BK Magazine 680 3 March, 2017

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Goodbye winter

BK MAGAZINE NO. 680 FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 2017. www.bkmagazine.com

So Long, Samyan Are new parks worth erasing Bangkok’s heritage?

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page 3 What We’ve Learned 6 cover story

Going Green 4 upfront

8 escapes

Progressive Force

Island Spirit

14 shopping

18 blends

Stylish Sandals

Perfecting Their Craft

22 bites

25 BK Now

Design Cafe

Plan Ahead

Who's in charge?

Managing Director Andrew Hiransomboon Editor in Chief / Product Director Grégoire Glachant Managing Editor Oliver Irvine Deputy Editor Carl Dixon, Thitipol Panyalimpanun Features Associate Monruedee Jansuttipan Branded Content Associate Sureepak Janyapat Staff Writers Natcha Sanguankiattichai, Bonnie Sananvatananont Content Coordinator Nontaya Kumyat Junior Writers Theerada Moonsiri, Choltanutkun Tunatiruj, Kulthida Srino, Kasidit Srivilai Deputy Art Director Vatanya Bongkotkarn Production Supervisor Komkrit Klinkaeo Senior Graphic Designers Chantich Kongchanmitkul, Peeraya Sirathanisa Content Designer Saranya Laowtrakul Junior Graphic Designer Waratchaya Boonket

Where to find us!

The Asia City Media Group

Video Content Manager Chanon Wongsatayanont Photographer Chissanupong Narmmoolnark Video Editor Tanaporn Chaopanya Advertising Director Wanida Akeapichai Sales Managers Tipkritta Chiraporncharas, Orajira Sukkasem, Onwara Sittirug Senior Sales Associates Tassanee Mahamad, Nattaya Bovornsettanon, Orakarn Laohakanjanasiri, Amarit Jinaya Marketing Manager Pymporn Pinkaew Marketing Executive Plaifon Chienvichai Senior Project Manager Chayanap Tongdadas Project Coordinator Nutnicha Nuttanakorn

Contributor Kathy MacLeod Interns Kuang Ye Marn, Haroon Ahmad, Wipawan Witayathawornwong, Pragyan Ghale Cover by Wipawan Witayathawornwong

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

Finance Manager Supaporn Bangmoung Assistant Finance Manager Anchalee Limkhamduang Senior Accountant Maneeya Kanthongdang Administrator Yaovaluck Srisermsri Accountant Manita Bangmoung

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

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A checklist of BK Magazine’s most important discoveries this week Our TV cooking shows are getting tastier Thailand’s version of the huge TV franchise Top Chef will air every Saturday at 8:20pm starting this month on the GMM One channel. The main reason we’re excited is due to two familiar faces on the judging panel: chef Thitid Tassanakajohn of Le Du and chef Pichaya Utarntharm of The Table by Chef Pam. Meanwhile, Masterchef Thailand is also looking for candidates, though there’s no set date for its first episode to air yet.

Udon is super-hot right now We just spent a weekend in Udon Thani and, well, it could have been Thonglor or Nimmanhaemin for all the chic cafes popping up. Don’t expect the place to be swarming with cafe-hopping weekenders just yet, though—you’ll find all the Bangkokians heading to Kamchanod, a “supernatural island” beloved by lakorn viewers. Our advice: book a meal at Samuay & Sons (www. fb.com/SamuayNsons) pronto.

Suk 11’s Mexican institution is on the move after 13 years Following The Alchemist, Snapper and Moghul, Charley Brown’s is the latest venue to depart the one-rai parcel of land opposite Villa Market at the entrance of Sukhumvit Soi 11, which has been sold to developers. The restaurant will cease operations there on Mar 19 before reopening at iCheck Inn Hotel on Sukhumvit Soi 19 on Mar 24. All restaurants and bars have been ordered to move out by Mar 31.

Underworld will headline a new riverside dance festival The legendary UK electronic duo, best known for their Trainspotting soundtrack thumper “Born Slippy,” will perform at Super Summer Sound, a new Duangrit Bunnag-helmed festival to take over Asiatique this May 13 and 31. At the time of going to print, www.fb.com/SuperSummerSound was still scarily blank, but we do know Underworld will have a slew of local support acts on May 13 and ticket prices will start at B2,800.

Kanchanaburi’s Tiger Temple set to reopen in March Less than a year after the infamous tourist attraction was shut down amid allegations of illegal breeding, animal trafficking and abuse, the company behind it are readying a new zoo nearby under a different name—and it’s all reportedly legal, thanks to a zoo permit granted two months before last year’s raid. Disturbingly, Khaosod English reports some 105 big cats will be transferred from a commercial zoo in Nakhon Nayok province.

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

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@bkmagazine BK Magazine Friday, March 3, 2017

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upfront HOT OR NOT

Hot: Michelin

Not: Asia’s 50 Best

Bangkok really killed it at Asia’s 50 Best, winning more awards than any other city. But that’s already old news. Top Tables is coming Mar 31 and Michelin rumors have turned into reality with the announcement that we’ll be getting our very own red-covered guide sometime this year. With the TAT sponsoring it for a reported B143.5 million, we’re also predicting a huge hole in the budget for Asia’s 50 Best awards night to happen here again.

INTERVIEW

Hot: Ashley Sutton

Not: Ashley Sutton

We can’t make up our mind here. Ashley Sutton is back. In a mall. Next to a KFC and a bank. And the place looks amazing (of course). But one look at the kids at Beam and we’re overwhelmed with the feeling that Sutton fans are now all pushing child strollers and spending their Friday nights having a nice dinner. This is going to be one awkward opening.

Hot: Bunnags

Not: Chan-Ochas

Chiang Mai’s Maiiam contemporary art museum is currently hosting an extraordinary exhibition on the wardrobe of Patsri Bunnag—bon vivant patron of the arts and Thai style icon. In Bangkok, Duangrit Bunnag is busy empire building with a new festival, the relaunch of cult ‘90s music mag Generation Terrorist, and revival of Rubbers Rebel Ground bike fest. Brother to the PM Pricha ChanOcha could learn from that kind of work ethic. Despite getting B113,560/month of state coin to sit on the NLA, he’s only managed to cast six roll-call votes in six months. Out of a possible 453.

Hot: Talad Noi

Not: Sukhumvit Soi 11

The end is finally here. We went over to Soi 11 this week to check on the businesses being booted out of Cheap Charlie’s alley. So far, three have closed (The Alchemist, Snapper and Moghul) while the remaining five have till Mar 31 to pack up and leave. We’d love to pretend we’re deeply heartbroken—only we stopped drinking on Soi 11 a long time ago. Now, tell us that the bars on Talad Noi are being kicked out and we’ll have a problem.

THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID

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Ordained in Sri Lanka in 2003, Chatsumarn Kabilsingh, 73, is Thailand’s first fully-ordained Theravada bhikkhuni (female monastic). Known as Dhammananda Bhikkhuni, she made headlines last year when she was barred from going inside the Grand Palace to pay tribute to the late King Bhumibol because the Thai Sangharaja Council of Elders does not recognize female monks. As Women’s Day (Mar 8) approaches, we chat to this progressive force in Thai Buddhism, who is head of the all-woman Songdhammakalyani Monastery in Nakhon Pathom, as she gears up to receive the Women’s Human Rights Defenders Honorary Certificate from the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand.

How did you feel about being barred from paying your respects to the late king?

It’s awful for any Thai citizen to be treated like that. We had sent a letter a month earlier stating that we, a group of bhikkhuni, would like to pay our respects at the Grand Palace at 3pm on Dec 9. The palace acknowledged it, so we thought we would be treated as a large group of monks or nuns, not laypeople, who must take a different entrance. Meanwhile, the palace management team had set up tents to take care of the monks.

When we were taken there I knew we would face trouble because those in charge do no regard us as monks.

It was a difficult situation and I had 72 bhikkhuni with me, most of them samaneri [female novices] who had ordained on Dec 5 especially to pay their respects to the late king.

Thailand’s just appointed a new Sangharaja [supreme patriarch], Somdet Phra Ariyawongsakhatayan. Do you see any positives for bhikkhuni here?

We’re just a small part of his responsibilities. However, I hope that with

Somdet Phra Ariyawongsakhatayan’s experiences of studying abroad and his desire to be a good role model, he will have a broader perspective than previous supreme patriarchs. I feel his vision is more in tune with modern Thailand, and I’m sure he’ll be a positive force looking ahead.

Why did you choose to become a bhikkhuni instead of a maechi [devout, ascetic laywomen]?

The Lord Buddha designed four groups of Buddhism: bhikkhu [male monks], bhikkhuni, laymen and laywomen. He never ever said Buddhism should only be in the hands of bhikkhu. Also, I’m the third generation of a deeply religious family. My grandma was a nun and my mother was a bhikkhuni of the Mahayana sect as she ordained in Taiwan. I worked as an academic professor of religious philosophy all my life. When I was attending international forums in the ‘70s and ‘80s, it was all men—in every religion, not just Buddhism. It was really unbalanced. Feminist or not, I could see clearly that women were considered a tiny minority.

What’s your goal as a bhikkhuni?

My mission is to establish a bhikkhuni sangha [female monk assembly] in Thailand. Some people say if I want that so much, I should just go and do it somewhere else. But I’m Thai and I want my work to benefit the Thai people. Any Buddhist country that doesn’t have the four groups of Buddhism is just an unaccomplished land. Even the current Dalai Lama has said Tibet isn’t an accomplished country yet as they don’t have bhikkhuni. It’s like a chair—if one leg is missing, it will collapse easily.

How do you see the future of bhikkhunis in Thailand?

We are the biggest Buddhist country in the world yet we’re barred from ordaining as bhikkhuni in our homeland. There’s currently no space to be a bhikkhuni here. This is something society needs to be made aware of. I hope the structure of the new Sangharaja Council of Elders will provide us with justice.

Interview by Monruedee Jansuttipan

by Kathy MacLeod (IG: @kathy_macleod)

BK Magazine Friday, March 3, 2017

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PARK LIFE

Chula's 100th anniversary spells green changes for the Samyan community. By Bonnie Sananvatananont and Oliver Irvine Illustrated by Wipawan Witayathawornwong

This Mar 26, central Bangkok welcomes a rare new park when Chulalongkorn University officially opens CU Centenary Park under the auspices of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. The 30-rai split-story green space celebrates the university’s 100-year anniversary, and is the centerpiece for a huge redevelopment of the 290-rai Samyan neighborhood, stretching from National Stadium to Rama IV Road, which aims to create Bangkok’s very own mini Silicon Valley—a “smart city” home to innovation and startup businesses. Ambitious and civil-minded but with plenty of commercial space too, the project is proving a focal point for those who would like to see Bangkok step away from high-rise developments and malls, and towards long-term urban planning. But the total project isn’t all parks and exhibits. While 30 rai (roughly one-tenth Lumphini Park's size) is dedicated to CU Centenary Park, another 40 rai has been allotted to Samyan Mitr Town—a shopping mall, office space and 554room condominium being developed by Golden Land Property Development Group (the building arm of real estate behemoth TCC Group) at Samyan’s Southern end. So, pioneering public space or another business-first downtown development? Those invested in the project spell out their hopes and fears.

CU CENTENARY PARK’S POTENTIAL Kotchakorn Vorakom, Landprocess, designer of CU Centenary Park “This area is kind of a showcase for Bangkok. I hope it will lead the direction away from finance and commerce and towards better quality of life and using big plots of land to contribute back to the city. The wastewater we create within the park will be collected, cleaned and used not just in the park, but also to help the neighborhood with water as well. There will be zero water discharge, thanks to a big tank underneath the pavilion at the back of the park that stores runoff water. This project was designed by looking into the future another 100 years: how can green city space help its citizens? How will Bangkok change climactically? When we face drought it’s going to be more extreme; when we approach the rainy season it’s going to rain harder. We propose this area to act like the roof of a raintree, the symbol of Chula, with roots absorbing water unlike concrete roads, and creating a natural system to give back to the city.”

AMOUNT OF GREEN SPACE PER PERSON Hong Kong 105.3 Kuala Lumpur 43.9 International Standard 9 Bangkok 3.3

Singapore 66.2

Source: 2011 Siemens Green City Index

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CHULA’S VISION Wisanu Supsombol, vice president for property management and innovation at Chulalongkorn University “This is a huge plot of land in the heart of the city—an extremely rare find. A lot of people think that property development should be focused on profit-making, but actually our priority is to use this royally-granted land to bring good to society. We looked at what is currently missing from Thailand and came up with the concept of an 'intellectual society,' a space for building a green, innovative and smart city. We hope this can be an example project for the country, to pave the direction that Thailand should be heading towards. In 20 years, Samyan will be the hub for technology and innovation. It will be a great example for Bangkok—and even the world—to follow.”

BANGKOK’S GREEN FUTURE TOBACCO MONOPOLY PARK: OPEN BUT EMPTY Since 1991, the area next to Queen Sirikit Convention Center, totaling 450 rai and owned by the Thailand Tobacco Monopoly, has been slowly transforming into a public park after the company agreed to move its headquarters to Ayutthaya. In 1992, 130 rai of it was turned into the current Benjakitti Park. In August 2016, the space welcomed a 61-rai extension named Suan Pa Benjakitti (Benjakitti Forest Park) which is the beginning of a three-phase plan to further transform the remaining land. Phase 2 will see the addition of another 170 rai of greenery, and Phase 3 another 89 rai. Although the dates of completion are uncertain, some reports are saying by 2020.

Much as the name suggests, the 61-rai space is home to huge clusters of trees organized in blocks to create small forests. Around these blocks, a wide concrete path provides space for runners and bikers. There is also a space dedicated to representative trees from every city in Thailand, with informative signage about their origin and importance. Although a date for the official opening is yet to be confirmed, visitors can now visit the park everyday between 6am-6pm by taking Gate 2 behind the Benjakitti Park carpark.

BK Magazine Friday, February 17, 2017

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HERITAGE HOPES Sudara Suchaxaya, editor-in-chief at Muang Boran Journal “Samyan is one of the most historic hubs in Bangkok. It’s where a lot of Chinese immigrants settled when they moved here. It became a huge marketplace and residential area. It’s extremely important to Bangkok. I know we can’t hold onto history forever, but we need to adapt it and bring it along with us somehow. This is especially important in areas like Samyan that once had a lot of character. The development

has already begun, a lot of Samyan has already changed and a lot of the character is already lost.

But in this case, I think the changes have been acceptable so far. Because Samyan was once a huge marketplace, I believe it’s ok to develop the area into shops and restaurants. I hope that Chula’s plans will stay in line with this. Samyan market is where a lot of university students back in the day went to buy cheap food. They should try to maintain a marketplace vibe for the students, even if it is a modern day market. That way, it can still remain a ‘Samyan Market’ in its own way.”

ENCOURAGING GREEN DEVELOPMENT Yossapon Boonsom, landscape architect at Shma Design “To change the behavior of most developers you need tax policies and incentives which we haven’t seen from our government. Chula has the authority to develop on its own guidelines. They are a pillar of the country so need to come up with something that’s better than the city standard. For Bangkok development

LAND USE IN THE BANGKOK METROPOLITAN AREA

MAKKASAN PARK: BACK TO SQUARE ONE Since 2013, a golden piece of land stretching for 500 rai in the Makkasan area has been a point of public debate. Owned by the State Railway of Thailand, the land was offered to the Finance Ministry’s Treasury Department for a lease of 99 years in trade for recouping the company’s B61 billion debt. However, after news was announced that the ministry aimed to redevelop the land to build Makkasan Complex, a massive commercial zone totaling B200 billion in malls, hotels, hospitals and exhibition space, the public quickly spoke up against the idea, creating discussion projects such as “Friends of Makkasan” which rallied on social media for the land to be used as

to move forward, the BMA themselves have to come up with an incentive policy, like in Singapore, where developers must earn the right to build more through providing sufficient green space and green walls. That’s never been implemented in Bangkok. Singapore controls everything with government guidelines that developers must adhere to. They have a think tank to make the master plan which developers must follow so their projects benefit people’s lives, the economy and the environment.”

a public park instead. In 2015, the National Council for Peace and Order suggested for the area to be built as a mixed-space featuring 150 rai of green space, 30 rai for a National Train Museum and a 140-rai commercial zone. In light of the various disagreements and delays, the Finance Minister proposed to withdraw from the debt-forland agreement in October 2016 and let the SRT take on the development plan for themselves.

This was confirmed in December 2016, arguably bringing things back to square one, where it remains to be seen how the SRT will proceed with the land from here on.

Built up area (sq km) 1994 2009 233.33 657.29

Vegetated area (sq km) 2009 1994 636.01 1,131.08

Water bodies (sq km) 1994 2009 177.69 167.95

Source: International Journal of Applied Science and Technology

BK Magazine Friday, February 17, 2017

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Check out Koh Samui’s hot new mixologists, craft cocktail lounges and even a rum distillery, all pouring island spirit into every drink.

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oh Samui’s party reputation may lag behind neighboring Koh Phangan, but the larger of the two islands has styled itself as the Gulf of Thailand’s king of cocktail culture. From a rum distillery set amid coconut groves to specialist lounges pouring tonics to rival those found in Hong Kong and Singapore, the island's bars have never been better.

The recently launched Cocorum specializes exclusively in rum and sits beside the beach at the luxurious Four Seasons Koh Samui hotel. In a calm, tropical setting, it serves nearly a hundred different rum labels—straight, as tasting flights or in delicious mixes like Tiki Rum in Barrel, a mixed of white rum (Guyana’s El Dorado) and dark rum (Jamaica’s Appleton) aged for two months in an American white oak barrel—while paying a nod to the tropical beach bars of the Caribbean.

“When I arrived in Samui three years ago, I missed the great bar scene we had in Bangkok,” says Reto Moser, the resort's director of food and beverage. “As the island evolves, there is demand for even greater quality, moving away from mass products towards unique spirits, handcrafted cocktails and pride in the cocktail profession.”

To ensure its cocktails match the highest global standards, Four Seasons has worked with Proof & Company, a Singapore-based bar and spirits team which is responsible for a number of bars in last year’s inaugural World’s 50 Best Bars list— including the guide’s number one entry, 28 Hongkong Street.

“The modern cocktail and spirits scene in Thailand is developing so quickly, much as we’ve seen in Singapore and Hong Kong over the past five years,” says Paul Gabie, CEO of Proof & Company. “Koh Samui is unique in that it has a slower pace than Phuket and attracts a wonderfully diverse group of travelers. These ingredients make it the perfect setting.”

The location is truly tempting. Designed by Bill Bensley, the regional master of tropical-luxe architecture, the bar sits under a soaring beachside pavilion surrounded by coconut trees. While the setting is unmistakably Thai, it also brings to mind rum-making’s legacy on Caribbean sugarcane plantations.

Discover more of Koh Samui’s cocktail scene by heading to the south-east of the island, where Magic Alambic Distillery K&S Rum doesn’t just pour rum; it makes it. Samui’s first rum distillery began life in 2003, taking up residence in an area where there used to be only palm trees. French couple Elisa and Michel Gabrel have now turned it into a destination in itself, where people come to sample their white rum in five unique flavors: lime, orange, coconut, pineapple and naturally sweetened with sugarcane spirit.

Another spot creating its own booze is Bees Knees Koh Samui, which London-raised brewer Jim Smith calls the only craft beer brewery on the island. Set one kilometre away from the main Koh

Samui strip, the bar offers five different brews all made inhouse, ranging from the light, Pilsner-style Summer Bee, made from Australian and German hops to the Black Bee, a full-bodied, English-style porter.

“I grew up in the southwest of London where we always had good beer,” says Smith. “While I was living in Singapore, I saw the Red Dot Brewhouse and started to draw my own project. A series of holidays introduced me to Koh Samui where the mix of Thais, tourists and expats seemed like a strong audience.”

The bar opened in 2015, and, like all Thai craft beer enterprises, is registered as a “brewpub” rather than a brewery.

Strong laws governing distilled and fermented drinks made in Thailand mean that small-batch brewers can’t bottle their product for retail.

The chic Library Koh Samui hotel was one of the first places to introduce Chaweng Beach to craft cocktails when it opened Drink Gallery a couple of years back.

“We tried to create a cocktail culture on Samui at a time when there was nowhere for people to have a casual, creative drink,” says Chutima Chitpitak, general manager of The Library. “It quickly became a must-check-in spot.”

At the ever-evolving Fisherman Village, Samui’s most-famous night spot for shopping and drinking, Cafe de Pier has already earned itself a reputation for amazing drinks. Bar manager an partner Phacharaporn Nontakanan doesn’t take the role too seriously, though.

“Our clients are just looking for a place to eat and drink with a great ambience,” she says. She provides that in the form of crafty cocktails like Vanilla Coffee-tini, which mixes vodka with a shot of espresso. She serves these delicious drinks alongside Thai dishes from a space right beside the sea which references fishermen’s rustic houses.

Along the same road, you’ll find Coco Tam’s, where a large, stylish cabana hides a vast bar offering island-style cocktails and craft beers for guests to enjoy at candlelit tables on the sand. Nestled on the beach at Bo Phut, it’s a world away from the fast-paced party scene that rages long into the night along Chaweng Beach, allowing for visitors to Koh Samui who ask for a slower pace of island life to also get in on the nightlife action.

“After all,” says Gabie, “guests who come to Koh Samui often stop off at one of the regional gateway cities first.

There’s no doubt they expect the same modern drinking standards on the island that they can enjoy elsewhere.”

Thanks to places like Cocorum, Magic Alambic and others, they can now find it.

Drink Gallery

“As the island evolves, there is demand for greater quality, moving away from mass products towards unique spirits, handcrafted cocktails and pride in the profession"

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Cafe de Pier

Essentials Bees Knees Brewpub. 83/3 Moo 2, Bophut, 085-537-2498 Cafe de Pier. 50 Moo 1, Fisherman Village, Bophut, 077-430-680 Cocorum. Four Seasons, 219 Moo 5, Angthong, 077-243- 000 Coco Tam’s. 99/1 Moo 1, Bophut, 087-592-7900 Drink Gallery. 14/1 Moo 2, Chaweng Beach, Bophut, 077-422-299 Magic Alambic Distillery K&S. 44/5 Moo 3, Namuang 7, 086-282-6230

BK Magazine Friday, March 3, 2017

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By Monruedee Jansuttipan

KHAO YAI

Art in the Valley Khao Yai is developing into a real art collectors’ haven. The latest opening, 129 Art Museum (096-906-9381, 091-056-1204, 129artmuseum.com), shows off the private collection of Yaovanee Nirandara, one of the executives of Christie's auction house in Asia. The museum features more than 400 works collected over 30 years from both Thai masters and international artists, including Pablo Picasso. There’s a particular focus on ceramics and earthenware. Thai artworks come from some 21 national artists like Chakrabhand Posayakrit, Chalood Nimsamer, Preecha Thaothong and Tawan Duchanee, plus leading contemporary names like Chatchai Puipia, Lampu Kansanoh and Natee Utarit. Entry is B300 for Thais and B500 for foreigners.

HUA HIN

Chocolate Coast After expanding to Pattaya last year, Khao Yai’s Chocolate Factory has now quietly launched in Hua Hin. Chocolate Factory Hua Hin (061-172-8887, www. fb.com/chocolatefactoryhuahin) features the elegant design of Party/Space/Design studio (whose credits include Bangkok's Shugaa, Crack and Hands and Heart), which sees bronze lamps, white marble counters and cream-color walls bathed in an abundance of natural light. The Thai and international dishes include grilled rainbow lobster (B1,580), pad Thai (B220), steamed blue crab (B150/100g) and, of course, desserts like chocolate dome (B240). The central location on Hua Hin Soi 65 means it’s close to the night market and iconic Hua Hin train station.

CHIANG MAI

Northern Organic COMING MAY 2017 Don’t miss your chance to advertise in BK Magazine’s new guide, Better You. Our traffic analytics show healthy living is the hottest trend among the affluent, active Bangkokians who follow BK. The BK Better You guide shows readers the hottest workout trends, best gyms, healthy-eating shops and restaurants, and coolest workout gear, as well as top wellness retreats and the beauty clinics you can trust.

Find out more at bkmagazine.com/betteryou

Call: 02 624 9696 #601, 615, 620 Email: advertising@asia-city.co.th BK Magazine Friday, March 3, 2017 101/2V_VHP.indd 1

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137 Pillars House (053-247-788, www.137pillarschiangmai.com) hosts the Third Asian Organic Gourmet Festival on Mar 10-12. The three-day event spotlights both local and international faces, like chef Phanuphon “Black” Bulsuwan, of Chiang Mai's Japanese-inspired restaurant Blackitch; chef Chapornpat “Jib” Dapachutisan, of Mandarin Oriental Bangkok and London (2007); and chef-couple Dylan Jones and Bo Songvisava, of Bangkok’s sustainably-minded Thai restaurant Bo.lan. There will also be a tour of the Rajapruek Royal Project with farm-to-table lunch, a “dining in the dark” experience at Palette Restaurant, an organic farmer’s market, and cooking classes. See the full schedule at www.137pillarschiangmai.com.

A stay-four-nights-pay-three Asian Organic Gourmet Festival package sets you back B62,000 for two, covering round-trip airport transfers, and lunches and dinners at the festival.

CHIANG RAI

Golden Lodge The very green, very luxurious Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle (053-910200, www.fourseasons.com/ GoldenTriangle) has lifted the lid on its exciting new room type. Designed by the Bangkok-based master of exotic luxury resorts Bill Bensley, the two-bedroom Explorers' Lodge measures a very spacious 232 sq meters, complete with long outdoor table and private pool looking out over verdant forest. Inside is replete with safari touches like a bronze bathtub, antler-shaped wooden chandeliers, ivory headboards and Northern-style homespun cushions. Room rates start from B172,000 per night for up to six people.

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avenue FASHION

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Holiday Luxe Local fashion label Milin has always gone in for a kind of party-girl look, but for this summer, the brand takes these party girls to the Sonoran desert in Arizona. Go Glamping spring/summer 2017 features prints and patterns of desert flowers and pastel-toned sand dunes. A gold and sandy palette also features strongly, from the off-shoulder long-sleeve silk satin dress called “Arizonian” (B9,850) to the eye-catching sequined and pleated Penelope dress (B16,950).

Accessorize with a shimmering Namibia fringe clutch (B6,950) to complete the look. Try 3/F, Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd., 02-658-1134.

BTS Siam. www.milin.com

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eason, 17 feate also to the amibia -1134.

SHOPPING

Hip to be Square Luxe British bag-maker Mulberry has launched a new range of It-bags just perfect for that Sam Cam’ posh-but-modern look.

The Hopton Bag features 3D volume padding to add futuristic style to what’s otherwise a classic and elegant box handbag.

Go with the popping orange on chalk combo for the full-scale bowing-out-of-no-10 vibe, or keep things classy and monotone in clay brown, bright orange or black. Starting at B55,000, add B2,000 for the multicolor styles. Try G/F, Central Embassy, Phloen Chit Rd., 02-160-5770-1. BTS Phloen Chit

GYM

Perfect Fit Silom just got a new gym that looks more like a sexy bar. Striplights, an exposed industrial ceiling and dark palette of gray on gray make lifting in Sam-Yan Gym feel like working out in a nightclub, while facilities—from free-weight stations to cardio machines—are just as advanced. Six-month membership costs a Virgin Active-beating B16,000 or pay B28,999 for a yearly plan. For that you also get access to classes like BodyPump (60 mins of moderate resistance barbell training), RPM (spinning) and boxing training. 3/F, Liberty Square, Silom Rd., 086-4014392. BTS Sala Daeng. www.samyangym.com

YOGA

High Flyers We’ve found a hotel yoga package worth your interest. Centara Grand at CentralWorld’s new Yoga Fly at Lifestyles Fitness Centre doesn’t just cost B400/class—that’s about what you’d pay at any neighborhood yoga studio—but it also takes place with stunning, stress-relieving views from the hotel’s 26th floor. What’s more, they only allow a maximum of eight people in every class, so you’re guaranteed plenty of the instructor’s attention. It’s cheaper still if you go with the B3,500 10-session package. The rub? There’s only one 60-minute class per week, starting at 7:45pm every Monday. 26/F, Centara Grand at CentralWorld, Rama 1 Rd., 02-100-1234. BTS Siam/Chidlom

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avenue FASHION

Brave Sole Forget about old papa’s strappy sandals or auntie’s corny leather flip-flops and try out these 10 standout daring designs for every budget. By Kasidit Srivilai

Women

Men

Arizona sandals, Birkenstock, B3,780

Natural nylon sandals, Prada, B22,500

Vail slide, Tory Burch, B12,500

Acai Freedom sling sandals, Havaianas, B1,490

Fluffy sandals, Darlin, B3,250

Patent leather sandals, Prada, B44,500

Pink Lickii sandals, Darlin, B3,850

Essentials Birkenstock. Paragon department store, M/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd. Open daily 10am-10pm Prada. G/F, Central Embassy, Phloen Chit Rd. Open daily 10:30am-8pm Tory Burch, M/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd. Open daily 10am-10pm

Gucci, G/F, Central Embassy, Ploen Chit Rd. Open daily 10am-8pm

Tian slide sandals, Gucci, B11,900

Sinclair shell-embellished sandals, Tory Burch, B18,100

Strap sandals, Suicoke, B7,000

Darlin, available at Wonder Room, 3/F, Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd. Open daily 10am-10pm Havaianas, available at city-wide department stores or online at www.havaianasthailand.com

Suicoke, available at His Lab, M/F, Siam Discovery, Rama 1 Rd. Open daily 10am-10pm

ONLINE SHOPPING New Web Boutiques You Need in Your Life

PASSEE PASSIONE

STYLEPEDIABKK

SHIZUKA

For girls who love the “less is more” look, check out this brand—serious about quality fabric and cutting techniques.

Their products normally come in matching pieces. Try their signature Scotch Camisole set (B1,490) for the perfect combo of a spaghetti square-neck top with pencil shorts. www.fb. com/passeepassione

This menswear label boasts South Korean styles worthy of Myeongdong or Itaewon. Mainly minimal pieces with a trendy design, from side panel T-shirts (B1,890) and retro straight jeans (B1,990) to Bee logo pajamas shirts (B1,990). www. fb.com/stylepediabkk

This Thai-made bag brand goes in for cute designs embroidered by hand with little flowers. Grab their black wildflower backpack for B1,450 and add a sweet sensibility to your look. www.fb.com/shizuka.brand

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RESTAURANT

Road to Nowhere Ekkamai’s new rooftop restaurant, Nowhere, might only be six floors up, but there's nothing obstructing its cool, 180-degree views of the neighborhood. The entry at the back of Tha Hotel is pretty hard to spot, but it's worth the finding. Once up there, you'll be greeted by bare concrete steps in the center of a minimal glass cube courtesy of interior design firm Stud/o. Grab a table in- or outdoors to enjoy sunset with chef Chayanin Rungthong’s (previously of Harvest) continent-spanning creations, from moo-ping pate (B260) with English muffins to "pumpkin fondue" (B420), in which a mix of melted cheese and pumpkin comes served in the hollowed-out vegetable. Mocktails start at B135 while signature cocktails like Julep from Nowhere (a twist on the mint julep with chorizo oil-infused bourbon) are B300-350. 6/F, Tha City Loft hotel, Ekkamai Soi 6, 094-516-6663

EVENT

NEW CHEF

BAR

Look Sharp

Home Coming

A Cut Above

Knife geeks, mark your calendar. This Apr 16, from 10am, Cutboy Knife brings four Japanese knife makers to its Sukhumvit Soi 38 shop for a day of talks and exhibitions. Meet Takayuki Shibata, a top knife sharpener from Hiroshima, Yu Kurosaki, a pro blademaker from Echiron, Takeshi Saji, a 69-yearold master blacksmith and Hiroshi Kato, a knife master from Takefu. Throughout the day, there’ll be an interview about knife making, a Japanese-style knife sharpening tuition session, a whole 40kg tuna breakdown demonstration, and free knife engraving. Interview sessions will be conducted in Japanese with English and Thai translation. Best of all, it's free. 33 Sukhumvit Soi 38, 081-621-9723

Seven years after parting ways with Aldo’s, French chef Herve Frerard of the former Le Beaulieu (no. 1, Top Tables 2014) is back helming the kitchen. Chef Frerard, who made Aldo’s a foodie favorite as its original chef, left Aldo’s to open the much-loved Le Beaulieu while he was also an advisor to the Royal Project Foundation. Last year, he headed the projects at Glasshouse at Sindhorn, including the opening of Cafe Parisien, Milano Cafe and Eiffel bakery. With his comeback, the chef has introduced a new menu comprising his signature coq au vin (braised chicken with wine, B680), wild Atlantic sea bass fillet with saffron potatoes and razor clam jus (B950) and wagyu beef cheek with celeriac purée, roma tomatoes and merlot red wine jus (B1,150).

7/F, The Ascott Sathorn Bangkok, 187 Sathorn Rd., 02-676-6969

Located on the 59th floor helicopter landing pad of Centara Grand hotel, Cru is one of the city's highest bars. A partnership with G.H. Mumm means a bottle of Cordon Rouge Brut is also just B5,400.

For perspective, a bottle of Mumm at Banyan Tree's Vertigo starts at B8,900. Cocktails also have a Champagne focus. Expect overthe-top presentation and inedible props in the likes of La Vie En Rose (B1,100), which comes in an ice bucket featuring two glasses of Champagne, two portions of strawberry puree and one shot of Absolut Raspberry. Other cocktails hover around the B500 mark. ecor-wise, the space lets the view do the talking while food spans modish comfort bites like pork belly steamed buns (B285). 999/99 Rama 1 Rd., 02-100-1234

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CRAFT BEER

Brewing up a Storm With police cracking down on the illegal Bangkok beer-making scene, the city’s leading craft brewers are opening a brewpub for budding young homebrewers to serve their product legally. By Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj Illustrated by Waratchaya Boonket

B

ack in late January, Thai craft beer-maker Taopiphop “Tao” Limjittrakorn was busted and fined for brewing beer in his own home for sale. Not long after, Gen. Prayuth Chan-o-cha made his first public statement on the subject of Thai craft beer, quipping to the media in typically rhetorical style, “Would you drink beer that is brewed in a toilet?”

Our local craft beer scene has been booming for around three years now, but only recently have police actually bothered to crack down on any illegal breweries. This spells a dangerous new climate for beer-makers who, until now, have continued with their craft unaffected by legal challenges.

In an effort to foster a safe community for Thailand’s beer-makers, a collective of the country’s leading brewers—Nonthaburi’s Chit Beer and Deva hops farm, Pattaya’s Wizard Brewery, Red Stone Brewery from Phatthalung, Kitten Beer in Prathumthani and Mickleheim Brewery from Bangkok—have teamed up to build a craft beer cooperation called Mitr Sam Phan (friendship) Brewery. Here, they hope to provide space for young brewers to perfect their product in a safe environment before going the expensive route of bottling their beer abroad for import back into Thailand—one of the few ways for Thai craft brewers to operate legally.

“The main purpose for Mitr Sam Phan Brewery is to create a playground for the craft beer brewers to come test out their skills and test the market before they move up the scale and set up their own brewery overseas,” says Wichit Saiklao, one of the main partners in Mitr Sam Phan and the owner of Chit Beer, Thailand’s first and only craft beer brewing school.

To do this, Wichit and his team are establishing a “brewpub,” the other legal alternative for Bangkok craft brewers. The stipulation for running a brewpub requires two things: 1) that you brew between 100,000-1 million liters of your product per year, and 2) that you never bottle your product or sell it to the outside market—beers must be poured and drunk on premises.

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“You need two licenses to do this,” says Wichit.

“The first is to build the factory, which we got back in December. Next, once the factory is complete—we hope around the end of March—we will need to get the brewpub license, like Tawandang [another Bangkok brewpub], which will require a B10 million safety deposit to register legally and properly. We have all of that covered. We are very positive that we will get the brewpub license. We are doing everything correctly and have invested a lot of our time and money on this.”

Brewpubs are nothing new to Thailand. Tawandang on Rama 3 Road has been brewing up its own lagers since 1999, which it serves nightly along with kitsch cabaret acts and German pork knuckle. Mitr Sam Phan, however, hopes to take the brewpub format and sell it to drinkers who are more interested in esoteric hops blends than dodgy comedy shows.

“For the past 17 years, Tawandang has only served three types of beer,” explains Wichit. “They are not focusing on the beer quality but rather entertainment, making people buy food and watch their live music. This is not the definition of craft beer,” says Wichit of Chit Beer.

He expects Mitr Sam Phan Brewery will be up and running around October of this year, with the capacity to produce around 8,000 liters per month.

Within one facility, there is also scope to accommodate up to 10 different brewers, so that aspiring beer-makers can practice their craft legally and let the public taste their product.

“It’s like a brewing academy,” says Wichit.

“We may find someone really good from this project now that we provide the facilities for them to come and test out the market.”

Wichit and co have even managed to secure a rice field in Nonthaburi where they plan to grow their own barley for beer production, while a yeast lab will make every step of the production local.

For Taopiphop “Tao” Limjittrakorn, the brewer who spent a night in jail and incurred a B5,400 fine for his operation, Wichit’s plans sound like a welcome addition to the scene. “I’ve heard about the Mitr Sam Phan Brewery project from the start,” says Tao. “I think it’s a very good idea, it will benefit the microbrewers because people will have the space to brew on a larger scale.”

Pipatnapon “Pieak” Pumpo, the founder of Golden Coins beer, which brews in Vietnam to be legally sold in Thailand as an imported beer, also likes the idea of Mitr Sam Phan Brewery.

“It’s another step forward for the Thai craft beer scene, definitely a very good model and I support this idea very strongly,” he says. “Mitr Sam Phan focuses on the quality of beer and gives the microbrewers an opportunity to develop their skills.”

In a city where brewers have until now been protected only by a look-the-other-way attitude both from authorities and the big-scale breweries, the arrival of Mitr Sam Phan is more than just a new brewery; it’s an open challenge to the law.

“The government says they are concerned about the facilities that the craft beer is brewed in and paying taxes,” says Wichit. “So now I want to challenge the government; to see if, now that we are doing everything correctly, the police will still have a problem with us. With actual equipment and a clean and safe environment that pays taxes, it does not make any sense that you wouldn’t be allowed to distribute your product. What logic applies to that regulation? If we could just get this bit of legislation fixed, then we will succeed.”

“I want to challenge the government; to see if, now that we are doing everything correctly, the police will still have a problem with us.”

—Wichit Saiklao

Check out Mitr Sam Phan’s Facebook page (www. fb.com/mitrcraft) for updates on the project.

Boonrawd Brewery, the producer of Singha beer, declined to comment for this story.

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bites FOOD REVIEWS

Joha HHHH Korean. 59 Ari Soi 2, 097-247-9777, 061-9145354. Open Mon-Sat 11:30am-9pm. BB-BBB

Ari used to have only one Korean kitchen, Kimchi Hour, which is tucked deep in Rama 6 Soi 30. Now two other home-style eateries, Joha and Annyeong, have joined it. Opened mid 2016, the compact Joha sits in a glass box that can only serve about 20 diners at once, which can cause lengthy queues. Drop by on a Saturday evening and chances are you’ll have to wait for over an hour. The prerequisite Korean oppa is there, cooking alongside another Thai chef in an open kitchen, where they prepare a small menu of roughly 20 items. Despite there being

Sushi Misaki HHHH Japanese. G/F, Rain Hill, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-2581783. Open Tue-Sun 6-11:30pm. BTS Phrom Phong. BBBB H F

The modest wooden facade of Sushi Misaki has all the hallmarks of a seriously good sushi restaurant: there’s no name in English outside, no menu, no sign that it in any way wants your business. But Bangkokians in search of the city’s best omakase (a chef’s selection set sushi dinner) have taken note of this little operation from Shizuoka-born chef Masahiro Misaki (formerly of Nippon Tei), and you’d do well to book ahead if you want to secure one of the 10 seats (two sittings per night), all positioned around a beautiful blond wood sushi counter. The morning of your arrival, the restaurant will call to ask whether you’d like the B4,000 or B6,000 omakase—the menu’s only two options. Between the two sets, there’s really not a lot of difference in courses, with the cheaper coming out at 18 dishes and the more expensive at 20. The price difference lies more in size, with premium delicacies like otoro (fatty tuna), sea urchin and

salmon roe being more amply portioned in the pricier set. Whichever you choose, you’ll feel more than taken care of as Misaki (who for most of the dinner mans the counter single-handedly) guides you from the first course of sea urchin and s now cra b lo cked in a r i ch be ef consomme jelly, through tuna rolls and dainty cups of buttery monkfish liver, onto some eight or so different nigiri (fish atop rice) with the occasional abalone soup or rich oyster in between, before finishing with one of the best red miso soups we’ve ever had, a thick-set, blow-torched omelet and dainty water pudding. The chef prepares much of his sushi Edo (traditional Tokyo) style, meaning the fish has been through a process of aging that brings new intensity to his bluefin tuna, which has been cured for one week before service.

Don’t worry, though, freshness still abounds in a wonderfully fatty otoro nigiri. In style, Misaki sits somewhere between the approachable and informative Masato, where the chef will happily break out a book mid-dinner and educate you on a single piece of fish, and the hushedly standoffish vibe of Ginza Sushi Ichi. Without doubt, the immaculate plating and uncompromising ingredients of Ichi are a notch above, but then so are the prices. And while Masato still commands a month-plus wait list, you can book a seat in here with a few days’ notice and be confident you’re not plumbing with an also-ran. This is special-occasion dining that delivers.

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.

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just two chefs, they manage to send food out so fast you barely spend more time eating than waiting to be seated.

Classics like tteokpokki (stir-fried rice cake and fish cake, B180) and kimchi soup (B220) don’t particularly stand out, but there’s no denying the pleasure of their flavorful kimchi fried rice (B250), served on a skillet surrounded by a ring of melted cheese. The healthier bibimbap (mixed rice, B200) served in a hot bowl is no less tasty thanks to a similar gochujang seasoning.

The tender chicken thigh pieces in the dakgalbi (B250) come soaked in a fullf lavor hot , peppery sauce and smothered in melted cheese while the impressive bulgogi (stir-fried marinated beef, B280) features the perfect balance of salty and sweet flavors. We also like the boiled gyoza (B120), in which the perfectly-cooked wraps encase a simple pork filling. You won’t find any Korean fried chicken here, though. While Kimchi Hour is more pocket-friendly (and makes some nice fried chicken), this compact newcomer more often hits the spot for comfort food. Plus, Joha stores more soju varieties (B40-B220).

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

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OPEN DOOR

Magpie

On Nut’s eclectic new cafe is one of Bangkok’s most eye-catching.

The buzz: Renowned Thai designer Noppadol “Ou” Baholyodhin (currently Jim Thompson’s creative director) has channeled his thirst for good coffee and eye for style into creating On Nut’s most photogenic cafe.

The decor: Not just another minimalist cafe with white walls and blond wood, Magpie lives up to its owner’s design expertise. Kelly Wearstler and Jonathan Adler would approve of the space’s terrazzo floors and mid-century furniture pieces upholstered in velvet or bold, graphic prints. The garden theming on the ground floor is so green and clean it refreshes both your eyes and soul, from dangling ferns and leaf prints to the window-lined

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walls overlooking the terrace. A lively mezzanine conjures a more The drinks: Coffee beans are from Chiang Mai roasters Pacloungey atmosphere, thanks to a long, continuous yellow sofa. amara (espresso from B75) while there are also smoothies The food: To complement the friendly atmosphere, the kitchen (B110-120) and a selection of tea and herbal tea (B95/pot), rolls out all-day-dining comfort food. They’re confident about including the cafe’s aromatic house blend of peppermint, rasptheir pies, which feature a crispy crust encasing fillings like berry and delphinium flower. On the booze side, cocktails set chicken with Hokkaido butter and Sapporo beer-marinated you back B195 and wine from B125/glass. beef (B175 each). On top of classics like spaghetti carbonara (B195), their pasta section also contains specials like the khao soy pasta (B195) on a rotating basis. Other items include sandwiches, salads and soups (from B165). Desserts are all made in house, including banoffee pie and tarte tatin (B125 each).

Why you should care: This is the future of On Nut. A super stylish cafe is the sign of the 'hood being on the up.

Natcha Sanguankiattichai

914 Onnut Soi 28, 02-116-1670. Open daily 8am-8pm. www.fb.com/ magpiecafebkk

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Sri Trat

Bombyx

Eats Payao

NEW AND NOTED

Cut Above Jim Thompson has unveiled a new restaurant with some exquisite decor to go with the contemporary Thai food, quality drinks and even rotating art exhibitions. The rich and moody Bombyx (M/F, Siam Paragon, 991/1 Rama 1 Rd., 02-1294840. BTS Siam) highlights Jim Thompson fabrics cut in the shape of waves hanging from the ceiling, as well as equally dressed-up plates of Thai food like wing beans salad with scallop (B320), panaeng curry with grilled Australian beef (B540) and khao soy (curry noodles) with soba noodles and grilled duck (B280).

Eastside Story Sukhumvit Soi 33’s new Thai restaurant presents the cuisine from Trat, a province in the east of the country. In a stylish, contemporary brick and wood house, Sri Trat (90 Sukhumvit Soi 33, 02-088-0968) lets you enjoy the likes of moo chamuang (pork curry with chamuang leaves, B220), barracuda

spicy salad (B220) and massaman curry with unripe durian (B280). They are also serious about their bar, where ex-Vesper bartender Paradee Sahathanasomboon rolls out concoctions like Trad Bee's Knees (gin, fresh lime, honey and kaffir lime leaf, B360)

Head North While Northern Thai cuisine remains ever-elusive in Bangkok, we've recently welcomed at least one more reliable purveyor.

Eats Payao (Nang Linchi Soi 8, 094-303-5833) comes emblazoned with bold signage proclaiming "The best khao soy in town," and the fashion designer-turned-cook serves up recipes from her home province of Phayao. The rich and flavorful khao soy (available with chicken, beef and even NZ mussels, B85150) just about lives up to its billing, while the more obscure kanom jeen ngam ngiaw is a smoky, pungent noodle dish of Shan orgin (starting from B80). She also delivers. Call 094303-5833 or LINE eatspayao. Natcha Sanguankiattichai and Carl Dixon

TABLE TALK

Cold Stone Creamery 6/F, Beacon Zone, CentralWorld, Rama 1., 0-26633888. BTS Chit Lom/Siam. Open daily 10am-10pm.

This premium American ice cream parlor is now several branches old in Thailand and lets you customize your ice cream, combining a flavor of your choice along with a choice of toppings. The components get slapped onto a frozen granite slab and manhandled until they're all mixed in. Prices start from B129 for a small cup.

Exclusively for Citi credit cardmembers.

Get 10% discount on ice-cream only Today – 31 Aug 17

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Now Hiring • JUNIOR SALES ASSOCIATE (BK / SOIMILK) • SENIOR SALES ASSOCIATE (BK / SOIMILK) • EDITORIAL ASSISTANT (TEMPORARY) • SENIOR COPYWRITER / BRANDED CONTENT EDITOR • FREELANCE WRITERS (SOIMILK) • IT ADMIN • SENIOR DEVELOPER (DRUPAL)

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now SAT Smack Down TUE City of Music While tickets sold out almost immediately for British electronic duo Honne’s Bangkok debut this Mar 7, you might still be able to grab some from last-minute second-hand sellers at bit.ly/2maGeFx. Otherwise, get your big-name international gig fix this Mar 9 when Joss Stone stops by Cloud47 for an intimate performance.

Tickets are B2,000 and B5,000, available at bit.ly/2lyySu1.

This Mar 11, the One Championship Competition sees atomweight World Champion contenders Angela Lee and Jenny Huang take their mixed martial arts action to the ring at Impact Arena (99 Popular Rd.) for a major showdown. Away from the fight, there also promises to be live performances from Thaitanium and Slot Machine during the half-time show. Tickets are B200-12,000 at bit.ly/2mjFnPy.

THU Gentle Giants One of Bangkok’s biggest charity events, the annual King’s Cup Elephant Polo, returns this Mar 9-12 to Anantara Riverside (Soi Charoen Nakhon 57/1), promising a day of elephant parades, jazz music, family-friendly educational activities and elephant polo matches, all in a good cause to help protect elephants around the country. Tickets start at B200 for a one-day pass, available at www.anantaraelephantpolo.com.

SAT Head Outdoors After taking a two-year hiatus, the popular Great Outdoor Market is back in town this Mar 4-5, this time taking over the grounds of Thonglor’s popular community mall The Commons (Thonglor Soi 17) with plenty of booths selling fine-dining treats and lifestyle products.

FRI Now Here This Mar 4-Apr 29, French-English photographer Didier Mayhew hosts his first solo show at Kathmandu Photo Gallery (87 Pan Rd.). The collection, dubbed "In Nowhere Land" captures the lives of children from the Terai, an area between India's border and the Nepali Himalyan foothills, and their daily struggles as nomads.

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now LIVE MUSIC

NIGHTLIFE

Markus Schulz

Nakadia

The Ginks

Archie Hamilton

Coran

IT'S HIP-HOP 2

BLAST! POOL 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

DJs To-Ru, TNT, Gus and Bomber Selecta spin '90s hip-hop with support from MC Petchy, live dance performance from Jaywiz and live painting and visuals from Alexandre Ozmoze Brakha. Mar 3, 8pm.

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

B300. MRT Lumphini.

The pool party celebrates its first birthday with EDM beats from DJs Kuma and Rokin Horse, with support from residents Adriero and Nukier. Mar 4, 2pm.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok, 18/1 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-649-6666. B400 (includes one drink).

5 HOURS OF NAKADIA

FRANZ SCALA

After touring around the globe, the electronic dance DJ returns to her home country for a special 5-hour set. Mar 3, 9pm. Mustache Bar, 544/5 Ratchadaphisek Soi 7, 081-844-7080. Free.

The Berlin-based DJ and record label owner teams up with German DJ Leo Cameo for a night of techno tunes. Mar 4, 10pm. Whiteline, Silom Soi 8, 087061-1117. B200. BTS Chong Nonsi.

COPACABANA NIGHT

OLD TOWN SALSA SESSION

A night themed around Brazil's Copacabana, featuring Latin dance music and plenty of drink promotions. Dress code is colorful. Mar 3, 9pm.

Vogue Lounge, 6/F, Mahanakhon Cube, Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Rd., 02-001-0697. Free. BTS Chong Nonsi.

A night of live Latino music that invites both professional and beginner salsa dancers to take over the dance floor, with special promotions on South American snacks and sangria throughout the night.

Mar 9, 8pm. Chomp, 63-65 Samsen Soi 1, 02-6292026. B250 (includes one sangria).

SKINNY DIPS WITH SINISTARR

WESTIN POOL PARTY

The Michigan-based drum 'n' bass DJ makes his Bangkok debut with support from local DJs Guyboy, Will and Azek. Mar 3, 9pm. The Beat Lounge, RCA, Rama 9 Rd., 081-341-0512. B300 (includes one drink).

The monthly pool party series returns, this time featuring techno music from DJs Coran, Jerome, Natsha and Tim. Mar 11, 2pm. The Westin Grande Sukhumvit Bangkok, 259 Sukhumvit Rd. B300 (includes one drink).

ROSKO B2B ARCHIE HAMILTON

SAKE + SOUND

The British techno DJ makes his Bangkok debut with support from DJ Boris Rubin. Ticket info TBA. Mar 3, 9:30pm. Glow, 96/4-5 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 086-614-3355. Free. MRT Sukhumvit.

DJs The Outsider and NK Chan, with support from the 52HZ Bangkok and Giant Swing team, join forces with Japanese beatboxer Kyo Sakurai for a night of danceable music. Promotions on select sakes are also on offer. Mar 11, 8pm. Orihara Shoten, 18 Park Lane Sukhumvit Soi 63, 02-382-0131. B200 (includes one sake). BTS Ekkamai.

DJ BRUNO

The Ibiza-based DJ takes up his first Asian residency, where he'll be spinning every Friday night throughout Mar. Mar 3, 11pm. Maggie Choo's, underground/F, Hotel Novotel Bangkok Fenix Silom, 320 Silom Rd., 091-772-2144. Free. BTS Surasak.

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Melody of Life

Honne

classical

gigs

RISING STARS

DEEP SPACE EP2. DREAMWAKE

String quartets and piano trios from the Mahidol Unviersity alumni perform live.

Mar 5, 5pm. Goethe Institute Auditorium, 18/1 Sathorn Soi 1, 02-108-8200.

Free.

A night of ambient electronic and dream pop music from DJs Old Fashioned Kid, MHJD and Soar Flit. Mar 3, 8pm. Jam, 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 083-5451-833. B200.

BTS Surasak.

SINFONIETTA PLAYS HAYDN AND DEBUSSY

The Siam Sinfonietta Orchestra, conducted by the renowned Somtow Sucharitkul, performs select pieces from the Austrian and French composers. Mar 7, 8pm. Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Rd., 02-262-3456. MRT Thailand Cultural Centre.

WEAVING THE FUTURE TOGETHER: THAILAND AND JAPAN

The Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra, featuring guest conductor Jefferey Meyer, performs alongside Japanese violinist Mayu Kishima and pianist Tomoharu Ushida. Mar 10, 7pm. Prince Mahidol Hall, Mahidol University (Salaya Campus), 25/25 Buddhamonthon Sai 4 Rd. B100-500.

concerts SINGHA LIGHT LIVE SERIES VOL 2.1 HONNE

The British electronic soul and pop duo, best known for hits like "Warm on a Cold Night" and "Someone That Loves You," make their Bangkok debut. Mar 7, 8pm.

Voice Space, BBD Building, 197 Viphavadi Rangsit, 02-261-3883. Sold out.

CHARITY CONCERT FEAT. THE REBEL RIOT

The Burmese punk band teams up with local talents The Ginkz, Last Fight for Finish, The Octopuss, JindaJohn and Spring Fall Sea, with all proceeds from ticket sales going to the Burmese Food Not Bombs charity. Mar 4, 7pm. Overstay, Charan Sanit Wong Soi 80-82, 02-8834836. B100.

music festivals MELODY OF LIFE MUSIC FESTIVAL 10

The popular outdoor music festival returns for its tenth edition, featuring performances from over 20 local bands alongside workshops, talks, special screenings and a flea market. Mar 4-Feb 5, 12pm. CentralWorld, 4 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-635-1111. Free. BTS Chit Lom. TRANSMISSION THAILAND 2017

The Czech EDM and trance music festival makes their Thailand debut with a lineup including Markus Schulz, Ferry Corsten, Aly & Fila, John O' Callaghan, Bryan Kearna, Omnia and more. Tickets available at bit.ly/2mo8fpe. Mar 10, 6pm. BITEC, 88 Bang Na-Trat Rd., 02-749-3939. B2,800.

BTS Bang Na.

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now PLAN AHEAD Paradise Island Festival

ART

BEHIND TIN WALLS

FACES OF EVE

Photographer Visarut Sankhum documents the lives of Bangkok's migrant workers who live in temporary tinwalled structures as they build the city's booming luxury condominium industry. Mar 3-Apr 3. Foreign Correspondent's Club Thailand, Penthouse/F, Maneeya Centre, 508/5 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-652-0580-1.

Artist Christian Hogue's black-and-white portraits capture young Thai women forging solo careers in creative industries. Through Mar 12. The Jam Factory, 41/1-41/2 Charoen Nakorn Rd., 02-861-0950.

The Pharcyde

HERE COMES THE SUN

JOURNAL JOURNEY EXHIBTION

The craft studio hosts its first solo exhibition, showcasing pottery works created with inspiration from the morning sun. Through Mar 19. Cho Why, 17 Soi Nana, Charoenkrung Rd.

A group exhibition showcasing the works of Penpansa Thamanukul, Chalida Asawakanjanakit, Pawan Jirano-Thai and Thapong Srisai, whose installations capture the struggles that the new generation of artists face today. Through Mar 25, Kalwit Studio and Gallery, 119/14 , Ruamrudee Soi 2, Wireless Rd.

After postponing its original dates in January, Paradise Island has confirmed it will now take place on Apr 15-16, with a new location at Chaweng Noi Beach, Koh Samui (it was previously slated for Big Buddha Beach). There are also a few big changes to the line-up. Legendary hip-hop act De La Soul will no longer be making an appearance, but they've got a very solid replacement lined up in the form of '90s legends The Pharcyde. Replacing Anchorsong will be British electronic producer Krafty Kuts. Other acts confirmed are drum 'n' bass pioneer Goldie, LTJ Bukem, Maribou State and DJ Kentaro, joined by Bangkok talents The Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band, Unda and the Dope As Funk crew, DJ Dragon, DJ Orawan, High Time and Jam on

Toast. Paradise Island Festival is the first venture in Thailand for organizers Soundcrash, who are behind the Soundwave Festival in Croatia.

Alongside the music, organizers promise a variety of art workshops and classes covering Thai performance art, traditional art, yoga and Thai Chi classes, massage, cooking and more. The festival aims to be a more eco-friendly alternative to the notorious Full Moon parties, with organizers also working closely with the community on reforestation projects.

Tickets are on sale now for B2,800 at www.paradiseislandfestival.com

WHY NOT

Visit 56 Museums Around Thailand on the Cheap

MADE BY MICROWAVE

THE TIMELESS PRESENT MOMENT

Illustrator Kanith's latest collection explores aspects of traditional Chinese daily life in order to examine the contrast between the Asian round-table dining and Western microwaved meals. Mar 4-May 21. Pullman Bangkok Hotel G, 188 Silom Rd., 02-238-1991.

After exhibiting at Chiang Mai's Maiiam Contemporary Art Museum, artist Kamin Lertchaiprasert brings his paintings and sculptures which explore the purpose of life and Buddhism to Bangkok. Mar 4-May 5. Numthong Gallery, 72/3 Ari Soi 5, 02-617-2794.

SALES & FAIRS ART GROUND 02

The art-focused flea market returns for the second year, where local veteren and emerging artists will set up camp to sell their works, alongside a series of art workshops and live music by the riverside. Mar 3-5, 4pm. The Jam Factory, 41/1 Charoen Nakorn Rd., 02-861-0950.

THE GREAT OUTDOOR MINI MARKET X THE COMMONS

The popular outdoor market returns, promising plenty of stalls selling fine dining and living products alongside live music performances. Mar 4-5, 11am. The Commons, 335 Thonglor Soi 17, 089-152-2677.

100KM MARKET

Art Ground 02

A sustainability-focused market that gathers local farmers, crafters and NGOs to set up booths selling products sourced from no more than 100km away, with products ranging from handy crafts to organic food. Mar 12, 10am. Shangri-La, 89 Soi Wat Suan Plu, 02-236-7777.

Maiiam Contemporary Art Museum

The Muse Pass Season 5 is on sale now giving users access to 56 museums and learning spaces around the country for only B199. Now in its 5th year, the pass is on sale through Sep 30 on the Museum Thailand website (www.museumthailand.com), with each ticket valid for one year from the day of purchase. This year, the card has been upgraded from the previous paper-stamp style to a plastic card that can be scanned at each museum.

It also sees an additional 19 museums from last year, a map and discount coupons for various partnered shops. Highlight venues include: Museum Siam (Bangkok), Bangkokian Musem (Bangkok), Baan Mowaan (Bangkok), Maiiam Contemporary Art Museum (Chiang Mai), Art in Paradise 3D Museum (Bangkok), Thai Film Museum (Bangkok) and many more. Do note that those who own the Muse Pass Season 4 are still able to use their pass up until the date of expiry, although this does not include the newly added 19 venues.

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now HIGHLIGHT 120 Years of Cinema Exhibition

Leon: The Professional

FILM

Between Mar 9-Apr 30, the Alliance Francaise Bangkok hosts a special exhibition for film lovers. 120 Years of Cinema showcases archived memorabilia from the Musee Gaumont Museum, the legendary French movie production and marketing company that recently celebrated its 120th anniversary. Journey through the history of French cinema through collections ranging from exclusive film clips to old posters. On top of that, there will be special screenings of movies from the company’s most successful filmmakers between Mar 9-12, including titles like Leon: The Professional, The Science of Sleep, Panic in Bangkok, Le Grand Restaurant, La Femme Nikita and more, with tickets at B120 (the exhibition, however, is free entry). 179 Wittayu Rd., 02-670-4210

Opening (Mar 2)

LOGAN (USA)

TRESPASS AGAINST US (USA)

Sci-Fi/Drama. While caring for Professor X (Patrick Stewart) in a hideout, Logan's (Hugh Jackman) attempts to hide from the world are threatened when a young mutant discovers them.

Crime/Drama. A young man (Michael Fassbender) must escape from the criminal ways of his outlaw family who are being chased by the police.

BE GOOD HeForShe Arts Week

A DOG’S PURPOSE (USA)

THE SPACE BETWEEN US (USA)

Comedy/Drama. After being reincarnated multiple times across five decades, a loveable dog discovers the meaning of its own existence.

Sci-Fi/Romance. A teenage boy who was the first human to be born on Mars strikes up an online friendship with a girl on Earth, leading to an unlikely interplanetary romance.

Upcoming (Mar 9) He Named Me Malala

Kawita Vatanajyankur

In celebration of International Women’s Day this Mar 8, Bangkok joins the HeforShe Arts Week campaign that will simultaneously take place in many capitals around the world, from London to Sao Paulo, to promote gender equality through art and culture. From Mar 8-15, the event will see various venues across the city host a series of art exhibitions (e.g. Modern Slavery by Xyza Bacani), film screenings (e.g. Davis Guggenheim’s He Named Me Malala about Pakistani teenager Malala Yousafzai's escape from the Taliban), panel discussions (e.g. Kawita Vatanajyankur, who’ll be speaking on feminism and art) and live performances (e.g. the cult stage show dating back to 1996, The Vagina Monologues) that bring gender equality to the forefront of their messages. Participating venues include the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, Chulalongkorn University and SF Cinema Central World. For the full schedule, visit bit.ly/2lsk14q. HeForShe is a solidarity movement created by the UN Women to create a global platform for achieving gender equality through an inclusive approach, in which both men and women work together to reduce how gender inequality affects people socially, economically and politically around the world.

THE SHACK (USA)

AMERICAN PASTORAL (USA)

Drama. After suffering a family tragedy, a depressed father receives a mysterious letter urging him towards an abandoned shack.

Crime/Drama. The perfect family of a legendary high school athlete (Ewan McGregor) and his wife is turned upside down when their teenage daughter disappears after being accused of committing an act of political terrorism.

www.heforsheartsweek.org

SPECIAL SCREENING A Design Film Festival

Crazy about Tiffany's

KONG: SKULL ISLAND (USA)

DON’T KNOCK TWICE (UK)

Adventure. A team of explorers venture deep inside the island home of the king of apes, where they must choose between fighting for survival or protecting the beast.

Horror. A mother looking to reconnect with her estranged daughter instead attracts the attention of a demonic witch.

Banksy Does New York

The film festival dedicated to the design industry returns with eight documentary films covering street art, jewelry design, technology and more. Among them is Banksy Does New York, a documentary following a month spent Stateside in the life of the British graffiti master, as well as Crazy about Tiffany’s, which charts the 180-year-old American jewelry brand’s rise to iconic global status. Tickets available at www.zipeventapp.com/e/DFFBKK2017.

PRESENT PERFECT (THAI)

JAPANESE GIRL NEVER DIES (JAPAN)

Drama. Two men, one heartbroken and the other engaged, unexpectedly strike up a friendship in a small Japanese town.

Comedy/Drama. After cryptic graffiti begins to appear all over town, a mysterious group of high school girls start attacking men at random.

B150. Mar 4-5. Scala Theatre, Siam Square Soi 2.

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2017

photo credit: Le Normandie

Coming March 2017

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Bangkok’s 100 Top Tables ranked by its most discerning foodies FECHA / DATE

30/08/11

MARCA / BRAND

CAMPO VIEJO

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PANTONE 202 U C 2

PANTONE 871 U C 3

C1

NEGRO

NEGRO 50%

C2

C4 Estampado ARQUÉ K006B

PANTONE

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PANTONE

Cuando sea necesario reproducir este logotipo, es esencial que las proporciones y relaciones entre todos los elementos se mantengan.

When it is necessary to reproduce the logotype, it is essential that the proportions and relationships between all the elements are maintained.

© Los materiales gráficos incluidos en este archivo son propiedad de Domecq Wines España, S.A., prohibida su reproducción y difusión, salvo autorización expresa de Domecq Wines España, S.A.

TM

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