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Content’s Triumph in the Online Universe

Q&A with J eet Tan on the role of ChatGPT in marketing, living that Bangkok entrepreneur life, and what copywriting actually is

Regardless of what industry you work in, you’ve undoubtedly heard your marketing team throw the term “copywriting” around. But what exactly is it? We sat down with Jeet Tan, a professional copywriter who has his own agency based in Bangkok, to ask about all things copywriting and that hotshot entrepreneurial life.

Hi Jeet! Can you introduce yourself to our readers?

Hello, my name is Jeet, I’m Chinese Malaysian but was raised in Thailand where I studied in an international school. When I was 18, I also studied abroad in Japan and received my undergraduate degree there. I currently have my own copywriting agency in Bangkok.

How did you get into copywriting?

Actually, I never thought I was going to be a copywriter. I did my internship in marketing even though I studied to be a programmer in university. I interned for a YouTube channel called “Asian Boss” and that was where I learned how to do content marketing for YouTube. During this internship, I also started my own YouTube channel called “Simply Jeet.” After graduating from university, a lot of companies approached me to help them with content marketing. And content marketing is really closely related to copywriting, so naturally, I learned copywriting through that process. After gaining some training with the industry’s best copywriters, I decided to start my own agency.

You have your own channel as well. What was it like starting that?

I started my channel in Japan after I became friends with Miyu Takeuchi who was part of the idol group AKB48. I was already working as an intern for Asian Boss, but I think getting exposed to her made me inspired to try to start my channel.

My channel, with a cool-ish 1,000 subscribers, has transformed into a thriving life coaching business, empowering and guiding over 15 incredible clients from across the globe! YouTube has been an invaluable springboard, equipping me with the essential skills to thrive my own copywriting business.

You’re also an author. Can you talk a bit about your book?

My book is called “Your First Five Mistakes,” and it’s about how whenever you do something new, you really have to make five mistakes first because you can’t really be perfect since you don’t have the experience. I wrote this book because I want to encourage more young people, especially Asian people, to push their comfort zone to try new things and to expand themselves. Without this mindset

of making mistakes and challenging yourself to do something new, you cannot really create innovative ideas, and I think what the world needs right now is more innovative ideas and things that have never been done before to change what we currently have and make it even better.

Something we’ve been hearing a lot more about recently in the marketing world is ChatGPT. Do you think ChatGPT is here to stay in terms of the future of marketing?

I do believe that ChatGPT is here to stay and that it’s going to make the copywriting process much smoother, but I don’t think this technology will replace copywriters. An AI can only intuit what people want, but cannot know if what it is writing is good or bad. The creativity, the emotions of what makes us human are things AI cannot copy, and only a truly skilled copywriter can create words that make people want to support brands. People support specific brands not because they want to spend money, but because they feel emotionally connected to something, and that’s something AI cannot create. But if an AI is able to replicate human emotions, then I think we’ve got more problems to worry about than them replacing our jobs. *laughs*

Scan here to get in touch with Jeet

WHO’S IN CHARGE?

BK EDITORIAL

Managing Director Dietrich Neu

Managing Editor Tyler Roney

Deputy Editor Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj

Senior Writer Porpor Leelasestaporn

Art Director Wirankan Saiyasombut

GROVE: COCONUTS BRAND STUDIO

Senior Brand Editor Julianne Greco

Associate Thai Editor Pakvipa Rimdusit

Branded Content Writer Moe Thet War

Senior Project Manager

Sirinart Panyasricharoen

Senior Account Manager Hafiz Rasid

Senior Digital Account Manager Nuttajuk

Kittichailuk

Art Director Tan Kar Liang

Senior Graphic Designer Umporn Jiaranai

Production Manager Komkrit Klinkaeo

Head of Business Development

Elizabeth Chua

Senior Business Development Managers

Piti Rungrojanaluck, Sophia Ong

Business Development Manager

Chalida Anuwattanawong

Publisher, Printer, and Editor

Tara Rattanaphas

Cover Collage: Promotional photography from Steve Porte, Rap Against Dictatorship, Kanato, Tanik Prasopsorn.

BK MAGAZINE IS A COCONUTS MEDIA PUBLICATION.

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AND IT WAS ALL YELLOW

The line will be 30 kilometers with 23 stations.

The long awaited Yellow Line monorail opened in June, providing Bangkok commuters and travelers a new way to see the city.

BTSC expects to earn B2 billion a year from the Yellow Line and Pink Line.

Fares are B14-42 and were free through June.

The monorail requires 0 drivers.

YOU SAID WHAT?

“What happens if these dang pets take a dump there? Will owners pick up after?”

— Facebook user Pitch Sookmark on the announcement Ikea will start allowing pets.

“790thb a cocktail ”

— Instagram user Maxime Robouant on a B790 cocktail featuring a rose at Echelon.

“Well, they’re wearing masks, so it should be OK .”

— Twitter user Four.O on a Bangkok rooftop professional wrestling event.

HOT OR NOT

A monorail is 40% cheaper than a heavy electric train according to Bangkok's deputy governor.

So much ‘za

It’s official. Bangkok’s best pizza is Pizza Massilia—according to 50 Top Pizza Asia-Pacific 2023 who voted the pizza shop Bangkok’s best slice at No.8, followed by Pizzeria Mazzie at No. 9 and L’Oliva at No. 29. Both Pizza Massilia and Pizzeria will compete for the top spot in September in Italy.

Don’t Blame Pride

Thai Twitter blew up after the country’s Department of Disease Control tweeted about the rise of monkeypox cases and insinuated that this month’s upcoming pride celebration might lead to more. The Tweet was later deleted after being accused of fear mongering and homophobia.

Sarong it’s right

Thai Blackpink singer Lisa posted pictures of her trip to the city of Ayutthaya wearing a sarong, and prices and demand for the style went through the roof. Images of Lisa wearing the distinctive silk sarong sent fans into a buying frenzy.

Reclassification Game

Cannabis fans were dismayed to find that the MOU from the Move Forward Party plans to reclassify cannabis as a controlled substance. Pita, however, said entrepreneurs need not fear as long as their paperwork is in order.

The Yellow Line cost B22.2 billion.

As Netflix Thailand ends account sharing, Disney+ hikes rates

The streaming service giant Netflix made the move to prevent users from passwordsharing for free when they aren’t in the same household on May 24th. That announcement was followed by Disney+ hiking their rates for services and screens.

Netflix subscribers who don’t live in the same household will have to pay extra B90 to maintain their access—likely in response to Netflix losing a million subscribers in the first quarter of 2022 and a crackdown that began in Latin America last year.

A little over a week later, Disney+ announced more complicated changes to their services with a 186% rate hike for basic services like four-screen streaming, 4k streaming, more streamable devices, and improved sound quality.

Coldplay will hit Bangkok in February 2024

“Yellow,” “Fix You,” “A Sky Full of Stars”— Coldplay was the soundtrack for the early 2000s, and they’re returning to Bangkok this February. As part of their “Music of the Spheres World Tour” the international ballads and tearjerkers of Coldplay will land on Feb 3, 2024 at Rajamangala National Stadium.

There were rumors but the band officially announced their tour on social media, along with a link for presale tickets. Bangkok will polish off the band’s Asia leg of their tour, which will begin in Tokyo in November of this year. The latest announcement adds to the list of five countries the band were playing, complete with four new dates in Singapore.

The British band Coldplay formed in 1997 with four band members, including the highprofile pop culture phenom Chris Martin. The band have sold more than 100 million albums around the world and are considered to be one of the most successful bands of the 21st century.

Kangkao Echo is the new Sathorn space for Bangkok’s DJs

A new underground music event space began hosting their special six-series event. Kangkao is a Thai DJ collective consisting of four local acts that formed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their “Kangkao Echo” music event series will play out over the next six months at the new venue of the same name.

The event series will showcase local and international talent complimented by art and light installations.In addition to the tunes, expect home-cooked Pakistani, Peruvian and Vietnamese food by social platform Na

Project. All proceeds made from food sales will be donated to refugee families and the youth training program at Sati Non-Profit.

The 900-sqm Kangkao Echo venue is located inside Trinity Mall in Silom, and the next event will be on July 22, August 26, September 23, and October 28.

You can take your pets to Ikea in Thailand now

The world’s favorite Swedish flatpack furniture brand will start allowing pets into their Thailand shops starting last month, according to a social media announcement from the flatpack giant.

There are rules of course—it’s Ikea afterall. Cats and dogs are welcome as long as they weigh no more than 15 kilograms, and those in a stroller require a zipper to put the fluffy friends away.

All pets must be supervised at all times by their owners, and they are not allowed in food areas. Owners are responsible for any damage overzealous pets may cause. Be advised that Ikea does not have any pet-sitting services, so you’ll be shopping with your pet at all times. These new rules apply to the Ikea in Bangna and Bang Yai as well as the Ikea in Phuket. ●

Coldplay

Ikea

WHY LEAVE? WHY LEAVE?

The big Bangkok staycation guide.

From hi-so hotels to naturebased getaways, this is how you travel without leaving the city.

Maybe it’s a romantic getaway, maybe a cheeky splurge, maybe you just really don’t have to have to worry about getting home after a big night. Whatever it is, the staycation trend is bigger than ever. Galavant with the jetset, party on a rooftop, or just have a dirty weekend; these are your must-try stays in Bangkok.

Mandarin Oriental

The Mandarin Oriental is arguably the most historic hotel in Southeast Asia. The likes of Somerset Maugham, Audrey Hepburn, Graham Greene, and Marlon Brando have called this 1876 hotel home. From the Author’s Lounge—which looks like something out of a Victorian romance—to the gold standard of French dining by Le Normandie by Alain Roux, this is perhaps the most elegant staycation option in the city. Set on the Chaophraya in an area long ceded to the tourists and with more than a dozen dining options, this is where to stay for a romantic, ultra-luxe weekend of conspicuous but classy consumption.

The Siam

This hotel might not be well-known to those in the downtown areas of Bangkok, but it’s a favorite the world over with high-rollers and lovers of the designs of Bangkok’s resident starchitect, the eccentric Bill Bensley. If you’re picking this for an ultra-luxe weekend, you take the boat from the downtown Chaophraya and step off in Dusit District for green, art deco majesty. To keep a little memento of your trip, The Siam offers a rare treat for a high-end hotel: on-site sak yant tattoos.

Kimpton Maa-Lai

Kimpton Maa-Lai is a fun place. And it’s not just because of the drinks and music at Bar Yard. This is the ideal hotel—perhaps the only hotel—where you can have a genuine luxury hotel stay with your pet. Everything from the greenery connected to the spacious downtown rooms can be experienced with cats, dogs, and any other animal that fits through the elevator doros. While you’re there, grab some drinks and bites at Ms. Jigger, and be sure to get your good boy or girl a snack at Craft—including dishes like Lickin’ Liver Pate (B180) ice cream.

Waldorf Astoria

A lot of the luxury hotels in the city are found on the river because that’s where the tourists want to go. Waldorf is a hotel for the downtown crowd. Just a stone’s throw from the Chitlom BTS you’ve got brunch at Brasserie, bites at Bull and Bear, and some of the best high-end hotel Thai food at Front Room. It’s not just the pool views and the food; on the 56th floor above Bangkok is the Loft, voted the Best Hotel Bar in Bangkok by BK’s annual Bad Awards 2023 and boasting a surprisingly diverse cocktail menu.

and up

Four Seasons

It’s not just the White Lotus types at the Four Seasons. In our sin city, the relatively recently opened river hotel eschews the historical to create a world unto itself. The greenery, the pool, the views—how is this Bangkok? Of the nearly half a dozen drinking and dining options, the must-try is the Michelin-starred Yu Ting Yuan Cantonese restaurant. For your romantic late night drinks, the BKK Social Club is one of the most internationally recognized bars in mainland Southeast Asia.

The Siam

Mandarin Oriental

Four Seasons Bangkok boating experience

Chill and Cool

B4,000- 7000

137 Pillars

Definitely still on the high-end side, 137 Pillars is a breath of fresh air for the Phrom Phong crowd. It’s a luxury inner city escape with a maddeningly Instagramable rooftop pool, and areas where you can literally look down on the city beneath your feet. Stop in at the recently reopened Jack Bain’s Bar for a dark, intimate setting straight out of a movie, and if you want to bring the doggo along with you on your little staycation, don’t miss the bites at the Bangkok Trading Post.

So Bangkok

So Bangkok is one of the few hotel chains that knows how to party in style. From their rooftop pool parties to their unmissable monthly cheese evenings with free flow wine, there are a lot of reasons to want to get a room here even if you live in the city—if only to avoid stumbling home. So’s brand pedigree needs no introduction, and this Sathorn haunt for the young and the jetset is not to be missed.

Sukhothai

The Sukhothai is a rare breed of inner-city hotel. First, guests will be struck by the architectural

creativity in dark, moody tones juxtaposed with the bright, green, Asia-focused exterior. For foodies, this will seem familiar for Celadon, a Thai food traditionalist venue, and La Scala, which has a double-sided crusted pizza that is not to be missed—no, it’s not a calzone.

Anantara Riverside

Sathorn’s high-rises usually come to mind for the chill, cool stays in the city. Down on the river, the surprisingly reasonably priced Anantara Riverside offers the hi-so amenities of the bigger river hotels with a decidedly upmarket charm. If you want to feel like a pampered foreign tourist on your staycation, this is a good bet. Enjoy yourself at the Spice and Barley and the Benihana or take your late night across the road to Seen at Avani+ food good food and one of the best views in the city.

Banyan Tree

Some will say the reason to staycation at the Banyan Tree is for the rooftop bars. And with a view like that, who are we to argue? But the real open secret at Banyan Tree is the spa. You walk through the clear bamboo stalks into a real wellness haven, and choose from

a selection of massages. The inside tip is to try the Tropical Rainmist (B8,000) massage which includes a bath soak, steam bath, and rain shower.

The Standard

The long-awaited opening of the hotel in July last year—to say nothing of dining venues like Mott 32 and Standard Grill—rewarded fans of the brand with a chic, design-forward hotel at one of Bangkok’s most famous addresses. What’s more, this is a hotel that understands cool. If you want a big weekend with friends, hit up the likes of Ojo for dinner and delve into one of the many cool music shows, performances, or bingo— yes, bingo—events.

Neil Niwas

This spot leaves the Bangkok foreigner river hotel throngs behind for a genuinely Thai B&B feel at a heritage hotel from the 19th century. From the filigree architectural touches indoors to the food and the Bangkok Yai riverside, there are few hotels in the city that can offer this much history and charm. It’s an ideal staycation getaway for someone who needs to remember Bangkok is bigger and older than the Sukhumvit.

W Bangkok

There aren’t many big hotel brands that can boast a youthful, party atmosphere, but W manages it the world over. Here in Bangkok, in particular, for a high-end group who want to put their dancing shoes on, you’ve got the Wet Deck or Woo Bar pumping lively music and DJs on the regular, but patrons also have the likes of The Bar at The House on Sathorn if you need to class up your celebration.

Bangkok Treehouse

A lot of hotels tout their “greenery” and connection to nature. Bangkok Treehouse wins. Bang Kachao— Bangkok’s “Green Lung”—is often touted as the city’s best kept secret. For you cyclist staycationers or those who really want to leave the urban whirlwind behind, this venue is green, professional, and friendly. No, it’s not an actual treehouse, but the View with a Room (B4,000 on weekdays) is as close as you’re likely to get. With cheaper rooms available that maintain that high-end natural feel, this spot also boasts the best food you can hope for on Bang Krachao.

The Standard

Neil Niwas

Sukhothai

Easy Stays

Under B4,000

Asai Bangkok Sathorn

A new addition to the city, Asai added to its offerings this year with Asai Bangkok Sathorn—as well as a new iteration of Err Urban Rustic Thai, with a menu created by Duangporn “Bo” Songvisava and Dylan Jones from Bo.lan. Under the stylish Dusit brand, this metropolitan getaway is a departure from its Chinatown cousin. With a sleek, perhaps even minimalist design, it makes a cutesy stay for cafe-hoppers.

Public House

The Phrom Phong crowd long wondered what would become of that green building at the corner of Soi 31 and Phrom Chit Alley. The answer turned out to be Public House Sukhumvit 31. In addition to pulling in cool music and fun events like the recent BKK Vinyl Fair, this designforward venue features wall art from Ploenchan Mook Vinyaratn, 72 pieces of custom designed furniture upholstered in French fabrics, and walls lined with tat and artwork, Public House is a social, carefully hectic space for a quick midtown break with a great dining option and bar in Fest, as well as number of nearby restaurants for the traveling foodies.

Humz Canal Stay

Getting out of the city is a big reason for needing an in-city minibreak, and Humz Canal Stay ticks all the boxes. Don’t worry about the stigma that usually comes with small canal hotels and their lack of air con and thumping boat music. Found 17 kilometers from the city center, you can relax with your legs in the water at this boutique spot. The beds look right out onto the water, so all you need to do to live that khlong life is open your floorto-ceiling blinds and chill.

GalileOasis Boutique Hotel

This quaint, brutalist boutique hotel sits just a stones throw from the heart of downtown and National Stadium BTS, but actually sits inside the leafy GalileOasis complex, which includes a theater, art space, and cafes. The bare concrete walls may make the venue look like it’s crumbling, but that’s part of the aesthetic, as is the lush greenery that surrounds most of the complex and gives it a nice hidden away feel. This is a great launching spot for the surrounding area.

1905 Heritage Corner

This small, three-bedroom guest house sits in the heart of Bangkok’s Old Town just mere minutes away from the Grand Palace, but neatly tucked away from the noise of busy city streets. It’s comprised of two refurbished, colonial-style shophouses that harken back to the traditional Sino-Thai communities that can still be found in the area. Inside, dark teak woods, clunky brass fixtures, and 1900s nick-knacks really hammer home the feeling that you’ve stepped back to a bygone era.

Baan 2459

Here is another one for you folks who want to immerse themselves in some old-school Bangkok charm. The Thai year 2459 converts to 1916 on the Gregorian calendar, and this immaculately maintained bright yellow colonialstyle house imbues that time period well. While it comes with all the modern fixings (Wi-Fi, air conditioning, TVs, etc.), you’d never know it at first when walking inside where heavy metal lighting fixtures in the Queen Anne style rub shoulders with black and white pictures of the late King Bhumibol and golden Buddha statues.

The LA49

A popular spot among Japanese visitors to Thonglor, the LA49 comes lathered in 1920s American charm with its white stone tabletops, brass door handles, and plush art deco chairs. A nice, but often overlooked benefit of most Thonglor hotels is that they come with those fancy Japanese toilets, and that is no different here. The hotel rests just a few minutes away from The Commons Thonglor, so jaunting around the neighborhood is a breeze and you’re not that far from the BTS.

MUU Bangkok

Enough with the old-world charm, how about some swanky future chic? Despite sitting directly on the main road in Thonglor, and being decked out in plush furniture, faux marble walls, and golden metal accents, this remains one of the best back-for-you-buck hotels in the area. Rooms with oversized windows let in plenty of natural light during the mornings, which will help you wake up if you’ve had one too many cocktails at the 1920s-style speakeasy on the 11th floor: 008 Bar.

Phranakorn-Nornlen

One of the wackier looking places to rest your head in the Old Town, thanks to a seemingly endless barrage of wall art and handmade, multi-colored linens that pepper every part of the hotel. We’re not even sure what to call this style of decor, other than it is very memorable and will likely have you snapping away for your IG feed. There are no fancy-pants restaurants here, or ritzy amenities, but there is an undeniable out-in-the-country feel to this place and it is a great launching pad to explore the riverside.

Josh Hotel

Long one of the most well-known staycation hotels in Ari, thanks in no small part to the wealth of events that happen here on top of a full slate of amenities that are good enough to function as standalone venues: a cinema, cannabis dispensary, izakaya, Mediterranean grill, pastry shop. There is tons to see in the surrounding hood, but you would be forgiven for just kicking back at the pool (perhaps with a joint, perhaps not) and taking in the eclectic vibe of this place. ●

Phranakorn-Nornlen

EKKAMAI’S NEW TEMPURA SPECIALISTS IS DELECTABLE AND AFFORDABLE

The buzz: When you first hear about Hakata Tempura Nagaoka, Ekkamai’s Japanese tempura specialist, you may be mistaken for thinking it’s a high-end omakase-style chef’s table restaurant. This place, however, is a pleasant surprise with its genuinely affordable pricing, offering its crisp tempura starting from a little over a hundred baht.

The vibe: Like many other authentic Japanese spots in Bangkok, Hakata Tempura Nagaoka foregoes the formalities of lavish design for minimalist wooden decor, with the exception of its whimsically adorable illustrations of the fried shrimp hanging at its front door. The venue has only a few seats at the bar where you can see the chef put battered ingredients in to fry.

The food: The restaurant’s owner, Kazauki Shiroma, ran his first branch of Hakata Tempura Nagaoka in Fukuoka alongside his brother for 13 years, garnering a solid fanbase back home. Here, Shiroma sizzles each order in bubbling oil, monitoring constantly for temperature and serves them as soon as they’re fried. We loved the shrimp tempura (B80) served with three types of salt: curry spiced, Himalayan, and housemade tea salt— each providing a unique experience. Next up is the Wagyu Tempura (B250) in which Shiroma uses the kainomi beef cut from the Yamagata

prefecture, coating it with a thin layer of batter. The result is a beautifully cooked wagyu with a tender, juicy interior which tastes exquisite when dipped in salt. Another fancier dish on the offer is the uni tempura (B450). Sourcing murasaki sea urchin, Shiroma delivers a decadent, melt-in-your mouth experience which can rival high-quality ingredients served in posh restaurants. Initially puzzled by the inclusion of rice dishes at tempura restaurant—and requests from customers— Shiroma introduced horse crab claypot rice (B500), featuring a massive portion of seafood to share among three. If you have a sweet tooth for Japanese desserts, you can either choose to relish in apple tempura (B150) served with vanilla ice cream or indulge in a decadent French toast tempura (B150). Our favorite was the daifuku strawberry (B250), a half-cut strawberry wrapped in sweet red bean paste, battered and deep-fried. Just remember to let it cool down to avoid the hot bean paste burn.

Why we’d come back: With the quality and level of attentiveness Shiroma brings to the table—along with the variety of his creative offerings for affordable prices—it’s difficult not to fall for Hakata Tempura Nagaoko. If you love tempura, this is by far one of the best spots in Bangkok. ●

Porpor Leelasestaporn

Filipino cuisine might not be the first that springs to mind when it comes to Bangkok’s food scene—you could probably count on your fingers the number of places that specialize in the cuisine. But amongst the best is Viva Filipinas, a Filipino kitchen, serving unpretentious, homestyle dishes that will fix any lingering doubts on the cuisine.

This place eschews the style over substance so prevalent in Bangkok. The food here doesn’t look that photogenic—some like a plate of indecipherable murky cream. But, when you stab your fork into the plate, each morsel effuses explosive flavors

Take, for example, pastel de lengua (B280), a plate of beef tongues with a thick, creamy white sauce generously poured over the top. The beef tongues were succulent yet firm, almost melt-in-your-mouth but still with a satisfying chewiness that’s perfect to pair up with a bowl of rice.

Another dish that warrants a return visit is the humba estofado (B240). Although it bears some resemblance to the local Thai pineapple pork curry, the similarities end there. A luscious caramel-colored sauce coats generous chunks of pork belly hiding slices of banana and pineapple. As any estofado should be, it’s sweet, but the caramelized fatty portions of pork and fruit

slices strike a balance without being overly cloying.

Not every dish, however, hits the high notes. The kilawin na tuna (B380), a Filipino take on ceviche featuring raw tuna cubes “cooked” in vinegar and mixed with ginger, chili, calamansi, and red onion. The flavors lean heavily on the sour side—even for ceviche—but they still highlight the quality of the ingredients.

The true showstoppers is the array of desserts. The Brazo de Mercedes, a traditional meringue roll, has a cloud-like texture filled with a delightfully sweet custard. Meanwhile, the baked rice cake bibingka (B140) should evoke memories of khanom tuay foo (Thai steamed muffin) in a version that offers the edge of savoriness thanks to the slices of salty preserved eggs and cheese. Still, you can sprinkle more coconut and brown sugar to your taste. ●

VILAS

2/F, Mahanakhon CUBE, Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Road, 094-997-8631. Open Tues-Sat, 5:30-10pm

Here, prominent Thai chef Prin Polsuk isn’t just an arbiter of Thai traditional taste. Instead, he adopts a more playful, modern approach dedicated to highquality produce from across the globe. At Vilas, ancient Thai cooking techniques and recipes are stripped bare and reinterpreted with flair. The 12-course tasting menu was inspired by King Rama V’s journey to the west, blending Thai traditional techniques with global ingredients. Reservation slots open up on the first of each month for bookings for the following month. The menu is seasonally updated, but in the past have included dishes such as an innovative nam prik-inspired cracker made with Thai gourd, snake fruit, and Japanese crab, savory choo chee curry with charcoal grilled sea eel, and homemade khanom khrok ice-cream with a chili-salt mango jelly.

15 Apr ’23 – 31 Dec ’23 Terms and Conditions apply

4/F, Akara Bangkok, 372 Sri Ayutthaya Rd., 062-292-4685. Open daily 9am-7pm

New Thai-Italian eatery and wine bar opens in Mahatun Plaza

Hybrid Restaurant and Wine Bar is a new Thai-Italian restaurant in Ploenchit’s busy Mahatun Plaza, mixing two favorite cuisines for elevated bites. Headed by Chef Yodying

“Sasha Phoomcharoen who graduated from the Rome Chef Academy and who lived in Italy for nearly a decade, the new spot offers progressive Thai cuisine and mostly small production wine. The current mashup menu includes three tasting menus, the largest being the nine-course Travel Diaries Degustation Menu (B4,120 and B2,190 for the wine pairing). The classic tom yum, for example, gets a mashup with the River Prawn Hybrid featuring bisque espuma, a tom yum bouquet, pancetta mushroom, and lime.

Sathorn gets more noodles with a new branch of Shiko Udon Bar

Found at Empire Tower between Chong Nonsi and St Louis BTS stations, Shiko Udon Bar expanded from its Langsuan and Silom branches with a new spot in Sathorn late last month for its biggest store yet. With minimalist design and creative udon mashups from Chef Watanabe, Shiko Udon Bar has branches in Silom and Langsuan, and the newest iteration at Empire Tower features all the Kishimen-style udon their loyal customers love. Nagoya and Kishimenstyle noodles are flat rather than round, and this shop brings the udon for the office crowd with a number of creative options, including a number of Western-style mashup dishes.

Banthat Thong’s new beef specialist has become a magnet for meat lovers

Banthat Thong goers are spoiled for choice when it comes to food. Adding to that juicy list is Kemuri, a Japanese beef specialist, boasting not only grilled marbled beef over rice but premium beef nabe (hot pot). Like its namesake, Kemuri—”smoke” in Japanese— prides itself on high quality beef, sliced and grilled over charcoal. The grilled beef don starts at B259, but we highly recommend you go a bit extra for the Kemuri grilled beef rice bowl (B590), featuring melt-in-your-mouth marbling served alongside hot spring egg and tea dashi you can pour over it to finish it as ochazuke. Can’t eat beef? The venue also has the charcoal-grilled pork rice bowl (B239) as well.

Hybrid Restaurant Apollo Duck

Kemuri

This Sathorn’s eatery promises authentic Hong Kong-style roasted duck

There’s a new Cantonese barbeque specialist in Silom. Located in Sathorn Soi 11, Apollo Duck serves up roasted duck that’s crispy on the outside and juicy and tender on the inside. Here, the scent of lychee wood infuses into this umami-packed roasted duck, and the meat is tender and naturally sweet. The skins are glistening and crispy with a little bit of crunch, all coated with natural duck fat. Order a mix platter (B250) loaded with options of your choice, from the roasted duck, mouthwatering char siu, or the simple moo krob.

A new restaurant brings a taste of the Mediterranean to Phayathai

If you love mushy hummus, crunchy falafel, and crisp, wafer-thin pastries, head to this newly-minted Mediterranean restaurant opened in Eastin Grand Phayathai Hotel. Found on the 22th floor of the hotel, Trattoria 22 boasts stunning floor-to-ceiling window views of the city and is connected to the hotel’s pool. You might have your doubts about hotel restaurants, but the food’s authentically straightforward, homey, and generous. Take its mezze board (B650) featuring three different dips: avocado hummus, a cheeky twist on the classic topped with fresh pomegranate, smoke-scented aubergine baba ganoush, and tzatziki (cucumber yogurt)—all couched by falafel fritters, tabouleh, olives, and pita bread—ideal for sharing.

Chinatown’s hip dessert shop unveils new pudding varieties

The creative Chinese-themed cafe Ba Hao Tian Mi is celebrating its 4th anniversary with new, jiggling puddings. Expect the melt-in-your-mouth nama (raw) chocolate pudding (B128)—silky and smooth with a bit of bitterness—or opt for the banoffee pudding (B148), complete with slices of banana, whipped cream, and intensely rich caramel. Those who prefer something more old-school can go for their toddy palm pudding (B128) instead. Opened in 2019, Ba Hao Tian Mi branched off from its elder sister Ba Hao found on Chinatown’s hip Soi Nana serving Chinese-themed cocktails. ●

VILLA FRANTZÉN

7, Soi Yen Akat 3, 087-344-8222. Open daily, 5:30-11:30pm

Swedish chef Björn Frantzén — the threestar Michelin chef behind the eponymous restaurant empire the Frantzén Group — upended the Nordic dining scene in Bangkok with the opening of Villa Frantzén. Helmed by Executive Head Chef Nilas Corneliussen, the menu follows a Nordic theme with subtle Asian touches. Taking a slightly unconventional approach to set dining, Villa Frantzén lets diners choose one of two options for each portion of the sixcourse tasting menu, which includes dishes like cured Norwegian salmon, crispy brown rice with deer, and a homemade smoked ice cream. You can also pay extra for supplementary sides. Plus, there’s the option to savor your dinner with expertly curated beverage pairings.

Get a complimentary Oyster 63.4C. and beverage valued THB 700++ for UOB Infinite, UOB PRIVI Miles, UOB Premier and UOB Lady’s Solitaire

(Limit 1 set /card /table /sales slip)

(Advance reservation is required Tel. 087344-8222 and please mention “credit card promotion” upon booking and arrival)

1 Apr ’23 – 31 Mar ’24 Terms and Conditions apply

Ba Hao Tian Mi

Trattoria

New Sathorn speakeasy puts a stylish Thai spin on the prohibition theme

A stylish speakeasy with a prohibition theme and high-end drinks has turned a retail space into a bar. However, it’s not more brass handles, flapper fashion, and jazz; the Green Door is meant to reflect Thailand’s own little form of prohibition that has been annoying mid-day drinkers since 1972. The design, too, is awash in modern Thai design touches, from the filigree green door to Thailand Miss Universe 1988. The name—which you might know from watching old prohibition movies—is indicative of a spot serving booze during US prohibition in Chicago (and still is). Found in a shop in Sathorn with a patio leading to their own green door, the retail space turned speakeasy comes from the brains behind 1826 Mixology and Rooftop Bar.

Fun, kitschy Fatboy Izakaya is now open for lunch

Fatboy Izakaya now has a lunch menu, and on it diners will find curried mushroom katsu (B300), crispy koji chicken leg (B400), and wagyu beef teriyaki (B460). Big ticket items include the kanpachi, salmon, and akami sashimi (B550) and the lacquered lamb rib

(B650). All lunch sets include miso. Coffees start at B80, matcha at B140, or you can splash out for a sakura cocktail (B250).

Futuristic, train-inspired cocktail bar and nightclub opens in Thonglor

Much ado was made of the 60,000sqm, 24-hour outdoor mall at the half-finished Marche at Thonglor, and now the space is welcoming Thonglor’s next big cocktail and club experience: Echelon. The new space is inspired by Snowpeircer—but not the ChrisEvans-roach-eating-bit. No, this place is a train car from the future filled with plush reds and sleek silver of first class, emblazoned with the neon, “Too alien for Earth, too human for outer space.” Starting at 6pm this stylish new spot acts as a cocktail bar serving wild and sci-fi drinks like the Chemical X (B390) or the upscale Goddess of Love (B790) garnished with an actual rose.

Shanghai’s Bar Rouge club brand sensation finally open in Bangkok

Just 600 meters from the Asoke intersection, Bar Rouge officially opened its door recently. Set up on the 6th floor of the Pullman Bangkok Grande Sukhumvit Asoke hotel, Bar Rouge

Bangkok’s brand comes from Shanghai’s fashionable Bund, where they partied for 18 years. Club kids can expect live music, international DJ sets, and theme parties. The interior is—as you might have guessed—red and filled with dancing beautiful people, the view is from the 6th floor of the Pullman where club-goers can expect bottle packages, signature cocktails, and gourmet bar bites.

Central World gets a Hong Kong institution in Mak’s Noodle

Hong Kong’s legendary noodle restaurant Mak’s Noodle is opening its first outpost in Thailand at 7/F CentralWorld soon. With a rich history dating back to 1920 in Guangzhou, China, Mak’s Noodle was established by the late Mak Woon Chi before relocating to Hong Kong during WWII. Since then, three generations have handed down their wonton noodles to become a culinary sensation for both locals and tourists. Expect its duck-egg noodles coupled with plump shrimp dumplings, and dive into the comforting bowl of hearty broth made from dried shrimp, ground flounder, and pork bones. Currently, there is no official opening date. ●

Echelon Green Door

Fatboy Izakaya

THE 10 BEST BANGKOK BARS FOR BEER LOVERS

Mikkeller

It should be no surprise that one of Bangkok’s oldest craft beer heavyweights still tops the list of the city’s best beer bars. Between the gargantuan beer list sourced from 17 countries, the food menu, weekly deals, and beer-focused tasting events, the ’50s-era Thai house on Ekkamai Soi 10 that Mikkeller calls home feels more like a craft beer embassy than a humble bar and restaurant. Serving from 30 taps and a startlingly diverse range of bottles, Mikkeller is home to people who care about beer and friends just enjoying the green, open space.

26, Ekkamai Soi 10, 082-283-1274. Open Mon-Fri 5pm-midnight; Sat-Sun 11am-midnight.

Hair of the Dog

What do you think of when you think of craft beer? That’s right, a morgue. The design here is striking to say the least, but in between the mortuary slabs sits one of Bangkok’s best selections of taps, featuring round-the-world craft brews, ’80s movies on the TV, and rock/metal providing the tone. This place takes beer seriously and hosts tastings for the craft beer aficionado. There are two locations, with the OG location in Ploen Chit, and the larger two-storey space in Phrom Phong that will also mix you some fun gin drinks and bring you brekkie from Breakfast Story.

2/F, Mahatun Plaza, 888/26 Ploen Chit Rd., 02 650 7589. Open Mon-Sat 5pm-midnight.

Duke of Beerington

This humble craft beer dwelling sits just a couple steps from BTS Thong Lo, but we suspect it doesn’t get many random walk-ins. The space is nearly invisible from the mouth of the small soi, but brave your way past the nearby izakaya into SK Tower and you’ll find it. Inside, scant seating is forgiven by a 100-strong craft beer selection that updates almost daily—a must visit for Bangkok beer heads.

G/F, SK Tower, 858 Sukhumvit Rd., 092-8877141. Open Tue-Sun 11am-2pm, 5-11pm.

Chitbeer

For this one, you might need a designated driver. Just north of Nonthaburi, this stiltbar brewpub hub has been the best reason to visit Koh Kret for over a decade. Found on a river island, Chitbeer looks out over the quiet Chaophraya of Bangkok’s north, providing a lowkey nightlife oasis—but they take their beer seriously. Bangkokians should note, though, that the new year brought a fresh iteration, Chit Hole, closer to downtown (see below).

219/266, Baan Suan Palm, Koh Kret, 089-7991123. Open Sat-Sun noon-9pm.

Code Craft

Ever wanted to rub shoulders with Thailand policymakers over a couple of craft brews? Well this is your spot. Code Craft’s proximity to the Parliament building means more than a few of the city’s legislators knock back beers here after work. The space might be tiny (when we say rubbing shoulders, we mean it), but packs in a respectable beer fridge in between its small white tables and has a rotating selection of craft beer on tap—including Thai favorites Devanom and Mahanakhon. The bar sits just a short jaunt away from Tao Poon MRT and is impossible to miss thanks to its neon hued window signage and sticker-laden walls.

17, 8 Pracha Rat Sai 2 Rd., 095-549-0945. Open daily 6pm-midnight.

Time to knock back a cold one at some of the best beer bars in the city.

▲ Beer Belly

▲ Mikkeller

Eight Days a Week Home Bar

In Bangkok, there are two types of craft beer bars: those selling the latest highpriced imports, and those aiming to support local brewers. Saphan Kwai’s fantastic Eight Days a Week Home Bar, from the founders of the defunct Head Over Heels, falls within the latter. Hidden in the parking lot of a business complex off up-and-coming Pradipat Road, the bar sells only Thai craft beer. Order a beer, get some gap gleam like spicy Sichuan wings, and settle in for low-key live music or chats with the friendly owner.

2 Pradiphat 13, 082-463-9561. Open daily 5pmmidnight.

Bottle Rocket

This dimly lit, space-themed bar is a beer enthusiast escape pod. It sits so close to Sanam Pao BTS that you can see the stairway from the bar’s giant porthole-style window on the second floor of its shophouse perch. Room here is sparse, but the space does a good job of cornering off little nooks to make the tight quarters feel private. Every Mon-Thu you can score B200 on all taps from 5pm-8:30pm, which by craft beer standards is a mighty good deal.

2/F, 226/7-8 Phahonyothin Rd., 091-808-4338. Open daily 5pm-midnight.

Beer Belly

This spacious beer room has been holding it down in 72 Courtyard for nearly seven years, and boasts a hefty 26 beers on tap. This isn’t a craft beer specialist as much as it is an import specialist. Expect to see the likes of Guinness, Asahi, Budweiser, Hoegaarden, Vedett, and Sapporo mixed in with the occasional foreign craft beer like Heart of Darkness. There’s bar seating and tables outside for when the weather’s fine, while inside has larger spaces suitable for playing games like jenga, chess—all available to play for free. You’ll also find a pool table, ping pong table and a dartboard.

G/F, 72 Courtyard, 72 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 063-237-6093. Open daily 5pm-late.

Baan Dok Kaew House Bar

With Bangkok developers seemingly hell bent on tearing down every old building in the city and replacing it with a giant, shiny cube of sleek apartments, it’s downright wholesome to know a spot like Dok Kaew House Bar exists. Taking over an 80-year-old, two-story house out the back of Rama 6, this beer bar not only boasts arguably the best selection of local craft brews this side of town, but also some pretty good Thai food—to go with a few creepy claims of ghosts. A must-visit if you find yourself near the Ari neck of the woods.

71 Rama 6 Soi 28, 089-993-1663. Open Mon-Sat 5-11:30pm.

Chithole

Whenever you talk with people about going to Koh Kret, the first stop (and last) stop on your list is always Chitbeer. Thankfully, this January owner Wichit “Chit” Saiklao opened a second iteration of the beloved beer abode just over the river north of Thonburi by Krung Thon Bridge. Unlike the cramped but friendly over-river spot in Koh Kret, this new venue boasts a lot more space. Found next to the Royal River Hotel (which has parking), the bar can be accessed through the lobby.

Chithole Bar at Royal River Hotel, 219 Soi Charan Sanitwong 66/1. ●

▲ Eight Days a Week Home Bar

▲ Chithole

▲ Baan Dok Kaew House Bar

BANGKOK TO MACAU: THERE’S WAY MORE TO DO THAN GAMBLE

After strict lockdowns pretty much closed off the city to visitors, Macau is back and more approachable than ever.

Macau is a name you probably haven’t heard in years. Because of the intermittent and strict lockdown measures, the special administrative region—and only place in China where gambling is legal—has been largely off limits for three years. Before the pandemic, the city of just over 600,000 residents saw over three million visitors per month. During the lockdowns, visitor numbers failed to eclipse one million and in some months dipped below 100,000.

The experience has forced Macau to rethink its approach to tourism entirely and attempt to diversify away from gambling dollars, which made up 80-percent of the city’s total revenue before 2020. The result is a somewhat reimagined Macau focused on funneling travelers towards local restaurants, bars, and other attractions. The city’s compact size and breezy walkability make it easy to see plenty of it in a single weekend.

WHAT TO EAT

Macau’s past as a Portuguese colony means you’ll be eating a mix of European and Chinese mainstays. The Portuguese egg tarts at Lord Stow’s (B48/piece, B280/6 pieces) are famous well beyond the city walls and are worth a trip to the colorful Taipa Village district.

Gorging on pork chop buns is another requisite eat for visitors and can be found all over the city. Not too far away from Lord Stow’s is Tai Lei Loi Kei, where you can find one of the most sought-after versions of the regional favorite (from B235).

African chicken, a uniquely Macanese dish that sees barbecued chicken lathered in a thick, aromatic sauce brimming with African spices, is another musttry dish that’s found everywhere. Riquexó is the go-to spot for that and other unique dishes, like diabo stew, you’d be hard-pressed to come by outside the city.

WHAT TO DRINK

Wine, cocktails and coffee are the target for most visitors here—and a lot of booze drinking happens on the Macau Peninsula side of the city. The off-menu Bloody Mary at Spacebar Cafe on is one of the best versions of the drink we have tried in a long time. A few minutes walk away is

Two Moons, a cafe-by-day, bar-bynight that whips up a mean gin and tonic and boasts one of the best whiskey collections in town.

For Portuguese wine (required drinking for visitors who consume alcohol), head to MacauSoul on the same side of town, which boasts a range of 400 Portuguese bottles and decent food to match.

There are a good handful of decent cafes around town, too. On the Cotai side of town where Taipa Village is, head to Lamgo Coffee & Roasting—a small shophouse not far from Lord Stow’s—to snag a south Italian espresso for B78. On the Peninsula side, Bloom Coffee House offers a pricier and more concise menu, but is still frequented by bean heads all over town.

WHERE TO GO

This is the part where you will need the least advice. The remains of St. Paul’s Cathedral tops most to-do lists, as are other relics from the Portuguese occupation like the Guia Fortress and Fortaleza do Monte (which houses the Macau Museum). Other, non-historic options include the Giant Panda Pavilion and TeamLab immersive art exhibit are worth visiting and make for great photo ops.

Dietrich Neu

Lord Stow’s

Mizumi

Golden Tree

Cloisonne Camels

GLITZ AND GLAMOR

While Macau is putting in an effort to diversify away from being so heavily reliant on casino revenue, this is still the Vegas of the East for a reason. All of the heavy hitters in the casino world— Wynn, Sands, MGM, etc.— have strong presences here. These places are also, by and large, the homes of the city’s Michelin-starred eateries and cocktail bars that crack the annual “50 Best” lists. While there is a lot of glitzy competition for the monied traveler’s dollar, ask folks around town for the hotel that tops the lot as the fanciest and many of them will quickly say the Wynn Macau.

The mammoth, 1,000room hotel sits on the banks of the Nam Van lake on the Peninsula side of the city, no more than a few minutes walk from local tourist sites like St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Guia Fortress.

It’s the first of the brand’s two core resort casinos in the city, and probably the most exuberant. Even the one-bedroom suites here are surprisingly large (185sqm), and feel like miniature houses replete with private spa

THINGS TO KNOW

rooms, two bathrooms, full bars with counter seating, soaking tubs and king sized beds lined with Egyptian cotton sheets.

It’s also home to two of the city’s prominent Michelin star restaurants. The two-star Mizumi, its flagship Japanese venue, splits between a high-end omakase sushi, teppanyaki and a traditional kaiseki menus. The interior of the venue oozes those fine-dining vibes with a floor-to-ceiling crimson red color scheme accented by gold metal accents and artwork from contemporary Japanese-born, Vegas-based pop artist Sush Machida. A few steps away on the ground level is two-star Cantonese restaurant Wing Lei. It’s arguably one of the best places in town to find Canto fine-dining food, but often twisted with imported ingredients like barbecued pork topped with French Kristal caviar.

Across the peninsula on the Cotai side is where you will find the Wynn Palace. It’s most recent addition to the brand’s portfolio and sits close to the Cotai Strip, Macau’s answer to the Vegas Strip, where you will find gleaming

replicas of London’s Big Ben and Paris’ Eiffel Tower—in pristine condition compared to their real counterparts.

The rooms here are almost more opulent than what you will find at the Wynn Macau. The Penthouse Suite, of which there are only four, boasts 24hour butler service, custom beds made by Frette, TVs the size of entire walls and views over Performance Lake—a fountain lake in front of the hotel with a gondola ride around the perimeter for guests to ride. Wynn Palace also boasts Michelin street cred through the one-starred Wing Lei Palace, an analog to the Wynn Macau venue, and the two-starred Sichuan Moon.

Both hotels, much like many of their competitors, include lavish spreads of luxury brands across the ground floors—you will get used to seeing names like Gucci, Bulgari, Chanel, Burberry and the lot as you wander through both locations. Macau doesn’t charge a VAT or sales tax on most goods, which means you can score most items, including luxury goods, at a discounted price compared to Bangkok.●

Flights from Bangkok to Macau

Price

Around B6,000 (Thai AirAsia) roundtrip. Travel time 2 hours, 30 minutes.

Stock up

on Hong Kong Dollars

The local currency, Macanese pataca, is not used outside the city and exchanges in Thailand don’t carry it. Grab a pile of HKD at the airport instead, which is used interchangeably throughout Macau.

You Don’t Need a Visa

Like many other nationalities, Thai passport holders do not need a visa to gain entry into Macau as long as they stay no longer than 30 days.

Encore Grand Salon Suite

Hadouken!

Street Fighter

pairs

with Onitsuka

Tiger for shoes available at Siam Square One Street Fighter 6 landed last month and fans are kicking up a storm with the Russian Zangief, the Chinese ChunLi, and whatever the heck Blanka is. If you’re looking for a new way to get into the game, Onitsuka Tiger has a new collaboration to mark the Capcom favorite’s launch.

Capcom and Onitsuka Tiger—both Japanese companies—have teamed up for a third time to create the Endactus model, which will actually appear in the game itself. In addition to kicking like Kimberly (or E Honda at least), the sneakers will come with a Street Fighter logo on the heel.

The shoes will be available at the Onitsuka Tiger Global Flagship Store and online at Siam Square One starting June 30.

The last collaboration between the two Japanese brands was in 2022, with shoes inspired by Street Fighter V Arcade Edition; the sneakers then were based on Kimberly and Chun-Li, featured in the Mexico 66 model and the Delecity model.

Chic perfume brand Le Labo open first flagship Thailand shop at Siam Paragon

Via France and New York, the boutique and bespoke perfumes of Le Labo are now available in Bangkok at Siam Paragon, the brand’s first flagship store in Thailand.

Found on the first floor of Siam Paragon in their Fashion Gallery Zone, the concept behind the brand is “craft” perfume with hand-blended scents. Go in the shop and get led around by your nose with one of their on-site scent experts. In addition to perfumes, shoppers will find a selection of lotions and shampoos.

Le Labo—or, “the lab”—is famous as much for its design and style as it is for its fragrances, with a behind-the-scenes sort of shopping experience you rarely get with a perfume.

Perfumes here are named after the main scent note and a number that indicates the scent’s total ingredients, such as Bergamote 22 and Thé Matcha 26. Owned by the American cosmetics giant Estée Lauder, the brand began in New York in 2006.

Unforgettable nights await at Rajadamnern Stadium, where Muay Thai takes center stage

Experience the awe-inspiring art of eight limbs at Rajadamnern, the world’s first Muay Thai stadium. This iconic combat sports arena offers a mind-blowing spectacle, making it a prime-time destination for an unforgettable night in Bangkok. Rajadamnern offers electrifying vibes with modern Muay Thai–at the birthplace of the sport itself–complete with free-flowing beer, live DJs, and more every Saturday. For an authentic sensorial journey, delve into the traditional Muay Thai experience, where you can witness the mesmerizing Traditional Wai Kru and enjoy the live performances of a Thai orchestra band. At Rajadamnern, every day is a Muay Thai day, with a seven-day action-packed calendar.

8, Ratchadamnoen Nok Rd., 02-281-4205. Open Mon-Tues 7-9pm; Wed-Thurs 6-10pm; FriSat 7-9pm; Sun 10am-12pm, 6-10pm

Sukhumvit Soi 21 gets a new shopping and community space

A collective of shops and eateries known as the Neighbourhood off Sukhumvit Soi 21 brings restaurants, workshops, an outdoor area, and salon and barber services.

The pet-friendly grand opening kicked off in late May, and the new space will feature a retail space called The Shop Upstairs on the second floor with local and artisanal brands for clothing, cosmetics, designer items, and more, and the grand opening this weekend will include a pop-up market with more than 20 local brands.

There’s also a private salon for nail art, painting, and other offers, as well as a tattoo studio Studio Else scrawling on ink from their resident tattoo artist.

Food offerings include Sor’s Sliders and Nuas Nuas as well as BoLo from Neighbourhood, serving up blended bowls. The Bar features coffee and cold-pressed juice alongside cocktails and natty wines.

Brought to you by

Le Labo

Neighbourhood

HONEY, I’M HOME: CHIANG DAO COUPLE JOIN THE HONEY WINE TREND

Day Drinkers Collective makes honey wine in the mountains of Chiang Dao. Already found in high-end venues in Bangkok, the wine-like drink comes from a Thailand-based couple Will Le Masurier and Pitchayapak Wongsasuk who discovered the joys of mead-making in San Francisco and decided to bring it to the honey at home. Thailand got its first official homegrown mead in 2017, and the trend is growing. BK speaks with Will about the making mead and the honey wine boom.

Mead, that’s a bit niche. How did you get started?

We got the idea when we were in San Francisco, about a year and a half ago, and we went to a meadery over there, and it tasted so good, you know. Like, we couldn’t believe they were doing this stuff just from honey. And we live in Chiang Dao, and we figured there’s so much honey in this area, lots of different types of honey. So my girlfriend started experimenting with it. It’s just honey, water, and yeast. We create it just how wine is made, so it’s a 12% honey wine. It takes about a month to two months to make, and now we’re playing around with pét-nat (pétillant naturel) and stuff like that. So we’re really trying to go in the natural wine direction.

Where can readers find your work in Bangkok?

We did some events down in Bangkok. Soho House invited us in February for their preopening, and we also started supplying Jim Thompson. We were down there [in March] for the opening so they’re putting our drinks on their menu. But right now we’re still doing very small quantities. It’s all our money, so like step by step every batch that we make, the money goes into producing double. Yeah, I mean I would say it’s my girlfriend that is more the face of this, you know. I’m really just tasting it.

How are you getting along with Thailand’s alcohol laws?

So, actually we decided to do this because it falls under a wine license. That’s not difficult

to get. In our area, there’s a lot of fruit wine producers who have licenses and can legally produce and legally sell and legally distribute. Just no one’s been doing mead. So this falls under cider, lao khao, and wine.The department in charge of giving out licenses to create alcohol in Chiang Dao, and you can get a type of community license. It’s taken about four months for the process.

Could you tell us a little bit about you and your girlfriend and how you got into fermentation?

My family house is in Chiang Dao. I’m half Thai, half British—moved back about six years ago and met my girlfriend about three years ago; she’s from Mae Sai. About a year ago she was getting into fermentation and creating like you know, ginger beer and stuff like that. I’m just really interested in fermentation. After we went to San Francisco, she started experimenting for about a year and then we just invited our friends over to our house—our guests and stuff like that. We invited them did some tastings and stuff like that, like really casual, you know. We were just doing it for fun, and then it started tasting really good. Anywhere else curious drinkers can try your mead?

This place called Neighborhood just started buying it, Neighborhood Bangkok, this place called Tender—it’s like a boutique type place. ●

Day Drinkers make mountain mead you can find in Bangkok.