BK Magazine 637 April 29, 2016

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BK MAGAZINE NO. 637 FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2016. www.bkmagazine.com

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Parklife

What We’ve Learned

04 upfront

10 shopping

All Grown Up

Throwing Shade 12 sport

16 blends

Jumpin’ Jumpin’

Backstage Pass

17 bites

22 BK Now

Mex Level

Plan Ahead

Who's in charge?

Managing Director Andrew Hiransomboon Editor in Chief / Product Director Grégoire Glachant Managing Editor Oliver Irvine Deputy Editor Carl Dixon Features Associate Monruedee Jansuttipan Senior Staff Writers Vasachol Quadri, Lily Kittisrikangwan Staff Writers Natcha Sanguankiattichai, Bonnie Sananvatananont Branded Content Associate Sureepak Janyapat Content Coordinator Nontaya Kumyat Junior Writer Kankanid Mitrpakdee Production Supervisor Komkrit Klinkaeo Art Director Dith Chang Deputy Art Director Panita Thiraphapong Senior Graphic Designers Chantich Kongchanmitkul Graphic Designers Peeraya Sirathanisa Junior Graphic Designers Wariya Whangwaewklang, Parida Ritthiron

Where to find us!

The Asia City Media Group

Production Assistant Saranya Chawanrattanasakul Content Designer Saranya Laowtrakul

Administrator Yaovaluck Srisermsri Accountant Manita Bangmoung

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

Contributor Kathy MacLeod

Marketing Executive Plaifon Chienvichai IT Manager Takrit Jitjaroen Distribution Manager Suda Angsuputiphant

Intern Joseph Lam Cover by fb.com/Travelkanuman

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

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

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

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That the MRT Purple Line is here and it’s free At least for now. The new underground line running between Tao Poon and Khlong Bang Phai opens from May 1 for a twomonth free trial period before officially opening on Mother’s Day, Aug 12. That means you can go from chowing down on Fujiyama Go Go ramen at Central Westgate to touring the museums of the Old Town without having to sit in traffic, hop on a motorbike or brave khlong water-splashed clothing.

That lifestyle magazines and parody pop-up shops don’t mix When we heard WTF Bar would host a pop-up shop we got really excited: tote bags and handcrafted knickknacks in a crisp gallery setting—yes, please. Turns out we shouldn’t have bothered. OK, so the stuff at Good People, Good Words (see page 10) might actually be on sale, but only to make some kind of metaphysical statement about consumer culture by embracing its every cliche. Thanks but no thanks. We’ll be at Online Village: International Urban Fair instead, where all the clothing is blissfully free of artistic statements. See page 25.

That Fillets is one of the hottest seats in town We visited Randy Noprapa’s shrine to fancy Japanese ingredients at going-on 2pm on a Monday afternoon and it was packed. And this, the chef told us, was already following his first lunch sitting. We had tried to go on a Sunday but it was booked out by a princess. If you can afford to scoff caviartopped chutoro for lunch (which clearly a lot of people around Lang Suan can), it’s an experience we highly recommend.

That deconstructed cocktails are annoying We just ordered the Thyme to Kill (B420) at Vesper (see our full review, page 21) and were handed a chopping board, some thyme, jelly cubes that tasted like Campari, and a gin/ Cointreau/La Quintiniye drink. Look, if we wanted to do our own cooking and mix our own cocktails, we’d stay at home and watch instructional videos on Youtube.

But some of Bangkok’s bartenders still make us proud Last month, we were so excited that six Bangkok bars made it into the first edition of Asia’s 50 Best Bars. This week, the global Bacardi Legacy Cocktail Competition was held in San Francisco, and in its search for a “new-classic” rum-cocktail, the refreshing pineapple-dominated creation of one of this city’s very own bartenders, Mitchell Kai Lum, made it to the top eight. Try it for yourself at the new Vertigo Too, Banyan Tree Bangkok.

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, April 29, 2016

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upfront HOT OR NOT

Hot: Mexico

Not: France

Too much of a good thing? We don’t think so. There’s been a veritable explosion of Mexican and Tex-Mex offerings in this town in the past few years, making this Cinco de Mayo the best one yet (see pages 16-17). And remember, you still have Touche Hombre to look forward to at 72 Courtyard. What’s the big deal with May 5? The Mexicans kicked some French butt, something Thailand can always get behind.

INTERVIEW

Hot: Architect’16

Not: The BMA

wikipedia

Nitipol Temprim

While Thailand’s architects keep making us prouder and prouder every day, the same can’t be said of the BMA, who’s handbook of urban planning seems to have been picked up in a Soviet satellite town circa 1984. Just as Sukhumbhand will be announcing the fate of Mahakan Fort on Apr 30 (see page 6), you can go dry your tears at Architect’16 (see BK Now, page 27) with some design done right.

Hot: Hi-so Encroachers Not: Lo-so Encroachers We’re not too worried about the fate of the families behind Bonanza, Chockchai Farm or the Kirimaya Resort—all of which are accused of encroaching on national park land in Khao Yai. We’re much more concerned about Den Khamlae, a 66-years-old land rights activist in Chaiyaphum who is defending a community accused of encroaching on the Phukhieo Wildlife Sanctuary and who has suddenly disappeared without trace.

Hot: Theme Parks

Not: Pop-up Markets

WTF Bar seems intent on poking fun at us hipsters congregating every weekend to buy tote bags and T-shirts with ironic quotes (see Avenue, page 10).

Maybe it’s time to head to the city’s new theme parks instead: Dinosaur Planet (next to Benjasiri Park) and the Chang Global Carnival (see page 10).

It all feels a bit ‘90s, but how ironically cool is that?

THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID

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On its release in 2003, the now-classic GTH movie Fan Chan (My Girl) propelled its child actors into stardom. Aged just 10, (from left) Thana “Ong” Tantranond, Triwarat “Get” Chutiwatkajornchai, Apichat “Aof” Chalermchainuwong, Charlie “Nack” Trairat and Yok Theeranittayathan became poster kids of the 2000s. Now all grown up, these 23-year-old men have been reunited for the first time in 13 years for the new movie Bubpha Arigato (in theaters this week, see page 26). Here, they talk to BK about how life for a typical Bangkok kid has changed from the lives they portrayed on screen.

What brought you guys back together?

Aof: The director of the Bubpha Ratree horror movies, Yuthlert Sippapak, wanted to make another film in the Bubpha sequence. He contacted Chalermpon “Jack Fan Chan” Thikampornteerawong to star in the film with Nack. Jack asked him to bring all of us back to star together and here we are.

How was it seeing each other for the first time in a decade?

Aof: I felt so old. It was a bit awkward at first, but after a simple, “how are you?” we connected so quickly.

We spent two years shooting a movie together so we’re close.

What pop cultural things from your childhood are you most nostalgic about?

Aof: Video tapes. I love the feeling of having to rewind tapes back after watching them. It’s so low-tech, I love it.

Yok: The Game Boy was like one of the biggest influences in my life. I was so addicted to it. I actually got the role in Fan Chan because I was playing my Game Boy while waiting for the casting. That’s why they picked me.

Ong: I was crazy about wrestling. Jeff Hardy, Kane and the Undertaker were my favorite.

Get: I loved Pokemon. It taught me a lot of English!

Do you think times have changed for the better?

Yok: Everyone has their heads down now, sticking to their smartphones. I just worry that the younger generation will have a problem socializing if they don’t interact in real life more.

Ong: Parents should find a balance between letting their children use technology and still interacting with the real world. Don’t just throw smart devices at kids. I’m not against the use of technology, but it can’t replace everything.

What did you do after Fan Chan?

Ong: I had some jobs in the movie industry but quit to study fine art.

I entered the TV reality show Ton Silpa (Art Trees) where I met my idol, the great Chalermchai Kositpipat. I later dropped out and headed to stay in Chiang Rai, where I often met with Chalermchai. After three years I moved back to stay with my family and last year set up my shop, 70s Hippie, selling my craft pieces,

such as dream catchers, on Bangsaen Walking Street.

Aof: I had some jobs in the industry too but stopped to study advertising.

Now I work as a digital media planner at Rabbit’s Tale.

Yok: I mostly focused on my studies. I was a math student before realizing I wanted to be an architect, so I needed to focus on my artistic skills to get into university. I’m now a fourth-year landscape architecture student at Chulalongkorn University.

Get: I’m active in the entertainment industry as an actor. I was already a child actor before landing the part in Fan Chan. I’m now a senior business student at Shinawatra University.

Nack: Though I’ve constantly had acting jobs, I’ve finally realized that I want to dedicate myself to music. I wasn’t really interested in music until last year, when I watched Silly Fools play live. It was so awesome. Now I’m doing music as a solo artist and just released my second single, “Ja Ror Yu Trong Nee” (“Will Wait for You Here”) on YouTube. Interview by Monruedee Jansuttipan

What b Aof: The contacte star tog

How w Aof: I fe ing a m

What p Aof: Vid

Yok: Ga I was pl

Ong: I w

Get: I lo

Do you Yok: Eve a proble

Ong: Pa throw s

What d Ong: I h where I Chalerm such as

Aof: I ha

Yok: I m artistic s

Get: I’m senior b

Nack: Th music u my seco

by Kathy MacLeod kathymacleod.blogspot.com

BK Magazine Friday, April 29, 2016

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cover story

HOLDING

DOWN After a 24-year-long dispute between the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the Mahakan Fort Community, this Apr 30 the BMA finally hands down its judgement on whether this two-century-old community must relocate in order to make way for a new public park.

By Monruedee Jansuttipan

THE HISTORY

VOICES FOR MAHAKAN

The community around Mahakan Fort dates right back to the early Rattanakosin Era, during the reign of King Rama III (1824-1851). Those who lived on the banks of Khlong On An, many of whom were royal courtiers, built their homes next to the city wall at Mahakan Fort, one of the 14 forts which King Rama I built to protect the capital from the East side. By the Rama VI Era (1910-1925), all but two of these forts—Mahakan Fort and Phra Sumen Fort—had been torn down, while the original wall of the old city had shrunk from seven kilometers to 170 meters. Today, the remaining 100 meters of the six-meterhigh wall which still stands around Mahakan Fort is listed as a National Heritage Monument by the Fine Arts Department.

Sanon Wangsangboon Founder, Mahakan Model Group “I agree that Bangkok has a really sparse amount of public space compared to other cities. But Bangkok is also not like other cities. It has a dense concentration of old communities, so whenever you decide you want a new public space, that means it will affect one of these communities. The BMA just thinks about getting rid of people in order to create their vision of a beautiful city. But look at Saphan Lek market. Getting rid of that market has resulted in a deserted space next to the canal which has been of no help to the city whatsoever. If the Mahakan model proposed in 2009 were to be attempted, it could change Bangkok’s vision for public space development. The BMA should follow a development model which puts people first. Given this area’s long history, it truly is a living museum.”

THE DISPUTE You can trace today’s conflict right back to 1959, when the government bought back land from around Mahakan Fort in an effort to preserve the fort and its surrounding area from all but 11 owners who refused to sell. The model scheme to create parks in the Rattanakosin area came later, in 1978, followed in 1992 by the BMA’s royal decree to improve Rattanakosin’s urban planning—including the expropriation of land on which the Mahakan Fort community lived. The BMA says that all of the land owners and some of the tenants took the money which the BMA offered them and moved away from the area while others stayed. It was only in 2004 that the Office of the Council of State granted the BMA powers to remove settlements from the land, including the century-old wooden houses.

In 2005, Apirak Kosayodhin, the Bangkok Governor of the time, signed a tripartite-memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Silpakorn University and the community’s leader to study alternative development solutions for the Mahakan community. Produced by Silpakorn University’s architecture instructor, Chatri Prakitnonthakan, and released in 2009, the study was called "The research project for a master plan for the preservation and development of ancient wooden houses at Mahakan Fort," and offered a model scheme in which the park could exist alongside the community, which itself would act as a living cultural museum. Following its release, however, developments on the scheme went silent as the BMA insisted on sticking with the original plan to make a park.

Today, the BMA claims present community members have no original historical link to the area, since the original owners moved out when the BMA expropriated the land in 1992. The community, however, insist they are the descendants of families who lived in the area centuries ago, and who gave birth to a rich part of Thailand’s arts and crafts heritage that includes Phraya Petchpani likay, Thailand’s first musical folk drama performance. (This is actually where the area’s original name, Trok Phraya Petch, comes from.)

Craftsmanship still exists in the area today, with locals making traditionalstyle birdcages and carving Rue Si Dud Ton (miniature statues of hermits).

Sira Leepipattana Campaign Officer, Green World Foundation “We appreciate that the BMA wants to add more green space to the city, but green space isn’t limited to building parks. You can’t just move people out and create an empty park. Mahakan Fort has the potential to be more than a lifeless park. I wish the BMA could come up with a better solution.”

Sudara Suchaxaya Editor in Chief, Muang Boran Journal “I don’t see any reason to turn this area into a park. There are lots of parks around Rattanakosin—Rommani Nart Park, for example, is right nearby. There’s also the potential risk that the park will become a dangerous spot since it’s hidden behind a high wall. Don’t forget that these people are not trespassing on the land— they’ve lived here for generations. They are the last stronghold of the original settlement in the Rattanakosin area. But I do think that if they are allowed to stay and act as a living museum, there must be changes. They must welcome visitors, share their cultural knowledge and clean the space up.”

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On Mar 28, the BMA’s Public Works Department set a notice sign in front of the fort wall telling residents that they must relocate from the area by Apr 30. Now, conservationists, environmentalists, academics and other communities have come together to help save the area from transformation into a park.

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THE FINAL CALL

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cover story VOICE OF THE COMMUNITY

VOICE OF THE BMA

Thawatchai Woramahakun Mahakan community leader

Sakchai Boonma Chatri Prakitnonthakan Director of Land Acquisition Division, Associate Professor of Silpakorn Department of Public Works University’s Faculty of Architecture

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We must follow the decree to develop the area into a park otherwise we will be the ones who are breaking the law. This issue is not new. The BMA already gave the community the opportunity to relocate a long time ago. Just think about it this way: if the land had belonged to the private sector and not the BMA, would the community have survived for this long? The BMA paid compensation to all the original owners and some tenants who were willing to accept the money—despite it not being required for us to do so. Many of those who now live in the area are newcomers who relocated here without permission within the last few decades. As far as cultural value is concerned, the community does not really have any unique arts and craft skills passed through generations. Regarding the historical structures like old houses, we will let conservationists review and renovate them, but it’s impossible to allow the community to live there as the BMA’s tenants. We have no law to support this kind of rental on public land. To assist with the original Apr 30 deadline, we have set up “The Working Group on Developing Mahakan Fort Area,” headed by Bangkok’s governor, Sukhumbhand Paribatra, to smoothly handle the community’s removal. It will focus on supporting the community while relocating them by the middle of this year.

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Materialism has driven Bangkok’s development for so long. This has really changed the context of how the old city develops, with buildings replacing people. Just look at Ratchadamnoen Avenue. It has been transformed into a venue for administrative services. There are museums, libraries and exhibitions but it’s deserted—and it’s even worse at night time, when there are literally no people there. This is the consequence of the BMA’s approach to development. They want to get rid of the five oldest wooden houses in this area—homes which prove the heritage and age of this settlement. Why would a city, administration want to squander taxpayers money to destroy monuments of historical importance? Is it worth building something that doesn’t really benefit the people of the city? They are trying to say we have no original roots here, but I can show them evidences that we have lived here for generations, like old drum-making tools.

Mahakan could be used as a model to help save other old communities under threat from new development from the coming of the MRT line. If the BMA really wants to develop in this way, Rattanakosin will turn into a Disneyland simply to make them money from foreigners paying an entrance fee.

VOICE OF THE ALTERNATIVE

It’s true that the BMA needs to follow 1992’s royal decree but it’s not true that we can’t change the situation. In fact, if we look at history, there are many cases in which royal decrees were changed.

I also see a degree of inequality in law enforcement. Government-backed projects often receive special legal treatment, like the new Supreme Court building—Rattanakosin construction regulations limit buildings to 16 meters tall, yet the government allowed itself to build a 32-metertall building. Recently, the Marine Department has also been eyeing changes to regulations governing rivers as the government promotes its River Promenade project. For Mahakan Fort, it has been 24 years since the decree came out, and there are many studies—not just mine—pointing out how the original park project does not fit with modern needs. The plot is dead space surrounded by a wall and the river, which does not make it a suitable or safe space for a park. There are two crucial groups that can change the situation now: the government’s Rattanakosin preservation committee and the cabinet. The committee is actually overlooking Rattanakosin policy. They can reconsider the plan and propose a new scheme to the cabinet, who can then state a new royal decree to help save the Mahakan community.

NUMEROLOGY

Households originally located in the Mahakan Fort community

Households still living on site

228 People living in the community

4 rai 3 wa The total area covered by the Mahakan Fort community

1 rai The land which the 2009 proposal allocates as a park

3 rai The land which the 2009 proposal allocates for the community

FIVE COMMUNITY VOWS 1. The community will live within the park as a cultural tourist attraction, floating market in Khlong Ong Ang along with handicraft shops, vocational training and traditional performance.

2. The community will take care of the park with the BMA’s technical support.

After the 2009 plan to turn the area into a living museum, as proposed by Silpakorn University, the community proposed five rules for how it would live alongside the park. These are:

4. Bangkok will collect tariffs from the community.

5. The community will take care of the park with day and night shifts without receiving payment.

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3. The community will become a model showing how a community can live alongside Bangkok’s parks and watercourses.

FIVE PARKS IN THE RATTANAKOSIN AREA

1. SANAMLUANG

2. SARANROM PARK

3. ROMMANI NART PARK

4. NAGARA BHIROM MANAGE PARK

5. SANTICHAIPRAKARN PARK

Source: Rattanakosin Information Center, Muang Boran Journal, www.mahakanmodel.com, BMA

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escapes ESCAPE ROUTES

By Monruedee Jansuttipan

RATCHABURI

Decked Out This might just be the most beautiful restaurant in Ratchaburi town. Inlaya Bar and Grill (096-879-4875, open Wed-Mon 5-11pm, www.fb.com/inlayabarandgrill) sits right on the lake, a 20-minute drive from the town center, and serves freshly grilled seafood transported directly from the nearby seafood mecca of Mae Klong in Samut Songkram. Its owner, a Ratchaburi-born graphic designer called Sakan Poomnak, has transformed the once-abandoned plot of land into a perfectly manicured lawn, air-con dining room and lakeside deck with a wooden bridge perfect for before-dinner strolls. There are three sizes of seafood sets at B389, B589 and B989—go for the top one, which comes with prawns, blue crabs, fish and New Zealand mussels. Apart from the barbecue, they also serve both Thai and international a la carte menus and a small wine list. They’ll also open a bar within the next few months.

HUA HIN

Last Resort So many things are happening on Cha-am and Hua Hin’s hotel scene right now. After the hype of So Sofitel and the total rebuild of Marriott Hua Hin, now The Regent Cha-am Beach Resort (032-451-240-9, regent-chaam.com) has also gone through a major, B100-million revamp. The old deluxe rooms (rates starting from B4,00/night) have been spruced up with a colorful new look, while fresh landscaping has brought added style to the beachfront pool. One more reason to book a room here is that it’s home to the latest branch of Bangkok-born pizza specialist Peppina, which is running a Neapolitan-style beachside pizza pop-up at the hotel through May 12. And don’t worry about those calories: you can burn them off at the hotel’s newly built Regent Bike Park, which features a three-kilometer amateur lane and the 4.5-kilometer advanced lane.

PHUKET

Fresh Market Four rai of Phuket’s interior has been given over to the island’s hottest new shopping spot, Chillva Market (099 152 1919, www.fb.com/Chillvamarket). A 10-minute drive from Phuket’s Old Town, the new outdoor market on Yaowarad Road boasts two zones: a container market which opens daily from 4-10pm, and a flea market zone open Thu-Sat from 4-10pm. Between the two, you’ll find more than 300 stalls selling local crafts and design products along with food stalls and even tattoo shops.

MYANMAR

Magic Bus Yangon’s notoriously bad public transport just got better now that the government has installed a new BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system for the city. Twenty-five billion kyat (B700 million) has built them three lines which run from Hyauk Kyant to Pyay, Kabar Aye to the city center, and Hkaing Tharyar to Botahtaung Pagoda. Tickets cost next to nothing at 300 kyat (less than B10) per person, while transit cards start from 1,000-10,000 kyat. With 120 buses running, the service covers at least 80 percent of the total area of Yangon, with 100 more buses to come if this pilot scheme is successful.

Download our 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

BK Magazine Friday, April 29, 2016

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avenue

NEW SHOP

Coffee and Shades The hip Pan Road just welcomed another lifestyle cafe that combines coffee and brunch with shopping. Printa Cafe doubles as a shop for its owner, Piriya Tantravivud’s glasses brand, Glazziq. Drop by for breakfast and coffee as you browse the showroom of simple glasses in a variety of colors, gradients and materials. But do note that the models shown at the cafe are only samples—you need to order online to get the products delivered at home.

For those who want prescription lenses, they partner with Better Vision for free eye tests. And if you can’t make it into the cafe-slash-showroom, the brand will deliver up to three pairs to your home so you can try them on before returning them at 7-Eleven stores nationwide. Bonus point: prices start at just B1,990 for a basic pair. 36/2 Pan Rd., 095-542-4575. Shop at www.glazziq.com

SHOPPING

POP-UP

CITY LIVING

High Waist

Carefully Curated

Wild Ride

Bangkok-based architect and designer Florian Gypser teams up with Li Murphy, Daniel Katanneck and Awais Hussain to create these high-quality, minimally designed leather belts.

The Baelts project kicked off around the end of last year, when they got the design for a buckle-free belt off the ground selling at pop-up markets and at Gypser’s Chinatown shop where you can get bespoke details embossed on the spot. Each of the eye-catching, vegetable-tanned belts is made from full-grain water buffalo leather with silver studs to keep things in check. Now the project is on kickstarter, too—visit kck.st/1RmkRZX for the story and to invest in the business’s future.

Not everything at Good People, Good Words is quite as it seems. Occupying the upstairs floor of WTF Bar & Gallery from May 4-Jul 3, the shop showcases products which, in the words of its organizers, are “carefully curated and designed by their own designer” in a “clean white loft space, using Kinfolk as a role model.” So far, so Bangkok pop-up—if not for the wall plastered with a veiled, polka-dot likeness of one man with his own vocal opinions on who are and are not “good people.” Rest assured, though, you can actually take this stuff home, whether it’s a charming canvas tote bag or handcrafted enamel mug. 7 Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-662-6246.

BTS Thong Lo

There’s finally a reason to revisit Lumpini Square following the eviction of Suan Lum market way back in 2011. Opened in the first week of April, Chang Global Carnival is the city’s latest theme park. Drop from heights of 40 meters on the Booster, fly around hanging from a rollercoaster track on the Euro Star, and experience dizzying G forces in all manner of other spinning and swinging rides from the 20-something attractions. There are plenty of games, food and drink around, too. Entrance costs just B90, but you do then have to pay to go on each ride—or stump up B4,000 on Thaiticketmajor.com to get a three-month unlimited pass. Lumphini Square, Rachadamri Rd. Open Mon-Fri 4pm-11pm, Sat-Sun (and public holidays) 10am-10pm. MRT Lumphini

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ADVERTORIAL

Let it Snow Head to Narai Hotel’s Rabiangthong international buffet restaurant for all-you-can eat bingsu shaved-ice desserts as part of their delicious lunch and dinner buffets.

pings Thai Tea Bingsu with Top

Milk Bingsu with Strawberry Toppin g

Toppings

Steak Station Sushi

From today onwards, the international buffet at Narai Hotel’s signature terrace restaurant Rabiangthong serves a brand new bingsu dessert—the first of its kind to feature in an unlimited buffet in Bangkok.

The latest addition to Rabiangthong’s eclectic buffet line is bingsu, a form of Korean dessert with a puffy, snow-like texture that is guaranteed to melt in your mouth. At Rabiangthong, Executive Sous Chef Worawoot Bootsan prepares the trending dessert in unique milk and Thai tea flavors, guaranteeing a Thai-Korean fusion spin that you won’t find anywhere else in town.

A variety of toppings are available for your selection, ranging from sweet-tooth favorites like Oreos and cheesecake bites to Thai dessert classics such as grass jelly and lod chong for a taste reminiscent of the local nam kaeng sai dessert that all Thais know and love. Perfect for cooling down in the Bangkok heat, the bingsu at Rabiangthong is offered at the self-service counter. Just head over and help yourself to limitless amounts of frozen milk and frozen milk tea shavings, plus toppings that promise a perfect palate-cleansing end to a delicious meal.

With over 60 dishes across multiple cuisines, Rabiangthong international buffet is a dining experience that promises both variety and quality. Seafood lovers have an unlimited selection of premium produce like crab meat accompanied by the hotel's signature seafood sauce, freshly-shucked oysters sourced directly from Surat Thani, and juicy river prawns. On top of that, the food extends to salmon steak freshly imported from Norway, Australian lamb, beef and pork dishes served in mint jelly and a variety of other sauces, as well as a selection of fresh sashimi and sushi rolls, a ready-to-order pasta station, rotating cocktail appetizers and more.

For the lunch menu, expect an equally delicious line ranging from Chinese dim sum dishes to kanom jeen alongside a variety of curries and pizza.

For reservations please call 02-635-7043.

Steamed Blue Crabs

TIP: Dine in a group of 10 and pay for only 9!

(Not included with other promotions.)

For every B500 spent, receive a collectable stamp to receive a special Rabiangthong gift voucher of highest value B850.

From Apr 25-Aug 31.

Price: Dinner B850 person, lunch B550 per person. Price includes free-flow soft drinks and fresh-brewed coffee/tea, assorted cakes, pastries and Thai desserts.

No VAT or service charge.

diments Fresh Oysters with Con

Grilled River Prawns

Opening times: 11:30am-2:30pm, 6:00pm-10:30pm

33/30.2/100/2.6

1/F, Narai Hotel, 222 Silom Rd., 02-635-7043. www.naraihotel.co.th Facebook: Rabiangthong

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avenue

SPORT

Jump Around Crossfit is so last year. Now Bangkokians are going crazy for jumping around in trampoline parks. Here’s where.

By Vasachol Quadri

Rockin' Jump

Rockin’ Jump

Amped Bangkok

This San Franciscan indoor trampoline park chain has giant trampoline beds interconnected to form bouncy floors and walls that are divided into four zones: the Rockin’ Arena (freestyle jumping), Rockin’ Splash (jumping from a trampoline into a foam pit), Rockin’ Dodge (for games of trampoline dodgeball) and Rockin’ Dunk (for games of trampoline basketball, equipped with hoops at each end).

Prices range from B400 for 30 minutes to B1,000 for two hours, while you can also purchase packages that span three (B1,500), five (B2,250) and 10 hours (B4,000) of jumping.

This trampoline park has traveled all the way from Singapore to Phra Khanong, joining the gym community at Training Ground. Amped Bangkok is the brand’s fifth branch in Asia, offering a 10,000-sq-foot playground split between a public zone and three private rooms for group sessions or private events. Compared to the city’s other huge arenas, this mid-size offering goes for a friendlier atmosphere with trained staff who will teach you the basics free of charge. The prices are comparatively cheaper, too, starting from B240/hr on Monday up to B290/hr on weekend, while the party rooms start from B4,200-B4,700/hr with a maximum of 10 people. You can also connect all three rooms for parties of up to 30 people—advanced booking required.

428 Ratchadapisek-Rama 3 Rd., 02-212-0222. www.bangkokrockinjump.com

Bounce Thailand Following the arrival of Rockin’ Jump in 2015 (see above), this year sees the even bigger arrival of Australia’s Bounce Thailand. This trampoline park claims to be Asia’s biggest at a size of 5,600 sq meters on the fifth floor of The Street Ratchada. Here, you’ll find the Bounce Fit zone for exercising, Mini Bounce for kids, and the Free Jumping zone for simply having some fun on huge trampolines and practicing some pro moves. Prices start from B390 per 1 hour (B290 for kids). Minimum age allowed is three years old and the maximum weight is 120kg.

5/F, The Street Ratchada, New Ratchadapisek Rd., 02-014-2446. Open daily 10am-10pm. MRT Thailand Cultural Centre. www.bounceinc.co.th

Amped Bangkok

Chavanich Building, 36/3 Sukhumvit Soi 69, 02-136-7858. BTS Phra Kanong www.fb.com/ampedthailand

Funny Jump There’s now even a trampoline park out in Bangna. Funny Jump trampoline and fitness gym offers pretty good prices, too, with freestyle jumping starting from B120/30min, B200/hr and up to B500 for a day pass. For something even fancier, try the trampoline fitness class (B1,990) that promises a 60-min full body workout, while the Easy Somersault class (B2,490/4 classes) helps you learn basic body balance skills for gymnastics and free running.

80 Bangna Trad Soi 56, 094-780-4569 (Thai) and 083-455-0516. Open daily 24/7. www.facebook.com/TrampolineBKK

Bounce Thailand

WORK IT Spaces to Get Productive Outside the Office

ROCKET Consistently great coffee to keep you awake and locations throughout the city make Rocket a consistent bet when you're looking for a cafe to get productive. It gets really busy for lunch but the rest of the day is quiet, meaning it's often the best option for a meeting after 7pm. Coffee starts from B85 for an Americano while sandwiches range are around B200-300.

Four branches: Sathorn Soi 12, Central Embassy, Sukhumvit Soi 49, 72 Courtyard (Soi Thonglor).

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TCDC One thing we’ll miss when TCDC finally moves to its new digs at the Grand Postal Building is those sweeping views of Benjasiri Park. A membership here starts from a mere B200 for 10 days, meaning it’s still one of the cheapest places to work all day with free Wi-Fi and plenty of beautiful books without having to buy coffee. Yearly memberships are B600 for Thai students, B1,200 for Thais and B3,600 for non-Thais.

GROWTH CAFE AND CO. Some co-working spaces tend to look a lot like serviced offices, which is fine for those who don’t have an office. But if you’re just trying to get a break from your regular desk, we like the coffee shop atmosphere here. The co-working space can be rented for as little as B190 per 3 hours, and students enjoy discounts of up to B60 per day. Coffee ranges from B60 for an espresso to B130 for the Growth Mocha Frappe.

ONEDAY FORWARD The fourth branch of the hip cafe Casa Lapin is much more than a coffee shop. It also features a hostel, co-working space and a restaurant.

The hostel, dubbed Oneday Pause, offers dorm-style accommodation priced at B650-B2,400, while Oneday Forward co-working space costs B350 per day and offers four types of work spaces: individual desk, group work, coffee shop style and meeting room for 8-12 people.

6/F, The Emporium, 662 Sukhumvit Soi 24, 02-664-8448. BTS Phrom Phong

2-4/F, 236/8-9 Rama 1 Soi 2 (Siam Square), 086-778-8163. BTS Siam

Sukhumvit Soi 26. Co-working space is open 24 hours. BTS Phrom Phrong. onedaybkk.com

EASE CAFE & COWORKING SPACE Set in a standalone house tucked off the main soi, this cafe and co-working space goes for a suitably laidback vibe. Prices for the upstairs co-working space begin at B120/2 hours including high-speed Wi-Fi and the use of a printer/scanner. There are also meeting rooms catering for up to 10 people (B400 per hour), as well as bean bags where you can curl up with the local cool cat, Mang-mee.

40/1 Soi Ari, 092-828-5424. Open daily 10am-10pm. BTS Ari. www.fb.com/ Easebkk

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ADVERTORIAL

The Alexa Chung Look Penelope in Terracotta, Longchamp

DARE TO BE BOLD

Tricolor dress, Longchamp

Black basic ballet, Longchamp

Penelope Fantaisie, Longchamp

Red matte lipstick, MAC

Take inspiration from Alexa Chung in Longchamp’s Spring Summer 2016 campaign to add some spice to your classic daily look.

A

t this point in time, no one can possibly not know the name Alexa Chung, the British model, creative consultant, writer, style influencer, designer and an Ambassador of the British Fashion Council.

Described by American Vogue as the “style bombshell” of her generation, Chung’s sense of style has made her the fashion icon of a generation. Her naturally elegant day and night looks have an element of modern masculinity that works without tearing down her femininity. Her reputation is so strong that she has voted by the public for the “British Fashion Icon” award at the British Fashion Awards in 2010, 2011 and 2012. On top of that, she has been named “Editor’s Choice” at the Elle Style Awards and No. 1 in UK Vogue’s Best Dressed list.

Thanks to Chung’s natural sense of style, the Luxury French fashion house Longchamp first enlisted her to be the face of their Spring Summer ad campaign in 2014. Marie-Sabine Leclercq, Longchamp’s Head of International Communications, revealed that Chung is a woman with a natural elegance and style. “She perfectly embodies the Longchamp woman with her eyes, which capture your attention and bring a lot of strength to the images,” she added.

And now, for Spring Summer 2016, Alexa Chung returns for the fifth Longchamp campaign photographed by legendary fashion photographer

Peter Lindbergh in the Palais Royal and Tuileries gardens, Paris.

In the Spring Summer 2016 Campaign, the collaboration between Chung and veteran photographer Lindbergh, who has the ability to reveal the true personality of his models, results in a perfect combination of powerful emotion and femininity. With the timelessly romantic streets of Paris in the background, the campaign also highlights the brand’s effortlessly stylish new bag of the season, Pénélope.

The first visual portrays Alexa Chung in her daily Parisienne look, featuring the season’s standout ready-to-wear pieces like a belted trench in butter-soft beige lambskin that matches perfectly with the Pénélope.

Longchamp’s Artistic Director Sophie Delafontaine added that the choice of Paris as the setting for the campaign has an importa n t m e a n i n g t o Lo n g c hamp’s heritage and origins.

It strengthens the message that the Longchamp woman is active, dynamic and can be seen every day striding through the streets of the — Chung about her ongoing capital. association with Longchamp.

“I think we share an appreciation for classic and timeless design as well as practicality and functionality without compromising aesthetics.”

Where to get it: Longchamp recently launched its flagship store at The Emquartier Following the success of other boutiques at Siam Paragon, Central Chidlom and Central Ladprao, the French luxury brand Longchamp has now stepped forward to launch its fourth boutique at Bangkok’s trendiest lifestyle mall, The Emquartier. At the 160-sq-meter space, you can expect to find the full length of the brand’s latest ready-to-wear collection, shoes, travel collection as well as its iconic leather line.

Discover the latest look of Longchamp now at the new Longchamp Flagship store at G/F, Helix Quartier Building, The Emquartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-003-6166. Open daily 10am-8pm. BTS Phrom Phong.

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bites & blends CAFE

Cold as Ice From the owners of one of our favorite bikethemed burger spots, Sweet Pista, comes the latest kakigori hotspot in town. Located in front of the original Sweet Pista, beside much-loved custom jean shop Viapiana, Sweet Pista Little Cafe dishes out kakigori—that’s Japanese-style shaved ice with toppings—in classic savory flavor combinations along with some interesting Thai twists. On the traditional end of the scale you’ve got Italian melon paired with parma ham (B250 and B65), while Plahang Tangmo puts a spin on things with watermelon served with sweet dried fish (B150 and B35). In addition to kakigori they also serve up a few different cakes and coffee, but you’ll need to head back to the original venue for the heavier food options.

235/20 Sukhumvit Soi 31

COOKING SCHOOL

POP-UP

EVENT

Waffling On

Coffee ‘n’ Cream

Wine and Chocolate

After downing the operating time of Taper to weekends only from 10am-3pm, Culinary Institute of America graduate Tatchapon “Toon” Choomduang is using the extra time on his hands to run various cooking classes from the restaurant’s kitchen from Mon-Fri. Chef Toon Cooking focuses on simple dishes that can be made at home like waffles, pastas and soups. Every student gets to experience the cooking hands-on as class numbers are tightly limited to no more than five students. Each class runs from about 10am-3pm, covering three recipes and lunch cooked by the chef, with prices starting from B3,500 per person. Private classes also available. For more information and class schedules, check out www.fb.com/cheftooncooking. 44/11 Thonglor Soi 13, 099-929-5464

To fight the burning heat this summer, Rocket X has opened a pop-up affogato (vanilla gelato topped with an espresso) bar on the sixth floor of Emquartier. Running through May, Rocket X Affogato Bar offers super-soft, house-made vanilla ice cream topped with creative flavor combinations like snickers (roast peanuts, peanut mousse, chocolate and caramel), masala chai (ginger toffee, cinnamon meringue, anise crumble and marshmallow) and blueberry cheesecake (blueberry gel, fresh blueberries, mascarpone and lemon poundcake). Choose either a sundae at B95 or to add an espresso shot to make it an affogato at B135.

Espresso-based coffee can also be ordered here. 6/F, The Helix, Emquartier, Sukhumvit Rd. BTS Phrom Phong

Prove to yourself that Thai wine really is as good as people always now say it is by heading to Conrad’s Diplomat Bar this Apr 29, where they’ll be pairing wine from Khao Yai’s GranMonte vineyard with with various Thai herbal flavored cocktails for the price of B2,200 a person. GranMonte is the vineyard which Nikki Lohitnavy heads, whose widely touted as one of the country’s top winemakers thanks to a handful of Australia’s top winemaking qualifications and other awards to her name. Among the eight bottles they’ll serve on Apr 29 are a 2015 Spring Unwooded Chenin Blanc paired with lemongrass white chocolate praline; 2011 Asoke Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah paired with sweet and spicy chili dark chocolate praline; and 2014 GranMonte Sakuna Syrah Rose paired with Mongo white chocolate truffle. Delightful!

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blends COCKTAIL

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with these five classic Mexican cocktails.

THE MARGARITA

Even if you don’t know anything about Mexican drinking culture, we bet you’ve heard of this drink. The origins of margarita are actually unclear, but it’s nevertheless the most famous tequila-based drink there is, and the go-to when it comes to Mexican food.

The recipe: Tequila, triple sec and lime juice served in a saltrimmed rock glass garnished with a slice or wedge of lime.

Get it at: Everywhere! Go cheap and cheerful at Coyote (Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-651-3313), where you can pick your favorite from a list of 75 margarita choices, or get even more creative and picky by going to Mejico (2/F, Groove@CentralWorld, ratchadamri Rd., 02-252-6660), where the signature margarita is mixed with El Jimador Blanco, mango, coconut and pandan (B250). The classic Mexican spot La Monita also stocks a good list of tequila and offers choices of margarita either by the glass (from B220) or in giant pitchers for six people (from B1,120). The rebranding of Sinor Pico to Mexicano has resulted in more authentic Mexican dishes and drinks which means a wide selection of tequila can be found behind the bar, starting from B250.

THE PALOMA

If you love Gin & Tonic, then Paloma is a nice Mexican alternative. Though not as popular here as margarita, the taste is friendly and there’s not a whole lot that can go wrong when you mix one.

The recipe: Mix one (or two) parts tequila with three parts grapefruit-flavored soda and serve it with a lime wedge. Add a pinch of salt or lime juice to make things more interesting.

Get it at: Lady Brett (Sathorn Soi 12, 02-635-0405) and Mejico (2/F, Groove@CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd., 02-252-6660).

TEQUILA SUNRISE

Instantly recognizable thanks to the gradient red to orange color, Tequila Sunrise is a much younger drink than the margarita, coming from the modern tequila cocktail period.

The recipe: Tequila, orange juice and grenadine syrup served in a long glass.

Get it at: Everywhere, but we like Marcel’s (Sathorn Soi 10, 02-635-3533) twist by adding strawberry syrup instead of grenadine to orange juice, creating what they call a Tequila Sunset.

ON THE BAR

Backstage Bar The theater-themed bar has been taken over by six of Bangkok’s leading bartenders. Here’s the result. By Vasachol Quadri The buzz: Opened back in 2014 under the name Behind the Scene Lounge & Bar, this Broadway-burlesque space on the lobby floor of the theater-themed Playhaus boutique hotel has been revitalized by six of Bangkok’s leading bartenders into a tiny but relaxing spot where the motto is, “Nothing is serious behind the curtain, except for cocktails.”

The decor: The design follows the hotel’s stage play theme, but while other parts of the building represent specific storylines, the bar is decked out like a dressing room—a space where you can relax and just be yourself. Behind the red curtain you’ll find five sets of Louis XIV-style velvet sofas facing a counter bar and a liquor shelf surrounded by backstage mirrors on which are written the drink of the day.

The music: It’s all about the groovy pop songs.

The drinks: The Diageo World Class family’s newest team— led by Ronnaporn “Neung” Kanivichaporn together with Kitibordee “Gov” Chortubtim, Supawit “Palm” Muttarattana, Anakin “Ton” Wongsala, Watcharapong “Bank” Suriyaphan and Chennarong “Janz” Bhumichitr—really pushes this spot down the right craft cocktail path. Aside from all the classic and customized drinks, you’ll find 12 signature classic-

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with-twist cocktails on the menu, plus the occasional special drink written on the backstage mirrors behind the bar. The highlight is Earthbeet (B390), an earthy and woody drink with a beetroot-infused tequila base mixed with sweet vermouth, Campari, Cynar (artichoke liqueur) and mezcal, garnished with a slice of beetroot and torched liquorice. Aphrodisiac (B340) is a refreshing, sweet and sour choice based around bourbon mixed with rhubarb and roselle syrup and lemon served in coupe class coated with plum powder then topped with Peychaud’s bitters. We like the crisp and sour balance of C&Y (B340) that results from mixing chamomile-infused vodka with apple juice, yuzu puree, egg white and lemon topped with angostura bitters, while martini lovers shouldn’t miss the golden Dead Poet (B340), a saffron-infused gin mixed with dry vermouth and Licor 43 (vanilla liqueur) and garnished dehydrated orange—it tastes as elegant as it sounds. Got the munchies? Kha-kai (salty crispy bread sticks) are complementary at the bar but prepare yourself before getting here if you need a proper meal.

L/F, Play Haus Thonglor, 205/22-23 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 02-712-5747. Open daily 6pm-1am bit.ly/1SptuCo

ROSITA (THE MEXICAN NEGRONI)

The Negroni’s long history dates back to the 1920s, but its Mexican sister was invented as recently as the 2000s. Rosita is simply made by replacing the gin in your Negroni with tequila, resulting in a younger-spirited drink that’s spicier and crisp.

The recipe: Tequila, sweet vermouth and Campari Get it at: We had it at Track 17 (The Commons, 355 Thonglor Soi 17, 02-101-4525) but don’t be afraid to ask for it at your favorite Mexican bar.

MICHELADA

Here’s a fun one. A Michelada is basically a Mexican beer mixed with several sauces or tomato juice depending how creative you want to go. It began as a hangover cure just like the Bloody Mary, replacing vodka with beer, but tomato juice is no longer mandatory.

The recipe: Beer, your choice of spices, tomato juice and your choice of sauce like hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce.

Get it at: We like Barrio Bonito’s (LG/F, The Commons, Thonglor Soi 17, 092-331-5203) Tamarindo Michelada (B180), which mixes in habanero chili sauce and tamarind juice, and comes served in a chili-rimmed glass with tamarind. The Mexican keeps it classic by using Mexicali Chili Devil beer with spicy tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, celery and lime (B250).

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bites

Barrio Bonito

Mexicano

ROUNDUP

To the Mex

Best places to get your taco fix this Cinco de Mayo* (May 5). By Natcha Sanguankiattichai Barrio Bonito

Mexicano

Barrio Bonito

Get this: Carnitas

Get this: Taco de barboaca

Formerly Senor Pico, Rembrandt hotel’s Mexican institution not only got a new name but also a change in direction to become more traditional. Head chef Carlos Bravo presents all the classic specialties using fine and fresh ingredients including freshly smashed guacamole, ceviche, fajitas and tacos. Highlight new dishes include beef ribs with green mole sauce and lamb chop with chocolate mole. That said, the chef also pays detailed attention to something as simple as pork carnitas, for which he confits the mix of pork shoulder, leg and neck for more than four hours before seasoning with herbs.

Located in The Commons’ market zone, this Koh Chang-hailing restaurant has brought traditional Mexican cooking methods to Bangkok. Owner Mariana Villalobos Torres, a self-taught chef from Mexico City, controls the kitchen, turning out authentic native dishes including guacamole (B220) served in crispy corn tortilla cones and quesadillas (B200). The short menu rotates daily, but you can always expect some tacos like the taco de barboaca (B140), made with seven-hour slow-cooked lamb.

Rembrandt Hotel, 19 Sukhumvit Soi 18, 02-261-7100

Mejico

Two Angels Tacos

Get this: Soft shell crab taco

Get this: Thai twists taco LA-born Le Cordon Bleu graduate Chris Ostray, who formerly worked at LA names like Pigg, Wexlers’ Deli, Wood and Wine and Bastide, makes his own tortilla in-house using imported corn masa from California. Fillings include classics like al pastor (pork) and carne asada (beef), as well as Thai twists like gai yang somtam (grilled chicken with papaya salad) and tom yum gung, all priced at B60 each. You’ll usually find the truck on Soi Rangnam or Thonglor. www.fb.com/twoangelstacos

La Monita Taqueria Get this: Shrimp taco This Mexican institution at Mahatun complex is widely known for its scrumptious offerings, reflected in the spinoffs at Siam Paragon and Emquartier. In the colorful, friendly original venue, chef Billy Bautista rolls out tacos made with either flour or corn tortillas and your choice of New Zealand ribeye steak, pork, chicken, shrimp, fish, or vegetarian toppings. Prices range from B100-175.

888/26-25 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-650-9581. BTS Phloen Chit

Changwon Express Get this: Kimchi tacos To match with the variety of beers and ciders on sale, Korean owner Ted Ahn cooks up a fusion of Mexican-Korean cuisine in his compact yellow bar by MRT Phetchaburi. The results provide something completely new for Bangkok, including the dooroochigi taco (spicy marinated pork with tomato salsa and cheddar cheese, B200/three tacos), bibimbap taco (vegetables and sauce, B100) and kimchi tacos (beef or pork bulgogi and kimchi, B200/three tacos). Other offerings include the galbi burger (TK, B250), bibimbap (Korean rice bowl, B150) and Korean ramen (B120).

Tacos & Salsa

The Commons, Thonglor Soi 17, 092-331-5203

This fun Mexican restaurant-slash-bar offers a funky menu packed with twists in each of the dishes. Chef Marin Garro demonstrates his creativity with some tacos you won’t find anywhere else. We especially like the soft shell crab tacos, inspired by traditional Baja fish tacos (battered fish and coleslaw), which packs the crispiness of fried soft shell crab, freshness of applemango coleslaw and some Asian kick from cumin. Other options include sous-vide, achiote spice-marinated chicken topped with chorizo sauce and classic braised pork with Asian-inspired scallion, ginger and mirin sauce.

Mejico

Mexicano

Changwon Express

2/F, Groove @ CentralWorld, Rama 1 Rd., 02-252-6660. BTS Siam/ Chit Lom

Tacos & Salsa Get this: Fish taco One of our favorite home-cooked Mexican restaurants has been given an update. Not far from the original location, Tacos & Salsa has moved to a bigger, bolder and more visible spot on the same soi, decorated with hand-painted works by one of the owners. In addition to old favorites like guacamole (B150) and tortilla soup (B200), you’ll find a new menu including the Yucatan specialty pork pibil huaraches (slow-roasted pork with achiote, orange and other Mexican spices, sitting atop a refried-beans-stuffed tortilla, B270) and taco dorados (deep-fried tortilla filled with pork carnitas and topped with cabbage, tomato salsa, cheese, sour cream and guacamole, B240). Try their beer-battered fish tacos, topped with tomato salsa, thinly sliced cabbages and garlic mayonnaise dressing.

Changwon Express

21/3 Sukhumvit Soi 18, 02-663-6366

* What’s Cinco de Mayo? It means May 5, in commemoration of a decisive battle the Mexican army won against the French in 1862. It’s widely celebrated by Mexican-Americans. In Mexico, it’s not a national holiday.

37 Asoke Din Daeng Rd., 092-251-8661. MRT Phetchaburi Two Angels Tacos

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bites

OPEN DOOR

Islero This contemporary Spanish restaurant boasts cred from a former El Bulli chef.

The buzz: Despite the consultation of Eduard Bosch, a former chef de cuisine at one of the most prestigious modern kitchen of all time, El Bulli in Spain, Islero takes on the traditional end of Spanish cuisine and presents it in a contemporary style.

The decor: Overall, a modern, geometric mood dominates the decor, highlighted with wooden furniture and warm tones. To keep the atmosphere more casual, colorful paintings and vibrant, blue and yellow upholstery add some fun to the place. It’s upscale, luxurious, sexy and pricey-looking, but the whole vibe is more laidback sophistication than stiff fine dining. There's also a separate bar to one side called Cava, while the wide terrace promises to be one of Wireless’s nicest alfresco spots once temperatures cool down.

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The food: Head chef Pedro Serrano dishes out authentic Spanish food like Iberico ham croquettes (B480), grilled octopus tentacles (B460) served with beans in Castilian stew, baked fish fillet with potatoes and almonds (B680) and the highlight Josper-grilled, Segovian-style suckling pig (B3,900 for a half pig). On top of the straightforward dishes, there are still some items that nod to El Bulli's modernism, like olive spheres (B80) and deconstructed Spanish omelet (B380) served in the form of cream and espuma in a martini glass.

Desserts are equally impressive, try tocinillo de cielo (egg yolk flan, B230), which bursts in your mouth with intense yolk flavor and the airy caramelized torrijas (Spanish-style French toast) served with ice cream (B240). Cava’s tapas menu covers the reinterpretation of

classic garlic shrimp using three kinds of shellfish (B800) served in cans and crispy suckling pig with grapefruit puree (B450).

The drinks: The cellar stocks an extensive list of Spanish red and white wines, cava as well as some bottles of Champagne, with the menu providing ratings from Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast and other wine critics. Wine by the glass starts at B260.

Why you should care: Islero doesn’t jump on the train of Bangkok’s modernist kitchens, focusing instead on Spanish tapas done right—this is one new spot that’s definitely worth checking out.

Natcha Sanguankiattichai

Athenee Tower, 63 Wireless Rd., 02-1688100. Open daily 5pm-midnight.

BTS Phloen Chit

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Tentacles

Camp Curry

Bush

NEW AND NOTED

Scout About Siam Paragon's newest curry house is the first of its kind to open outside of Japan. The quirky, camping-themed Camp Curry (4/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-9612. BTS Siam. www. fb.com/campcurry) chain has 33 stores back in its homeland, specializing in simple Japanese-style curries, including Hayashi brown stew (B150) and the fully-loaded vegetable curry (B190), as well as a couple of desserts, including Hokkaido milk pudding (B150) and Daigaku sweet potato (B80). The Bangkok branch has some special editions on its menu, too, like the big camp fire curry (B380)—a large nabe (hot pot) style soup for sharing.

Room with a View Art space Tentacles (Narathiwas Soi 22, 089-117-3434. www. fb.com/tentaclesinc) has upped sticks from Thonglor to open a cafe and art store in Yannawa. Part of the same art-driven warehouse complex as Gallery Ver, it serves up Aeropress coffee from

B60 for an Americano or French press from B90, as well as loose leaf (B120 per pot) and infusion tea (B100 per pot), and Italian sodas (B65). To eat, get the all-day breakfast (cheese and sweetcorn scrambled eggs with salad and toast, B120), three-cheese grilled sandwiches (B130) or tagliatelle pasta with homemade pesto (B180). They also host creative workshops that focus on embroidery, painting and pottery.

Second Take From the owners of Paper Butter burgers at Ari backpacker hostel The Yard, Bush by Paper Butter (Ari Soi 1, 084-448-7908. www.fb.com/bush.paperbutter) is a new grab-and-go salad and sandwich joint located right by Ari BTS. The menu includes a range of salads (B69-79) served with homemade dressings as well as some hefty sandwiches like the Omega (gouda cheese, tomato, rocket and tuna, B120) and, our personal favorite, the Bollo-Bollo (mozarella cheese, rocket, Bolognese sauce and either beef or pork, B130). Joseph Lam

TABLE TALK

Prai Raya 59 Sukhumvit Soi 8, 02-253-5556. Open daily 10:30am10:30pm Longstanding Phuket favorite Raya has introduced its beloved Southern Thai cooking to Bangkok. The restaurant carries plenty of Sino-Portuguese touches like vaulted doors and a patterned tile floor, while the menu pulls out all the Raya classics, such as the gaeng nuea poo bai chaploo (crab curry with piper leaves) and the moo horng (Southernstyle braised pork), alongside new dishes like goong khun ya (grandma’s fried river prawns).

Exclusive privileges for Citi credit cardmembers.

Get complimentary Thai tea when spending via Citi credit cards (limit 1 glass /card /table /sales slip) Today-31 Oct 2016

To redeem your favorite dining vouchers, please visit www.citirewards.com.

Simply click “Thailand” and then “Gift voucher”

BK Magazine Friday, April 29, 2016

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bites & blends market + Events

BANGKOK FARMERS’ MARKET The weekend foodies market where you can buy products straight from the source takes place at Gateway Ekamai. Apr 30-May 1, 10am-6pm.

982/22 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-108-2888. BTS Ekkamai

INNOVATION IN THE FOOD BUSINESS Food Entrepreneurs Thailand hosts a meetup with speakers and networking opportunities on May 10 at Launchpad. For more information, visit www.meetup.com/foodentrepreneurs.

Sethiwan Tower, 139 Pan Rd. BTS Surasak

Fillets

CAVIAR MARTINI NIGHT BANGKOK RESTAURANT WEEK Through May 15, Wongnai teams up with about 40 restaurants in Bangkok to roll out one-price lunch (B499) and dinner (B699) deals. For more information, visit www.wongnai.com

Marcel

WORK HARD, DRINK HARDER Marcel rolls out a buy-one-get-onefree May Day deal all day on Apr 30.

This May 27 from 7-9pm, Diplomat Bar offers free-flow Beluga vodka and G’Vine gin martinis along with five different olives, lemon and caviar. B4,000 per person.

Conrad, 87 Wireless Rd., 02-690-9999.

BTS Phloen Chit

Sathorn Soi 10, 02-635-3533

The Sukhothai

Ce La Vi

ASIAN INSPIRED PASTRY POP-UP

Get all the latest events and restaurant openings from the free BK Now app

A Guide to Bangkok’s Best Restaurants

Mexicano

This Apr 28-30, Ce La Vi’s (formerly Ku De Ta) corporate pastry chef Jason Licker flies in from Singapore for a pastry pop-up at Pla Dib, bringing with him his signature matcha tart, Sang Som cappuccino, Thai tea puff and white chocolate-Junmai sake cream (B300 each).

1/1 Ari Samphan Soi 7, Rama 6 Rd., 02-279-8185

BKmagazine.com/TopTables

CINCO DE MAYO 2016 AT MEXICANO On May 5 from 5pm-midnight, Mexicano (formerly Senor Pico, see page 18) throws a party with live band, free Latin dance instruction and a B65 XL-sized taco deal. Booze deals include B175 on Mexicano margarita, B200 on Mezcalita, B150 on Day of the Dead Amber Ale beer and B1,000 and 10-shooter tequila.

CHEF EMMANUEL RENAUT VISITS From May 23-28, chef Emmanuel Renaut from three-Michelin-starred Flocons de Sel in Megeve, France visits La Scala to showcase his creative dishes. Set lunch is priced at B4,500 while set dinner is B8,500 per person.

The Sukhothai, 13/3 Sathorn Rd., 02-3448888

New Venues

Rembrandt Hotel, 19 Sukhumvit Soi 18, 02-261-7100

Menya Takeichi

Conrad Bangkok

MENYA TAKEICHI

WINE AND CHOCOLATE NIGHT Diplomat Bar throws a free-flow wine and chocolate event on Apr 29 from 7-10pm, featuring eight bottles of GranMonte wine and 8 flavors of chocolate. B2,200 per person.

INTERN WITH US! (EDITORIAL, MARKETING AND ART DEPT.)

You must be at least 18-years-old You must send in a cover letter and resume. Specify which department you are applying for.

Open to Thai and foreign nationals (for Marketing, Thai national only).

Advertise your business with us ­ starting from B6,000

Internships are full-time, unpaid and last 3 months.

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

Conrad, 87 Wireless Rd., 02-690-9999.

BTS Phloen Chit

ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT TACOS This May 5, Tacos & Salsa celebrates Cinco de Mayo with an allyou-can-eat taco deal at B350. Margarita will be priced at B150 and local beer just B80.

2/F, K Village, Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-2599300

Mana Cuisine

MANA CUISINE K Village

The reborn nightclub has opened its new dining wing.

URBAN EATERY K Village’s foodie market promises international dishes, mini cafes, handicrafts, clothing, home decor and more in a vintage garden atmosphere, with workshop according to each month’s theme. Apr 29-May 1

Talakkia Market

32/8 Sukhumvit Soi 13, 02-102-0013

TALAKKIA MARKET This pop-up community flea market offers organic and handmade products and health food. May 7.

In front of Samphanthawong District Office, Yotha Rd.

Credit card/Debit card payment accepted

THE EASIEST WAY TO BOOK YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS 20

One of Tokyo’s top chicken ramen chains arrives in Bangkok.

Sukhumvit Soi 18

Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-258-9919

Candidates should be fluent in both Thai and English. Send your resume and a cover letter to jobs@asia-city.co.th

Tacos & Salsa

Find out more at www.chope.co/toptables

BK Magazine Friday, April 29, 2016

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bites FOOD REVIEWS

Vesper HHHH European. 10/15 Convent Rd., 02-235-2777. Open Mon-Fri noon-2:30pm; Mon-Sat 5pm-1am; Sun 5pm-midnight. BTS Sala Daeng. BBBB

Vesper goes for an elegant, if rather predictable, chic European bistro look (think Hyde & Seek before the refit): dark wood, marble table tops, old maps and brick wall painted black. Founded by couple Chotipong Leenutapong and Debby Tang, who are also partners of Little Beast and Il Fumo, Vesper’s kitchen is headed by Chef Luca Appino of beloved Italian restaurant La Bottega di Luca (Sukhumvit Soi 49) and Pizza Massilia (Soi Ruamrudee). But before we get to the food, Vesper owes its name to a drink that James Bond devises and christens in Casino Royale. Indeed, Vesper was the first, and is still the only, cool place to grab a drink after work in what quickly transforms into a red light district come nightfall. Its cocktail list was inaugurated by a Dutchman with London-based mixologists Fluid Movement and the results were spectacular. On our last visit, we felt standards had slipped, though, as half the team has been sent off to Il

Sakuragawa Sushi HHHH B1/F, Jasmine Building, Sukhumvit Soi 23, 02-6617284. Open Tue-Sun 11:30am-3pm, 5:30-10pm.

BTS Asok/MRT Sukhumvit. BBB-BBBB. F

Sakuragawa aims high. At B3,000-5,500, its omakase dinners are in the same league as Bangkok’s sushi heavyweights Sushi Hinata, Ginza Sushi Ichi and Masato. Here though you can also rein things in a bit thanks to a pared-back a la carte menu of sushi, sashimi, grilled and fried dishes, and appetizers. Do your ordering from these sections and you won’t get niceties like fresh hon wasabi from Shizuoka Prefecture or piece-by-piece counter service, but you will get to sample some of the most delicately made, fresh-tasting nigiri Bangkok has to offer. The 10-piece Okimari Nigiri set, for example, costs B1,500 and features one piece each of gizzard shad, cuttlefish, tuna, medium-fatty tuna, sweet shrimp, scallop, eel and omelet alongside Ratings

Price guide

PPPP Forget it PPPP Only if you’re in the neighborhood PPPP A pleasant dining experience PPPP Not to be missed

B BB BBB BBBB

BK pays for its meal and does not call ahead or sit with the chef.

Fumo. The good news is that the shrieking mega-tables of hi-sos seem to have followed. What remains is a much more civilized experience where Appino’s food finally gets the spotlight. To start with, the produce is lovely, so that simple dishes like the plate of parma ham with a giant ball of burrata cheese (B1,390 for 350 grams) or the locally-sourced Sloane’s chorizo with wild rocket (B390) feel immensely satisfying. The fileja pasta filled with five spices duck ragu (B380) offers an almost chewy texture beneath a generous layer of sliced Parmesan cheese. But for something more refined, the ravioli filled with burrata (B620) manages to feel fresh and light thanks to the Datterino tomatoes and Taggiasca olives. Mains are equally good.

The wagyu beef (B470/100g for ribeye and B420/100g for tomahawk) is juicy, salty and fatty with a beautifully charred exterior.

And even fish packs big flavors here, such as in the sea bass baked in a crunchy bread crust with an almost confit blend of cherry tomatoes, onions and black olives (B890).

We do recommend you skip the signature drinks and just order a six-week barrel-aged Negroni (B380). Yes, Appino is keeping things a bit safe. But this is a bistro, not a fine-dining restaurant. With a solid wine list (even if years need updating), much of it between B2,000-4,000, and diligent staff, Vesper feels right for just about any occasion, save those where foodies seek to have their expectations redefined.

tuna maki and a salmon roe roll, all of which can also be ordered a la carte (cuttlefish is the cheapest at B185, fatty tuna the most expensive at B300). The freshness of the fish is superb throughout.

Both pieces of tuna brim with a metallic intensity, while the shellfish pieces— scallop, cuttlefish and shrimp—have that perfect sweetness and mouth-coating, soft texture. The cooked dishes are handled with an equal competence, from the beautifully light and well-salted squids’ leg karaage (B190) to the real miso soup (B100/tofu, B140/clam). It feels like a different level from the similarly priced Sushi Masa or Sushi Mori, not just thanks to the wonderful fish, but also the more traditional atmosphere. Some could accuse the dining space of being a touch bland, but with the chefs up front slicing and shaping in front of two perfectly kept mise en place, it has a reverence for the art which most Bangkok sushi restaurants lack.

That’s not to say it’s right up there with the top-tier sushi players—the nori has neither the intense flavor of the sea nor crisp texture of the best we’ve tasted, while the omelet too is a rather lifeless affair—but it does come close. On the strength of its a la carte and set-menu sushi, this is one place most definitely worth your time. But if you’re looking for an omakase meal to remember, we say book a seat at Ichi instead.

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

Symbols

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

Get the best of Bangkok delivered straight to your inbox every day with the new BK Daily newsletter. www.bkmagazine.com/newsletters BK Magazine Friday, Apil 29, 2016

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now FRI Drawing Geeks Together Die-hard comic-book nerds and Games of Thrones addicts gather for Bangkok Comic Con this Apr 29-May 1, the massive fair for film, comic, animation and cartoon lovers that returns to BITEC for its third year. Expect three days of movie premiers, cosplay contests, anime mini concerts, TV-related games and panel discussions from the people behind some of the biggest film and animation works across Asia and Hollywood. Tickets are B200 at the door.

FRI In the Pink Shopaholics, get ready to battle the crowds when the grounds of CentralWorld are taken over by the return of the popular LOL Market this Apr 29-May 1 for three days of non-stop shopping.

Under the theme “Summer is Again Pink,” this edition focuses on new and emerging fashion brands.

SAT Claws Out Now in its third year, Cat Radio’s indie music concert Cat Threeshirt returns this Apr 30-May 1. The huge lineup at the two-day festival mixes big name bands like Paradox, Slot Machine and Lomosonic in with up-and-coming artists like Gym and Swim, The Ghost Cat, Fwends and many more. Taking place on the grounds of Makkasan Airport Link Station, get ready to rock up in your best Cat Radio T-shirt and join the crowd. Tickets available at all 7-Eleven convenience stores for B300.

TUE Waste Not Want Not What happens when some of the city’s best architects, designers and artists are asked to create art using only what they can find at a paper recycling factory? This: an exhibition running from May 3-Jun 12 at TCDC (6/F The Emporium, 662 Sukhumvit Soi 24) called Repaper, in which everything is made from toilet rolls, scrap paper and cardboard pieces.

SAT Common Interest Sometimes it seems like Bangkok’s music scene only consists of EDM and indie rock, so how about an afternoon of live jazz to mix things up? This Apr 30 the world celebrates International Jazz Day, and here in Bangkok that means top performances at the breezy, outdoor community mall The Commons (Thonglor Soi 17) from The Jazzminions, the Sunny Trio, the Thai National Jazz Orchestra and the Denny Euprasert Trio. And yes, it’s all for free.

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NIGHTLIFE NO REGULAR PLAY

BKK REGGAE APPRECIATION SOCIETY PARTY #2

The Brooklyn-based DJ duo take over the main room of Thonglor's latest club with their signature live trumpet solos weaved with dance rhythms and basslines. They'll be supported by DJs Noxro and Bunnyman in the Dalmation room. Apr 29, 8pm. Beam, 1/F, 72 Courtyard, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor). Free.

Special guest DJ Stephard spins a vinyl-only set of roots, reggae, dub, ragga, dancehall and dubstep, with support from DJs Woken, Penitence and K9. Apr 30, 7pm. Jam, 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 083-5451-833. B100. BTS Surasak.

ALEX NIGGEMANN

No Regular Play

The German DJ and producer brings his signature combination of house and techno beats to the stage. Apr 29, 9pm. Glow, 96/4-5 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 02-261-3007, 02-2614446. Free. MRT Sukhumvit.

NO DISTANCE LEFT TO SMUDGE

The drum and bass duo Iris Twins, consisting of Irin Apichattharapat and Twist Apichattachapong, perform a live improvisation set while artists MM. Kosum paint live on the floor of the bar. Apr 29, 9pm. Jam, 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 083-5451-833. Free. BTS Surasak.

JORDAN

The New York-based DJ known for his hit "What We Have Forgotten" spins his best and latest tracks, with support from local house and techno DJ Krit Morton. Apr 29, 9:30pm.

Studio Lam, Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-261-6661.

B300. BTS Thong Lo. Futuristic Polar Bears

CONTRAST EP 1

Futuristic Polar Bears, the British house DJ trio make their return to Bangkok for the first installment of this black and white-themed party, with the second installment set to take place in June. Apr 30, 9pm. Onyx, Soi Soonvijai, Rama 9 Rd. Free.

GHETTO HOMECOMING

Trap, hip-hop and future beats from DJs C.untagious, Slowbear, Yourvillain and Sunny. Dress code is ghetto prom / street wear.

Apr 30, 9pm. Bar 21, Room 21/66, RCA, Rama 9 Rd., 080-302-9752. Free.

HIT ME UP ON MYSPACE

Party team Dudesweet hosts a night of nothing but throwback rock/alternative music from 2000-2010 from the likes of The Killers, Arctic Monkeys and Interpol. Apr 30, 9pm.

Tapas Room Club, Silom Soi 4, 02-234-4737.

Free. BTS Sala Daeng.

KONTRABAND

The monthly underground music party spins heavy bass music from DJs Delorean, Azek and Will. Apr 30, 9pm. Dark Bar, 2/F, Eka-

mai Mall, Ekkamai Soi 10, 02-381-9896, 090528-4646. B200 includes one shot.

KRONO

Brothers Michael and David Couderc, best known for their tracks "Dancin" and "Emphazed," spin their deep house and electro tracks live. Apr 30, 9pm. Live RCA Bangkok, RCA, Rama 9 Rd., 086-860-0808. B500.

NITE RIDE

A night dedicated to the best of modern funk, boogie and disco music from DJs Boogie G, Gramaphone Children, Lows and Jaydubb.

Apr 30, 9pm. Studio Lam, Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-261-6661. B100-200. BTS Thong Lo. HIBIYA LINE

The founder and resident DJ of The Observatory nightclub in Saigon spins disco, house and techno beats with support from local DJ Boogie G. May 6, 9pm. Studio Lam, Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-261-6661. B200. BTS Thong Lo. PHATFUNK DRUM & BASS

DJ D-Goose, resident DJ at Koh Phangan's full moon parties, takes over the night with rolling beats, jazzy vibes and heavy basslines.

He'll be supported by DJs Azek, DeLorean and Instinct. May 6, 9pm. Glow, 96/4-5 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 02-261-3007, 02-261-4446. B250 (includes one drink). MRT Sukhumvit.

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now THEATER

LIVE MUSIC

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS The drama students of Thammasat University present an adaptation of the 1986 fantasy/science fiction film by Frank Oz. Through Apr 30, 7pm. Thammasat University (Tha Phra Chan Campus), 12 Phra Chan Rd., 02-613-3333. Free.

1969: A SPACE ODYSSEY? ODDITY! Japanese theater company Kaimaku Pennatrace performs a highly energetic and surreal story set in 1969 about three astronauts figuring out space for the first time. Apr 30-May 8, 7:30pm. Thong Lor Art Space, 58/14-15 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor). B350-550.

Yellow Fang

Srirajah Rockers

gigs SCRUM SYRUP AND BLACK VELVET LUCY

The Japanese rock 'n'roll band and neo-metal hardcore band perform live, with support from local bands Plastic Section and Ugoslabier. Apr 29, 9pm. Bar 21, Room 21/66, RCA, Rama 9 Rd., 080-302-9752. Free.

INTERNATIONAL JAZZ DAY In a celebration of His Majesty the King's passion for jazz music, bands Dixielogy, The Jazzminions, Sunny Trio, Thai National Jazz Orchestra and Denny Euprasert Trio present a night of live jazz music from the swing era. Apr 30, 6pm. The Commons, 335 Thonglor Soi 17, 089-152-2677.

Free.

SRIRAJAH ROCKERS

The rock and reggae band behind the songs "Destroy Babylon" and "Jai Loy" perform live. May 4, 9:30pm. Studio Lam, Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-2616661. B300. BTS Thong Lo. CLUB YELLOW FANG: A CURATED NIGHT

Taking place at a secret location that only ticket-holders will be informed of, the all-girl indie band hosts a special party to thank their fans. The

night features live music, food and drinks, a rap battle, visual art and a documentary screening of the band's Japan tour. Tickets available at ow. ly/4mY7Vb. May 7, 4pm. B1,650.

1969: A Space Odyssey? Oddity!

ART

ORDINARY 2016

Two days of live music focusing on electronic, noise, ambient, IDM and experimental sounds from 12 bands from Japan, UK, Vietnam and Thailand including Sadistic, ADNR, Cut the Crab, Space 360 and many more. May 6-7, 7pm. Jam, 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 083-5451-833. B300 (includes one drink).

BTS Surasak.

music festivals TOGETHER FESTIVAL

One of the city's biggest EDM festivals returns for its fifth edition this year with huge international names including the British electronica duo Disclosure and American electro house DJ Steve Aoki as its headliners. They'll be joined by other big names including Andrew Rayel, Firebeatz, Galantis, Nervo and Tohamt for an unforgettable night of quality electronic dance music. May 6, 4pm. BITEC, 88 Bang Na-Trat Rd., 02-749-3939. B2,000-2,400 from Thaiticketmajor. BTS Bang Na.

98.5% OF THIS LIGHT HAS BEEN BLOCKED

ART FORMS FROM THE HEART

Artist and cinematographer Liam Morgan explores light, space and time through video installations, photography and lighting works. Apr 30-Jun 5.

RMA Institute, Room 238, 238 Sukhumvit Soi 22 (Sukhumvit), 02-663-0809.

Unchlee Tunsawan presents a series of emotional paintings focusing on femininity and the female form using a fantasy, other-worldly style. May 6-19. Chomp, 63-65 Samsen Soi 1, 02-629-2026.

MY DAUGHTERS Photographer H.H. Capor poses for portraits with girls who he imagines could resemble his now grown-up estranged daughter. May 7-Jun 30. Kathmandu Photo Gallery, 87 Pan Rd., 02-234-6700.

PROOF OF CONTACT American artist Evan Dawson presents his first solo exhibition in Thailand in the form of an art installation using digitally printed silk, self-published magazines and wood to explore popular modes of representation in print media and legal documents.

Apr 30-Jun 1. U Baan, 204 Soi Chinda Thawin, Si Phraya Rd., 088-088-5140.

REPAPER For this exhibition, the TCDC invited architects, designers and artists from around the country to create art using what they could find at a paper recycling factory, including toilet rolls, scrap paper and cardboard scraps. May 3-Jun 12. Thailand Creative and Design Center (TCDC), 6/F, The Emporium, 662 Sukhumvit Soi 24, 02664-8448.

SWALLOW Contemporary artist Pornpraseart Yamazaki presents abstract mixed media drawings, paintings on canvas and mixed media sculptures which ponder the meaning of human existence. Apr 30-May 26. La Lanta Fine Art, 254/14 Soi 31 (Sukhumvit), 02-260-5381, 02-204-0583.

SPOTLIGHT Somkiat, rock band

One thing we love about the Bangkok indie music scene is… how everyone is so friendly. It’s still a small community so whether you’re a singer or a fan, it feels like we all know each other. There’s definitely no barrier, and it’s easy to just all hang out like a big group of friends.

Our favorite music festival in Thailand is… Big Mountain Festival. Aside from the consistently good lineup each year, it’s also a great excuse to escape Bangkok for a bit. Plus, there’s a lot more going on than just the music, like camping, enjoying the outdoors, etc.

Our favorite Bangkok band/artist right now is… lately, we have really been digging the sounds of Gym and Swim.

Our best concert performance in Bangkok was… We always love performing at Play Yard because we are close friends with the owners, so it feels like playing a gig in our own house.

Our worst concert performance in Bangkok was… there’s nothing worse than having to cancel last minute, no matter what the circumstances. The worst bit is missing out on having fun with our fans.

Somkiat are an indie rock band best known for their hits “Ni Sai” and “Chung Mun”. They’ll be performing live at Cat Radio’s Cat Threeshirt event this Apr 30 by the Airport Link Makkasan Station. Also set to perform at the two-day music festival are big names like Singto Numchok, Paradox and Slur, as well as up and coming indie names such as Telex Telexs, My Life as Ali Thomas and Helmetheads.

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Start your day with the latest lifestyle news, direct to your inbox.

daily

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Be the first to hear about brand new openings, exciting events and news you actually care about • Sent Mon-Fri before 9am • Optimized for your phone • Share straight to social media • 100% free

Knack Market #10

Artbox

Bangkok Comic Con

ONLINE VILLAGE: INTERNATIONAL URBAN FAIR The team behind e-commerce stores TowRai and Zilingo present a market made up of the city's most trending online stores in an outdoor space filled with live music, games, shopping opportunities and plenty of food and drinks. Dress code is urban casual green and/or purple. Apr 29, 6pm. Tow Rai, 36 Soi Saeng Chai, Sukhumvit Soi 38. Free. BTS Thong Lo. BANGKOK COMIC CON The massive fair for film, comic, animation and cartoon lovers returns for its third year for three days of movie premiers, cosplay contests, anime mini concerts, games and panel discussions with people behind some of the biggest film and animation works across Asia and Hollywood. Apr 29-May 1, 10am. BITEC, 88 Bang Na-Trat Rd., 02-749-3939. Free. BTS Bang Na. STARTUP THAILAND 2016 An exhibtion gathering the city's most successful start up businesses, who will all participate in forum discussions, app demonstrations and innovation showcases throughout the four-day conference. Through May 1, 9am. Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, 60 New Ratchadapisek Rd., 02-229- 3000. Free. MRT Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.

KNACK MARKET #10 Crafts, design, vintage items, books, arts and music, plus lots of street food in collaboration with Bangkok Farmers' Market and Taste of Bangkok. Apr 30-May 1, 4pm. The Jam Factory, 41/1-41/2 Charoen Nakorn Rd., 02-861-0950.

LOL MARKET The popular market returns to the grounds of CentralWorld under the theme "Summer is Again Pink," this focusing on new, emerging brands rather than big names that feature at every market in town. Apr 29-May 1, 12am. CentralWorld, 4, 4/1-4/2, 4/4, Ratchadamri Rd., 02-635-1111. Free. BTS Chit Lom. THE GLASS BY ART BOX After a short break, Bangkok's biggest container market returns with stalls selling clothes, food, drinks and hand-made items. Through Jun 19, 5pm. The EmDistrict, The Emquartier and The Emporium, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-269-1000.

ARCHITECT '16 The yearly architecture exhibition combines showcases for both young blood and established architects, a lof of booths dedicated to construction materials, some furniture, and a few cultural touches (last year, heritage buildings illustrators Vernadoc and a mini expo on modern architecture were on board). Apr 26-May 1, 11am9pm. Challenger Hall 1-3, Impact, Muang Thong Thani. www.architectexpo.com

Sign up now at bit.ly/bkdaily or email maketing@asia-city.co.th

BK Magazine Friday, April 29, 2016

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now FILM Opening

SPORTS

Singha Bangkok 21k

CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR (USA)

IDOL (PALESTINE)

Adventure/Sci-Fi. Captain America (Chris Evans) wants the Avengers to remain free from government interference, while Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) disagrees, splitting the group of superheroes into two opposing sides.

Apr 27

Drama/Biography. Follow the journey of teenage singer Mohammed Assaf as he travels from the Gaza Strip to Egypt in order to audition for the show Arab Idol. Apr 28

Upcoming

THE WITCH (USA)

MOTHER’S DAY (USA)

Horror. When their youngest son vanishes, a farmer (Ralph Ineson) and his wife (Kate Dickie) start to suspect that their three other children may be behind the crime. May 5

Comedy. In this all-star ensemble, the lives of three women—Julia Roberts, Jennifer Aniston and Kate Hudson—interconnect as they celebrate Mother’s Day. May 5

Fruit Run

FRUIT RUN

ULTRAMAN RUN

A fancy dress run themed around "Colorful Fruits," where the top three runners with the best costumes will receive rewards. Offering 10km mini marathon and 5km fun run. Register at bit.ly/1pL6fZW. May 7, 6am. Lumphini Park, Rama 4 Rd. B400-500.

A family-friendly fun run themed around the popular Japanese action figure, offering 2.5km and 5km distances. Register at bit.ly/1RLs0Sw. May 28, 6am.

Lumphini Park, Rama 4 Rd. B850-1,000.

RUN FOR FUN RUN

A charity team run that aims to raise funds for turtle protection around the country, organized by the Veterinary Medicine Faculty of Chulalongkorn University. Teams are made of five people running 4km each. Register at bit.ly/1RAw9p5. May 29, 6:15am.

Lumphini Park, Rama 4 Rd. B500.

Organized by the dental faculty at Chulalongkorn university, this fun run aims to bring together dentists and patients for a fun afternoon of exercise, including 3km and 5km fun runs. Register at www. runforfunrun.com. May 15, 6am. Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phaya Thai Rd. B450.

UNIQLO RUN

A 5km and 10km run organized by the Japanese clothing brand. On top of the exercise, expect a live Japanese drumming performance, Japanese food booths after the finish line and cute photo spots brought to you by Uniqlo. Register at bit. ly/1VG20wn. May 21, 5pm. Government Complex, Chalerm Prakiat, Chaeng Wattana Rd. B790.

SINGHA BANGKOK 21K

One of the city's biggest running events returns, challenging athletes of all ages to 5km, 10.5km and 21.1km distance runs. Register at http://bit.ly/1NEU1r2. May 22, 5:30am. Rama 9 National Park. B300-700.

MERK CHARITY RUN: GIVE ME FIVE

HIGH RISE (USA)

NEIGHBOURS 2: SORORITY RISING (USA)

Sci-fi/Thriller. Based on the classic novel by J.G. Ballard, High Rise tells the story of Dr. Robert Liang (Tom Hiddleston), who discovers his hightech skyscraper apartment is a literal representation of the social class system. May 5

Comedy. While managing their pregnancy, husband Mac (Seth Rogen) and wife Kelly (Rose Byrne) are disrupted by a rowdy group of sorority girls who move in next door, forcing them to call on their former neighbor Teddy Sanders (Zac Efron) for help. May 5

GARMIN BLUE RUN

A half marathon of 21km and a mini marathon of 10.5km along the riverside. Register at www.shutterrunning.com Jun 5, 5pm. Rama 8 Bridge, B500700.

SPECIAL SCREENINGS

BANGKOK LIFE ASSURANCE HALF MARATHON 2016

The city's biggest life insurance company hosts this annual half marathon to promote healthy living, offering distances of 21.1km, 10.5km and 5km. Register at bit.ly/1VUDx53. Jun 12, 5:15am. Suan Luang Rama VIII Public Park, Arun Amarin Rd. B300-500.

This Apr 30, the Bangkok Open Air Cinema returns for another night of outdoor film screening, barbecue and plenty of beer. Chill out on Thai-style cushions on the open-air rooftop of The Hive co-working space while watching the classic 1982 sci-fi film, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Barbecue starts at 5pm. Movie starts at 7pm. B300 includes free popcorn and a welcome drink.

The Hive Bangkok, 46/9 Sukhumvit Soi 49,, 02-662-6062

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