BK Weekend Feb20 2015

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BK MAGAZINE NO. 578 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015. www.bkmagazine.com

THE

BK

M L I FAWARDS 2015

Teacher’s Diary | Timeline | Concrete Clouds | The Master | I Fine... Thank You... Love You Y/Our Music | Somboon | The Swimmers | W | Nam Mun Prai | Love on the Rocks Vengeance of an Assassin | The Legend of King Naresuan 5

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BK

THE

FAIWLAMRDS

6 cover story

2015

The BK Film Awards 9 escapes

12 fashion

Scenic Routes

Star Power

14 shopping

20 blends

Designer Pad

On Screen

22 bites

35 last word

Snack Attack

Ray’s Return

Advertising Director Wanida Akeapichai Sales Manager Tipkritta Chiraporncharas Senior Sales Associates Tassanee Mahamad, Orajira Sukkasem, Onwara Sittirug, Waranuch Thaneerat, Nattaya Bovornsettanon, Orakarn Laohakanjanasiri Junior Sales Associates Doungporn Wanasinchai, Buttri Tanrungruang

Managing Editor, Product Director Gr goire Glachant Managing Editor Oliver Irvine Deputy Editor Carl Dixon Features Associate Monruedee Jansuttipan Senior Staff Writer Vasachol Quadri Junior Content Coordinator Nontaya Kumyat Junior Writers Lily Kittisrikangwan, Kanin Srimaneekulroj, Natcha Sanguankiattichai Production Supervisor Komkrit Klinkaeo Art Director Dechart Sangsawang Senior Graphic Designer Panita Thiraphapong Graphic Designers Chantich Kongchanmitkul, Peeraya Sirathanisa Junior Graphic Designers Nemintorn Ketkeaw, Wariya Whangwaewklang

Regional Marketing Manager Pavida Chitprasertsuk Marketing Executive, Creative Services Puttipat Teerakawongsakul

Senior Accountant Maneeya Kanthongdang Administrator Yaovaluck Srisermsri Accountant Manita Bangmoung Contributors Rob Brezsny, Kathy MacLeod Interns Tewit Phanitprachaya, Nareerat Yoddamnern, Jetnipit Sahusyotin, Kwanwalai Rodsaward, Soravis Laopadolkij, Dharath Hoonchamlong Cover by Chantich Kongchanmitkul

IT Manager Takrit Jitjaroen

Group Directors

Distribution Executive Suda Angsuputiphant

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

Where to find us!

The Asia City Publishing Group Shanghai Email: shonline@asia-city.com.cn Singapore Asia City Publishing Pte. Ltd. Block 211 Henderson Rd. #14-03 Henderson Industrial Park Singapore 159552

Tel: 65-6323-2512 Fax: 65-6323-2779 Email: ismag@asia-city.com.sg Kuala Lumpur Pacific Tourism Communications Sdn Bhd

Lot 2.44-2.45, 2nd Floor, Wisma Cosway, Jalan Raja Chulan, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tel: 60-3-2144-4886 Fax: 60-3-2141-1911

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

bkmagazine/bkapp

1. Eat at the mall. Malls and department stores just launched new “affordable food zones” where pad krapao and fried noodles must be B35 or less. Now if only they could launch affordable negroni cocktails and truffle risotto zones.

3. Use cash, not credit. You know how the former Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) chief Pongpat Chayapan’s junk went on sale last week, courtesy of the Anti Money Laundering Office?

Turns out, AMLO only accepts cash, which isn’t dodgy at all. And that means you should too.

4. Take the train. The Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission is currently probing the Department of Civil Aviation for inadequate safety standards. And even our Dear Leader likes trains—as long as they’re in Japan, and the ride costs B5,334.

5. Avoid your nieces and nephews. The little tikes probably all expect a PS4 or iPhone 6 stuffed into their ang pao. Instead, visit that old auntie you haven’t seen since last Chinese New Year.

General Manager Andrew Hiransomboon

BK iPad app

Blame it on the ang pao; Chinese New Year and money are linked in our minds. After all those fancy meals at Cantonese restaurants in five-star hotels, you might be feeling a little broke at the end of the month. So, here are our survival tips for the rest of February:

2. Don’t have kids. The feng-shui master we consulted says people born in the Year of the Goat are “weak-willed, shy, pessimistic, moody and poor.” Either use contraception or, if it’s too late, make sure your offspring gets a job in the military.

Who's in charge?

Bangkok Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd 22/F, Silom Center 2 Silom Road, Bangkok 10500 Tel: 02-624-9696 Fax: 02-237-5656 Email: bkmagazine@asia-city.co.th

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6. Visit poor countries. The Thai baht is so strong, even the Thai Chamber of Commerce is complaining. But that means there’s never been a better time to visit devastated economies, like Russia or Europe. Just be careful of the pickpockets and scams.

7. Don’t gamble. If your venue of choice was a house in Bearing Soi 13, off Sukhumvit 107, that place just got busted anyway. Take it as as a sign.

8. Don’t sit at the chef’s table. Why is it that if the food is brought from a kitchen to your table, the menu costs B2,500, but if you’re right next to the chef as he cooks it for you, the menu is B10,000? We’re confused.

9. Don’t hang out with jittery white people. The new police chief in Thonglor said they would not search foreigners who appear calm but that if a foreigner appears “startled” by police, then they could be searched. And be made to pee in a cup. And asked for a bribe. (Well maybe not that last part.)

10. Don’t drink and drive. The new law says police can arrest you if you refuse to blow into their breathalyzer. (How come no one told us the old law let you simply decline the offer?) The penalty: B20,000.

latest news and trends

@bkmagazine

see what’s happening

@bkmagazine BK Magazine Friday, February 20, 2015

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upfront HOT OR NOT

Hot: Chula vs. Chula

Not: Chula vs.

Thammasat

If you followed the Chulalongkorn versus Thammasat soccer match a couple of weeks ago, you already know which school has a political conscience. As if further proof was needed, Chula’s Communication Arts faculty is now gearing up for its sports day with a social media ego-fest of epic proportions. Prayuth can rest easy; conversations about democracy have been replaced with beer pong contests between houses named after Harry Potter.

ALMOST FAMOUS

Hot: Celebrity coffee

Not: Bicycle cafes

With every week comes a new excuse to stop drinking coffee altogether. If the multiplication of bicycle cafes hasn’t made you switch to tea yet, this week’s new arrival, the celebrity coffee stall, should do the trick. Tempted?

Cure your caffeine addiction with a cup brewed by Opal at the Nylon High Street Festival (see page 29).

Hot: Documentaries

Not: Fiction

It’s red carpet season and we’re proud to announce our very own BK Film Awards 2015. The clear trend this year is that while our fictional films continue to be a mix of slapstick and patriotic chest-thumping, there’s a talented new generation of documentary filmmakers to look out for. Find out more on page 6.

The popular Youtube-based production team Buffet Productions, whose channel (goo.gl/ MgGqy9) has over 30,000 subscribers, have now released their first full-length feature.

Named Friends Underlined, the film is composed of three undergraduate thesis projects directed by three of Buffet Productions’ principal members, Panupan “Japan” Jantanawong, 22, Woratep “Katour” Tummaoros, 23, and Autthavisit “Pub” Hatsadinthon Na Ayutthaya, 23, all of whom are studying at Bangkok University and star in the movie themselves.

Here, BK speaks to them about making the break into filmmaking.

How did Buffet Productions start?

Katour: We’ve been making parody clips since our freshman year.

I uploaded my first clip to Youtube when I was working in Korea, and to our surprise it became a huge online hit. We were inspired to continue making more videos and so Buffet Productions was born.

How does it feel to have released your first big movie?

Pub: We all feel overwhelmingly proud of ourselves and each other.

The fact that all three of us have come so far really gives our days at Buffet Productions new meaning.

We’re supremely grateful towards Handmade Distribution for their part in bringing Friends Underlined to theaters.

What was the toughest part about making the movie?

Hot: Nakhonchai Air

Not: Low-cost airlines

The bus company has been hurting. Why enjoy its impeccable hostesses and VIP seats when you can fly to your destination for the same price? Except people are slightly nervous about flying these days and Nakhonchai is back in the news for tackling Uber with its own taxi app, All Thai Taxi (see page 11).

Japan: Being students, it was quite challenging to get professional actors to show interest in our film. It was a real challenge to convince them we know what we’re doing, and that they we’re not going to waste their time.

Katour: We also had a relatively small team, with only 30 crew members—including ourselves—working

on all three films. That made delegating jobs a little more challenging, and we all had to work extra hard to fill the missing roles.

Pub: The fact that we shot our films across seven provinces was also a huge headache. It’s difficult to pay too much attention to detail when you’re constantly on the move between locations.

Why the name Friends Underlined?

Japan: When we see underlined words in writing, we instinctively know that the writer wants to emphasize the importance of that word.

That’s how we came up with the name. Friendship is, to us, such an important aspect of life, so much so that we wanted to underline it.

What will people get from your movie?

Katour: I guess it’d be nice if this film inspires people to strive for their dreams. I think we are living proof that with perseverance and good friends, dreams are only an arm’s reach away.

Japan: My hope is that people will have deeper appreciation for the word friendship once the title credits roll.

Any other projects in the future?

Japan: We’ll probably go back to producing content for our Youtube channel. That channel is where it all started, and it’s practically become a part of who we are now. We’d also be very happy to make another feature film in the future.

Any advice for people hesitant to pursue filmmaking?

Pub: Use new opportunities that are offered to you. Getting yourself noticed by industry professionals has never been easier thanks to powerful tools like Youtube and other social media. There are also plenty of new production houses looking for young talent. The opportunities are out there, all you have to do is reach out and take them. It’s hard work, for sure, but the result means achieving your dream.

Japan: Our team started from nothing and we’ve managed to make it this far, so trust us when we tell you that you have it in you to succeed as well. Interview by Nareerat Yoddamnern and Jetnipit Sahusyotin.

Friends Underlined is now showing at select theaters including Paragon Cineplex (see film, page 33)

THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID

by Kathy MacLeod kathymacleod.blogspot.com

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cover story

BK

THE

FAIWLAMRDS 2015

Best Film

Best Leading Actress

Best Leading Actor

Teacher’s Diary

Toei Jarinporn (Timeline)

Ananda Everingham (Concrete Clouds)

(Nithiwat Tharatorn) OK, the writing or acting in this GTH rom-com won’t blow any minds, but we think it’s just about the best Thai film we watched last year. The premise of a guy falling in love with a girl by reading her diary could easily become bloated and bogged down by melodrama, which makes it even more impressive that director Nithiwat Tharathorn (of Seasons Change, the film that cemented GTH’s position as the best Thai film company for many) was able to craft such a well-rounded story. The film has comedy and warm, fuzzy drama in just the right balance, making it a joy—and a breeze—to watch. The beautiful cinematography, which takes full advantage of one of Thailand’s best-preserved natural environments, also deserves praise.

Best Supporting Actress

Marsha Wattanapanich (Love on the Rocks) Marsha and her entourage of drinking friends are probably the only good thing about this illogical and poorly-thought out film. Her natural charisma and confident mannerisms make her character a joy to watch, even when everything else in the film makes not a lick of sense (let’s not even get started on the irrationality of the two lead characters). It’s a shame that her character only got such limited screen-time, and the second half of the film is infinitely less interesting without her.

6

What we loved and hated about Thai cinema in 2014. And the winner is…

By BK Editorial

The female lead in the sequel to 2004’s hit romance film The Letter, Toei is a veteran of Thailand’s film and TV industry, and she brings all that experience to the fore in portraying the lively and optimistic Mut. While Timeline’s script is average at best, Toei instills her character with life and vigor, stealing every scene she’s in.

In fact, Toei’s performance is the best thing about the film, hands down.

Best Supporting Actor(s)

The kids in Teacher’s Diary (Nithiwat Tharatorn)

It would be remiss not to mention all the kids who truly elevated this film from a run-of-the-mill love story into something more meaningful. The children also serve as another bridge between the two main characters, who supposedly never meet, giving them an important role in the overall story. The talent on display is also pretty impressive, with the kids pulling off comedic and dramatic scenes perfectly.

_

Ananda had a quiet 2013, possibly due to the backlash he received from the supremely disappointing 2012 film Shambala. His acting chops, however, have never been in doubt, and he was back to kick ass in 2014’s Concrete Clouds. He fits the role of a foreign exchange student reluctantly called home perfectly, and his body language and mannerisms are as excellent as ever.

Expect to see Ananda in every single TV commercial and music video again.

Best Documentary

The Master

(Nawapol Thamronrattanarit) This year, the edgy director of indie gems like 36 and Mary is Happy, Mary is Happy graced us with The Master, a documentary telling the story of Van Video, a humble little store that sold bootleg foreign art-house films back in the 90s and early 00s. The whole movie is basically just a bunch of people talking, answering interview questions with the occasional piece of inserted footage, yet it impressively elicited both laughter and tears from us throughout its run time.

BK Magazine Friday, February 20, 2015

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cover story

Best Director

Best art Film

Best Musical Film

Mez Tharatorn (I Fine...Thank You... Love You)

W

Y/Our Music

It takes serious guts to make an almost three-hour-long movie for your undergraduate thesis, but director Chonlasit Upanigkit did just that. It paid off too, as the film was one of only two Thai movies selected to be shown at the Busan International Film Festival in Korea this year. W, which focuses on the various aspects of Thai college life, was lauded for its relatable and realistic characters, as well as its insights into the emotional roller-coaster that comes with the transformation from teenager to full-fledged adult. It’s a stark reminder that amid a sea of mediocrity, there’s still the potential for genuine art in Thailand’s film industry.

A fascinating look at Thailand’s leftfield music scene that uses the country’s various styles of music, through the stories of nine musicians, as a metaphor for the divide between urban and rural life. It’s only had a limited run here so far, but we can see that changing now that it’s been announced to screen as part of SXSW’s 24 Beats Per Second program this March. www. fb.com/yourmusicmovie

(Cholasit Upanigkit)

It was hardly a bumper year for Thai film, but the one production team you could rely on to deliver the laughs was GTH. As far as box office hits go, I Fine… Thank You… Love You had the second highest opening day for a Thai film ever—no laughing matter. As with his previous film, 2012’s low-budget smash ATM: Er Rak Error, Mez showed a knack for telling a relatable story coated in over-the-top slapstick comedy, this time centering on English lessons and the often-unintended hilarity that ensues. The story isn’t rocket science, but then we’re not all rocket scientists, are we?

Worst Film

Nam Mun Prai

(Dulasit Niyomkul) This 3D horror film sees Girly Berry’s Gybzy fall prey to a curse that kills anyone “unfortunate” enough to have sex with her. Through the course of the film, however, she decides to use her curse for good, and transforms from a confused victim to a superheroine-esque avenger who kills horny men for justice by having sex with them. It’s the kind of mindless fantasy revenge-porn you’d expect to hear from a drunk at a bar, so we should maybe at least give the producers credit for having the nerve to go through with this movie.

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(Waraluck Hiransrettawat Every and David Reeve)

_

The So Bad it’s Good Award

The Enough Already Award

the Eye Candy Award

Vengeance of an Assassin

The Legend of King Naresuan 5 (Chatrichalerm Yukol)

James Jirayu Tangsrisuk (Timeline)

Let’s face it: as bad as the story (and Dan Chupong’s acting) is, we all knew what to expect from a film by the guys behind Ong Bak and Tom Yum Goong. What Vengeance of an Assassin laughably lacks in character development, it makes up for in meticulously choreographed scenes of people beating each other up in the most acrobatic and dangerous-looking ways possible. It’s worth watching for all the beautiful back flips and roundhouse kicks alone.

When it was first announced that the story of King Naresuan was going to span four movies, we already thought it was a few films too many.

As it turned out, there was one more, bringing the series to five. Now, we all know King Naresuan’s significance to Thai history, but it’s a shame Prince Chatrichalerm Yukol decided to leave out the key ingredient, action, so what we got was one overly-long patriotic puff piece.

It’s not too much of a stretch to say that a significant part of Timeline’s success derives from the beautifully symmetrical face of lead actor James Jirayu. Sure, his delivery and acting could use some work, but his cheekbones and comehither eyes make it much easier to gloss over his acting blunders.

(Punna Rittikrai)

Best Love Story

Most Homo Erotic Film

Best Casting award

Somboon

The Swimmers

I Fine… Thank You… Love You

This documentary tells the true story of the elderly Mr. Somboon and his disabled wife, and the unwavering love that’s kept them together amid poverty and disasters like the 2011 flooding of Bangkok. The director’s use of shaky handhelds and artsy camera angles gives the film a magical, dream-like quality that leaves you envying both Mr. Somboon and his wife for having such a dedicated and faithful relationship.

Who needs good acting and a believable plot when the main actors have abs so hard you can scrub your clothes on them? That is exactly the case with The Swimmers, GTH’s teen horror flick starring Hormones stars Tor Thanapop and March Juthawat, who both remain topless for a good chunk of the film. The Swimmers has been bashed to bits for its misuse of medical facts, wooden acting and just overall nonsensical story, but all those things are arguably irrelevant thanks to the dreamy bodies of the two lead actors.

No, we’re not giving the film this award because one of the BK staff starred as Sora Aoi’s American boy-toy. As impressive (and enviable) as that is, we truly believe that the casting decisions made in this film are just perfect, plain and simple. Ice Preechaya and Sunny have an adorable chemistry, while Too Popetorn and Joke So Cool are allowed to display their natural charm in the most fitting way possible. Killing a gecko by squishing it between your butt-cheeks is as awkward as awkward gets, but when you’re Joke So Cool, it just looks…natural.

(krissada tipchaimeta)

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(Sopon Sukdapisit)

(Mez Tharatorn)

BK Magazine Friday, February 20, 2015

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escapes AROUND THAILAND

Flick Trips Base your travels around these stunning real-life locations from Thai movies. By Nareerat Yoddamnern

Pang Ung TAT

Giant Rabbit

Kaeng Krachan Dam

TAT

Pai district

Doi Angkhang

Home (2012)

The Melody (2012)

Happy Birthday (2008)

Location: Kaomai Lanna Resort, Chiang Mai

Location: Doi Mae U Kor, Mea Hong Son

Location: Pang Ung, Mae Hong Son

Though only partly filmed in Chiang Mai, the hometown of director Chukiat Sakveerakul (who also directed 2007’s Love of Siam), the memorable wedding scene between Preeya (Noon Sriapan) and Sie Leng (James Ruengsak) takes place at the Mexican daisy-covered Kaomai Lanna Resort.

The flower fields around the peaceful town of Mae Hong Son were famous long before this love story about a pianist and his leukaemia-suffering love interest, but director Tossapon Srisukontarat has put the spotlight back on the once-a-year spectacle of bright yellow dok bua tong (Mexican sunflowers) blanketing a thousand-rai area of Doi Mae U Kor mountain.

Dubbed the Switzerland of Thailand thanks to its picturesque reservoir and pine forest backdrop, Pang Ung (or the 2nd Pang Tong Royal Initiative Project) has always been ranked as one of Thailand’s most romantic places. It’s also the location where Ten (Ananda Everingham) took Pao (Chayanan Manomaisantiphap) in 2008 for their on-screen romance.

Do: Visit during Dok Bua Tong festival, from NovDec, when the sunflowers are in full bloom.

There’s also plenty of shopping on offer from OTOP producers.

Do: The resort, which is made up of 18 old tobacco barns converted into 36 gorgeous rooms, currently offers a three-day-two-night deal for B9,480 per person or B12,956 per couple. Included in the package is a 60-minute spa treatment, Lanna culture tour and dinner.

Read our roundup of the best new venues in Chiang Mai at goo.gl/lWo4BD

See our full calendar of Thai flower festivals at goo. gl/5zWObA

Do: Camping at Pang Ung during the winter is a beautiful experience. Rent a boat first thing in the morning when the reservoir is covered in mist to see the sun rise. The nearby Ruam Thai village is also well known for its unique culture and Yunnan restaurants.

Teacher’s Diary (2014)

Pai in Love (2009)

Rak Jang (2006)

Location: Kaeng Krachan Dam, Petchaburi This GTH production about teachers working at a floating school on a reservoir in Lumphun (we ranked it this year’s best movie, see page 6) was actually filmed at Kaeng Krachan National Park in Petchaburi Province, known for being home to some of Thailand’s most diverse wildlife.

Do: Take a boat trip on the scenic reservoir to see the film’s principal location, though the floating school has now been demolished. If you have more time, be sure to camp in Kaeng Krachan National Park. It’s one of the few places in Central Thailand that’s shrouded in mountain mist all year round. During the summer, Pa La-U Waterfall is also at its most splendid as millions of butterflies gather around the area.

Location: Pai district, Mae Hong Son OK, so this movie’s bland plot about four couples’ intertwined romances wasn’t very memorable, but the locations sure were, spanning various sites around Pai, from the iron bridge leading out of town to Kong Laen (Pai Canyon), Pai River and Pra That Mae Yen Temple. Filming also crossed into the neighboring Huai Nam Dang National Park, which connects Pai to Chiang Mai, and Pang Ung, the scenic reservoir on the way to Mae Hong Son. Do: Road-tripping is a must for this small town, whether you rent a bike or car, or simply take the bus. The route up from Chiang Mai is strung together by hundreds of hairpin bends winding their way up and down the mountains.

Location: Pha Dok Xiao Waterfall, Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai Set in Pai, this movie’s standout scene between amnesia-stricken superstar Film (Film Ratthapoom) and his paparazzi love interest Jaa (Paula Taylor) takes place at the dreamy Pha Dok Xiao Waterfall in Doi Inthanon National Park.

Thanks to the movie, the location shot to stardom and was even given the new nickname Rak Jang Waterfall.

Doi Mae U Kor

The Letter (2004) & Timeline (2014) Location: Doi Angkhang and Samoeng district, Chiang Mai The founding site of the Royal Projects, Royal Agricultural Station Angkhang, has been the backdrop to many soap operas and movies thanks to its plentiful winter flowers and picturesque crops. The most memorable for us are The Letter (2004) and its follow-up from last year, Timeline (see page 8).

Do: The peak time to visit is definitely winter, when the weather can drop below zero some nights. For cherry blossom chasers, November is the peak time to see the Japanese sakura blossom, while January is good to catch the native Thai cherry blossom. Samoeng district is also the strawberry-growing capital of Thailand, home to various farms that are open to visitors during harvest.

Read our Angkhang travel story at goo.gl/zb9s

Do: The waterfall consists of 10 tiers, though the 20-meter-high falls of level seven are most spectacular—and also where the movie was filmed. Note that the trek from top to bottom takes 3-4 hours.

BK Magazine Friday, February 20, 2015

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escapes ESCAPE ROUTES

By BK Staff

PHUKET/SAMUI

Sexy White

Both of Thailand’s Nikki Beach (www.nikkibeach.com) properties are gearing up to celebrate their anniversaries with white-themed parties. On Feb 27, Nikki Beach Phuket (076-681-161, 083-395-2665) will mark its first anniversary with international DJs spinning from dawn till dusk at Rayan Beach on the west of the island.

Book at reservations.phuket@nikkibeach.com before Feb 24. Nikki Beach Samui (077-914-500) on Lipa Noi Beach, meanwhile, will celebrate six years on Mar 20.

Expect a slew of dancers, acrobats and musicians, plus a few surprises. Prices range from B542 per person to B45,290 for the Ultra VIP Bottle Service Table, which covers eight guests and includes two bottles of Champagne and one bottle of Grey Goose Vodka. Book at goo.gl/MlqBFB. The dress code for both parties is strictly white from head to toe.

SAMUI

Treat Yourself The sleek W Retreat Koh Samui (07-791-5999, www.wretreatkohsamui.com) will throw a huge launch party this Feb 26 at Woobar, in celebration of its new on-site music curator, New York DJ/producer Kelly Kellam. For the occasion, French mixologist Leo Lottier will create a new cocktail named The Kellam, and one-Michelin-star chef Laurent Peugeot will prepare French/Japanese fusion nibbles, available from 6-8pm.

An international DJ lineup, comprising DJs David Soul, Benoit Clerc, Graham Gold and the new music curator himself, will spin tunes from 4pm through midnight.

Free entry before 6pm and B500 thereafter. All the villas are booked out for the weekend, but if you’re looking to stay another time, prices start from B32,000, with breakfast included.

CHIANG MAI

Lanna Sushi Dhara Dhevi (www.dharadhevi. com), the vast luxury resort on Chiang Mai’s outskirts, has opened what it’s calling the Northern capital’s finest Japanese restaurant.

Named Ren and operated by former Iron Chef contestant Kongwuth Chaiwongkachon, it introduces to Chiang Mai the kind of premium ingredients commonly associated with the upper echelons of Bangkok’s Japanese dining scene. The most elaborate sashimi platter of fatty tuna, king crab and more costs B3,500, while A5 Saga wagyu and Kobe wagyu cost B1,500 and B2,000 for 110g, respectively. For now, the restaurant runs almost like a pop-up, taking over the huge dining area behind Dhara Dhevi’s lobby each evening, though a custom property is currently under construction at the front of the resort.

AIRLINES

Cheap Sapporo AirAsia (www.airasia.com) just unveiled its new direct route from Bangkok to Japan’s most famous snow town, Sapporo. Prices start at B3,990 for a single journey between Bangkok and Shin-Chitose Airport. Tickets are available now, with flights leaving Bangkok from May 1.

Have some cool rooms? Email your news and promotions to travel@asia-city.co.th

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avenue

FASHION

Feeling Blue Bangkok’s tie-dye indigo craft scene has a new member. Mon Studio 214 is a collaboration between a group of young Thai designers living in London and artists in Saraburi, who’ve been working together on handicraft products since 2008. Recently, they’ve been making a splash at hipster markets such as Made

by Legacy and SC Asset Slowfest with a line of natural indigo, bags (B650) and T-shirts (B450) as well as pretty ceramic accessories and eating utensils starting from B350. Find them all year round at JJ Market (Section 7, Soi 6) or visit their Facebook page at goo.gl/qDPTzi.

TAXI APP

Fleet Street Starting May 1, Bangkok is getting a new private taxi firm that promises to remedy the various complaints from Thais and tourists about the city’s taxi drivers’ conduct, as well as compete with international app-based taxi platforms like Uber. Belonging to the big-name inter-provincial bus service Nakhonchai Air, All Thai Taxi’s initial launch will include 500 cars—a fleet of Hybrid Toyota Prius cars equipped with GPS tracking, chauffeur identification data, a speed regulator, passenger screens and a user comment-sharing platform. Passengers can call the cars using an app or via a hotline at 1624, or by flagging down empty vehicles on the street. Trials begin in April. There’s no official website yet, but you can get updates from the parent company at www.nca.co.th

WELLNESS

Natural Aromas Thai aromatics brand Jevah has three new collections that revolve around floral scents. Jasmine Spell (a mixture of jasmine water, rice bran oil, vanilla extract and orchid extract), Beach Bum (coconut oil, mango, guava, banana) and Rose Embrace (rose water, orange water, pomegranate, vanilla) are available as body lotion (B590), hand cream (B350) and body scrub (B890) at Boots clinics nationwide. Jevah says it makes all its spa essentials using premium, chemical-free natural ingredients, natural oils and plant extracts, such as jasmine, rice bean oil, pomegranate and coconut.

FASHION

In the Bay The imminent arrival of Emquartier (opening in March) means Bangkok is soon to get its first flagship store from the world-famous German leather brand MCM (Modern Creation Munich).

Founded in 1976, MCM produces quality unisex apparel, footwear and, most famously, bags, typically in monogram-printed tan leather. We love MCM’s classic items like the macaroon-hued Bebe Boo backpacks (price TBA) and legendary metal-studded Stark (price TBA). G/F, EmQuartier, Sukkhumvit Rd. (next to Emporium) BTS Phrom Phong

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avenue FASHION

Red Carpet Looks

With awards season in full swing, here’s some inspiration for your own glammed-up look. By Vasachol Quadri

Suit Up

Jump to It

Menswear-inspired cuts have long been a staple of award ceremonies in the form of oversized or straight silhouettes, but now we’re seeing a striking combination of suits and gowns hitting the red carpets. At the Grammy Awards, Haim’s big sister Danielle (above) gave the trend a powerful rock take by wearing a loose-fit white suit top and slacks matched with pearly low-heel pumps and a natural hairdo. For a more girly look, actress Emma Stone went with a black-dress suit and red lips at the SAG Awards.

When it comes to work and play, jumpsuits have been hot for what seems like forever.

Last November, Beyonce’s sister, and style icon in her own right, Solange Knowles wore an ivory-toned jumpsuit to her wedding, elevating the humble outfit from the realms of casualwear. Back to the red carpet, Emma Stone (above) wore a black jumpsuit with a glittery top to the Golden Globes, glamming it up with additional details on the waist. More adventurously, Gwen Stefani went with Indian harem pants at the Grammys.

Glam and Glittery

All in White

Katy Perry may have performed at the Super Bowl halftime kitted out colorfully head-totoe in Jeremy Scott for Moschino, but she went for a more classic sequin dress at the Grammys (above). The trouble with sequins is picking a gown that doesn’t make you look three sizes bigger. We say go beige or silver, with a simple cut, like Dakota Johnson at the Golden Globes. Tip: match with sandal heels and a box clutch to keep everything in proportion.

Danielle Haim and Solange Knowles are just two examples of why you should leave the little black dress at home. But while those two head in boyish directions, we suggest a white gown for more girly results. Salma Hayek (above) went classic at the Golden Globes with a strapless bell-bottom dress with interesting embroidered details. For something sexier, there’s the ankle-length and long-sleeve sheath dress that lets your curves do the talking, like Laura Carmichael at the SAG Awards. Pick one with a cut-out to show a little skin.

Stardust earrings, Ma Vie, B8,900

Box clutch, Tom Ford, price TBA

White dress, Vickteerut, price TBA

Glitter dress, Topshop, B15,900

Silver sandal heels, Charles & Keith, B1,990

Suit dress, Vickteerut, price TBA

Twisted jumpsuit, Asava, price TBA

Pearly low-heel pumps, Charles & Keith, B2,150

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Alila Day watch, Swarovski, B16,000

Flower-outline cuff, Carat London, price TBA

Essentials Vickteerut. 122 Sukhumvit 55, Thonhlor Soi 4, 02-392-1578

Asava. 1, 1/1, 1/2 Sukhumvit Soi 45, 02-6626526-7

White jumpsuit, Kem Issara, price TBA

Charles & Keith. (G/F), Topshop (1/F) and Staccato (2/F). Central World, 02-640-7000

Tom Ford. Tom Ford Boutique, G/F, Central Embassy, 02-160-5860

Swarovski. Swarovski Boutique, 1/F Siam Paragon, 02-129-4396

Ma Vie. 3/F, Amarin Plaza, Phleon Chit Rd., 02-256-9190

Red snakeskin lowheels, Staccato, price TBA

Kem Isara. 1023/49 Pridi Bhanoomyong 41, Sukhumvit 7, 02-713-3261

Carat London. 1/F ,Central Ladprao, 02-9867556

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SHOPPING

Lofty Living

Weathered leather, bare metal and vintagemeets-modern accessories for your home.

Surapong Ploensang’s private residence

Essentials 1 Warhol: Paintings and Sculptures 1970-1974, Phaidon at Siwilai (5/F, Central Embassy, 1031 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-160-5809 ext.12. BTS Chit Lom/ Phloen Chit), B16,900 1

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2 SP17 Preamplifier, Audio Research at KS Home Entertainment (2/F, Siam Paragon, 991/1 Rama 1 Rd., 02-129-4311 ext. 2. BTS Siam) B85,000 3 Hello Exit Harmony, Complicated Universal Cum at Soulland (3/F, Central Embassy, 1031 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-2598619. BTS Chit Lom/Phloen Chit), B950 4 VK-1 headphones, Aedle at Siwilai (see no. 1), B19,800

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5 Bongo speaker, Otis & Eleanor at Siwilai (see no. 1), B5,490 6 Unie lamp, Alltag Design at Room Concept Store (4/F, Central Embassy, 1031 Ploen Chit Rd., 02-160-5644/5. BTS Chit Lom/Ploen Chit), B8,900-9,975 7 Stool, Flo Furniture, (Urbaan Home, SC Place Building, Ratchadapisek Rd., 02-693-8998). B6,500 8 Savon Tonifying soap, Le Baigneur at Siwilai (see no. 1), B580

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9 MC Package turntable, Clearaudio Concept at KS Home Entertainment (see no. 2), B58,000 10 Venere 2.0 speakers, Sonus Faber at KS Home Entertainment (see no. 2), B50,000 11 Car Design Asia by Paolo Tumminelli, Teneues at Siwilai (see no. 1), B2,550 12 Boxing gloves, Casa Pagoda (4 Sukhumvit Soi 45, 02-258-1917. BTS Phrom Phong), B6,400

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bites & blends FOOD TRUCK

On the Bone

Matt Willingham

After launching at Bonanza x Cheezecarbootsale in Khao Yai earlier this month, a new food truck is headed to Bangkok’s streets. Called Meat & Bones, it specializes in slow-cooked beef ribs (B350), which co-owner Bua Tanjasiri says are roasted for 12 hours and then finished on a grill stove.

Other meat-on-the-bone cuts include chicken drumsticks (B120) and fourhour roasted pork ribs (B180), all served with mashed potato and coleslaw.

Its next event is scheduled for The Great Outdoor Market on Mar 13-15, before it starts making regular appearances around the city. Keep an eye on its Facebook for dates and locations. www.fb.com/meatandbonesbangkok, 081-933-7143

NEW PRODUCTS

CHARITY

GUEST CHEF

Hamming it Up

Kitchen Courage

Star Visit

Iberico’s is a new Iberian ham specialist claiming to have the finest examples of the highly-prized Spanish delicacy in Bangkok.

The 48-month-cured jamon Iberico (starting at B750 per 100g pack) comes from 100-percent acorn-fed pigs reared exclusively on a single farm in the Los Pedroches region of Southern Spain.

Other products include Iberico chorizo (B400), cured beef cecina from Leon (B800), and the more premium Iberico paleta (shoulder-cut ham, B1,050). Iberco’s is currently available only at Villa supermarkets at the top of Sukhumvit Soi 33 (02-712-6000) and J Avenue on Thonglor (02-662-1000), as well as delivery through www.fb.com/myiberico and IG: myiberico.

The team behind Opposite Mess Hall, led by chef Jess Barnes, has teamed up with a charity kids cooking project called The Courageous Kitchen run by the In Search of Sanuk children’s charity. The fruits of the collaboration are a range of products available at K-Village Farmers’ Market (which takes place every second weekend of the month, 9am-5pm), including pickles, olives and sauces. The project aims to improve both the nutrition and confidence of kids from impoverished families through fun, kitchen-related activities, with all profits being cycled back into the scheme. In related news, Opposite is now open seven days a week, from 6pm. 27/1 Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-662-6330

Michelin-star French chef Bruno Oger, of La Villa Archange, is coming to Viu to present his chef’s table from Feb 24-28. Chef Oger won his first Michelin star for the French restaurant La Villa des Lys in 1997. Then in 2011, he earned two Michelin stars for La Villa Archange, Le Cannet on the outskirts of Cannes. His set menus at Viu range from B2,100 for three courses, B4,500 for five courses, B5,900 for seven courses and B6,900 for nine courses, available both lunch and dinner. Wine pairing is B2,000 extra. Dishes you can expect to try include marinated salmon gravlax and ravioli of prawns and caviar. The St. Regis Bangkok 159 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-207-7777. BTS Ratchadamri

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blends ROUNDUP

Popcorn and Beer

Five bars in Bangkok to enjoy free film screenings with a drink in hand. By Vasachol Quadri

Speedy Grandma

Cinema Winehouse

Speedy Grandma This old shop-house-turned-gallery was the first of a new wave of art spaces and bars around the Charoenkrung-Talad Noi area.

Three years after their first exhibition, Speedy Grandma has now introduced free screenings, too. This month, the space is occupied by the Granny Revamps anniversary project (which includes workshops, exhibitions and documentaries on their previous work) but keep an eye on their Facebook for next month’s selection of rare and provocative art flicks.

672/50-52 Charoenkrung Soi 28, 089-508-3859. Open Tue-Sun 11am-7pm. www.fb.com/speedygrandma

Jam The quirky café-cum-bar not only provides the city with an art-focused, laidback watering hole, but also turns into a free cinema on Wednesdays (and some Sundays) for its Cult Movie Night. Films are announced the weekend before the show and follow a monthly theme. Feb focuses on Valentines’ Day, and has so far featured romantic picks like the Japanese film Love Exposure (2009) by Shion Sono and Michel Gondry’s classic Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004). Films start 8pm in the newly refurbished, slightly Lynchian, upstairs lounge. Visit their Facebook for updates.

41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 083-5451-833. Open Tue-Sun 6pm-midnight. BTS Surasak. www.fb.com/JAMCAFEBKK

Cinema Winehouse Opened in July 2014, Cinema Winehouse is a combination of brunch spot, wine bar and film screening lounge that’s set in a colonial-style shop-house in the old town. The menu, provided by nearby Chomp, offers a mix of Western and Asian pub grub while the booze is very pocket-friendly, with house wine at B90 per glass, plus Leo at B70, Singha at B80 and Phuket beer at B110. The real highlight is up on the second floor, where the cinema lounge offers mainstream classics and newer picks. Similar to Friese-Greene Club,

reservations are required and you can check the weekly screening schedule on the bar’s Facebook page.

Jam

59/61 Samsen Rd., 096-465-6526 and 083-554-0170. Open Mon, Wed-Fri 5pm-midnight and Sat-Sun 11am-midnight. www.fb.com/ cinemawinehouse

Cho Why This young, multi-disciplinary art space is set in a spacious old corner house near Talad Noi. The place promises informal art gatherings centered on everything from photography and documentary screenings to rooftop paella nights. Unlike Friese-Greene, Jam and Cinema Winehouse, screenings don’t stick to any regular schedule, but this also makes each one feel more like an event. You can also expect pairings with local food trucks to match the movie being shown, like Banh Mi Boy’s Vietnamese sandwiches to go with Tran Anh Hung’s Cyclo (1995). Follow their Facebook page for invites to upcoming events.

The Friese-Greene Club

Soi Nana 17, Pom Prap Sattru Phai. MRT Hua Lamphong. www.fb.com/ chowhybkk

The Friese-Greene Club Named after a British pioneer of motion pictures, The Friese-Green Club is an informal members’ club where you can sip a beer and catch nightly screenings of classic movies that are very, very rarely shown anywhere else in Thailand. This February, the movie theme pitches Australian and New Zealand cinema against each other every Thursday and Friday night, starting with Once Were Warriors (NZ, 1995) by director Lee Tamahori on Feb 20 and Picnic at Hanging Rock (Aus, 1975) by Peter Weir on Feb 26. Sundays this month are reserved for classics by US director Vincent Minnelli, while Tuesday is open to requests. Films start from 8pm. Visit fgc.in.th for the full lineup and to reserve your seat.

259/6 Sukhumvit Soi 22, 087-000-0795. Open Tue, Thu-Sun 6pm-late. www.fgc.in.th

Cho Why

ON THE BAR Dark Bar The buzz: Open just three nights a week (Wed, Fri and Sat), the newest project by Liberty Area One fashion boutique owner Nodnuanwan “Nod” Tatong boasts a shady interior, loose closing hours and decent prices, meaning it’s already packing out with Ekkamai-Thonglor’s more subversive cliques.

The décor: The place is styled like some kind of decaying, time-capsule mansion. Half-a-dozen or so chandeliers drape from the ceiling (throwing out light far too moody to see if they’re real), while the walls are a mix of black paint, bare brick and plaster. One wall is given over to a pantomime, MDF-cut-out bar, and another is dominated by a mirror that makes the minute space feel a lot bigger than it is. Though none of this really matters, since most of the guests are outside smoking on the big, second-story terrace.

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The drinks: Jameson all round. Not that we’re complaining, since it’s priced as if it were Johnnie Red at B150 for a glass with mixer.

There are also a few standard bottled beers, including Beerlao at B150 and Leo at B100.

The crowd: One month in and already a big favorite with the same people you used to see at Moose and Happy Monday (which is right below). Danish rockers Iceage dropped by after their recent Bangkok gig, and their neo-90s punk styling felt right at home.

Why you’ll come back: Because Nod is a great host and the prices are spot on. That, and everywhere else nearby is likely to shut earlier. By Oliver Irvine 2/F, Ekamai Mall, Ekkamai Soi 10, 02-381-9896, 090-528-4646. Open Wed, Fri and Sat 9pm-2am

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ROUNDUP

Couch Potatoes

Staying home to catch up on Oscarnominated movies? Don’t move from that sofa; have these guys deliver you the snacks to match.

By Natcha Sanguankiattichai

Popco

Radiance Wholefoods Sweet’n Sweeten

Skinni Bears

Go Classic

Go Nuts

You can’t really do better than popcorn. One of the first premium popcorn joints in town, Popco (www.popco-shop.com), now has four branches in malls, but still does delivery. Seven flavors (butter, barbecue, caramel, cheese, choco-flake, sour cream and wasabi) are available in zip lock bags for B65, with cashew nuts an extra B10. Place your order on their website and they’ll deliver your popcorn via EMS post (B80 charge if you order less than 12 bags). Another option is Nine Popcorn (www.fb.com/ NinePopcorn), whose specialty is caramel corn. Options include caramel corn with cashew nuts (B80 for 150g/B150 for 290g), almonds (B100/B190), macadamia (B200/B390) and cheese (B100/190) at 150g or 290g. Or try the Cherry Berry (B100/ B190), which features dried cherry and strawberry. You can find the brand at some Villa Markets and Tops, but they also deliver via motorcycle and post.

Arrbung (www.fb.com/ArrBung) offers all kinds of nutty joy, from the bestselling butter-roasted almonds (B140) and sweet-glazed peanuts (B65) to the baked cashew nuts (B140/200g), pistachio (B150) and macadamia (B230). Order on their Facebook page a couple of days in advance so that you don’t miss their delivery days on Mondays and Thursdays. To add some dried fruits, order one of the trail mixes (B80 for 85g/B180 for 250g) from Radiance Wholefoods (www.radiancewholefoods.com), available as Goji Madness (goji, apricot, cashews, almonds, sunflower, pumpkin, peanut, raisins), Raw Power (almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, figs, brazil nuts, goji berries, yellow raisins, peanuts), Men’s Energy (almonds, pistachios, cashews, brazil nuts, peanuts) and Women’s Energy (almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts, walnuts, pistachios, pecans).

Order a couple of days in advance to get the fresh mixed goodies delivered (Fees range from B50-200).

Go Healthy

Get Serious

If you’re tired of popcorn, one healthier (and trendier) alternative is granola. Sweet’n Sweeten (www.fb.com/Sweetnsweeten, Line ID: kammambo) does grainy goodness that forsakes any added flour and sugar. Options include the Nutty Paradise (oats, cashew nuts, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, almonds, corn flakes, cranberries, dates and honey), Chocolate Craving (oats, cashew nuts, cranberries, corn flakes, chocolate and cocoa), which are both B150 per 140g, and the Morning Corn Flakes (oats, corn flakes, shredded coconut, cashew nuts, raisins, dates and honey) for B120 per 140g. Be sure to order one day in advance to get the freshly-made granola delivered via EMS post. Want something more savory? Opt for Skinni Bears’ (www.fb.com/skinnibears, Line ID: skinnibears) premium dark chocolate and truffle smoked granola and pair it with a glass of Schwarzbier (see Get Sloshed). Other options include original (oats, almonds and pecans), no butter, mocha malt and Mama Rose (with cranberry), all at B240/200g and B380/315g. Delivery available by both motorcycle and post.

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Nine Popcorn

Movie marathons can stir up a serious appetite. If that’s the case, you might want to get in touch with My Mom Mootod (www. fb.com/mymommootod, 081-808-1262), who offers bite-size deepfried pork belly at B300 per 500g, with complimentary steamed sticky rice. Order one or two days in advance and let a messenger deliver the newly-fried goodies straight to your door.

Get Sloshed Need some beer to wash down those nibbles? Browse Wishbeer (www.wishbeer.com) for a long list of beers imported from as far off as Sri Lanka and Germany. Delivery is an extra B79 for orders less than B2,000. If Scandinavian brews are more your thing, Mikkeller’s Tasting Room (www.mikkellerbangkok.com) offers delivery that varies from free to B400 depending on your spend and area. The big craft beer importer Beervana (www.seekbeervana.com) also offers delivery for its Craft Beer Club members (free registration), with the selection spanning mostly US brews.

Inner Bangkok gets free delivery while it’s B200 for orders less than B2,000 to the outer zone.

Arrbung

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bites

OPEN DOOR

Khao A high-end chef’s table that reworks classic Thai dishes.

The buzz: Vichit Mukura, who was head chef of Mandarin Oriental’s Sala Rim Naam for 28 years, has opened a new venture in partnership with the owner of high-end Japanese restaurant Yuutaro.

Situated on the same premises, this Thai food chef’s table restaurant hosts 4-12 people per evening, making for one very intimate dining experience.

The decor: More like a clean and cozy dining room than a restaurant. In the middle of the frameless, glass-walled room stands a large wooden dining table with matching chairs. A small open kitchen sits at the back of the room, comprising a marble counter and two shelves with dry ingredients jars above it. A couple of functional wooden cabinets storing wines and water bottles complete the muted picture.

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The food: Thai cuisine, made with premium imported ingredients and modern presentation. The set menus run from the Maled Khao six-course discovery menu (B4,990) to the Ton Khao eight-course seasonal menu (B7,500) and Khao 10-course complete experience (B9,900). Each morning, chef Vichit goes shopping for produce at the market, and so the dishes vary according to that day’s available ingredients (though you can make some special requests). He also uses some of the premium Japanese ingredients from Yuutaro. Expect modernized traditional Thai dishes like red curry with grilled taraba crab leg, and akami (non-fatty tuna) with mango and papaya spicy salad.

Each curry dish is served with red jasmine rice from the chef’s own farm. Desserts are just as creative, such as the red-beanand-chestnut-filled tua paep (sweet split mung bean pocket)

and the whole strawberry-stuffed yokmanee (emerald tapioca with shredded coconut).

The drink: A choice of sparkling or still water is included in the set. The chef can recommend you the wine to pair with each dish. You can also order any drink available at Yuutaro, including juices, soft drinks and alcohol.

The crowd: Chef Vichit’s patrons from Sala Rim Naam and the same cashed-up clientele as Yuutaro. Natcha Sanguankiattichai 64 Sukhumvit Soi 51, 098-829-8878. Open daily 11am-late

Exclusive privileges for Citibank credit cardmembers.

Get complimentary Thai drink valued at 220 baht for everyone at the table (Today – 30 Jun 15)

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Wine Connection

TABLE TALK Metro on Wireless

Tales of Gold Mine

NEW AND NOTED

Get Connected

Wine store and restaurant chain Wine Connection has opened a branch at The Paseo Park Kanjanapisek (1/F, 8/15 Kanchanapisek Rd., 02-111-3807). The industrial-looking venue serves up the regular selection of cold cuts, cheese and antipasti, as well as pizzas, salads and comforting main dishes.

Crab King

Swissohel Le Concorde's 204 Bistro and Bar has added Alaskan crab to its dinner buffet line every Thu-Sun. The price of B1,166 lets you enjoy a buffet of Thai, Japanese, Chinese and Western food. Highlights are foie gras and lots of fresh seafood.

Thai Wired

Set in The Intercontinental Hotels Group’s newly-opened Hotel Indigo, Metro on Wireless (Hotel Indigo, 81 Wireless Rd., 02-2074999. www.fb.com/indigobkk) serves home-style Thai food in a refined decor. The Sukhothai's Celadon’s former Thai chef,

Chamlong “Jimmy” Pewthaisong, serves everything from local breakfast dishes like boiled rice with pork to more complex curries and spicy salads. Highlights also include rare regional dishes like kao gun jin nam prik orng (Northern-style steamed rice in blood, served with minced pork chili sauce, B170) and dishes made from Ian Kittichai’s recipes like red curry with roasted duck (B270).

Gold Rush

Groove’s new kid on the block boasts probably the fanciest decoration of the lot with its California gold-rush theme. Tales of Gold Mine (1/F, Groove @ CentralWorld, Rama 1 Rd., 02-613-1270) serves Western-Chinese fusion food with plenty of twists. The Wonton Nachos (B220), for example, use fried wontons instead of tortilla chips, while the quinoa is mixed with Chinese barbecue pork (B350). The drinks are also gold (label) inspired, including the likes of the Gold Chocolate Mint (320). Natcha Sanguankiattichai

Eatdustry 555/55 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 090-627-0888.

BTS Thong Lo Nestled in the little soi between DM Home and Thonglor Soi 21, Eatdustry is a fun restaurant, bar and cafe rolled into one.

The wide-ranging menu starts with all-day breakfast and also contains Western staples like pasta, soup, steak and some desserts. Start with their clam chowder (B180) served in a bread bowl and the crab-cake eggs Benedict (B290). On the café side, they also do siphon coffee with both local (B340/ pot) and imported (B380/pot) beans, which pair well with the airy strawberry waffle (B280). Otherwise, you can sip their fruity cocktails (starting at B210) in their cozy and pet-friendly outdoor space.

Exclusive privileges for Citibank credit cardmembers.

Get 10% discount on food only (Today – 31 Dec 15)

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

Simply click “Thailand” and then “Gift voucher”

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bites & blends market Events

Hemingway’s

Whisgars

The Launch of Noche International On Feb 21, the whiskey-cigar bar presents a new Saturday night party in the spirit of Latin America. Expect lots of salsa, mambo, cambia and Afro Cuban jazz, with mojitos, daiquiris and cuba libres (2-for-1 from 9-10pm). Reservations at rsvpsilom@whisgars.com or 02-630-1997.

Whisgars Silom, 981 Silom Rd.

Your Name is of Value The monthly series of What’s Your Grape wine workshops by The Hive Bangkok and Wine Garage continues this Feb with the focus on how wine marketeers and winemakers build their names. The session is conducted in both Thai and English with the chance to taste at least five wines. Feb 26, 7:30pm. B500. Reservation at 02-662-6062.

The Hive Bangkok 46/9 Sukhumvit Soi 49

22 Steps Cocktail Bar The new face on Wireless Rd. offers free-flow wine every Friday 6-9pm and B599 with 25-percent discount on selected beverages at the same hours every day.

Hotel Indigo Bangkok. 81 Wireless Rd., 02-207-4999

Deals Third Anniversary Celebration Sofitel So Bangkok celebrates its third anniversary from Feb1-Apr30. Get 33 percent discount on food and beverages every Wednesday at Red Oven, Park Society and Chocolab.

Sofitel So Bangkok, 2 Sathorn Nua Rd., 02-624-0000. MRT Lumphini

Advertise your business with us ­ starting from B5,000

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

2 Michelin Star Extravaganza with Chef Bruno Oger Michelin-star French chef Bruno Oger, of La Villa Archange presents his chef’s table from Feb 24-28 at Viu. The set menus range from at B2,100-B6,900. Wine pairing is B2,000 extra. Available both lunch and dinner.

The St. Regis Bangkok 159 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-207-7777. BTS Ratchadamri

Bamboo Chic

The Unusual Night with Hendrick’s Gin Two hours of free-flow Hendrick’s gin cocktails by mixologist Zachary Cornor de Git featuring the house chef’s special menu at Bamboo Chic Bar. Feb 26, 7-9pm. B1,200 Reservations at 02-2328888 or email: fbadmin.lmbkk@lemeridien.com.

Le Méridien Bangkok, Surawong Rd., 02-2328888

Happy Hours

New Venues Babette’s The Steakhouse Hotel Muse welcomes a new steakhouse with Australian, US and Japanese meat, and an art deco interior.

Hotel Muse, 55/555 Langsuan Rd., 02-6304000

Taper The chef from Le Du has opened a new brunch restaurant offering Western dishes with Thai twists.

Taper, G/F, 44/11 Thonglor Soi 13. BTS Thonglor

Ladies’ Night Coyote Mexican Bar & Grill is now back after a closedown of all its old branches, bringing with it the free-flow margarita Thursdays that run from 6-8pm.

Sukhumvit Soi 14, 02-653-3900. Open daily 11:30-1am. BTS Asok

After Work is Hot Every Mon-Thu from 5-9pm, Woobar offers buy 1-get-1 on all wines, beers and cocktails. Through Mar 31

Who’s going to make the cut this year?

Sign up for Bites & Blends e-newsletter to get more updates www.bkmagazine.com/ newsletters

Room 29/1, The Prime 11, Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-651-3313. BTS Nana

Hemingway’s From 12-8pm, Sat-Sun, all house spirits are just B100. Come between 4-6pm on Tue for half price on all small plates.

Coming Soon in March

Abbot

Abbot A Californian-inspired restaurant and bar from some of the team formerly behind the legendary Bed Supperclub.

253/2 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 02-258-6250

Lobby/F, W Bangkok, 106 Sathorn Rd., 02-344-4000. BTS Chong Nonsi

updates on Bangkok’s dining scene THE BITES & BLENDS NEWSLETTER The latestwww.bkmagazine.com/newsletters 26

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bites FOOD REVIEWS

Kram HHHH Thai. 113 Sukhumvit Soi 39 (Sukhumvit), 02-2588170. Open Tue-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:3010pm; Sat-Sun 11am-11pm. Corkage charge B300. B-BB F

Tucked away in the back-alleys of the internationally-flavored Sukhumvit Soi 39, Kram does unfussy Thai dishes in a setting that’s a real urban escape. The restaurant is the brainchild of Supreecha Junsunjai, the heir of the famous chain B aan Ying Cafe & Meal, who has converted a retro white house and filled its spacious garden with bean bags, picnic-style seating and hanging light bulbs. It’s not just a pretty picture, though, as the kitchen serves up a very solid array of classic Thai dishes, including some much-sought-after Southern recipes. First off, we’re especially glad that the flavors aren’t too sweet, as is sadly often the case in this part of town.

The gaeng kua poo bai chaploo (curry

Viet-Hue Kitchen HHHH Vietnamese. 42 Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Rd., 0 2- 6 3 5 - 0 1 2 2 . O p e n d a i l y 1 0 a m -1 0 p m .

BTS Chong Nonsi. B-BB

While rarely mentioned in the same breath as Vietnamese & More and Le Dalat when it comes to Bangkok’s best Vietnamese restaurants, this poky joint does have a loyal following who will vouch for it, largely on the grounds of authenticity. Viet-Hue Kitchen is around five years old, but looks older, and welcomes a steady stream of Lower Silom office-workers and bright-eyed tourists into its cozy, canteen-like interior of mirrors and Vietnamese trinkets. We like the throwback soundtrack of 50s rockabilly and murder ballads. We like its allusions to regionspecific cuisine (Hue is a city in central Vietnam), even if it only manifests in a couple of dishes. But charm can only take you so far. The main problem is a lack of fresh produce—the backbone of good Vietnamese food—evident from the customary bowl of greens served with most dishes, which tends to show too much

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.

with crabmeat and wild betel leaf, B340) doesn’t come in the thick curry we expect, but still delivers a well-rounded saltiness, with just a hint of sweetness from the betel leaves. The crab chunks are delicious and plentiful, too. Another addictive dish is the pak lieng pad khai (stir-fried melinjo leaves with eggs, B160), which, apart from the super-fresh leaves, comes with lots of crispy dried shrimps for a delightful, crunchy texture.

It’s these little touches that impress us the most. The pla rak gluay pad prik khing (stir-fried horseface loach with sweet chili paste, B220) makes you wonder how they imbued the tiny fish with such bursts of herbal flavor. Even classic pub grub like the laab moo tord (deep-fried minced pork with herbs, B140) is surprisingly delicate and aromatic. There are some dishes that don’t quite hit the heights, like the stirfried crab with yellow chili (B340), which is just a little one-dimensional.

But like most of the menu, dessert is simple and satisfying, offering a variety of Thai ice cream flavors (B85) like coconut ice cream with a frankincense aroma or Thai tea with crunchy khao tang (rice cracker). The best news is they’re now getting serious about their booze, too, with a lengthy wine list, some craft beers and a few standard cocktails. There aren’t too many places like Kram in the center of town, and we’re left wondering why.

brown for our liking. Aesthetics aside, there’s a real lack of dynamism throughout the menu. The goi ga (chicken salad, B100) is a decent palate-cleanser but could be zestier given it’s little more than shredded chicken doused in lime and sesame. The beef pho is priced at an overly-reasonable B90, and tastes just like a budget version with its watery, bland broth. Similarly disappointing is the noodle soup, bun bo Hue (pork or beef, B100/120), which tastes a little disarmingly of Mama tomyum.

Another classic, the banh cuon (steamed rice sheets with minced pork, B100), is overcooked and under-seasoned, dry and chewy, even if the wood ear mushrooms are pretty tasty. When in doubt stick to the deep-fried offerings: the chao tom (minced shrimp on fried sugarcane skewer, B190) is much crispier than we’ve tried before, but that’s not a bad thing. Sprinkled with sesame, and very shrimp-y tasting, they’re a solid drinking snack. The deep-fried spring rolls (B120), too, are meatier than most.

There are no complaints about the cooking oil, either, which smells and tastes fresh, but the overall flavor is still solid rather than spectacular. We’d rather not bash what’s evidently a humble, family-run affair, but there’s not a lot to recommend about VietHue unless you find yourself stuck near BTS Chong Nonsi around lunchtime. In that case, we can recommend the no-nonsense combination of Vietnamese drip coffee and cha gio bun (dry rice noodles served with fried spring rolls, B100).

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 BK Magazine Friday, February 20, 2015

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now Park Life

State of Play

This 12-hour, open-air music festival doesn’t just feature one of the world’s best DJs, Sven Vath of Ibiza’s Cocoon, but also gourmet food by Water Library and Lady Brett, and even a lake to go swimming. It all happens out of town at Pathum Thani on Saturday, Feb 21, when 2,000 partygoers descend on the Thai Wake Park for Kolour in the Park. See MUSIC FESTIVALS, page 32.

Gene Kasidit, aka President of Dudesweet Country, invites you to enter her kingdom, The Parti Republique du Dudesweet (3/F Siam Center) this Friday Feb 20. All citizens can expect to dance to the national anthems of hip-hop, R&B, pop, dance and indie rock till late. Free bar from 6-9pm. Come dressed in your best professional wear. See NIGHTLIFE, this page.

Seoul Man Be prepared for lots of screaming fangirls at Impact Arena this Saturday, Feb 21, when the pint-sized member of K-pop sensation Big Bang finally lands in Bangkok for 2015 Taeyang World Tour “Rise” in Bangkok. Don’t know what the fuss is about?

Rise was the highest charting K-pop album by a solo artist of all time, entering the Billboard Hot 200 chart in 2014.

See MUSIC, page 29.

Belle of the Ball This Feb 24 sees the official stage musical of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast raise the curtain at Muang Thai Rachadalai Theatre.

The show’s been running for 13 years now, scooping up plenty of awards from around the world in the process. See STAGE, page 30.

Culture Tour Still don’t know where all the cool galleries are? Explore the Silom/Charoenkrung art scene under the guidance of indie-artcrowd insiders on the Chinese New Year Gallery Hopping Night this Feb 20. They’ll be visiting 13 of the city’s coolest galleries, including Jam, Bridge, Cho Why and Soy Sauce Factory, for art shows, talks, drinks and music. See ART, page 30.

NIGHTLIFE Dudesweet Country The party organizer turns the 3/F of Siam Center into The Parti Republique du Dudesweet.

All its citizens can party with the country's president: Gene Kasidit. Free bar from 6-9pm.

Dress code is Professionals. Feb 20, 8pm.

Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd. BTS Siam. Free.

Mario & Thabo Getsome

Whisgars Silom

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The Inhale Exhale party series welcomes Mario Aureo and Thabo Getsome, plus local support from Moodwax and Boris Rubin, to play house, techno and electronica. Feb 20, 9:30pm. Glow, 96/4-5 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 02261-3007, 02-261-4446. B400 (one free drink).

MRT Sukhumvit.

Chinese New Year Extravaganza The Club Lounge celebrates the Year of the Goat with a two-day Chinese New Year party, featuring masked magicians, traditional lion dance, and a special ang bao lucky draw for a one-night stay at X2 Kui Buri and Koh Samui, inclusive of Champagne breakfast for two. Reserve your tables at 02-108-2000.

Feb 20-21, 9pm. Ku Bar (Ku De Ta), 39 & 40/F, Sathorn Square, 98, 02-108-2000. Free.

BTS Chong Nonsi.

The Launch of Noche International The whiskey-cigar bar presents a new Saturday night party in the spirit of Latin America. Expect salsa, mambo, cambia and afro Cuban jazz, with mojitos, daiquiris and Cuba Libres (2-for-1 from 9-10pm). Reservations at rsvpsilom@whisgars.com or 02-630-1997.

Feb 21, 9pm. Whisgars Silom, 981 Silom Rd. BTS Surasak.

Berlin Beats DJs Masa Niwayama, NKchan, Agathe Casati and Luke Rielly play deep house, with support by The Outsider and Andrea Settesoldi.

Feb 21, 10pm. Glow, 96/4-5 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 02-261-3007, 02-261-4446. 350 one free drink. MRT Sukhumvit.

Mela Party @ Grease A party with DJs Krit Morton, Kova O' Sarin and special guests Wintix and Messie Joe, promising new house/techno vibes. Feb 21, 10pm. Grease, Opposite Villa Supermarket, 46/12-13 Sukhumvit Soi 49, 02-662-61201. Free.

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now Chill Out in Space.2 The art gallery hosts a night of improv music jams and live painting, featuring Kota Amatuti Taki, DJ To-Ru and Ryuhei Asano. Feb 22, 6pm. GOJA Gallery CafĂŠ, 5/2 Pridi Soi 3, 085-848-7576. B200. BTS Phra Khanong.

Assemble Presents Space Party at Aftermoon The first party for the newbie organizer takes place in an intergalactic atmosphere, with a Thai DJ lineup of Yeppedz, Ryla, Lightingenergy, MCCullen and MC Bitefatty.

Lots of giveaways all night. Wear black. Feb 25, 9pm. Aftermoon@71, Lad Phrao Soi 71, 084-700-6333. Free.

Sick Individuals at Levels After successful performances at Sensation and Waterzonic, the techno DJ duo return with even more lights and LED visuals.

Tickets available at the door all night, with support from DJs Yukie, Fameway, Peter Fields and Dumo B2B. Reserve your table at info@levelsclub.com or 082-308-3246.

Feb 26, 9pm. Levels, 6/F, Aloft Hotel, 35 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 082-308-3246. BTS Nana.

B800 (two free drinks before 11pm, one free drink after).

MUSIC

gigs Pause Live at Parking Toys A music tribute for Jo, lead singer of the band, who passed away 12 years ago. Expect performances by Flure, Cresendo, Patcha and Boy Tri. Feb 20, 10:30pm. Parking Toys, 17/22 Ram Indra Soi 14, 02-907-2228. B350.

Smoke Live! "The Happy Garden" An intimate music gig in the garden of the restaurant, featuring performances by Sky Donkey, Exit Bird, Smoke n Bone, Zweedz n' Roll and North & West. There will also be stalls selling handmade and vintage items, and books.

Feb 21, 4pm. Shimi Shabu Restaurant, 22 Pradiphat Soi 19, 02-357-1390. B200. BTS Saphan Khwai.

TK Park Music Ed.2015 The Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band plays its unique Isaan sounds and funky rhythms under the theme "Molam Go Inter."

Post-concert talk with the band members. Feb 21, 4:30pm. TK Park, 8/F, CentralWorld, 999/9 Rama 1 Rd., 02-257-4300. BTS Chit Lom. Free.

Soulgasm Thailand

Plastic Section Album Launch

Boy Thai Band in the Park

The Bangkok rock band unveils its new album, Combination Special, with a guest live performances by Triggs & the Longest Day and DJ Tat and DJ Plastic spinning vinyl. Feb 21, 8pm.

Jam, 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 083-5451-833.

Free. BTS Surasak.

Thai fusion band plays samba, reggae, hip-hop and R&B in the park, using traditional Thai instruments, with guest guitarist Kiti Guitar Gun. More information at 02-234-0147. Mar 1, 5:30pm. Lumpini Park, Rama 4.

Soft Opening Blue Dye Cafe Acoustic Night An acoustic evening with Shane Palko, Fwends, Gardener Twins and Youth Brush. Free drinks from 5pm-7pm. Feb 21, 5pm. Blue Dye Cafe, Sukhumvit Soi 36. Free. BTS Thong Lo.

Take me to the MoonRock Music by five alternative indie bands: Inspirative, Kinetic, Count the Thief, Fits and Follows.

Feb 26, 8pm. Play Yard by Studio Bar, Lad Phrao Soi 8, 081-173-3616. B250. MRT Phahon Yothin.

Don't Sit Down: "As I Like to See It" De Glamingo open this night of indie performances, followed by Poomjit, Monomania, Secret Tea Party and Medicine Men, as well as special sessions from Dsdpeople and DJ Ohhcomeon. Earlybird tickets B200, available at LINE: Thunderstp. Feb 28, 7pm. Play Yard

by Studio Bar, Lad Phrao Soi 8, 081-173-3616.

MRT Phahon Ypthin. B250.

The Windbreaks Party by Wanderlust Five local indie bands perform till late at the rooftop bar, including Hariguem Zaboy and Plot. Tickets available at the door. Mar 7, 7pm. Wanderlust, 5/F, Nakiya Japanese Restaurant Building, Thonglor Soi 13, 086655-5328. B150.

concerts 2015 Taeyang World Tour "Rise" in Bangkok The pint-sized member of Korean pop-group sensation Big Bang comes to Bangkok to perform his first full-scale solo concert. Feb 21, 5pm. Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd., 02-833-4455. B1,800-6,000 from Thaiticketmajor.

Sadao Watanabe Group 2015 in Bangkok One of Japan's most successful jazz saxophonists brings over his crew for a night of charming

The notorious Sin Sin Bar NYC party comes to Bangkok, featuring guest DJs Luiz of Ku De Ta and Future of the Shaman spinning house, soul and funk. Pay B500 entry for six free beers. Feb 27, 9:30pm. Grease, Opposite Villa Supermarket, 46/12-13 Sukhumvit Soi 49, 02-662-6120-1. B300 one free drink.

Incubus Live in Bangkok The multi-platinum-selling alternative rock band performs hits like "Drive," "Are You In?" and "Love Hurts" ahead of the release of their next album in late 2015. Doors open at 6pm. Mar 11, 7pm. Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd., 02-833-4455. B1,500-3,000 from Thaiticketmajor.

Mogwai Live in Bangkok 2015 After their last sold-out show in 2011, the veteran Scottish post-rock band returns to Bangkok with music from their latest album, Rave Tapes. Mar 13, 8pm. Moonstar Studio, 701 Lad Phrao Soi 80 (Lad Phrao), 02-539-3881. B1,500 from Thaiticketmajor.

Arch Enemy Live in Bangkok The Swedish death metal group goes on tour with its new guitarist Jeff Loomis and new lead singer Alissa White-Gluz from Canada.

Doors open 30 minutes before the show.

Mar 14, 6pm. Hollywood Hall Ratchada, Ratchadaphisek Soi 8 (Ratchadaphisek).

B1,500 from Thaiticketmajor. MRT Thailand Cultural Centre.

One Direction On The Road Again Tour The British boy group that needs no introduction returns to Bangkok after two years for a mega-scale concert as part of their tour of Asia and Australia. Expect the stadium to be filled with screaming teenage Thai fangirls. Doors open at 5pm. Mar 14, 8pm.

Rajamangala National Stadium, Sports Authority of Thailand, 286 Ramkhamhaeng Rd., 02-369-0999. B1,800-10,000.

Dope As Funk "Boombox Classics" DJs Luck-E, Karl Andy and Unda take over Wine Bibber's disco floor, with support from guest DJ Tommy Nori. Feb 27, 10pm. Wine Bibber Sangria, Ekkamai Soi 2, 02-7140709. B300 (one free drink). BTS Ekkamai.

The One & Only 10 years of Aof Pongsak Concert The Academy Fantasia finalist performs two rounds of full-scale solo concerts, including the biggest hits from his 10-year music career. Mar 14-15, 7pm. Royal Paragon Hall, 5/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02610-8023. B1,500-3,500 from Thaiticketmajor.

Sunblock Pool Party by Drunken Monkeys The first pool party by the Drunken Monkeys collective, featuring a DJ lineup of Georges Lg, Bosz Overbrothers, Mongkiiz and Kzcatz.

Expect latin house, electro and hip-hop, with plenty of burgers and drinks. Feb 28, 2pm. Radisson Blu Plaza Bangkok, 489 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-302-3333. BTS Asok.

classical Concert in the Park - Continuation of Series 22

Carhartt presents "Tempo Live!"

Black White and Techno: Live Streaming of Underground Music Night Out

The final event in the series sees Bangkok Symphony Orchestra perform popular tunes from a wide range of genres at Lumpini Park's Sala Bhirom Bhakdi. Note: Alcohol is not permitted. Feb 22, 5:30pm. Lumpini Park, Rama 4 Rd. Free. MRT Lumpini.

DJs Montonn Jira, Nolens. Volens, Sunju Hargun and Krit Morton spin underground techno music. Live streaming of the music session will be available to watch at www. tempobkk.com. Mar 6, 7:30pm. Groove, Rama 1 Rd., 02-264-5555. B300 (one free drink). BTS Siam.

Das Lied von der Erde This personal Mahler piece is performed by the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra, with support from vocalists Rafal Zurakowski and Sylwia Zlotkowska. Pre-concert talk 45 minutes before the show starts. B100 for students. Feb 20, 7pm; Feb 21, 4pm. Prince Mahidol Hall, Mahidol University (Salaya Campus), 25/25 Buddhamonthon Sai 4 Rd. B300-500 from Thaiticketmajor.

Prik Nam Plar Beat - Vol.000 Japanese DJs lee (Asano + Ryuhei), ArÂľ-2, Yoshizawa (DJ To-Ru ) and Target - C meet Thai DJ BrokenYaakbeat for a night of live electronic beats, soul, jazz, funk and triphop. Video art by Napat Lueangtrakul. Mar 7, 7pm. Jam, 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 0835451-833. B100. BTS Surasak.

Piano & Violin Recital by Makoto Ueno & Yoichiro Ueno

POP-UP MARKETS NYLON HIGH STREET FESTIVAL

Nylon magazine hosts a flea market/music festival over the weekend, with lots of celebrity stalls and Thai designer brands like Vickteerut and lalalove as well as online brands Pomelo, Zalora and over 130 more. Live performances from 5pm onwards by Plastic Plastic, Slur, The Jukks and Polycat. Feb 21-22, 2pm.

LOL MARKET EP. 1 A BIG LAUGH ON A BUSY STREET

150 local designer brands and social media stores sell clothes, jewelry and accessories, alongside all the usual Bangkok food trucks. Feb 20-22, 12pm.

TGIF MARKET (THANK GOD IT'S FLEA MARKET)

Mother Trucker

jazz music as a part of his 2015 world tour.

Doors open at 6pm. Mar 4, 7pm. Royal Paragon Hall, 5/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-8023. B500-3,500.

Poporoni

With a new theme of "Playground for Urbanista," the successful pop-up market brings together celebrity stalls, the biggest Instagram fashion vendors and some great local designers. Expect hundreds of tents taking over the entire square of CentralWorld. Feb 28-Mar 1, 11am.

The experienced pianist and professionally trained 12-year-old violinist perform a program of Handel, Bach, Mozart and Beethoven, to name a few. Proceeds go towards the Gift of Life Foundation. Tickets available at www.salasudasirisobha.com. Feb 21, 6:30pm. Sala Sudasiri Sobha, Lad Phrao Soi 41, 02-541-8662. B500.

Charity Concert Series Vol.7 "Pray for Japan" A charity concert organized by the Japanese Embassy, with proceeds going to Japan Red Cross. Expect classical performances by Thai and Japanese artists on a variety of intruments all night long, with jazz vocals

by Mimi and Frank Herrgot. No advance booking required, but donations strongly encouraged. Feb 22, 3:30pm. The Okura Prestige Bangkok, Park Venture Ecoplex, 57 Rd., +66(0)26879000. Free. BTS Phloen Chit.

CentralWorld, Rama 1 Rd., 02-613-1778, 02-613-1774. BTS Chit Lom.

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now Chinese New Year Gallery Hopping Night

LADIES’ NIGHTS

The popular self-guided tour of galleries around Silom/Charoenkrung is back, with special events planned at each participating art space. More details at www.fb.com/galleryhoppingbkk. Feb 20, 5pm. Free.

Looking to have a good time with the girls? Head to these places Wednesday-Friday.

Crossover: The Unveiled Collection The gallery's main exhibition for the first half of 2015 explores how Thai art has been collected throughout history. Exhibits range from well-known pieces to the work of previously underrated artists, amassed from the collections of both private individuals and organizations. Feb 20-Jun 14, 9am. Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), 939 Rama 1 Rd., 02-214-6630-8. BTS National Stadium.

Street Feelings Ku De Ta

WEDNESDAY GOLDEN WEDNESDAY

For somewhere affordable but sophisticated right in the center of town, head over to the sky bar and lounge Axis & Spin. The panoramic view of the city at night is great, and so are the unlimited free drinks for ladies from 8:30pm-midnight to the sounds of live sax and DJ performances.

38&39/F, The Continent Hotel Bangkok, 413 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-686-7000. BTS Asok

CRUSH WEDNESDAYS WITH THE BANGKOK INVADERS

Who says you can’t have a great time if it’s not the weekend? Ladies can get their mid-week dance fix at the Club Lounge of Ku De Ta, with free-flow sparkling wine from 9pm-midnight, while DJs Ono and Buddha of the Bangkok Invaders play R&B and hip-hop hits.

39/F, Sathorn Square Complex. 98 Sathorn Rd., 02-108-2000. BTS Chong Nonsi

HI-SO LADIES’ NIGHT

For the rest of February, the 30/F rooftop bar Hi-So at Sofitel So Bangkok is offering ladies one hour of free-flow Petalo il Vino dell’Amore Moscato, also known as the Wine of Love, every Wednesday from 7-8pm. Make it after 8pm and you’ll still get a complimentary glass of sparkling wine through 10pm, as well as other great drink deals like B250 cocktails and B900 bottles of wine for the rest of the night.

30/F, Sofitel So Bangkok, 2 Sathorn Rd., 02-624-0000. MRT Lumphini

MUSIC/CONTINUED Baroque Musicke Bangkok Jacopo Gianninoto plays lute and baroque guitar, Alberto Firrincieli plays the harpsichord, Khomtham Domrongchareon plays the viola da gamba and Chot Buasuwan plays the violin in this collaboration featuring rare baroque pieces by composers like J.H. Kapsperger, G. Pittoni, D. Ortiz and J. Playford. B300 for students and members of the library. Reservations at neilson.library@gmail.com. Feb 22, 7:30pm. Neilson Hays Library, 195 Surawong Rd., 02-233-1731. B500.

Korean-Thai-German Piano Concert Award-winning German-Korean pianist Caroline Fischer performs at this networking night for the Korean, Thai and German business communities, in the presence of the German and Korean ambassadors. The price includes a Champagne-and-canapes reception, finger food buffet and wines. Limited to only 350 guests. Feb 26, 6pm. Sofitel Sukhumvit Bangkok, 289 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-126-9999.

B3,500. BTS Nana.

BSO 2015: Clara-Jumi Kang plays Saint-Saens The German-Korean violinist who's performed with the Hamburg Symphony Orchestra joins the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra for a program of Ravel, Saint-Saens and Dvorak. Feb 28, 8pm. Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Rd., 02-262-3456. B400-2,000 from Thaiticketmajor. MRT Thailand Cultural Centre.

music festivals Bangkok Betty

Winter Jazz and Arts Festival

Coyote Mexican Bar & Grill is now back after closing all its old branches, and we’re super excited that it’s brought back the free-flow margarita Thursdays that run from 6-8pm.

Jazz performances by hot local acts, many from the Phra Athit bar Jazz Happens and The Voice, with art exhibitions from Silpakorn University, art and music workshops and plenty of other stalls. Tickets can be purchased at 02-282-9934 and 084-450-0505. Feb 28, 4:30pm. National Gallery, 4 Chao Fah Rd., 02-282-2639-40. B250.

Room 29/1, The Prime 11, Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-651-3313. BTS Nana

Duck & Noodle's Boat Party

THURSDAY LADIES’ NIGHT

PINK THURSDAY

Launched at the end of last month, Bangkok Betty’s brand new ladies' night gets you three free cocktails from a choice of margarita, mojito and Long Island through 10pm. DJs V:2K12 and Crooze Kutz provide the hip-hop and R&B. G/F Holiday Inn, 1 Sukhumvit Soi 22. 02-663-4223. BTS Phrom Phong

The party boat returns to the Chao Phraya River, with live music on the upper deck by Yellow Fang, Degaruda and Yena, and underground house and techno sounds on the lower deck by DJs David Chong, Benoit C. and Mandy Indigo. Food vendors like Mad Moa will also be present, with other fun activities onboard.

B500 tickets at the door before 11pm. Mar 7, 8pm. Charoenkrung 80. B600.

STAGE

dance Butoh Decade: The 10th International Butoh Festival Thailand 2015 Woobar

FRIDAY GIRLS NIGHT OUT

Our favorite Friday night pick goes to Woobar at W Hotel. Free-flow sparkling wine from 7:30-9:30pm means that you won’t break the bank with a night at Ku De Ta afterwards. Too lazy to move to the club? From now through March, the bar also promises live beats by resident DJs Tripop and Toru through midnight.

Lobby/F, W Bangkok, 106 Sathorn Rd., 02-344-4000. BTS Chong Nonsi

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In celebration of its 10-year anniversary, the special dance festival features workshops (B500-1,000) and a one-off live performance by international performers Yumiko Yoshioka, Miguel Camarero, Sainkho Namtchylak and special guests. Suggested donation for performances: B500 (B400 for students). Reservations at 089-167-4039 or email bkkbutoh@gmail.com. Mar 7, 14-15, 2pm; Mar 13, 6pm; Mar 15, 8pm. Pridi Banomyong Institute, B-Floor Room, Sukhumvit Soi 55, 02-3813860-1, 08-67877155. Free.

musicals Company by Stephen Sondheim The new Manhattan-based musical comedy by the Music Theatre Department of Mahidol University adapts the six-time Tony Award-winning play. Performance in English, with Thai subtitles and live orchestra. Reserve your tickets at 095-960-7235. Feb 26-28, 7pm; Feb 28, 1pm. Mahidol University (Salaya Campus), Music Auditorium, College of Music, 25/25 Buddhamonthon Sai 4 Rd., 02-800-2525/-34 ext. 154-5. B300-1,500.

theater In Outer Space Four short plays by four aspiring female playwrights take you on a symbolic journey through the Satellite, the Moon, Pluto and the Black Hole. Ticket reservations at 081-9294246 or www.fb.com/crescentmoontheatre.

Feb 23, 26-2, 8pm. Crescent Moon Space, 65/1 Sukhumvit 55 (Thonglor), 02-3813860.

B400. BTS Thong Lo.

Gruesome Playground Injuries

Luong Trung/Street Feelings A solo exhibition by the young Vietnamese contemporary artist, showing the changes to Hanoi, Vietnam, and its art scene over the years. Opens on Feb 20, when the gallery will remain open late in collaboration with the Silom/Charoenkrung Gallery-Hopping night.

Feb 20-Apr 20, 10:30am. Artha Gallery, 5-7 Charoen Krung Soi 36, 02-630-9489..

Ready, Set, Go! An exhibition of ready-made art objects, taken from different cultures in Southeast Asia.

Curated by Kritsada Duchsadeevanich. Feb 25-Mar 27, 9am. The Art Center, 7/F, Center of Academic Resources, Chulalongkorn University, Phaya Thai Rd., 02-2182-965.

State of the Ridiculous Tuksina Pipitkul and Wantanee Siripattananuntakul's new installation takes over the gallery's main space, as well as H Project Space, as this playful exhibtiion questions how we relate to circumstances in the contemporary world. Feb 26-Apr 26, 10am. H Gallery, 201 Sathorn Soi 12, 085-021-5508.

The play by 2010 Pulitzer finalist Rajiv Joseph tells a story of love and destruction spanning 30 years. Starring Siree Riewpaiboon and Jaime Zuniga. Directed by Peter O'Neill. Play in English with Thai subtitles. Reserve your tickets at www.peelthelimelight.com. B500 for students. Through Mar 1, 7:30pm. Jasmine City Building, 2 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 02-204-5888. B550.

We Goat It

Crossing Nirvana

Couple Simon and Anna showcase their ready-to-wear clothing line, with six hours of their favorite tunes in the background, as well as a live cave painting session with a video shooting. Feb 22, 6pm. Jam, 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 083-5451-833. Free. BTS Surasak.

Veteran actor Sornchai Chatwiriyachai presents his first original play with an experienced cast, bringing together Shylock from Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice and a notorious Thai financier in a story that looks at societal pressures and justice. Details at 089554-9865 and 089-690-0442. Feb 27-Mar 2, 8pm; Mar 6-9, 8pm. Democrazy Theatre Studio, 1034/29-30 Soi Saphankhu, Rama 4 Rd., 089-126-7112, 081-441-5718. B500.

MRT Lumphini.

Disney's Beauty and the Beast The Original Broadway Musical The award-winning production returns to Bangkok after 13 years of successful performances. Shows run Tue-Sun. 2pm performances every weekend. Feb 24-Mar 15, 7:30pm. Muang Thai Rachadalai Theatre, 4/F, The Esplanade, 99 Ratchadaphisek Rd., 02-262-3456. B1,000-4,000 from Thaiticketmajor. MRT Thailand Cultural Centre.

ART

opening Artist Talk: Sus Zwick and Muda Mathis on Collaboration/Video/ Performance The Swiss duo, current members of woman's performance band Les Reines Prochaines, discuss collaboration in video, performance and sound projects. Feb 21, 7pm. WTF Gallery & Cafe, 7 Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-662-6246.

BTS Thong Lo. Free.

Asano Solo Show Bangkok-based Japanese illustrator Asano Ryuhei presents a solo exhibition, with 20 limited-edition screenprints, framed and signed, now available at B2,200 each. Email the organizer at thomasmenard31@gmail. com. Feb 20, 8pm. Soy Sauce Factory, 11/1 Charoenkrung Soi 24, 081-301-2669.

Seven artists transform the old walls of the townhouse next to the tapas bar into colorful pieces, and create new artworks, for a threeday flash art exhibition in celebration of the Year of the Goat. Through Feb 21, 7pm. El Chiringuito, 221 Soi Nana, Charoen Krung Rd., 086-340-4791. MRT Hua Lamphong.

From Yoyo to Miu

ongoing À Paris Photo Exhibition The cute cafe known for its imported coffee beans hosts a new art exhibition by Add Peerapat, who captured the beauty of the French capital through his favorite Rolleiflex.

Through Mar 17, 6:30pm. Ink & Lion Cafe, 1/7 Ekkamai Soi 2, 091-559-0994. BTS Ekkamai.

The Aesthetic of Colours in Siam Wattana Poolcharoen's impressionist painting exhibition depicts natural landscapes and the beauty of Thai culture. Through Mar 15.

Pikture Gallery, 47/1 Sukhumvit Soi 49, 02-662-8359.

Amour: The Art Exhibition The art studio/cafe hosts a group exhibtiion by 10 Thai artists. Opens on Valentine's Day with a beer and barbecue party. Through Apr 14, 9am. Kalwit Studio & Gallery, Wireless Soi 2 (Ruam Rudi).

Anxiety of Corvus Young artist Rook Floro expresses his emotional anxieties through symbolic drawings and art installations. Through Mar 7. Numthong Gallery, 72/3 Paholyothin 7 Soi 5 (Ari), 02-617-2794.

Barry x Ball: Portraits and Photos The Californian sculptor who's shown his dramatic marble busts at the MOMA (NY, USA) and the Venice Biennale. Here he also shows images of his past installations. Through Mar 29. 100 Tonson Gallery, 100 Soi Tonson, Ploenchit Rd., 02-684-1527. BTS Phloen Chit.

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now HAPPENINGS

UPCOMING MUSIC FESTIVALS

design exhibitions

Winter music festival season isn't over just yet. Through the end of March, there are heaps of large-scale music events in and out of Bangkok.

Design Object Movement: Indonesia - the Philippines The mini exhibition selects selects local, creative design products from Indonesia and the Philippines that have been adapted to meet global trends, as well as global products that have been adapted to meet local tastes.

Through Mar 31, 10:30am. Thailand Creative and Design Center (TCDC), 6/F, The Emporium, 662 Sukhumvit Soi 24, 02-6648448. Free. BTS Phrom Phong.

Disquiet

foodie event

Kolour in the Park

ART/CONTINUED Clairvoyance HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's new mixed-subject photography exhibition, takes its title from the traditional Thai epic Inao.

Through Mar 8. Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), 939 Rama 1 Rd., 02214-6630-8. BTS National Stadium.

Cynical Bear in Bangkok Maya Music Festival

KOLOUR IN THE PARK WITH SVEN VATH

The Kolour crew hosts their biggest afternoon outdoor party to date on Feb 21, with a maximum capacity of 2,000, picturesque views of rice fields and three lakes (one for swimming) at the open-air venue. Expect 12 hours of gourmet food, art, and an exclusive live performance by the renowned German DJ Väth, founder of Ibiza's Cocoon parties. Others confirmed to play include DJs Nakadia and Sunju Hargun. Tickets available at www.kolourinthepark.com. Limited B1,100 tickets available at the door.

Thai Wake Park, 18/4 Soi Sudsawas, Lieab Klong 6 Rd. Prathum Thani. 02-904-7722

LALALAND BY INHALE EXHALE

Korean artist Koo Yeon Mo documents changes in society from the 70s onwards through a series of cynical bear illustrations. Through Mar 19. Artery Post-Modern Gallery, Room B09, B1/F, Silom Galleria Building, 919/1 Silom Soi 19 (Silom).

Disquiet Chiang Mai-based British artist Will Klose presents a series of realistic paintings based on his suburban London memories. Through Mar 31. G1 Contemporary, G/F Gaysorn Plaza, 085-021-5508. BTS Chit Lom.

Encounters

Viva Aviv, B/F, River City Shopping Complex, 23 Yotha Rd., 02-639-6305

German-Thai photographer Benya Hegenbarth's new fashion and portrait photography documents moments with people who've made an immediate emotional impact on him. Through Mar 6, 6:30pm. Soy Sauce Factory, 11/1 Charoenkrung Soi 24, 092115-8696.

MAYA MUSIC FESTIVAL

Eros

The riverside bar is transformed into a festival-style daytime gypsy party on Feb 28 from 2pm onwards, with an on-site gypsy market, fortune tellers, a spiritual corner, art displays, sunset meditation, food, specialized cocktails and live performances curated by the Inhale Exhale crew.

Here’s the next big one for fans of Ultra and Waterzonic. Ex-member of the legendary Swedish House Mafia Steve Angello headlines this massive EDM festival on Mar 7. Other big names include Markus Schulz and Vicetone, with support from local electro DJs Ono, 22Bullets, Machina and Paulie. General tickets at B2,500 and VIP tickets at B4,000, which come with two free drinks, access to a private lounge area, private restroom and fast-lane privilege.

11th Infantry Regiment, King's Guard, Phahon Yothin Rd. www.mayamusicfestival.com

PARADISE FEST

JJ Mall welcomes the city’s alt crowd on Mar 14 from 3pm-midnight for 10 hours of hard rocking by local acts like Ebola, Sweet Mullet, Retrospect, Lomosonic and Kluay Thai. Tickets are B900, purchase five tickets to get one free.

Don’t forget to wear black.

6/F, JJ Mall, Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd. 061-414-5265. BTS Mo Chit, MRT Kamphaengphet

SUNSILK PERFECT STRAIGHT PRESENTS

Impact Arena transforms into a UFO Dance Arena on Mar 28, welcoming some of the biggest local pop and rock acts around like Potato, Tattoo Colour, Joey Boy, DJ Spydamonkee and Tata Young, as well as one of our fave party organizers, Trasher Bangkok. Miss Thailand World 2014 Maeya will be a special guest. General tickets are B800, but a Sunsilk product receipt of B500 or more gets you a B300 ticket (only available at Thaiticketmajor outlets).

Impact Arena, Popular Rd., 02-833-4455

A contemporary exhibition on different interpretations of love and passion by three artists: Joel Moens from Belgium, Bilou from France and Sos from Thailand. Through Feb 28, 7pm. Hof Art Space, W District, Sukhumvit Soi 69-71.

Exhibition of Paintings by Michaël Deloffre The French artist, whose previous works have been shown across 40 countries, presents 20 abstract paintings. Through Mar 8. Golden Tortoise Gallery, 100 Sukhumvit Soi 49, 02662-5600.

Flotsam & Jetsam Deborah Coffey's mixed-media exhibition fills the walls of the historic library's Rotunda Gallery. Through Feb 28. Neilson Hays Library, 195 Surawong Rd., 02-233-1731.

Fluid Abstraction For his first solo exhibition, Indonesian textile artist John Martono displays his acrylic and embroidery artworks on silk fabric. Artist reception on Feb 7 from 5-7pm. Through Mar 5, 5pm. La Lanta Fine Art, 254/14 Soi 31 (Sukhumvit), 02-260-5381, 02-204-0583.

Granny Revamps!

In the run-up to its third-year anniversary, the art space shows a documentary on its previous exhibitions and a new exhibition by former Speedy Grandma artists (titled Who Cares?). Workshops on creative entrepreneurship take place on Feb 21 (B500). Bring your own food for a music-and-picnic party (B100) on Feb 27. Through Feb 27. Speedy Grandma, 672/50-52 Charoenkrung Soi 28, 089-508-3859. Free.

OUT OF TOWN TRANG MUSIC FESTIVAL

Situated right by the beautiful Ratchamongkhon Beach in Trang Province, this festival on Mar 21 features performances by local pop acts like Lula, Singto Numchok, Lipta, Pang, 25Hours and Paradox. Tickets are B1,000, and you can party till dawn at its “sleepless party” from 1:30am.

Hope in the Darkness Bangkok artists Preecha Noulnim and Aphiphol Techamangkhalanon present a joint exhibition depicting urban life in Thai society using various media. Through Mar 29. Whitespace Gallery, 4/F, 1 Sala Daeng Soi 1/7-9. 02-2352500, 081-699-5298. MRT Lumphini.

Imply Reply: Huang Yong Ping and Sakarin Krue-on The avant-garde Chinese/French artist presents sculptures, installations and drawings from his previous collections together with the multimedia work of contemporary Bangkok artist Sakarin Krue-on. Through Apr 26.

Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), 939 Rama 1 Rd., 02-214-6630-8. BTS National Stadium.

Spring Epicurean Market The community market devoted to good food features a lineup of local vendors including the likes of Joe Sloane's Sausages and Conkey's Breads with a space for kids and live music.

Feb 22, 8am; Mar 29, 8am; Apr 26, 8am.

Spring Summer, 199 Sukhumvit Soi 39, 02392-2747/8. Free. www.springnsummer.com.

Bangkok Farmers' Market @ Siam Square One

Three internationally recognized artists— Gi-Ok Jeon, Pattree Chimnok and Melanie Gritzka del Villar—hold a multimedia group exhibition on the subject of "intimate space."

Through Apr 9, 6pm. Korean Cultural Center, 219/2 Sukhumvit Rd.

The popular weekend farmers' market resumes at its latest venue, promising organic goods, pop-up food vendors, artisanal products for the market/healthy-living enthusiasts of Bangkok. Connected to exit 4 of BTS Siam.

Feb 27-Mar 1, 9am. Siam Square One, Rama 1 Rd. Siam.

Joyful Khaen, Joyful Dance

sales & fairs

Intermezzo

The gallery explores traditional Isaan folk music and culture, and its history. Expect a variety of music and narrative performances.

Through Mar 31. Jim Thompson House Art Center, Jim Thompson House, Soi Kasem San 2, Rama 1 Rd. BTS National Stadium.

Paintbox 3 - 2xx1 Parallel Future The Phra Khanong art space/cafe's one-year anniversary coincides with a new group exhibition, featuring the work of Koutaro Ooyama (Doppel), Hideyuki Katsumata and Rukkit.

Through Mar 8. GOJA Gallery Café, 5/2 Pridi Soi 3, 085-848-7576. BTS Phra Khanong.

Thai Neotraditional Art This exhibition brings together 50 pieces of work by six Thai artists who painted the walls of Buddhapadipa Temple, the first Buddhist temple in the UK, in 1987, including Professor Panya Vijinthanasarn, last year's National Artist in Visual Arts. Through Apr 26, 10am. Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Room 499, Bejajinda Building, Wiphawadi-Rangsit Rd., 02-953-1111.

Tropikos An exhibition by three Thai artists and three Brazilian artists, working in pairs to create a unifying culture in the new "Tropikos' Land."

Through Feb 28. Hof Art Space, W District, Sukhumvit Soi 69-71. BTS Phra Khanong.

Urban Corner Saitle Ngaorsai moodily paints the reality of urban city-living, through the eyes of someone who's migrated to Bangkok. Through Mar 15, 10:30am. DOB Hualamphong Gallery, 4/F, DOB Building, 318 Rama 4 Rd., 02-237-5592/4.

What are we Drinking?

Nina Sarabutra installs 44 glass and 365 porcelain works, touching on the topic of alcohol consumption. Through Mar 14. Ardel's Third Place Gallery, 137-137/1 Thonglor Soi 10, 02 714 7929.

What Where When Why A black and white photography exhibition

by Tul Hirunyalawan depicting the artist's thoughts and emotional journey through the lens. Through Mar 8. The Jam Factory, 41/1-41/2 Charoen Nakorn Rd., 02-861-0950.

Yarn An exhibtion featuring installations by Aor Nopawan Sirivejkul and Karn Anyuda Israngkul Na Ayudhayam with performance art on Feb 27 at 7:30pm. Through Feb 28. Dialogue Coffee and Gallery, 533 Phra Sumen Rd., 084-754-8799. Free.

The 16th Thai International Travel Fair 2015 Plan ahead for the summer holiday season at this Thai travel fair, with booths by travel agencies, airlines, hotels, cruises and attractions. Prizes are also up for grabs. Feb 25-Mar 1, 10am. Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, 60 New Ratchadapisek Rd., 02-229- 3000. Free. MRT Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.

Thailand Classic & Super Car 2015 The riverside venue brings together a huge selection of hard-to-find classics and the latest sports cars on exhibition. Feb 27-Mar 8, 5pm.

Asiatique the Riverfront, 2194 Charoen Krung Rd. Free. BTS Saphan Taksin (free ferry from Sathorn Pier).

34th Thai Teaw Thai The mega-popular Thai tourism fair returns with local and international travel services and up to 70-percent discounts on accommodation, travel, car rental, cruises, spas and hotel meals. Mar 5-8, 10am. Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, 60 New Ratchadapisek Rd., 02-229- 3000. Free. MRT Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.

sports Full Metal Dojo MMA - FMD4: Once Upon a Time in Bangkok The Mixed Martial Arts action show is back in Bangkok. Former Lumphini and Ratchadamnoen Muay Thai champion Jomhod Kiatadisak takes on Cambodian world kickboxing champion Vorn Viva. Confirmed fight cards in every category. Live rock music, DJs, drink promos, food and various retail booths on-site. Show in Thai and English. Feb 21, 6pm. JJ Green, 110/46 Lad Phrao Soi 18, 086-331-5657-8.

B1,500-4,000. BTS Mo Chit.

talks BACC Special Lecture 2015 Stephen Sarrazin, a film professor, critic and curator working between Tokyo and Paris, gives a talk on the history of video art.

Mar 7's subject is The Origins: From Signal to Performance and The Recognition of Video

by Museums through the Installation. Mar 8 is on The Move from Video to Media and Film Installation. Lectures in Engilsh with Thai translation. Mar 7-8, 2pm; Mar 7, 5pm.

Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), 939 Rama 1 Rd., 02-214-6630-8. Free. BTS National Stadium.

Ratchamongkol Beach, Trang Province. www.fb.com/trangmusicfestival

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now Mortdecai (US) HHHHH

SPECIAL SCREENINGS

Adventure. Johnny Depp plays a charming art dealer who travels the world in search of a lost painting rumored to contain a code to an old Nazi bank account filled with gold.

Big Eyes (US) HHHHH Drama. In the 1950s, artist Michael Keane (Christoph Waltz) is world famous. Little does everyone know that the paintings are actually by his wife (Amy Adams). Directed by Tim Burton.

upcoming Focus (US) Kingsman: The Secret Service

Elena

FILM

opening Wild Card (US) HHHHH Thriller/Action. Jason Statham stars as Nick Wild, a gambling addict who takes on jobs as a bodyguard to fuel his addiction.

Song One (US) HHHHH Drama. Franny (Anne Hathaway) travels to New York to visit her brother who’s in a coma. There, she becomes involved with James Forester (Johnny Flynn), a musician idolized by her brother.

Vegas

Penguins of Madagascar (US) HHHHH Animation. Madagascar’s penguin spies must work with Agent Classified (Benedict Cumberbatch) to stop the evil schemes of Dr. Octavius Brine (John Malkovich).

Dragon Blade (China/Hong Kong) (Not yet rated) Historical/Action. A Han dynasty squad commander (Jackie Chan) and a Roman general (John Cusack) try to escape China after successfully rescuing a hostage.

Ananta: The Light of Hope (Thai) Green Serpent

SIGNES DE NUIT FILM FESTIVAL In collaboration with FilmVirus, Silom’s Reading Room will host the International Signets de Nuit Film Festival in Bangkok on Feb 21 and 22. Starting from 1pm on both days, the festival will be airing short films, audio-visual art and documentaries from around the world, with a focus on the technical and cultural changes facing society today. Highlights include: Elena (Petra Costa, Brazil, 2012): A documentary about a young Brazilian womanwho wants to become an actor like her mother and her sister.

Vegas (Lukasz Konopa, Great Britain, 2013): Three Las Vegas residents must do what they can to get by in Sin City, where glamor and glory are a lie.

The Bird House (Mina Arai, Japan, 2014): A surreal film following the events in the life of a caged bird, as he witnesses his kind caged, killed and consumed by humans.

Green Serpent (Benny Jaberg, Switzerland+Russia, 2013): A documentary about an actor, a poet and a physicist and their respective experiences with vodka.

Entry is free. Films will be screened in their native language with English and/or Thai subtitles. For more information regarding the festival and the films, visit www. readingroombkk.org or www.fb.com/thereadingroombkk

(Not yet rated) Animation. A young prince must step up to protect his kingdom from the invading forces of evil.

Birdman (US) HHHHH Drama/Comedy. Washed-up superhero Riggan Thomson (Michael Keaton) organizes an ambitious Broadway production in the hopes of jump-starting his stagnant career and proving that he’s a real artist.

Bong Srolanh Oun (Thai/Cambodia) (Not yet rated) Horror. Following a string of unexplained accidents, Dol (Ray McDonald) becomes curious about his apartment’s former residents and travels to Cambodia to seek them out.

Unbroken (US) HHHHH Drama. Olympic runner Louis “Louie” Zamperini (Jack O’Connell) fights for survival in a WWII Japanese POW camp in this perilous tale of endurance.

now showing Love Confession (Thai) HHHHH Drama. After a devastating break-up, Guy (Jirawat Manassanit) falls back on his best friend and first love Blue (Pornpimol Siyatong) for support, only to fall in love with her again.

Kingsman: The Secret Service

Get all the latest events and restaurant openings from BK Magazine in real time with BK Now

(UK/US) HHHHH Action/Comedy. Secret service agent Harry Hart (Colin Firth) recruits Gary “Eggsy” Unwin (Taron Egerton), the talented-yet-delinquent son of a late spy, to the secret service, in order to thwart the villainous plans of Richmond Valentine (Samuel L. Jackson).

Ode to My Father (Korea) HHHHH Drama. Amid the devastation of the Korean War, a young boy devotes his life to a promise he gave his father to protect his family.

Fifty Shades of Grey (US) HHHHH Erotic drama. Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson) grudgingly agrees to interview secretive millionaire Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan) for her sick friend, only to realize that she is powerfully attracted to him, and him to her.

Playing It Cool (US) HHHHH Romcom. An aspiring action-writer (Chris Evans) is tasked by his editor to write a romance novel. Though at first daunted, he soon finds inspiration in Her (Michelle Monaghan), who’s already engaged.

Single Lady (Thai) HHHHH Romcom. Unfortunate circumstances compel independent working-woman Bright (Patcharapa Chaichue) to seek out her old lovers and perhaps find true love in the process.

Jupiter Ascending (US) HHHHH Sci-fi/Adventure. Jupiter Jones’ (Mila Kunis) life is in danger when she learns that she is heir to a vast interstellar empire of humans.

Aided by super-soldier Caine (Channing Tatum), she sets out on a quest with the world’s fate in the balance.

The Rewrite (US) HHHHH Drama. Has-been Academy Award-winning screenwriter Keith Michaels (Hugh Grant) takes on a university teaching job only to fall in love with Holly (Marisa Tomei), a single mother.

The Theory of Everything (UK) HHHHH Biopic. In the 1960s, Cambridge University student Stephen Hawking (Eddie Redmayne) learns that he has motor neuron disease. With the support of Jane Wilde (Felicity Jones), Hawking goes on to make great strides into the study of space and time.

Comet (US) HHHHH Drama. Dell (Justin Long) and Kimberly (Emmy Rossum) forge a six-year long-distance relationship after a chance encounter under a meteor shower.

The Imitation Game (US/UK) HHHHH Drama. In 1939, genius mathematician Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch) cracks the Nazi’s enigma code and helps the Allies win WWII, only to later face criminal prosecution for being gay.

Project Almanac (US) HHHHH Sci-fi/Adventure. This found footage film follows a group of teenagers who build a time-machine based on a mysterious blueprint, which they use to alter events in their past with dire consequences.

Tracers (US) (Not yet rated) Thriller. Cam (Taylor Lautner) is a bike messenger working in New York. After becoming entangled in Mafia affairs, Cam must escape the mob by any means necessary.

Laggies (US) HHHHH

Drama/Comedy. Veteran con-artist Nicky (Will Smith) takes the seductive Jess (Margot Robbie) under his wing, teaching her the tricks of the trade. Feb 26

The Lazarus Effect (US) Horror. Medical researchers Frank (Mark Duplass) and Zoe (Olivia Wilde) successfully develop a way to revive the dead. But when Zoe is killed in an accident, Frank is forced to use the method on her. Feb 26

Predestination (Australia) Action/Drama. Ethan Hawke stars as The Barkeep, an agent of the Temporal Bureau, a peace-keeping organization that sends agents back through time to stop major crimes. Feb 26

The Riot Club (UK) Drama. Oxford University freshmen Miles Richards (Max Irons) and Alistair Ryle (Sam Claflin) join a secret society, where they learn the hard lesson that reputations can be made or destroyed in a fraction of a moment. Feb 26

The Last: Naruto the Movie (Japan) Animation. This closing chapter in the decade-spanning ninja epic sees the titular character, two years after the events of the manga, fighting a new foe bent on bringing the moon crashing down on Earth. Feb 26

Rise of the Legend (Hong Kong) (Limited to SF Cinemas only) Action. A boy orphaned by the forces of evil must rise up and bring justice back to his hometown. Feb 26

free screenings Jam Every Wednesday night is Cult Movie Night. Theme for February is Romance.

Screenings start from 8pm, visit www. fb.com/JAMCAFEBKKfor schedule. 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 083-545-1833. Open Tue-Sun noon-midnight.

The Friese-Greene Club The schedule follows a daily theme. Films start from 8pm, visit www.fgc.in.th for the full line up and to reserve your seat. 259/6 Sukhumvit Soi 22, 087-000-0795. Open Wed-Sun 6pm-late.

Alliance Française Movies are subtitled in English and screened at 7pm. Feb 25. Le Temps de L’Aventure (2013): On her daily commute to work, Alix meets a man whom she must either let go or follow into a world of adventure.179 Witthayu (Wireless) Rd., 02-670-4200

Goethe Institut Movies are in German and subtitled in English. Mar 8. Jacob the Liar (1974): Having overheard details of the Russians making an offensive on the Nazis, Jewish jeweler Jacob Heym lies to the people of his community to give them hope for liberation. For more information, visit www.goethe.de/ ins/th/en/ban/ver.cfm, or contact 02-1088200, info@bangkok.goethe.org

Drama. 28-year-old Megan (Keira Knightley) is shocked to learn, at her 11-year high school reunion, how stagnant her life is compared to her friends, so she starts hanging out with a 16-year-old (Chloe Grace Moretz).

BK Magazine Friday, February 20, 2015

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FREEWILL ASTROLOGY PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20): “It isn’t normal to know what we want,” said pioneering psychologist Abraham Maslow. “It is a rare and difficult psychological achievement.” That’s the bad news, Pisces. The good news is that you may be on the verge of rendering that theory irrelevant. In the coming weeks, you will be better primed to discover what you really want than you have been in a long time. I suggest you do a ritual in which you vow to unmask this treasured secret. Write a formal statement in which you declare your intention to achieve full understanding of the reasons you are alive on this planet.

ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19): There are many different facets to your intelligence, and each matures at a different rate. So for example, your ability to think symbolically may evolve more slowly than your ability to think abstractly. Your wisdom about why humans act the way they do may ripen more rapidly than your insight into your own emotions. In the coming weeks, I expect one particular aspect of your intelligence to be undergoing a growth spurt: your knowledge of what your body needs and how to give it what it needs.

TAURUS (Apr 20-May 20): What is the proper blend for you these days?

Is it something like 51 percent pleasure and 49 percent business? Or would you be wiser to shoot for 49 percent pleasure and 51 percent business? I will leave that decision up to you, Taurus. Whichever way you go, I suggest that you try to interweave business and pleasure as often as possible. You are in one of those actionpacked phases when fun dovetails really well with ambition. I’m guessing that you can make productive connections at parties. I’m betting that you can spice up your social life by taking advantage of what comes to you through your work.

GEMINI (May 21-Jun 20): In 1900, the world’s most renowned mathematicians met at a conference in Paris. There the German whiz David

34

Hilbert introduced his master list of 23 unsolved mathematical problems.

At the time, no one had done such an exhaustive inventory. His well-defined challenge set the agenda for math research throughout the 20th century.

Today he’s regarded as an influential visionary. I’d love to see you come up with a list of your own top unsolved problems, Gemini. You now have extra insight about the catalytic projects you will be smart to work on and play with during the coming years.

CANCER (Jun 21-Jul 22): “Spanipelagic” is an adjective scientists use to describe creatures that typically hang out in deep water but float up to the surface on rare occasions. The term is not a perfect metaphorical fit for you, since you come up for air more often than that. But you do go through phases when you’re inclined to linger for a long time in the abyss, enjoying the dark mysteries and fathomless emotions. According to my reading of the astrological omens, that’s what you’ve been doing lately. Any day now, however, I expect you’ll be rising up from the Great Down Below and headed topside for an extended stay.

LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22): When faced with a big decision, you might say you want to “sleep on it.” In other words, you postpone your final determination until you gather more information and ripen your understanding of the pressing issues. And that could indeed

involve getting a good night’s sleep.

What happens in your dreams may reveal nuances you can’t pry loose with your waking consciousness alone.

And even if you don’t recall your dreams, your sleeping mind is busy processing and reworking the possibilities. I recommend that you make liberal use of the “sleep on it” approach in the coming weeks, Leo. Revel in the wisdom that wells up in you as you’re lying down in the dark.

VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22): In 1962, Edward Albee published his play Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? It won numerous awards and is still performed by modern theater groups. Albee says the title came to him as he was having a beer at a bar in New York City.

When he went to the restroom, he spied the words “Who’s afraid of Virginia Woolf?” scrawled in soap on the mirror. I urge you to be alert for that kind of inspiration in the coming days, Virgo: unexpected, provocative, and out of context. You never know when and where you may be furnished with clues about the next plot twist of your life story.

LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 22): Edward III, a medieval English king, had a favorite poet: Geoffrey Chaucer. In 1374, the king promised Chaucer a big gift in appreciation for his talents: a gallon of wine every day for the rest of his life. That’s not the endowment I would have wanted if I had been

Chaucer. I’d never get any work done if I were quaffing 16 glasses of wine every 24 hours. Couldn’t I instead be provided with a regular stipend? Keep this story in mind, Libra, as you contemplate the benefits or rewards that might become available to you. Ask for what you really need, not necessarily what the giver initially offers.

SCORPIO (Oct 23-Nov 21): To make the cocktail known as Sex on the Beach, you mix together cranberry juice, orange juice, pineapple juice, peach schnapps, and vodka. There is also an alternative “mocktail” called Safe Sex on the Beach. It has the same fruit juices, but no alcohol. Given the likelihood that your inner teenager will be playing an important role in your upcoming adventures, Scorpio, I recommend that you favor the SafeSex-on-the-Beach metaphor rather than the Sex-on-the-Beach approach.

At least temporarily, it’s best to show a bit of protective restraint toward the wild and sometimes erratic juvenile energy that’s pushing to be expressed.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21): In Herman Melville’s short story “Bartleby, the Scrivener,” a lawyer hires a man named Bartleby to work in his office.

At first Bartleby is a model employee, carrying out his assignments with dogged skill. But one day everything begins to change. Whenever his boss instructs him to do a specific task, Bartleby says, “I would prefer not to.”

As the days go by, he does less and less, until finally he stops altogether.

I’d like to propose, Sagittarius, that you take inspiration from his slowdown. Haven’t you done enough for now? Haven’t you been exemplary in

your commitment to the daily struggle? Don’t you deserve a break in the action so you can recharge your psychospiritual batteries? I say yes. Maybe you will consider making this your battle cry: “I would prefer not to.”

CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19): “All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.” That’s what American philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson advised. Even if you’re not naturally inclined to see the potential wisdom of that approach, I invite you to play around with it for the next three weeks. You don’t need to do it forever. It doesn’t have to become a permanent fixture in your philosophy.

Just for now, experiment with the possibility that trying lots of experiments will lead you not just to new truths, but to new truths that are fun, interesting, and useful.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18): The art of the French Aquarian painter Armand Guillaumin (1841-1927) appears in prestigious museums. He isn’t as famous as his fellow Impressionists Paul Cézanne and Camille Pissarro, but he wielded a big influence on them both. His career developed slowly because he had to work a day job to earn a living. When he was 50 years old, he won a wad of free money in the national lottery, and thereafter devoted himself full-time to painting.

I’m not saying you will enjoy a windfall like that anytime soon, Aquarius, but such an event is possible. At the very least, your income could rise. Your odds of experiencing financial luck will increase to the degree that you work to improve the best gifts you have to offer your fellow humans.

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last word

Ray MacDonald Famed celebrity traveler and actor Ray MacDonald, 37, stars in a new collaboration film between Thailand and Cambodia, Bong Srolanh Oun (see film, page 35), which also features two of Cambodia’s most prominent actresses, Saray Sakana and Dy Saveth. With the horror film about a graphic designer experiencing unexplained phenomena opening this weekend, BK met up with Ray to discuss his views on religion, taxis and ghosts.

I only accepted the role because I was asked by Ple (Siwaporn Pongsuwan,the director), who is a very good friend of mine. So basically, I was just trying to help out a friend.

Getting to work with both Saray and Dy was exciting, though. They’re big deals in Cambodia, and it’s been interesting working with such prominent figures.

I believe in ghosts, though probably not the way most people do.

Most people seem to think meeting a ghost is always a bad thing, that it means the ghost is there to harm you. I’ve never believed that ghosts appear before humans with malicious intent. For a ghost to be seen in the real world, it would have to travel through heaven or hell to get back to Earth. That’s a lot of effort; too much for something as trivial as scaring living humans.

I’ve always viewed faith and superstition as a beautiful thing. I find it admirable to cling to old beliefs and values even when there is so much

evidence to the contrary. I like to think of myself as a believer as well, I just don’t really have a specific religion. I believe in all religions.

Growing up, my parents both worshipped different religions, and that’s part of why I’ve always had this casual attitude towards religion.

I also studied in a Catholic school as a child, and was required to attend church and choir service every morning. The funny thing is, at my school, there were tons of people with different religions as well. The dude standing next to me in line every morning was a Sikh, and a lot of my good friends were Muslim.

Faced with so many faiths, I didn’t know what to believe.

Traveling burned me out a few years ago. I wanted to spend more time at home with myself. As it turns out, I can’t stay home for more than a couple days without growing bored and cranky. I realized that I just can’t not travel.

I’ve always wanted to be a pilot, t h o u g h t h e a p p ea l h a s waned a little recently what with all the accidents on the news.

When Thai people talk about travel, they think of shopping for brand name products in Europe or eating expensive food in Japan. They’re not as interested in more adventurous destinations like South America or Africa.

I’ve always been sympathetic to taxi drivers. A lot of people I know and respect are taxi drivers—my uncle being one of them. I’m not defending taxi drivers who only wait to rip off tourists or who protest for higher fares while refusing passengers left and right. I’m just saying the drivers are people with families they need to feed too.

I believe in all religions

The top five travel destinations I’d recommend for everyone are Mongolia, Peru, Nepal, Ecuador and India. I feel Thais are missing out on a lot of really awesome places just because they don’t have a shopping street or a Starbucks.

Moderation has always been a problem for me. I used to be an obscenely heavy drinker; I’d go out and get myself blind drunk every single night. It just hit me one day that I wasn’t happy at all. I felt like I was losing years of my life. I can hardly remember the times I spent drinking at all, which was most of the time

back then. I decided I had to stop, and I’ve been sober ever since.

Aside from traveling, my other true love is racing cars. I love the feeling of sitting behind the wheel going so fast everything becomes a blur. On the race track, you simply don’t have time to think about anything else. No matter what is troubling me, I can always forget about it while I’m on the track. It’s a strangely peaceful yet exhilarating experience.

Currently, I have a travel show called 72 Hours, which gives people tips on how to see as much of a destination as they possibly can within a tight time restraint. It currently only airs on Channel 5 on national holidays at 9am, as well as on my own Youtube channel (youtube.com/user/RayMacTV). I will also be hosting a new show which will probably be premiering by Q3 2015. I can’t tell you what it is yet, though. Interview by Kanin Srimaneekulroj and Jetnipit Sahusyotin.

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