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it's free! You call this chill?
BK MAGAZINE NO. 614 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2015. www.bkmagazine.com
The best winter festivals for music, theater and art
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BK Magazine Friday, November 6, 2015
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page 3 06 cover story
Cultural Dates
Numerology
4 upfront
10 Escape
Culinary Jetset
Southern Heritage
16 Bites
18 bites
HK’s Chairman
Venison Season 27 BK Now
22 bites
Flea Finds
Production Supervisor Komkrit Klinkaeo Art Director Dechart Sangsawang Senior Graphic Designer Panita Thiraphapong Graphic Designers Chantich Kongchanmitkul, Peeraya Sirathanisa Junior Graphic Designers Wariya Whangwaewklang, Parida Ritthiron
Where to find us!
The Asia City Media Group
755% Increase in traffic when a policeman is stationed at an intersection.
17 million people / B33 billion Number of people using The Airport Rail Link / its budget.
6 million Number of people in Bangkok who feel really guilty for not using the Pun Pun bike sharing service nearly as much as they said they would.
29 million / B70 million Number of people using river transport / its budget.
2.2 sq meters Usable green space per person in Bangkok
2.7 million Number of free Pierre Herme macarons they could have handed out with that money.
2.2 seconds Time the average Bangkokian spends in parks, per year.
Cover Chantich Kongchanmitkul
97,000 Number of city employees in Bangkok
Distribution Manager Suda Angsuputiphant
Group Directors
x2 Amount that represents compared to Seoul
B66 million Yearly travel budget for the BMA to go study other cities abroad.
Finance Manager Supaporn Bangmoung Assistant Finance Manager Anchalee Limkhamduang Senior Accountant Maneeya Kanthongdang
Chief Executive Officer Gretchen Worth gworth@asia-city.co.th Group Digital Director Greg Duncan duncann@asia-city.com.sg
Who's in charge? Editor in Chief / Product Director Grégoire Glachant Managing Editor Oliver Irvine Deputy Editor Carl Dixon Features Associate Monruedee Jansuttipan Senior Staff Writers Vasachol Quadri, Lily Kittisrikangwan Staff Writer Pinnyada Tanitnon Junior Content Coordinator Nontaya Kumyat Junior Writers Natcha Sanguankiattichai, Bonnie Sananvatananont
37 Units tasked with overseeing traffic in Bangkok
B377 million Yearly public relations budget for Bangkok.
Fresh Openings
Managing Director Andrew Hiransomboon
A very real report just came out from the Thailand Future Foundation. We’ve added a few figures of our own. See if you can spot which ones are from them and which ones are from us.
Advertising Director Wanida Akeapichai Sales Manager Tipkritta Chiraporncharas, Orajira Sukkasem Senior Sales Associates Tassanee Mahamad, Onwara Sittirug, Waranuch Thaneerat, Nattaya Bovornsettanon, Orakarn Laohakanjanasiri, Amarit Jinaya Junior Sales Associates Kittiya Darachai, Sirada Tilaganont
Administrator Yaovaluck Srisermsri Accountant Manita Bangmoung Contributors Rob Brezsny, Kathy MacLeod Interns Kantita Leangcharoenpong, Theerada Moonsiri, Sunputt Puangpet, Thaparit Lomsucka, Phattrapon Pichitphan
Regional Marketing Manager Pavida Chitprasertsuk Marketing Executive Walaipan Anotaiyuenyong Marketing Service Associate Chochat Masrat IT Manager Takrit Jitjaroen
Bangkok Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd. 9/F, Sathorn Nakorn Tower 100 North Sathorn Rd., Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 Tel: 02-624-9696 Fax: 02-237-5656 Email: bkmagazine@asia-city.co.th
Singapore Asia City Publishing Pte. Ltd. Block 211 Henderson Rd. #07-02 Henderson Industrial Park Singapore 159552 Tel: 65-6323-2512 Fax: 65-6323-2779 Email: contact@asia-city.com.sg
20 years Time during which the new BMA office has been under construction B9.9 billion Amount spent on the new BMA office
6,600 Round-trip tickets to Seoul they could have bought with that budget. 0 Number of Dean & Deluca branches, giant waterfalls, artisanal food courts and 3D projection walls at the new BMA office.
BK “Asia City Living” Magazine is edited by Andrew Hiransomboon and published 51 times a year, every Friday of each month by Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd. Copyright ©2015 Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd. The titles “BK Magazine,” “BK ‘Asia City Living’ Magazine” and their associated logos or devices, and the content of BK “Asia City Living” Magazine are the property of Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited. Article reprints are available for B50 each. The magazine may not be distributed without the express written consent of Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd. Contact the Advertising Department for ad rates and specifications. All advertising must comply with the Publisher’s terms of business, copies of which are available upon request. Printed by Comform Co.,Ltd. 212 Moo 13 Krungthepkreetha Rd., Saphansoong, Bangkok 10250
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@bkmagazine BK Magazine Friday, November 6, 2015
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upfront Saranya Pandonlan
HOT OR NOT
Hot: Winter
Not: Low season
It’s that very special time of the year when it’s still damn hot and yet, reading BK Magazine, you’d think we now live in Switzerland. “Best Rooftoop Bars to Welcome the Cool Season.” “Best Riverside Restaurants to Catch the Winter Breeze.” What cool season? What winter breeze? The only real difference between November and October is the price of hotel nights.
INTERVIEW
Hot: Hermit nations
Not: Inter-travel
You heard Dear Leader. We’re closing shop. Just like Bhutan and North Korea, it’s time to dial back the clock to the happier days of folk songs and dubious uniforms. Given that the economy is tanking, domestic tourism actually sounds like a great idea to us. Start with Nakhon Si Thammarat (see our story, page 10), to show your full trust in Dear Leader’s pacification of the locals.
Hot: Chonburi
Not: Khon Kaen
Perhaps thanks to the somewhat controversial rice pledging scheme, there was a time when Khon Kaen and Udon Thani seemed on the brink of becoming major regional capitals. Now that their fancy new malls sit empty, all eyes are back on Japanese investment in Chonburi. Did you know they actually have a Peppina (see page 11) in Sriracha? Now they just need a couple burger trucks and we promise to do a travel story about it.
Bangkok movie theaters are finally showing Foodies: The Culinary Jetset, the hit 2014 documentary about people who travel the world to scoff grub at restaurants which can charge the same for one meal as many of us earn in a month. Among the profiled foodies is Thai national Poonperm Paitayawat, 31, a PhD student and founder of The Skinny Bib blog—a beautifully composed and witty account of his dining adventures, which we thoroughly recommend you check out. Here, Poonperm shares more of his epicurean exploits, from eating bowls of live fish to paying B38,000 on dinner for one. What drew you to the world of food?
What has been your ultimate food experience?
I was responsible for killing them, I felt obliged to eat them.
My Hakka-Teochew parents have taught me to be very open-minded about food. I grew up with the sight and sound of markets. Food is not just eating. It’s an exploration of the world through something that is tangible and edible. When I moved to Bangkok and later to London, I kept exploring. To me, food is about taste, history, society. It also takes me out of my comfort zone, even to North Korea, and connects me with many visionary people. They are not always chefs. Sometimes they might just be strangers I sat next to at restaurants.
It was in China. At Hae Dang Hwa, a restaurant that’s more than just a restaurant. It has a living philosophy and serves unrivaled flavors. The meal has been a great influence on how I see food.
What’s the best place on earth for food exploration?
Tell us about your North Korea trip.
Hot: Sex
Not: Romance
What’s with all the romantic-themed festivals? Is holding your girlfriend’s hand in a muddy field while listening to bands called Scrubb, Slot Machine or Sqweez Animal really all that Jane Austen? Let’s stop pretending here. If you’ve taken someone to sleep with you in a tiny sweaty tent in the middle of nowhere, it’s because you want to get laid. And coming up over the next few months are a whole heap of opportunities to do so (see page 6).
As it’s such a closed country, North Koreans maintain cooking skills that are passed down unchanged. Their cookbooks are fascinating, mainly because the old recipes are so simple. I was touched by North Korean hospitality. They would entertain guests with the best food they could find, which might just be a grilled dried fish or an omelet. White rice was also rare and from time to time they cooked it together with millet. It reminded me that this is a country that’s bouncing back from famine.
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What’s the most expensive meal you’ve ever had? It was at a beef restaurant in Ginza. You can only eat there after being introduced by their regular customers. There is no menu, no fixed price. The chef determines how much the meal should cost based on the produce they have on the day. It was 130,000 yen [B38,300] for one person. Have you had any food nightmares? A bowl of live fish. I went to a restaurant in the Japanese countryside. There was live icefish on the menu, a local delicacy, so I ordered it. The fish arrived in very beautiful earthenware, and were meant to be dipped in soy vinegar sauce. I made the mistake of dropping too many fish at once. I could see the fish—they looked like they had smiley faces—struggling and dying. I really lost my appetite, but as
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I love Scandinavia: icy cold waters and distinct seasonal influences. Also, there is no pollution! It’s the opposite of Thailand, where I grew up. The icy water also means there is a massive range of premium-quality seafood, from langoustines, scallops and sea urchin to many other lesser-known creatures. I also find many chefs in Scandinavia to be progressive. How do you fund your food adventures? They’re self-funded. I am finishing my PhD in Theatre Studies at the University of London but over the last few years I’ve been actively involved in various aspects of food—writing, consulting, etc. I cooked at two events this year in London, with restaurants that I love and chefs that I believe in. I’m bored with just sitting down and eating sometimes. In the long run, I want to have my own food manga, as I grew up reading them, and books. Interview by Monruedee Jansuttipan
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THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID
by Kathy MacLeod kathymacleod.blogspot.com
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The cool(er) winter breeze brings with it lots of art, music and culture festivals. Here are our picks to see you through till 2016. By Bonnie Sananvatananont Wonderfruit
AROUND BANGKOK 13TH BANGKOK THEATRE FESTIVAL Date: Nov 3-15 Location: Bangkok Art and Cultural Centre (939 Rama 1 Rd., 02-260-2606-8. BTS National Stadium) and various other venues across Bangkok Price: Free-B800 Lineup: Bangkok Theatre Network hosts 12 days of performances under the theme “New View, New Eyes.” This year will include over 70 performances across all genres, as well as improv workshops and post-show discussions. Highlights include adaptations of famous stories like Fantastic Mr. Fox and celebrated musicals like Little Shop of Horrors. See the full schedule at www.bangkoktheatrefestival.com.
SCIENCE FILM FESTIVAL Date: Nov 3-Dec 10 Location: Nanmee Learning Center (11 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 02-6623000. BTS Phrom Phong) and various other venues across Bangkok Price: Free Lineup: Goethe Institut holds its 11th annual festival that aims to promote science and technology through fun, entertaining film screenings. This year screens a total of 23 short films under the theme of “light” to celebrate its revolutionary role in 3D printing, modern medicine and the internet. The films cover a range of topics such as how to create your own rainbow, the development of photography, the secret behind neon signs and much more. For the full schedule, visit bit.ly/128BfqQ
UNFOLDING KAFKA FESTIVAL Date: Nov 12-Dec 3 Location: Various venues around Bangkok Price: Single entry price varies across performances. The Special Festival Pass gives entry to all events (including workshops) for B1,200 or B700 for students. Lineup: Jitti Chompee, choreographer and founder of local dance company 18 Monkeys, presents a series of collaborative art performances and installations that draw inspiration from the nightmarish writings of Franz Kafka. There will also be creative workshops and discussions. See page 28 for more. www.unfoldingkafkafestival.com
13th WORLD FILM FESTIVAL OF BANGKOK Date: Nov 13- 22 Location: SF Cinema (7/F, CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd., BTS Chit Lom) Price: B120/film Lineup: Since 1998, the World Film Festival of Bangkok has screened the works of emerging and independent international
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Noise Market
Bangkok Theatre Festival
Unfolding Kafka Festival
filmmakers from around the world, alongside workshops, masterclasses and discussions. This year’s highlights include Kongdej Jaturanrasamee's Snap, Jakrawal Nilthamrong's Vanishing Point, Li Shih's Almost Heaven and Morshedul Islam's A Day In The Life of Anil Bagshi. See page 32 for more. worldfilmbkk.com
CAT EXPO Date: Nov 14-15 Location: Wonder World Fun Park (Ram Intra Rd.) Price: B1,200 from all 7-Eleven convenience stores Lineup: Cat Radio's annual music festival will see more than 70 acts take over four stages, with highlights like Polycat, Goose, Greasy Cafe, Proud, Inspirative, Monomania, Gym and Swim, The Parkinson, Slur, The Jukks, Yellow Fang and Young Man and the Sea. Veteran acts like Flure, Thaitanium, Paradox, Crescendo and Apartment Khun Pa will also make an appearance, along with plenty of stalls selling Thai records and handmade products. www.fb.com/thisiscatradio
NOISE MARKET 5 Date: Nov 21-22 Location: Museum Siam (4 Sanam Chai Rd.) Price: Free Lineup: The uber-popular market returns to the lawns of Museum Siam with a huge array of music performances, handmade arts and crafts stalls, home decor products, cassette and vinyl stores, pop-up book shops and food trucks. This year will also see the debut of Bangkok Underground Film Festival in the open-air amphitheater, showcasing some of the best short films from emerging local filmmakers. www.fb.com/noisemarketfest
WATERZONIC Date: Nov 28 Location: SCG Stadium (Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi) Price: B2,200-B2,800 Lineup: The city’s biggest EDM-slash-water festival is back. Headlining the night will be some of the biggest names in the electronic music scene such as Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike, Dannic, W&W and Goldfish and Blink. The phase 2 line up is TBA.
808 Festival
THE RIVER JAZZ FESTIVAL Date: Nov 29 Location: Asiatique The Riverfront (2194 Charoenkrung Rd. Free ferries from BTS Saphan Taksin) Price: B2,000-B3,000 from Thaiticketmajor Lineup: A night of outdoor jazz music by the river from Lisa Ono, known for bringing Brazilian bossa nova music to the Japanese scene, and jazz fusion group Spyro Gyra, known for their hit songs “Morning Dance” and “Shaker Song.” There will also be local support acts and plenty of food trucks such as Cactus, Forkers, Orn the Road and Deli Q. on.fb.me/1W0juyB
808 FESTIVAL Date: Dec 9 Location: BITEC Convention Center (88 Bang Na-Trat Rd. BTS Bang Na) Price: B2,500 for earlybird. B4,600 for general admission festival combo ticket Lineup: Another highlight for EDM fans. There’s not a lot of information right now aside from the confirmation of the headliner, Grammy-nominated DJ and producer Armin Van Buuren, listed as the World No.1 DJ five times by DJ Mag. If this year’s anything like the past two, though, you can expect plenty more big names. www.808festival.com
www.waterzonic.com
BK Magazine Friday, November 6, 2015
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cover story
Big Mountain Music Festival
Wonderfruit
OUT OF TOWN
Polycat, Paradox, Jetseter, Gene Kasidit, Boom Boom Cash, 25 Hours and plenty more.
4TH E-SAN REGGAE MUSIC FESTIVAL
Chiang Mai Jazz Festival
Date: Nov 7 Location: E-San Kiew Island, Ban Phu Kham Bao, Ubol Ratana, Kon Gaen Price: B300 from 085-010-7195 Lineup: Live performances from 38 reggae acts from Thailand, America, Japan and Malaysia, including Bangkok Smoke Run, Until That Day, Chekdet, GG Project, Monkey King and Sunjohn Band & Perfreedom. on.fb.me/1hFXyvf
ROCK ON THE LAKE 2015
Stone Free Music Fest
Date: Nov 14 Location: Silverlake Vineyard (31/62 Moo 7, Na Jomthien, Sattahip, 02-261-6565) Price: B1,200 from Thaiticketmajor Lineup: Back for its second year, this festival gathers nine of the country’s biggest rockers: Getsunova, Maew Chirasak, AB Normal, Blackhead, Lomosonic, Modern Dog, Cocktail, Zeal and Asanee Wasan. From dusk until dawn, the event will have a battle-of-the-bands feel with a second stage hosting performances from the rising rockers of Rockademy Thailand. www.rockonthelake.com
SEASON OF LOVE SONG 6
Season of Love Song
Date: Nov 28 Location: Veneto Floating Market Suanpueng, Ratchaburi Price: B1,300 plus B450/B600 for tent area Lineup: A night of romantic music from Scrubb, Mild, 25Hours, Stamp, Paradox, Sqweez Animal, Armchair, Slot Machine and more. There’s also a camping area onsite for you to spend the night under the stars. ow.ly/TSWPv
VOICE OF LOVE WONDERLAND
Voice of Love Wonderland
Date: Nov 28 Location: Kratom Hin Resort & Hotel (57/58 Moo 17, Wang Nam Kiew, Nakhon Ratchasima. 087-995-5799) Price: B1,200 on Thaiticketmajor Lineup: Join Lipta, Flure, Musketeer, Jetsete’r, Polycat and Pod Thanachai for 12 hours of love ballads amid the fresh country air. With tent services available, you can make a weekend of it and enjoy the beautiful surroundings nature as well. ow.ly/TSWZe
OVERCOAT FESTIVAL
Overcoat Festival
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Date: Dec 6 Location: Jolly Land Starlight Ampitheater, Khao Kho, Petchaboon Price: B1,600 at all 7-Eleven convenience stores Lineup: This huge music festival returns for its sixth year, presenting romantic music amid mountainous scenery. Snuggle up in your hoodie and scarf to enjoy bands such as Slot Machine,
www.fb.com/overcoatmusicfest
STONE FREE MUSIC FEST Date: Dec 11-13 Location: Khao Wong, Sara Buri Price: B1,000 for earlybird. B1,500 for general. Lineup: The fourth edition of the indie music festival throws up a mix of folk, experimental and indie music. Though the complete lineup is yet to be announced, the festival promises a total of 56 bands performing on an open-air stage, including names like Summer Dress, Jia Pa Bo Sue, Monomania, New Mandarin, White Light, Vimutti, Dead Karaoke and Low Fat. www.fb.com/StoneFreeMusicFestival
WONDERFRUIT Date: Dec 17-20 Location: The Fields at Siam Country (50 Moo 9, Bang Lamung, Pattaya) Price: B2,000-B5,500 Lineup: Bangkok’s biggest lifestyle festival combines art, music, fashion, food and wellness in one place. Yasiin Bey (AKA Mos Def) and R&B duo Rhye headline the music stage, joined by the likes of Daedelus, Com Truise, The Faint and Jon Hopkins x Chris Levine, plus a heap of local acts. Food will come from some of Bangkok’s finest names like Rocket, Gaggan, Peppina and Bao & Buns, while there will also be stalls from A Taste of Wonder (design/fashion), Bird by Sabek (art), Into the Wind by Witaya Junma (art), Solar Stage by Vita Motus (architecture) and Wonder Salon (design/fashion). www.wonderfruitfestival.com
7TH BIG MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL Date: Dec 19-20 Location: Kaeng Krachan Country Club, Petchaburi. 032-427-596. Price: B2,000 from all 7-Eleven convenience stores Lineup: This two-day-two-night festival may have moved from its traditional home of Khao Yai, but this year’s event will still boast a huge nine music stages, plus a whopping collection of food markets, souvenir stalls, fashion and art exhibitions. Some of the biggest names in Thai music take the stage, including Bodyslam, Modern Dog, Thaitanium, Polycat, Karabao, Paradox, Potato, Big Ass, Scrubb, Lipta, Aof Pongsak, Mild and 25 Hours. www.fb.com/bigmountainmusicfestival
CHIANG MAI JAZZ FESTIVAL Dates: Dec 26-27 Location: Promenada Resort Mall (192-193 Moo 2, Tasala, Muang Chiang Mai. 053-107-888) Price: B750-1,300 from Thaiticketmajor Lineup: Now in its fifth year, this festival is dedicated to the country’s best jazz musicians along with a series of international guests. This year’s lineup includes Pomelo Town, Jonathan Frizten & Camilla Lunstedt, Los Romberos, Chiang Mai Jazz All-stars, Mads Mathias, Funktion & Pod Modern Dog and Jun Abe & J Super Band. www.chiangmaijazzfestival.com
BK Magazine Friday, November 6, 2015
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Rangsit Thongsamakr
escapes
Pak Phanang
AROUND THAILAND
Four reasons why the Southern city of Nakhon Si Thammarat should be on your bucket list. By Monruedee Jansuttipan
Rangsit Thongsamakr
Nakhon Now
Kiriwong
Hin Ngam Beach
Shadow Puppet Theater
Turn Back Time Where: City center Soon to be a UNESCO World Heritage site, Nakhon Si Thammarat has done well to preserve its ancient southern Thai roots, and just strolling around town is a pleasure in itself thanks to landmarks like Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan temple. Start your expedition at Ran Copee (4/1 Nang Ngam Rd., next to city hall, 075-340-160), which serves not only great kopi (hot or cold black coffee) but also one of the beat breakfasts in town—braised pork leg, well-rounded bakuteh soup with tender pork ribs and khao niew Benjarong (five color coconut sticky rice with five traditional toppings). Next, move on to Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan to visit its 800-year-old pagoda before dropping by the Nakhon Hatthagam Group at their craft house, where master craftsman Nikom Nok-aksorn turns out some of the country’s finest krueang thom (jewelry and decorative pieces made from a mix of silver, copper and lead). Also check in at the national artist Suchart Subsin’s Shadow Puppet Theater, which has a collection of shadows puppets from around the region, including some that date back to WWII.
Country Cruising Where: Pak Phanang A little out of town, the unspoiled Pak Phanang peninsula is home to the century-old Pak Phanang Market, where you can find old wooden shops selling local delicacies. A Pak Phanang river cruise (Thanam Non cruise service with dinner at B5,000, 075-333-333, 086323-999) will also take you along the area’s natural waterways and past ruins of 100-year-old rice mills
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Cycling route to Khao Plai Dam
once visited by King Rama V. At the end of the river you’ll come to the crescent-shaped Laem Talumphuk Cape with its magnificent view of Khao Luang towering above the river basin. If you’d rather just take the afternoon easy and lie on a beach, then head to the nearby Had Sai Kaew Resort (103/1 Tha Sala, Nakorn Si Thammrat, 075-355-959, ow.ly/Tj60D), where you’ll also find an esoteric, privately-owned museum displaying an impressive collection of ancient beads from around Southern Thailand.
Eco Fresh
Where: Kiriwong Village, Lanska district Recently awarded the 2015 Green Ranger Award (a yearly prize given to “green destinations” by CreativeMove and the Tourism Authority of Thailand), Kiriwong Village is the most-talked-about eco-friendly village in the kingdom. Only a 20-kilometer drive from Nakhon’s city center, this sleepy little town houses a beautiful rocky waterway which streams through the middle of the village, backed by Khao Luang, the highest mountain in Nakhon Si Thammarat. Thailand’s Pollution Control Unit also says it has the purest air in the country—100 times purer than the standard level for good air quality. The activities on offer here also help draw travelers in with a taste of the slow life. Workshops include making your own dream catchers, batik fabric and natural tie-dye and mangosteen soap production. To sample the local fruit at its finest, head here between Aug-Oct, when you can pluck langsat, rambutan, mangosteen and “Puang Manee” durian right from the tree. The biggest local festival, Chak Pra Tang Bok, also happens at the end of October, when the whole village unites to drag a heavy Naka wooden carriage
Ban Plai Thon Village
Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan
without wheels for about five kilometers, to pay respect to a revered local Buddha image and mark the end of Lent. Many locals also offer homestays, which include both board and food. Contact the village head directly at Kiriwong Group (086-788-8718, www.kiriwonggroup. com) or book via Hivesters (www.hivesters.com), who will also provide an English-speaking guide.
Essentials
Sports and Sea
(www.airasia.com) B1,730 and Thai Lion Air (www.lion airthai.com) B1,800.
Where: Sichon district On the radars of nature lovers and sportsmen, Sichon is home to a whole host of outdoor activities. To see some of the local fauna, head to Khao Plai Dam, a 2-km stretch of beach and mountain backdrop that’s listed as a wildlife sanctuary for both its forest and marine life. The eco-friendly fishery at Ban Plai Thon Village is also a paradise for local seafood lovers, who flock here every morning to buy the fresh catch from local fishermen at very special prices. Think giant blue crab at just B250 per kilo. For adrenaline junkies head to Hin Ngam Beach for Sichon Cabana Beach Resort (www. sichoncabana.com) is well known for sports like windsurfing and cycling, and is even home to a little-known triathlon training camp that makes the most of its location between the mountains and the sea. We’re also in peak season for surfing and windsurfing until the end of November. Renting equipment in the area is easy, as is finding a coach for beginners. For cyclists, there are two main routes to try: Hin Ngam Beach-Plai Thon BeachKlong Thung Kha if you’re looking to take things easy; or the Khao Plai Dham route if you’re looking for something more mountainous and challenging.
HOW TO GET THERE Budget airlines operate daily flights between Bangkok and Nakhon Si Thammarat. Nok Air (www.nokair.com) starts at B1,700, AirAsia
WHERE TO STAY In town: The Original Orange Rooms (6/37-40 Pattanakarn Kukawang Road, 075-774675, www.theoriginalorangerooms.com), room rates start at B700. Sichon district: Seastone Hotel (327/55 Moo 3, Sichon, 075-536197, 075-536198, www.fb.com/seastonehotel), room rates start at B1,500 for deluxe rooms, B2,000 for beachfront villas and B4,000 for a panoramicview family suite.
BK Magazine Friday, November 6, 2015
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ESCAPE ROUTES By Pinnyada Tanitnon
CHONBURI
Pizza Tour Bangkok’s much-acclaimed Neapolitan pizza specialist Peppina (Sukhumvit Soi 31 and Tha Maharaj) has quietly branched out beyond the capital. Set on the third floor of Sriracha’s Aeon community mall (165/133 Moo 10, Surasak, Sriracha, 03-831-3228), in the Eastern province of Chonburi, the new branch looks a lot like the original, only larger. It’s got the same warm decor of norcal woods with the very same floor-to-ceiling windows and hanging lights. The bonus is a giant outdoor patio boasting views of the coastal city. The menu is very much like the original too, centering on pizzas (some of the best in Bangkok) like the simple (but delicious) Margherita (san marzano tomato, mozzarella, parmesan and basil) and savory-yet-sweet Zucca (pumpkin, taleggio cheese, walnuts and red onion), prepared in front of you in the restaurant’s open kitchen. Open daily from 11am-11pm.
PHUKET
Cape Expansion One of Phuket’s most-loved resorts, Sri Panwa (88 Moo 8, Sakdidej Rd., Vichit, 076-371000, www.sripanwa.com) is expanding—and the good news is it will be more affordable. Ready in time for Christmas (Dec 25), Phase 2 will consist of 30 new pool suites and penthouses, each equipped with their own private infinity swimming pool. As this part of the resort faces west, the big bonus is you can enjoy private views of the sunset over the Andaman Ocean without having to fight guests for a seat at the iconic Baba Nest Bar (which currently requires around 29 days’ advance booking). Rates will start from B12,000/night for the 70-sq-meter pool suites and B19,000/night for the penthouses. (Current rates start at about B28,000.) A Chinese restaurant, dubbed Baba, is also set to follow.
Cozy Nook Nook Dee (216 Koktanod Rd., Karon, 076688-888, www.nook-dee.com) looks like the resort Kata Beach has been waiting for: contemporary, infused with local style and, best of all, really affordable—for now. Opening rates start at just B2,559 this November, for which you’ll get 34 sq meters of Thai-silk-festooned, sea-facing, four-star-resort goodness. Sure, it’s a shuttle ride to the beach, but the hillside infinity pool beats getting sand in your bikini anyway.
Island Treasures We’ve just completed a guide to Phuket for Sansiri, which has a condo down there on Baan Mai Khao Beach (goo.gl/quu9Nt). What did we find out during our research? Beyond the tourist-traps, shabby diners and crowded beaches, Phuket is better than ever. Apart from its scenic beaches and beautiful sunsets, the island has welcomed plenty of luxe new openings ranging from fine-dining restaurants to cocktail bars. It has also become the new Southern hub for fitness and wellness with the emergence of large worldclass facilities such as fitness camps, muay Thai gyms and impressive spas. In fact, we believe this little project has managed to reconcile us with the island. Download the guide to see our findings at goo.gl/otH7bL.
Download the free guide to the best new openings in Phuket, Chiang Mai, Krabi, Samui and more. bit.ly/wherehotspots2015 Have some cool rooms? Email your news and promotions to travel@asia-city.co.th
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Runway Pileup H&M’s latest collaboration with French fashion house Balmain looks set to spark queues in Bangkok typically reserved for popcorn and doughnuts (or last year’s Alexander Wang collection). You will have seen some of the pieces floating around the internet over recent weeks, thanks in part to the campaign’s “Balmain Army” that includes the likes of Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner and Jourdan Dunn. The collaboration retains the sophisticated sharp tailoring, silk and elborate embroidery that Balmain is known for. Ladies highlight pieces include the deep-v neck green sequin bodycon dress (B6,499), the silk satin high-waisted harem pants (B3,499), and the much-coveted embroidered black velvet blazer (B17,999). That’s right, while the collection is not as expensive as actual Balmain, it’s still pretty steep compared to previous H&M designer collaborations. Key pieces for the menswear collection include hand-embroidered leather jackets and blazers (starting from B3,499) and biker trousers (starting from B2,499). Accessories also stick to the military-esque vibe, featuring black boots, large golden cuffs and belts, beanies and shades. Available from Nov 5 at H&M, G/F, CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd., 02-646-1077. BTS Siam/Chit Lom
BEAUTY
LIFESTYLE
TECH
Green Salon
So Fresh, So Clean
In the Lab
Thonglor has just welcomed Lusrica, a six-seat hair spa and salon that uses quality Japan hair products like Milbon and Moltobene. The minimalist white space is decked out with plenty of green touches and also welcomes lots of natural light. Specializing in edgy Japanese styles, the three hairstylists—two Japanese and one Thai—offer haircuts (B700-1,200) and hair coloring (from B1,800), as well as treatments like the Deep Layer, using Melbon’s Linkage Meu and Plarmia refining hair serum to turn dry hair smooth and shiny, which starts at B300 for two steps up to B1,500 for five steps. 141 Sukhumvit Soi 53, 02-009-2616. BTS Thong Lo. www.fb.com/LUSRICA.BKK
Arms Original is a locally-made, spray-on sneaker cleaner that aims to get your kicks looking sparkling clean with minimum fuss. Just spray the solution on a stain, rub gently and wipe away. Now the brand has teamed up with Thai graphic designer Jackkrit Anantakul for a limited-edition set dubbed Sleepyhead. It sees Jackkrit’s colorful one-eyed character design emblazoned on a 120ml solution spray bottle and 15x15 microfiber towel. Limited to only 200 sets (B500), currently available at weekend flea markets like Night Bike Market (Oct 30-Nov 1) or online via the brand’s Facebook page (www.fb.com/armsoriginals).
After several years working at London’s DoBeDo film studio, photographer and filmmaker Chardchakaj Waikawee has returned home to open his own old-school photo lab. Airlab offers a full film processing service for 135 and 120 formats, as well as large format film, in both color and black and white. Scanning prices start at B70-360. They also have a collection of secondhand film cameras for sale, such as the Olympus mju-II (B2,100), Fuji 645z (B18,000) and Leica M8 Chrome (B48,000). Chardchakaj says he also plans to offer darkroom rental, as well as creative photography workshops and showcases. 95 Sukhumvit Soi 81, 087-637-3514. BTS On Nut. www.fb.com/airlabbkk
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Slip Stream We put Bangkok’s top-five move streaming services through a real-world comparison. By Thaparit Lomsucka
Primetime HDTV
Doonee
Hollywood HDTV
The first streaming service to bring US movies and TV to Thailand claims to be unique in offering HD quality, DTS Audio and HeadphoneX technology.
By Thailand, for Thailand, the movies and shows on this streaming service have a heavily localized flavor.
This service offers a Hollywood-weighted film selection plus some picks from Japan.
Highlights: The Forbidden City, Prison Break Good: It’s the only application in this roundup that lets you pay with so many options—through Line, PayPal, direct bank transfer, SMS, Visa and Mastercard or at Counter Service. The selection is packed with old Chinese and Western series. Another bonus: they often run great promotions, like unlimited access to series for B9/day and buy-3-months-get-3-months free for SCB clients. Bad: The streaming speed is the slowest we tried. You can also only use the service from within Thailand. Cost: B159/month. doonee.com
Highlights: Conan, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, The Godfather, Living Among the Rich Good: The list of international box office hits is strong but only if you pay for one of the top packages, otherwise you get left with older films and series. Bad: As the name suggests, this one’s all about American TV, so this is no place to go looking for your favorite series from Korea or European auteur cinema. They do however seem to license a few Japanese anime (Conan, Ultraman). Cost: B199/month for the buffet part (mostly older films and series), and B300 for a better selection. www.hollywoodhdtv.com
Highlights: Minions, Pixels, Boyhood Good: Primetime reminds you why HBO was so great back in the day. The selection, though not super up-todate, is pretty broad and carries plenty of hits. The impressive streaming performance consumes fewer megabytes, meaning you don’t necessarily need Wi-Fi to watch a film. Plus the Thai and English dubs and subs. Bad: It takes a while for them to upload the blockbusters, around three months from the time they leave movie theaters, but the pricier packages can get them sooner. Cost: B199 for unlimited movies (no recent blockbusters) to B549 (or B399x12 if you pay for a full-year upfront) for two premier movies/ month, plus the movie and TV series buffet. www.goprimetime.tv
Iflix
Hooq.tv
This service promises access to a stockroom of Southeast Asia; Chinese, Korean and Hollywood films from Fox, Disney, Paramount, Warner Bros and MGM.
Here you’ll find a bit of everything, local and international, all available to watch both on- and offline.
Highlights: Mr. Robot, Queen and I, My Secret Hotel, Bad Guy, How I Met Your Mother Good: You don’t need a credit card to register for one month free. For locally produced and indie films, there’s a clear draw here thanks to the selection of Thai shows that are hard to find elsewhere. Subscribers can easily dig out Thai movies too, with Bahasa, Thai, Tagalog, Korean or Mandarin dubs and subs. Anime geek? They’ve got the license to air a few hit Japanese series. Bad: The biggest drawback we found was for Western shows. The collection of BBC Sherlock Holmes episodes, for example, is really limited and out of date. Cost: B100/month subscription. www.iflix.com
Highlights: Ugly Betty, Gossip Girl, The Flash, Masked Rider, Hamtaro Good: Hooq lets you check out their full movie list online without having to register. And—thank God—you can also download the movies to watch offline, but only on smartphones and tablets with the HOOQ app (a maximum of five videos can be downloaded at one time across all devices on the account). Bad: It’s not optimized for Chrome browser, so you’ll have to go back to Firefox or Safari. Cost: B119/month after a free 45-day trial. Only Mastercard and Visa cards are accepted. www.hooq.tv/th
ART National Museum Finally Gets World-Class Exhibition Hall The National Museum's front hall has just been turned into a world-class gallery, bringing together the museum's most priceless treasures in a single room, and allowing them to shine brighter than ever thanks to carefully designed lighting, showcases and minimal gray backdrops. A monumental Buddha head from the Ayutthaya period looks over it all, while a stunningly graceful bronze Bodhisattva from the Srivijaya period takes center stage amid Khmer and Hindu sculptures. Smaller pieces are kept behind glass panes on both sides of the room, ranging from early Buddhist art to delicate Rattanakosin-era puppets. These are all pieces New York’s Metropolitan Museum or London's British Museum would kill for. And it's finally being presented properly.
This particular hall was actually one of the National Museum’s least impressive exhibits. Meant to tell Thailand's official nation-building narrative, it mixes quaint dioramas and faded maps. So before you file this one under "obscure cultural improvements," allow us to make the case for just how momentous this new exhibit is. Thailand has one of the world's most important collections of Buddhist art. And art is big business. Whether it's the Louvre expanding to Dubai, or Guggenheim putting Bilbao on the global tourism map overnight, museums are powerful drivers of tourism. This new hall is so good, it's worth getting on a plane for. As for us locals, it’s an excellent excuse to revisit the National Museum’s beautiful grounds. Gregoire Glachant
The National Museum Bangkok, 4 Na Phrathat Rd., 02-224-1333. Open Wed-Sun and national holidays (except Songkran and Jan 1), 9am-4pm. B30 for holders of Thai ID cards. B200 for foreigners
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RESTAURANT
Hong Kong Kitchen Following high-end M Krub’s modernist take on Chinese cuisine, the latest opening in the ever-expanding Chef Man empire couldn’t be more different. Chairman replaces the short-lived Chef Man Express at Emquartier and goes for a ‘50s Hong Kong diner vibe (known as bing sutt or bing shi). Frequent travelers to HK probably know the score: boh loh baau (pineapple buns), milky teas and coffees, buttery French toast and lots of Hong Kong versions of Western food. (Fear not, Chef Man’s steamed salted egg custard bun remains too!) Highlights of the lengthy menu include the steamed honey BBQ (B35) and steamed yam paste buns (B40), and the baked rice with chicken chop and fish fillet in twin sauce (B260). Drinks include iced red bean with milk (B75), Hong Kong milk tea (B80) and chilled milk tea (B110). All items are available for eat-in or takeaway. Prices are net. 2/F, Emquartier, Sukhumvit Soi 35, 02-261-0426. Open daily 10am-10pm.
RESTAURANT
BRUNCH
CHEF VISIT
Tuscan Tastes
Knock Knock
Indian Delight
Tucked down the winding back streets of Sukhumvit Soi 65, Lucca takes over the quiet space where neighborhood Vietnamese restaurant Saigon Rimsai used to sit. Now decked out with a dark, Tuscan-style ceiling and plenty of starched white tablecloths, it serves a menu of classic Italian dishes from antipasti and pastas to hearty meats, as well as a few French favorites like duck confit (B650). The chef, Hee Chanyadee, comes from a big hotel background (past experience includes the Shangri-La, Sofitel So and The Sukhothai) but here goes in for clean and simple plates, like gnocchi with sauteed Alaskan crab meat (B480), lamb fillet with ratatouille (B320) and warm goat cheese terrine with smoked salmon (B350). For dessert, don’t miss the tiramisu (B220). 108/4 Sukhumvit Soi 65, 02-714-2207. Open daily 6-11pm; Sat-Sun 11am-2:30pm. www.fb.com/luccabangkok
Just a couple of months after opening, Thonglor’s white, hip kicks shop-cum-restaurant Knock has started serving a brunch every Sunday from 11:30am-3pm. Dubbed Knock Out, the all-you-can-eat a la carte menu features chef Chalee Kader’s brunchy creations like scrambled eggs with smoked salmon and poppy seed bagel, eggs Benedict with slow-cooked ox tongue, pastrami and sourdough muffins, Iberico ham omelet with tomatillos and toasted baguette, hotcakes with maple butter, and chicken and foie gras sliders. To drink, the brunch includes free-flow Chandon, bloody mary’s and mimosas. The feast sets you back B1,750 per person (B1,250 with no alcohol). 3/F, 333/1 Sukhumvit Soi 55, 081-375-6625. Open Tue-Fri 12pm-9pm; Sat-Sun 11am-10pm. www.knockbkk.com
Phrom Phong’s Indian institution Indus welcomes Nishant Choubey, the head chef from Dusit Devarana hotel in New Delhi, for a series of pop-up dinners this Nov 11-13 to celebrate Diwali. You probably haven’t heard of Nishant Choubey, but in Delhi he’s highly regarded for his molecular takes on classical Indian cuisine that stay faithful to authentic flavors while introducing non-traditional ingredients. His Study of Tomato sees tomato prepared in three different ways—clarified with orange water, green tomato with coriander crystals, and desi yellow pan tomato—while his mustard leaf-wrapped Kolkata fish is served with wasabi ice cream. There’s also a separate vegetarian menu which includes quinoa khandvi ravioli with Jack Daniel’s and orange chutney, and gatta gnocchi with biryani foam and nitro chili crystals. The seven-course menu is priced at B2,400 per person and wine pairing costs B600 extra. 71 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-258-4900. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm; 6:30pm-11pm. www.indusbangkok.com
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Charm Learn Studio
Badmotel (Picture courtesy of Siam2Nite)
Do It Yourself Seven DIY ways to craft the perfect day out with your girlfriends.
Craft your own jewelry Brush up on your at Smitheries cooking skills at IsWhy you’ll love it: You and your gal pals saya Cooking Studio can design your own piece and craft it from scratch. Plus, Smitheries is run by jewelry designer Chaiwat Wattanaukit and Piyamas Muenprasartdee, the stylish bassist from the band Yellow Fang, who will teach you the A-Z on how to make your signature piece in just a few hours. The deal: Classes vary from resin- and silicone-making to wax carving and jewelry coloring. We recommend the basic one-day course that goes for five hours and starts at B3,500 per person, including 15g of silver and all utensils needed. 2/F, Black Amber Building, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), between soi 5-7, 086-336-5337. fb.com/smitheries
Why you’ll love it: The team behind the renowned Thai restaurant Issaya Siamese Club offers a range of cooking classes from some of the biggest names in the business (look no further than Issaya’s own chef Ian Kittichai). Issaya Cooking Studio is a fun new way to spend your lunch break, and top up your cooking skill for that next dinner party. The deal: The studio updates its monthly schedule on its Facebook, with daily classes starting from B2,000 per person. LG/F Central Embassy, 1031 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-160-5636. BTS Phloen Chit. www.fb.com/issayastudio
Mix your own cocktails Knit your own teddy bear at Big Knit at the coolest bars Why you’ll love it: Looking for a lazy around Bangkok weekend gathering with the ladies? Why you’ll love it: Once the sun sets, it’s time for a cocktail or two. Currently, some of Bangkok’s best bars—like every Tuesday at Roof 409 Bar & Bistro; every Wednesday at Le Cafe des Staigiares, 7th Street Bar & Bistro (Thonglor and Mega Bangna) and Enchanted; every Thursday at Namsaah Bottling Trust and Cloud 47; and, every Friday at Badmotel—are offering special ladies’ night promotions that include buy-one-get-one-free cocktails, but there’s a fun catch. The bartender will make the first one, but you’ll have to make the second one by yourself under their careful guidance You’ll also have your second drink in a cute mason jar with your name on it, and you can take it back home with you. The deal: For the full list of participating bars, check out www.LaFemmeDrinkSociety.com. Visit on the right night, dubbed La Femme, order the drink of the day and get achance to mixyour-own second drink. Facebook: LaFemmeDrinkSociety
Cozy Sukhumvit cafe Big Knit offers more than just coffee and idle chitchat—it also offers classes on how to knit your own scarf or even a cuddly little teddy bear. The deal: Knitting starts from B350/set. The Natural Park Building, next to Dental Hospital, 98 Sukhumvit Soi 49, 02260-5050. www.bignit49.com
Make your own soap at House of Lakshmi Mantra Why you’ll love it: If you subscribe to international beauty bloggers, you may wonder how they make it look so easy to make you own soap. Now, you can do it in Bangkok, too, with some help from House of Lakshmi Mantra. The restaurant-turned-workshop provides all the ingredients and teaches you step-by-step how to make your own uniquely scented bar of soap that will have everyone talking.
The deal: DIY soap workshops are available from Wednesday to Monday starting from B1,200 per person, with all materials included. No prior skills needed. Sukhumvit Soi 12, 084-926-2442. BTS Asoke www.fb.com/L.mantra
Issaya Cooking Studio
Dye your own scarf at Charm Learn Studio
Why you’ll love it: The bohemian look is totally in right now. And here’s one way to make it your own, whether dressing up for the year-end music festivals or simply looking your best for the office. Nestled in Bangkok’s Old Town, Charm Learn Studio teaches you all you need to know about natural dyeing, from indigo to sunflower, in its laid-back twoday weekend workshops. The deal: The basic natural-dye workshop runs monthly at B3,000 per person, and the indigo-dye workshop is B3,500 with all materials included. 95 Soi Phraeng Sapphasat, Tanao Rd., 080-587-6331. fb.com/charmlearnstudio95
Customize a friend’s birthday cake at Bake Ministry
Why you’ll love it: Is your besties’ birthday sneaking up? How about you and the rest of the gang do something a little different this time? Bake Ministry lets you customize your own pop-up cake. For a fun idea, gather the girls for a group photo and let the master bakers do the rest. The deal: Place your order (with picture and details) at Bakeministry@ gmail.com at least seven days in advance. 47/1 Freedom House, Sukhumvit Soi 49/1, 089-154-0474 and 02-259-7988. www.bakeministry.net
House of Lakshmi Mantra
7th Street Bar & Bistro (Picture courtesy of Siam2Nite)
Brought to you by Absolut
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RESTAURANTS
Game On Over in cold, Northern Hemisphere countries it’s fall right now. That means lots of game animals and wild mushrooms—which are also making their way onto special menus at top restaurants here. By Natcha Sanguankiattichai
Water Library
Water Library Chamchuri
Medici
The new seasonal tasting menu by chef Mirco Keller features five spice-flavored venison from Picardie (France) with corn, cranberry jam and Kampot pepper sauce. Non-meat eaters can also opt for fillet of pomfret fish with white asparagus hollandaise sauce and black truffle instead. The rest of the menu includes salmon tartare, seared scallop, pan-fried foie gras and yuzu-vanilla jelly caramel espuma. Five courses will set you back B2,900 and an extra B1,600 for wine pairing. Available until season ends.
Using white truffles from Umbria, Italy, Chef Nicolino’s seasonal menu sees the likes of nicoise beef tartare with parmesan foam and white truffle; grilled angus beef tenderloin with mushroom, foie gras sauce and white truffle; and roasted tiger prawns wrapped with bacon and rosemary, served with polenta, glazed vegetables and white truffle. Prices start from B600 or simply add the mushroom to any dish at B360 per gram. Through Nov 30.
2/F, Chamchuri Square, Rama 4 Rd., 02-160-5188. MRT Samyan
Savelberg To go with game season, the Dutch chef has imported doe (female deer) meat from Sologne (France), which is reputed to be a lot more tender than the commonly served venison. Highlight dishes include pan-seared doe with boiled red cabbage, fermented red cabbage and pureed chestnut, with a sauce of its own gravy and black pepper. The set menus are priced at B2,800 (four courses), B3,500 (six courses) and B4,200 (eight courses). A la carte is also available. Through Jan 29, 2016. G/F, Oriental Residence, 110 Wireless Rd., 02-252-8001
Vertigo Vertigo
Here, it’s all about mushroom. Choose from starters like the grilled king oyster mushroom, mushroom millefeuille and clear wild mushroom soup, and mains like pan-seared snow fish with mushroom consomme and black truffle with risotto or angel hair pasta. Finish with basil panna cotta with exotic fruits, Champagne syrup and coconut foam. B2,900 for three courses or B3,800 for four courses. Through Nov 30. Banyan Tree Hotel, 21/100 South Sathon Rd., 02-679-1200
Fireplace Grill The restaurant picks black and white truffles as its star ingredients this November, presenting dishes like seared scallop with shaved black truffle, truffle butter and spinach parmesan puree, and butter-poached Stockyard tenderloin with panko black truffle crust and celeriac white truffle cream. Prices start at B700. Through Nov 30. Red Sky
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G/F, InterContinental Bangkok, 973 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-6560444
Hotel Muse, 55/555 Langsuan Rd., 02-360-4000
Red Sky Executive sous chef Hugo Coudurier has picked Alba white truffle from Northern Italy as the star this season. Priced at B4,555, the five-course autumn seasonal tasting set dinner starts with white truffle tartelette, sunny-side up egg, caramelized onions and smoked pancetta, followed by pumpkin veloute with freshly shaved Alba white truffle. Next comes truffle macaroni in Madeira sauce followed by a main course of butter-roasted venison loin, quince, wild mushrooms and sauce “Grand Veneur.” Dig your sweet tooth into a dessert of Corsican chestnut to finish the meal. Through Nov 30. 55/F, Centara Grand at CentralWorld, 999/99 Rama 1 Rd., 02-100-6255. BTS Siam/Chit Lom
Scarlett This year, chef Manuel Martinez’s hunting-season additions to the menu include seared mallard (wild duck) breast, crispy leg and poached pear in red wine, and wild boar bourguignon with potatoes at B890 per dish. Available until season ends. 37/F, Pullman Bangkok Hotel G, 188 Silom Rd., 02-679-1200
Attico Autumnal ingredients here include truffles, white asparagus and gamey meat. In addition to imported game-meat salamis (B1,090/plate), chef Dario Busnelli fills the menu with chestnut fettuccine with red wine stewed wild boar ragout (B470), roasted deer fillet with red wine Amarone sauce, wild berries and grilled polenta (B1,390) and pheasant ravioli game jus with truffled, aged crutin chesese fondue (B590). Through Nov 30. 28/F, Radisson Blu, 489 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-302-3333
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bites & blends market + Events BKK Pop-Up Dinner This Nov 7, BKK Pop-Up Dinner group hosts its first four-course Thai dinner by chef Patchayaporn Bunyaluk (of The Kitchenmess) under the theme “Culinary Journey Through Thailand.” The hidden venue in Thonglor will be revealed two days before the event. Priced at B1,500 with 25 seats available, tickets can be purchased at www.eventpop.me/e/187. Groove’s Farmers Market Meet the food producers and enjoy locally-made eats and products. Oct 17-18, 11am-8pm at Groove @ CentralWorld. 999/99 Rama 1 Rd., 02-613-1270. BTS Siam
Bangkok Farmers’ Market Anantara Bangkok Riverside hosts the weekend foodies market where you can buy products straight from the source. Nov7-8, 10am-6pm 257 Charoennakorn Rd., 02-476-0022
The Roof
Thirsty Thursdays Every Thu from 7-10pm, The Roof and La Vue offer free-flow Chang beer (B499). Or pay B799 and enjoy freeflow Singha draft, house spirits and selected house wines. Till Nov 26. 25/F, Siam@Siam, 865 Rama 1 Rd., 02-2173070. BTS National Stadium
Weekday Lunch Momo Cafe offers an international lunch buffet deal at B399 net per person every Mon-Fri from noon-2:30pm. Marriott Executive Apartments Sathorn Vista, 1 Sathorn Soi 3, 02-343-6789
Wine Time Finally
Advertise your business with us starting from B6,000 Email sales@asia-city.co.th or call 026249601
Every Sat from 6:30-9pm, Junker and Bar offers a wine buffet at B499 with three kinds of red, three whites and two sangria. 454 Suan Phlu Soi 1, 085-100-3608
Credit card/Debit card payment accepted
Men’s Night Indus
Till Dec 26, men get free-flow beer at Woobar every Sat from 8:30-9:30pm. W Bangkok, 106 Sathorn Rd., 02-344-4000. BTS Chongnonsi
Pop-up by Chef Nishant Phrom Phong’s Indian institution, Indus welcomes Nishant Choubey, the head chef from Dusit Devarana hotel in New Delhi, for a series of pop-up dinners this Nov 11-12 to celebrate Diwali. B2,400 per person or B3,000 with wine pairing.
New Venues
71 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-661-5279
Heavenly Touches
Luka
From Nov 17-21, chef Onno Kokmeijer (of the Hotel Okura Amsterdam’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant Ciel Bleu) visits Elements to serve a sixcourse dinner (B5,600/person) and a three-course set lunch (B3,200/person).
Luka Sathorn’s new furniture shop, Casa Pagoda, has an equally exciting cafe. 64/1 Pan Rd., 02-637-8558
A Guide to Bangkok’s Best Restaurants
The Okura Prestige, 57 Wireless Rd., 02-687-9000
Deals
BKmagazine.com/TopTables The Balvenie Lounge
The Balvenie Lounge
Nippon Kai
Nippon Kai x Chef Van
The of-the-moment Scotch brand brings Bangkok’s latest whiskey and cigar lounge to Ruamrudee. 2/F, Cohiba Atmosphere, 63/3 Soi Ruamrudi, Phloen Chit Rd., 02-650-9006
Till the end of this year, Nippon Kai Market features chef Van Rohitratana’s (of Escapade) mentaiko tempura cheese balls (B350), in addition to its daily 40-percent discount on selected sushi and beef dishes. 9:53 Mall, Sukhumvit Soi 53, 02-662-5683
THE EASIEST WAY TO BOOK YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS 20
Find out more at www.chope.co/toptables
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Hot Plates
Bangkok’s five best new restaurants this month.
Seeds
Arno’s
Arno’s People are calling it the best steak in town— and that means there’s a three-week wait to eat here. French butcher and chef, Arnaud Carre, and his two Thai partners, Supanit Chaiyawiwat and Siripong Luengvarinkul, buy whole carcasses and dry-age them for at least 45 days at the butchery. They offer pretty much every cut you could wish for with no extra charge for cooking and eating in. Prices start at B1,200/kg for T-bone, tomahawk and strip steak, and B1,500/kg for ribeye. On top of beef, he stores lamb chops, pork chops, chicken and some seafood. Here’s how it works: pick your cut at the counter, tell the chef how you want it prepared and then sit back and wait for your grilled meat. See more new places to get a steak, here. 2080/2 Narathiwas Soi 20, 02-678-8340. Open TueSun noon-11pm.
Lucca Tucked down the winding back streets of Sukhumvit Soi 65, Lucca takes over the quiet space where neighborhood Vietnamese restaurant Saigon Rimsai used to sit. Here, owner Natdanai Yuvaboon and his partners draw inspiration from their regular trips to Lucca, a quiant old town in Italy’s Tuscany region. Now decked out with a dark, Tuscan-style ceiling and plenty of starched white tablecloths, it serves a menu of classic Italian dishes from antipasti and pastas to hearty meats, as well as a few French favorites like duck confit (B650). The chef, Hee Chanyadee, comes from a big hotel background (past experience includes the Shangri-La, Sofitel So and The Sokhothai) but here goes in for clean and simple plates at this new operation, like gnocchi with sauteed Alaskan crab meat (B480), lamb fillet with ratatouille consommé (B320) and warm goat cheese terrine with smoked salmon (B350). For dessert, don’t miss the tiramisu (B220). 108/4 Sukhumvit 65, 02-714-2207. Open daily 6-11pm.
Seed Fine-dining restaurant empire Water Library has attempted to go casual with its latest opening. Replacing the spot that used to be The Library, Seed transports the team from the now-defunct chef’s-table restaurant
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Water Library Thonglor, led by Singaporean chef Haikal Johari, to a more rustic, down-toearth setting. This being Water Library, the French-inspired Western dishes aren’t all that casual and feature some Asia touches plus pretty beautiful presentation. Among the salads, soups, pastas, fish and meat dishes, you can expect items like foie gras terrine (B390) served with coconut, pineapple chutney and toasted sourdoug and duck confit (B590) served with carrot ginger puree, cabbage, caramelized ginger and orange juice. Sukhumvit Soi 39, 099-283-6363. Open Tue-Sun 5pm-midnight.
Chairman See Avenue, p12. 2/F, Emquartier, Sukhumvit Soi 35, 02-241-0426, Open daily 10am-10pm.
Luka There’s more to Sathorn than ever-happening soi 10-12. The latest exciting cafe opening has arrived on colorful Pan Road (aka Soi Wat Kaek). Located in the same building as the newly-opened Casa Pagoda, Luka Cafe is a collaboration between the furniture shop and entrepreneur Thitikarn “Som” Chongvatana of the bottled tea brand Tea Atelier. Amid a pared-back, industrial-chic setting (you’re inside a furniture shop, after all), the kitchen rolls out a small, breakfast-heavy menu that’s refreshingly affordable yet not without character. Chef Sirote Udomthongsuk, who boasts stints working for big names Savelberg, Gaggan and Water Library, serves up highlights like the aromatic breakfast burrito wrap (B170), comprising quinoa, scrambled egg, cheese, sausage, tomato salsa, avocado and their own “Thai chipotle” salsa, grilled cheese (B140) served with a thick tomato soup, and both the sweet or savory French toast (both B160). As you’d expect, there’s also a decent list of tea, including Tea Atelier’s bottled varieties, and single origin and blend options made with leaves from China, Sri Lanka, Japan and Israel. Tea starts at B120/pot, with highlights including the white tea urchin (B160) and green tea spearmint (B120), both made with organic tea leaves from Israel. Coffee starts at B70 for an espresso. Casa Pagoda, 64/1 Pan Rd., 02-637-8558. Open Mon-Fri 10am-7pm; Sat-Sun 8:30-7pm.
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Now Hiring JUNIOR WRITER Thai or English language Junior Writers write copy for our various publications: our upcoming Thai-language magazine, BK Magazine, Where Magazine and various custom publications. We’re looking for someone with: • • a fun, energetic, creative personality • • superlative writing skills in Thai or English • • curiosity for everything cool that’s going on in Bangkok Requirements: • Thai national
•
an eye for detail and factchecking ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines passion for social media
Bachelor’s degree
Candidates should be fluent in both Thai and English. Send your resume and a cover letter to jobs@asia-city.co.th
Job Ads_Junior Writer.indd 1
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bites
OPEN DOOR
Rosemary by Madame Tuang The latest celebrity chef opening spotlights European comfort food. The buzz: Ubolrat “Madame Tuang” Chawteerapluk has been a fixture on the Bangkok celebrity chef scene for years, as a cooking instructor, cookbook author and cooking show host. Now she’s opened a new restaurant specializing in French and Italian comfort food, and named it after her favorite herb. The decor: Located at the back of Thonglor’s latest food mall, The Taste, Rosemary maximizes its views over Thonglor Soi 10 with floorto-ceiling windows that flood it with natural light. It’s a casual allday-dining kind of space, filled with minimal, Euro-evoking accessories, from the whitewashed chairs to the art-deco lanterns. The kitchen itself is located on a mezzanine above the dining room, where you’ll also find a private room.
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The food and drinks: Western comfort dishes dominate the menu, namely salads, soups, steaks and seafood. Ingredients-wise, all the expensive imports are there: 150-day grain-fed Australian angus tomahawk (B3,200/kg), Maine lobster (B2,100/700-800g) and foie gras, served as a ravioli with truffle cream sauce (B650). Other highlight dishes include a duo of mozzarella-filled charcoal buns served with honey which the menu calls Black Magic (B110), and the French sea bream served grilled with lemon butter and almond sauce (B890). Desserts get more creative, like the lod chong cake (vanilla cake with pandan jelly and candle-smoked mousse, B100) and lemon rosemary cake (B110). To drink, the restaurant goes thin on the booze with just a few beers (from B120) and cocktails (from B220), instead embracing a teetotal league of choices from juice
(from B80), smoothies (B180) and mocktails (from B160) to coffee (from B90) and tea (from B90). From 1:30-5pm, the restaurant also offers a high tea set which includes cakes, scones, sandwiches, macarons and TWG tea at B550 for two people. Why you should care: Here's another TV-show cook and cookbook writer jumping out of the screen doing real-life food—an opportunity for fans and skeptics alike to try her dishes for real. Natcha Sanguankiattichai
G/F, The Taste, Thonglor Soi 11, 02-712-5998. Open daily 11am-10:30pm
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Not Just Another Cup
TABLE TALK Burgler Burger
The Harbour Seafood
NEW AND NOTED
Stolen Goods
New burger truck Burgler Burger (www.fb.com/BurglerThailand) comes from the owner of Sofitel So Bangkok in league with young entrepreneur Chakhorn Rungruengpaitoon (of Plent dessert cafe and Why So Serious Catering), who’ve pinched the same quality meats and house-baked buns used in the ritzy hotel and taken them to the street at a fraction of the price. Offerings include a wagyu burger (150g wagyu patty with bacon, caramelized onion, cos, aioli and two slices of cheddar cheese, B229) and the Barbekill (150g pork patty with cheddar cheese, pineapple and barbecue sauce, B189). Currently they’re parked regularly at J Avenue.
Coffee Corner
Move over Rocket; Sathorn Soi 10-12 has welcomed another hipster cafe. Not Just Another Cup (75/1 Sathorn Soi 10, 02-635-3464) is the latest opening from Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef Chitraphan Charanachitta (also of Buttercup and Tiny Cup),
Indus 71 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-258-4900. BTS Phrom Phong
who whips up a familiar line of breakfast dishes, toasts, salads, pastas, soups and sandwiches. Eggy options include the massive Not Just Another Cup Breakfast (two eggs, Sloane's ham and sausages, sauteed mushrooms, baked tomatoes and Maison Jean-Philippe bread, B450) and eggs Benedict (B280-300).
Fresh Catch
The outdoor grill-it-yourself seafood trend continues to gather pace, with the latest opening set amid the remains of an abandoned school construction site. Decked out with red bricks and outdoor tables, Ekkamai's The Harbor Seafood (Sukhumvit Soi 63 between soi 13 and 15, 089-114-0004) deals in sets of fresh, locally-sourced seafood. There are four sizes on offer, starting from the M (for 1-2 people, B599) up to the XXL (for 7-9 people, B1,799), each comprising prawns, squid, octopus, cockles, spotted babylons, razor clams and scallops, plus a fiery seafood sauce. Natcha Sanguankiattichai
For More than 10 years Indus has been at the forefront of Bangkok's Indian dining scene. Not only is it an ambient spot where beautiful people flock to be seen, but the food is just as refined. The kitchen does a good job serving up light and delicate versions of classic dishes like biriyani, kebabs, tikkas and seafood. They also have a beautiful backyard where you can enjoy your appetizers with cocktails. Exclusive privileges for Citibank credit cardmembers. Get 25% discount for food a la carte lunch menu (Monday-Friday) Get 10% discount for food a la carte dinner menu (Sunday-Thursday) Today - 31 Aug 2016
To redeem your favorite dining vouchers, please visit www.citirewards.com. Simply click “Thailand” and then “Gift voucher”
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FRI Close Knit International Violence Against Women’s Day is coming up on Nov 25 and Chomp (Samsen Soi 1, 084-098-8633) is dedicating the entire month to raising awareness about the important issue through a series of free screenings, discussions and presentations. One of the highlight events is an art exhibition titled A Girl of November by Tinna Hongnam, who presents striking, thought-provoking embroidered fabric on the theme of gender-based violence. Opens Nov 6, running through Nov 30.
Remember that huge EDM track “Booyah” that was on loop in basically every club back in 2013? Showtek, the Dutch DJ duo behind those big beats, is taking over Onyx on Nov 12 (Soi Soonvijai, Rama 9 Rd.). These guys have worked alongside Tiesto, Hardwell and Chris Brown, so brace yourself for a big night of progressive house. Tickets on sale on the day of the event at on.fb.me/1PTZYVZ.
SAT Back to the ‘90s TGIF (Thank God It’s Flea Market) returns this Nov 7-8, turning CentralWorld's Square A (Ratchadamri Rd., 02-635-1111. BTS Chitlom) into a retro shopping playground, under the theme “Back to School.” Expect some 150 stalls selling brands such as Something Boudoir, Pink by Pink, Mywishlist and Basics by Sita, plus food stalls from Salmon House, Oyster Bay Bangkok and Patisserie Rosie. In keeping with the theme, vendors will also be wearing student uniforms, accompanied by a throwback ‘90s soundtrack.
THU Ride On Bike for Dad may still be a month away, but the city’s biggest bike festival takes place this week. Makkasan Airport Link Station is the setting for A Day Bike Fest on Nov 1215. The festival celebrates the rising trend of people traveling internationally by bicycle, under the theme “Tour de World”. Hundreds of shops will sell bicycles and bike gear, bike-friendly travel deals and tours, while there will also be biking demonstrations, testrides and competitions, plus mini concerts from plenty of well-known artists.
BAAN LAIMAI, PHUKET On the happening Patong Beach, the sleek and relaxing Baan Laimai resort is equipped with a giant pool, luxe pool bar and beachside restaurant specializing in Thai and international seafood. The restaurant’s sandy brown chairs, ruched grey ceilings and playful mural walls make for a hip and cheerful spot to hang out after a day relaxing on the beach, or a great dinner spot to fuel up for a night at the beach clubs. Dine while cooled by a sea breeze on one of the comfortable woven rattan chairs and enjoy fresh seafood with a glass of cold beer, or set the tone for a great night and sing along to the live band while you enjoy classic Southern dishes.
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ADVERTORIAL
Join Singha this Nov 12 and Nov 26 for Singha Night, featuring B99 net beers all night long. Additionally, the Singha promotional girls will be hosting a lucky draw, giving you the opportunity to win exclusive Singha merchandise. The event will be happening every other Thursday of every month, so don’t miss out! Visit www.facebook.com/SinghaBeerTH to stay tuned to upcoming party dates with Baan Laimai, and see what’s on around Thailand. Baan Laimai Patong Beach Resort, 66 Thaweewong Rd., Patong, Phuket, 076-292-956. www.baanlaimai.com
brought to you by Singha
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now NIGHTLIFE
HIGHLIGHT Unfolding Kafka Festival Nov 7, 10pm. Above Eleven, 33/F, Fraser Suites Sukhumvit, 38/8 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 083-542-1111. Free. BTS Nana. DELICATE DECIBEL 2015
Delicate Decibel
RETOX SESSIONS FT. CRISTOPH
Join UK DJ and producer Cristoph for a night of deep house, house, tech house and techno. Open bar from 10-11pm. Support by local DJs Sunju Hargun and Sen Yai. Nov 6, 10pm. Glow, 96/4-5 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 02-261-3007, 02-261-4446. B450 (includes one drink.) MRT Sukhumvit. MELA X SUBCONSCIOUS: THE PERFECT SIN
The DJ teams from Mela and Subconscious join forces for a night of techno music. Featuring DJs FunkPheno, Gimmie, Chaowana, Krit Morton and more. Nov 6, 10pm. Tapas Room Club, Silom Soi 4, 02-234-4737. B250 (includes one drink.) BTS Sala Daeng. THE MOTHERSHIP PARTY
Attitude magazine presents a party with music from the Trasher DJs and special guest Pagina Heals. Nov 7, 7pm. Live RCA Bangkok, RCA, Rama 9 Rd., 086-860-0808. B300 (includes one drink.) ANDY HART @ GREASE
The team behind Studio Lam's Nite Ride parties presents the Australian disco and house DJ also known as Mr. Sleazy Beats. Support by local DJ Boogie G. Nov 7, 10pm. Grease, Piman 49, 46/12-13 Sukhumvit Soi 49, 02-662-6120-1. Free. DANCING UNDER THE STARS FT. DJ NEON
The Belgian DJ, who has performed at Tomorrowland and Ibiza, makes his Bangkok debut at this rooftop party, bringing with him an eclectic mix of hip-hop to house.
Two days filled with electronic music from international artists as diverse as Todd Terry (USA), Bottlesmoker (Indonesia) and Lafidki (Cambodia) on the first day, along with a music workshop and closing party at Jam Cafe the next day. Nov 6-8. Live RCA Bangkok, RCA, Rama 9 Rd., 086-860-0808. B200-450 (includes one drink.) EXPERIMENTAL EDGE @ JAM
MATISSE & SADKO @ LEVELS
The EDM duo from Russia, who have collaborated with the likes of Swedish House Mafia and Arty, make their Bangkok debut. Nov 12, 9pm. Levels, 6/F Aloft Hotel, 35 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 082-308-3246. Free. BTS Nana. SHOWTEK @ ONYX
The Dutch DJ duo, known for their hits "Cannonball" and "Booyah," which reached no. 5 in the UK singles chart, perform all their latest EDM tracks. Price to be announced. Nov 12, 9pm. Onyx, Soi Soonvijai, Rama 9 Rd. 081-6451166. DARK GROOVE ALLIANCE
Every first Thursday of the month until next year is dedicated to deep melodic house, progressive and techno music from DJs Mody, Moca, Kani, A_Lien and Kanabis Stoned. Through Feb 5 2016, 9pm. Dickinson's Culture Cafe, 64 Pra Arthit Rd., 089-497-8422. Free.
GIGS & CONCERTS 1979 LIVE SENTIMENTAL
For their monthly gig night, the vinyl store hosts up and coming pop artists Casinotone, White Light and Naked/ Astronaught. Nov 8, 3pm. 1979 Vinyls and Unknown Pleasures, 4/F, Black Amber (between soi 5 and 7), Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor). B100. BTS Thong Lo. MOVE IT UP I Killed The Prom Queen
2 SAINTS CHARITY CONCERT
A relaxed rooftop concert to raise money for the retired teachers of three select schools in Bangkok, featuring pop and R&B singers Aof Pongsak, Pop Pongkoon (from Calories Blah Blah) and Wan Tanakrit. Nov 8, 8pm. Cloud 47, 47/F United Center, Silom Rd., 091-889-9600. B1,200 from Thaiticketmajor. BTS Sala Daeng. THE IMPOSSIBLES' 50TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT
The old-school band celebrate their 50th anniversary with their career highlights and some rarities. Nov 10-11, 6pm. Bangkok Convention Center, Centara Grand at CentralWorld Hotel, 999/99 Rama 1 Rd., 02-100-1234. B1,5003,000 from Thaiticketmajor.
Join pop and rock bands 25 Hours, The Mousses and Tabasco for a night of live music. Tickets at bit.ly/1ibNgD9. Nov 8, 9pm. Live House BKK, 3 Kamphaeng Phet Rd., 081-930-3633. B800. FREE CONCERT FOR NUM T-BONE
A charity concert to raise funds for famous percussionist Num T Bone, who's suffering the aftermath of a brain hemorrhage. Featuring Scrubb, Apartment Khunpa, Jeab Wattana and Stylish Glasses. Nov 8, 2pm. Parking Toys' Watt, Soi Sun Wichai 14. Free.
CIRCLE OF FRIENDS
KLINGANDE @ SING SING
The Swedish DJ, known for his hit song "Jubel," which has reached over 100 million views on Youtube, performs melodic house tracks. The artist has performed at festivals such as Coachella, Tomorrowland and Ultra. Support by LazyKay and Arnold Pol. Nov 11, 7pm. Sing Sing, Sukhumvit Soi 45 (next to Quince), 097-285-6888. BTS Phrom Phong.
MOVEABAR
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Der Bau (The Burrow)
Cesser d’etre (Stop Beinng)
Jitti Chompee, renowned choreographer and founder of Thai dance company 18 Monkeys, is back with another art festival, this time collaborating with Goethe-Institut, the Japan Foundation and World Performances @ Drama Chula in a series of performances that draw inspiration from the madly bizarre and dark world of Franz Kafka. The Unfolding Kafka Festival, taking place Nov 12-Dec 3, aims to highlight the importance of performance art through international collaborations. Here’s a closer look at the performances and what their choreographers have to say about them. THE SILENCE OF INSECTS BY YOKO SEYAMA
Nov 12-16, 5-8pm This performance installation inspired by Kafka’s The Metamorphosis and Letter to His Father uses origami and live performance to explore the interaction between space and body.
“For this piece, I have sculpted more than 60 large origami cicadas to hang from the ceiling as mobiles while a dance performance takes place among them. I felt a reflection between the struggles of Kafka’s life and a cicada’s life, which is spent underground for years until the stage of metamorphosis, after which it only lives for a few weeks.”—Yoko Seyama, choreographer The Rose Hotel Bangkok, Soi Na Wat Hua Lam Phong. MRT Samyan
DER BAU (THE BURROW) BY ISABELLE SCHAD AND LAURENT GOLDRING
Nov 19, 7:30pm Based on Kafka’s novella Der Bau (The Burrow), this dance piece explores clothing as simultaneously the missing last layer of the body as well as an encompassing external space.
“During the creation process it became clear that space itself can be seen as an organ, much like an extra layer of skin. Here, it is represented through the use of fabric that serves as an amplifier to make the inner processes of the body visible to the outer—as a form that is constantly changing and transforming.”— Isabelle Schad, choreographer Sodsai Pantoomkomol Center for Dramatic Arts, Chulalongkorn University, Henri Dunant Rd. BTS Siam.
I KILLED THE PROM QUEEN
The Australian metalcore band makes its Thailand debut, supported by Thailand's Break the Kids. Nov 11, 7pm. Rockademy, A-Square, Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-261-3833. B1,000-1,500.
After a two-year hiatus, pop rock band P.O.P returns to the stage joined by a stellar support cast including Friday, Yokee Playboy, Palmy, 2 Days Ago Kids and Boyd Kosiyabong. Nov 11, 8pm. Royal Paragon Hall, 5/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-8023. B1,500-3,000 from Thaiticketmajor. Sangsom and Zaap present live performances by pop/rock artists Palmy, Singto Numchok, Stamp, Mild, Scrubb and Sixty Miles. Nov 7, 5pm. Jarun Buroparat Sport Field, Rama 9 Rd. B199. MRT Phetchaburi.
The SIlence of Insects
Join sound artists Tommy Hanson (US), Liew Niyomkarn (Thailand), Katsura Yamauchi (Japan) and Jaap Blonk (Netherlands) for a night of experimental sounds using synthesis, manipulation and improvisation. Nov 11, 8pm. Jam, 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 083-5451-833. B150. BTS Surasak.
JAMIE CALLUM JAZZ EXPERIENCE
The hugely successful UK jazz artist performs an exclusive concert combined with a five-course wine dinner by Michelin-starred chefs such as Michele Griglio, Peter Lloyd and Alfredo Russo. Nov 12, 6pm. The St. Regis Bangkok, 159 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-207-7777. B7,900. BTS Ratchadamri.
CESSER D’ETRE (STOP BEING) BY LAURENT GOLDRING, JITTI CHOMPEE AND MARIKA RIZZI
Dec 2-3, 7pm For this performance, three people enter a large structure made up of strings balanced on a 40cm tall support beam. The movements of the performers are amplified by the strings that make up the sculpture itself.
“Despite the fact that this is a three-body piece, when you are inside the sculpture nobody knows whether there’s one or many of you, because you never know whose movements are being amplified. It becomes an entirely new world.”— Laurent Goldring, choreographer K Bank Siam-Pic Ganesha Center of Performing Art, 7/F, Siam Square One, Rama 1 Rd. BTS Siam.
Ticket prices vary according to the performance, with a Special Festival Pass granting access to all events available for B1,200. Visit www.unfoldingkafkafestival.com for the full schedule and prices.
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Addicted CafĂŠ & Carwash Pracha Chun Rd.
Crepes & Co. Lang Suan Soi 1
Buddhi Belly Siam Paragon
See full list at www.bkmagazine.com/bkdistribution Contact : marketing@asia-city.co.th
BK Magazine Friday, November 6, 2015
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now ART Opening Exhibitions
A GIRL OF NOVEMBER
BIPOLAR EXHIBITION
Thai artist Tinna Hongngam presents her striking embroidered fabric artworks on the theme of gender-based violence. The exhibition displays alongside a series of discussions, screenings and presentations to raise awareness of International Violence Against Women's Day on Nov 25. Dates: Opens Nov 6, 8pm. Through Nov 30.
Six artists from South Korea and Thailand examine their lives amid this world of extreme conflict through paintings, prints and photographs. Dates: Opens Nov 8, 6pm. Through Nov 17. Whitespace Gallery, 4/F, 1 Sala Daeng Soi 1/7-9, 02-235-2500, 081-699-5298.
Chomp, Samsen Soi 1, 084-098-8633.
PARIS-BANGKOK PERSPECTIVE: INNOVATIVE PROJECTS FOR INCLUSIVE CITIES
A photography exhibition organized by Alliance Francaise Bangkok comparing Bangkok and Paris's urban perspectives. Also featuring a live debate on Nov 12 and a scupture exhibition by French artist Valerie Goutard. Dates: Opens Nov 12, 8pm. Through Nov 26. Alliance Francaise de Bangkok, WirelessRd., 02670-4200.
UNDER THE BRIDGE
Photographer Andrew McNeill presents his latest works, consisting of dramatic blackand-white portraits that he captured over the past year while engaging with homeless people on the streets of his hometown, Cardiff, Wales. Dates: Nov 7-Dec 26, 6:30pm. Kathmandu Photo Gallery, 87 Pan Rd., 02-2346700.
STAGE PERFORMANCES
Fantastic Mr. Fox
dance SALSA BANGKOK FIESTA
Six-time world salsa champions, Rafael Barros and Carine Morais, join an array of salsa superstars from Brazil, UK, Japan and India. The event will include performances, dance parties and salsa workshops. Nov 6-8, 8pm. Windsor Suites Hotel Bangkok, 10/1 Sukhumvit Soi 20, 02-262-1234. B1,000-3,500. BTS Asok.
musicals HOMRONG THE MUSICAL RESTAGE
A musical that retells the famous story of revered musical master Luang Pradit Pairoh, who lived during the reigns of Rama 5-7, featuring a ranad aek (Thai xylophone) soloist and theater stars Suprawat Patumasoon, Korakun Suttikosas and Satida Pornhompiriya. Nov 6-22, 7pm. Siam Square One, Rama 1 Rd. B1,000-3,000 from Thaiticketmajor. BTS Siam.
theater A GLASS MENAGERIE ON A HOT TIN ROOF NAMED DESIRE
A drama comedy play by the New Theatre Society about three drama students who find out not only they are neighbors, but that they are also in love with the same man. Nov 7-8, 3pm. Bangkok Art and
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Culture Centre (BACC), 939 Rama 1 Rd., 02-214-6630-8. B350-500. BTS National Stadium. I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED YOU
A Thai folk opera performance which tells the tragic love story of a couple from two different social classes who fall in love during a period of political riots. Nov 7-8, 7pm. Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), 939 Rama 1 Rd., 02-214-6630-8. B250-300. BTS National Stadium. FANTASTIC MR. FOX
An adaptation of Roald Dahl's famous story about a family of foxes who must escape humans by living undergroud. Performed with English subtitles. Nov 6-8, 8pm. Democrazy Theatre Studio, 1034/29-30 Soi Saphankhu, Rama 4 Rd., 089-126-7112, 081-441-5718. B300. MRT Lumphini. STRATEGIC LONELINESS
Japanese director Mikuni Yanaihara tells the story of three people who must face the inevitable fear and loneliness that comes with the knowledge that the world will end at any given moment. Tickets available at 095-924-4555. Nov 6-8, 8:30pm. Thong Lor Art Space, 58/14-15 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor). B450-550. BTS Thong Lo.
Tickets are available at www.bangkoktheatrefestival.com.
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HIGHLIGHT Upcoming Runs November’s another month packed with all sorts of runs. Register now to avoid missing out.
The Music Run
THE MUSIC RUN
A fun run where the track is split into five music zones, one for each kilometer, including rock, pop, old-school, hip-hop and dance. Songs are pre-voted by participants before the event, plus there is a music festival after the finish line with performances from Lipta, DJ Gyro and more. Date: Nov 7 Price: B700-1,000 Location: Suanluang Rama IX Public Park, Sukhumvit Soi 103, 02-328-8982. Distances: 5km Registration: Closed
Vachirabenjatas and HM Queen Sirikit parks Distances: 10, 4.5 and 2km Registration: makethedifference.org VERTICAL MARATHON
Runners will race to the 61st floor of the building, covering a total distance of over 1,000 steps. Proceeds go to the Thai Red Cross HIV Formula Feeding Fund. Date: Nov 8, 8am Price: B400 Location: Banyan Tree Hotel Bangkok, Thai Wah Tower II, Sathorn Rd. MRT Silom. Distances: 196m Registration: www.gotorace.com STANDARD CHARTERED RUN
TMB ING PARK RUN
TMB and ING Banking Asia have collaborated to organize a mini-marathon for charity, under the theme "You have the power... make the difference." All proceeds will be donated to the Cardiac Children Foundation to help provide operations. Date: Nov 8, 4:30am Price: B400 Location: Stretches across Chatuchak,
The undisputed biggest Bangkok marathon of the year, with distances for beginners to professional runners. Expect around 30,000 participants. Date: Nov 15, 2am Price: B250-1,200 Location: Grand Palace, Na Phra Lan Rd. Distances: 42, 21, 10 and 4.5km Registration: www.bkkmarathon.com
SALES & FAIRS
Baan Lae Suan Fair
A Day Bike Fest
SILOM FOLKS MARKET 2
THE RETRO MARKET
The chic flea market promises more than 40 stalls at which to eat and shop, including the likes of Ploenwan Panich, Chaoguay Khun Ya and House of Crepe. Through Nov 6, 10am. Baan Silom, Silom Soi 19, 0863401821. Free.
A brand new market filled with handmade vintage clothes from over 100 stalls, plus mini concerts from alternative bands Prao, Audy, Morgajai and Nursery Sound. Nov 6-8, 3pm. Gateway Mall, Ekkamai Rd. Free. BTS Ekkamai.
BAAN LAE SUAN FAIR
A DAY BIKE FEST
The home decor and garden magazine returns with another fair featuring booths selling all things home and garden. Through Nov 7, 10am. Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd., 02833-4455. Free.
A Day Magazine returns with the city's biggest bike festival, this time under the concept of "Tour de World," which celebrates the rising trend of people traveling internationally by bicycle. Expect over 200 shops selling bicycles and bicycle-related products, booths selling bike-friendly travel destinations and tours, plenty of biking demonstrations, test-rides and competitions and mini concerts from well-known artists. Nov 12-15, 10am. Makkasan Airport Link Station, Free.
VISIT JAPAN TRAVEL FAIR - WINTER 2015
Totalling 76 booths, this fair targets people who are planning a solo trip to Japan this winter, selling hotel packages, travel packages, rail passes, guidebooks and maps. There will also be tourism representives from various cities around the country, plus performances from the likes of Two Popetorn, Patcha Anekanuwat and Prabda Yoon. Nov 6-8, 10am. Royal Paragon Hall, 5/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-8023. Free. BTS Siam.
BANGKOK ARTISAN 2015
This huge art gathering will diplay works from more than 200 performance artists, filmmakers, designers, painters, fashionists and musicians, spread across five zones (exhibitions, workshops, galleries, art installments and, of course, a designated food truck area). Open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from October until mid-December. Nov 6-Dec 20, 12pm. Thanya Park, Sri Nakarin, 02-108-6000. Free. BK Magazine Friday, November 6, 2015
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now FILM Opening
SPECIAL SCREENING
SPECTRE (UK)
THE VATICAN TAPES (USA)
Action/Thriller. James Bond (Daniel Craig) follows a trail of cryptic messages from Mexico to Rome in order to uncover the truth about Sprectre, an underground criminal organization run by an enemy from his past (Christoph Waltz). Nov 5
Horror. In order to save the soul of a young woman (Olivia Taylor Dudley), a priest and two exorcists from the Vatican must wage battle with an ancient satanic force. Nov 5
Almost Heaven
For its 13th year, the World Film Festival of Bangkok returns this Nov 13-22 to showcase the best works by emerging independent filmmakers from Asia and beyond, and to unite all film-lovers for screenings, workshops, masterclasses and discussions. To mark the launch of the ASEAN Economic Community, this year’s films are themed “ASEAN Citizen.” Here are some of the highlights:
THE GIFT (USA)
HACKER (USA)
Mystery/Thriller. After meeting an estranged high-school friend, Simon (Jason Bateman) and Robyn (Rebecca Hall) begin receiving a series of mysterious gifts that reveal horrifying truths about Simon’s past. Nov 5
Crime/Drama. A teenager joins an online criminal organization called Darkweb that teaches him how to hack credit cards, banks and the stock market. Nov 5
Upcoming AMERICAN ULTRA (USA)
THE 33 (USA)
Action/Comedy. Much to his surprise, full-time stoner Mike Howell (Jesse Eisenberg) finds out that he is in fact a CIA agent after the agency targets him for termination, leading him to bring out his hidden agent abilities. Nov 12
Drama. When a group of 33 miners are trapped underground after a coal mine collapses on them, they must stick together on a quest of survival as family and friends desperately come to their rescue. Based on the true events of the Chile mining disaster in 2010. Nov 12
LIFE (USA)
Drama. Based on the story of Dennis Stock (Robert Pattinson), a photographer for Life Magazine, whose friendship with Hollywood star James Dean blossoms when he is assigned to be his personal photographer. Nov 12
LOVE THE COOPERS (USA)
Comedy. Four generations of the Cooper family reunite for Christmas Eve, each bringing with them their own set of problems and misfortunes which results in a weekend of unexpected catastrophes. Nov 12
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF ANIL BAGSHI (BANGLADESH)
Drama. When Anil finds out that his father has been killed by the Pakistan army, he sets out on a journey back to his home village where he meets a mysterious middle-aged man waiting for him. Based on the true events of the Liberation War in Bangladesh in 1971. Directed by Morshedul Islam. SNAP (THAI)
Drama. When two childhood friends, Pueng and Boy, unexpectedly return home to attend a mutual friend’s wedding, they spend the weekend facing unresolved feelings from their past. Directed by Kongdej Jaturanrasamee.
All films are screened with English subtitles at SF Cinema, CentralWorld (7/F, Ratchadamri Rd., 02613-1230. BTS Chitlom). For the full schedule visit
Jamboreer SCG Magazine / October-December 2014
Pure Mastery
THE ONE ISSUE 04 OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2014
ดื่มดํ่าสถาปัตย์ ไทยชั้นครู อาจารย์ภิญโญ สุวรรณคีรี
by
เสือ เดคอร์
Flavors of Siam โรงเรียนสอนทำ�อ�ห�ร ใต้ช�ยค�ไทยแท้ Heritage Highlights เยี่ยมเรือนโบร�ณกล�งกรุง
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ALMOST HEAVEN (TAIWAN)
Drama. A wife returns home to her husband and son after disappearing for 10 years, leading him to question whether this unexpected return will bring newfound happiness or more devastation to their lives. Directed by Li Shih.
worldfilmbkk.com.
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VANISHING POINT (THAI)
Drama. A young journalist gets into a car accident after investigating a rape case. Meanwhile, an older motel and factory owner is on a journey to find his missing daughter when he too ends up in a car crash. Directed by Jakrawal Nilthamrong.
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BK Magazine Friday, November 6, 2015
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