BK Magazine 688 5 May, 2017

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BK MAGAZINE NO. 688 FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2017. www.bkmagazine.com

UNDERRATED NEIGHBORHOODS Bangkok’s most livable but overlooked areas

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BAAN MAI KHAO

GUIDE TO PHUKET

U N T O U C H E D L O C AT I O N S UNIQUE EXPERIENCES U N F O R G E T TA B L E M O M E N T S

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Where to Next?

What We’ve Learned

4 upfront

8 escapes

Built to Last

Hot in Hua Hin 12 avenue

14 blends

In the Bag

Daytime Drinks

That Netflix now has Thai dubbing You can now officially use Netflix in Thai, thanks to a new interface they’ve just launched that comes complete with titles, descriptions and menu options in Thai. They’ve also confirmed 70-percent of the content now has Thai subtitles, with many also having dubbing. Word on the street is that there will be more Thai content on there soon, too. Oho!

16 bites

20 BK Now

Cantonese Feast

TCDC’s Back!

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 Senior Writer Bonnie Sananvatananont Staff Writer Natcha Sanguankiattichai, Theerada Moonsiri Content Coordinator Nontaya Kumyat Junior Writers Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj, Kasidit Srivilai Art Director Vatanya Bongkotkarn Production Supervisor Komkrit Klinkaeo Senior Graphic Designers Chantich Kongchanmitkul, Peeraya Sirathanisa Content Designer Saranya Laowtrakul Graphic Designer Anunya Chobnitas

Where to find us!

The Asia City Media Group

Video Content Manager Chanon Wongsatayanont Photographer Chissanupong Narmmoolnark Video Editor Tanaporn Choopanya 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, Lily Kittisrikangwan Interns Pragyan Ghale, Kawee Jarach, Nathanan Charoenkitchaikarn Cover by Chissanupong Narmmoolnark

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

That you may soon have to get a license to be allowed to express yourself The mass media panel at the National Reform Steering Assembly (NRSA), is proposing a revised bill on media reform where reporters operating without a license could face two years in jail or a fine of not more than B60,000.

We disapprove.

Singapore Asia City Publishing Pte. Ltd. Block 211 Henderson Rd. #07-02 Henderson Industrial Park Singapore 159552 Tel: 65-6323-2512 Fax: 65-6323-2779 Email: contact@asia-city.com.sg

That Club SX is the new club we didn’t know we needed They say it cost B250 million to build. It’s 1,000 sq meters (at Pullman Bangkok Grande Sukhumvit Hotel). And it’s got enough gilded frames and corinthian columns to pass as a casino. Located on the sixth floor (the name is a reference to that, not what goes on in nearby Soi Cowboy), it also comes with views of Asoke from its outdoor terrace.

That Gaggan is serious about his tofu restaurant The best chef in Asia for three years in a row ate some tofu in a little restaurant in Fukuoka and had an epiphany. He’s now about to open an omakase-style joint serving the stuff in every shape, including a chocolate ganache. “I told the guy in Fukuoka, you open a place with me or I’ll copy you,” Gaggan told us with a laugh. “So he said yes.”

Your taxi will be just like an Uber soon The Department of Land Transport hosted a seminar last week to discuss the installation of tracking devices and cameras alongside with an emergency button in all taxis in Bangkok. The tracking devices will be linked to the taxi department management center and the Taxi OK application. The app will also come with an option to prevent taxi drivers from refusing service to passengers.

Don’t laugh.

That Phoenix is really coming to town You heard the rumor here last week. It’s now confirmed. The French electro-pop band is coming to Bangkok on Aug 17.

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, May 5, 2017

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upfront HOT OR NOT

Hot: Food trucks

Not: Food stalls

Did food trucks kill street food? It’s looking that way. After City Hall let slip plans to eliminate street vendors, the Ministry of Commerce came out encouraging those same vendors to put their businesses on wheels with the promise of special loans. How exactly this is more hygienic or orderly, we’re not sure. What we do know is the food truck trend ain’t going anywhere. The latest is Barismo (goo. gl/UNFeCA), a nitro coffee specialist born in Boston not Bangkok.

ARCHITECTURE

Hot: IKEA bags

Not: Sampeng bags

Last year Thailand’s presence was felt in the world of high fashion when our stripy plastic bag made it to the runways of Balenciaga—who then slapped a B100,000 price tag on it. But trends move fast. Now the Spanish-French fashion house has been accused of aping the design of IKEA’s iconic blue Frakta bag. The question is, would you rather spend US$2,145 on 2,167 Ikea bags, at $0.99 each, or blow it all on one bearing the Balenciaga tag? We’ve saved you the hassle by rounding up the best tote bags around (see page 12), at prices somewhere in between.

Hot: Hua Hin

Not: Chiang Mai

Leave your little woolen hats and Uniqlo puffer jackets at home, the time for breathing in Northern Thailand’s cool breeze has well and truly passed. Thankfully, Hua Hin is looking more and more like Chiang Mai-by-the-sea with every passing week. Tiny bookstores with tiny book selections and tiny cafes selling moka-pot coffees are now just as commonplace as old white men in tiny shorts.

For the best of what’s new in town, see page 8.

Hot: Yen Akart

Not: Charoenkrung

Well, there goes the neighborhood. With TCDC landing on Charoenkrung this weekend (see page 20), BK is looking for somewhere quieter to wax lyrical about. Enter Yen Akart. This stronghold of French expats has wormed its way into our hearts. It’s got Suhring. It’s got Yen Akart Villa. It’s got leafy alleys you just don’t find outside of Ari. These qualities should keep us occupied—until the next Chinese-themed bar opens on Soi Nana, at least. For more underrated ‘hoods to call home, see page 5.

THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID

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Pordee Pordee Classroom is one of the most inspiring architecture projects in Thailand. Led

by Design for Disaster and The Association of Siamese Architects Under Royal Patronage (ASA), it aims to rebuild schools that were destroyed in Chiang Rai’s earthquake in 2013.

The project has enlisted the help of leading names such as Supermachine and Junsekino Architecture. Another participant, the founder of Vin Varavarn Architects, M.L. Varudh Varavarn, 44, won a Highly Commended Award at the World Architecture Festival last November. To mark the Architect Expo 2017 (May 2-7) and the third anniversary of Chiang Rai’s earthquake (May 5), BK chats to Varudh about how to best prepare against disaster.

What was your aim in building a school in a disaster-prone area?

The first priority was getting a stronger structure within a very limited budget. I also knew the school had accepted students with attention deficit problems. So, teachers had to find ways to offer different learning environments, like sitting outside or studying under the trees. I had the idea to bring nature into the classroom, like a form of natural therapy. The location helped with this: it’s on a slope covered with large trees. We designed it so that the entrance to the classroom came at the top of the slope, with the rest of the building raised off the ground.

What was the biggest challenge in building it?

I normally work on residential projects and resorts so this project changed the way I think a lot.

I worked closely with the Engineering Institute of Thailand to make the classroom earthquake-resistant. For this, we needed to use lightweight materials to reduce the chance of injury. We ended up using insulated metal sheets. Importantly, for the foundation, we used round posts instead of square ones to make the structure stronger.

What was the budget?

The total budget was B1.9 million and we had only two months for construction. We received donations from various segments of society, including the revered monk Phra Maha Vuthichai Vachiramethi. I don’t know how that budget compares to other earthquake-resistant concrete structures. But with such time constraints, these metal materials helped us get the job done quicker and with more flexibility. The building is capable of resisting a magnitude 7.5-8 quake.

become portable earthquake-proof structures that can be easily relocated. The school project has led to several other groups contacting me, like ORU-FOGAR in Ecuador, who asked me to help design emergency houses in earthquake-devastated El Matal capable of resisting a magnitude 9 quake. But I’m not an expert.

I just advised them that I think nothing can resist something that powerful unless you have a huge budget, so it might be better to build shelters that can be assembled like Lego in the aftermath of an earthquake.

What was the feedback from locals?

I love that the students say it looks like a spaceship or resort. I also feel great that a local craftsman who helped me construct the school told me he used his new knowledge to improve his damaged house, too. It’s good to see people adapt like that.

Too bad not everyone has access to such knowledge and techniques.

With global warming causing more natural disasters, how should we prepare ourselves?

People are slowly becoming aware of the need for better planning. But a lot depends on the costs of materials and implementation of the correct designs. While designing the school, I came across tiang na, a type of contemporary hut used in the rice fields which I think is pretty practical for our country. I actually think we can learn a lot from our traditional Thai houses, such as those raised as protection against floods. Looking ahead, we need to merge new technology with certain old designs. Interview by Mon-

Are you working on any other disaster-resistant projects?

I’m an advisor for the Modchanaphai Foundation, who are working on a project to design tiny three-by-three meter parsonages for monks at a temple in Chaing Rai. These may

ruedee Jansuttipan

by Kathy MacLeod (IG: @kathy_macleod)

BK Magazine Friday, May 5, 2017

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cover story

Live Here Forget Ari or Thonglor. Here are Bangkok’s most underrated neighborhoods. By Kasidit Srivilai and Tyler West

Ratchatewi Given its close proximity to Chulalongkorn University and the shopping mecca of Siam, Ratchatewi has long been a darling of students. But the affordable rental prices and burgeoning cafe and co-working scene have much to offer grownups too. The area, defined roughly from Huachang Bridge that crosses Saen Sab Canal from Siam to the intersection of Phayathai and Phetchaburi roads, may lack the leafy charm of nearby Ari, but it’s more central and quicky upgrading its lifestyle options.

Saphan Kwai In-the-know foodies have long lauded Saphan Kwai as one of Bangkok’s best places to go for oldschool eats. Recently the neighborhood has seen a spate of condos pop up near the BTS station and the arrival of a new community mall to see it rival hip neighbors Ari and Chatuchak as a place to live.

Dining and Nightlife

Accommodation

Food stalls and shop-house restaurants line Pradiphat Road from Saphan Kwai intersection to Rama 6 Road, covering all the familiar street staples. Late-night establishment Krua Pradiphat (Pradiphat Soi 14) is especially renowned for its ”Super Soup” (spicy goji berry soup with chicken feet, B100) and pla gra-pong nam pla (deep-fried snapper with sweet and sour sauce, B370). The opening of new community mall Aqua (Paholyothin Rd.) has also served to brighten up the dining scene with more modern bistros.

Nightlife is still pretty light on the ground but here you’ll find Brewix, a craft beer bar serving imported bottles like Brewdog Punk IPA (B300) and Thatchers Somerset cider (B250). Meanwhile, Yakizen is a yakitori (Japanese-style chicken skewers, B39-B49) specialist that also serves umeshu (Japanese plum wine, B140) and Suntory Kakubin whiskey (B140) to a rowdy clientele. Just a 10-minute walk from BTS Saphan Kwai is Or-Tor-Kor market (101, Kamphaengphet Rd.), recently named the fourth best fresh market in the world by CNN, which serves an incredible array of fruit, vegetables and meat. The food court there is another hidden gem.

New condos in the area come from Sansiri, AP and Pruksa. Studio apartments within walking distance of the BTS station start from a lowly B6,500 per month — try TG Place (Pradiphat Soi 15). Meanwhile, a one-bedroom apartment right beside the rail line at Ideo Mix goes for B15,000 per month, and a two-bedroom from B30,000 per month. A four-storey old shophouse might cost you B50,000 per month.

Community The wave of new condos has brought new faces to the area, from office workers to students. But the original inhabitants of Saphan Kwai are old Thai-Chinese families who own and occupy the neighborhood’s many shophouses. Deeper down Pradiphat Road stand rows of half-century-old houses with large courtyards, occupied by yet more firmly-entrenched families.

What else?

On top of the very convenient BTS station, which can whisk you off to Sukhumvit in no time, Saphan Kwai is also home to the Om-sin Bank Headquarter (470 Paholyothin Rd.) where there's a large outdoor tennis court for hour rent. Plus, Chatuchak Park is just a 15-minute walk from BTS Saphan Kwai.

Accommodation

Casa Lapin

Dining and Nightlife Don’t expect too much in the way of fine dining, but you will find plenty of street food (for now, at least) and old-school shop-house restaurants, especially in Petchaburi soi 5 and 7 where student accommodation abounds. For Isaan food, try Jay Goi (Petchaburi Rd.) and its much-hyped yum pla dook fu (deep fried minced codfish with green mango salad, B100), or for Muslim bites order Roti Tae-or’s (Petchaburi Soi 7) yummy roti with beef curry (B30) and cha chaak (Muslim version of shaken milk tea, B30).

There’s also been a boom in coffee culture, with hipster pioneer Casa Lapin (304/5 Phayathai Rd., in front of Evengreen Hotel) recently opening a branch here. Phra Athit’s pancake cafe Jaywalk also has a second spot at Cocowalk (89/35 Phayathai Rd.), a lively and unpretentious alley full of restaurants and bars that’s frequented by a younger crowd and comes alive especially at night. Sushi lovers can get their fill at two reliable names: the mid-price Sushi Masa (Soi Phayanak) or premium at Yellow Tail Sushi Bar (4/F, Vie Hotel, Phayathai Rd.)

You’ll find endless apartments catered to student budgets (B5,000-10,000), but there are more up-scale options available too. Big property names in the area include Ideo, Supalai and Sansiri. One of the prime addresses is Pyne by Sansiri, which is located right in front of BTS Ratchatewi. A 30-sq-meter studio starts at B25,000 a month, while a 45-sq-meter one-bedroom starts at B30,000 a month.

Compare this with B20,000 for a one-bedroom (42 sq meters) at The Address Siam (456 Phetchaburi Rd.).

Community Aside from all the Chula kids, the neighborhood is home to a long-standing Muslim community, as evident from the large Darul-Ahman Mosque on Petchaburi Soi 7 (also home to some excellent Muslim food). Of course, you’ll also find plenty of tourists spilling out of Asia Hotel, Evergreen Place and Vie Hotel.

What else?

BTS Ratchatewi is not only close to Siam, it’s also one stop from the Airport Rail Link—perfect for a quick getaway. Other notable places in the neighborhood are Phaya Thai Hospital (Sri Ayutthaya Rd.), The Jim Thompson Art Centre (6 Rama 1 Rd.), and vintage clothes store Bangklyn (121/118 Phayathai Rd.). No real parks though!

BK Magazine Friday May 5, 2017

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cover story Yen Akart Flanked by Sathorn Soi 1 and Nanglinchee Road in the heart of Sathorn, the leafy back-alleys of Yen Arkart belie the business-like surroundings. There’s a tranquil European vibe to this area, where large colonial-style abodes sit side by side with sleek, modern condos and old-school town-houses.

A slew of hot restaurant, gallery and cafe openings have put the neighborhood well and truly on the map for city-slickers seeking out the handful of reasonably-priced condos still on the market.

Hubba To

Magpie Coffee Craftsman

On Nut Since the arrival last year of Sansiri’s Habito mall (On Nut Soi 1/1), On Nut has seen an upswing in reputation. The development’s modern design, buzzing restaurants and oh-so-cool Hubba To co-working space have all contributed to the idea that this is a neighborhood on the rise. In reality, Sansiri’s T77 pristine residential development sits smack-bang amid the bustle of Sukhumvit Soi 77 and nearby street markets of Soi Pridi 2. Factor in that it’s only two or three BTS stops from Thonglor and Ekkamai, with rental prices that are far lower, and it’s plain to see why living here is becoming more and more appealing.

Suhring

Yen Akart Villa

Dining and Nightlife

Accommodation

You’ll find Suhring (Yen Akart Soi 3), the contemporary German restaurant that placed #1 in our Top Tables 2017 guide, occupying a beautiful old house with garden tucked off Yen Akart Road. It’s just one of a bunch of cool new openings, which also include Akart Bistro and Bar and the much-hyped Coffee Craftsman (both at Yarden, 30 Yen Akart Rd.). Other star attractions close at hand include the rustic Italian and awesome wine list of La Casa Nostra (22 Sathorn Soi 1) and the Michelin-worthy bites of J’aime (Sathorn Soi 1), while you’re more likely to regularly eat at down-to-earth haunts like The Corner, Mama Dolores and Nanglinchee Market (home to the excellent khaosoy of Eats Payao). Yen Akart’s sizeable French population are placated by the amazing baguettes and croissants of Amantee bakery on nearby Chan Kao Road, which is also home to BeatRoot spa and yoga studio. The drinking holes of Suan Phlu (Smalls, Junker and Bar) and Sathorn Soi 1 (Prum Plum Umeshu Bar) are a mere stumble away, while Sathorn Soi 10-12 and Silom require a quick taxi ride depending on which way you want to take your night.

For those dreaming big, one of the more grandiose houses will run you B100,000/month.

Luckily, there are also more practical options like Condolette Pixel Sathorn (Soi Si Bamphen)with studios starting at B13,000/month and Lanai Sathorn (297 Yen Akart Soi 2) with two-bedroom options at B65,000/month. Wellpriced condos can also be found on Sathorn Soi 1 and Chan Road not too far from the action.

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Community An afternoon stroll along Yen Akart reveals a serenity rarely found this far south of Ari—bicyclists at ease, homes with big yards and, well, more luxury cars than pedestrians. While some bigwigs evidently call Yen Akart home, there’s also a definite middle-class family vibe to the area—as one trip to Tops Yen Akart supermarket on the weekend will attest.

What else?

The closest public transport is MRT Lumphini.

The convenience of BNH hospital (Soi Convent Rd.) is just the other side of Sathorn Road. Culture abounds in the form of Yen Akart Villa, a multi-purpose, by-appointment-only gallery, its younger counterpart Bangkok Citycity Gallery and the Goethe Institute.

Dining and Nightlife Habito’s options include Saeb Lai’s reasonably priced Isaan food and Muine’s hipster Vietnamese banh mi, while you’ll also find places here that cover sushi, shabu, Mexican and pizza. Of course, there’s more to eating than the mall, like Namthien by Khanta (On Nut 17), a Thai-Szechuan restaurant originally from Phetchaburi, and don't forget to stop by Mook Tao Teung (On Nut Soi 9) for some desserts and their famous itim kai kaeng (ice cream topped with raw egg). Back on the hype train, Magpie (28 On Nut Rd.) is the creation of renowned Thai designer Noppadol “Ou” Baholyodhin (currently Jim Thompson’s creative director), who’s channeled his thirst for good coffee and eye for style into creating On Nut’s most photogenic cafe. As for drinking, Dog Step (The Beacon Place, Sukhumvit Soi 50) near the BTS offers craft beers along with homemade German sausages. Get a bottle of Stonehead Tire Burning Weizen at B180 there.

Accommodation For apartments, Sansiri’s T77 development has four towers and two low-rise townhouses, where a one-bedroom apartment starts at B12,000/month, with each residence featuring pretty swanky communal gyms, swimming pools and garden areas. Cheaper yet is Lumpini Ville Sukhumvit 77 (On Nut Soi 3), where a one-bedroom spot starts at B9,500/month—try

finding that in Ekkamai!

Community Filled with food carts and street bustle, the five-minute walk from BTS On Nut to the outer security gate of Habito paints a vividly traditional picture of a traditional neighborhood. In recent times, a more urban crowd has settled here, buoyed by cheaper rents and more character-filled surroundings than, say, Udom Suk further down the BTS line.

What else?

While Habito indeed brings hip restaurants to the ‘hood, get more convenience can be found at the nearby Big C complex on Soi 77. Further away from Sukhumvit Road, Brownstone Studio (1395 Sukhumvit Soi 77) hosts live music and other creative endeavors. With the second campus of Bangkok Prep International School set to open in the area this year, you can expect an even more family-oriented vibe in the future. Workout spot? Fitz Boxing Gym at The Phyll Mall (Sukhumvit Soi 54) offers group and private boxing classes.

BK Magazine Friday, May 5, 2017

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escapes

Oasis x Seenspace

HUA HIN

By the Seaside The best new reasons to head back to Hua Hin this summer.

By Lily Kittisrikangwan Beach Society

Hungover brunching at The Sunday Brunch Club

Delve into the shelves at Rhythm & Book & Friends

Opened last year, SO Sofitel Hua Hin has made a name for its monthly beach parties (the next ones are scheduled for May 6 and Jun 3). The newly launched Sunday Brunch Club (every Sun at 12-4pm) is perfect for those who’ve perhaps partied a little too hard the night before. At B999 per person, the allyou-can-eat extravaganza serves up dishes cooked a-la-minute like truffle crab burger, salmon Florentine and “Hot Bucket” (Hua Hin seafood in chili and garlic with corn on the cob).

This all goes down right by the hotel’s private beach at Beach Society to a soundtrack of tropical tunes. The price includes one complimentary beer, soft drink or wine, or you can add B700 to keep the party going with free-flow drinks all afternoon.

Reservations at fbadmin@so-sofitel-huahin.com.

Break away from the sand, sea and sun, and make a stop at this seriously petite bookshop run by reputed travel writer Panu Maneewattanakul. Hidden in the backyard of tiny white home, behind Hua Hin Place on Naeb Khehat Soi 1, this indie bookstore sees Panu curate small batches of Thai and international books that span genres from music and art to food and drinks, history and sex. There’s also a nice collection of vinyl records picked up from his travels around the world. You’re still in Hua Hin, but it feels miles and miles from home.

Beach Society @ So Sofitel Hua Hin, 115 Moo 7, Bang Kao, 032-709555. goo.gl/tSWvW5

This aviation-inspired eatery was shortlisted for the INSIDE World Festival of Interiors 2016 awards for its stunning interior dominated by a full-scale model of the world’s first ever aircraft, the 1903 Wright Flyer. Outside of all the photo ops, there’s also an all-Thai menu designed by Supanut “Ann” Kanarak (Bangkok Bold, previously head of Four Season’s Spice Market), with highlights like pomelo salad on fried wild betel leaves (miang som o). The coffee is great, too, using beans sourced from Northern Thailand

Live the slow-life at 1d+ Day Artist The traffic in Hua Hin town center can get pretty hectic nowadays, especially on public holidays. Break away from the crowd at this minimal restaurant which is the brainchild of designer couple Kornsorn Prakobkhong and Rossalin Sainimnual. They serve up a cute black-and-white aesthetic along with moka pot espresso—a mix sure to work magic on your Instagram. The Thai food takes a traditional route and includes khao khai khon tom yam goong (rice with omelet top with spicy prawn soup, B95), lab moo tod (spicy fried pork balls, B95) and grilled pork spicy salad. The space is also petfriendly—a bonus if you’re traveling with your pooch.

Soi Hua Hin 101, Khao Tao, Phetkasem Rd., 032-908-355, 085-503333. www.100000d.com/1d+

Hua Hin Place Guesthouse, Hua Hin Soi 53, 032-516-640

Ogle the design at Air Space

12/399 Hua Dorn, 063-916-0999. Open daily 8am-11pm. www.fb.com/ airspacehuahin

Indulge in lush desserts at Chocolate Factory Khao Yai’s Chocolate Factory opens by the sea to offer Thai and international dishes like grilled rainbow lobster (B1,580), pad Thai (B220) and steamed blue crab (B150/100g). But, of course,

Virus Space & Dr. Doon Studio

the stars of the establishment are decadent desserts like the yummy chocolate dome (B240). The design is quite impressive too, featuring the elegant work of Party/Space/Design studio (Bangkok credits include Shugaa, Crack and Hands and Heart), which sees bronze lamps, white marble counters and creamcolor walls bathed in an abundance of natural light.

Hua Hin Soi 65, 061-172-8887 www.fb.com/chocolatefactoryhuahin

Explore art and music at Virus Space & Dr. Doon Studio Opened last year, the beachside Seenspace mall is a hit for its regular weekend markets and live music events. One mustvisit here is Virus Space, run by the acclaimed artist Thaweesak “Lolay” Srithongdee, which launched its first exhibition last September. In addition to the art, you can also enjoy great moka pot coffee (from B70), made with beans from Chiang Mai, courtesy of Bangkok’s Brave Roasters. Vinyl junkies can also hit Dr. Doon Studio, which offers records and music books handpicked by Lolay. Be prepared for some impromptu music jams.

Seenspace, Hua Hin Soi 35, Liebwang Nue Rd., 092-350-0035. www. seenspace.com/huahin

Hit the bar at Oasis x Seenspace Once you’re done browsing the records, head over to the area right by the sandy beach, which has just been transformed into an aquatic swimming pool, complete with bar and beanbags looking out over the blue expanses.

Seenspace, Hua Hin Soi 35, Liebwang Nue Rd., 092-350-0035. www. seenspace.com/huahin

New places to stay

ANANDA HUA HIN

HOTEL BOCAGE

KEHADFA VILLA

RADISSON BLU RESORT HUA HIN

Comprising 196 villas and rooms, Hua Hin’s latest resort is actually located in Cha-am, a 15-minute drive from the town center. Rates start from B3,398/night.

Thai resort architecture master Duangrit Bunnag (The Naka, Alila Cha Am) is behind this simple yet brutalist concrete construction. Rates start from B8,000/night.

It offers just two five-bedroom villas by the sea, each with their own 15-meter pool, dreamy beach pavilion on the sun deck and butler. Rates start from B27,00/night.

1499 Petchkasem Rd., 032-898-989 www.anandahuahin.com

4/F, 13/14 Seenspace, Hua Hin Soi 35, 091-7128822. www.Hotelbocage.com

1885 Petchkasem Rd., 096-889-8899. www.kehadfa.com

One of the biggest hotel projects of 2016 opened late last year boasts a stunning, twostory-tall waterfall at the lobby, while a walkway flanked by elevated swimming pools leads to the beach. Rates start from B3,600/night.

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1392 Petchkasem Rd., 032-421-777. www.radissonblu.com/en/resort-hua-hin

BK Magazine Friday, May 5, 2017

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ESCAPE ROUTES

By Lily Kittisrikangwan

HUA HIN

Seize the Moment The Moment Gallery and Bar (The Spirit HuaHin Resort, 8/1837 Hua Hin Soi 134, 083066-0035. themomenthuahin.com) comes with spectacular 360-degree views of the ocean on one side and the mountains on the other. A great low-key escape if you’re not a fan of Hua Hin’s overly packed seafood restaurants, here the food comes with successful fusion touches like pla la songkreung (fermented fish) spaghetti (B190) and fried river prawn in tamarind sauce (B380). But it’s mostly about the setting, hidden away in a secluded pool villa resort down in Khao Tao. While you’re there, make a detour to Pranburi. The 200-year local market that takes place every Saturday is a genuinely delightful change from the touristy Hua Hin Night Market and Cicada Market.

PHUKET

Piece of Ibiza Ibiza's legendary Cafe Del Mar (063-081-2488, www.cafedelmarphuket.com) beach club makes its Thailand debut on Kamala Beach. Here, a pool sits surrounded by fancy sunbeds and a bar, while the lounge extends right to the sands. Founded in 1980, Cafe Del Mar is synonymous with the series of chillout compilation albums of the same name, which it's been releasing since 1994. In keeping with this tradition, the Phuket opening is promising visits from lots of international DJs. While the hotel and fine-dining restaurant parts of the project won't be complete until the end of 2017, there's already a beach bar menu that covers international, Thai and Japanese ground, from tuna tartare (B220) to cold seafood platters (B1,590) to Thaistyle seafood salad (B320). The long list of drinks includes experimental concoctions like Southern Hospitality (lemongrass, chili and kaffir leaf-infused Stolichnaya vodka, Mahiki coconut liqueur, mango puree and coconut milk, B300). Saturdays and Sundays see weekly pool parties starting early in the day. Entry is free, though there is a B1,000 minimum spend for use of the pool. However, we think Cafe Del Mar's biggest draw is the unbeatable sunset—head over around 5-6pm for the best seats.

Rum Time Phuket's artisanal rum distillery now has its own bar and also offers cocktail workshops. Visitors can follow up a tour of Chalong Bay Rum distillery (from Mon-Sat every hour from 2-6pm, including tasting session and mojito at B300/person) by partaking in a cocktail workshop (Tue-Sat). At B1,200/person, you’ll get to make three different cocktails. If you just want to chill, stop by the newly opened Chalong Bay Rum Bar (14/2 Moo 2 Soi Palai 2, 082-800-4701. www. chalongbay.com) for a sip of their classic cocktails, bite-sized Mediterranean tapas and a fittingly tropical vibe. Finish off with a scoop of the delicious Chalong Bay rum and raisin ice-cream (B100/scoop). Launched back in 2012, Chalong Bay Rum is produced from pure Thai sugarcane juice (not molasses, like most distilleries), crafted using traditional French distillation methods. The gold medal winner at the San Francisco World Spirit Competition in 2015 now distributes bottles to over 20 countries.

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE COPY NOW TOP TABLES 2017 The definitive guide to Bangkok’s 100 best restaurants bkmagazine.com/bktoptables

Visit bkmagazine.com/jobs

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avenue SHOPPING

Juxtaposed Design American luxury furniture maker Baker collaborates with Parisian architect and designer Jean-Louis Deniot to create a furniture collection of some 80 pieces, from upholstery to lighting. Described as “futuristic classic,” it features geometric shapes and curved silhouettes in proportions designed to go well with contemporary and antique furnishings alike. Highlight pieces include the Heliodor dining table (starting at B420,000), which combines South American mahogany veneer, resin pedestal and antique bronze trim, and the Heliodor decorative chest (B630,000) in ivory gloss, made from solid hardwood and bronze. 3/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-129-4434. BTS Siam

FASHION

SHOPPING

FASHION

Tropical Escape

Swiss Wrist

Roman Twist

Ekkamai’s new vintage clothing shop will save you a trip to sweltering Chatuchak. Decked out with a vivid wall mural of a surfer and retro bric-a-brac, Everything Under the Sun serves up a decidedly tropical vibe, reflected in the owner’s carefully curated selection of Hawaiian shirts. You’ll also find some cool print tees, blindingly colorful ‘80s-style shorts, trucker caps and the odd brand name (on our last visit, we came across pieces from Margaret Howell, Stussy and Carhartt). It’s mostly menswear, but there’s plenty for women to dig out too. Shirts and shorts start from around B800 each. Urbano Zone, 2/F, Gateway Ekamai, Sukhumvit Rd. BTS Ekkamai. IG: everythingunderthesun_th

Swiss watchmaker Rado is giving its thinnest ever watch, the True Thinline, a colorful overhaul. Made from a blend of matte and polished high-tech ceramic, the watch now comes in four understated colors: inky blue, forest green, lunar grey and chocolate brown. The minimalist design is epitomized by a detail-free dial, while the watch is also 30-meter water resistant. It comes in a sandblasted titanium case. Available for B71,300 at department stores citywide. Try M/F. Paragon Department Store, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-129-4434.

BTS Siam

Bulgari honors the late Pritzker Prize-winning architect Zaha Hadid with its B.Zero1 Design Legend rings. The piece takes influence from Rome’s iconic Colosseum, but with a Hadid-inspired design twist that makes the ring look like its hovering over the finger. The design also represents Hadid’s fluid and curvaceous architectural style through undulating gold waves. Available in pink gold at B68,900, white gold at B77,200, and pink gold pendant at B100,000. M/F, Emporium, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-664-8008. BTS Phrom Pong

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ONE FOR THE BOYS! TANGO NO SEKKU FESTIVAL AT YAMAZATO RESTAURANT, THE OKURA PRESTIGE BANGKOK 1 - 28 May 2017 Celebrate the Japanese ‘Tango no Sekku’, Boys’ Festival at Yamazato with a choice of special Gozen lunch platters, and a wonderful 8-course Kaiseki dinner.

Lunch: 11:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Dinner: 6 p.m. - 10:30 p.m

lg

Gozen lunch, Baht 1,300 per person Kaiseki dinner, Baht 4,500 per person Prices are subject to 10% service charge and 7% government tax.

For more information and reservations, please call 02 687 9000

Park Ventures Ecoplex, 57 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330 T. 02 687 9000 F. 02 687 9001 E. info@okurabangkok.com okurabangkok.com facebook.com/theokuraprestigebangkok

Bangkok’s coolest hangout spots for brunch, coffee, sweets, all-day bites and more.

Don’t miss your chance to advertise in BK Magazine’s new guide, Cafe Society.

Organized by neighborhood, the Cafe Society guide is all about spending the slowest, most leisurely day you’ve ever had.

Start things off with a single-origin brew, tuck into some fluffy pancakes and find the perfect garden to knock back a long drink.

Great for all-day restaurants, coffee shops, dessert cafes, juice bars, healthy eating, artisanal foods, markets, co-working spaces and workshops.

Call 02-624-9620, 601, 615 or email advertising@asia-city.co.th

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avenue FASHION

Tote Time

Lightweight and compact, the tote bag is the hipster essential. Choose wisely. By Kasidit Srivilai

Hay, B1,290

Maison Kitsune, B1,900

Sprz New York, B790

Vick’s Weekend, B3,250

Essentials Club Petanque. Available at Another Story, 4/F, EmQuartier, Sukhumvit Rd. BTS Phrom Phong

Marimekko, B1,700 Freitag, B6,790

Freitag. Siam Square Soi 11. BTS Siam Hay. 3/F, Siam Discovery, Rama 1 Rd. BTS Siam Maison Kitsune. Available at Siwilai, 5/F, Central Embassy, Phloen Chit Rd. BTS Phloen Chit Marimekko. G/F, Siam Discovery, Rama 1 Rd. BTS Siam

Club Petanque, B950

Sprz New York. Available at Uniqlo, city-wide department stores. Try 1/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd. BTS Siam

Maison Kitsune, B2,900

Vick's Weekend. Ari Soi 2. BTS Ari

GYMS New Workouts in Bangkok

FORM FITNESS AND REHAB

CLIMB CENTRAL

SAM-YAN GYM

This gym is all about getting you back working out safely after injuries or other health-related issues. Courses are tailored to various rehab requirements, from post-pregnancy workout to training with diabetes, all designed in collaboration with in-house physiotherapists. They also do basic gym programs, with personal training offered at the promotional rate of B3,500 for three sessions, group training at B600 per session and private group training at B750 per session.

Sitting in a lofty warehouse out on Kallapaphruek Road (about 10km from BTS Wutthakat), this claims to be Bangkok’s tallest climbing wall. It features gnarled walls and overhangs for all abilities, along with on-site instruction if you need it. Walk-in entry for unlimited climbs within one day costs B600 for adults and B500 for kids under TK (first-time registration fee and equipment fee included). Sign-up for one-month membership at B2,800—a 20-percent discount off the regular rate.

The strip-lights, exposed industrial ceilings and dark palette of gray on gray makes it feel like you’re 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.

Polaris Tower, 888 Sukhumvit Soi 20, 061-470-6305

10/2 Kallapraphruek Rd., 092-250-0790

3/F, Liberty Square, 287 Silom Rd. 086-401-4392

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bites & blends

AFTERNOON TEA

Star Desserts Chiang Mai’s boutique resort 137 Pillars House has opened a luxurious 34-suite hotel, 137 Pillar Suites, on Sukhumvit Soi 39. It's marking the arrival with a special afternoon tea set in collaboration with celebrity chef Roger Van Damme.

Known for incorporating molecular gastronomy techniques in his pastries, the Belgium-based, Dutch chef’s profile includes being named chef of the year by Gault Millau in 2010 and his own Michelin-starred restaurant, Het Gebaar. Available every weekend at the hotel lobby, the afternoon tea set features four of the chef’s signature creations: a beautifully plated mousse; cream in varieties like Pink Lady (apple, puff pastry, Earl Grey) and Lemon Squash (lemon and a range of citrus flavors); milk chocolate mousse (with black currants, raspberry, white chocolate and basil) and coffee creme brulee (with chocolate, spices and citrus). The set also includes some savory bites, scones and a pot of the house brand organic tea (B1,370) or a flute of Champagne (B1,890).

Advance reservations required. 137 Pillar Suites, 59/1 Sukhumvit Soi 39, 02-079-7222

RESTAURANT

RESTAURANT

CAFE

Cult Crunch

Phuket in Downtown

Potter Around

Batt Tempura offers a new tempura experience at its laid-back spot in Ekkamai. Chef-owners Chatphon Thavornvanit (also of Wild & Co) and Jakrachai Ruayrean are Dusit Thani College graduates who put their Japanese hotel-kitchen background to work at this hip American-style kiosk. The compact kitchen sits behind a floorto-ceiling window and '80s-style neon sign where you can catch the chefs freshly whipping up batter, coating and frying up fluffy, crisp tempura to golden perfection. The menu covers bites like ebi bao (shrimp tempura with pickles and hot sauce wrapped in a bao bun, B180), tempura basket (shrimp, fish and veggies, B220) and several rice bowls, including anago tendon (one saltwater eel and veggie tempura, B350) and dragon ball tendon (three shrimp, egg, pumpkin and asparagus tempura, B210). 77 Ekkamai Soi 21, 089-016-5565

After more than half a decade serving its scorching Southern Thai food, Phuket Town has moved from its tiny corner shop-house on Thonglor's main drag to an altogether more charming standalone house on Thonglor Soi 4. Decked out with hints of Phuket Old Town's Sino-Portuguese architecture and paintings, the larger venue features two dining rooms as well as a dedicated bar that shows they now take drinks more seriously. Flavorful Phuket recipes like fermented rice noodles with crab meat curry (B350), shrimp paste relish (B200) and beef curry (B220) remain, joined by signature cocktails like Phuket Gangster (tequila, hazelnut, orgeat, orange lime, B280) served in a paper bag with crackers, or the boozier Phuket Godfather Got Drunk (bourbon, dark rum, tequila, cinnamon, mint and ginger ale, B320). 126/2 Thonglor Soi 4, 02-714-9402

Aoon serves food on its own ceramic tableware produced on-site.

Visiting this earth-toned cafe and ceramic studio in Chinatown feels like taking a getaway from the city to a handicraft village. Engineer-turned-ceramist Pollasate Lohachalatanakul and his brother Taned serve comfort food from their childhood including their grandma’s version of satay rice (B135) where pork satay gets fried up and topped over rice with an egg, grilled cheese sandwiches (B135) and simple yet delicious waffle with ice cream (B120).

For drinks, the mixed berry smoothie (B85), which comes with a spoonful of yogurt, will brighten your day. Sip tea from Chiang Rai’s Sawanbondin farm and if you like the cup, you can buy one for yourself from B200. 2/8 Soi Phathum Khongka, Song Sawat Rd., 089-447-7161. www.fb.com/aoonpottery BK Magazine Friday, May 5, 2017

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blends BLENDS

See the Light Midday is the new midnight. Here are Bangkok’s best daytime drinking spots. By Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj Viva Aviv

Nineteens Up

Craft

Junker and Bar

This semi-outdoor stall exclusively sells craft beers, with 20 labels on tap rotating monthly and 50 bottled varieties. Expect familiar names like Deschutes, Rogue and Anderson Valley, with a particular focus on hoppy, high-alcohol-content IPAs. One of our picks, The Anderson Valley Blood Orange Gose (starting at B260 per glass), is made from an ancient German recipe and has a unique salty-grapefruit like flavor. There’s nothing like an ice-cold beer in the sun (just pray for no rain).

Junker was one of the first places on the scene for the rebirth of Suan Phlu as a hip, low-rent alternative to Sathorn Soi 10-12. Its recipe is part WTF (crowds drinking on the street outside) and after 8pm on any given evening you’ll be lucky to get a seat right away.

Recently, they’ve even started to open for breakfast from 8:30am(!), serving Vietnamese street food along with craft coffee made with owner Bard Passapong’s killer cocktail techniques. It’s never too early for one of his boozy concoctions (from B240), either.

16 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 02-661-3220. Open daily 12pm-12am

454 Suanphlu Soi 1, 085-100-3608. Open Tue-Sun 8:30am-midnight

Duke

Nineteens Up

Bangkok’s latest whiskey and cigar lounge is also NEW! a serious art gallery showing off the works of Thai talents. The huge list of whiskey is divided into different categories based on region. Order some of Michel Couvreur’s Clearach (B690/shot; B8,600/bottle), a French single malt whiskey aged in French cherry wood barrels for a sweet and flowery aroma, or an imported beer like De Molen from the Netherlands (from B400) while taking in pieces like Sarakin Krue-On’s Line Dance, an eye-catching papier-mache sculpture of six dancing women in pink blouses.

This adult playground not only serves drinks but also stocks plenty of games and activities—hence the name, the last year of teenage life. It all takes place in an atmosphere that’s very “startup rec room” (think whitewashed bricks and street art). The fun starts at B20 per person for a game of air hockey or pool and B60 per hour per person for any board game. Table tennis is free. You can also order craft beer (from B180 for half a pint), cocktails (from B350) and finger food like supreme nachos (B250).

1/F, Gaysorn Village, 999 Phloen Chit Rd., 080-587-9520. Open daily 11am-midnight

Fatty’s Bar and Diner Situated in a grungy shop-house out in the Rama 9 badlands, Fatty’s Bar & Diner is the kind of place that pulls a steady and devoted following (mostly expats) while flying completely under the radar for most. That hasn’t stopped word seeping out about the quality of its all-American hotdogs, burgers and various other hot sandwiches, though. Inside you will see a ton of craft beer brand logos stickered all over the bright orange walls: Stone Head, Chalawan and Deschutes. Prices start at B200 for a Thai craft beer. Originally only opened in the evening, Fatty’s now wakes up for lunch—and of course, food is not the only thing they serve at 11am.

598/66 Asoke Din Daeng Rd., 081-438 7221; 02-245-2965, Open TueSun 11am-midnight

Riedel Wine Bar This wine bar in Gaysorn comes equipped with a state-of-theart wine dispenser which allows for up to 40 open bottles to be stored without oxidizing. The result is a huge list of wines to try by the glass rather than forking out for the bottle. If you’re happy paying B300-450 per drink then you won’t feel out of place, and that’s for the full 150ml pours. They also offer 30ml taster portions (B60-180) and 75ml half pours (B60-450). We say take a seat on the balcony overlooking CentralWorld.

2/F, Gaysorn, 999 Phloen Chit Rd., 02- 656-1133. Open daily 11am-midnight

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Duke

Junker and Bar

NEW!

Baan Silom, Silom Soi 19, 096-649-6919. Open daily 11-1am

Quince Our Top Tables 2017 guide named Quince as Bangkok’s best brunch destination. Its got everything we want on a Sunday morning, be it a strong bloody Mary (B320), hummus with a sesame flatbread, a rabbit terrine accompanied by pickled veggies or a Campari and raspberry sorbet. But we’d be happy to make every day a Sunday here, thanks largely to that space: soaring ceilings, glass on three sides, rustic Casa Pagoda decor pieces and a little garden. Head barman Carson Quinn’s experimental cocktails certainly help, too. He has some secret cocktails that’s not on the menu like the Charred lime Mezcalrita (B380) or Tripple whiskey Old-fashioned with cigar smoke and absinthe mist (B380).

Riedel Wine Bar

Sukhumvit Soi 45, 02-662-4478. Open Mon-Fri 11am-midnight; Sat-Sun 10:30am-midnight

Viva Aviv Pirate chic meets industrial charm at this always-popular riverside watering hole. Old wooden crates form the bar, with lobster traps accessorizing the walls and sailboat hardware hanging from the ceiling. Tuck into bistro-style food and inventive, well-made cocktails like the Pina Colasi (Appleton Jamaican rum, fresh pineapple, orange and black pepper syrup, citrus and fresh young coconut foam). Beers range from B90-120 (by the bottle). The river views: priceless.

B/F, River City Shopping Complex, 23 Yotha Rd., 02-639-6305. Open daily 11am-midnight Quince

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

FOOD REVIEWS

El MercadoHHHH M e d i te r ra n ea n . 4 9 0 S o i P h a i S i n g to, Ratchadaphisek Rd., 02-258-1385. Open TueThu 9:30am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10.30pm.

MRT Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.

Corkage B800 (wine only) BBB H

Tucked down a rabbit warren in the middle of Ratchada-Rama 4, El Mercado is part food market, part restaurant. A large deli counter stocks cheese and charcuterie from Europe, while the cold storage room is packed with fresh imported seafood like fine de claire oysters, Mediterranean seabass and turbot. Order from the blackboard for simple yet tasty pastas, salads, seafood and grilled meats with a Southern European slant. The word is definitely out, though, about its breezy verandah and tiny terrace, complete with flaming barbecue. Thanks to a boisterous atmosphere, the place recalls a lessramshackle Arno’s, another packed-out joint doing perfunctory food and drinks at prices that hit the sweet spot (wine by the glass from B129? Yes, please). A grass-fed Australian striploin (B690) here can’t compare, but it’s juicy, lightly charred and one of the best for this price

Ikkousha Ramen HHHH

Japanese. 271 Thonglor Soi 13, 02-712-9487.

Open daily 11-2am. Corkage charge B300 (all alcohol) BB

After growing to 40 branches around the world, Fukuoka’s famous ramen chain opened here on the sly in late 2016, right near the original Thonglor branch of After You. The arrival didn’t e s c a p e t h e a t te n t i o n o f ra m e n aficionados drawn to Ikkousha’s highly-praised bowls back in Japan.

This legacy definitely lives on here in their chashu (roasted pork) and signature tonkotsu (pork bone) broth, but we have our doubts about parts of the menu. You can’t miss the place’s bright red façade. Inside the tables are often claimed by Japanese salarymen who descend on the place at all hours (it’s open till 2am). The ramen menu mostly plays it straight, with just four varieties: the signature Ikkousha Ramen, Red Tonkotsu Ramen, Black

point. If there’s one must-order, though, it’s a serving of New Zealand mussels in a rich, salty broth with crispy fries (B555). A winning combination we saw at most tables on our last visit, it’s a perfect snack to share or an indulgent meal in itself. With just a little more zesty edge, we’d call the tuna tartare (B430), with its fresh fish, grapes and mango salsa, just as big a hit. The beetroot and tomato salad (B290) may be on the surprisingly subtle side, but its giant chunks of veggies piled with almonds and pomegranate shout good produce. The ever-changing dessert list is always worth exploring, though we’re stuck on the dense chocolate tart (B220).

With its skittish service, El Mercado is at times an infuriating experience. Upon opening, they claimed in fact to not be a restaurant. You can still kind of see this when your dishes arrive at random intervals or your order gets lost among the army of waitstaff. There’s also no printed food menu, so you have to rely on the chal kboard whose terse descriptions like “salmon steak” and “sardines BBQ” leave much to the imagination—best expect most dishes to come with generous sides. For all our grumbles, it’s easy to see why El Mercado is one of the hottest tickets in town, where visiting on a weeknight without a reservation can see you perched awkwardly at one of the makeshift tables plopped at the entrance. But if the ordeal sounds too much, you can always just grab some excellent cold cuts to go.

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Tonkotsu Ramen and God Fire Ramen.

The Tokusei ramen (B270) comes with the wow-worthy presentation of four huge slices of chashu covering the bowl. We love how the thin noodles absorb the super-intense salty flavors of the broth. However, the Black Chashu Ramen (B290) is another level of thickness altogether. This fatty soup gets its pungency from mayu sauce (black garlic oil derived from grilled garlic) and ground black sesame, and is rewarding if a bit heavy. Sadly, the God Fire Ramen (B220), which is served at the maximum four levels of spiciness, does not live up to these lofty standards, tasting of nothing but oily soup. Even the yolky eggs were overcooked on our last visit. A similar flavor problem can be found in the oni yakko (tofu with chili oil and crispy garlic, B80), which is super-tender, but that oily chili sauce just brings the whole dish down. Thankfully, other side dishes are better, like the pungent tako wasabi (raw squid with wasabi and sesame oil, B80) or gyoza (B80 for five pieces and B150 for 10 pieces), which are addictively tasty. It’s a shame these come in very small portions. Ikkousha Ramen is totally worth a visit for its creamy tonkotsu broth, but steer clear of the supposedly spicier dishes.

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.

daily

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

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

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bites

OPEN DOOR

Pagoda

Sukhumvit’s new family-friendly spot for reliable Cantonese flavors.

The buzz: The newly relaunched Marriott Marquis hotel (which completely remodeled what was the Imperial Queen's Park) has been rolling out a bunch of new food and beverage outlets.

This grand Cantonese restaurant sticks to traditional flavors but adds more creative presentation.

The decor: Taking the space that also used to belong to a Chinese restaurant in the hotel’s previous incarnation, Pagoda goes a familiar plush route with round tables and low-hanging chandeliers. In short, it’s the kind of place where you’d expect to find large family gatherings. Seven private rooms sit on the rim of the main dining hall.

The food: Headed by Hong Kong-native chef Oscar Pun (whose experience includes HK’s Mandarin Oriental, plus Kempinski

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and Shangri-La hotels in Beijing and Macau), the menu comprises both sets (from B1,500) and a la carte options. The chef adds creative touches to some otherwise staid dim sum items, like goldfish-shaped hargow (shrimp dumpling, B120). There are also some rarer traditional dishes like “Chicken Beggar” (B1,280), which sees a whole stuffed chicken wrapped in lotus leaves and bread dough. The resulting chicken is juicy and fall-off-the-bone tender, with a tasty stuffing of gingko nuts, dried scallops, shiitake and pork belly. If you come in a big group, don’t miss the intense steamed sticky rice with crab meat (B1,900), which is served in a bamboo basket with delicious crab fat sauce. Barbecue dishes are another highlight, especially the divine crispy roast pork (B400), which comprises

thin, crispy skin and tender meat, and is made with pork collar instead of belly. Get a chilled mango pudding (B150) to round off your meal in flavorsome fashion.

The drinks: The variations of tea (like green tea, jasmine and oolong, from B90) come served as part of a choreographed “kung fu” ceremony where a tea master pours hot tea from a long-spouted pot. Enjoy the show every day at 12:30pm and 7pm.

Why you should care: This new place for a family Sunday lunch is also a real contender for the best moo krob (crispy roast pork) in town. Natcha Sanguankiattichai 4/F, Marriott Marquis, 199 Sukhumvit Soi 22, 02-059-5555. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm; 6-10pm

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Ampersand

Phed Phed

4th Floor Drip Bar

NEW AND NOTED

Rooftop Coffee 4th Floor Drip Bar (4/F, Baker Gonna Bake Cafe, Sukhumvit Soi 26, 099-591-9142) boasts some of the greenest city views of any cafe in town. At this sun-drenched spot, the crew behind Baker Gonna Bake (in the same building) teams up with barista Worawut Joowattanapong to offer slow-brew coffee (from B150), tea (from B120) and other coffee- and tea-based drinks. Thai ingredients and flavors play a big role in creative concoctions like Chor Ginnaree (black coffee with roselle and ginger ale, B180) and Mongkhud Sumala (white tea, jasmine, aloe vera and pink orange, B180). They offer panna cotta in flavors like cold brew coffee, matcha, hojicha and roselle panna cotta (B150), too.

New Oasis Local gelato maker Ampersand (G/F, Home Place Building, Thonglor Soi 13, 062-652-4141) made its debut almost three years ago at a compact boutique tucked deep down Sukhumvit Soi 39, a location which required real effort to hunt down. Just

this month, though, they've left the original venue and moved to an easier-to-access spot on the corner of Thonglor Soi 13. Just in time for this ridiculously hot summer! Prices start at B89 per cup in flavors like chocolate, strawberry cheese cake and this month's special: mango sticky rice.

Hot and Spicy This chic cafe in Ari hides its super-hot Isaan food behind a cool blue-toned decor. Phed Phed’s (Phahon Yothin Soi 8, 097-9181175) name says its all—spicy Thai food where an eight-chilipepper heat level is the baseline. The compact 24-seater venue is already packed during lunch and dinner hours (you’d better book in advance) serving made-from-scratch comfort Isaan dishes. Expect tons of housemade curry pastes and fermented delights: crab, plara [fish], naem [pork] and Isaan sausage. Out of more than 20 variations of somtum, try the gao lao poo dong (B100) where fermented crab som tum is served without shredded papaya. Don’t miss their tom saep (from B95) and grilled pork neck (B90), either. Natcha Sanguankiattichai

TABLE TALK

Kyo Roll En G/F, Siam Paragon, 991/1 Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-7583. BTS Siam. Open daily 10am-10pm Kyo Roll En is the real pioneer of contemporary Japanese desserts in Thailand. Think matcha and charcoal soft serve (as well as their parfait variations) beside fresh cream roll cakes and kakigori. And it’s not just about the classics. They continue to add trending offerings like raindrop cake (aka water mochi), double fromage (two cheese) cheesecake and nama chocolate (chocolate ganache blocks).

Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get 10% discount when spending THB 500 or more / sales slip Today – 31 Oct 17

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FRI Happy Daze The month of May is jam-packed with indie concerts, and it all kicks off this May 6 at 10pm when two solo musicians, Teen Daze and Mozart's Sister, take the stage at Live RCA (Rama 9 Rd.) for a night of electronic-driven vocals that are bound to get you dancing. B650 at the door.

MON Going Postal To celebrate moving to its new home next to what used to be the Bangkok General Post Office (1160 Charoenkrung Rd.), TCDC hosts a Creative Market this May 5-7 inviting everyone to partake in design-related workshops all weekend long. On top of that, expect some quality live gigs from the Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band, Yellow Fang and Summer Dress. See page 31.

FRI Great Danes Indie concert organizers Have you Heard? have been spoiling us with quality gigs lately, from Yo La Tengo to Honne. This May 7, they're keeping up the streak with the Bangkok debut of Danish alternative rock band Mew, who'll be performing all the experimental rock hits from their latest album, Visuals, at Voice Space (BBD Building, 197 Viphavadi Rangsit, 02-261-3883). Tickets are B1,700-3,000 from Ticketmelon.

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SAT Hop to it This May 6, the Creative District Gallery Hopping Night returns for another installment, inviting art lovers around the city to spend the night hopping between art galleries between Charoenkrung and Siam. Venues like Serindia Gallery, The Jam Factory, Atta Gallery, Bridge Art Space, Jam Cafe and more are set to open late with special discussions and live music alongside the artwork. www.fb.com/galleryhoppingbkk

WED Culture vs. Commerce Through May 28, artists Punyisa Silparassamee and Thanatcha Chairin present their take on how commercialization has changed Thai society and culture in their exhibition dubbed "The Other Day." Check it out at the People's Gallery of the Bangkok Art and Cultural Centre (939 Rama 1 Rd. BTS National Stadium).

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now UPCOMING CONCERTS

NIGHTLIFE

Britney Spears

Sunju Hargun

Maehappyair

CONCRETE JUNGLE 4 : RSD A.K.A ROB SMITH

DARKLICIOUS

The Bangkok Reggae Appreciation Society presents the Bristol-based DJ best known for being one half of the drum ‘n’ bass duo Smith & Mighty who’ll be spinning dubsteb, drum ‘n’ bass and reggae with support from DJs Woken, Stephard and K9. May 5, 9pm. Whiteline, Silom Soi 8, 087-061-1117. B300. BTS Chong Nonsi.

Swiss DJ Fery plays deep house and techno with support from local DJ Nache. May 6, 9pm. Dark Bar, 2/F, Ekamai Mall, Ekkamai Soi 10, 092-446-6298. B150.

10 YEARS OF SERIALISM

The Berlin-based techno label celebrates its 10th birthday with beats from resident DJs Azimute, Cesare vs Disorder and Quenum and support from DJ Sunju Hargun.

May 5, 9:30pm. Glow, 96/4-5 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 086614-3355. B250-350. MRT Sukhumvit.

ELECTRONIC FLAVOURS

The bar’s regular techno party series features music from DJ Jules Blons. May 5, 10pm. Base Bar, 3/28 Sukhumvit Soi 18, 099-401-4421. Free.

ALOHA PARTY

DJs Tnzwolve, Unix, Pammy13 and Se7enmania spin tropical house music. Dress code is tropical/Hawaiian.

May 7, 7pm. Sorry I'm Gay, Ratchada Train Market, Ratchadaphisek Rd., 099-339-9173. Free. MRT Thailand Cultural Centre.

SPACEJAM FESTIVAL 2017

The Zaap party team throws a brand new music festival dedicated to EDM, future bass and trap, featuring beats from international DJs Headhunterz, Jauz and Shapov amongst the huge lineup. May 12, 7pm.

BITEC, 88 Bang Na-Trat Rd., 02-749-3939. B2,100.

BTS Bang Na.

GO GRRRLS: IT'S SUMMER BITCH!

PHATFUNK & ABSOLUT FT. STRAY

Another edition of the popular queer party series, featuring disco, punk and 90’s hip-hop beats courtesy of DJs Maehappyair, Dookie and Cleo P. May 5, 10pm. Game Over, Liberty Plaza, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 02170-7684. B200.

The British DJ from Exit Records makes his Bangkok debut to spin drum ‘n’ bass with support from local DJs Azek, Instinct, DeLorean, Pichy and Will. Open bar from 9-11pm. May 12, 9pm. Whiteline, Silom Soi 8, 087-061-1117. B350 (includes two-hour open bar). BTS Chong Nonsi.

CHICAGO-THEMED PARTY

A Chicago-themed party featuring a live drag queen show and special drink promotions throughout the night.

Dress code is Chicago. May 6, 6pm. Vertigo Too, 60/F, Banyan Tree, 100 Sathorn Rd., 02-679-1200. B500 includes two drinks.

NELLY

PITBULL

The American rapper and singer best known for his hits including "Hot in Herre," "Dilemma" and "Work It," makes his Bangkok debut as part of the concert leading up to the official Golden Axe Music Festival. May 17, 11:21am. Muang Thai GMM Live House, 8/F, CentralWorld, 999/1 Rama 1 Rd. B1,500 from Thaiticketmajor. BTS Chit Lom.

The American rapper behind hits like "Timber," "Rain Over Me" and "I Know You Want Me" returns to the Bangkok stage to promote his 10th studio album, Climate Change, which includes tracks like "Freedom," "Option" and "Freak Like Me." May 25, 7pm. Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd., 02-833-4455. B2,500 from Thaiticketmajor.

CIGARETTES AFTER SEX

BRITNEY SPEARS

For their third concert of the year as part of their Singha Light live series, Have You Heard? brings the American ambient pop band, who made a name for themselves through their hit Youtube videos, promising performances of singles like "Affection" and "K." May 19, 7pm. Voice Space, BBD Building, 197 Viphavadi Rangsit, 02-261-3883.

B1,300 from Eventpop.

American pop diva Britney Spears makes her long-awaited Bangkok debut as part of her world tour to promote her ninth studio album, Glory, promising performances of new hit singles like “Make Me…” through to ‘90s favorites like “Toxic” and “Oops…I Did it Again.” With this being the first time she'll ever perform in Southeast Asia, we're expecting something big. June 24, 6pm. Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd., 02-833-4455.

B3,500 from Thaiticketmajor.

CRYSTAL CASTLES

The Canadian electro group bring their unique homemade synthpop, electropunk sound to Bangkok, promising performances of hit songs like "Not in Love" and "Crimewave". May 20, 7pm. Live RCA Bangkok, RCA, Rama 9 Rd., 098-974-6974. B950-1,200 from Eventpop.

SHAWN MENDES

The Canadian singer and songwriter makes his Bangkok debut as part of his world tour to promote his second album Illuminate, which includes hits like "Mercy" and "Treat You Better". Tickets go on sale May 12. Dec 11, 6pm. Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd., 02-833-4455. B2,000 from Thaiticketmajor.

STAY TUNED Foo Fighters Return to Bangkok after 21 Years Concert organizers Godzillionare Entertainment have confirmed that American alternative rock band Foo Fighters are heading to Bangkok, though details on the date, venue and ticket prices have yet to be announced.

Founded in Seattle in 1994 by ex-Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl, Foo Fighters have won four Grammy awards and sold 30 million copies of their albums, including Sonic Highways, Wasting Light and In Your Honor. Some of their biggest hits include "Everlong," "Best of You" and "The Pretender."

The alternative rock band—whose other present members are Nate Mendel, Pat Smear, Taylor Hawkins and Chris Shiflett—announced back in November 2015 that they were going on an indefinite hiatus. However, now they're primed to make their first appearance in Bangkok since 1996 when they took to the stage at Indoor Stadium Huamark with the Beastie Boys and Sonic Youth.

With the band set to perform at Japan's 2017 Summer Fest on Aug 19-20, it looks likely the concert will take place sometime in the middle of that month. We'll keep you posted.

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ART

My Fantasy World

Yelle

THE CONCEPT OF SELF ON POWER, IDENTITY AND LABELS

A group exhibition by Indonesian and Thai artists whose photography, oil paintings, installations and video art pieces examine what it means to be Southeast Asian under the context of contemporary ideologies May 13Jun 17. S.A.C. Subhashok The Art Centre, Sukhumvit Soi 39.

THE CROWD

Telex Telexs

classical WAGNER AND BEETHOVEN

The Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra, along with conductor Gudni A. Emilsson and guest saxophonist Nitchan Pitayathorn, performs traditional Thai pieces with a combination of Symphony No. 4 in B-Flat Major, Op. 60 by Beethoven. May 5-6, 4pm. Prince Mahidol Hall, Mahidol University (Salaya Campus), 25/25 Buddhamonthon Sai 4 Rd., 02-849-6565. B100-500.

MARC COPPEY IN CONCERT

A collaborative performance between the French cellist and the Bangkok Chamber Orchestra, along with their guest conductor Laurant Couson, featuring pieces by Mozart, Hydn, Dvorak, Couson and Popper. May 9, 8pm.

Alliance Francaise de Bangkok, 179 Wireless Rd., 02-670-4200. B800-1,000. MRT Lumphini.

RUFFLED NIGHT

Young pianists Nardvadi Suthisomboon and Krit Niramittham performs J.S. Bach’s French Suite No.6 in E Major and Mozart’s Piano Concerto No.19 in F Major. May 11, 6:30pm. Princess Galyani Vadhana Institute of Music, 2010 Arun Amarin Soi 36, 02-447-8597. Free.

WINDOW TO SWITZERLAND

The Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra, along with guest flutist Sebastian Jacot and conductor Claude Villaret, perform pieces by composers from Switzerland. May 12-13, 4pm. Prince Mahidol Hall, Mahidol University (Salaya Campus), 25/25 Buddhamonthon Sai 4 Rd., 02-849-6565. B100-500.

concerts

River Rhyme

MEW

Indie gig orgazniers Have you Heard? presents the Bangkok debut of the Danish alternative rock band whose latest album, Visuals, includes tracks like "Carry me to Safety" and "85 Videos." May 7, 7pm. Voice Space, BBD Building, 197 Viphavadi Rangsit, 02-261-3883.

B1,700-3,000.

MEDIUM RARE PRESENTS : YELLE

The French electronic pop band, best known for singles like "Interpassion" and "Je Veux Te Voir," make their Bangkok debut. May 9, 9pm. Live RCA Bangkok, RCA, Rama 9 Rd., 098-974-6974. B650-900.

gigs

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GREY AREA

Indonesian photographer Angki Purbandono presents a series of images he captured during his imprisonment in 2012-2013, inspired by community relationships within a limited space.

The images are creatively created from a scanner, as a camera was prohibited. Through Jul 26. Bangkok University Gallery (BUG), 2-4/F, BU International College Building (Bld.7), 119 Rama 4 Rd., 02-350-3626.

BE GOOD

Wisut Ponnimit’s latest exhibition invites the audience on an immersive experience following his iconic Nogn Mamuang character on her journey in making important life decisions.

Through Jun 18. Bangkok CityCity Gallery, 13/3 Sathorn Soi 1, 083-0872725. MRT Lumphini.

MY FANTASY WORLD 0.000000000123456789

Thepmetha Thepboonta’s second solo exhibition combines his latest graphic and cartoon works in a series that breaks down traditional gender norms and divisions. May 6-31.

Bridge, Charoenkrung Soi 51, 086986-9421. BTS Saphan Taksin.

NEVER NEVER LAND

A group exhibition in which 12 local and international artists were invited to consider a society void of the many fundamental elements that make up the world today, including the internet, religion, money and corruption.

Through Jun 20. WTF Gallery & Cafe, 7 Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-662-6246.

BTS Thong Lo.

Art for Charity

THE SEEDLESS FRUIT - EP RELEASE PARTY

Local rock band Spring.Fall.Sea celebrate the launch of their third EP with a huge party featuring live music from Count the Thief, The Rocket Whale and Sinners Turned Saints. May 5, 8pm. Thong Lor Art Space, 58/14-15 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor). B200.

SONGWRITERS LADY'S NIGHT

Australian artist Fluer Wiber and American singer/ songwriter Valerie Benston team up for a three-hour live performance with support from violinist Jillian Mukavetz. May 6, 7pm. Kai, 142/22-23 Sathorn Soi 12, 02-635-3800. Free. BTS Chong Nonsi.

1ST ANNIVERSARY: JAM ON TOAST X OLYMPIC DIGGER

The community mall celebrates its first birthday with 10 hours of live music from the Olympic Digger record crew, who’ll spin relaxing upbeat sounds throughout the day. May 7, 12pm. The Commons, 335 Thonglor Soi 17, 089-152-2677.

TEEN DAZE AND MOZART'S SISTER

Solo musician Jamison Isaak brings his indie pop vocal sound to the Bangkok stage with support from solo dance and electronic DJ Caila Thompson-Hannant. Advance tickets are at bit.ly/2pheoq3 May 5-6, 10pm.

Live RCA Bangkok, RCA, Rama 9 Rd., 098-974-6974.

B550-650.

Chinese artist Zhi Lin presents a series of black and white paintings capturing his signature character as he journeys through life. May 6-31.

Midnice Gallery, Chok Chai Soi 8, 086-282-0282.

LR

SANGSOM PRESENTS FUNG JAI FUNG JUN - EP 2

Music zine Fungjai hosts a night of live music featuring performances from Telex Telexs, Sole, River Rhyme and Yellow Fang. Tickets available at all 7-Eleven branches around the city. May 12, 5pm. Play Yard by Studio Bar, Lad Phrao Soi 8, 081-173-3616, 085-146-8017, 086-866-8869. B350.

This May 13, “Art for Charity by Surat” sees artist Surat Na Lampang open a solo exhibition of approximately 50-60 paintings in order to raise money for his chosen charities.

All paintings are priced between B4,000-15,000, with half of the proceeds to be donated to the Thungmahamek Boy Houses (Bangkok) to fund scholarships for underprivileged boys who wish to go onto higher education. The other half will go to the Catholic Church for the Aged Poor (Yangon) which cares for approximately 162 homeless elders and requires money for food and other living essentials.

Alliance Francaise, 179 Wireless Rd., 02-670-4210.

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now FILM

FAIR Redefining the District

Opening (May 5)

After much anticipation, Thailand Creative and Design Center (TCDC) is finally set to open its new location on Charoenkrung Road this week.

Having left its previous home at the Emporium last October, Thailand's best-loved design library will now take over a space adjacent to the 80-year-old building that was once the Bangkok General Post Office.

To mark the opening on May 5-7, TCDC will host 'Redefining the District,' an event that aims to promote and transform Charoenkrung into a creative economical hub.

The event will feature a 'Creative Market,' which will bring together a range of clothing shops and food vendors, and offer workshops on a variety of creative endeavours.

Food will come from a mix of new and old faces along Charoenkrung, from Little Market and Outlaw to 369 Pad Thai Kung Sod. There will also be live music from the likes of Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band, Yellow Fang, Summer Dress and My Life as Ali Thomas, along with movie and documentary screenings. The event takes place from 4-11pm each day and entrance is free.

The TCDC's arrival on Charoenkrung caps an incredible rise for Bangkok's oldest road, which in recent years has seen a spate of cool bars and galleries take over old shop-houses. Eleven other creative spaces in the neighborhood will welcome TCDC by opening late on May 6 as part of the latest Creative District Gallery Hopping Night.

Also set to open nearby in May is Warehouse 30, Duangrit Bunnag's new art project that aims to breathe new life into a 4,000-sq-meter space of abandoned World War 2-era warehouses in Charoenkrung Soi 30.

Similar to the previous TCDC, we can expect regular talks, meetings and workshops. But the highlight will be a variety of activities and displays covering topics like cuisine and couture to craftsmanship and culture, both inside and outside the building. This includes collections of creative Thai-made products and an overview of Thai industrial development.

Ensuring that creative design ideas get turned into reality, prototypes can now be made right there at a brand-new co-working space-slash-design-lab, fully equipped with tools like 3D printing, in collaboration with FabCafe.

The hub of Charoenkrung’s drive to become a creative district, the space will cater to everyone involved in the creative economy, from filmmakers to animators, SMEs to start-ups. While a lot of us may think of TCDC as a co-working space, the new TCDC will actually put a heavy emphasis on incubation programs and business consultation by experts to assist entrepreneurs with their business ideas, fostering a creative ecosystem.

Kawee Jarach

The Grand Postal Building, 1160 Charoenkrung Rd. For updates, see www.tcdc.or.th or www.fb.com/tcdc.thailand.

SONG TO SONG (USA)

THE ZOOKEEPER’S WIFE (POLAND)

Drama/Romance. Two couples’ love lives intersect in a story of seduction and betrayal set to the backdrop of Austin Texas’ rock ‘n’ roll music landscape.

Biography/Drama. When Poland is invaded by the Nazis in 1939, a pair of zoo owners are forced to covertly work to save lives in what has become the Warsaw Ghetto.

CHALARD GAMES GOENG (THAI)

DEAREST SISTER (LAOS)

Thriller. After earning a huge sum of money from letting her classmates copy her homework, an intelligent student is given an offer she can’t refuse for an upcoming exam.

Drama/Horror. A young girl is forced to take care of her blind relative who often sees visions of spirits around the house.

Upcoming (May 11)

KING ARTHUR LEGEND OF THE SWORD (USA)

Action. Kidnapped at birth, a young boy who grew up in the back alleys of the city is forced to acknowledge his true legacy. Starring Jude Law and Charlie Hunnam.

COLOSSAL (USA)

Action/Comedy. Gloria (Ann Hathaway), a constant partier and drinker, discovers a gigantic monster rampaging through Seoul may be the result of her actions.

ALIEN COVENANT (USA)

URBAN ART Universal Connections

Thriller. Members of a colony ship traveling to a remote planet on the far side of the galaxy discover an uncharted land filled with deadly aliens.

SPECIAL SCREENINGS

Local crowdfunding startup Asiola is on a mission to transform the BTS into a mobile art installation. Dubbed "Universal Connections," the project aims to break up the overwhelming amount of advertising around us by wrapping the inside and outside of a BTS train with a huge piece of artwork. It's the brainchild of Wonderfruit founder Pete Phornpraphra and contemporary artist Ajarn Kamin Lertchaiprasert, who have designed a piece inspired by fractal geometry that tells the story of our "spiritual and physical understanding of life and the universe".

But the project needs money to make it a reality, which is why it's currently crowdfunding for financial support. So far, it’s raised B1,539,600—or 60% of its goal

of B2,600,000. Those who pitch in will receive rewards including exclusive Rabbit cards, T-shirts, silkscreen prints by Kamin and, of course, the likelihood to see this project come to life. If the funding goal is met, you'll be able to see the "Universal Connections" train hit the BTS by July.

Asiola is a Thai crowdfunding platform led by CEO Jon Lor that raises money for creative projects in the country. Other ongoing campaigns right now include a travel documentary about elephants in Surin and a project to support Thailand's coconut farms. See asiola. co.th. Bonnie Sananvatananont

From May 11-30, independent cinema Bangkok Screening Room hosts special screenings of David Borenstein' 2016 documentary Dream Empire, which follows a 24-year-old rural migrant who arrives in China's Chongqing to pursue her "Chinese Dream." There, she opens a scamming real estate agency that uses actors to turn remote Chinese ghost towns into temporary international booming cities, tricking customers into buying highly overpriced properties.

The film has been showcased at various film festivals around the world, including Miami Film Festival, Sydney Film Festival, One World Human Rights Film Festival, the International Documentary Festival Amsterdam and more.

Bangkok Screening Room, Sala Daeng Soi 1, 090-906-3888. bkksr.com

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