Time Out Bangkok No. 96 | Striking Structures

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FREE COPY TIMEOUT.COM/BANGKOK NO.096 6-20 May 2020

STRIKING STRUCTURES Bangkok’s most iconic buildings


City life

Time Out Bangkok2 6 - 20 May 2020

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City life

City unlocked TAWEESILP VISANUYOTHIN, THE

spokesperson for Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration, announced that the country have eased nationwide lockdown measures taken to stem the spread of COVID-19, from 3rd of May.The reopening venues are classified into six categories: restaurants and cafes; markets; dine-in area in supermarkets and grocery stores, public parks and outdoor sports venues; hair salons and barbershops, and pet grooming clinics. Restaurants and cafes that are allowed to resume dine-in service do not include those opening in shopping malls. The restaurants must make sure each diner is placed 1.5 meter apart either by sitting at separate tables or are placed at long tables that ensure such distance. In-restaurant alcohol beverages sales are also prohibited.Activities and sports allowed in public parks and outdoor sports venues must not encourage competition and must not be team sports. Cross-province travel is discouraged and international travel in and out of the country is still banned. The next phase of the lockdown easing is expected to be imposed on 17 May with shopping malls eyed to be reopened. ■ Phavitch Theeraphong

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City life

EVERYONE IS TAKING ABOUT

Locall

This community-focused digital initiative helps local vendors enter the food delivery game THE SELECTIONS IN your favorite food delivery app don’t do justice to Bangkok’s vibrant street food culture. Not all street food vendors are digital-savvy and this has been prevented them from posting a presence on online food delivery platforms. Help comes in the form of Locall, an initiative by the same people behind crowdsourcing map STRN Citizen Lab (another initiative prompted by COVID-19). “It started when we decided to help street food uncles and aunties survive during the COVID-19 pandemic by selling their food online,” says Patcharakamol “Ploy” Pornnisen, one of Locall’s co-founders. “They couldn’t understand what we were doing at first. We bought their food at our own expense and photographed them to create the food-ordering platform. When they started receiving orders, they began to understand what we were up to.” Hungry diners can now order from popular street food stalls in Bangkok, Pratupee, Nanglingee and Yaowarat. The minimum spend is B300 and delivery fees start at B30. Locall set up headquarters at Once Again Hostel in the Old Town, and would either call the vendors or venture out to their stalls to purchase food once they receive an order from @locall.bkk on LINE. The team also collaborates with user-friendly food delivery platform Rine, which was created by online event facilitator HitEvent. Expansion throughout Bangkok, and eventually nationwide, is in the pipeline for the initiative. “The business model is simple. Bangkok and every city in Thailand boast small push carts and shops, and we would like to help with their online presence,” says Ploy. “We would like to be the connector between consumers and the neighborhood, and make people’s lives better.” ■ Phavitch Theeraphong

30/2 Soi Sukhumvit 36 (Naphasap Soi 1), Klongtan, Klongtoey, Bangkok, 10110 Thailand Editorial 0909077455 Advertising 0918083619 E-mail editorial@timeoutbangkok.com

Editor-in-Chief Top Koaysomboon Art Director Narin Machaiya Features Editor Phavitch Theeraphong Digital Content Manager Onsiri Jirawuttipod Senior Writer Suriyan Panomai Junior Writers Khemjira Prompan, Kenika Ruaytanapanich

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Photographers Sereechai Puttes Tanisorn Vongsoontorn Video creator Arunrote Auefue Contributing Sub-editor Ana Kalaw Advertising Director Walaiporn Tantisak Account Executive Sasitorn Sengmoon Event Sales Director Pavin Asavavichairoj

Event Sales Executive Orachaporn Premrudeesanit Marketing Manager Kunlatida Chawengwan Marketing Executives Patcharat Ruenrutaikul Thanyaluck Komutrattananon Kanyapat Saengbuakaew Publishers Dujduan Hetrakul, Pongsiri Hetrakul Chairman Prida Hetrakul Director/Vice president -

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Finance Mhienjun Hetrakul Time Out Group Founder Tony Elliott Group chief Exeutive officer Julio Bruno Global Creative Director Tom Hislop Head of Global Content Alex Plim

Cover Design Narin Machaiya

Time Out Bangkok is edited by Phongsathorn Koaysomboon for Maeban Publishing Company Limited, 30/2 Soi Sukhumvit 36 (Naphasap 1), Klongton, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110 Thailand. Color separated by 48 Film Process Co., Ltd. 66 Soi Ladprao 58/1, Ladprao Road, Wangtonglang, Bangkok 10240. Printed by Maeban Publishing Co., Ltd. 30/2 Soi Sukhumvit 36 (Naphasap 1), Klongton, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110 Thailand.


City life

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6 - 20 May 2020 Time Out Bangkok


FORM. FUNCTION FANTASY. Time Out Bangkok2 6 - 20 May 2020

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N. .

Take advantage of the traffic-free sitch and check out some of the city’s most striking buildings BANGKOK’S OLD TOWN

boasts a diverse mix of traditional Thai structures and Europeaninspired heritage buildings. But architectural buffs will tell you that the city’s urban landscape has more to offer than grand temples and converted colonial homes. If you take time to research, walk around the city or even just look up, you’ll realize that Bangkok is home to a number of beautiful buildings bearing a variety of architectural styles, from neoclassical to modernist to postmodernist. Modernist architecture arrived in Thailand after the Second World War when young Thai architects returned home after years of studying or living in the States. The rapid economic expansion during that time provided these architects with opportunities to create their masterpieces—iconic structures like Indra Hotel, Holiday Inn Hotel, State Tower and the Robot Building were erected during these glory years. Sadly, the Tom Yum Kung crisis in 1997 ended this building boom and it wasn’t until the last decade, when the economy picked up, that the quest to build some of the city’s grandest high-rises resumed. More recently, Bangkok has seen the unveiling of postmodern structures such as Central Embassy, King Power Mahanakhon and the Rosewood Bangkok. Now that there are fewer cars and people on the road—and provided you practice social distancing—this is probably the best time to go out with a camera and get your fill of Bangkok’s many modern architectural wonders.

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Feature

Pearl Building â

This building might have folks in Ari thinking they’re in London because of a design that is utterly similar to the famed 30 St Mary Axe (also known as The Gherkin). But owner Pruksa Real Estate rejects the plagiarism and proclaims that the shape of the building is inspired by a pearl, reflecting the owner’s vision of Thailand as the Pearl of ASEAN. The 25-story edifice was designed by Palmer and Turner. A smaller structure in front, called Mabe Dome, acts as a multifunctional space that has held a wide range of events. à 1177 Phaholyothin Road, 0 2080 1739

Rosewood Bangkok

This luxurious 30-story hotel was designed by celebrated New York firm Kohn Pederson Fox Associates (KDF). Inspired by the wai, the Thai gesture of placing both palms together as a greeting or to show respect, this building comprises two connected diagonal structures with a sloping façade. Since it opened in 2019, the hotel has become a recognizable landmark in the commercial district of Ploenchit. à 1041/38 Ploenchit Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, 0 2080 0088

Central Embassy

Situated within the former gardens of the British Embassy on the corner of Ploenchit and Witthayu, Central Embassy is unarguably one of Bangkok’s most striking skyscrapers. Designed by award-winning London-based architecture and design studio Amanda Levete Architects (AL_A), it features a continual looped form that brings together a seven-story retail podium and a high-rise hotel. A gleaming aluminum façade features intricate patterns derived from traditional Thai architecture as well as shining LED tubes, which combine to give the building varied impressions of depth, shape and color. à 1031 Phloen Chit Road, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, 0 2119 7777

G Tower

This majestic structure stands on the bustling Rama IX and Ratchadaphisek intersection. Its design takes its cue from the first letter of the name of former proprietor Grand Canal Land Company (Central Pattana currently owns the building). Designed by Urban Architects and KSC & Associates, the office complex is known for its unique cantilevered architecture, constructed with high-strength steel at the top, and a south tower that sees an eight-degree tilt. à 9 Rama IX Road, 0 2123 1111

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King Power Mahanakhon

Though it lost its distinction as Thailand’s tallest building to Magnolias Waterfront Residences (only a four-meter difference!), the 314-meter-tall King Power Mahanakhon is still, unquestionably, one of the most recognizable structures in Bangkok thanks to a distinctive pixelated exterior designed by architect Ole Scheeren. The higher floors of this 77-story high-rise are home to 200 Ritz-Carlton Residences units while the lower floors are set to house the Belmond group’s first Orient Express Hotel. Crowning the structure are sky-high eatery Mahanakhon Bangkok SkyBar and Thailand’s highest observation deck. à 114 Narathiwas Road, Silom, Bangrak, 0 2677 8721

SCG 100th Year Building

In 2013, Siam Cement Group (SCG), one of Thailand’s oldest conglomerates, celebrated its 100th anniversary by unveiling a new futuristic building in Bang Sue. But futuristic for SCG doesn’t mean a gleaming facade or an ultra-sleek structure. Instead, SCG’s take on the future involves applying advanced sustainable technology throughout the the 22-story structure, including tiles produced from recycled materials, exterior glass panes with low-heat transmission, solar panels and energy-saving lamps. The energyefficient and environmentallyfriendly building was designated a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Building Design and Construction (LEED BD+C) certification in 2014, with the highest achievement of LEED Platinum, by the US Green Building Council (USGBC). à 1 Siam Cement Alley, Bang Sue

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Bangkok Art & Culture Center

This cylindrical building, home to pieces by local and international artists, is in itself a work of art. Thai motifs are harmoniously incorporated into a modern structure envisioned by Robert G. Boughey and Associates. Its curved roof takes cues from elements dominant in the costumes of traditional Thai dancers. Slanted walls and narrow windows, which are common in Thai architecture, are also featured in the structure.

BU Diamond

Commuters traveling north can see this visually-striking architectural structure from Vibhawadee-Rangsit highway. This one-of-a-kind building, which takes the shape of an uncrystallized diamond, graces the entrance of Bangkok University and acts as a symbol of the school’s progressive vision. Designed by Architects 49, BU Diamond comprises three buildings and is home to a theme park-inspired student lounge with facilities such as a library, a music rehearsal studio and a theater. The structure also features a software development incubation center that offers courses related to cybersecurity, computer programming and video game development.

à 939 Rama I Road, 0 2214 6630.

à 9/1 Phaholyothin Road, 0 2407 3888

Prince Mahidol Hall

Mahidol University College of Music is home to the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra, which takes residency at Prince Mahidol Hall. The 2,000-seat theater is a multi-functional space that hosts a wide range of performances and events, from symphony orchestras to operas to graduation ceremonies. Conceived through the vision of Architects 49, the building features a sound-proof roof that, in reflection of the university’s expertise in medicine, takes on a repetitive pattern inspired by “the beauty of the human skeleton” as well as the sloping roofs of traditional Thai houses. The structure also resembles the Kan phai Mahidol, the symbolic plant of the university. à 999 Phuttamonthon Sai 4 Road, 0 2849 6565

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Church of the Blessed Sacrament

This religious edifice in Taling Chan looks so modern that it could easily be mistaken for a contemporary art gallery. Architect Manode Sookchai drew inspiration from the shape of sacramental bread, using raw concrete, glass and metal to come up with the structure’s curved roof. The sloped pathway leading up to the main entrance was inspired by the Catholic theology that man was formed from dirt and would eventually return to the ground. Its 50-meter-tall cross tower can be seen from afar. à 227, Saun Pak Road, Taling Chan, 0 2433 4529

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Nightingale Olympic

The Brutalist façade of Nightingale Olympic, Thailand’s oldest operational department store, is a testament to its storied past. The retail institution is now run by Arun Niyomwanich, the nonagenarian sister of founder Nat Niyomwanich. The multilevel, non-air conditioned store retains the retro charms of the original structure, and is teeming with dusty sports equipment, musical instruments, rare cosmetics and mysterious-looking mannequins. à70 Tri Phet Road, 0 2221 9733.

Indra Regent Hotel Bangkok

In the 1970s, Pratunam was one of Bangkok’s most bustling trading quarters. People from all walks of life flocked into the area for the latest fashion finds. Though its glamour has long vanished, Pratunam’s vibrance has never faded. Standing the test of time at its heart is Indra Regent Hotel, recognized by the repetitive pointy pattern on its facade. The hotel was designed by noted architect Jira Silpkanok who is also responsible for the striking aesthetic of Scala Theater in Siam Square à 120 126 Ratchaprarop Road, Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi, 0 2208 0022

Holiday Inn Silom Hotel

This long-standing hotel has probably one of the most interesting windows in the city—hundreds of identical sailstyle windows form the facade, creating edgy corners and a mesmerizing repetitive pattern. à Silom Road

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Feature Dome Building, Thammasat University Rangsit Campus

Poh-Chang Academy of Arts Main Buildingá

Poh Chang Academy of Arts, founded by King Rama VI in 1913, is one of Thailand’s longest-running and most prestigious multi-disciplinary art schools. Its main building, reconstructed after the Second World War, is hailed as one of the country’s very first “modern Thai” structures. Designed by celebrated artist and architect Professor Prakit Buabut, it blends deconstructed elements of classic Western and Thai architecture. People recognize the structure by the six neoclassical pillars that guard its entrance and its light green wash.

When it was established in 1934, Thammasat was called the University of Moral and Political Sciences. Architect Chitrasen “Mew” Apaiwongse was tasked to build the school’s inaugural building from four existing standalone structures. The result was the iconic Dome Building, for which the architect took inspiration from a sharpened pencil to reflect the university’s promise to educate the public. When Thammasat set up a new campus in Rangsit in 1975, architect Dr Sumet Jumsai reimagined the familiar design in a more modern way, but retained its iconic pointed roof. à 99 Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang District, Pathum Thani

à 86 Tri Phet Road, Wang Burapha Phirom, Phra Nakhon, 0 2623 8740

Srifuengfung Building

Passersby tend to disregard this building, probably because it’s rather overshadowed by its more modern next-door neighbor SO Bangkok. But for architecture buffs, Srifuengfung Building is a Brutalist architectural marvel. A spiky pattern on its facade earned the structure the unofficial nickname “durian building.” Designed by Intrarent Architect Office and completed in 1971, Srifuengfung Building was the former headquarters of petrol company Esso before it became an office rental space. à 1016 Rama 4 Road.

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Bank of Thailand Learning Center

Once home to a money printing plant, this building in Bangkunphrom was recently transformed into a library/co-working space and museum that highlights how money was made and the role of Bank of Thailand in the national economy. Designed by Creative Crews in collaboration with Somdoon Architects, the learning center retains the symmetric grid columns and convex concrete roof of the former structure, and features glazed glass walls that allow natural light to filter into building and give a stunning view of the Rama VIII bridge and the Chao Phraya River. à 273 Samsen Road, 0 2356 7766.

State Tower

Gourmands and globetrotters know State Tower as the home of awardwinning eateries Mezzaluna and Sirocco. To lovers of architecture, however, the high-rise is a unique beauty. The 68-story building was designed by noted architect Rangsan Torsuwan, who built it in the neoclassical style. Some of its more distinguishable features are identical curved balconies jutting out from each room and a golden dome on the roof. Rangsan is also the mastermind behind the unfinished Sathorn Unique Tower, better known as Bangkok’s famed Ghost Tower. à Silom Road

Elephant Building

The best views of this iconic building can be seen from many areas in Chatuchak. The vision of real estate mogul Arun Chaisaree and architect Ong-ard Satraphandhu, the edifice pays homage to the animal held in respect by Thais. Three towers act as the elephant’s trunk and legs, bridging seven floors of residential suites. The building also features elements depicting ears and tusks. It has been recognized as the fourth most unique building in the world by CNNgo and named one of the world’s ugliest buildings by Architectural Digest. à 3300/25-28 Phaholyothin Road.

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Feature Robot Building

Shaped like a sleepy robot, this building—now the headquarters of United Overseas Bank in Bangkok—brings a childish fun to Silom’s urban landscape. Originally the site of Bank of Asia, the Robot Building was designed by Sumet Jumsai, a National Artist in Architecture, to represent computerization in the world of banking. The 20-story building narrows on certain floors to create the robot’s body. Circular windows on the top floors depict lidded eyeballs while the sides of the building are decorated with robot-like components such as nuts and bolts. An antenna atop the building is used for communication purposes and for lighting. ■ à 191 South Sathorn Road.

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Things to Do SPOTLIGHT ON

25 things to do when you’re stuck at home Check out our ultimate list of what to do to keep your mind, body and spirit alive and active while in home quarantine

THOUGH THE GOVERNMENT

has eased some restrictions that were put in place to curb the spread of coronavirus, we’re all still encouraged to stay home as much as possible to prevent a second wave of infections. To help make this continued home quarantine more bearable, we’ve come up with a list of the coolest things you can do indoors, from listening to motivational podcasts to engaging in online classes to getting your sweat on with a livestream workout. Read on for some ideas on what to do today (and tomorrow, and the day after).

Take in art from your living room

Famous museums and galleries across the globe have closed their doors because of the pandemic, but thanks to digital technology, you can now go online and get a glimpse of the pieces in their collections from the comfort of your couch—for free. From Paris’ Musée d’Orsay to New York’s MoMa to our very own MOCA, there are tons of museums worth visiting online.

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Calm your mind and manage your stress

We all need peace of mind and little moments of zen to help us get through the day, more so in times of chaos. To keep your mind calm and your stress levels down— and just in case doing breathing exercises on your own don’t cut it—check out the meditation apps like Calm and Headspace.

Learn new recipes

Cooking can be comforting to both body and mind, and there’s no better time to up your kitchen game than now. There are tons of cooking apps like Side chef and Forks Over Knives and online channels like Tasty and Bon Appétit offering recipes that cater to a whole range of dietary preferences—carnivore, vegan or special diets like keto, you name it. Whip them up in your own kitchen, whether you’re after a quick dish or a fancy meal for a special occasion.

Expand your mind by listening to inspirational podcasts

Take in the Netherlands’ most Live-stream the Northern spectacular tulip garden Lights

Liven up your home with some greenery

At this time of year, the Netherlands is basically one enormous carpet of tulips. Or, at least, that’s what Keukenhof, the world’s largest flower garden and organizers of the annual Keukenhof Flower Exhibit, would have you believe. The event has been cancelled this year as the Dutch country—and much of the rest of the planet—practices social distancing. But you can still see the flowers at their blooming best as Keukenhof has decided to share its technicolor fields online via a series of stunning videos.

Since you’re spending so much time indoors, take this as an excellent time to improve your home environment with some houseplants. Apart from adding pops of color to your living space, plants create a more eye-friendly and relaxing environment. They also help purify indoor air by clearing it off irritants, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.

Have your own “love in the time of coronavirus” moment

Laugh like no one is watching

Online dating has become essential for modern-day lovers and loners. Many singles have interpreted this whole “alone together” sitch by amping up their swiping game. (For sure, the matchmaking app industry won’t be filing for bankruptcy anytime soon). Check out some of the best dating apps such as Coffee Meets Bagel, Bumble and Happn. You’ll find there’s something for everyone—Tinder’s got competition, baby.

The whole world is dealing with anxiety and stress as well as the physical complications of home quarantine. Even in these trying, pandemic-tinged times, we find that laughter can still be the best medicine. At the very least, it can make things more bearable. Check out the stand up shows such as Dave Chappelle: Stick & Stones and Kevn Hart: What Now?

Watch French films for free

Instead of absorbing fake news and listlessly scrolling through your social media feed, why not take this time to enrich your mind with some much-needed inspiration. We’ve listed some of the best motivational podcasts such as Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversations and What it Takes to keep your mind entertained and productive while isolating at home.

MyFrenchFilmFestival, a concept that helps promote a new generation of French filmmakers, is encouraging people across the globe to discover more of French cinema. Log on to the site to watch more than 80 French short and feature-length films for free until May 25.

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Just because you’re stuck at home doesn’t mean you have to miss out on some of the world’s most beautiful natural wonders. Thanks to Explore.com, you can now livestream the Northern Lights straight from your living room. The live cam is located at the Churchill Northern Studies Center in Manitoba, Canada, which lies directly beneath the Auroral Oval in the Northern Hemisphere.

Catch up on literary classics

You know that pile of books—or those Kindle downloads—that you haven’t quite managed to get into? There’ll never be a better time to conquer it. Time Out New York’s editors asked nine authors for the books that they’ll be finally finishing during lockdown. You can probably find them and more titles on America’s National Emergency Library. Set up by non-profit org Internet Archive, this comprehensive collection offers 1.4 million digitized books, magazines and other reading material donated by libraries and universities around the world. Usually you’d have to join a queue before being able to “borrow” anything from its collection. But now, you can just dip into whatever you want, whenever.

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Things to do

Get an upclose look at marine animals

The folks at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium are streaming aquatic magic straight to our homes. A live cam in the aquarium’s “Underwater Beauty” exhibit provides relaxing and mesmerizing views of angelfish, wrasses, tangs and butterflyfish gliding through water. Or you can also take a virtual tour of Europe’s largest aquarium, the Oceanogràfic, in Valencia.

Live the Harry Potter dream

Potterheads are well served in these weird times. The internet has recently exploded with virtual Harry Potter experiences, including the brand-new Harry Potter at Home site launched by JK Rowling, the online version of the British Library’s “Harry Potter: A History of Magic” exhibition, and a marvellous Potterthemed online escape room. You can also go on this virtual Harry Potter roller coaster ride or take Time Out’s very own Sorting Hat quiz. Harry Potter newbies, meanwhile, can now listen to the first Harry Potter book on Audible for free.

Update your smarts with a free, online Ivy League course

Why not use all this home time to learn something new—and from some of the world’s educational institutions, no less. Eight Ivy League colleges across the United States— Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, Pennsylvania, Princeton and Yale— are collectively offering 450 free online courses that are just the right amount of challenging to take our minds off the current state of affairs.

Tour Japan’s most spectacular cherry blossom displays

Tons of tourists from all over the world missed out on seeing the sakura in full bloom in Japan this year. So as not to disappoint fans of this beautiful flower, the country’s Weather News site has released 50 VR videos that explore the best cherry blossom spots throughout Japan, complete with stunning 360-degree views and some very soothing background music. Ah, bliss.

An incredible online art exhibition has been dedicated to everyone’s favorite monobrowed modern art master. In Faces of Frida, Google Arts and Culture brings together works of the Mexican artist from 33 museums around the world. The virtual exhibition also includes biographical elements such as personal objects, letters and journal extracts.

Watch penguins, elephants and belugas live Frankly, animal-assisted therapy is just what we need right now. So let’s hear it for those zoos and aquariums that are streaming real-time feeds of their most popular animal attractions. From baboons to beluga whales, these six amazing live-streams are giving us so much life and light in these dreary days. You can also watch adorable penguins explore a Chicago aquarium or tune in to an Australian zoo’s live broadcast of koalas, 24/7. You’re very welcome.

Host a digital Netflix party

We don’t need to tell you that streaming service Netflix is your friend during this crisis— you’ve probably got half an eye on it right now—but did you know you can have a Netflix party with your mates? The Netflix Party app, available on Chrome, lets you stream Netflix in unison with your pals. Anyone can play and pause the video for everyone else, and it comes with a chat window where you can all discuss what’s happening on screen in real time.

Get fit in your own home

Being stuck at home is no excuse to stop working out. Many gyms and fitness studios in Bangkok are now offering live-stream sessions for free. Exercise to your heart’s content, whether you’re doing yoga, mat Pilates, barre or HIIT, and come out of this quarantine fitter than ever.

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View Frida Kahlo’s paintings

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Things to do Listen to a free audiobook

If you’re the kind of person who likes to escape from reality into an audiobook, you’re in luck. Audible has just opened up a huge chunk of its collection to booklovers for free. Visit their website to access audiobook versions of works by literary greats such as the Brontë sisters, Jane Austen, William Shakespeare and F Scott Fitzgerald—a real all-star squad— as well as less highbrow reads. Who couldn’t use a comforting night-in with Winnie the Pooh and Tigger right now?

Go to a virtual art biennale

The 22nd Sydney Biennale has adapted to the new normal by going digital. Working hand-inhand with Google, its organizers have created a virtual biennale that includes podcasts, Q&As, curated tours and artist takeovers. This year’s edition plays up the theme “Nirin” (which means “edge in the aboriginal Wiradjuri language) and showcases more than 700 artworks by 101 artists.

Sign up for a happiness class

We’re all experiencing some form of anxiety as facts, figures and opinions regarding this virus change on a daily—almost hourly— basis. Yale University is offering some form of reprieve by sharing its most popular course, The Science of Well-Being, online and for free. Psychologist Laurie Santos’ ten-week seminar shares the many ways to be happy, debunks myths on what makes us content, and helps us create better and more productive habits

Torment your friends in a game of Cards Against Humanity

Sick-humored saints be praised! You can now play this popular fill-in-the-blanks “party game for horrible people” online and for free. To do so, simply nab a link at playingcards.io, send said link to each of your pals, then play together remotely from your respective PCs. That’s just one of the many party games you can play remotely with your friends. Your move!

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Take a virtual tour to see a 360-degree view of Bangkok

Do nothing

Here’s the thing. At Time Out, we’re normally all about helping you squeeze the absolute best out of city life. We want every second you spend to be spent well: eating the best food, soaking up the best culture, dancing at the best parties. But right now, things have been turned on their head a bit. Everyone is having to stay in and do less. We’ve even renamed ourselves Time In. And actually, we’re kind of relieved at having a bit more time on our hands. Time to dream, doze and do absolutely nothing. So by all means try and pack as much into your lockdown time as you can. But don’t forget to take some time, every so often, to switch off and drift—at least until we’re all out in the world again. ■

Thai Virtual Tour is now offering a virtual trip atop Mahanakhon Building for free. You will be able to get online access to The Peak 314-meter outdoor observation area and Indoor Observation Deck, as well as a virtual “work” on the iconic Glass Tray where you are offered a birds eye’s view of the Sathorn area down below. If you own a VR headset, you can amp up the fun by enjoying the VR mode that virtually transports you atop the building.

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Shopping & Style

SPOTLIGHT ON

Chat and shop

High-end fashion brands have taken to messenger apps to sell luxury goods during the lockdown

ALL SHOPPING CENTERS and department stores in Bangkok have been temporarily shut down to contain the spread of COVID-19. This has prompted fashion and lifestyle brands to engage in e-commerce, selling off-the-runway items through online marketplaces and LINE, Thailand’s most popular messaging service. While local brands have been using LINE to sell their merchandise for quite some time, it’s interesting to see luxury European brands now taking on this practice. From Japanese bag purveyor Bao Bao Issey Miyake to multi-label fashion retailer Club 21 to French fashion powerhouses like Chanel and Louis Vuitton, luxury brands have converted their LINE accounts into virtual stores to help push sales during these tough times. Chanel, apart from using LINE to broadcast fashion videos, fun stay-home clips, and bits of the brand’s history (do check out the Inside Chanel series), is now making the most of the messaging app to advertise new fashion and jewelry items, which sell through online assistants on its website. But for Chanel skincare and cosmetic products, a live chat is available on LINE on weekdays from 9.00 to 18.00. Louis Vuitton, which adapted the use of LINE to advertise their products, has also kicked off a live chat service where customers can get product information, purchase their fave monogrammed merch online, and arrange to have their buys delivered to their homes. Meanwhile, Swarovski is offering a 10 percent discount on every purchase through its official LINE account. PP Group, the local retailer of luxury brands like Loewe and Givenchy, has also set up a dedicated LINE account for each brand to serve the demands of consumers during the lockdown. Central Group has likewise jumped on the bandwagon, and now boasts LINE accounts for the high-end brands it represents, including Coach, Zegna, Salvatore Ferragamo and Polo Ralph Lauren. Bargain hunters would do well to follow the Club 21 LINE account to bag irresistible deals on brands such as Blackbarrett, CK Calvin Klein, Marni and Stella McCartney. Daily deals for as much as 50 percent off are also posted on Bao Bao Issey Miyake’s official LINE account. (A B16,900 was up for grabs at B8,900,

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for example). Purchased items will later be delivered directly to customers. Local fashion brands, meanwhile, are exploring online sales platforms beyond LINE and Facebook. Greyhound and Painkiller, for example, now have an online presence in e-commerce site Lazada, allowing loyal customers to shop for fashion finds around the clock. Rumor has it that malls may reopen in the second half of May. But we’re pretty sure these chat-and-shop platforms and e-commerce channels are likely to go on and become the new normal for luxury fashion shopping in Thailand.

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Eating & Drink SEE MORE

SPOTLIGHT ON

Healthy and Hearty Bowls Nourishing and scrumptious eats to keep fit and stay healthy

IT MAY BE difficult to maintain a

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Bowl Journey

This food stall in the newly opened The Commons Saladaeng gives a twist to clean eating by proffering healthy bowls spiked with flavorful Thai condiments. For example, chicken is dressed in coconutbased gor-lae (sweet and sour curry), quinoa is tossed with tom yum ingredients, and the pork omelette is is cooked with cha-om. Opt to create your own bowl packed with mix-ins of your choice. You can order for takeout or order via Grabfood.

fit and healthy lifestyle while on lockdown. Self-isolation could result in inactiveness that gains you extra weight, and depression that calls out to endless junk food snacking. Perhaps it’s high time to turn to healthy bowls. Packed with muchneeded nutrients, and a good balance of and proteins, these all-in-one meals are an ideal choice for keeping healthy and hale during these difficult times. Here are a few restaurants that are offering these nutritious and healthy eats for delivery.

à The Commons Saladaeng, Soi Saladaeng 1, 08 4243 1005. Open daily 11:00 - 21:00

Pimp My Salad

This Sathorn eatery has converted many a meat-eater into a salad lover. Brought to you by the people behind Charoenkrung café Sarnies, Pimp My Salad offers a variety of proteinrich bowls such as Cool Gai Chicken, which comes with coconut-cooked chicken, larb-kissed chickpeas, sautéed mushrooms and brown rice; Gangnam Pork, packed with mashed sweet potato, broccoli and kimchi; and Mezze Bowl with smoked salmon, citrus-marinated olives and baba ghanoush. Include their vegan raw brownie and house-baked focaccia bread with cashew nut butter in your order for an all-around meal. Delivery available through Lineman.

Farm Factory

Fresh greens and healthy yet delicious dressings set this salad spot apart. Their Caesar salad in a bowl is an easy favorite, served with tender roasted chicken breast and parmesan cheese. The shrimp salad, which comes with micro herbs, corn and almond slices, is another good choice. Farm Factory also has burritos and taco on offer.

à 56-58, Soi Sathorn 8, 0 2550 7623. Open daily 8:00 - 20:00

à Various locations

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6 - 20 May 2020 Time Out Bangkok


Eat & Drink Getfresh

RICE AND SHINE

Former healthy eatery Dressed has been transformed and rebranded as Getfresh. Though the latter has a few more dishes on its menu, the mission remains the same: to serve wholesome, health-centric meals. Order the Spicy Pork Bulgogi Bowl to fill up on your daily requirement of nutrients and protein. The bowl packs in jasberry rice mixed with pork tenderloin, kimchi, pickled daikon, carrots, baby radish, spring onions and onsen egg.

Rooftop restaurant Vela has rolled out a menu of rice bowl takeaways that are just perfect for tucking into when you don’t feel like cooking at home. Created by Top Chef Thailand finalist Tawatchai “Bus” Akarawongwattana, these rice bowls include khao dhom haeng (rice cooked with beef broth) topped with braised beef, tender pork chop served with garlic rice and mushroom, and duck leg with rice cooked in its own fat and bok choi. One of the most evident by-products from being locked down at home, for many, is the surplus weight and

à Various locations

VISTRO

This vegan establishment on Soi Sukhumvit 24 offers the most creative takes on typical vegan fare. If you want a full meatless dish in one serving, then order the Vistro Poke. This colorful rice bowl offers both a visual and gourmet feast, topping Japanese rice with avocado, teriyaki tofu, edamame, mango, crispy shallots, sriracha mayo and house-made shoyu. ■

BROCCOLI REVOLUTION

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Of the three vegan rice bowls served at this popular vegan restaurant, it’s the Quinoa Tom Yum Bowl that stands out. The hearty meal gives a Thai twist to grains like quinoa and brown rice by mixing them with chickpeas, red beans, tomatoes, chili, lime, red onions, and kaffir lime leaves.

à46/1 Soi Sukhumvit 24, 06 5998 2201. Open daily 9:00 - 19:30

à Various locations

Time Out Bangkok2 6 - 20 May 2020

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6 - 20 May 2020 Time Out Bangkok


Time Out Bangkok2 6 - 20 May 2020

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