BK Magazine 809

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In Too Deep Meet the 23-year-old creator of Netflix’s new Thai thriller Tune In Eight Thai bands to put on your Spotify playlists this year Can’t Take No More Bar and restaurant owners are defying the latest restrictions Ak-tung Baby David Thompson’s Aksorn takes you on an unexpected journey

Time flies when you’re—

NO. 809 JULY 09, 2021. www.bkmagazine.com

Tone Deaf

Influencer, blogger

Femtwit #MAT #Metoo

Socialist down with the capitalism!

NoCPTPP #ban7-11

Thai youth

#f*ckthecoup

No Salim Shopping List #boycottdara #boycottsalims

Cancel culture has arrived.

Is that a good thing?

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2021

through our trusted guide.

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page 3 Who's in charge?

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BK EDITORIAL

upfront

Managing Editor Craig Sauers

How to evade fines for booze shots like a pro

Senior Writers Veerabhatr Sriyananda, Alisha Pawa, Porpor Leelasestaporn Contributors Megan Leon, Chayanit Itthipongmaetee GROVE: COCONUTS MEDIA BRAND STUDIO

Clearing up misconceptions There’s a lot of confusion at the moment, but we’re here to help. Take our quiz to find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions circulating in Bangkok.

Head of Grove Juhi Bimbhet Business Director Dietrich Neu

1. Is it safe to go out right now?

Account Manager Summer Lee Digital Account Manager Nuttajuk Kittichailuk Senior Project Manager Sirinart Panyasricharoen Project Manager Sawanya Chantarakana

05

Art Director Vatanya Bongkotkarn Production Supervisor Komkrit Klinkaeo Senior Graphic Designer Umporn Jiaranai

cover story

Unpacking cancel culture in Thailand with academics, experts, and the recently canceled

Senior Business Development Manager Orajira Sukkasem Business Development Manager Tassanee Mahamad, Chalida Anuwattanawong, Joseph Toh, Ain Zulkifni, Waranuch Thaneerat Business Development Executives Palita Nueangnit SOIMILK Editor Noranartta Chaikum Senior Writers Rujiyatorn Choksiriwan, Kristiya Chaisri Publisher, Printer, and Editor Tara Rattanaphas

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a No b Yes, if you take precautions c Yes, but only to Siam Paragon d Why would you ever want to go out again? You have everything you need right here…

2. Can I travel to Phuket? a Yes, if you’re a member of the cabinet b Yes, if you’re invited on a TAT junket c Yes, if you’ve had two doses of a Thailand-approved vaccine or, conveniently enough, just one shot of the AstraZeneca vaccine, no other paperwork required, which isn’t the same as having had two shots of a vaccine at least 14 days before your trip, as well as the mountains of paperwork and the receipt of payment for three Covid-19 tests international arrivals must provide, but who’s counting? d All of the above 3. Am I eligible for a vaccine?

feature

a Yes, if you were really thinking and bought a ticket for an appointment off someone in Klong Toey b Yes, if you work in government or for an essential service such as a shopping mall or alcohol conglomerate c Yes, if you are a 60+ foreigner, you have a visa type that lets you jump ahead of the elderly and infirm in the queue, or you are a middle- to upper-class Thai national d We don’t know, man, you tell us

8 Thai bands and solo musicians to follow in 2021

4. I would like to get a drink at a bar or restaurant. Will I be able to do that soon?

BK Magazine is a Coconuts Media publication.

Founder and CEO Byron Perry Coconuts TV Head of Content Vim Shanmugam Operations Manager Clarissa Cortes

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BK Magazine is edited by Tara Rattanaphas and published 24 times a year, twice a month by Coconuts BK Limited. Copyright © 2020 Coconuts BK Limited.

The titles “BK Magazine” and their associated logos or devices, and the content of “BK Magazine” are the property of Coconuts BK Limited. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited. Article reprints are available for THB50 each. The magazine may not be distributed without the express written consent of Coconuts BK Limited. 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.

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a No b Also no c That’s a hard no d There are discussions at parliament that will allow—just kidding! The answer is no.

food & drink

5. Are my basic rights being eroded?

Aksorn unearths recipes you’ve probably never heard of before

a Yes b No, and we’re going to fine you for suggesting as much c So bold of you to assume you ever had rights d None of the above but also all of the above

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15

shopping

the last word

Bring the donut shop home

Sita “Mai” Likitvanichku

Answer key: 1. B, and also C, judging by the crowds at Paragon 2. D 3. D 4. Do we really have to do this?

5. D

upfront INSIDE SCOOP

THE NEW ALCOHOL LAW: WHAT’S OKAY AND WHAT ISN’T? Terrified of the fines that might be levied on you for sharing shots of your drink if the government passes a proposed anti-alcohol advertising law?

Below are examples of photos you can post without fear.

YOU SAID WHAT?

“This is insane!!!!! And, quote ‘It’s also worth noting that the authorities who fine businesses or individuals will get to keep a percentage of it— an incentive to encourage enforcement of the law.’ …. What???????????

Holly Hell!!!”

— Facebook user Pedro Da Costa on a proposed law that could lead to you being fined B500,000 for posting a photo of your drink online

“YUM big up Ari” —

Instagram user hannahpriestley97 on the new branch of Japanese gelato outlet Rintaro that just opened on Phahonyothin Soi 8

“It’s like that big project you knew was due for school yet you wrote it the night before” —

Facebook user Sean Kilduff on the Phuket sandbox

HOT OR NOT

ANGER

นะจ๊​๊ะ

The list of things Bangkok is raging about continues to grow: blanket pandemic restrictions, unsigned contracts for mRNA vaccines, Thailand becoming a dry state, Prayuth enjoying a Nero moment and taking a pleasure trip to Phuket with all his cabinet bros as Bangkok metaphorically burns, Prayuth chucking the peace sign na ja. Come to think of it, a lot of it just circles back to the government. Go figure.

DISOBEDIENCE

HONESTY Anutin confirms the veracity of a leaked document in which government officials suggested that giving medical professionals Pfizer shots donated by the U.S. would be tantamount to admitting Sinovac may not be effective (i.e., that officials preferred to save face rather than lives). Dude still gets raked over the coals despite speaking the truth. Tough crowd, right?

Bangkok tells you that you can’t open your bar or restaurant?

Well, some in the food and beverage industry have decided to open in defiance of the ordinance anyway. Ditto protestors. Despite the threat of arrest for violating pandemic laws, hundreds have taken to the streets with increasing regularity in protest of what they view as a failure of leadership in a moment of crisis.

DELIVERY Restaurants are fed up with high fees, Lineman drivers are attempting to unionize to fight for fair wages, and consumers are caught in the middle of it all while wishing they could just eat out again. Technology is great, but a return to something resembling normalcy would be even better.

cover | cancel culture is here

YES, YOU’RE CANCELED

Twitter trends can be astonishing. One day, users may rally together in their collective appreciation of their favorite actors or retweet funny memes. The next, the platform can turn into a war of flamethrowers, with hashtags exposing sexual harassment in universities and calling out public figures for whatever offenses they’ve committed.

Cancel culture has arrived in Thailand, and crowds are growing bolder by the day, especially online.

Since last year, several pressure campaigns against corporations, media giants, and celebrities who have supported past coups or, worse for many netizens, the current establishment have spawned online. Business groups like Minor International, for example, were targeted as part of the “boycott the Nation” campaign, and the infamous “No Salim Shopping List” took aim at corporations that fund the regime or hold pro-monarchy stances. Now, there’s even a “No Salim Restaurant List.”

And many who have tried to distance themselves from the scorching political tension, like celebrities Kanticha “Ticha” Chumma and Praya “Pu” Lundberg, have received backlash for their silence.

But cancel culture doesn’t exist only in Thailand’s virtual world.

In 2020, for example, TV host MC Ornapha “Ma” Krisadee was fired by Polyplus Entertainment after making inappropriate comments about student activists. (They should not protest, she said, “but stay home and spread their vaginas.”) And Thai film director Poj Arnon was pressured to resign from his role as an emcee for verbally offensive comments he made about the poor.

Driven by anger and frustration—if not fear of a future in which most of our basic freedoms have disappeared—many Thai citizens seem to be acting with urgency, hoping to change mindsets or repave the political landscape that has given rise to these structural problems.

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JULY 09, 2021

As Thailand’s protest movement gains steam, people are suddenly targeting more than just the government. Over the past year, once-untouchable Thai celebrities and mega-brands have fallen from grace on social media, some for being tone-deaf and others for embracing the regime—all brought down by raging torrents of angry tweets and hashtags. Like it or not, cancel culture has arrived, and it has already become a major part of Thailand’s social movement.

But has it gone too far? We talked to activists and academics about the merits and dangers of Thai cancel culture.

By Porpor Leelasestaporn

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cover | cancel culture is here

“What I like the most about this movement is that, even if you are famous or a university lecturer, if you make mistakes, you have to be responsible for them,” says Kenkij Kitirianglarp, an anthropology lecturer from Chiang Mai University, who has a notorious reputation on Twitter.

“Even if we don’t succeed in overhauling the system, cancel culture is the only tool ordinary people have to strike back,” says Rukchanok “Ice” Srinok, a 27-year-old online merchant turned social activist. “The individual voice may not be loud enough, but as a collective force, we can amplify our impact, even if we don’t have the same social privileges as [the rich and powerful].”

In response to critics who say that cancel culture has gone too far, Rukchanok counters that the opposite is more likely to be true.

2020

“People like us only have the power to raise our voices as one. We can’t do much damage to mega-businesses by canceling them or boycotting their products. But when they target us and weaponize their resources and connections, we become easy prey for them,” she explains.

We’ve gathered the biggest cancelations from the past year. What did you miss?

Like many pro-democracy activists, Rukchanok has been charged with criminal offenses for her political activism. Still, she remains hopeful that it will have an effect on Thai culture, even if it doesn’t yield immediate changes.

“Although it’s unlikely influential celebrities will change their views, heated debate and discussions give ordinary people a chance to reflect on themselves and recognize the problems in their own way of thinking,” she says.

She speaks from experience. Before she became a defender of democratic norms, Rukchanok admits she didn’t always value basic rights. After netizens unearthed a moment from her past, when she told now-political exile Aum Neko to “get out of the country and live with Thaksin,” she was canceled herself—something she tells BK she deserved and has tried to atone for. “It made me reflect on my own behavior. Still, I think it was fair game, since I’ve canceled other people, too.“

JUNE UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Praya Lundberg drew ire after refusing to comment on the forced disappearance of activist Wanchalearm Satsaksit

JULY

Online life coach Sean Buranahiran fell from grace for his Chiang Mai wildfire fundraising scandal

“You may be surprised how fast people can forget,” he says. “I don’t think there’s enough emotional investment to push for real-world social changes.”

But even if Twitter may cater to our shortened attention spans, as we hop from one Noticing how popular Twitter had become drama to the next, Kenkij gives it credit among the young and politically motivat- for the way it has expanded awareness of ed in Thailand, the 41-year-old university social issues. lecturer spent his spare time learning how to use the platform to engage with them. “Before social media existed, you would only Since creating an account in December 2020, really learn about issues like gender or racial Kenkij has built a nearly 10 thousand-strong discrimination when you went to university.

Now, these conversations are happening onfollowing. line, and people from a very young age—like In his bio, he proudly announces what he primary or high school students—are taking feels social platforms should be used for: part in them,” he explains.

“Twitter is for chord (calling things out) not He also credits social media for creating cefor academic debate.” lebrities outside of the usual upper-class cir“This is no different from how villagers cles. When he joined Facebook in 2007, acawould sanction a monk if they found out he demics like him weren’t household names, was having a sex affair in a temple,” he says, he says. “People don’t even have to know adding that he doesn’t view cancel culture who you are. You can remain anonymous as a new social phenomenon. while gaining up to 10k followers. Anyone Like Rukchanok, Kenkij isn’t sure the move- can gain that kind of influence online.” ment will yield long-lasting changes or even But having a large number of followers have a great impact on society. He cites doesn’t necessarily equate to real power the way Twitter users bounce from trend to outside of social media. “Thai society is filled trend, the 30-car-pile-up of hashtags that with many layers of hierarchy. The current occurs each day, as a roadblock to more legal system does not protect our freedom of focused efforts. expression as it should,” says Kenkij. “People are facing very real lawsuits, whether it’s defamation or lèse-majesté, from things they said online.”

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

Netizens call for a boycott sponsors of Nation Multimedia Group, publishers of The Nation

Sri Panwa hotel owner Vorasit “Wan” Issara was called out for smacktalking about pro-democracy activists

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

The hashtag #whatshappeninginThailand is first used to cancel Thai police and expose their brutality toward protesters

Model Kanticha “Ticha” Chumma received backlash for remaining politically neutral as pro-democracy protests continued

DECEMBER MP Bencha Saengchantra called out IconSiam for its New Year’s Eve countdown fireworks, as tight pandemic restrictions forced other events to be canceled

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JULY 09, 2021

Arguably the most canceled person online is Dawud, who declined to provide his full name for security reasons. Just a quick search through trends periodically reveals hashtags like #Dawudthesocialthreat.

“I’ve been blocked by almost 3,000 people on Twitter,” Dawud tells BK. The reason for the hatred? While most conceal the identities of the people they attack on Twitter, Dawud has exposed their faces without their consent. He adds that before people can engage with someone online, they need to at least know the background of the person they’re debating.

“It is all about accountability,” he explains.

Many might recall Thailand’s infamous run-in with the Twitter police last year.

In October, Twitter unearthed and took down almost 1,000 accounts that were allegedly part of a state-run information operation (IO). These accounts used fake profile pictures, dogpiled on tweets that criticized the government, and pushed hashtags to sway public opinion.

According to Dawud, that justifies all efforts to ensure total transparency. Without it, he believes Thai cancel culture will be inherently flawed and potentially dangerous.

He points to the speed with which posts, rumors, and calls to action move in the online world. Sometimes those rumors couldn’t be further from the truth, and that can have a ripple effect that goes beyond the digital realm if we’re not careful.

“One time people on Twitter said I was a police spy,” he recalls, describing how his account was bombarded with rage-tweets when netizens believed he was involved in the politically motivated arrest of a prodemocracy activist. “Eventually, the truth came out [that I wasn’t a spy for the police], but no one really apologized to me.”

Despite his run-in with cancel culture gone wrong, Dawud still pledges support for the movement, as long as we cancel for the right reasons. “It’s okay to be frustrated and angry,” he declares, “but don’t stray from the truth.”

Some have spoken out in defense of the freshly canceled. Kachapa “Mod Dum” Toncharoen, for instance, made a public plea in his television program for everyone to understand that celebrities must pay a price for throwing support behind social causes.

Sakkarat “Pupe” Piamworanan, an online beauty blogger with over 130k followers, understands this as well as anyone. That doesn’t mean he agrees with celebrities staying silent.

2021

Among beauty bloggers in Thailand, Pupe is a pioneer. The skincare guru created his Facebook page PupeSoSweet in 2010, but he has never limited himself to cosmetics. He often engages in online debates about social issues and shuts pro-government supporters down with aplomb.

JANUARY Actor Techin “DJ Matoom” Ploypetch was socially sanctioned for breaking the Emergency Decree’s ban on gatherings and seeding a party-based Covid cluster

07

FEBUARY

TV hostess Patcharasri “Kalamare” Benjamas was dogpiled for promoting a “miracle” powershot drink that she claimed could cure Covid-19 and many other diseases

As an online influencer who is extremely vocal about politics, Pupe is aware of the political and financial risks he bears. He has experienced them firsthand, having lost sponsorships for his views in the past. With Thailand’s entertainment industry in the vice-grip of oligopolies, however, most traditional public figures who rely on sponsorships to make money and retain their status typically choose security over speaking out.

He says he understands that losing sponsorships may be a big sacrifice for many, but ultimately influencers and celebrities might pay a greater price by tacitly aligning with Thailand’s establishment.

“It’s your choice to remain silent,” Pupe explains. “But that means it’s the public’s choice to pull back the support they once gave you if you do remain silent.”

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

JUNE

After publishing a post that coincidentally sounded like it was ridiculing the arrests of pro-democracy activists, Potato Corner’s social page was bombarded by digital mobs

Boyy’s new bag campaign triggered online outcry for exploiting Thailand’s poverty to promote an expensive accessory

After she publicly endorsed the Sinovac vaccine, Araya A. “Chompoo” Hargate was targeted by skeptocs who claimed her support was bought by the regime

At the end of June, the Tourism Authority of Thailand was railed for posting a video promoting the Phuket “reopening” as Covid-19 cases continued to climb; the video was taken down the next day

Online Influencer Thanida “Pimtha” Manalertruengkil and actor Thiti “Bank” Mahayotaruk were met with angry comments for contributing to a new Covid-19 cluster in Chiang Mai

feature | thai bands to watch

Indie Inspiration The past year and a half has been tough for musicians and fans alike. With canceled festivals limiting revenue streams for artists and no signs of the “old normal” we’re all longing for, Thai musicians have faced new challenges in the pursuit of their art as listening habits have changed.

But many have kept creating new music.

Here are some Thai artists to keep tabs on, whether you’re streaming or able to catch an end-of-year festival in 2021.

By Veerabhatr Sriyananda

DEATH OF A SALESMAN

KUNST

Label: Believe Music Veteran alternative rock band Death of a Salesman is making waves online after ending their 20-year hiatus with the single “Steal” last month, the first time they’ve been featured on streaming services like Spotify and Youtube. This song talks about the feeling of getting your hopes and dreams slashed, taken away, or “stolen,” and replaced by false promises. A very fitting song for many, considering the ongoing situation.

Tracks that will hook you: “Steal” Follow them on:

Label: Parabolica Records Formed in 2015, Kunst is a Bangkok-based sextuplet bringing the fuzzy 90s shoegaze sound (think My Bloody Valentine) back to life. Inspired by different genres, Kunst synthesizes their love of dream pop, Britpop, and post rock into their own style.

Their upcoming EP, the offensively named “Super Retard,” is a collection of five songs they’ve written since their formation.

The song “Dry Tears,” in particular, is the sonic equivalent of that optimistic friend who comforts you during your darkest moments.

Tracks that will hook you: “Dry Tears,” “Test Drive,” “Road Rage” Follow them on:

YONLAPA

DANIEL RYN

Label: Minimal Records Fans of international indie acts like Boy Pablo or Mac DeMarco, or local indie heros like Phum Viphurit or Yellow Fang, will like Yonlapa. The indie pop band hailing from Chiang Mai has built a name for itself on the Internet over the past couple of years.

Fans love them for their lyrics (sung in perfect English), the bright, atmospheric guitars, and melodic basslines. With six-figure streams for all their songs on Spotify, it’s only onwards and upwards for the young quartet.

Tracks that will hook you: “Sweetest Cure,” “Let Me Go,” “Why, Why, Why” Follow them on:

Label: Karma Sounds After releasing the lo-fi-sounding EP “Dreams” last year, up-and-coming indie pop artist Daniel Ryn recently dropped a new music video for his single “Honey Butter,” a song about one person’s longing for long-term love over temporary lust. For all the lonely lovebirds and sweethearts of the Internet, listening to this song might make your mind wander with its playful lyrics. Musically, it’s got substance, too, with its mix of r’n’b, soul, and funk all rolled into a modern-sounding package.

Tracks that will hook you: “Honey Butter” Follow them on:

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JULY 09, 2021

WHICH ARTISTS OR BANDS HAVE CAUGHT YOUR ATTENTION THIS YEAR?

PISITAKUN Label: Chinabot Politically outspoken Thai visual artist/producer Pisitakun Kuntalang followed up 2018’s “SOSLEEP” with the highly topical “Absolute C.O.U.P.” Inspired by the country’s long history with military coups d’etat, the album offers up a dissonant dose of experimental noise music built on stern techno beats and military marching drums. His songs are laced with eclectic samples ranging from rural folk music molam and luk thung to a 2014 speech by Prayut Chan-ocha (“ArArMyMy”) and Thai royal anthem (“MoMoNarNarChy”).

Tracks that will hook you: “MoMoNarNarChy,” “ArArMyMy” Follow them on:

MAFT SAI,

OWNER OF ZUDRANGMA RECORDS AND STUDIO LAM Lately, I’ve been listening to Rattanakosin Breakin’ Crew. They’re a Thai funk brass band with only four or five songs on Youtube.

I discovered them at Wonderfruit in 2019, and they’ve since played at Studio Lam, too.

Another band I like now is Scoutland. They’re a jazz trio I discovered only a few weeks ago at the “Nowhere Special” exhibition at Bangkok CityCity gallery.

SPECIAL MENTION:

HARIGUEM ZABOY Label: Flaxxist Records While most Thai indie band names sound random or make no sense at all, this band’s name was randomly named on purpose, according to the frontman. But random isn’t a word that you’d associate with their music.

Think raw, punk-inspired riffs, reminiscent of the early Nirvana sound. Their latest album, “John Young Sandwich,” features 14 tracks full of angst and no-bullshit rawness that will keep you on your toes.

Tracks that will hook you: “The Dell,” “Mind Triggers” Follow them on:

DONRATCHARAT “NUT” PHROMSOONTHORNSAKUL, CONTENT CREATOR AT FUNGJAI

THAI SHOEGAZE AND RELATED GENRE COMPILATION VOL.2: NORMALEXOTIC

TANGBADVOICE Label: Independent Chiang Mai-born, Bangkok-based street photographer Tawanwad Wanavit (a.k.a. TangBadVoice) reinvigorated the Thai rap scene with the three-track EP “No One Plays With Me.” Led by the massively viral “Pred Pa” (“A Ghoul, No?”), the EP offers fiery satire and straight-faced humor.

TangBadVoice incorporates braggadocio rap repurposed as gags (“Lan Neung”), but also social commentary (“Tang Arai”). Despite its sub-10-minute length, “No One Plays With Me” packs a punch.

Tracks that will hook you: “Pred Pa,” “Lan Neung,” “Tang Arai” Follow them on:

Spotify

Apple Music

Youtube

Bandcamp

This standout compilation has a lot to love.

“Normalexotic’” is the second installment of an exciting project by The Year Shoegaze Broke, a growing online community for Thai shoegaze fans. This album not only brings together shoegaze artists in Thailand, but also post-punk, dream pop, surf rock, noise rock, and experimental bands. If you like sweet melodies against a backdrop of saturated guitars, this will be an excellent surprise.

Tracks that will hook you: “Dry Tears” “alwaysalwaysimissyouimissyou,” “i want you in the morning” Follow them on:

I love Hinano for her creative use of opera techniques within original, classic pop songs, JIPI, the multi-talented indie folk artist, for the blend of world and electronic music in songs that talk about the stories you may encounter in life, and Laugh Laugh Laugh, a super indie group with members from bands like Yerm, T_047, and Kunst specializing in English songs.

KIRATRA “KI” PROMSAKA NA SAKOLNAKORN, DIRECTOR OF HAVE YOU HEARD?

Hariguem Zaboy is a band I always enjoy seeing live, while Soft Pine gives me lo-fi pop to unwind to. Scoutland is unexpected jazz when you’re in the mood for something different.

09

food & drink | news

Owners of bars, restaurants fed up with government restrictions RISING UP

In another attempt to curb skyrocketing Covid-19 cases, Bangkok has brought back restrictions that include a ban on dine-in at restaurants. Claiming little to no financial support from the government and citing the late-night, last-minute announcement of restrictions, some angry bar and restaurant owners are turning to civil disobedience. On Sunday, June 27, Prapavee “Bamee”Hemmatat—the person behind the Beer Wanderlust blog—announced a plan to challenge the restrictions. Dubbed Koo Ja Perd Mueng Ja Tam Mai Wa, roughly translated to “F*ck the rules, I’ll open” in Thai, the campaign encourages venues to operate with limited seating and defy the rules altogether. “If 7Eleven stores and shopping malls can open, why can’t we? The risks are all the same, you idiots,” Prapavee wrote, referring to the government. Her post has since been shared thousands of times. The government announced a plan on June 28 to compensate restaurants, which would provide monthly aid of B2,000 for restaurant staff, and for restaurant owners, B3,000 per employee on their payroll. It’s unclear, if not unlikely, this will be enough to keep thousands of restaurants currently teetering on the brink in business.

LE DELUGE

DOOR SERVICE

BLAME IT ON MY JUICE

Ari restaurant, Saphan Kwai bar announce closures

The Gaa team goes customizable with EatWell meal plans

Charoenkrung’s Tropic City shifts to squeezing juice

Wagyuism, the Ari Samphan restaurant known for its meltin-your-mouth Kobe and Hokkaido wagyu, announced in late June that it was closing for good. “We thank every customer for coming and supporting our restaurant. Now we’re officially out of business. 29.06.21,” Wagyuism wrote in a terse Facebook post. The restaurant was opened three years ago by siblings Sudarat and Aparat Adirek, whose day jobs involve importing premium beef. Nearby Buff Bar & Bistro, meanwhile, announced it would also be closing after three years in business—both signals that the bar and restaurant industry is entering its darkest days yet.

With EatWell, chef Garima Arora and company from Michelinstarred Gaa want to upgrade your meal plan. All clients start with a detailed 30-minute call to discuss goals, favorite flavors and cuisines, dietary needs, and more. Each day you’ll receive full-flavored, fully customized meals—as in, if you want Italian food, you’ll get it—based on your preferences. All meals feature whole foods, organic veggies, high-quality proteins, and healthy fats like avocado oil and ghee, and the plans cater to all diets: paleo, keto, plant-based, and more. One-day trials are B1,350.

Plans range from three days (B3,750) up to 30 (B28,500), delivery included. Line @here_bkk, 097-140-5647

With Bangkok bars closed yet again, rum-oriented tiki bar Tropic City has come up with a fresh way to make a living. Instead of shaking drinks, they’re squeezing juices. The Charoenkrung bar’s juice delivery service, Juicy, sees the bar crew making fresh, hand-pressed, no-sugar-added juices. There are six on the menu: orange; pineapple; watermelon; apple; carrot, orange, and turmeric; and pineapple, apple, and ginger. They’re available in two sizes, To-Go (300ml) and To-Share (1l) and can be delivered citywide. Order via Instagram and Facebook (@tropiccitybkk).

They deliver every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday. Free delivery in Chinatown, Asoke, Sathorn, and Ari.

food & drink | open door

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JULY 09, 2021

11

David Thompson scours old cookbooks for forgotten flavors at Aksorn The buzz: Anything Thailand-based Australian chef David Thompson touches generates buzz. And Aksorn, his latest restaurant, which offers a time-traveling journey to the past via old cookbooks, has drawn tons of attention, if not adoration, from many in Bangkok’s food circles.

The vibe: Perched on the fifth floor of Central: The Original Store on Charoenkrung, Aksorn is meant to embrace the building’s midcentury bookstore roots. Designed

by Tripsters, the restaurant evokes that legacy with a contemporary touch. The homey, 40-seat space swims in warm yellow light that shines off the stone-tiled floor, the building’s red-orange brick walls, and the granite countertop in the open kitchen. The best seats in the house? Those are on the balcony, where sofa and table seating offer views of Sathorn’s sky towers through lush plants.

The food: The focus here is forgotten, uncelebrated recipes procured from a selection of old cookbooks Thompson pored over during the 2020 lockdown. The full-course menu rotates periodically. Currently, it features 13 family recipes from renowned cookbook author and food columnist Nutchanand “Pao” Osathanond, reviving Thai culinary history during the turbulent period from the 1950s to the 1970s (B2,800++). Many are rare if not almost non-existent in today’s culinary scene. Think Miang Mhark (prawns and wild ginger wrapped

with coral leaves); Song, a duck egg wafer filled with pork and salted fish; the pungent, spicy Nahmprik Nakornbarn, a relish of smoked fish and prawns from Rama V’s court brought to the fore by Pao’s grandfather; and Plamuek Tomkhem, a stew-like dish of squid braised in plain sugar and soy. The flavors are bold and sometimes unusual—sour, umami, smoky, aromatic—and the dishes are probably unlike any you may have had before.

The drinks: Assuming alcohol will ever be allowed to be consumed in restaurants again, take advantage of the wine list, which is heavy on European and Aussie labels available in a pairing (B1,400++) or by the glass or bottle. Prefer cocktails? Aksorn has some clever options highlighting boutique spirits from Bootleggers. The tangy yet refreshing Cha Kam (B320) combines Thai gin Grandma Jinn, lime, salted lime, chakram (a salty herbaceous plant), and soda, while easy-drinking Butsaba (B320) presents a simple but effective combination of sugarcane-based Kosapan rum, citrus liqueur, honey, lime, and orange.

Why we’d come back: Thompson’s new project is nothing like his previous ventures. Arguably as much for him as for diners, that’s exciting, and it shows in the unexpected classics, the in-your-face flavors, and the energy he and his team bring to the table Alisha Pawa 5/F, Central: The Original Store, 1266 Charoenkrung Rd., aksornbkk.com.

Open Tue-Sun 6-10pm

food & drink | new & noted

Tony’s

TABLE TALK

KITAOHJI GINZA THAILAND

NEW AND NOTED

212 Thonglor Soi 8, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-714-7997.

Open daily 11:30am-11pm This kaiseki (Japanese fine dining) specialist traces its roots back 90 years to Tokyo's chic Ginza district. Expect meticulously prepared meals spread out over a lengthy set of courses, starting with sashimi and moving on to your choice of premium mains like charcoal grilled wagyu beef or steamed hairy crab. Don’t worry, they have an extensive delivery menu of bento boxes to choose from at times when dine-in isn’t possible or you just want to relax at home.

Exclusively for Citi Credit Card members Get a complimentary Mini Unagi Don or Mini Iberian Pork valued THB 950 when spending THB 4,500 or more /sales slip for Citi ULTIMA, Citi Prestige, Citi Premier, Citi Mercedes, Citi Royal Orchid Plus Preferred and Select (delivery and takeaway) (limit 1 dish /card /sales slip)

15 May – 15 Aug ’21

Kitaohji Ginza Thailand.indd 1

2/7/2564 BE 19:03

This Italian-American restaurant brings red-sauce vibes to Soi 11

Bangkok’s American street food scene goes regional with Chicago-style dogs

Get your plantpowered fast food fix for delivery

Run by chef Anthony Burd, former head man at La Scala, Tony’s takes New York’s red-sauce style up a notch. Set up in the space that used to be Rocket, the restaurant keeps it classic with white tablecloths, wood accents, and a buzzing, blue-tiled open kitchen. From that kitchen the New Jersey native cooks up straightforward classics with a farm-to-table concept that will leave you feeling nostalgic for the hearty cuisine of the Big Apple. Think meatballs al forno (B220), wood-fired pizzas, and the made-to-share veal Parmigiana (B1,860). 27, 477 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 092-329-6629

Chicago-born filmmaker Drew Kabbe, 22, turned into a restaurateur after finding himself stuck in Bangkok due to travel restrictions. With hot dog specialist Pappy’s at FooJohn, he’s offering an ode to the classic Chicago street food. Pappy’s largely adheres to Windy City traditions with its Chicago-style dog (B180), an allbeef hot dog that Kabbe says has been “dragged through the garden” with tomatoes, onions, pickled peppers, pickle spears, and mustard on a poppy seed bun. There’s also a pork version in the Fugazi (B120), plus smoked burgers, curds, and fries, all made to be washed down with a root beer float. FooJohn bldg., 831 Charoen Krung Soi 31, 062-353-5647

Family-run cloud kitchen V Burger transforms your average delivery food with a variety of plant-based choices—most of them burgers or hot dogs. Spice up your diet with the Massaman Farang burger (B189), topped with coconut-peanut butter massaman sauce, French fries, and veggies, or Das Sriracha (B129), a soy dog with house-made sauerkraut, green onions, and Sriracha sauce. Pair it all with nutritious guilty pleasures like the Choc-Banana Milkshake (B69). All the packaging is eco-friendly and sustainable, and the kitchen also customizes orders according to dietary needs: plant-based, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, or keto. V Burger is delivery-only and can be ordered via GrabFood or Lineman.

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JULY 09, 2021

13

La Dotta

The line keeps growing for Rintaro’s gelato at its new Ari branch

This cloud kitchen takes Middle Eastern fare up a notch

Eye-popping pasta bar La Dotta expands to Silom

After its first branch in Thailand took Phra Khanong by storm, Japanese gelateria Rintaro has branched out with a second spot in Ari. The highlights are their 18 flavors of seasonal ice cream, which rotate daily. Owner Shintaro Nakajima sources ingredients from local farmers to whip up flavors like Chumphon cacao with caramel nuts, Chantaburi mangosteen, and Chiang Rai passionfruit. For B120, you can pick a combination of two flavors and your cone of choice—maple or cacao, both of which come piping-hot from the pan.

For those with an insatiable hunger for sweets, they also have a take-home option (B900 for 750g). Phahonyothin Soi 8, 062-353-5647

Don’t expect your average hummus at the delivery-only Bangkok branch of this Chiang Mai-born, Middle Eastern cloud kitchen. The humble chickpea spread at Hummus Bangkok comes with a variety of nutritious toppings.

Think hummus with avocado (B210), sauteed seasonal mushrooms (B210), and even shakshuka (B210), ideal with a plate of falafel (B110), tahini on the side. The small menu also boasts a handful of pita sandwiches, four creative takes on shakshuka, and sides like the roasted cauliflower (B90)—an entire head of cauliflower roasted and served with tomato salsa, hot sauce, and chickpeas. Available on Grab Food, Foodpanda, Line Man, and Robin Hood. fb.com/hummusbkk

La Dotta Silom, which briefly opened in mid-April, is back in full swing where the Italian cocktail bar 1919 once stood.

The new digs resemble its sister branch with bright blue walls, counter seating, and loads of fresh pasta on display.

Head chef and partner Francesco Deiana brings a touch of Italy in dishes like the deep-fried truffle, sage, and ricotta balls with aged Parmigiano Reggiano fondue (B290) and tagliatelle bolognese (B590), featuring a 24-hour slow-cooked wagyu shoulder with Parmigiano Reggiano. In addition to their regular menu, Deiana will be launching special pasta dishes monthly, focusing on lesser-known pasta shapes. 10/15 Convent Rd., 02-236-5558

TABLE TALK

CHEF POM CHINESE CUISINE

BY TODD Rama 3 Road, 0-2294-3998.

Open daily 11am-2pm, 5:30-10pm This authentic Chinese dining restaurant beckons visitors inside with old-style Chinese murals painted on the outside walls and an interior replete with darks woods and red leather chairs. The food here leans on ancient (they say up to 1,000 years old) cooking techniques but riff a bit on the application for a bit of modern touch—can anyone say foie gras dumplings? But the more traditional stuff, like fried noodles in XO sauce, are just as inspiring.

Exclusively for Citi Credit Card members Get 10% discount on food only

1 Jul ’21 – 30 Jun ’22

TBT-Chef Pom Chinese Cuisine By Todd.indd 1

2/7/2564 BE 19:01

hit list | lifestyle

Lighting these candles is like bringing a donut store into your home HOME DECOR

Infusing your room with a nice fragrance can certainly lift your tattered spirits. Thanks to two Thai brands, those fragrances don’t have to be boring, either. Drop by Dough and wellness spa Panpuri have teamed up to bring the sugar-andfat aroma of the donut shop into your home, reminding you of the world you’d rather be experiencing beyond your apartment walls. Drawing inspiration from Drop by Dough’s four-bestselling flavors, Panpuri has produced a collection that includes Salted Cinnamon Sugar, Raspberry Rose, Creme Brûlée, and Mandarin & Oolong scents.

Made from natural soy wax and 100-percent cotton wicks, and sold in pottery made by Chiang Rai artisans, the candles reflect both brands’ spirit of craftsmanship (B1,800/270g). Available via Line (@dropbydough)

HOME UPGRADE

5 SMART SPEAKERS TO SOFTEN ANOTHER MONTH AT HOME Google Nest Audio B3,938 Available at Lazada

Amazon Echo Dot 4 B2,899 Available at wemall.com

Xiaomi XiaoAi Smart Speaker Pro B2,885 Available at Lazada

Xiaomi Mi Smart Speaker B1,690

Available at jd.co.th

Google Nest Mini B1,150 Available at Lazada

CRAFTS

REAL ESTATE

HOME DECOR

Spruce up your space with these Japanese-style brooms

You can buy a house with cryptocurrency, thanks to Sansiri

Wunderkammer Studio is all about adorable, auspicious items

For 30 years, Somboonphol Craft has been a manufacturer and exporter of natural, hand-crafted, Japanese-style sorghum brooms and brushes, shipping over 1,000 designs to countries like Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and the United States. Baan Boon, a subsidiary of Somboonphol Craft, is now looking to crack the domestic market with high-quality, pollen-free sorghum brooms. Ditch the cheap plastic sweeper and purchase a vintage-looking 133cm bamboo handle broom (B690), a 92cm Siamese neem handle broom (B690), or mini bamboo brush (B270). Available at baanboonbrooms.com

Thai real estate powerhouse Sansiri recently announced it was partnering with Thai fintech startups Bitazza and XSpring Digital to enable the use of cryptocurrencies in transactions. This joint partnership allows you to buy, reserve, or pay for houses, condos, and annual common fees for every Sansiri project without the need to open a new wallet.

The company claims that it only takes five minutes to confirm prices from XSpring Digital. Courtesy of Bitazza, you can choose to use any of four different cryptocurrencies to pay for your new property: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETC), Tether (USDT), and USD Coin (USDC). More information at sansiri.com.

If you’re into the cottagecore aesthetic, this adorable studio might be for you. Wunderkammer hand-makes wood- and clay-based home decor.

Items are typically limited, like pieces from the Ganesha on the Clouds collection (B2,900) or Lucky Cat collection (B1,490), gold-dipped ceramic statuettes meant to bring good luck and fortune.

All make beautiful gifts or clever pieces to dress up your apartment. At press time, the studio was about to drop a new collection called Goodnight.

Visit the brand’s Facebook or Instagram page (@ wk.thailand) to get your hands on a piece.

Shop Talk How to spend your hardearned baht.

BUY IT FITBIT LUXE SMART WATCH (B4,990) Count the steps you take across your abode with this stylish tracker.

BIN IT CLE DE PEAU BEAUTE LIPSTICK (B2,350) No one can see your face right now, so why bother?

BARGAIN TIME WITH THE IN-LAWS SURVIVAL KIT (B894) Spending extended time with the in-laws?

With everything from calming bath oils to earplugs, this kit will save your sanity. Available at anotherstorybangkok.com

the last word | next-gen cinema

Meet the young writer-director of Netflix’s new Thai mystery thriller With Netflix’s new Thai thriller Deep, a film directed by a crew of Bangkok University students, about to be released, we met up with story creator and co-director Sita “Mai” Likitvanichku, 23. The creative force behind the film, which turns sleep deprivation into a life-threatening medical experiment, talks about her passion for filmmaking and how she managed to get her first film optioned while she was still in school.

By Alisha Pawa

What was the creative process like working with a team of four directors?

We had a team of four directors, but I pitched this idea and that’s how we got the storyboard in line. Each of us took up a different role to perform. One of us was responsible for working with the different departments like the art department, handling the casting crew, and sound and production. All the cast in the film are actually new-gen students, too, so we all cried together, laughed together, and enjoyed this process.

H

ow did you come up with the concept and how did you decide to pitch it?

The idea popped up when I was in my second year at university. There were times when I wouldn’t get enough sleep, sometimes a week of sleepless nights because I was so busy in the production process. I’m just a student who enjoys making films, but at the same time, I know that it comes with a cost, which is sleep. So, I thought, what if you get money in return for being sleep-deprived? That would be insane. Then it hit me that if you don’t get enough sleep, you can even die. So how far would someone be willing to go?

That was the lightbulb moment.

You got to work with your mentors in Adirek “Uncle” Wattaleela and Wisit Sasanatieng. What was that like?

They taught me heaps of things and brought the best out of me. They taught me professionalism and told me to not fixate on being a regular student category and come out of that zone. They helped me channel my passion into my work. Our film might not be the best in the world, but I’ve poured my heart and soul into making it.

What are some of the challenges of being a filmmaker in Thailand?

I love to watch thrillers in particular, and I immerse myself in the character. Throughout any film, I get so engrossed with the characters of the film, to a point where I experience the same feelings or situations as them. My heart starts beating fast and I get so anxious.

It’s like I am the character. We don’t have this type of film in Thai cinema. I want Thai people to evolve, change their mindset, and embrace new concepts. I want to be that person to change the way cinema is perceived here, especially thrillers, and for people to experience the characters.

Oftentimes success in the Thai film industry depends on connections and status. How do you feel about that?

I think making connections is very important. I always look for opportunities like attending events at the film faculty or going to workshops. I think it’s tough but I think I can do it because I’m ready to take up the challenge. I also want to tell the new generation that it’s not easy to fulfill your dream, but don’t get disheartened and try to work hard to achieve your dream. It’s not easy to survive in this industry so you have to find that connection for yourself.

What will it take to achieve better representation in the industry—how can a working-class person who doesn’t have connections with the upper-class succeed?

You are not born with opportunities. For some people they come early, for some it takes time. We just have to keep the grind going. There will be obstacles in your way, but you have to keep pushing to achieve your dreams. I feel like if I got this opportunity, then you will, too. And if you’re also planning to make a movie, you guys are my friends because we all are daring to dream here.

This is just the beginning, I still have a long way to go.

Sunshine Court

Kannikar Court

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2020

WE’RE WE’RE WE’RE WE’RE WE’RE WE’RE WE’RE WE’RE WE’RE WE’RE WE’RE WE’RE WE’RE WE’RE WE’RE WE’RE WE’RE WE’RE WE’RE WE’RE WE’RE WE’RE WE’RE WE’RE

MORE THAN A CONTENT STUDIO. MORE THAN A CONTENT STUDIO. MORE THAN A CONTENT STUDIO. MORE THAN A CONTENT STUDIO. MORE THAN A CONTENT STUDIO. MORE THAN A CONTENT STUDIO. MORE THAN A CONTENT STUDIO. MORE THAN A CONTENT STUDIO. MORE THAN A CONTENT STUDIO. MORE THAN A CONTENT STUDIO. MORE THAN A CONTENT STUDIO. MORE THAN A CONTENT STUDIO. MORE THAN A CONTENT STUDIO. MORE THAN A CONTENT STUDIO. MORE THAN A CONTENT STUDIO. MORE THAN A CONTENT STUDIO. MORE THAN A CONTENT STUDIO. MORE THAN A CONTENT STUDIO. MORE THAN A CONTENT STUDIO. MORE THAN A CONTENT STUDIO. MORE THAN A CONTENT STUDIO. MORE THAN A CONTENT STUDIO. MORE THAN A CONTENT STUDIO. MORE THAN A CONTENT STUDIO.

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