using seasonal mushrooms (B6,999).

Margarita Monday

Credit card/Debit card payment accepted

Enjoy any two main dishes and get one pitcher of Frozen Hacienda Margarita for free every Mon from 5pm-midnight at Senor Pico. The Rembrandt, 19 Sukhumvit Soi 18 02-261-7100

New Venues

Toby’s

Toby’s A photogenic cafe on Sukhumvit Soi 38 that specializes in Australian breakfast dishes and coffee. 68/1 Sukhumvit Soi 38, 02-712-1774

U Sathorn, 105, 105/1 Soi Ngam Duphli, 02-119-4899

The Art of Dining 2015 La Scala welcomes Andrew Fairlie, the chef-owner of the eponymous two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Scotland, for a series of special lunches and dinners from Oct 13-17. Prices range from B3,200 for lunch on Oct 14-17, B5,500 for dinner on Oct 13-16 and B7,000 for wine dinner on Oct 13-17. The Sukhothai, 13/3 Sathorn Rd., 02-3448888

Mikkeller Madness On Oct 14, Mikkeller clears its chalkboard and replaces its 30 taps with new, exciting barrels. The list includes Beer Geek Breakfast, Nuclear Hop Assault and Spontandoubleblackcurrant.

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

L/F, Golden Tulip Sovereign, 92 Soi Saengcham , Rama 9 Rd., 02-641-4777

J’aime

Exquisite & Exclusive Mushroom Dinner

starting from B6,000

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

Hamakatsu

Hamakatsu The tonkatsu specialist from Nagasaki lands in Thonglor. 1/F, The Taste Thonglor, 235 Sukhumvit Soi 55, 02-712-7843

The Bar The House on Sathorn’s signature bar is focused on personalized cocktails. 106 Sathorn Rd., 02-344-4000. BTS Chong Nonsi

26 Ekkamai Soi 10 Yaek 2, 02-381-9891

THE EASIEST WAY TO BOOK YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS 22

Find out more at www.chope.co/toptables

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bites FOOD REVIEWS

Never Ending Summer HHHH

Thai. 41/5 Charoen Nakorn Rd., 02-861-0953. Open daily 11am-11pm. Corkage B500. BB-BBB.

Starchitect Duangrit Bunnag took over an old warehouse across the river and, with only minimal changes to the original structure, turned it into something special. Of course, if you’ve lived in Bangkok over the past two years, you probably already knew this. Still, it’s worth admiring the rustic and cozy, yet airy and sophisticated, dining room with its soaring ceiling, flecked paint, iron accents and eyecatching open kitchen. The sticking point has always been the food, in which Duangrit and his partner, Naree Boonyakiat, attempt to recreate the kind of recipes they enjoyed while growing up in their upperclass Bangkokian households. We can only assume the pair were raised on a diet rich in sweets, because most dishes here seem doused in sugar. Two blatant examples are the khai palo (braise pork belly with boiled duck eggs, B250) and nam prik long ruea

Lady Brett HHHH

Barbecue/Western. 149 Sathorn Soi 12, 02-6350405. Open daily 5pm-midnight. H BBB-BBBB

There’s a lot to like about Lady Brett, the late-night neighbor of Sathorn’s favorite brunch spot, Rocket. With most new Bangkok restaurants looking pretty much interchangeable, this European tavernreferencing bistro now seems even more charming than when it first opened back in early 2014. The rich black leather bonquettes, the excessively wide lacquered darkwood bar and the tasteful herringbone floor tiles make for a place with genuine ambience. The food, too, has really developed over time, replacing the ungainly slow-roasted meats and pastas with a concise menu that puts the spotlight on barbecue. They go into quite some detail about the “binchotan hardwood charcoal from Laos” and young bamboo “seasoning,” but don’t expect meat that tastes like it’s spent hours over a backyard smoker. The charred, woody notes are just about there, but this is no Smokin’ Pug. The

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.

(shrimp paste sweet relish served with sweet pork, salted egg yolk and fluffy catfish flakes, B320), which are both incredibly hard to finish, even though the latter looks impressive with its fresh array of seasonal vegetables. Similarly deficient in character are the pla haeng tangmo (cold watermelon served with dried fish flakes, B250) and gaeng rawaeng (turmeric curry with chicken, B340), which both taste like they’re stuck in neutral. We do enjoy the stir-fried lotus stems with shrimp paste and minced pork (B250), which are nice and crunchy, if a little low on shrimp paste, but nothing can prepare us for the disappointment that is the khao klook platu (Meklong mackerel fried rice, B250). The tiny toy-like mackerel are completely devoid of aroma, while the rice is tasteless, saved only by the side of shrimp paste, which is surprisingly sour given everything else the kitchen serves up. Food and design pretensions aside, Never Ending Summer packs plenty of charm. It was one of Bangkok’s first plantfilled warehouse restaurants. And unlike the rest of them, it’s actually in a warehouse. It’s right by the river. The cocktail list is handy, too, featuring yadong dressed up with vodka, rum and gin, along with Thai herbs (from B300). But positioned as a restaurant focused on old recipes, Never Ending Summer offers a sweet but not particularly satisfying trip down memory lane.

barbecued chicken thigh (B190), for example, features moist, perfectly cooked and deboned meat that hints at charcoal smoke rather than hitting you with it. The 800-gram tomahawk steak (B1,500) is the same, with a well-charred exterior giving way to a red center that’s delicious thanks to the rare flavor of the meat alone. Not long ago we tried the Aussie rib-eye here (B850), and by comparison this hunk of local beef sings. We could do without the pool of flavorless creamed spinach, but at less than B200 per 100 grams, we bet you won’t find a better priced tomahawk in town. The truffle-black garlic sauce (B75) also gets right what so many get wrong. It’s not all good, though; stray away from the barbecue menu and cracks begin to appear. The pulled pork burger (B290) with its sweet, sticky meat and even sweeter brioche bun just doesn’t do it for us. It’s much the same story with the snapper and pomegranate ceviche (B360), which seems more like a limply dressed raw-fish salad. Give it some sharpness! These things aside, booking in at Lady Brett (and you will have to book) makes for a good evening. The guys behind the bar know what they’re doing and have no problems going off-menu, and the place has a decent buzz even in the middle of the week. When news of Lady Brett’s menu shift came late last year we thought finally this team might have put a foot wrong. If that was the case, then clearly they’ve stepped it firmly back in place.

Under B500 B500-900 B900-1,500 B1,500 and up Price per person, including one drink, appetizer, main course, dessert, charges and tax.

Symbols

H Reservations recommended F Parking available E Dress requirements G Live music

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now FRI Park Life For his Spirit of Sanam Luang (Oct 2-Nov 15) solo art exhibition, award-winning photographer Cherwood Sakolaya has captured the daily lives of people around the famous park in a series of dramatic black and white photos. The collection portrays the simplicity of Thailand’s identity from a bygone era that still survives in the streets of the Old Town today. On show from at Soy Sauce Factory (11/1 Charoenkrung Soi 24, MRT Hua Lamphong), with an opening ceremony on Oct 2 at 7pm.

SUN In the House Happening Magazine's annual festival showcases a new generation of artists and entertainmenters at House RCA (3/F, RCA Plaza, 31/8 Petchaburi Rd.) this Oct 4 from 1-10pm. Happening@house*6 New Indie will be a day and night celebration all things indie, with live music by Stoondio, Abstraction XL, Moving and Cut, Monomania and Young Man and The Sea, as well as a screening of works by Thailand’s up and coming animators by Indy Tla' Frame. Young designer brands like Troopers, Fluffy and Aberable will also have booths, as well as indie music labels and book publishers A Book, Salmon and Fullstopbook. Tickets are sold at the door for B80.

SAT Fresh Air Hosted by local house and techno doyen Coran, along with the Kolour crew, Free Open Air returns for its second instalment of day-time partying this Oct 3, from 4pm. Expect quality food trucks, techno tunes, craft beer and plenty of fresh air amid a laidback party atmosphere. The location is to be announced—visit on.fb. me/1FgQDnJ to stay updated.

SAT Retro Contemporary This month, MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art, Bejajinda Building, Wiphawadi-Rangsit Rd.) welcomes the latest artworks from LA-based street artist Alec Monopoly. Promising to be edgier than MOCA's usual exhibitions, Alec Monopoly's Retrospective will showcase more than 30 pieces of the artist’s work from Oct 3-31, including a live installation of a triptych mural. Alec is known for his twisted pop culture characters, as well as collaborations with Ultra Music Festival, Avicii and Madonna. His work will be available for sale at the exhibition.

GIGS FOLKLORE BLUES NIGHT

Live folk and blues music by artists Jeff Baker, John Will Sail, Beer Soranut and Noxro. Oct 2, 8pm. Jam, 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 083-5451833. Free. BTS Surasak. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Folklore Blues Night

A live music performance showcasing Thailand's indie musicians in association with Signwave group. The lineup includes: Lokee Redlight, Local Machine, No Diction, Every Body Hz, W Map and DJ Telepulp Jib Pechnarai. Tickets at the door. Oct 9, 8pm. Jam, 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 083-5451-833. B100. BTS Surasak.

HYH X GREYHOUND PRESENT THE GARDEN

Have You Heard? and Greyhound present experimental Californian punk band The Garden. Support from Bobkat (Chiang Mai) and Vimutti (Nakhon Ratchasima). Tickets available at Greyhound Siam Paragon or on.fb.me/1LNrX2I. Oct 10, 8pm. Whiteline, Silom Soi 8, 087-061-1117. B600. BTS Sala Daeng. INDIEINSPIRATION

Bangkok indie bands Gym and Swim, Jelly Rocket, Wave And So, Fwends, Phum Viphurit and The Whitest Crow and Masterbass

perform songs inspired by some of the biggest names in indie pop music like Arctic Monkeys, Coldplay, Disclosure, Gorillaz, Keane, Kodaline, The Kooks and Two Door Cinema Club. Pre-sale tickets are B300, available at www.indieinspiration.com. Oct 10, 6pm. Rattanaphram House, On Nut Soi 17. B450. TIGER BEER PRESENTS SMALL LIKE ROOM SPIRIT PARTY

The party of the year for the pop music label, featuring performances by Polycat, Slur and Somkiat plus DJ sets till late at Live House Studio. Tickets available at www.

fb.com/smallroommusic. Oct 29, 7pm. JJ Green, 110/46 Lad Phrao Soi 18, 086-331-5657-8. B499. BTS Mo Chit. 16 YEARS PANDA RECORDS

One of the biggest indie record labels presents its annual concert, in celebration of its 16th anniversary, featuring Monomania, Stylish Nonsense, Hariguem Zaboy, Chladni Chandi, Abstraction XL and Freetype Writer at the historic cinema. 400 tickets available at on.fb.me/1FfoZY4. Thonburi Rama Cinema, Charan Saritwong Rd. Oct 31, 4pm. B600.

HYH x Greyhound Present The Garden

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CLASSICAL

Symphony Concert

Booka Shade

BOOKA SHADE

The German house duo make yet another trip to Bangkok supported by Dan Buri. Tickets are now available at bit.ly/1KwGoHz. Oct 3, 9pm. Live RCA Bangkok, RCA, Rama 9 Rd., 086-860-0808. B550-650. TANQUERAY PRESENTS P. GRANT

Having performed at Madonna's American Life Private Party in Paris and the Calvin Klein Club in Milan, French DJ P. Grant brings his eclectic mix of electro, house, nu jazz, soul and lounge to Bangkok. Oct 2, 9pm. Vogue Lounge, 6/F, Mahanakhon Cube, Silom, Narathiwat Ratchan karin Rd., 02-001-0697. Free. BTS Chong Nonsi. TUNGEVAAG & RABAAN LIVE AT LEVELS

Epic Entertainment presents Scandinavian EDM duo Tungevaag & Rabaan, who are also scheduled to perform at the Warp Music Festival in Pattaya on Oct 24. Tickets at the door. Oct 22, 9pm. Levels, 6/F, Aloft Hotel, 35 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 082-308-3246. B350 (one free drink). BTS Nana.

CONCERTS

SYMPHONY CONCERT

THE PRAGUE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Samara State Symphony Orchestra perform a two-part show, comprising compositions by Tchaikovsky and Beethoven. Conducted by Golden Mask Award winner Alexander Anisimov. Oct 5, 7:30pm. Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Rd., 02-262-3456. B800-3,000 from Thaiticketmajor. MRT Thailand Cultural Centre.

The Czech orchestra performs alongside Vadim Repin, one of the most-renowned violinists in the world, in a two-part program that features compositions by Bellini, Bruch and Dvorak. Oct 14, 7:30pm. Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Rd., 02-262-3456. B1,000-3,500 from Thaiticketmajor. MRT Thailand Cultural Centre.

ALL ABOUT THAT BRASS

26TH TOYOTA CLASSICS CHARITY CONCERT

BrassArts Bangkok, in residence at the College of Music at Mahidol University, perform a program of brass-quintet music spanning four centuries, from music of the Elizabethan Court to Broadway classics like West Side Story. Tickets available in front of the Auditorium. Oct 14, 7pm. Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), 939 Rama 1 Rd., 02-214-6630-8. B200. BTS National Stadium.

The annual charity concert by Toyota Motors Thailand in celebration of HRH Maha Chakri's 60th birthday, featuring the Budapest Operetta and Musical Theatre from Hungary. Expect hits from West Side Story, Phantom of the Opera, classical pieces composed by Strauss, as well as Thai classics by special guest Radklao Amaradit. Oct 25, 7pm. Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Rd., 02-262-3456. B300-2,500 from Thaiticketmajor. MRT Thailand Cultural Centre.

STAGE PERFORMANCES

Tango Legends

Hugo Under City Lights

CARABAO LIVE IN CONCERT

The classic Thai rock band perform live at the German Brewery on Rama 3 Road. Members get free entry. Contact 02-678-1114-6 for more information. Oct 6, 7pm. Tawandang Brewhouse, 462/61 Rama 3 Rd., 02-678-1114-6. B0-100. PIROMLAND PRESENTS DON MOEN LIVE IN BANGKOK 2015

The American singer-songwriter and producer of Christian worship music presents his second show in Bangkok, with support from Lenny LeBlanc, going through songs like "Give Thanks," "God Will Make a Way," "God is Good" and "Power of Your Love." Oct 6, 8pm. Thunder Dome, 99 Popular Rd., 02-504-5050. B9002,100 from Thaiticketmajor. CONCERT PLENG PRAPAS 2

A concert dedicated to the famed songwriter Prapas Cholsaranont, the mastermind behind some of the greatest Thai ballads. Performing artists include: Pod Moderndog, Stamp, Be Crescendo and many more. Oct 9, 7:30pm; Oct 10, 2pm; Oct 11, 2pm, 7:30pm. Siam Pikanet Theater, 7/F, Siam Square One, Rama 1 Rd. B1,500-3,800 from Thaiticketmajor. BTS Siam. RETURN TO GRACE: ELVIS PRESLEY

Steve Michaels performs as the legendary King of Rock 'n' Roll in this recreation of one of the most pivotal points in the history of music. The concert includes performances of Elvis's top hits, ranging from "Heartbreak Hotel" to "Love Me Tender." Oct 8-9, 7:30pm. Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Rd., 02-262-3456. B800-3,000 from Thaiticketmajor. MRT Thailand Cultural Centre. 90S CONCERT FIRST ALBUM

A concert for the '90s generation, presenting nostalgic tunes by the likes of Moderndog, Pang Nakarin, P.O.P., Friday, Ford and Friends, Koh Mr. Saxman, Tea for Three and many more. Oct 10, 6pm. Thunder Dome, 99 Popular Rd., 02-5045050. B1,300-1,600 from Thaiticketmajor. HUGO UNDER CITY LIGHTS

The indie singer finally returns to the scene with a full-scale concert, taking fans through hits like "99 Problems" and "Bread & Butter." Special guests include Jay Montonn Jira, Pae Arak and Palmmy. Oct 10-11, 8pm. Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Rd., 02-262-3456. B1,000-2,000 from Thaiticketmajor. MRT Thailand Cultural Centre.

The Prague Symphony Orchestra

Eng-Change

dance

musicals

TANGO LEGENDS

ENG-CHANGE THE MUSICAL: THE EXTRAORDINARY LIVES OF THE LEGENDARY CONJOINED TWINS WHO CHANGED THEIR OWN DESTINIES

Mariela Maldonado and Pablo Sosa bring the fiery dance from Buenos Aires to Bangkok as part of the International Festival of Dance and Music. Featuring award-winning dancers and leading musicians from Argentina, including 2014 tango world champions Manuela Rossi and Juan Malizia. Oct 6, 7:30pm. Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Rd., 02-262-3456. B800-3,000 from Thaiticketmajor. MRT Thailand Cultural Centre. CINDERELLA

The famed Malandain Ballet Biarritz from France performs this ballet classic scored by Prokofiev and choreographed by Thierry Malandain, who was named Best Choreographer at the Taglioni European Ballet Awards 2014 in Berlin. Oct 13, 7:30pm. Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Rd., 02-262-3456. B800-3,000 from Thaiticketmajor. MRT Thailand Cultural Centre. ALICE BY GAUTHIER DANCE

The Gauthier Dance team perform an interpretation of Lewis Caroll's Alice in Wonderland as part of Bangkok's 17th International Festival of Dance and Music. Oct 16, 7:30pm. Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Rd., 02-262-3456. B8003,000 from Thaiticketmajor. MRT Thailand Cultural Centre.

The story of the struggles and love lives of the famed Siamese twins, who exceeded all expectations and led successful lives beyond the confines of Siam. Directed by Bhanbhassa Dhubthien and starring pop singers Parn Thanaporn, Tachaya Prathumwan from The Voice Thailand, Ah-Eye from The Voice Kids and members of pop-opera band Fivera. Free Salaya Link shuttle bus from BTS Bang Wa for all performances. Oct 16-18, 24-25, 1pm; Oct 16-17, 23, 24, 7pm. Prince Mahidol Hall, Mahidol University (Salaya Campus), 25/25 Buddhamonthon Sai 4 Rd. B500-3,000 from Thaiticketmajor.

opera TOSCA

A melodramatic three-act opera by the Samara Opera Theatre, based on Victorien Sardou's 1887 French-language play set in 1800 Rome when Naples was threatened by Napoleon's invasion of Italy. Under the baton of Golden Mask winner Alexander Anisimov. Oct 4, 7:30pm. Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Rd., 02-262-3456. B1,500-4,500 from Thaiticketmajor. MRT Thailand Cultural Centre.

The Lisbon Traviata

theater THE LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

An adaptation of Roger Corman and Charles B. Griffith's famous 1960s horror-musical about the life of a man-eating plant in a flower shop. For tickets call 095-924-4555, or visit on.fb.me/1Op8Gux. Oct 15Nov 2, 8pm. Thong Lor Art Space, 58/14-15 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor). B350-550. THE LISBON TRAVIATA

Originally produced by The Manhattan Theater Club in New York City, the drama-comedy play centers around two homosexual male friends, one of whom is about to lose his male lover to a younger man. Starring Bangkok's fabulous drag queen entertainer Pangina Heals and Bangkok Community Theatre's Steven Fry. Shows run on Thu, Sat-Sun. No shows on Halloween weekend. Tickets available at bit.ly/1LglP7r. Oct 6-Nov 15, 7pm. Culture Collective Studio, 3/F, Chatrium Residence Riverside Bangkok, 26/276 Charoenkrung Soi 70, 099447-4670. B800. MANOLAND

A dance theater production by Teerawat Mulvilai that explores what the world would be like if imagination took precedence over knowledge. Tickets avaialble at bit.ly/1NGlbQE. Oct 16-26, 8pm. Pridi Banomyong Institute, B-Floor Room, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 02-3813860-1, 086787-7155. B450-600.

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now ART

Opening Exhibitions

OCTOBER MARKETS ZAAP ON SALE #5 “SPACE OF YOUR DESIGN”

What: The mega indoor fashion market makes a return to Royal Paragon Hall with over 400 stalls to celebrate the end-of-year sale, bringing together online brands and boutique stores. You’ll definitely want to wear comfy shoes because there won’t be that much seating. Don’t expect a cheap stroll, either. HORIZONS

NATURAL FRAGMENTS

When: Oct 24-25

An exhibition of landscape oil paintings by Sangeeta Mogha at the Rotunda & Garden Gallery of the historic library. Dates: Oct 6-Nov 1

The contemporary design studio exhibits the private collage work of Seiko Kato, who's also collaborated with the brand on furniture pieces. By appointment only at hello@56thstudio.com or 081-483-2434. Dates: Oct 3-Dec 3.

5/F Royal Paragon Hall, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd. BTS Siam

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

56th Studio Private Gallery, Green Connect, Sukhumvit Soi 31.

Zaap on Sale #5

ART BOX THE COLORS CHAPTER 5

What: If you’re a market fan, you’ll probably have been to one “chapter” of this gigantic outdoor market already— and have Instragrammed at least one funky-looking dessert. They’ve just recently revamped the venue for a new series of colorful stalls this month, so there’s a new excuse to check it out. Expect the usual live music and over 300 stalls of food, drinks and fashion. When: Oct 2-4, 9-11 E-Zy Parking Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. MRT Queen Sirikit National Convention Center

POSTCARD OF LOVE

MEGA DOT

Kraisak Chirachaisakul, known for his expertise in mezzotint, exhibits over 50 prints and watercolor paintings, inspired by HM The King. Dates: Opens on Oct 3 at 6pm. Through Oct 31.

Graduate in packaging design Siwan Sandlakorn touches on the idea of how the smallest things make up the big picture in art and in life. Dates: Opens Oct 2 at 8pm. Through Nov 2

Numthong Gallery, 72/3 Ari Soi 5, 02-6172794.

Chomp, Samsen Soi 1, 084-098-8633.

IRVINE MARKET BKK

What: A gathering of Bangkok’s more high-end boutique fashion brands, including Varinthorn, Black Heart, Pomelo, Playhound, Isara, Shoe Story and 200 other selected stores. There will also be some food trucks around, but you may want to opt for the Helix Quarter instead. When: Oct 17-18

PLAY IT ART

What: Here’s one for the art lovers. The weekend sees this new pop-up market take over the grounds of Hua Lamphong Station (think Made By Legacy last year). Expect lots of vintage items, handmade crafts, a small art exhibition as well as art workshops. There’s already a pretty huge food lineup too, plus some live indie music across the two days by singers from The Voice Thailand, Folkwhite, Fwends, Youth Brush and Pijika, to name a few. When: Oct 31-Nov 1 State Railway of Thailand (Hua Lamphong Station), Rama 4 Rd. MRT Hua Lamphong

YOUTH CULTURE EXHIBITION MARKET

What: The bare industrial space on the sixth floor of Embassy turns into a creative market featuring appearances by fashion stores by art and design students, a mixed-media art installation by 56th Studio, a music zone, and a food and drink zone. Live DJs and bands like DCNXTR, Fwends, and Yellow Fang, to name a few. When: Oct 31-Nov 1 6/F Central Embassy, BTS Phloen Chit

Quartier Hall, The EmQuartier, Sukhumvit Rd. BTS Phrom Phong.

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now DESIGN HIGHLIGHT

Design Object Movement: Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei

Running until Oct 31, the TCDC’s new Design Object Movement exhibition aims to spark inspiration in young creative minds by showcasing the work of teenagers from fellow Southeast Asian countries. The five selected innovations include custom-made laptop cases that ensure a perfect-fit for all models (Singapore), a graphic design service for summarizing business content into infographics (Malaysia) and a bubble tea delivery business (Brunei). TCDC, 5/F, The Emporium, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-664-8448. BTS Phrom Phong. Free admission. Open daily (except Mondays) 10:30am–9pm.

OCTOBER RUNS

COLOR RUN

EMPIRE WE RUN

Dates: Oct 31, Nov 1, 8am (the area is open from 6.30am onwards) Venue: Vachirabenjatas Park (Rot Fai Park), Vibhavadi Rangsit Rd. Distance: 5km Registration: Registration is open now at colorunbangkok.eventdesq.com/reg/types or call 098-512-0392 for more information Fee: B900 (includes running number, event T-shirt, temporary tattoo, headband and colored powder) Things you should know: Don’t forget, there’s a party after you complete your 5km, which includes live music and massive color throws—so don’t head home just yet.

Date: Oct 11, 9am Venue: Empire Tower, Sathorn Rd. BTS Chong Nonsi Distances: 4.1/10.5/21km Registration: Registration is open now at www.empiretowerwerun.com Fee: B500 for half marathon, B400 for fun run and mini marathon Things you should know: The grand prize for the winning runner is B8,000, the runner-up prize is B7,000 and the third prize is B5,000.

AMARI WATERGATE MIDNIGHT RUN

RUN FOR SMILES 2015

Date: Oct 18, midnight Venue: Amari Watergate Bangkok. Petchburi Rd. Distances: 6/12km Registration: Closed Fee: B500 with an option of B1,000 for extra charity donation Things you should know: All proceeds for this run will be donated to the Chalerm Prakiat HRH Princess Sirindhorn School and Baan Gerda, so don’t forget you’re running for a great cause.

Date: Oct 25, 6am Venue: Suan Luang, Rama 9 Park. Starting line is at Door No. 4 Distances: 5/10km Registration: Registration is now open at www.tfaforms.com/388509 Fee: B500 Things you should know: This run is organized by Operation Smile in order to raise money for cleft lip operations for young children around Thailand.

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FILM Opening

LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 22): The 20th century’s most influential artist may have been Pablo Picasso. He created thousands of paintings, and was still churning them out when he was 91 years old. A journalist asked him which one was his favorite. “The next one,” he said. I suggest you adopt a similar attitude, Libra. What you did in the past is irrelevant. You should neither depend on nor be weighed down by anything that has come before. All that matters are the accomplishments that lie ahead of you.

HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 2 (USA)

THE MARTIAN (USA)

Animation. In fear of his half-human grandson’s lack of vampire qualities, Dracula (voiced by Adam Sandler) sets up a training program to unleash the boy’s inner monster. Oct 1

Adventure/Sci-fi. Astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) is forced on a lone journey of survival on an unknown planet after he is separated from his crew during a deadly storm. Oct 1

SINISTER 2 (USA)

MAY WHO (THAI)

Horror. A single mother (Shannyn Sossamon) must protect her twin boys who get nightly visits from evil children spirits attempting to recruit them to kill their loved ones. Oct 1

Comedy. Pong (Bank Mahayoraruk), a high school senior, and May (Pan-Pan Suttita), a freshman, become unlikely friends after they discover that they both shy away from the typical high school cliques. Oct 1

Upcoming

PAN (USA)

SICARIO (USA)

Adventure/Fantasy. In this retelling of the Peter Pan story, an orphaned boy (Levi Miller) travels to the magical land of Neverland where his adventures begin when he meets Hook, Mermaid, Tiger Lily and Blackbeard. Oct 8

Crime. FBI Agent Kate Macer (Emily Blunt) is assigned to investigate the war against drugs at the USA/Mexico border in search of a big cartel boss (Julio Cesar Cedillo). Oct 8

WE ARE YOUR FRIENDS (USA)

Action/Comedy. Based on a true story. Bored with his life as a nighttime security guard, David (Zach Galifianakis) decides to undertake the country’s biggest bank robbery. Oct 8

Drama/Romance. Cole Carter (Zac Efron) is an aspiring DJ in Hollywood whose path to fame and success is complicated when he starts falling in love with his mentor’s girlfriend. Oct 8

MASTERMINDS (USA)

SPECIAL SCREENING

SCORPIO (Oct 23-Nov 21): A windbreak is a line of stout trees or thick bushes that provides shelter from the wind. I think you need a metaphorical version: someone or something to shield you from a relentless force that has been putting pressure on you; a buffer zone where you can take refuge from a stressful barrage that has been hampering your ability to act with grace. Here’s your battle cry: “I need sanctuary! I deserve sanctuary!” SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21): Your fellow Sagittarian Walt Disney accomplished a lot. He was a pioneer in the art of animation and made movies that won numerous Academy Awards. He built theme parks, created an entertainment empire, and amassed fantastic wealth. Why was he so successful? In part because he had high standards, worked hard and harbored an obsessive devotion to his quirky vision. If you aspire to cultivate any of those qualities, now is a favorable time to raise your mastery to the next level. Disney had one other trait you might consider working on: He liked to play the game of life by his own rules. For example, his favorite breakfast was doughnuts dipped in Scotch whisky. What would be your equivalent? CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19): October is Fix the Fundamentals Month. It will be a favorable time to substitute good habits for bad habits. You will attract lucky breaks and practical blessings as you work to transform overwrought compulsions into rigorous passions. You will thrive as you seek to discover the holy yearning that’s hidden at the root of devitalizing addictions. To get started, instigate free-wheeling experiments that will propel you out of your sticky rut and in the direction of a percolating groove. AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18): Have you made your travel plans yet? I hope you will hightail it to a festive playground where some of your inhibitions will shrink, or journey to a holy spot where your spiritual yearnings will ripen. What would be even better is if you made a pilgrimage to a place that satisfied both of those agendas—filled up your senses with novel enticements and fed your hunger for transcendent insights. Off you go, Aquarius! Why aren’t you already on your way? If you can’t manage a real getaway in the near future, please at least stage a jailbreak for your imagination. PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20): Pablo Neruda’s Book of Questions consists entirely of 316 questions. It’s one of those rare texts that makes no assertions and draws no conclusions. In this spirit, and in honor of the sphinx-like phase you’re now passing through, I offer you six pertinent riddles: 1. What is the most important thing you have never done? 2. How could you play a joke on your fears? 3. Identify the people in your life who have made you real to yourself. 4. Name a good old thing you would have to give up in order to get a great new thing. 5. What’s the one feeling you want to feel more than any other in the next three years?. 6. What inspires you to love?

Schnit International Short Film Festival

Gen A

Returning for its 13th year, this festival takes place simultaneously in multiple cities over five continents, showcasing some 60 short films vying to win the grand prize of US$100,000. This year, Thailand is represented by two film professionals on the local jury, along with eight Thai short films including Napat Tangsanga’s Gen A, Aroonakorn Pick’s We Used To Love Each Other and Nitaz Sinwattanakul’s Deleted. The films will be screened alongside their international competitors on Oct 7-11, when audiences will also get a chance to vote for their favorite. Thai and English subtitles. For the complete schedule and ticket information, visit www.shnit.org.

ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19): The next seven weeks will NOT be a favorable time to fool around with psychic vampires. I recommend you avoid the following mistakes: failing to protect the wounded areas of your psyche; demanding perfection from those you care about; and trying to fulfill questionable desires that have led you astray in the

past. Now I’ll name some positive actions you’d be wise to consider: hunting for skillful healers who can relieve your angst and aches; favoring the companionship of people who are empathetic and emotionally intelligent; and getting educated about how to build the kind of intimacy you can thrive on. TAURUS (Apr 20-May 20): You may have seen websites that offer practical tips on how to improve your mastery of life’s little details. I recently come across a humorous site that provides the opposite: bad life tips. For instance, it suggests that you make job interviews less stressful by only applying for jobs you don’t want. Put your laptop in cold water to prevent overheating. To save time, brush your teeth while you eat. In the two sets of examples I’ve just given, it’s easy to tell the difference between which tips are trustworthy and which aren’t. But you might find it more challenging to distinguish between the good advice and bad advice you’ll receive. Be very discerning. GEMINI (May 21-Jun 20): On a windy afternoon last spring I was walking through a quiet neighborhood in Berkeley. In one yard there was a garden plot filled with the young green stems of as-yet unidentifiable plants. Anchored in their midst was a small handwritten sign. Its message seemed to be directed not at passers-by but at the sprouts themselves. “Grow faster, you little bastards!” the sign said—as if the blooming things might be bullied into ripening. I hope you’re smart enough not to make similar demands on yourself and those you care about, Gemini. I suspect that everything in your life will just naturally grow with vigor in the coming weeks. CANCER (Jun 21-Jul 22): “I am rooted, but I flow,” wrote Virginia Woolf in her novel The Waves. That paradoxical image reminds me of you right now. You are as grounded as a tree and as fluid as a river. Your foundation is deep and strong, even as you are resilient in your ability to adapt to changing circumstances. This is your birthright as a Cancerian! Enjoy and use the blessings it confers. LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22): Should I offer my congratulations? You have corralled a gorgeous mess of problems that are more interesting than everyone else’s. It’s unclear how long this odd good fortune will last, however. So I suggest you act decisively to take maximum advantage of the opportunities that your dilemmas have cracked open. If anyone can turn the heartache of misplaced energy into practical wisdom, you can. Is it possible to be both cunning and conscientious, both strategic and ethical? For you right now, I think it is. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Let’s say you have walked along the same path or driven down the same road a thousand times. Then, one day, as you repeat your familiar route, a certain object snags your attention for the first time. Maybe it’s a small fountain or a statue of the Buddhist goddess Guanyin. It has always been there. You’ve been subconsciously aware of it. But at this moment, for unknown reasons, it finally arrives in your conscious mind. I believe this is an apt metaphor for your life in the next week. More than once, you will suddenly tune in to facts or influences that had previously been invisible to you. That’s a good thing! But it might initially bring a jolt.

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