BK Magazine 727 February 23, 2018

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The Afterlove Asia Tour 2018

One of the UK’s favorite sons will be back in Bangkok on his wildly successful ‘The Afterlove’ Tour.

James Blunt has released multiple critically acclaimed albums which have garnered him tens of millions in album sales, Grammy nominations and Brit awards. His ‘Back to Bedlam’ album was declared the UK’s biggest selling album of the 2000s by BBC Radio 1.

His most recent tour, alongside Ed Sheeran, saw James perform across The United States sold out show after sold out show. Now on the Asian leg of his tour, James Blunt will be performing crowd favorites such as You’re Beautiful, Bartender, Goodbye My Love, Carry You Home and many more alongside his stellar band for a truly memorable evening.

Do not miss one of modern music’s greatest talents for one night only in Bangkok!

JAMES BLUNT THE AFTERLOVE ASIA TOUR 2018 Presented by UG LIVE Show Day: Tuesday 27 March 2018 Doors: 7.00 pm Starts: 8.00 pm Tickets start at Baht1,500, 2,500, 3,500, 4,500 & 5,500.- Ticket available at Thai Ticket Major Tel. 02 262 3456

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Win 5-star hotel stays on page 2

BK MAGAZINE NO. 727 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018. www.bkmagazine.com

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VOTE AND WIN!

HELP US CROWN THE BEST BRANDS IN BANGKOK It is the time of the year when we put our opinion aside and let you, our beloved readers, decide what’s hot and excellent in the city.

Lend us your voice to win a luxury weekend away!

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for more info.

in the Executive Suite at Well Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 inc. breakfast and a B2,000 dinner voucher at Eat Well

TAKE PART AT bkmagazine.com/RCA Voting begins Feb 9, 2018 and ends March 9, 2018. Winners will be contacted by BK staff and announced on BK’s Facebook page.

Participants agree to the official rules (found online) and the decisions of the contest sponsors.

All prizes must be claimed within 20 days.

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4 upfront

8 escapes

Oscars Glory?

Travel News

10 avenue

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Keep Track

Raising the Bar 19 BK Now

Guess Who’s Back?

Party Time

Who's in charge?

Managing Editor Oliver Irvine Digital Director / Deputy Editor Carl Dixon Subeditor Mai Nardone Digital Content Coordinator Nontaya Kumyat Digital Content Assistant Pakchira Bunphol Writers Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj, Kasidit Srivilai Junior Writers Kankanok Wichiantanon, Neon Boonyadhammakul Art Director Vatanya Bongkotkarn Production Supervisor Komkrit Klinkaeo Deputy Art Director Peeraya Sirathanisa Graphic Designers Anunya Chobnitas, Wirankan Saiyasombut Photographer Poonsawat Suttama Video Content Manager Chanon Wongsatayanont Video Designer Saranya Laowtrakul Videographer Nattapol Srisukh Junior Video Editor Pattanagorn Adirekkiat

Where to find us!

The Asia City Media Group

Advertising Director Wanida Akeapichai Sales Managers Tipkritta Chiraporncharas, Orajira Sukkasem Senior Sales Associates Tassanee Mahamad, Nattaya Bovornsettanon, Orakarn Laohakanjanasiri

Finance Manager Supaporn Bangmoung Assistant Finance Manager Anchalee Limkhamduang Senior Accountant Maneeya Kanthongdang Accountant Manita Bangmoung Admin Executive Yaovaluck Srisermsri Contributors Kathy MacLeod

Junior Marketing Executive Narabhutr Thaemsiri ASIA CITY STUDIO Managing Editor Dietrich Neu Associate Editor Sureepak Janyapat Senior Project Manager Chayanap Tongdadas Project Coordinator Nutnicha Nuttanakorn Senior Developer Passzarkorn Youthasoontorn, Wasan Wangrach Writer-Translator Tripop Leelasestaporn Junior Branded Content Writer Chakariya Cheewatara SOIMILK Editor Nathapong Suppavatee Senior Writer Rujiyatorn Choksiriwan Writer Theerada Moonsiri Brand Manager Onwara Sittirug Sales Associates Prawpraew Pairohg, Kornkanok Sriwaranant

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

Interns Sirada Nimcharoenchaikul, Marvin Schulz, Megan Leon Cover design by Peeraya Sirathanisa

Asia City Media Group Chief Executive Officer Greg Duncan (gduncan@asiacity.net) Director Gretchen Worth (gworth@asia-city.co.th)

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BK “Asia City Living” Magazine is edited by Andrew Hiransomboon and published 51 times a year, every Friday of each month by Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd. Copyright ©2016 Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd. The titles “BK Magazine,” “BK ‘Asia City Living’ Magazine” and their associated logos or devices, and the content of BK “Asia City Living” Magazine are the property of Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited. Article reprints are available for B50 each. The magazine may not be distributed without the express written consent of Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd. Contact the Advertising Department for ad rates and specifications. All advertising must comply with the Publisher’s terms of business, copies of which are available upon request. Printed by Comform Co.,Ltd. 212 Moo 13 Krungthepkreetha Rd., Saphansoong, Bangkok 10250

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According to a NIDA poll this month, what do 68% of Bangkokians disbelieve?

That there’s any real cheese in a Pizza Company Double Cheese Pizza with Cheesy Lava Crust.

That Art Araya is better than Pan Pan at hosting Drag Race Thailand.

That it’s quicker to walk to CentralWorld from BTS Siam than BTS Chit Lom. That the authorities have a hope in hell prosecuting ItalianThai CEO Premchai Karnasuta.

• • • •

16 bites

Managing Director & Publisher Andrew Hiransomboon

The short month of Feb is at an end. That means three things: 1) You get an early payday (yay!); 2) It’s still one month till Songkran (boo!); And 3) It’s the return of our news quiz.

What does the BMA say it will take them till 2021 to rectify?

The lack of exclusive puu yai lanes on all of Bangkok’s most traffic-clogged roads.

Sukhumbhand’s travel expenses.

Replacing Pol. Gen. Aswin with someone we voted for.

The deadly smog slowly killing us from the inside.

• • • •

Who visited Japan this month and why?

Wissanu for the AVN Adult Expo 2018 and to get a signature from Sora Aoi before she retires.

Everyone you follow on Instagram for snowy Niseko dynamite.

Thaksin for a family reunion.

Premchai because B150,000 bail is less than the nightly rate for a decent suite in the Tokyo Peninsula.

• • • •

Which of these lines did the New York Times recently write about Bangkok?

“The cocktails are more expensive than on the Upper East Side.”

“The deputy PM makes Trump look thrifty.”

“America should feel ashamed. 7-Eleven’s sticky rice pork burger beats all our own burger efforts.”

“Gaggan is regularly ranked as Asia’s best restaurant. Don’t eat there.”

• • • •

What tainted this year’s Cobra Gold joint US-Thai military operations?

Mad Dog Mattis and Gen. Udomdej were caught cuddling in a sleeping bag together.

Thailand was responsible for the food and everyone knows farang hate pla raa.

Some Burmese generals were invited, someone mentioned the Rohingya, and the whole thing got totally awkward.

The U.S. promised to bring tax-free Peekskill IPA but forgot, so everyone had to drink Leo.

• • • •

latest news and trends

@bkmagazine

see what’s happening

@bkmagazine BK Magazine Friday, February 23, 2018

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upfront HOT OR NOT

Hot: Rain

Not: Smog

The BMA says it will take until... wait for it... 2021 to sort out Bangkok’s smog problem, but Dear Leader reckons all we need’s a good bit of rain. He’s called on somewhere called “The Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation” to sort it out. Until we’d heard of The Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation, we’d always thought fairground ride tester would be the world’s most awesome job.

INTERVIEW

Hot: Plastic seals

Not: Plastic bags

Starting this April, Thailand will phase out the use of plastic seals on top of water bottles, according to Thai PBS. As a consequence, water brand Aura’s stocks have plummeted, as lazy bottled water buyers who always knew it as the one, easyopen sealless option have vowed to return to the three baht cheaper Crystal water.

Meanwhile, Seh-wen has released a statement still insisting that you need a plastic bag for your chewing gum. www.fb.com/MaisonChatenet

We’re very confused. And probably you are too after we reported last week that French-Laos baker Albert Chatenet had opened shop on Charoenkrung.

OK, so here’s the deal. The new Maison Chatenet bakery has nothing to do with the former Yannawa-based croissant-maker extraordinaire, but rather comes from an entirely different pastry-and-porchetta obsessed family. The results are, nonetheless, delicious!

Not: No shows

We should all feel very ashamed. There were a whole lot of angry chefs last week after Bangkokians did their usual thing of booking tables for Valentine’s then not showing up. Twenty-one missed covers at Baan, 45 at Cocotte. Is it time this city finally embraced the credit card booking deposit? We think so, before Bangkok’s restaurateurs adopt that scourge of cities everywhere: the no-booking policy. Shudder!

THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID

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How did you get involved in Call Me

by Your Name?

Luca asked if I was interested in working with him and I immediately said yes. I hadn’t even seen the script. We worked together before. My first film with Luca was A Bigger Splash [2015].

What’s it like working with Luca Guadagnino?

Hot: Maison Chatenet Not: Albert Chatenet

Hot: Credit card deposits

Sayombhu “Song” Mukdeeprom, 48, is the cinematographer behind Luca Guadagnino’s Best Picture-nominated Call Me by Your Name. But Song first made his name as a creative force on the local film scene, and has long collaborated with Uncle Boonmee director Apichatpong Weerasethakul. We spoke to him about his work, the awards process and his frustrations with the Thai film industry.

Luca is such great guy with a vision and an open mind. He gives his crew his trust. Whenever I suggest an idea, he always says, “If you want to do it then just do it. Let’s try that.” Luca makes me feel like a family member.

And that’s why I said yes without a second thought.

Do you see any hidden messages behind Call Me by Your Name?

For me, Call Me by Your Name is a love story and a coming of age film. I never felt like it was a “gay” or “LGBT” film at all. You know, having two men in love with each other is nothing new and love has no gender limitations.

Did you know at the time of making the film that it could be up for Oscar glory?

I don’t think anyone focuses on the awards while working. We do our best and let our work speak for itself.

Awards are about politics. Everyone knows that. But I am glad to see that my work is being recognized with so many nominations.

What is on your mind when you are shooting?

There were only two words on my mind at the shoot: “sunny” and ‘’’80s.” My task was to present a picture of Italy’s summer in the ‘80s.

Since I’m a cinematographer, I have to find a way to use every element in the shot to make the film look like that. For the color palette, I have to give all the credit to the art and design team. The buzzing flies happened to be there naturally while we were filming. It was the right place and the right time.

Do you have a coming-of-age story? Any unforgettable summers?

Just sports, especially soccer. I don’t have a romantic story to tell [laughs].

What do you think are the strengths and weakness of the Thai film industry?

The strength of the film industry here is that there is always space for new faces with guts and skills. There are three main weaknesses in my opinion. In Thailand, most films are made for commercial purposes. Films are treated like a product rather than a work of art. It’s an understandable direction since the investors are more businesspeople than artists. I’m not against commercial art, but I think we should make more space for films that are inspired by or represent real art and culture. Talented people are

being oppressed and limited by a system where commercial art is taking over. It’s such a shame to see that.

The second problem is distribution. It sucks. There are not enough spaces for independent or alternative film distribution. In Bangkok, it’s possible to see an independent film, but it’s impossible in other areas of Thailand. They only have the choice of commercial theaters. And it’s related to the trend of commercial art. Anyone in the industry will understand this point about workforce and regulations. In order to make films, producers, directors, cinematographers and actors are needed, but also the workers who will help us build, find or clear a location. Our work depends on them as well. And they are not being treated properly by the investors who only care about the final product. They are humans, you know, and they deserve to have benefits and overtime pay as well.

Regulations are not well implemented or do not cover all the benefits these people deserve. It’s a Thailand-only problem judging from my experience.

What’s next for you?

Two more projects with Luca Guadagnino, Suspiria and Rio. Suspiria is now in post-production. We haven’t started filming Rio yet. Also, I’ll have two Thai films with Pongpat Wachirabunjong and Apichatpong Weerasethakul. Neon Boonyadhammakul

by Kathy MacLeod (IG: @kathy_macleod)

BK Magazine Friday, February 23, 2018

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cover story PHAYATHAI RATCHETEWI

Could the Bitcoin bubble burst?

Probably. Which is why the smart money is always on bricks and mortar. Here’s how much bang you get for your baht in central Bangkok. By Kasidit Srivlai, designed by Peeraya Sirathanisa

No worries about resale value No fancy bars and restaurants until Siam. Slumlike, rundown buildings.

2018

BUY HERE

Ideo Mobi Phayathai 500 meters from BTS Ratchetewi, starts at B6.9 million for a 30.7 sqm one- bedroom unit (around B224,700/sqm). www. ananda.co.th

Touristy because of the five-star hotels, but also experiencing a creative renaissance (thank those cheap shop-houses and TCDC). Limited space means new condo projects don’t appear often—and the neighborhood is better off because of it. Raimond Land’s The River and the latest Four Seasons Residences provide the slick, ultra-luxe end of the market.

2013 B151,900/ sqm

The Line Ratchetewi 300 meters from BTS Ratchetewi, starts at B6.9 million for a 27.75 sqm studio (around B250,000/ sqm). www.sansiri.com/ condominium/theline_ ratchathewi

SAPHAN TAKSIN AND RIVERSIDE

VALUE CHECK RENTAL MARKET

B30,000 /MONTH

for a 50 sqm unit

Crowded, not-so-tidy footpaths. A long way from Thonglor.

BUY HERE Four Seasons Private Residences (completion in late 2018) starts at B34.5 million for a 116 sqm one-bedroom unit (around B297,000/sqm). www. residences.fourseasons.com

Bangkok's CBD houses major office towers, global financial institutes, embassies and fivestar hotels. Most of Bangkok’s best restaurants and bars are here, but you also have plenty of street food. The ultimate destination for luxury high-rises and costly low-rise developments.

B135,000/ sqm

B180,000/ sqm

2018 2013

Living close to the office

RENTAL MARKET

BUY HERE

B40,000 /MONTH

Not so walkable.

The trench in the middle of Sathorn. The traffic.

Ashton Silom (completion in 2019) 450 meters from BTS Chong Nonsi, starts at B8.5 million for a 31 sqm one-bedroom unit (around B274,000/sqm). www.ananda.co.th

2018 2013

VALUE CHECK RENTAL MARKET

for a 62 sqm onebedroom unit

B220,000/ sqm

SALA DAENG CHONG NONSI

B159,000/ sqm

Shop-house Chinese food and street food.

Connection to both BTS and the Chaophraya Express.

VALUE CHECK

A short distance to shopping mecca Siam and connected to both BTS and Airport Rail Link, prices here are high.

Given its close proximity to Chula University, it has long been a darling of students whose parents can stump up the cash to buy them a condo. You’ll also have to fight with those parents to pick up any pre-sale units.

B195,000/ sqm

CONDO CITY

B38,000 /MONTH

for a 51 sqm onebedroom unit

BK ASKS What's the biggest trend among luxury condo developers in Bangkok now?

Pow Foongfaungchaveng Head of Corporate Marketing AP Thailand

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U l t ra - l u x u r y to d ay e q u ate s to “private.” We live in a world where people are obsessed with sharing virtually everything on social media, and the trend is slowly moving towards the opposite: solitude and ultimate privacy. Luxe condominiums

with a smaller number of units are likely to hold higher value.

What about the other end of the market?

The young, entry-level price condo will move towards co-sharing and community.

What makes Bangkok condos desirable compared to the rest of the region?

Apart from the price point advantage, Bangkok exudes the best of both worlds.

It’s a business city but also a leisure city, making it perfect for a second home from meetings to holidays. Bangkok has charm, heritage, culture and also the cosmopolitan lifestyle.

What’s the recipe for the perfect condo development?

Location. When you buy a condo, you don't just buy the room, you buy the locality as well. Also, smart spacial design. Some 35-sqm rooms can function as if they are 50-sqm.

BK Magazine Friday, February 23, 2018

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cover story ARI BUY HERE

Centric Ari Station 600 meters from BTS Ari, starts at B5.2 million for a 33 sqm one-bedroom unit (around B157,000/sqm). www. scasset.com

2013

VALUE CHECK RENTAL MARKET

B169,000 /sqm

Suanbua Residence 700 meters from BTS Ari, starts at B5.6 million for a 38 sqm one-bedroom unit (around B147,000/sqm). www.finehome.co.th/ suanbuacondo

Lack of fancy bars and fine-dining restaurants. Very limited parking space.

Lots of street food. Very walkable.

BK ASKS

2018

B114,000 /sqm

From a one-kilometer strip of high-profile families’ homes into a fully fledged hipster hangout. Within less than 10 years, halfcentury-old residences have been replaced by condos—mostly by Noble (currently four), though Sansiri also has one. Narrow sub sois only allow low-rise construction, while the area of Phaholyothin Road around BTS Ari is now packed with community malls and office towers that have contributed to a major rise in condo prices.

B32,000

Sumate Aramkul

Salesperson at Fullhouse property agent

/MONTH

for a 50 sqm unit

Which area in Bangkok makes the best investment buy?

Thonglor. Compared to Phloen Chit, it’s still cheaper to buy but the rental market is higher— almost B1,000/sqm a month now.

This demand comes from Japanese expats, who mostly have highpaid management jobs.

ASOKE PHROM PHONG The thumping heart of the expat community is both family-friendly and not, depending on the sky train stop. Asoke itself will set you right at the crosshairs of BTS and MRT lines, and walking-distance from the melting pot that is Terminal 21. It gets upscale and more noticeably Japanese towards Phrom Phong.

BUY HERE

Cable-free Sukhumvit Road. The wealth of restaurants and shops.

RATCHADAMRI CHIT LOM PHLOEN CHIT

The Asoke intersection (probably the world’s longest traffic light).

Soi Cowboy.

2018

Bangkok’s most prestigious area has its highest selling price per sq meter. Living here means you’ll be the neighbor of royals and diplomats. Bear in mind that only a few properties in the area are free-hold. Most are leasehold and built on royal land. Most rooms come with views of Lumphini Park and the Royal Bangkok Sports Club.

B134,000/ sqm

VALUE CHECK

B107,500/ sqm

2013

Any up-and-coming tips?

Esse Asoke (completion in late-2018) 800 meters from BTS Asoke, starts at B7.7 million for a 37 sqm one-bedroom unit (around B208,000/sqm). www.singhaestate.co.th

A ro u n d t h e A s o ke - R a m a 9 intersection. The Chinese are buying lots of property in the area because they see it as cheaper but with full MRT and Airport Rail Link connection. Due to the availability of land, many office towers have moved there.

Noble BE 19 (completion in 2020) 500 meters from BTS Asoke, starts at B7.7 million for a 33 sqm onebedroom unit (around B233,000/sqm). www. noblehome.com

What are the highest-priced condos in the city?

RENTAL MARKET

B30,000 /MONTH

Do riverside condos make good investments?

for a 49 sqm unit

Forget about street food and cheap eats.

THONGLOR EKKAMAI

BUY HERE Muniq Langsuan 900 meters from BTS Chit lom, starts at B12.9 million for a 50 sqm one-bedroom unit (around B258,000/sqm) www.mjd.th/muniq

The rental market. The convenience.

Hi-so crowd in their “activewear.” Friday night’s traffic nightmare.

Magnolias Ratchadamri Boulevard 200 meters from BTS Ratchadamri, starts at B14.9 million for 49 sqm one-bedroom unit (around B300,000/sqm) www. magnolias-ratchadamri.com

B134,000/ sqm

VALUE CHECK

B107,500/ sqm

2013

2018 2013

RENTAL MARKET

B45,000 /MONTH

for a 50 sqm unit

VALUE CHECK RENTAL MARKET

Pe r s o n a l l y I t h i n k t h ey ’ re better for real living and not for investment because the price hasn’t increased. Don’t get fooled by the words “river front” or “riverside.” Most of these condos are built in narrow-front land and not all rooms have river views. Some projects offer only 20 percent of rooms with views.

BUY HERE

B177,000/ sqm

2018

This pair of streets has everything from nightclubs to Michelin-starred restaurants, hip cafes and even a private hospital. Condo prices in the area are really strong. Many Thai investors buy rooms here in order to rent to high-income Japanese expats.

B129,000/ sqm

Leafy streets, tidy footpaths, proximity to Lumphini Park.

The most expensive area has always been around Lumphini Park, which expands from BTS Ratchadamri to BTS Phloen Chit.

A lack of free-hold land means developers are very lucky to build and the price will go mad.

Also the area around the park will forever be green space. No one can buy a public park and block your condo view.

B40,000 /MONTH

for a 57 sqm unit

The Reserve Thonglor 2 600 meters from BTS Thonglor, starts at B5.9 million for a 47 sqm onebedroom unit (around B258,000/sqm). www. thereservecondo.com Siamese Exclusive Sukhumvit 42 500 meters from BTS Ekkamai, starts at B5.3 million for a 30 sqm one-bedroom unit (B175,000/sqm). www. s42exclusive.com

BK Magazine Friday, February 23, 2018

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escapes ESCAPE ROUTES

By Kankanok Wichiantanon and Neon Boonyadhammakul

TRAT

Ready, Break

2 g n i n Tur ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION 5PM - LATE @ BEACH SOCIETY OUR MONTHLY FIRST-SATURDAY-OF-THE-MONTH PARTY TURNS 2.

A GREAT EXCUSE TO GO ALL OUT ON A PRIVATE BEACH IN CHA-AM.

5PM - 7.30PM / DJ PLEARNPLANG (Chill House) 7.30PM - 9.30PM / DJ WARAH (Hip Hop + RnB) 9.30PM - 11.00PM / DJ ZARA GIFT (EDM) FREE ENTRY / FREE SHUTTLE VAN / FREE FLOW BEER (5-6 PM) BOOK A TABLE 032 709 555 / FBADMIN@SO-SOFITEL-HUAHIN.COM

CHONBURI

Sweet Ride In an effort to draw more tourists to the city, state railway authorities have announced a new air-conditioned train service running from Bangkok to Pattaya slated to begin service in March. The launch date has yet to be fixed, but the train’s operating schedule has been announced as 6:30am from Bangkok to Pattaya, with a return journey at 3:50pm. The service will be available on weekends and public holidays only. Stops along the way are Sri Racha, North Pattaya, Four Regions Floating Market, Nong Nuch Gardens and Wat Yan Temple. Prices are still to be announced, but with a traveling time of two and a half hours the train already sounds preferable to the usual two hours in a cramped minivan. According to Khaosod English, the trial run is scheduled for six months.

JAPAN

uzume black

SOBEACHPARTY

Eastern Thailand's sleepy island paradise of Koh Mak is gearing up to welcome the 20th edition of the electronic music festival Thaibreak (thaibreak-festival.com).

Across three full days and four nights, from Mar 22-26, 24 local and international DJs will take over the decks to spin techno and house from sunrise to sunset. The island in Trat province is reachable by a four to five-hour drive from Bangkok followed by a ferry ride. If you’re daunted by the planning involved for a trip like this, don’t worry, the organizers have easy options for accommodation and transportation, too. Festival tickets are on sale now at the early-bird price of B3,000 (rising to B3,500) from goo.gl/VPRdAw.

Sakura Express

Japan’s cherry blossom season is almost upon us and you know what that means: jockeying for seats in the annual Thailand-Japan migration. In the interest of leaving no blossom-seeker behind, AirAsia (www.airasia.com) is introducing three flights from Don Muang to Tokyo’s Narita. The new flights begin on Mar 25, leaving three times a day (5:05am, 10:45am, 11:45pm) every day of the week. For a return flight, you’re looking at B10,895 without checked baggage or meals, and who needs nourishment when you’ve got hanami celebrations and the islands in full bloom.

SINGAPORE

Secret’s Out Combine Clue and Diner en Blanc and what do you get? No, we’re not sure either, but that mystery is at the heart of the Secret Theatre Project (goo.gl/fpZ7Rn). After sold-out stints in Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles and New York, the big-budget, immersive theater performance has landed in Singapore. A ticket (B3,500 for 21-and-over only) gets you a password, the dress code and a location. What follows is billed as a “sexy, dangerous thrill ride” staged somewhere in the city center. Past performances include a production of Edward Scissorhands in an abandoned factory (New York) and a haunted mansion and speedboat chase (Hong Kong). The show will run May 3-Jun 10, with each performance lasting two hours.

SO Sofitel Hua Hin | 115 MOO 7 BANGKAO CHA AM | 76120 - PHETCHABURI | THAILAND T +66 3270 9555 | F +66 3247 3190

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BK Magazine Friday, February 23, 2018

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avenue FASHION

Island Dreams The Songkran break’s fast approaching and local menswear label Painkiller has got beach getaways on the brain.

Designer Siriorn Tiankaprasit’s latest collection takes inspiration from the mystical island of Sunthorn Phu’s epic national poem “Phra Apai Manee.”

The tale, which many believe to have been set on Koh Samet, is recounted in prints of mermaids and sailing ships on items like an in-trend open-collar shirt (B3,480). The beachy theme continues in non-print pieces like the light and airy combo of a sky blue oversized T-shirt with overlapping seam on the shoulder (B1,480), pastel blue pants (B1,480), and a knitted oversized T-shirt (B1,880). 3/F, Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd., 02-658-1000. Open daily 10am-10pm. BTS Siam

GALLERY

Picture Perfect Gaysorn Village’s new Leica Gallery Bangkok proves that it’s more than just a fancy name with its first exhibition: a retrospective on the work of legendary photojournalist Nick Ut (otherwise known as the “Napalm Girl” shooter). The gallery’s lai-Thai-kra-chang-patterned walls promise photography exhibitions from some of the world’s greatest names, while there’s also a balcony cafe. Ut’s exhibition runs through Apr 30 and features 25 original photographs, including the haunting image of a Vietnamese girl scorched by napalm that changed U.S. public perception on the war. 2/F, Gaysorn Village, 999 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-656-1102. Open daily 10am-8pm. BTS Chit Lom

SPA

Urban Unwind When the need arises for a dose of hotel-quality pampering, check out Siam Wellness Group’s revamped Rarinjinda spa at Grande Centre Point Ratchadamri Hotel. Not only have they spruced up the decor with contemporary Thai touches like dark wood flooring and silk-lined walls, they’ve added to the spa menu, which is now up there with the most comprehensive in inner Bangkok. Try the 90-minute Thai massage course that would have you lying down on a bed of crusted stone (B2,800) or the face-and-body-shaping Ultra Tone treatment (from B2,400), which involves a 30-minute massage by electric pulses. 8/F, Grande Centre Point Hotel, 153/2 Mahatlek Luang Soi 1, 02-091-9000. Open daily 10am-10pm

FASHION

Big Farewell Ten years as creative director of Celine gave Phoebe Philo the time to rekindle the brand’s iconic mega-hit bags, like the Clasp and Phantom. Just before she leaves the role next month, Bangkok welcomes another of her greatest hits, the spring-summer 2018 Big Bag. Its buckle strap and oversized tote form make it more masculine, but no less minimalist-chic than your typical Celine bag. The raincoat fabric (available in black and beige colors) is what makes it truly unique and perfect for Thonglor puddle roulette in the rainy season. Prices start from B89,000. Available at G/F, Siam Paragon 991 Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-8000. Open daily 10am-10pm

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2/19/18 6:38 PM

It’s a Mad Face-Off!

ADVERTORIAL

The upcoming Mad Face Food Festival features a culinary competition for the ages

A

t the beginning of next month, from Mar 2-4, the inaugural Mad Face Food Week kicks off at Sermsuk Warehouse, Pepsi Pier (BTS Saphan Taksin). Some of the most recognizable names in the local F&B industry alongside foodies, followers and fanatics will join the three-day gathering. The event highlights alternative perspectives on the local culinary scene—those not driven by awards or even “the best” but rather by characters, community and a healthy dose of craziness.

There’s a lot to get excited about here. The event’s lively marketplace will feature 40 food stalls from the likes of Jua, FooJohn, Eat Me and Bunker—each touting all-original creations designed specifically for Mad Face Food Week. There’s also a private screening room showcasing food-related documentaries, short films and video excerpts throughout the day. When the sun goes down, the screen area turns into a private dining hall, with renowned chefs Joke Pairoj (7 Spoons), Top Russell (Freebird) and Garima Arora (Gaa) dishes out exclusive dining experiences.

The Mad Showdown The event features a “culinary competition” of sorts.

Two collectives, comprised of chefs, mixologists and a whole host of colorful characters, will be running pop-up restaurants throughout the three-day event.

Here are the teams:

Van rohitratana

joe jantraget

Black Bulsuwan

Jarrett Wrisley and Paolo Vitaletti

Red Corner: The Big Boys of Downtown

Jarrett Wrisley (Appia, Peppina, Soul Food) and Paolo Vitaletti (Appia, Peppina), have developed a cult following for their fuss-free rustic Italian food, whether it’s wonderful house-made pasta dishes or Romanstyle rotisserie porchetta at Appia or pillowy Neapolitan slices at Peppina.

Mad Face Food Week 2018 Where: Sermsuk Warehouse, Pepsi Pier

(BTS Saphan Taksin) When: Mar 2-4, Fri-Sun (3pm - 11pm) Entry: B100, includes one drink

(free if you are under 18)

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For their MAD FACE pop-up, the duo is replicating their popular “Appia Guest List” dinners. This time, they’ll be joined by a group of chefs challenged to cook out of their comfort zone—forced to follow wacky concepts under impromptu conditions. True to Guest List form, the identities of all collaborating chefs—along with what they’re cooking—will be kept secret until the very start of the meal. The team’s tagline is “where chefs make a mess,” which should tell you everything you need to know.

Drinks at the Downtown pop-up will be a collaborative effort between the drink slingers at Q&A and the bearded boys at Tropic City. Prepare for funk, fun and a whole lot of rum.

Blue Corner: The Old Town Revivalists This collection of chefs is creating quite a buzz in Old Town Bangkok. Joe Jantraget (80/20), Van Rohitratana (Rarb), Noom Triyasenawat (Samuay & Sons), Black Bulsuwan (Blackitch) are part of F*cking Chefs, one of the most innovative, edgy and informed cooking groups Bangkok has seen in some time. Each member brings their own style to the collective. Their takes on regional Thai cuisine are sometimes challenging but always comforting—focusing on bold, produce-driven flavors.

At Mad Face Food Week, The Old Town Revivalists team up with Charlie Boonyavinij of Uncle Ree's Farm.

The pop-up’s concept focuses on a zero-waste policy with the help of a specially designed on-site compost machine (not to mention Charlie's army of worms).

The food menu will change daily, featuring everything from Isaan fare to whole spit-roast animals and a ninecourse “no waste" eating extravaganza.

The bar is led by Chinatown watering hole favorites, Teens of Thailand and Asia Today, who will be creating original cocktails to complete the Old Town experience.

2/19/2561 BE 5:16 PM

bites & blends EVENT

Mad for It This Mar 2-4 promises to be an amazing weekend of eating and drinking—and we’re involved. Mad Face Food Week gathers over 40 of the city’s top foodie names—Jua, 100 Mahaseth, Bunker, Mad Moa, Simple, to name a few—for food stalls selling one-off creations.

If you made it to last month’s Made by Legacy event at Sermsuk Warehouse, Pepsi Pier, then you’ll know what to expect. The same team is organizing Mad Face at the same, industrial-riverside location. The real highlight is three special dinners. The first (Mar 2) features the food of chef Somkiat Pairojmahakij from Seven Spoons. That’s followed by a Made

by Legacy dinner on Sat (Mar 3) cooked by Top Russell from Freebird, then finally on Sun (Mar 4) comes the BK Magazine-hosted dinner prepared by Garima Arora from Gaa. Mar 2-4 (3-11pm), Sermsuk Warehouse, Pepsi Pier (BTS Saphan Taksin)

EVENT

NEW RESTAURANT

NEW BAR

Good Thing

Viva Barnes

Out Back

Here’s an inside tip about the uber-fancy Le Normandie. Since winning two Michelin stars, they still haven’t raised their prices from B5,200 for the five-course degustation menu, but it won’t stay that way forever. Our advice is to book your table this Mar 21, when head chef Arnaud Dunand Sauthier will be pulling out all the stops for the fourth edition of Gout de France, when 3,000 restaurants around the world show off all that’s awesome about French cuisine. Dunand Sauthier’s five-course offering for the occasion promises seasonal dishes for the start of spring, with no more premium on the price per head than any other night of the year. You can thank us while tucking into the pigeon mieral de Bresse. Mandarin Oriental, 48 Oriental Ave., 02-659-9000. Open Mon-Sat noon-2pm, 7-10pm. www.mandarinoriental.com

Former Opposite Mess Hall head honcho Jess Barnes has taken the reins at Viva Thonglor, a sprawling five-story building undergoing a Commons-like metamorphosis. For now, the Edison bulb-strewn ground floor serves up the kind of produce-forward, casual plates pulling from global and Asian influences for which Barnes made his name. These include comforting old faves like bone marrow dumplings (B600) and a beastly buttermilk fried chicken sandwich (B350), while even heftier sharing fare comes in the form of Chonburi goat braised in milk and wine served with gnocchi (B750)—absolutely delicious. Get a taste with the daily lunch deal that’s the talk of in-the-know Thonglorites: B375 for three courses with a coffee, tea or cool drink. 387 Sukhumvit Soi 55, 02-000-9698. Open Tue-Sun 10am-10:30pm

Seafood heavyweights Harvest have opened The WoodShed, a bar right around the corner with an ambiance that, true to its name, is dark and gloomily potent, a thing to be imbibed more than enjoyed. It’s given life by a three-piece jazz band and a rollicking menu of craft spirits and cocktails. The Limon Stripe features Rebel Yell Bourbon, house-made limoncello and nutmeg-infused vodka—that’s three alcohols for only B365. Straight shooters can skip the cocktails for the spirit menu, which offers everything from cachaca to bourbon to mescal. Sometimes, all you want is a simple glass of Plantation Pineapple rum and an ice cube (B300). 24/1 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 097-235-8286. Open daily 5:30pm-midnight.

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2/19/18 6:47 PM

The Omakase Experience

Hoshi

Sushi Cyu & Carnival Yakiniku

KTC Deal: 25% discount on omakase courses at Hoshi Rama III when spending with KTC credit cards. (requires booking at least 3 days in advance) Sushi Kappou Kitaohji

Central Rama III, Sathupradit Rd., 02-212-4340-1. Open daily 11am-10pm

Sushi Cyu & Carnival Yakiniku

KTC deal: Get 1 scoop of Haagen Dazs when spending B1,000 (limited to 1 scoop/table).

Sushi Matsuo

Sushi Niwa

2/F EIGHT Thonglor, Sukhumvit Soi 55, 02-713-8312. Open daily, 11:30am2pm, 6-10pm.

Sushi Kappou Kitaohji

KTC deal: Get a free nigiri when ordering an omakase dinner and spending with KTC credit cards (requires booking at least 3 days in advance).

Tempura Kanda

G FL., 39 Boulevard BLOG, Sukhumvit 39, 02-160-0308. Open Tue-Sun, 6-10pm

Tier 1: Up to 25% discount or other privileges (special privileges for KTC credit cards).*

Sushi Kanda

KTC deal: 15%** cash back

Tier 2:

Between Thonglor Soi 5 & 9, No. 88 avenue. 02-712-6639. Open Thu-Tue 11:30am-2pm, 5:30-11pm. BTS Thong Lo

Sushi Matsuo

KTC deal: 15%** cash back Between Thonglor Soi 5 & 9, No. 88 avenue. 02-712-7619. Open Thu-Tue 11:30am-2pm, 5:30-11pm. BTS Thong Lo

Sushi Niwa

KTC deal: Get a complimentary dish from the chef when ordering an omakase dinner and spending with KTC credit cards (requires booking at least 3 days in advance).

Ruamrudee Soi 2, 063-456-5656.

Open daily, 11am-10pm. BTS Nana

15%**

Get cash back

when redeeming KTC FOREVER REWARDS points equivalent to total spending per sales slip.

**SMS registration is required to recieve these privileges. Send an SMS to 061 384 5000 and type "DN1 (space)16-digit credit card number#(transaction/ sales slip without decimal)".

Cost is 3 Baht/SMS. This privilege is for all types of KTC credit cards.

Participating restaurants

Hoshi

Sushi Kappou Kitaohji

Sushi Kanda

Sushi Matsuo

Tempura Kanda

Meruto

Tempura Kanda KTC deal: 15%** cash back

Between Thonglor Soi 5 & 9, No. 88 avenue, 02-712-7619. Open Thu-Tue 11:30am-2pm, 5:30-11pm. BTS Thong Lo

Mizu by Sushi Cyu & Sushi Niwa Sankyodai Carnival Yakiniku

For more information.

Please contact www.ktc.co.th or 02 123 5000 Press 6

KTC_AD_Feb_23_02 - DN Edit.indd 7

Don’t miss these amazing omakase deals from KTC

Seven must-visit omakase masters in Bangkok Hoshi

Sushi Kanda

ADVERTORIAL

* Eligible for KTC VISA INFINITE / WORLD MASTERCARD, KTC VISA SIGNATURE / WORLD REWARDS MASTERCARD, and KTC PLATINUM credit cards.

Promotion period: 1 Feb-30 Apr, 2018

2/19/2561 BE 6:30 PM

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2/19/18 6:50 PM

blends ON THE BAR

Let the Boy Die

A Bar

Cloud9

ROOFTOP BARS

High Flyers How the city’s latest rooftop bars measure up against our Bangkok After Dark Awards benchmarks. By Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj

Penthouse Bar & Grill

Aire Bar

Crowd

View

Drinks

Price

Music

BK PICK!

A Bar 4.5

Aire Bar 4

5

4

4

We hate to play favorites, but yes, we’re guilty of loving A Bar the most. We love its split floor, split liquor drinking experience, where you can mull over the dark-spirit cocktails downstairs or ascend to the carefree alfresco of the top bar, where the specialty is gin.

Don’t miss the Botanist Fashioned (B365), which mixes house coffee and vanilla syrup with an oak-barrel and “secret ingredient” aged Beefeater gin. The result of the aging is a spirit with notes of smoky caramel—a gin cousin of whiskey.

Total score: 21.5/25 37-38/F, Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, 199 Sukhumvit Soi 22, 02-059-5555. Open daily 5pm-1:30am, 7:30pm-1:30am

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4

3.5

Cloud9 3

5

3.5

3

2.5

Penthouse Bar + Grill Rooftop 2.5

4

2

All signature cocktails are B280, which in the world of rooftop bars is a steal. We can thank booze experts Bootleggers for the cocktails here, whose creations are two twists beyond typical hotel libations. The bar’s also inaugurated a new drinking tradition: Sunday Sessions, 3pm until close every Sunday B1,100 gets you a pitcher of booze big enough to satisfy a five-a-side team (but we won't tell if you share between three—just watch your step on the way out).

Too cultured for bucket cocktails?

Pop open a bottle of prosecco Follador, Extra Dry, Veneto, Italy, NV for B1,000.

Silom’s Cloud 47 has been reborn in this down-to-earth (now ninth story) poolside bar. Drinks are fruity and easy to down, and perfect for post-work thawing of the brain cells. The food, too, will pleasantly lull you into near-hibernation. Pair comfort classics like the barbecue pork ribs (B680) with the Red Velvet cocktail, a mix of tequila, triple sec, pomegranate syrup and some sour mix in a glass rimmed with salt and rosemary and finished off with fresh pomegranate. All signature cocktails are B320. Has this become our after-hours staff lounge? Absolutely.

Would we suggest it for Saturdaynight shenanigans? Probably not.

Total score: 19/25

Total score: 14/25

28/F, Hyatt Place, 22/5 Sukhumvit Soi 24, 0 2 - 0 5 5 -1 2 3 4 . O p e n M o n -T h u 5pm-midnight; Fri-Sat 5pm-1am; Sun 3-11pm

9/F, Haven’t Met Hotel, 188/1 Narathiwas R d . , 0 2 -2 3 3 - 4 4 4 2 . O p e n d a i l y 5pm-midnight

4.5

3.5

3.5

4

4

The much-anticipated, garden rooftop of the Park Hyatt is finally open.

Above the grill and the secret whiskey bar with intimate live piano is an elegant space that’s necessarily exclusive, only able to accommodate 80 guests. The rooftop also has its own signature menu of four sophisticated cocktails (all B360), but you’re free to order from the grill and bar below, too.

The same goes with the wine list— 127 labels of it (from B340/glass)— meaning there’s no reason not to pass the sunset at this open-air spot. Our favorite mix is the Le Pierriot cocktail, made of Cointreau, lemon, a red wine reduction, Thomas Henry tonic and Pernod, which adds a satisfying finish to a very smooth drink.

Total score: 19.5/25

The buzz: After a nearly-two year absence from the scene, one of Thailand’s pioneering craft beer bars is reborn with more beer, more food and all of the old charm. It’s also kept its unique name, taken from a Game of Thrones quote—“Kill the boy and let the man be born”—and meant to symbolize the bar’s position operating on the fringes of legality.

The decor: The style here plays to the quirky, down-to-earth crowd, with exposed brick and concrete walls, Edison bulbs and chalkboards.

There’s also a painting of a jolly skeleton family sitting down to a feast, a good representation of the bar’s own bonhomie. All the tables are long and Tetrissed together, so either you come with a big group or you can expect to be sitting down with one.

The drinks: The expanded bar has 12 rotating taps to the former place’s six, with all genres of craft beer represented. Still, Let the Boy Die skews towards home-brews, an affinity familiar to regulars of their BYOB (Bring Your Own Beer) event, where new home-brewers are invited to bring their beers for other bar-goers to taste. The man behind the beer menu is Pieak Pipattanaphon, who’s also the founder of Golden Coins beer (and Golden Coins Taproom in Ekkamai). We recommend the Golden Coins Happy Stout (B180), which uses chestnuts for a smooth and smoky flavor. Lovers of tropical IPAs go for the Hop Hog Handsome Hog (B220).

The food: Peerawat “Por” Ruangroengkulrit, owner of The Commons’ Meat & Bones, handles the food here.

The beef ribs (B530) are smoked for eight hours and accompanied by three sauces: Meat & Bones’ signature barbecue sauce, a pungent and fiery mustard sauce and an extra smoky sauce that pairs well with a strong stout. For bar bites, try the smoked pork sausages (B260) or the smoked pork neck (B200) that comes with nam jim jaew.

The crowd: Friendly locals who become stern-faced when talking the subtleties of craft beer.

Why you should care: It’s more of everything that made the old place good: laid-back regulars, local brews and spicy bar grub. Plus, here’s your chance to patronize one of the local beer scene’s biggest champions.

542 Luang Rd., 082-675-9673. Open daily 5pm-midnight

34-36/F, Park Hyatt, 88 Wireless Rd., 02-012 -1234. Open daily noon-2pm, 6-10:30pm

BK Magazine Friday, February 23, 2018

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2/19/18 6:52 PM

We are the combination of Dynamic Espresso Bar and Casual Milanese Lifestyle Eatery 02-712-7817

nuvolacaffebkk nuvolacaffebkk #nuvolacaffebkk

Nuvola_Frb 23.indd 1

Special for BK reader Show this advertisement to our staffs to get free complimentary until end of March 2018

2/16/18 2:16 PM

COMING MAY 2018 Don’t miss your chance to advertise in the BK Better You guide Healthy living is one of the hottest trends with our audience, who regularly turn to BK in search of advice on fitness, nutritious food, spas, medical services and more.

Better You is packed with hyperlocal recommendations from Bangkok-based dietitians, personal trainers, doctors and wellness professionals.

Find out more at BK Magazine/betteryou Call 02-624-9696 email: advertising@asia-city.co.th

BK Magazine Friday, February 23, 2018

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2/19/18 6:56 PM

bites

OPEN DOOR

Akira Back

A big-hitting Korean-American chef arrives on the 37th floor.

The buzz: Born in Korea but raised in the States, chef Akira Back made his name in the noughties with a Vegas-based, Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant where celebs of the hour like the Olsens and Paris Hilton liked to hang out. Now he commands an empire of 10 eponymous restaurants, all serving Back’s blend of Korean-Japanese-American comfort food amid swanky surroundings.

The decor: The restaurant sits 37 floors above the city and is divided into three areas: a main dining room, a sushi bar with an open kitchen and an omakase (chef’s selection) bar. The dark furnishings, black marble counters and soft lighting combine for a sleek, exclusive ambiance ideal for lingering over a glass of wine. The restaurant’s framed on either side by large windows with stunning views of the city nightscape.

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The food: If you’re eating in the main dining area, order to share. The menu’s designed for it, and this also means you won’t miss out on some of the delectable small bites like the umami-rich and crispy-chewy AB tacos, where taco shells are stuffed with wagyu bulgogi that’s been marinated in sweet soy sauce (B340). Get the tuna pizza for its sheer novelty—it’s tuna sashimi on a golden tortilla crust with a heady drizzle of white truffle oil (B290). For heartier fare, we liked the grilled octopus with smoked jalapeno sauce that’s served on a pillow of potato foam (B480). Don’t fill up on the savory stuff, though; the chocolate souffle here is an absolute must-order, managing to be decadent yet light, its crust soft enough that your spoon sinks straight through.

The drinks: The full gamut of alcohol is at your disposal, from sake and wine through Champagne and beer. A glass of the Matua Sauvignon Blanc (B350/glass) makes an excellent pairing for all the raw fish.

Why we’d come back: The menu is a master class in fusion cuisine. Clearly, Back understands how to isolate ingredients and flavors and puzzle them together again in a creative way that ensures the sum is greater than its parts. Really, who else has successfully united sashimi and pizza? Kankanok Wichiantanon 37/F, Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, 199 Sukhumvit Soi 22, 02-059-5999. Open daily 6-10:30pm; Sun noon-2:30pm

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2/16/18 7:18 PM

Mad Cow

Sam-Rub

Link Cuisine

TABLE TALK

NEW AND NOTED

Home Sweet Home The family-recipe dishes of Sam-Rub (8/37 Lad Phrao Soi 8) will transport you right back to childhood dinners. The restaurant’s specialty is a pad kaprao with juicy and crispy pork belly (B119), but don’t miss the yam nuea (beef salad, B139) that comes with surprising bursts of grape. Throw in a charming house of crochet mats, vintage Thai furniture and retro accoutrements, and a drinks menu of coffee classics, and you’ve got a place to sit all Sunday afternoon.

Burger Brawl The stakes are high for Mad Cow (39/1 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 081-639-9251), which, having spent its early years stacking up praise on Bangkok’s food-truck circuit, has settled down in Asoke beside burger veteran Chef Bar. The signature Madcow burger (charcoal bread, beef, cheddar, bacon

and their secret sauce, B250) is up to the task. Providing extra support at the rugged, red and black venue is the Fatcow (B350), a feat of food architecture that doubles up on paddies, bacon and gooey layers of cheese.

Missing Link Following 27 years as Koh Samui’s institution of classy Asian-Italian fusion, Link Cuisine (19 Yen Akat Rd., 02-0774804) now has a branch in Bangkok. The restaurant’s taking leafy Yen Akat Road upscale with a polished industrial look that could run with Thonglor’s fanciest. Indulge in the mascarpone-stuffed ravioli in truffle sauce (B650) or the ambitious tuna tartare (B495) that uses teriyaki sauce, pomegranate seeds and ripped mangoes. Live music, koi ponds and a lush canopy: welcome to your new back yard. BK staff

Lady L Park of Nai Lert, 4 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-655-4446.

Open daily 9am-10pm. BTS Chidlom Step inside this chic glasshouse located Nai Lert Park Heritage Home to discover classic Western dishes that fit well with glamorous decor like white marble, dark brown chairs and golden-rimmed shelves. Get started with the escargot (French snails served with garlic butter). For mains, go for the tender beef Wellington or fall-off-the-bone slow cooked lamb shank. There is also a respectable selection of fine teas and tasty scones for some authentic feeling afternoon catch-ups.

Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get 15% discount for Citi ULTIMA, Citi Prestige, Citi Preferred, and Citi Select or get 10% discount for other Citi credit card types Today – 30 Jun 18

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bites FOOD REVIEWS

Now Hiring

Jua HHHH Japanese. 672/49 Charoenkrung Soi 28, 061558-7689. Open Tue-Sun 6pm-midnight.

Corkage B500. BBB H

WE’RE NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR: • • • • • •

VIDEO PRODUCTION MANAGER JUNIOR/SENIOR PROJECT COORDINATOR SALES EXECUTIVE IT ADMIN/SUPPORT VIDEOGRAPHER ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR (ASIA CITY STUDIO) • FOOD WRITER

Places like Jua are the reason why Charoenkrung held the title as “Bangkok’s hippest street” for the better part of 2017. It’s upmarket but wallet-friendly; concise but creative; artsy and effortlessly cool. In other words, it hits a sweet spot that most restaurants miss.

Chef-owner Chet Adkins and his business partner, photographer Jason Lang, produce a blend of flawless grilled skewers and boozy creations that go toe-to-toe with the izakaya heavyweights on Surawong-Silom. Tucked in an old corner lot that used to be an illegal casino (the name, Jua, translates to something like “hit me” in Thai), the restaurant’s creaky metal door, large photo canvases and downstairs terrazzo bar have a look of refined cool, which explains the eclectic mass of expats and Thais who hang out here.

Adkins’ Japanese-style bar grub is a prime example why simplicity is king.

Jua’s concise menu charts just half a page. The okra skewers (pillowy, pep-

Pesca Mar & Terra Bistro HHH Mediterranean. 39 Ekkamai Soi 12, 063-2677778. Open daily 11am-3pm, 6pm-midnight.

Corkage B500. BBB-BBBB F H

Find out more at bkmagazine.com/jobs

3/8 JOB.indd 1

1/8/18 5:57 PM

Mediterranean seafood specialist Pesca comes from the same team as Phrom Phong’s flashy, smash-hit bistro, Cocotte.

That lineage is already playing well in its favor, with a dining room that, on the last Saturday we visited, was fully booked bar the outside terrace. With the group head chef, Jeriko Van Der Wolf, stalking the dining room (a space whose deli cliches and lounge-bar lighting don’t mess with the Cocotte formula) and personally checking plates as they make their way to diners, it’s clear this is the doted-on baby of the group. You can taste that attention in the dishes of new head chef Marco Pacetta, an Italian national formerly with Issaya, Sensi and Enoteca. The beef and oyster tartare (B250/piece) may only be the size of an hors d’oeuvre, but its seafood-rich sauce and fresh ingredients make it worth ordering. A starter portion of trevally fish ceviche

(B290) is leagues above much of its now-ubiquitous competition—sharp, fresh and moreish. Mains, for the most part, are a no-nonsense and satisfying bunch that take their Mediterranean billing loosely: lobster rolls (B990), fish steaks (B480 for 200g of Tasmanian salmon), burgers (B590) and the allimportant tomahawk (a B3,450-6,690 feature of most tables). Their mussels pan-fried in butter, garlic and parsley (B690) are excellent—both rich with all the described flavors and fresh—as are the accompanying skin-on, slim-cut fries.

With its artful plating and swooshes of sauce, the cheese gnocchi with morel mushrooms and serrano ham (B590) is a more flamboyant act, but the flavors are there: soft, doughy gnocchi, mouthfuls of salty ham, earthy morels and plenty of gooey sauce. Refined? No. Tasty? Definitely. Nor can we fault Pesca on its wine menu, which starts at a B990 bottle of Concha Y Toro Chilean Chardonnay (you may know it as the cheapest drinkable white in Villa) and has plenty to choose from in the B2,000-3,000 bracket. Pesca does occasionally slip up with the little stuff, like chewy, sub-par table bread, but our only other complaints are down to personal taste. The fiercely green bar, the Long Table circa 2008 lounge beats—none of it really makes for a space where we want to dine. Judging by the crowd, these prejudices are our problem and not Pesca’s.

Ratings

Price guide

PPPP PPPP PPPP PPPP PPPPP

B BB BBB BBBB

Forget it Only if you’re in the neighborhood A pleasant dining experience Not to be missed Flawless BK pays for its meal and does not call ahead or sit with the chef.

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per-like greens seasoned lightly with a togarashi spice mix, B70) are crunchy, juicy and not at all slimy. The succulent tiger prawn (smeared with your choice or durian or garlic butter, B240) practically melts out of its shell after sizzling under aromatic longan wood. In fact, you can sum up most of the izakaya menu, from the pork belly (B120) to pumpkin (B70), with the words “juicy” and “tender”—a phrase we repeated often on our last visit. Even the bits that make Westerners squirm, like chicken heart (B80), are so succulent they might as well be wagyu beef. Straying from the grill still yields great, but less consistent results. The slithery fresh yellow fin poke (B280) is a hit; the slightly dry deviled eggs (B280) a miss. But you could delete Jua’s entire food menu and it would still hold up as a respectable booze den. The smooth and tangy Namba Sour (Mars 3&7 blended whiskey, yuzu juice, lemon juice and egg white, B300) almost goes down too easy. As does the Old Fashioned (Rittenhouse rye, Angostura bitters, orange and cherry, B300), but steer clear of the overly sweet Shochu Negroni (B300).

The by-the-glass shochu (from B250), umeshu (from B300) and sake (from B180) options deserve a nod too. Like the food menu, it’s a concise, quality list. Venues with exceptional food, prices, drinks and atmosphere aren’t rare in these parts, but Jua is a standout even by Charoenkrung standards.

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

Symbols

H Reservations recommended F Parking E Dress requirements G Live music

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now SAT Kind of Blue After years as a jazz backwater (measured against Tokyo, Berlin or Cape Town, to say nothing of the jazz capitals in America), the local scene is finally big enough to attract more than just smooth jazz headliners. Michael Blicher (sax), Dan Hemmer (Hammond organ) and drummer Steve Gadd of Blicher Hemmer Gadd on Mar 2 perform from their second album, Omara, which was recorded live at various 2016 performances. Bangkok: turn out! Page 20 for more information.

SAT Imagine All the People The Jam Factory is single-handedly keeping Thonburi hip. We’re still reeling from Art Ground and already here is The Knack Market, a Feb 24-25 fair that takes its cool from ‘70s counterculture, free love here commodified in twee take-home crafts and psychedelically-colored foods. Break out the tie-dye and hemp.

SAT What Happened Abhisit, Yingluck, Thaksin, Prayut—artist Tawan Wattuya has caught them all. In Out of the Frying Pan into the Fire, an exhibition of 60 oil on canvas pieces dating from 2005 to 2018, the artist toys with point of view, the media’s in particular, distorting familiar faces and causing us to wonder about our warped history, or perspective of it. Opens Feb 25 at Artist+Run.

NIGHTLIFE VIOLETT TRIBALISM / SOI DOGS X SUNJU HARGUN

Inspired by the sounds of Africa, Tribalism drops drum beats and rhythms.

Feb 23, 9pm. Violett, Thonglor Soi 10, 095-393-8858. Free.

DJ Gordon

Franky Rizardo

Lars Moston

NAELECK

French EDM pioneer Naeleck hypes up the crowd. Feb 23, 10pm. Insanity Nightclub, Sukhumvit Soi 11, 087804-9542. Men B400 and women B300 includes 1 drink.

TLT PRESENTS INDECENT NOISE

MENDY INDIGO AT MUSTACHE

Trance Lovers Thailand brings Indecent Noise, by the head man of Mental Asylum. Feb 23, 9pm. Safe Room, Whiteline, Silom Soi 8, 087-061-1117.

B500-700 includes 1 drink.

Bangkok techno DJ Mendy Indigo is supported by Mustache-resident DJ Sam Linden. Feb 23, 11pm. Mustache, 544/5 Ratchadaphisek Soi 7, 081-844-7080. Free.

NVRST - NIGHT FLAMES

SABAI SABAI RADIO: LIVE & DIRECT

Neverest Records presents house DJs Katermukke, Lars Moston and Sabrina Mue, with support by Dan Buri. Feb 23, 9pm. De Commune, 1/F, Liberty Plaza, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 061-717-4365. Free before 11pm.

B350 after.

DJs Dangdut Banget, Juice Willis and Maarten Goetheer spin a selection of Asian music as part of a monthly livestream. Feb 23, 8pm. Jam, Charoen Rat Soi 1, 089-889-8059.

Free.

TRANSPORT | OUISSAM [EQUATION, VIETNAM]

The technical Berlin DJ teams up with the Indian purveyor of futuristic techno for an energetic night. Tickets TBA. Feb 23, 9pm. Glow, Sukhumvit Soi 23, 086-614-3355.

Transport invites Equation festival curator Ouissam to move the dance floor. Tickets TBA . Feb 23, 9pm.

12x12, Ekkamai Soi 19, 094-2604713.

SUNRISE HOUSE REVIVAL NIGHT

A house revival night featuring late'80s to early-'90s underground rave DJ Dr.Barnes. Feb 23, 10pm. Black Pagoda, 5 Patpong Soi 2. B199.

FLORIAN MEINDL & AARDY!

FRANKY RIZARDO

The Dutch house DJ makes his Bangkok debut. Tickets TBA. Feb 23, 9pm.

Glow, Sukhumvit Soi 23, 086-6143355.

DUBWAY SESSIONS PRESENT BLOOD DUNZA

Hong Kong’s Lai Fa is joined by locals K9, Filthy Solid and Dragon for dubbed-out tracks. Feb 23, 9pm.

Studio Lam, Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02261-6661. B200.

FUTURE SOUNDS PRESENT NASTANET BIRTHDAY PARTY

DJs like Kuroten, Eduardo Vargas and Denis Beyer team up to celebrate the resident DJ’s birthday. Feb 23, 10pm.

Safe Room, Whiteline, Silom Soi 8, 087 061 1117. Free before 11pm (B100 after).

DJ SAMMY

The Thai-Italian EDM DJ promises a groovy Friday. Tickets TBA. Feb 23, 9pm. Vanilla Sky Rooftop Bar, Sukhumvit Soi 24, 02-011-1111.

HERE WE DANCE W. HEXER

Deep and dark techno sounds with Hexer. Tickets TBA. Feb 24, 8pm.

Sorry I'm Gay, Ratachada Train Night Market, Ratchadaphisek Rd., 099-339-9173.

RESOM

The Berlin DJ teams up with Cabbit and Yadin Moha to to please the techno heads. Feb 24, 10pm. Safe Room, Whiteline, Silom Soi 8, 087-061-1117.

B200 before 11pm (B300 after).

Resom

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now NIGHTLIFE

CONCERTS

Blicher Hemmer Gadd

Trasher

Boris Rubin

MONONOKEDANCE

YOUNGJAMENA

Macao’s DJ Gordon spins dark rhythms and spacey grooves. Feb 24, 9pm. 12x12, Ekkamai Soi 19, 094-260-4713. B100.

BASS TARD VS THAILAND BANGKOK EDITION PT III

Rising DJs and producers Ahivar, An Ant Sunpha, GooDog and Jirus spin their forward-thinking sounds. Feb 28, 8pm. De Commune, 1/F, Liberty Plaza, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 061-717-4365. Free.

The Vietnamese bass crew drops everything from dancehall to jungle at the last stop of their Thailand tour. Feb 24, 9pm. The Overstay, Charan Sanitwong Soi 40, 064-723-4975. B250.

The ‘60s- and ‘70s-inspired band play their acoustic and instrumental molam. Feb 28, 9pm. Studio Lam, Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-261-6661. B200.

JDA KUT

The London-based Soul Jazz Records DJ mixes heavy grooves and deep funk. Feb 24, 9pm. Studio Lam, Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-261-6661. Free.

BIG B-DAY BASH!!

Jam101 celebrates its 1st anniversary and the 5th anniversary of resident band Jazziam. Feb 24, 7pm.

Quaint, Sukhumvit Soi 61, 094 495 6949. Free.

GLOW SUNDAZE W/ BORIS RUBIN

Boris Rubin spins deep and tech house. Feb 25, 9:30pm. Glow, Sukhumvit Soi 23, 086-614-3355.

Free before midnight (B250 after includes 1 drink).

EAT MY BEAT

The resident DJs spin positive sounds across a variety of genres. Feb 25, 1pm. Roots, K Village, Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-661-5227. Free.

TOOMTURN MOLAM GROUP

DGA AT THE MYSTERIOUS TECHNO MANSION!

DJs Moca Oui, Kanabis Stoned and A Lien Boonyalit deliver underground house and techno beats. Mar 1, 10pm. Residence de Canal, 463/72 Luk Luang Rd. 02-061-8289. Free.

DARK BAR ON TOUR #2

The much-missed alternative Ekkamai club hosts its second pop-up night.

Mar 2, 9pm. Safe Room, Whiteline, Silom Soi 8, 087-061-1117. B250.

SUBCONSCIOUS X SOUNDELEMENT: TECHNO SESSIONS

A night of deep tech and underground house from the likes of DJ Coww, a veteran on the scene since the ‘90s. Mar 2, 9:30pm. Residence de Canal, Luk Luang Rd. 72, 02-0618289. Free.

SUNJU HARGUN + DAN LO & DOTT

The three DJs promise a night full of grooves. Mar 2, 9:30pm. Glow,

Sukhumvit Soi 23, 086-614-3355.

Free before 11:30pm (B350 after).

MENDY INDIGO PRES. NOWHERE TO NOW HERE FEAT. ALEX BLANK

Bangkok’s leading female underground DJ presents a fresh Serbian-German electronic music artist.

Mar 2, 10pm. De Commune, 1/F, Liberty Plaza, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 061-717-4365. B250.

BALKAN & GLOBAL BASS CARNIVAL PARTY

French DJ Vinodilo invites you to get dressed up in your craziest and most beautiful costume for this carnival party. Mar 2, 9pm. The Overstay, Charan Sanitwong Soi 40, 064-7234975. B160.

GERMAN BRIGANTE

The Southern Spanish house DJ grooves away the night alongside Dan Buri. Tickets TBA. Mar 2, 9pm. Violett, Thonglor Soi 10, 095-393-8858.

TRASHER: OK NAKA FEAT. KATALEEYA ENGLISH & CHINA DOLLS

Dance all night to hits from 2000s dance queens. Mar 3, 7pm. Gmm Live House, 8/F, CentralWorld, 999/9 Rama 1 Rd., 02-640-7000. B500.

EPOCH FT. NEIL THORPE, PEKING OPERA, HASAN KHAN

Symphonic techno soundscapes till sunrise. Tickets TBA. Mar 3, 10pm.

Club15, Sukhumvit Soi 15, 083-0940650.

Hariguem Zaboy

LAKE HOUSE MUSIC FEST. V

Indie rock sounds from Summer Dress, Jia Pa Bor Sue, Abstraction XL, Hariguem Zaboy, Androgenius and Yoga From Hell. Feb 23, 7pm. Faculty of Architecture of King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Chalohongkrung Soi 1. Free.

TATTOO COLOUR X THAILAND PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

Indie-pop meets classic under the baton of 2013-2014 American Prize winner Thanaphon Setaphram. Grab tickets at bit.ly/2nN4QT2. Feb 23, 7pm. Prince Mahidol Hall, 999 Phuttamonthon 4 Rd. Nakhon Pathom.

B800-2,500.

ALL THEIR HITS ALL TIME HITS

Pop stars New Jiew and Kangsom play their greatest hits. Grab tickets at www.thaiticketmajor.com. Feb 24, 7:30pm. KBank Siam Pic-Ganesha, 7/F, Sim Square One, Rama 1 Rd., 02257-2899. B1,000-5,000.

THE LUCKY BLACK SUNSET

A night of indie pop sounds with headliners like The Black Skirts (Korea), Sunset Rollercoaster (Taiwan), Lucky Tapes (Japan) and Plastic Plastic (Thailand). Grab tickets at www.ticket-

Summer Dress

melon.com/event/theluckyblacksunset. Feb 24, 5pm. Voice Space, 197 BBD Bldg., Viphavadi Rangsit Rd. B1,600-1,800.

WAKE UP: NU METAL BACK TO SCHOOL

A day of metal rock featuring bands like Ebola, Annalynn, Bombattrack, Hopeless and Kungfu Allstar. Feb 24, 12pm. About Studio, Pradit Manutham Rd. B350.

BLICHER HEMMER GADD WORLD TOUR

The jazz trio whose membership includes legendary drummer Steve Gadd (former collaborator with Eric Clapton and Carly Simon) perform as part of their tour to promote their second album, Omara. Mar 2, 8pm.

Dr. Thaworn Phornprapha Auditorium, 5/f, Siam Motor Building, Rama1 Rd. B2,500 at www.thaiticketmajor.com FEVER TOURS IN THAILAND 2018

Japanese rockers The Band Apart, Lostage and Deepsea Drive Machine are joined by Thai support act Inspirative. Grab tickets at bit.ly/2GdDayo.

Mar 4, 7pm. Rockademy, 120/8 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-261-3833. B900.

GIGS SPOTLIGHT: INDEEDWENEED FT. PROTOZUA

THE 5TH ELEMENT - AN ELEMENT THAT DEFINES OUR LIFE

The local band known for blending rock and jazz teams up with young rapper Protozua.

Grab tickets at bit.ly/2soIBbC. Feb 23, 7:30pm. Live Lounge, Trendy Building, 10/47 Sukhumvit Soi 13, 02-168-7335. B300.

Organizers Old School Party​ and Headbangkok present a rich line-up with Sleepingsheep,​Ghost Band, Kluaythai​, Ugoslabier​, Lasthoper​and Ritalinn. Feb 24, 7pm-midnight. De Commune, 1/F, Liberty Plaza, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 061-717-4365. B250.

LIVE BANDS

Soul After Six

A night of American-inspired rock to indie sounds with Matthew Fischer & Friends, Valerie Joyce and the Rising Sons and Ryan Holweger & The High Plains. Feb 23, 8pm. Fatty’s Bar & Diner, 598/66 Asoke-Dindaeng Rd., 02-245-2965. Free.

VISUAL&SOUND

Ugoslabier

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Youth Bush

A visual performance accompanied by live music from Velvet, Starfish and TELEx TELEXs. Feb 24, 6-10pm. Nineteens Up, Baan Silom, Silom Rd., 096649-6919. B300.

IN YOUR STYLE 5: THE MOSH AWAKEN

A night of heavy rock with headliners World Not Bad, Monstercock , God Fried Bananas, At The Drown Pier and Illusion of Humanity. Feb 24, 2pm. Brownstone, Sukhumvit Soi 77, 085-483-7675. B150.

JUBHUUCHONPAK!

Indie folk outfits Youth Brush and Into the Air take over the independent studio for live performances and talk ses-

sions. Seats are limited. For reservations, visit bit.ly/2F3i1aV. Feb 24, 6pm. Nitt Press, Phran Nok Soi 6. B400.

ROCK AT THE MOON

Local bands Hin Lhek Fai and Blackhead join with Japanese talents Earthshaker and Super Blood to play heavy rock sounds. Feb 24, 8pm. Seangjan Kaset-Nawamin, 26/2 Klonglumjiek Rd., 091-7780807. B150-200.

EX EDGE

An experimental music showcase featuring Katsura Yamauchi (Japan), Yui Cello (Thailand), Gamnad737 (Thailand) and Grintabachan (Indonesia). Feb 27, 8pm. Jam, 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 089-889-8059. B200.

LEVITATE ME LIONS

Dream-pop sounds from Thai bands Safeplanet and Hariguem Zaboy, joined by Singaporean counterparts Cosmic Child, Sobs and Subsonic Eye. Mar 3, 6pm. De Commune, 1/F, Liberty Plaza, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 061-7174365. B300.

I'M JOGGING

A night of folk pop music. Mar 3, 7pm. Chang Chui, 460/8 Sirindhorn Rd., 081-817-2888.

Free.

SOUL AFTER SIX

The soul band showcase their moves by the river bank. Mar 3, 8:30pm. Lhong 1919, Chiangmai Rd., 062-386-7677.

Free.

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now ART Opening

SALES & FAIRS

People & Forrest Fair #2

Zero Decibel

CROSS OVER BY PEDDY POT

KANZERO EXHIBITION

An exhibition showcasing different forms of art from graphic to contemporary dance and textile design

by Japanese collective artists Akima Shiori, Tsubakimoto Takuya, Kato Kiyoshi, Hotta Sari, Kinjyou Yuuka, Muramatsu Fumika, Nagata Masato, Yua Yamabara, Irie Yuyu, Yokoyama Kaito, A!chi* and Yoshioa Norie. Feb 17-24.

Sathorn 11 Art Space, 404 Sathorn Soi 11, 02-004-1199. Free.

A digital art exhibition by Wataboku examining the subcultures of Japanese and Thai teenagers though school uniforms. Feb 24, 5pm. The Jam Factory, 41/1-5 Charoen Nakorn Rd., 02-861-0950. Free.

ZERO DECIBEL

Mostly People

Yelo House, 20/2 Kasemsan Soi 1, Rama 1 Rd., 089-777-2322. Free.

MOSTLY PEOPLE

Jaruwat Normrubporn makes his solo debut with oil paintings portraying people in his memories. Mar 3-Apr 30, Pullman Bangkok Hotel G, 188 Silom Rd., 02-352-4000. Free.

Illustrator Suntur exhibits his works under the theme “silence is the answer too.” Feb 28-Apr 7, 7:30pm.

ART Political Exhibitions

Cat Foodival

THE KNACK MARKET

CAT FOODIVAL

The riverside market returns with organic food, art and crafts from local designers along live music. Feb 24-25. The Jam Factory, 41/1-41/2 Charoen Nakorn Rd., 02-861-0950.

This food festival features dishes inspired by indie and pop artists such as Yokee Playboy, Stylish Nonsense, Tabasco, Greasy Cafe, The Young Wolf and Penny Time. Mar 3, 4pm. Show DC Oasis Arena, Rama 9 Rd. Free.

MAD FACE FOOD WEEK 2018

This 3-day foodie event by the Chao Phraya river bank gathers some of Bangkok’s top names in food and drink. Mar 2-4, 3pm. Sermsuk Warehouse, 721 Charoennakorn Rd. B100.

FROM RAGS TO DISPLAY CHAPTER 3 (WEAR THE MUSIC)

PEOPLE & FORESTS FAIR #2

The market promises eco-freindly crafts and art along with workshops.

Mar 4, 11am. Bangkok Art & Culture Centre (BACC), 939 Rama 1 Rd., 02214-6630. Free.

Shop vintage items and collectibles from collectors from Japan, Malaysia and Thailand on the river bank. Mar 3-4, 3pm. Bangkok Dock, Charoenkrung Rd. B150.

FILM Opening (Feb 22)

OUT OF THE FRYING PAN INTO THE FIRE

THE BROKEN LADDER

Tawan Wattuya examines the media’s portrayal of political figures from the last dozen years, including former prime ministers Abhisit and Yingluck. The digital and print showcase is meant to question the role of the media as well as the assumption of progress.

Wantanee Siripattananuntakul’s work asks us to reconsider the idea of a house, both as physical sanctuary and symbolic possession, and examines property rights in relation to Thai society’s inequalities.

Feb 25-Mar 25. Artist+Run, 2198/10-11 Narathiwas Soi 22, 099454-5955. Free.

Winchester

Through Mar 31. Gallery Ver, 2198/1-11 Narathiwas Soi 22, 02103-4067. Free.

PARMANU (INDIA)

ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD (USA)

Action/Drama/History. The story of the Indian Army’s nuclear bomb experiments in a northwest Indian state in 1998.

Thriller. Directed by Ridley Scott, a film about the kidnap and ransom of a billionaire’s grandson.

HICHKI (INDIA)

Drama. Director Paul Thomas Anderson teams up with Daniel Day-Lewis for the actor’s last film, about a dressmaker who falls in love with a young woman.

Drama. Adapted from Hollywood’s Front of the Class (2008), the story of a teacher who uses her Tourette syndrome as an inspiring life lesson for her students.

HUMAN STORIES

MAYBE TOMORROW

Chumpol Kamwanna, Krit Chantranet, Jittagarn Kaewtinkoy, Prasart Nirundornprasert and Warawut Intorn exhibit work that centers on the human body. Look out for the many infamous humans represented, such as America’s current president and our own Rolex General.

Through doodles, illustrations and acrylic pop art, Apiwat Banler’s exhibition presents a critical but hopeful perspective of the imagined future. Drones, war and Donald Trump share space with John Lennon and Bob Marley on these lively canvases.

Through Mar 10. Rebel Art Space, 10/5, Sukhumvit Soi 67, 083841-8582 Free.

Feb 23-25. Cho Why, Soi Nana 17. Free.

THEATER & DANCE

GUARDIANS OF THE TOMB (AUSTRALIA/CHINA)

Action. Starring Li Bingbing, the story of Chinese tomb explorers who must escape a swarm of deadly spiders.

PHANTOM THREAD (USA)

WINCHESTER (USA)

Horror. Inspired by the true story of Sarah Winchester, a firearm heiress who built a labyrinthine mansion to keep vengeful ghosts at bay.

MOLLY’S GAME (USA)

Crime/Drama. Based on the true story of a former-Olympic athlete who ran a high-stakes, underground poker empire.

Upcoming (Mar 1) TALK TO ME AND I SLAP YOU

This solo interactive performance by Gabriela Serani promises the chance for intimate verging on uncomfortable discussion of topics covering domestic violence, gender and power. Grab tickets at bit. ly/2o1Vd3Z. Mar 2, Democrazy Theater Studio, Rama 4 Rd., Soi Saphan Koo, 087-998-4454. B500.

PICHET KLUNCHUN AND MYSELF BY JEROME BEL

Pichet Klunchun

Two performers with very different practices explore their cultural differences, as well as topics such as Euro-centrism and globalization. For tickets, visit bit.ly/2o7vK8m. Mar 3-4, 7:30pm. Chang Theater, 700 Prachautit Soi 59, 099-213-5639. B500.

DEATH WISH (USA)

THE MONKEY KING 3 (CHINA)

Action/Drama. Following an attack on his family, a surgeon sets out to deliver vigilante justice.

Fantasy. Based on the novel Journey to the West, the monkey king’s pilgrimage finds him and his friends in a land of all women.

RED SPARROW (USA)

Thriller. Russian ballerina-turned-spy Dominika Egorova (Jennifer Lawrence) falls for her first target, CIA agent Nathaniel Nash (Joel Edgerton).

DESTINY: KAMAKURA MONOGATARI (JAPAN)

Fantasy. A mystery novelist and his wife interact with all manner of creatures and gods as they set out to solve strange crimes.

BK Magazine Friday, February 23, 2018

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