BK Magazine 706 8 September, 2017

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BK MAGAZINE NO. 706 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2017. www.bkmagazine.com

f o t Ar i va l v r u S IS CENSORSHIP RUINING BANGKOK'S ART SCENE?

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City of Culture?

What We’ve Learned

3 upfront

10 escape routes

Poster Boy

Travel News

14 avenue

16 Blends

Suits You

Golden Oldies

18 bites

22 bk now

Hot Pan

Show Time

Who's in charge?

Managing Director Andrew Hiransomboon Managing Editor Oliver Irvine Deputy Editor Carl Dixon Content Coordinator Nontaya Kumyat Staff Writers Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj, Theerada Moonsiri, Wanvida Jiralertpaiboon Junior Writers Neon Boonyadhammakul, Rujiyatorn Choksiriwan, Kasidit Srivilai, Kankanok Wichiantanon Art Director Vatanya Bongkotkarn Production Supervisor Komkrit Klinkaeo Senior Graphic Designer Peeraya Sirathanisa Graphic Designers Anunya Chobnitas, Wirankan Saiyasombut Video Content Manager Chanon Wongsatayanont Video Editors Tanaporn Choopanya, Pattanagorn Adirekkiat Media Designer Saranya Laowtrakul

Where to find us!

The Asia City Media Group

Advertising Director Wanida Akeapichai Sales Managers Tipkritta Chiraporncharas, Orajira Sukkasem, Onwara Sittirug Senior Sales Associates Tassanee Mahamad, Nattaya Bovornsettanon, Orakarn Laohakanjanasiri, Amarit Jinaya Sales Associate Pichayarak Chalermchainukul Senior Project Manager Chayanap Tongdadas Branded Content Associate Sureepak Janyapat Project Coordinators Nutnicha Nuttanakorn, Peerada Chotiya Finance Manager Supaporn Bangmoung Assistant Finance Manager Anchalee Limkhamduang Senior Accountant Maneeya Kanthongdang Administrator Yaovaluck Srisermsri Accountant Manita Bangmoung

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Contributors Kathy MacLeod Interns Koraporn Kanchanabudhu, Baitoey Karntimon, Siriya Suriyanon Cover Design By Peeraya Sirathanisa

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

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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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That Rocket in Thonglor is now closed Goodbye Rocket Soi 49. Thonglorites got a shock when they went for their morning coffee last Friday only to discover that the neighborhood’s last Rocket had shut up shop. Insight into why came thanks to one quickly deleted Instagram post on the Rocket account, saying “Thank our landlord for taking away your morning coffee.” That leaves just one Rocket left— the original on Sathorn Soi 12, where the daily crowds prove things are still going strong.

That puns aren’t funny Bangkokians new go-to hip-hop spot found itself in hot water with a controsival hashtag derived from the #blacklivesmatter movement last weekend. When the bar chose to reappropriate the slogan as #blaqlytematters, social media’s justice warriors sent in a frenzy of complaints and one-star reviews to its Facebook page. Safe to say, the bar swiftly took the post down and apologies were sent out over the lack of understanding behind the cause.

That regular beers and craft beers can get along Thailand’s first legal craft beer, Stone Head, held the Bangkok Beer Festival over the weekend (Sep 1-3), where it secured Singha as one of the main sponsors of the event. That meant Bangkok’s craft breweries had to compete with beer that sold for B100 cheaper—great for punters after some affordable brews, but not the showcase of Thai hop culture that others were expecting.

That mangoes will save your life But only if you’re eating the orange-and-green mahachanok mangoes, according to a study by Naresuan University that says they prevent heart disease and cancer. This news went down well with Dear Leader, who reckons life-saving mangoes are just the thing Thailand needs to save the economy. Just don’t mention the fact mahachanok mangoes are half Mexican.

That one of our favorite old-school restaurants is going under the knife Just last week, we were singing the praises of the Malai Coffee House, an old-school 24-hour diner on Sathorn, for its “stuckin-time blend of granite and orange-lacquered wood.” Too bad it couldn’t stay that way. Following a major overhaul of the lovably dodgy Malaysia hotel, in which the restaurant sits, it’s now the Malai’s turn for the 21st-century treatment. We’d love to see it stay exactly the way it is, but if things do have to change, we pray that stop at the decor and not the food.

Without that khaotom, nights out just wouldn’t be the same.

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BK Magazine September 8, 2017

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upfront HOT OR NOT www.pinterest.com

Hot: Crayfish

Not: Lobster

Don’t go looking for your favorite red Boston lobster on the menus of Le Du, Bunker and J’aime. Bangkok’s fine-dining bigshots are upping their local credentials by turning instead to crayfish, lobster’s river-growing mini-me cousin that the Royal Projects and others are now raising locally. The time to eat is now, during the rainy season.

INTERVIEW

Hot: Knives in private Not: Knives in public When a Phuket tuk-tuk driver wielded a knife at a group of tourists who refused to pay his B400 fair last week, the local police had some tough words for him. “This behavior is not acceptable in a public place,” said Chief Col. Tassanai Orarigadech, which is like something our mom used to say when we’d throw a tantrum for a Euro Choco Pie in Seven. Phuket tuk-tuk drivers, you have been warned: if you must brandish knives at people, at least do it in private.

Hot: Brand censorship Not: Artistic censorship Luk kreung crooner Hugo was swift to pull the video to his latest single recently. The latest example of military-style censorship gone berserk? No. The owner of the go-go bar where it got shot was apparently just pissed he’d shown the name of the bar. (In case you missed the memo, it’s illegal in Bangkok to run a bar where naked girls dance around poles.) For more on stuff you’re not supposed to look at, turn to page 6. www.englishnews.thaipbs.or.th

Hot: Death by reckless driving

Not: Hit and run

Goodbye speeding charge. Goodbye hit and run charge. As of Sep 1, prosecutors only have one thing left on which to nail Boss, the Red Bull Ferrari ki… alleged Ferrari killer. That charge is “causing death by reckless driving,” and the young jetsetter has 10 years to spend on the run before it’s up.

THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID

Known as “the movie poster guy,” Santi ‘Ti’ Tuntipantarux, 57, worked in an ad agency for 17 years before quitting his job 20 years ago. Since 1997, he’s run a tiny store in Siam Square called Classic Movie Posters. A longtime collector of movie artwork, Ti turned his passion into a career, and despite his store’s minute size, has posters for sale that are worth tens of thousands of baht. He shares the story behind his business.

Why movie posters? What drew you to collect them?

I love watching movies, but instead of collecting films like other people do, I went for the posters. It started when I was in vocational school. I studied art at Thaivichitsilp Art School and had to paint as homework. At that time, I was not a great painter.

I was a total beginner. I had no idea where to start and I didn’t have my own style. I needed to find references.

I remembered that one day I came across a movie poster and really loved the colors it used. I thought, this could just help me learn how to select the colors for my paintings. It’d be fun. I was happy that I found a way to join the thing that I loved with something that I had to do.

Tell us about the first poster you bought.

While seeking examples for coloring and painting techniques, I went to see this cowboy film called California at the Mackenna theater near Huachang Bridge. The theater was run by a guy named Charoen whose descendant now owns SF cinemas. It was a small budget movie, not a blockbuster, but I was really into it from the moment I saw the poster. I was like, “This is it, this is the one.” I asked Charoen if I could have it. We talked for a bit and, after I finished my story, he agreed

to give it to me. But he could only let me have it once the film had finished screening. I was cool with that agreement. I was very happy about it.

How come you ended up running this business?

Twenty years ago, the company I worked for was badly affected by the Tom Yum Goong crisis. I decided to quit that job because I saw no other choice. I wasn’t that highly educated, just a guy with a vocational certificate, so I followed my heart. I opened this shop because it was the only thing that I knew about. I knew who to go to to get the stuff I wanted, and there was no one else doing this business despite their being demand in the market. This isn’t like selling CDs and DVDs; these are goods for a specific group of people. Money isn’t everything compared to the joy I get from finding a rare poster.

What are your most treasured posters?

In my personal collection I have original posters for the 1966 Batman movie, Cleopatra from 1963 and The King and I [1956]. I’m never going to sell them.

What’s your favorite movie?

The Godfather is my all time favorite film. The plot is brilliant. But my favor-

ite actor is Bruce Lee. I have my own collection of Bruce Lee movie posters, including his one and only Hollywood film with Warner Brothers, Enter the Dragon (1973). I’ve got the original poster of the film. Lots of foreigners who visit my shop are always amazed by the stuff I’ve got in this little place.

What is the rarest and the most valuable poster you have?

Right now, it’s an original of 2001: A Space Odyssey, which is worth B60,000. The film was revolutionary in sci-fi history. The sci-fi geeks nowadays dream of owning the original poster, which is hard to find. But I got it.

Where do you source these posters?

Every year, all the big film studios will auction their posters, and all the poster stores in America will be there to buy them. Fortunately, I have a connection with the biggest poster shop in America to get me stuff. I’ve been in this industry for ages, as a customer before becoming a seller, so it’s not that hard for me. On top of that, it’s much more fun now that I can buy lots of posters, finding things that I want while also helping others find their dream posters. Neon Boonyadhammakul

by Kathy MacLeod (IG: @kathy_macleod)

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cover story

Does the arrival of three biennials in 2018 spell a new wave of artistic freedom or are artists still under the muzzle of censorship?

By Siriya Suriyanon

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ext year Thailand is set to welcome not one, not two, but three art biennials. The largest, Bangkok Art Biennale (Nov, 2018Feb, 2019), has the backing of ThaiBev and other large corporations, and will take works by some 70 contemporary artists to notable heritage sites along the Bangkok riverside under the stewardship of Prof. Dr. Apinan Posyananda(see below). Another, the similarly named Bangkok Art Biennial (Jul 7-Sep 3, 2018), is organized by an anonymous underground group who’ll present autonomous pavilions around the capital. The third event, Thailand Biennial (Nov 2, 2018-Feb 28, 2019), will initially take place in Krabi with the backing of the Ministry of Culture and is to be helmed

by China’s Prof. Jiehong Jiang of Birmingham City University. With each event claiming to be Thailand’s first international-scale contemporary art festival, we speak to some of the country’s leading arts figures about whether we’re entering an exciting new age for Thai art or facing another false dawn.

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Dr. Apinan Poshyananda The former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture is now the artistic director of Bangkok Art Biennale as well as its chief executive. He is banking on pulling in over 3 million visitors during the biennale's four-month period.

Why host a biennale now?

We’ve wanted to host it for a long time actually, but the social malaise and political upheavals of the past decade have made it difficult to organize.

I tried to build a similar thing with the Siam Art Fair at Crystal Design Center back in 2010, however it was a one-off.

Do you think education and lack of funding are key factors in halting the development of the arts in Thailand?

Definitely. Children are being taught by non-specialist teachers. We put so much emphasis on academic subjects like math and science, and push children to pursue conventional career paths like becoming a doctor, engineer or banker. So, there’s an enormous gap in the creative sector and creative economy. If we can build it up, it will raise the country’s GDP. An event like this works as a real-life example of what the creative economy is, as the government tends to change their definition. Another thing is the poor art infrastructure: the gallery model here is largely based on trust, while galleries abroad operate based on contracts. Thai artists here tend to float, as they don’t trust the galleries—they see them as middlemen. Artists would rather sell their work directly to buyers so they don’t lose out on profit.

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Rirkrit Tiravanija, BACC 2016

Kawita Vatanajyankur, BACC 2016

The gallery system here needs to grow up. As we have around 30 galleries here, I’ve been trying to create an association, but galleries see each other as competitors.

“bliss”; it’s a broad theme so that artists can interpret and question, what if you cannot reach the state of bliss that’s possible through social, political or environmental issues.

Do you think censorship is a factor too?

First of all, you’ll need to define what censorship is and in what context.

What do you think about Bangkok Art Biennial?

It’s refreshing and welcoming to see something like Bangkok Art Biennial. Essentially, “biennale” and “biennial” are the same word with the same purpose, so I think what they’re doing is great.

With a big event like this, it creates repercussions where smaller art events can be hosted. We need to be more active and host more events like Bangkok Art Biennale to widen the understanding of art and of what the creative economy can generate.

In the context of work being taken down at Gallery Ver [in June].

The soldiers were at Cartel Artspace Gallery prior to Gallery VER because Tada Hengsapkul’s “The Shards Would Shatter At Touch” exhibited a portrait of [former lese majeste convict] Pronthip Mankong without her consent. But it was already taken down before the soldiers came so they didn’t see it anyway. I have to say that what Tada Hengsapkul was doing was very challenging but it was infringing the law. An incident like this changes the social atmosphere of what censorship means. That’s why art education is so important; students need education, artists needs education and soldiers need education on what a biennale is. The event aims to open up minds of those with a more conservative stance.

Is that why the theme is “Beyond Bliss”?

The theme is not romanticizing the notion of

What does an event like yours mean for emerging artists?

This event will help Thai artists make the leap onto the international circuit. Usually in Thailand, artists find success through competitions rather than being exhibited, and it could take an entire lifetime to receive international publicity. The event will also benefit the local community, by opening minds as to what art can be. Students can become more aware of what the art industry has to offer.

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cover story 5 Bangkok galleries pushing boundaries

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Pasut Kranrattanasuit, H Project Space 2012

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Do you think censorship is also a factor?

Yes, repressive conditions will simply drive artists out of the country, but censorship won’t affect the quality of an artist’s work.

What does the future hold for emerging artists after events like the two biennales coming up?

To answer this question we have to look back to the Thailand Eye exhibition at Saatchi Gallery in London, 2015, and ask whether that aided any of the artists’ careers. We can argue for the importance of local genealogies, but in our current era the concept of “local” is surely becoming implausible when so flagrantly used by those in service to a military government.

Which biennial event do you think will represent Thai contemporary art more truthfully?

We should perhaps not look at it as a competition, but aim to understand what each does and therefore what each doesn’t do.

at or

What holds back the development of the arts in Thailand?

The situation for art criticism in Bangkok and Thailand is dire. The lack of dialogue is particularly bothersome because Thailand has produced remarkable academics in the field, like Thanavi Chotpradit, a lecturer in Modern and Contemporary Thai Art History at Silpakorn University and author of The Silence in Thai Contemporary Art, which discusses the impact of politics in art. A recent example of this direness was when a gallery launched an art-writing event with ill-informed promotional material packed with lousy phrasing and basic grammatical errors. Criticism is one vital means of keeping market-driven art endeavors in

check. You could say that from this incident, art criticism in Bangkok is already dead.

BANGKOK CITYCITY GALLERY

This purpose-built white cube right by Lumphini Park facilitates all forms of art , whether it's paintings, video installations or live performances (Dujdao Vadhanapakorn's recent Blissfully Blind was an immersive and challenging experience). The owners are young and rooted in Bangkok's art, skateboard and design subcultures, ensuring a cool if sometimes clique-y crowd.

What’s next: Bangkok Art Book Fair, Sep 7-10 13/1 Sathorn Soi 1, 083-087-2725.

Open Wed-Sun 1pm-7pm. MRT Lumphini

CARTEL ART SPACE

Don’t let the size of this gallery fool you. The single-room space owned by contemporary artist Mit Jai-Inn is formidable and showcases the latest, boundary-pushing contemporary art and design works with a socio-political bent.

It's previously hosted work by the Guerrilla Boys and Tada Hengsakhul.

What’s next: The Last Exhibition

by Sina Wittayawiroj, Sep 6-24

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A lecturer at Chulalongkorn University and an art critic who's written for magazines like Artforum and Frieze, Curtin is one of Bangkok's foremost international curators, who oversees the exhibitions at H Gallery and H Project Space. He also runs a monthly queer-focused art talk at Tentacles, and is currently writing a book on Thai contemporary art, Essential Desires: Contemporary Art from Thailand, for UK publishing house Reaktion Books.

What’s your take on Bangkok’s contemporary art scene right now?

The growth of Bangkok’s creative sector is married to the economy, whether it's from tourism or entrepreneurship. Recently, it’s been accelerating thanks to regeneration projects like Charoenkrung Creative District, Warehouse 30, Chang Chui, Bangkok Art Biennale and the new government-sponsored Museum of Contemporary Art.

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Brian Curtin

Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Soi 22.

Open Wed-Sun 2pm-6pm

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Pasut Kranrattanasuit, H Project Space 2012

Myrtille Tibayrenc Best known as the former director of Toot Yung Art Center, Tibayrenc also co-directs Bukruk Urban Arts Festival, a 10-day annual project spanning visual arts, music and talks.

What holds back the development of the arts in Thailand?

Funding is one thing, as the Ministry of Culture only funds projects and not spaces. A gallery like Speedy Grandma is an example of a space that deserves funding as they are very active with a great dynamic. The work may not be easy to sell but the space regularly engages with the local community.

Do you think censorship is also a factor?

Yes and no. Artists need to be angry to fuel their work.

Who do you think is behind the Bangkok Biennial?

Since it’s a community-based project they’re trying to involve as many people as possible.

But I’d guess the initiator was [Chiang Maibased contemporary art veteran] Mit Jai Inn—it sounds like something he’d do.

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Do you think having three biennials in 2018 will boost the country's art scene?

If they’re done well and the money involved actually goes towards the arts. As the Bangkok Art Biennale is being sponsored by large corporations, I feel like they might take a more conservative route, especially with the theme "Beyond Bliss", just to draw tourists in. That could affect the quality of the work being presented and even push back the art scene. Also being under junta rule, I don’t think Bangkok can compete with other cities’ biennales like Fukuoka or Gwangju, as Japan and South Korea are more open-minded and have been supporting the arts for a lot longer. Maybe in the next 10 years, Bangkok will become a key destination for contemporary art.

GALLERY VER

This converted warehouse unit owned by one of Thailand’s bestknown contemporary artists, Rirkrit Tiravanija, is establishing itself as a place to find rising talents. The gallery grabbed attention earlier this year when the military ordered it to remove five works relating to the political protests of 2010, as part of Harit Srikhao's Whitewash exhibition.

What’s next: Sundry Pieces by Panu Nakornthap, through Oct 1 Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Soi 22, 089988-5890. Open Wed-Sun noon-7pm

BK Magazine Friday, September 8, 2017

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How did you become involved with Bangkok Biennial?

I am not one of the initiators, as others believe.

I am only an invited artist. I would say yes if any art organization invited me to participate in such an event.

nity, with those at the top restricting what we can say in society.

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What holds back development of the arts in Thailand?

Aside from the lack of funding and education, we also lack diverse participation from different organizations and sections of society. There’s also a problem with power within the arts commu-

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What’s the future like for emerging artists?

The future is like dusk. It is getting darker and darker.

What’s next: E5C3A#2 by Anon Chaisansook, Sep 8-30 672/50-52 Charoenkrung Soi 28, 089508-3859. Open Tue-Sun 11am-7pm.

MRT Hua Lamphong

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Preferring to remain anonymous, X is an active contemporary artist with local and international success who’s participating in the Bangkok Art Biennial.

Do you think there is censorship within the art community?

Yes. Censorship is holding back the development of human civilization, and freedom of expression is absolutely vital to art.

The raw-looking shop-houseturned-gallery boasts a quirky, down-to-earth vibe. Its eclectic curatorship offers everything from experimental film screenings to performance art . The space also acts as a stepping stone for new blood to find their g ro u n d t h ro u g h t h e S p e e d y Grandchild project.

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1563 (After Wolfgang Tillmans)

Pornpilai and Jiradej Meemalai

This interdisciplinary art duo go by the name Jiandyin, and run the non-profit artist education initiative Baan Noorg Collaborative Arts and Culture in Ratchaburi. They’ve also become involved with Bangkok Art Biennial.

Why did you decide to become a part of Bangkok Art Biennial?

We believe that central authority does not really exist: no central government and no single authority on art and culture. We feel there is a multitude of voices out there that are not currently being heard. We want to hear them and we want them to hear each other.

What’s holding back the contemporary art scene?

Politics. The Thai art scene is still dominated by the authorities. The lack of funding does not hold back creativity, as such. Projects with a shortage of funding are often made possible through collab-

The Ontology of Gold Magic Mountains

orative strategy. But it’s vital that art and cultural administrators at the central government level obtain sufficient art education in order to project a vision for the future.

What impact does censorship have on creativity?

Censorship may narrow an artist’s working conditions, but it never confines an artist's thoughts or ideas.

What’s the future like for emerging artists?

Emerging and aspiring artists have the power to create their own future. Their future is mainly down to themselves.

WTF GALLERY

Tucked inside a narrow lane, this cool, intimate bar-slash-gallery combines art and booze. The gallery, located upstairs from the retro bar, comes in the form of a minimal corridor that exhibits some of the city's best contemporary conceptual art.

What’s next: Two Men Look Out Through the Same Bars #2 by Latthapon Korkiatarkul and Thanasat Siripidej, through Sep 24 7 Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-662-6246.

Open Tue-Sun 4pm-10pm. BTS Thong Lo

Five Thai contemporary artists to watch

JAKKAI SIRIBUTR

MAKHA NA AYUTTHAYA

ORAWAN ARUNRAK

TADA HENGSAPKUL

TULAPOP SAENJAROEN

Jakkai is known for his quirky use of textiles, weaving and stitching narratives on civil service uniforms and creating temporary structures to convey Thailand’s rapid changes and ongoing political instability.

After debuting in 2014 with a solo show at WTF Gallery, this artist found more success at Gallery Ver back in July. Makha’s still and mechanical sculptures made from old-school furniture emphasize the functionality of discarded objects, while also questioning the two pillars (monarchy and religion) of Thai society.

Featured as an artist to watch in ArtAsiaPacific’s New Currents list back in 2014, this multidisciplinary artist’s career is steadily on the rise. Inspired by everyday objects, Orawan’s latest work (EXIT-ENTRANCE, Berlin) examine the similarities and differences of the physical and spiritual worlds across various cultures through drawings and audio components.

Named on Forbes’ 30 under 30 list for Asia for 2016, Tada’s photography unapologetically presents youth in a raw and stripped-down form, gaining him spots in group shows as far afield as Australia, China and New York, as well as lots of international media attention.

This Slade School of Art graduate uses humor to ambiguously challenge the absurdity of everyday life through Thailand’s cultural symbols and practices. Heavily active in the independent film scene, his work has been shown internationally at London’s Institution of Contemporary Art (ICA) and Gwangju’s Asia Culture Centre.

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BK Magazine Friday, September 8, 2017

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escapes ESCAPE ROUTES

By Kankanok Wichiantanon

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Champagne Dream Located along peaceful Samroiyod Beach, Varinah (098-464-4958, www.varinahresort.com) is a relatively small resort that hits the price-to-style sweet spot.

The 48 guest rooms and eight private pool villas start at an enticing B3,100. The 50-sq-m villa comes with its own private pool, outdoor Jacuzzi and roof deck with panoramic views of Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park—yours for about B6,400/ night. While the resort is about 30 minutes’ drive from Hua Hin city center, the stunning fourth-floor infinity pool, library, fully-equipped fitness and seaside restaurant mean you probably don’t need to leave.

Home of the freakshake and much much more.

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INTERN WITH US!

CHANTHABURI

Chic and Cheerful

(EDITORIAL, MARKETING AND ART DEPT.)

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

East Meets West

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

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

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Homchan’s (087-712-3627, www.fb.com/homchancafe) dangling ferns, red bricks and loft-style high ceilings look like they were pulled straight out of the Ekkamai cafe playbook. Instead, you’ll find this postcard-perfect oasis of industrial-chic cliches just a gentle stroll from Chanthaburi’s renowned Chanthaboon riverside community. While enjoying the scenery, grab a cup of coffee (B40) to go with straight-up comfort food like cheesy toast (B70) or a crispy salad (B60). Upstairs is Homchan Hotel and Studio, where a room goes for B900/night.

JAPAN

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

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Bursting with color and retro trinkets, Baan Nai Nakhon (095-438-9323, www.fb.com/ baannainakhon) bills itself as the first boutique hotel in Songkhla’s scenic old town.

The owner transformed a three-story, near-century-old private residence into six photogenically fitted-out bedrooms. There’s a leafy private courtyard where you can enjoy your morning coffee with home-made roti before heading out to nearby Samila Beach and later exploring Songkhla Old Town Walking Street (open Thu-Sat, from 5pm). The owner, who lives on-site, will happily give you more local pointers. Rates range from B1,300-B1,500 per night, including breakfast.

Osaka, the city of food and flashing neon lights, is always high on our Japanese hit list. Less awesome are some of the hotels we’ve booked when going there.

Global hotel giant Best Western might not set your boutique juices alight, but its new property right in downtown provides a mid-range, comfortable alternative to those smoky business hotels. Best Western Osaka Tsukamoto (www.bestwesternhotelasia.com) sits within spitting distance of Dotonburi’s bright lights and two minutes’ walk from JR Tsukamoto Station, which can whisk you away to the temples and tea-houses of Kyoto in an hour. You’re also just two stops away from the Shinkansen bullet train line to Tokyo. One of the modern, functional guestrooms will set you back B5,493/night, including free internet. AirAsia will get you to Osaka and back for about B9,990.

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avenue FASHION

In the Details It’s not just Bangkok bars that are embracing oriental themes. Up-and-coming fashion label Thea by Thara also looks to China for its latest fall/winter collection, which features nightwear that would feel right at home at Maggie Choo’s. The Porcelain Empress spotlights elegant yet modern prints, fringes and the occasional touch of velvet. That results in items like a dress with Chinese pink blossom embroidery on seethrough sleeves (B10,500), floral-print double-breasted jacket (B9,850) and spaghetti dress with blocks of porcelain-like patterns (B10,500). 1/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd. BTS Siam

CREATIVE SPACE

SHOPPING

FRAGRANCE

By the Khlong

Totally Tropical

Design Scents

Nestled near the BACC, right beside Sansab Canal, Yelo House transforms an old publishing house into a two-story hub of art and design. A team of creative types—Hans Werner Muller (creative director of HWM consultancy firm), Sallayawate Prasertwittayakarn (co-founder of Atelier of Architects), Suwanni Suwansaengroj (of Chamni’s Eye production house) and Tanat Singhasuwit (photographer)—have banded together to turn the building into a gallery, co-working space, studio and cafe. The co-working space will be opening soon, but you can grab a bite at the canalside restaurant Hungry Me or cafe Thirsty You. 20/2 Kasemsan Soi 1. Open Tue-Sun 11am-8pm BTS National Stadium. www.fb.com/ yelohouse

Finally, the collaboration between America’s iconic Ked’s sneakers and hip stationery brand Rifle Paper Co. has arrived in Bangkok. With feet shod in such beautifully botanical, dainty high-tops, low-tops and slip-ons, you can do the rounds of Chatuchak or Lumphini without a care in the world—except maybe for rainy season puddles. Take your pick from four colors and patterns, ranging from metallic gold on black to cream canvas and, our pick, striking burnt orange. Prices start from B2,990. 3/F, Siam Square One, Rama 1 Rd. BTS Siam

Even there’s no autumn in Bangkok but probably with little imagination, you can feel air of England’s Sherwood Forest in the autumn packed in the bottles of Jo Malone’s English Oak collection. Coming in two formula choices— English Oak and Hazelnut or English Oak and Redcurrant, these new scents by French perfumery master Yann Vasnier seem like a new definition of earthy and woody fragrance which is light and invigorating. With oak as base note and cedar as heart note, English Oak range is fully available as cologne (B2,600/30ml), Home Candle (B2,770), Body and Hand Wash (B2,250) and Body Cream (B3,600). M/F, Siam Paragon. Open daily 10am-10pm. BTS Siam

BK Magazine Friday, September 8, 2017

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avenue ASYMETRIC PLAY

FASHION

Strong Suit Add structure to your look with these tailored styles.

By Kasidit Srivilai

Max Mara

CHECKED CHIC

SWEET ROUTE

Double-breasted jacket, Sandro, B17,200

Blazer, Patinya, B11,500

ey

n cCart

Acne Studio

M Stella

Asymetric skirt, Sacai, B39,000

Cady jacket, Max Mara, B39,900

Kyoto boots, 3.1 Phillip Lim, B33,900

Pugia skirt, Max Mara, B19,900

Essentials

Hammock Tartan small bag, Loewe, B92,900

Trousers, Topshop, B3,190

Sequinned pumps, Zara, B2,990

3.1 Phillip Lim. M/F, EmQuartier, Sukhumvit Rd.

Patinya. 1/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd.

Acne Studio. Available at Club21, 1/F, Erawan Bangkok, Ratchadamri Rd.

Sacai. Available at Club21, 1/F, Erawan Bangkok, Ratchadamri Rd.

Loewe. M/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd.

Sandro. 3/F, Central Embassy, Phloen Chit Rd.

Mango. M/F, Silom Complex, Silom Rd.

Stella McCartney. M/F, Erawan Bangkok, Ratchadamri Rd.

Max Mara. G/F, Gaysorn Plaza, Phloen Chit Rd.

Zara. 1/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd.

GYM Bangkok’s Three New Gym Openings

VIRGIN ACTIVE WIRELESS ROAD

MAXFIT PERFORMANCE

V38 FITNESS

Good news if you thought Siam Discovery’s Virgin Active was getting way too crowded. The fitness megachain just set up its latest branch on the leafy Wireless Road, where it provides the embassies, office buildings and swanky apartments with all the latest fitness crazes. Group classes like Les Miles BodyPump, Pilates Reform and Sh’bam sit alongside the H.E.A.T zone (for HIIT training). It’s only a five minute walk away from BTS Phloen Chit, and membership stays the same as other branches at B2,900 a month. Officially open at the end of Aug.

A gym that specializes in boot camps, personal training and small group sessions has just relocated from Sukhumvit Soi 26 to Soi 39. You won’t find any exercise machines at this home-like studio, whose back-to-basics routines make use of truck tires, sledge hammers, battle ropes and more to get you in fighting shape.

Call ahead for a free consultation with one of the two Australian trainers, who received their qualifications from ACPE Academy back home. It’s B1,500 an hour per private session, while group classes run for B500.

Nestled inside Chatuchak’s Rent V38 hotel, the state-of-the-art V38 Fitness gym is northern Bangkok’s answer to all the latest workout trends taking over the city. Altitude spinning takes place in a chamber that simulates a low-oxygen environment to boost the calories burned (650/session, they say). TRX and circuit training happen every day, and for those who want to drop by for muay Thai and yoga, they’re on offer, too. Most classes are B500-700, while personal training starts at B2,000/session.

208 Wireless Rd., 02-017-9711. www.virginactive.co.th

36/7 Sukhumvit Soi 39, 02-007-1006. www.fb.com/Maxfit.Performance

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Rent V38 hotel, 2/17 Viphavadi Rangsit Soi 38, 064-005-4142. www.fb.com/ V38fitness

BK Magazine Friday, September 8, 2017

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bites & blends RESTAURANT

Splendor on the Grass This green-tinted diner is possibly the most stylish restaurant in ever-hectic Siam Square. Grassroom matches its preponderance of potted plants with a dedication to locally-sourced ingredients.

The Asia-spanning menu emphasizes familiar flavors made with playful tweaks, such as the appetizer of nam prik ong (Northern-style chili dip) with ricotta cheese and crostini bread (B140). Those with larger appetites can order the Grassroom double burger (B295) with its Thai-style minced pork and salted fish patties, while the herb salad moo hong (B200) comes with Phuket-style braised kurobuta pork. Siam Square Soi 2, Rama 1 Rd., 062-178-7899. BTS Siam

EVENT

NEW MENU

EVENT

Culture Clash

Ready, Set, Go

New York, New York

This month, Thitid “Ton” Tassanakajohn, the chef-owner of modern Thai fine-dining restaurant Le Du, continues his working relationship with chef Han Li Guang of Singapore’s Michelin-starred Labyrinth. The pair teamed up in Aug for a collaborative dinner in Singapore; now it’s Bangkok’s turn on Sep 14. Much like Ton, chef Han has been credited with incorporating modern Singaporean flavors into his restaurant’s multi-course feasts. For B2,900 per person (add B1,800 for wine pairings), you get six courses covering dishes like Ton’s oyster with Thai rice wine, river prawn with shrimp paste and black jasmine rice; and Han’s local crab with chili ice cream and salted fish, and pork cheek “char siew” with barley and pickled bok choy. 399/3 Silom Soi 7, 092-9199969. Open Mon-Sat 6-10pm

Having earned his molecular cooking stripes in the acclaimed kitchen of Spain’s Azurmendi, One Ounce Chang Chui chef Parkorn "Tan" Kosiyabong is applying his skills to a new seven-course set dinner that’s made entirely from local ingredients. The “Locally Grown, Globally Respected” menu is available once a month. The best news is it’s only B1,500 per head.

Expect dishes like Mae Klong-Chang Chui (sun-dried mackerel with galangal and watermelon), From Koh Sichang with Love (line-caught baby squid with onion and salted egg) and Petrichor (pommerac with salt and chili snow and rain aroma) to wrap things up sweetly. Chang Chui, 460/8 Sirindhorn Rd., 086388-3303. Open Tue-Sun 11am-8pm

This Sep 18-23, Jojo at The St. Regis hotel flies in Ronny Emborg, the Danish executive chef of New York’s two-Michelin-starred Atera restaurant. He’ll be rolling out a seven-course lunch menu at B3,800 (B6,300 with wine pairing) and dinner menu at B5,800 (B8,800 with wine pairing). Emborg, who’s also spent time in the kitchens of El Bulli, Mugaritz and Premisse, is renowned for his “sensory” cooking concept that calls on diners to draw on sight, sound and smell, as well as taste. Your meal may comprise of lemon juice-marinated Scottish langoustine with lemon gel and Granny Smith apple rolls; poached cauliflower with black truffle puree and parmesan cheese sauce; and rib eye with bordelaise sauce. 1595 Rajadamri Rd., 02-207-7777. Open daily 12-3pm, 6-11pm. BTS Ratchdamri BK Magazine Friday, September 8, 2017

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blends Stories from the people who know Bangkok’s oldest bars best.

Bamboo Bar

HERMAN WU, 33, OWNER OF JUST A DRINK MAYBE

BARS

Old Flames

Huntsman Pub

“The first time I went to DJ Station was 12 years ago. For me, it was the must-visit venue if you were gay and traveled to Bangkok back to then. We would go there literally every night.

You got to experience the most fun gay scene there. These days, I don’t think DJ Station is as influential because there are other places like Maggie Choo’s, and it’s not as cheap as before, but for tourists, it’s still a must-go place.”

Bangkok’s drinking scene may be going through a rough patch, but these institutions have stood the test of time. Raise a drink to some of the oldest bars in Bangkok. By Narisa Lin and Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj Saxophone

DJ Station

Bamboo Bar

Saxophone

Since 1953

Since 1987

Over the course of 65 years, the Mandarin Oriental’s signature bar has hosted some pretty special guests. Mick Jagger, Sean Connery, Christopher Lee, Audrey Hepburn and Dionne Warwick have all pulled up a rattan chair amid its seductively tropical decor to enjoy the smoky sounds of visiting jazz artists. Singers take the mic at 9pm daily, accompanied by music from a baby grand. Then there’s the head barman, who cut his teeth in the sacred cocktail-making ground of London’s Artesian bar.

This kingpin on the local jazz scene is guided by the musical stylings of music legend Sekpol “Koh Mr. Saxman” Unsamran. The 46-year-old star of five solo albums takes the stage every Monday from midnight onwards. Surrounded by red brick walls and with barely a window in sight, the band performs right in front of guests as they sip on draft beer (B150) from saxophone-shaped ceramic tankards.

Since 1987

3/8 Phaya Thai Rd., 02-245-3592. Open daily 6pm-2am. BTS Victory Monument

1/F, Mandarin Oriental, 48 Charoenkrung Soi 40 (Oriental Avenue), 02-659-9000. Open Sun-Thu 5pm-1am; Fri-Sat 5pm-2am

G/F, 138 The Landmark Bangkok Hotel, Ground Floor, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-254-0404. Open daily 11:30-2am

Wong’s

Madrid Bar

Only for the party crowd with real staying power, Wong’s remains open while the rest of Bangkok’s nightlife scene is sleeping. The legendary dive bar wears its age with pride, its walls plastered in photos of customers who’ve found a friend in owner Sam— or, further back, his brother, the eponymous Wong— all swept in a red hue from Chinese lanterns. The only rule is: you must buy a drink or get out.

Since 1969 Situated smack-bang in the middle of Patpong Road, this watering hole achieved legendary status during the Vietnam War (prior to the area’s go-go bar explosion). Step through the iconic green facade and it’s almost like time has stood still. The shock-red walls covered in fading photographs and bullfighter posters, checkered floors, green leather dining booths and army of middle-aged wait-staff feel a world away from the red-light shenanigans of outside. From burgers to ice-cold bottles of Singha to khao pad American, the menu does it all—and you can still find crusty old expat journos who’ll tell you Madrid’s thincrust pizza is the best in town.

78/3 Patpong Rd., 02-234-6905. Open daily 6pm-1am

Since 1987

Soi Sribumphen, Rama 4 Rd., 081-901-0235. Open daily 10pm-very late

Telephone Pub Since 1987 Bangkok’s longest-running gay club celebrated its 30th anniversary this year. The original concept of having landline phones on every table so you could call the people you fancied has long been made obsolete, but Telephone remains a central Silom hub for people to meet. Head upstairs for Soi 4’s favorite karaoke spot.

114/11-13 Silom Soi 4, 02 234 3279. Open daily 6pm-2am

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Huntsman Pub at The Landmark Hotel This drinking den beneath the Landmark hotel set the template for many a Bangkok British pub that followed. Button-back leather and acres of dark wood make you forget the tropical, sunny climate outside as you knock back pints of Guinness (B330), take in the match and chomp on cottage pie (B350).

Visit on the weekend for the roast (Sat 6-10pm; Sun 11:30am-2:30pm, B850 per person).

Raintree Jamjuri

PONGSUANG NOTE, 23, FOUNDER OF DUDESWEET “I started going to Wong’s around the end of 2010, when they still played music from video tapes. Then they switched to DVDs and I felt the place lost its charm a little, but I still kept going back regularly for four years.

When I organized Dudesweet parties, people would ask where I was going afterwards, and they would follow me.

But it’s really not the kind of place for dressed up women because the bathrooms are just so terrible. I used to make Wong’s mix CDs to play back then, which they still play these days.”

Since 1991 Tucked round the back of Victory Monument’s Soi Rangnam, this spot keeps the torch burning for Thailand’s 1970s protest movement. Live musicians take the stage to play pleng phue chee wit (songs for life), a form of Thai folk music with its roots in political activism, surrounded by buffalo skulls and other Thai cowboy cliches. Big beers range from B130-160.

Soi Rangnam, off Phya Thai Rd., 02-245-7230. Open daily 6pm-1:30am

DJ Station

SAKOL WONGKUMPU, 68, OWNER OF SAXOPHONE PUB

Since 1991

“I almost opened Saxophone to be just a blues music bar but decided I would include jazz as well. A lot of people have tried to open the same kind of bar as mine but they don’t last long as they don’t have enough patience—to wait for the customers, to get the right music—and so they switch the music to something more commercial after just a few months.”

The grand dame of gay clubbing just never seems to get old. Packed to the point of making dancing near impossible on weekends, DJ Station has come to define Thailand’s gay nightlife for many visitors. Even after 25 years, it still remains one of the biggest gay clubs in town.

Silom Soi 2, 02-266-4029. Open daily 10pm-2am

BK Magazine Friday, September 8, 2017

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BK Magazine Friday, September 8, 2017

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bites NEW

Around the corner from Pan Road there’s a wealth of exciting new restaurants and bars.

NEIGHBORHOOD

PanInternational

Ghignoni

GHIGNONI After leaving EmQuartier, Italian gelateria Ghignoni has unveiled a new flagship branch on Silom Road. The gelato here is made fresh daily using the same traditional methods as in Italy, boasting no coloring or preservatives in flavors like pistachio (made with real Sicilian pistachio), ricotta, pineapple and orange chocolate. A cup of half two flavors start from B89/cup.

Pan Road, the leafy street running from the Hindu temple on Silom to the Myanmar Embassy on Sathorn is bursting with activity. Here are the reasons, new and old, why it’s a real foodie paradise. By Wanvida Jiralertpaiboon

252/5 Silom Rd., 087-811-6462. Open daily 11:30-11pm

Opus

CAFES AND BAKERIES

Luka This furniture-showroom-slash-cafe’s brunch-y fare and excellent coffee (from B70 for espresso) has made it a favorite with Sathorn’s busy professionals. On the menu is down-toearth comfort food like breakfast burritos (B280) and grilled cheese sandwich (B150) served with a thick tomato soup. It also offers a wide range of organic teas like the white tea silver tips (B160) or green tea spearmint (B120). The rustic-meets-industrial decor comes courtesy of Casa Pagoda, with whom it shares its lofty and chic dwellings 64/1 Pan Rd., 02-637-8558. Open daily 9am-6pm

Printa Cafe This hip lifestyle cafe combines coffee and brunch with shopping. Printa Cafe doubles as a shop for owner, Piriya Tantravivud’s glasses brand, Glazziq. Drop by for breakfast dishes like saba teriyaki rice bowl (B190) half ham cheese sandwiches (B90) and coffee (from B65 for espresso) as you browse the showroom of simple specs in a variety of colors, gradients and materials. Prices start at just B1,990 a pair. Shop at www.glazziq.com 36/2 Pan Rd., 095-542-4575. Open Thu-Tue 8am-6pm

RESTAURANTS

Suananda Vegetarian Garden & Ayurveda This hidden gem serves homemade vegetarian food in a peaceful garden tucked off the main road, where Indian owner Sukesh C. also runs yoga and healthy cooking classes. The menu

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Persian House

is mainly Indian, spotlighting seasonal organic crops, with highlights including some delectable, value-for-money lunch sets like Southern Indian-style dosa (finger millet crepe) with spinach paneer (B195), and papri chaat with sides like mung bean, potatoes, chutney, yogurt and sev (B120).

109/9 Pan Rd., 080-805-4318. Mon-Sat 10:30am-9:30pm

Chennai Kitchen This low-key diner does tasty Southern Indian vegetarian food—think thali , dosa, vada — at very agreeable prices. Try the panjavarna uthappam (B140), an “Indian pizza” with five different vegetable chutneys, or the addictive onion masala dosa (thin crepe with potato and onion filling, B120). Wash your meal down with a lassi (Indian-style yogurt drink, B50) or masala tea (B50).

107/4 Pan Rd., 02-234-1266. Open daily 10am-3pm, 6-9:30pm (last order 9pm)

Persian House For more than 13 years, this same restaurant served up Iranian cuisine under the name Persian Company. Now with new ownership, the slightly renamed Persian House continues the same legacy with a new, rich turquoise look, intimate interior and Middle Eastern crockery.

The menu spans hummus (a smooth puree of tahini, chickpeas and olive oil (B130), khoresht ghormeh sabzi (slow-cooked beef stew with fresh herbs, B220) and jouleh kebab (marinated Cornish hen skewers with grilled tomatoes, B200).

48/2-3 Pan Rd., 02-635-2675. Open daily 11am-10pm (Closed the last Sunday of every month)

Printa Cafe

Opus In business since 2009, Opus remains the restaurant of choice for bigwigs seeking discretion, consistently good Italian cuisine and a walk-in wine cellar with over 400 Italian labels.

The setting, a stylish house-turned-restaurant, boasts a masculine vibe rich with leather and red accents. Let owner/manager Alex Morabito guide your wine selection and leave the rest to chef Davide Calo, whose authentic cooking has earned him the Italian government’s accreditation, an honor reserved to only a dozen venues in Bangkok. Mixologist Michele Montauti (formerly of Miky’s and House on Sathorn) whips up classics and handcrafted concoctions—try his negroni for B250.

64 Pan Rd., 02-637-9899. Open dailly 6pm-midnight

Taitong An oldie but a goodie, this Chinese restaurant’s down-at-heel look takes nothing away from its luxurious spreads. The kitchen parked out front whips out specialties like braised abalone (start at B3,000), guay tiew Shanghai (B260) and stirfried fish maw (B300-500). For a quick meal, we’ll happily chow down on the crab fried rice (B100), which comes packed with substantial crabmeat and a heady aroma from expert wok frying.

50/39 Pan Rd., 081-566-8856. Open daily 10am-9pm

KAPRAO KHUN PHOR This no-frills cafeteria serves more varieties of pad kaprao than you could dream of.

In fact, the menu does nothing but spicy basil stir-fries (15 types in all), shaking things up with premium ingredients like minced kurobuta pork in the kao kaprao moo sub (B79) or kao kaprao nuea (B129) which mixed with Company B’s dry-aged beef. As for the recipe, they say they use only young holy basil leaves and a mix of Thai bird's eye and prik jinda daeng chilies for an authentically fiery kaprao.

Silom Soi 20, 065-509-9693. Open Mon-Sat 11am-8:30pm

NINETEENS UP This adult playground not only serves drinks but also stocks plenty of games and activities in an atmosphere that’s very “startup rec room” (think whitewashed bricks and street art). Signature cocktails are fruity but more complex than just fruit juice and a shot of vodka. My Light (B380) is a well-balanced mix of absinth, Bacardi rum, Midori (muskmelon-flavored liqueur), sour mix and mint leaves.

They also have plenty of bar food like beef burgers (B190) and truffle fries (B150).

Games start at B20 per person for a game of air hockey, pool and B60 per hour per person for any board games. Table tennis is free.

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

SUGI BEE GARDEN CAFE Japan’s Sugi Bee Garden brand presents tasty sweets and light drinks featuring its honey products from Kumamoto Prefecture. Drinks like the soft jelly honey (yuzu, blueberry, lemon and kyoho grape, B140) are said to be rich in vitamins and good for the skin, or buy a 500ml bottle of concentrated "fruit juice" honey to take back home at B900. Food-wise, try the Sugi Bee salad (mixed greens and fruits with honey dressing, B210) or instantly cool down with unlimited honey-flavored soft serve (B90) in a waffle cone.

224 Silom Rd., 02-627-2228. Open 8am-10pm

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bites

GUIDES

FOOD REVIEWS

Gen HHHH Japanese. Acmen Complex, 267/31 Sukhumvit Soi 63 (Ekkamai), 02-048-0008. Open Mon-Sat 5:30pm-midnight; Sun 5-10pm.

Corkage B500 F

For over a decade, Sukhumvit Soi 26’s Jidori Cuisine Ken (formerly Jidori-ya Kenzo) has been the go-to for Japanophile foodies seeking Bangkok’s best yakitori (charcoal-grilled chicken skewers)—crisp exterior, very little charring and a moist, perfectly cooked interior. Gen, the 2016 follow-up from Jidori’s founder, Kenichi Nagata, extends the yaki focus to wagyu beef, pork, seafood and veggies, plus Japanese mainstays like sashimi, katsudon (rice topped with a pork cutlet) and soba.

But rest assured, this log cabin-evoking restaurant round the back of Ekkamai does equally amazing things to chicken.

Grilled over binchotan charcoal, a skewer like the teriyaki chicken thigh (B120) spruced up with sansho (a Japanese pepper with a slight tingly kick) is simple yet rewarding, packing a medley of textures into each morsel. It’s the little things that stand out, like the lightly-roasted chicken breast’s dab of yuzu kosho (B160)—a citrus-y, spicy, salty paste that’s pure flavor.

Le Cochon Blanc HHHH Barbecue. 26 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 02-662-3814.

Open daily 6pm-midnight. Corkage charge B800 for wine, B1,000 for spirits and champagne F

Taking over what used to be modern Thai restaurant Baa Ga Din, Le Cochon Blanc brings an element of French refinement to live-fire, Southern American-inspired barbecue. A bright, purple neon sign lights the way to the theatrical grill pit where chef Chandler Schultz (formerly of Baa Ga Din) does his work. Inside is a moody mix of black paint, flamingo wallpaper, chandeliers and stylish collectibles chosen by French restaurateur Fred Meyer (Issaya, Pizza Massilia and Kom-Ba-Wa).

The menu makes clear that produce is king, going to pains to describe its high-welfare pork from Sloane’s, French butter and cheese from Jean-Yves Bordier, and hand-cut fresh sausage from Emmanuel Chavassieux, a French sausage-maker based just outside of Lyon.

At B490 a plate, it’s some expensive sausage, though you can certainly taste the difference in its ample, meaty chunks of Auvergne pork. Our only disappointment

The chicken liver (B70) is buttery and comes in a sweet teriyaki coating that masks any bitterness. Gen’s broader menu doesn’t mean a drop in quality.

Upon a bed of crisp mizuna and sunflower sprouts with only the lightest of soy sauce dressings, the chopped sashimi salad (B380) bursts with flavors of the ocean, while the charcoal-seared saba (mackerel, B290) tastes of pungent, pickled goodness. Even the lowliest cut of beef, a well-seasoned, grilled brisket brochette (B200), and the French fries (B150), oil-free and airy straws dusted with aonori seaweed powder, benefit from elevated attention to detail. While you’ll find a wider selection of chicken bits at Tori Tama down the road or, indeed, Jidori, Gen is arguably the better gateway to yakitori—there’s rare chicken breast (B170) for the hardcore, and a maguro (tuna) sashimi fallback (B590) for the intimidated. A full two menu pages dedicated to seasonal delicacies makes for return visits. We also love the rich matcha white chocolate fondue (B290) and it’s dainty Japanese treats for dipping.

Gen’s not perfect: the old-timey jazz soundtrack is a bit much and the ground floor’s slightly awkward layout (two bar counters and a great big empty space in the middle) takes away part of the cramped izakaya charm. Overall, though, the service and presentation are a good level above your usual boisterous Japanese tavern—even if the constant peals of laughter from upstairs on our last visit did suggest a fun Suntory time in full swing (highballs from B180).

is that it lacks much smokiness—which you’d expect, given the barbecue vibes.

The same thing can’t be said of Le Cochon Blanc’s barbecue short rib (B1,250), made with 250-day grain-fed black Angus beef that undergoes 3-5 hours of smoking on top of two days in the sous-vide machine. The result maintains all the juiciness of the beef while delivering real texture and flavor. It’s a safer choice than the Memphis-style pork ribs with pineapple barbecue sauce (half B580/full B890), which on our last visit were dry and over-seasoned. The side of duck jambalaya (B220) was also oily—a shame, since on other occasions we’ve found the dish exceptional. Whatever you do, don’t miss the double-cooked, Belgian-style fries (B180) prepared in beef oil, whose sweet taste and perfect crispness make them some of the best in town. This kitchen can also deliver an amazing salad (B320), in which the smoked lettuce gets flavored by a dressing packed with anchovy and garlic, in addition to thick, house-made bacon. The wonderful desserts, created by Issaya La Patisserie’s chef Arisara “Paper” Chongphanitkul, are one of the best things about the place. Her strawberry shortcake (B390) and bitter chocolate petit pot (B360) are unbeatable guilty pleasures.

Le Cochon Blanc may not deliver straightup comfort U.S. barbecue, but creativity and beautiful setting make it worthy of any special occasion.

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.

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

August

September

November

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Phi Phi island

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December

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Symbols

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

To be featured in our upcoming 2017-2018 guides, contact us at advertising@asia-city.co.th, 02-624-9654

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June

Cafe Society 2017 Bangkok’s coolest hangout spots for brunch, coffee, sweets and all-day bites.

BK Magazine Friday, September 8, 2017

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9/4/17 7:57 PM

bites

OPEN DOOR

Krua Banleng

This Sathorn restaurant is devoted to a family’s old recipes and musical legacy.

The buzz: Krua Banleng, the decade-old Phaya Thai restaurant belonging to the family of classical music legend Luang Pradit Phairoh, has brought its Thai comfort food to Sathorn.

Here, Asdavuth “Aey” Sagarik, Luang's great grandson, oversees operations, while the kitchen is helmed by Matsakorn Chartviratphuri, daughter of the chef at the original location.

The decor: The cozy two-story house dates back to the ‘70s and has been given a green and cream colored makeover.

The interior welcomes lots of natural light and gives nods to family history through traditional Thai musical instruments, old cassettes and black-and-white photographs from Luang’s hey-day. You can also take your meal in the lush backyard.

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The food: The old family recipes make the most of wellsourced ingredients, such as dried chilies from Bang Chang sub-district in Samut Songkram, and house-made curry pastes.

Try them in familiar fare like pad Thai goong sod (stir-fried rice noodles with shrimp, B280), which is zestier and spicier than your usual pad Thai, gaeng puu sen mee (Southern-style yellow curry with crabmeat and vermicelli noodles, B390) and moo ped sood kun yar (stir-fried pork with turnip pickles and young peppercorns, B160). Another house specialty is the Thai-style ox tongue stew (B350), which is deliciously tender. For dessert, the excellent mango and passion fruit toast (B165) also lets quality ingredients do the talking. The buttery brioche (starring real French butter) comes with a tangy mango passion fruit jelly and coconut ice cream. Decadent.

The drinks: Equally down-to-earth herbal juices in flavors like roselle, butterfly pea and lemongrass-pandanus all come in at B65. The usual Thai beers cost B120 per bottle, while coffee and tea starts at B55.

Why we’d come back: Homey, unpretentious Thai restaurants are something of a dying breed in these parts, especially ones so charming. Chong Nonsi office workers take note: Krua Banleng is a great spot for a quick lunch, too.

Korapon Kanchanabundhu

Narathiwat Soi 5, 02-043-4564. Open Mon-Sat 11am-9pm. BTS Chong Nonsi

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House of Bak Kut Teh

Ekamai Macchiato

Size S

TABLE TALK

NEW AND NOTED

Up Sizing Sathorn’s oh-so-petite Size S coffee roaster-slash-bakery has branched out with a slightly bigger space in Asoke (60/363 Asoke Montri Rd., 02-044-7363). The new spot still shines a light on in-house-roasted single origin coffee and tiny-teeny cakes, alongside all-day dishes like baked eggs with sausage (B95), grilled lemon-yogurt chicken wraps (B95), and green curry with pork ribs and riceberry rice (B95). New treats include an apple Earl Grey cake (B55) and lemon raspberry cake (B55) to pair with AeroPress coffee (B85) from Tejit Sintawichai, who just won the Thailand AeroPress Championship 2017.

Hangover Cure Your new late-night sobering-up spot comes via Singapore.

The latest project from Ruan Lim and Jason Poon, the Singaporean duo behind craft beer bars Bottles of Beer on Sukhumvit and Bottles of Booze on Sathorn, House of Bak Kut Teh (1/4 Sukhumvit Soi 49, 064-310-3755) stays open till 4am to

serve bak kut teh (B120), a herby, Teochew-style soup with pork ribs that’s often hailed as a fail-safe hangover cure.

Have it with a liberal sprinkling of pepper and a deep-fried dough stick (B50). The retro-style diner also does refreshing desserts like lemon jelly and aloe vera mixed with sweet osmanthus flower (B30).

Go Thai Forget eggs Benedict and open sandwiches; Ekamai Macchiato (6/2 Ekkamai Soi 12, 083-785-9090) has just rolled out a new all-day menu of rich and spicy Thai rice bowls. Our picks are the stir-fried crab meat with chili (B250), which comes atop a gooey, half-cooked omelet, and the fragrant fried shrimp with garlic (B250). The homey cafe has also added a take on Japanese pork curry (B180) to the menu, too. Coffee and drinks are all still priced at B100. Drop by on the weekend and you might get to try drip coffee from Nonpawit Komkrichwarakool, the cafe-hopping IG star better known as Oatkomkrich, who sometimes joins them for slow bar pop-ups.

Bunker 118/2 Sathorn Soi 12, 092-563-9991, 02-234-7749. BTS Chong Nonsi. Open daily 5:30pm-12am A fortress of concrete and steel, Bunker can be perceived as intimating or impenetrable. Step inside and discover that it is anything but. The brutalist design is offset by warm colors, and attentive staff that welcome you as if it were their home.

Here, chef Arnie Marcella applies contemporary American techniques to Thai produce and builds dishes like creamed corn with tiger prawn and smoked foie gras dumplings.

There’s also a five-course tasting menu that changes weekly according to ingredients sourced entirely from local markets.

Exclusively for Citi credit card members.

Get a complimentary tea or coffee and dessert valued at THB 500 when spending via Citi credit cards Today – 31 Jan 18

Wanvida Jiralertpaiboon and Korapon Kanchanabundhu

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now SAT Sake Bombs Japanese graphic designer and artist Hiloya Asari brings some color to Ekkamai's sake bar, Orihara Shoten. At Sake + Sound Vol.3 (Sep 9), you’ll get to watch him paint live to the sound of local DJs like Seelie, NK Chan and The Outsider. See page 23.

SAT Town and Country Exploring the differences between rural and urban life, artists Rungruang Sittirerk and Marisa Srijunplang pull from their childhood experiences—one growing up in Surin, on the border with Cambodia, the other from a life spent moving from place to place. Somewhere (not here) opens Sep 9 at Tentacles. See page 24.

SAT Common People This weekend, Thonglor’s concrete community mall, The Commons, launches a new event that’s all about supporting local art. Art Weekend lets guests interact with 13 names from the Bangkok art scene, including Alex Face, who'll be working on pieces live. The event starts at midday Sep 9-10. See page 24.

SUN Haunting Sounds Thonglor’s alt-music bar, Studio Lam, hosts Japanese band Degurutieni, whose unique sound draws from old Japanese horror movies and mixes in performance art. They’re playing this Sep 10 with support from veteran indie duo Stylish Nonsense and resident DJs Funky Pump and Maft Sai. See page 23.

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SAT Back to Black The closure of sultry cocktail den Bronx Liquid Parlou, has a silver lining: the second coming of live jazz bar Black, which disappeared four years ago from Sukhumvit Soi 33. Here, New York-hailing trumpeter-singer-owner Idris Dawud promises an uncompromising alternative to play-it-safe hotel lounge jazz. The seasoned performer comes from an accomplished jazz family. His father, Talib, played trumpet with Art Blakey and Thelonious Monk in The Jazz Messengers. Visit for the grand opening this Sep 9. See page 23.

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now CONCERTS

NIGHTLIFE

Degurutieni

The Chainsmokers

Dubvision

Dj Seelie

THE CHAINSMOKERS LIVE PREPARTY

SPECIAL EDITION FAREWELL PARTY OF THE BOY

Warm up for the long-anticipated Chainsmokers gig at the Sukhumvit Soi 15 party venue. Sep 8, 9pm. Club 15, 43 Sukhumvit 15, 083-094-0650. Free. BTS Nana.

Fifteen DJs are lined up to play at the Ratchada latenight bar. 50% discount on drinks before midnight.

Ticket price TBA. Sep 10, 7pm. Mustache Bar, 544/5 Ratchadaphisek Soi 7, 081-844-7080.

ALVARO AM

Straight from Spain, the techno house DJ plays till late.

Sep 8, 10pm. Glow, 96/4-5 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 086-6143355. B400 includes 1 drink. MRT Sukhumvit.

DUBVISION

Dutch house and EDM DJ brothers Dubvision perform a brand new high-intensity set. Sep 8, 9pm. Onyx, Soi Soonvijai, Rama 9 Rd. B500.

BLACK

Thonglor's new dedicated jazz spot hosts its grand opening party. Sep 9, 8pm. Black, Thonglor Soi 25, 096-9891820. Free.

VOL.9 HAUNTED STUDIO

Japanese band Degurutieni perform their eclectic and slightly spooky mix of electronic and toy music supported by veteran indie duo Stylish Nonsense and resident DJs Funky Pump and Maft Sai. Sep 10, 9pm. Studio Lam, Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-261-6661. B400. BTS Thong Lo. BROOKS

A night of electro house and hard future sounds from Martin Garrix. Sep 14, 9pm. Levels, 6/F, Aloft Hotel, 35 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 082-308-3246, 095-248-3897. B350 includes 1 drink. BTS Nana.

NARAM

SAKE + SOUND VOL.3

Japanese graphic designer and artist Hiloya Asari brings some color to Ekkamai's sake bar through live painting with the support of DJs Seelie, NK Chan and The Outsider.

Sep 9, 8pm. Orihara Shoten, Park Lane, Sukhumvit Soi 63 (Ekkamai), 02-382-0131. B200 includes 1 drink.

BTS Ekkamai.

FUTURE SOUNDS

A no-frills night of electronic music with DJs Nastanet and Boris Rubin. Sep 9, 10pm. Whiteline, Silom Soi 8, 087-061-1117. B200 includes 1 drink. BTS Chong Nonsi.

New Zealander reggae DJ Naram fills the room with his signature futuristic and dark dancehall beats supported

by Woken, K9 and Dragon. Sep 16, 9pm. Studio Lam, Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-261-6661. B250. BTS Thong Lo. TLT PRESENTS REORDER LIVE IN BANGKOK

The Czech DJ plays a night of remixed trance music with support from 13 other DJs. Tickets at bit.ly/2gj7wI0. Sep 16, 9pm. Whiteline, Silom Soi 8, 087-061-1117. B450650. BTS Chong Nonsi.

FKJ

DIIV

HYHBKK WEEKEND NOISE WITH DIIV

their "The Chainsmokers Memories Do Not Open Asia Tour 2017" tour.

Tickets at Thaiticketmajor.com. Sep 15, 8pm, Impact Arena, Muang T h o n g T h a n i , 9 9 Po p u l a r R d .

B2,000-3,000.

Brooklyn noise-pop band DIIV are joined by four of Bangkok's rising rock bands: Hariguem Zaboy, Cloud Behind, Triggs & the Longest Day and FOLK9. Advance tickets available at bit .do/DIIVBKK . Sep 9, 5pm. The Link Asoke-Makkasan, 1643/5,7 New Petchaburi Rd., 089122-0553. B1,300.

FKJ

The Parisian electro DJ returns for another live performance of his signature groovy loops, hip-hop rhythms and funky basslines. Sep 15, 9pm. Zen Event Gallery, 8/F, CentralWorld, 4, 4/5 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-100 -9999. B1,290 at bit. ly/1PskUOz. BTS Chit Lom. THE CHAINSMOKERS

American DJs/music producers known for their 2016 hit "Closer" make a stop in the city as part of

TOMMY EMMANUEL LIVE IN BANGKOK

The Australian guitar player known for his complex finger technique performs live. Tickets available at bit.do/tommyEmmanuel2017. Sep 9, 7pm, Show Dc Oasis Outdoor Arena, Rama 9 Rd. B1,400-2,300 NAM JOO HYUK PRIVATE STAGE

The South Korean actor from the hit series Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo is back for another edition of intimate meet and greets with fans. Sep 16, 6pm, MCC Hall The Mall Bangkapi, 3522 Lad Phrao Rd. B2,000-5,500.

GIGS D.O.A LIVE AT THE OVERSTAY

PHILCO FICTION

KLINGANDE

The Canadian '80s underground hardcore band are joined by locals Cold Black Vines, 10 Baht Per Hour, Hate Mondays and God Hates & The Greed.

Sep 9, 9pm. Overstay, Charan Sanit Wong Soi 80-82, 02-883-4836. B450.

The Norwegian electronic duo known for the sharp and punchy track "Talk/ Brag" make their debut at Sathorn's edgy bar. Ticket price TBA. Sep 14, 9pm. Jam, 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 0835451-833. BTS Surasak.

The French melodic house DJ returns to Bangkok after three years. He's best known for his hit song "Jubel," which has reached over 100 million views on Youtube. Support from DJ YP. Sep 16, 8pm. Siwilai City Club, 5/F, Central Embassy, Phloen Chit Rd., 02-160-5631.

B990. BTS Phloen Chit.

“MALAMA LA LUNA CONCERT” SONGS AMONG THE STARS

Jelly Rocket

Klingande

D.O.A

An all-ages nighttime concert featuring Jelly Rocket, Temp, Lukpeach, Ink Waruntorn and River Rhyme. Limited to 200 tickets at: bit.ly/2xmPGqZ. Sep 9, 6pm. Buffalo Bridge Gallery, 490/5 Paholyothin Rd., 02-616-6669. B300.

CATERINA PALAZZI AND SODUKU KILLER

The Italian band and recipients of the 2010 Jazzit Award perform their unique jazz compositions. Sep 15, 8pm. Bamboo Bar, 1/F, Mandarin Oriental, 48 Charoen Krung Soi 40 (Oriental Avenue), 02-659-9000. Free. BTS Saphan Taksin.

AIDAN KILLIAN

THE BANGKOK BEATLES

The Irish comedian makes a return after last year's world tour, bringing laughter and conspiracy theories from his old banker days. Ticket price TBA. Sep 14, 9pm. 999 West, 108/5-6 Khao San Rd., 02 629 2474.

A tribute act to one of the world's greatest bands, The Bangkok Beatles return to play a full set of hits. Sep 16, 7pm. Black Pagoda, Patpong Soi 2.

B200 includes 1 drink. BTS Sala Daeng.

MALAMA LA LUNA CONCERT

Watch the night sky while listening to melodies from indie scene stars like Jelly Rocket, Temp, Lukpeach, Ink Waruntorn and River Rhyme. Sep 9, 6pm. Buffalo Bridge Gallery, 490/5 Paholyothin Rd., 02-616-6669. B300.

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now STAGE Bangkok's International Festival of Dance & Music 2017

ART

THE LAST EXHIBITION

A TRACE OF MORTALITY

Following up his canceled 2016 exhibition, Sina Wittayawiroj's explores censorship and self-censorship. Sep 9, 6pm. Cartel Artspace, 2198/10, 22 Narathiwas Rd. Free.

Leading Malaysian contemporary photographer Eiffel Chong showcases 15 pieces of work from throughout his career. Sep 9-Oct 28, 6pm. Kathmandu Photo Gallery, 87 Pan Rd., 02-2346700. Free.

Spartacus

Torera

CUT&PASTE:THE BLACK PIG

E5C3A#2

American-born artist and tattooist Luke Satoru presents a show of fine jewelry, painting and graphic design. Sep 16Oct 1, 6pm. Sathorn 11 Art Space, 404 Sathorn Soi 11. Free.

Recent graduate Anon Chaisansook makes a debut solo show exploring the era of technology and the impact of information overload. Sep 8-30, 7pm. Speedy G ra nd ma, 672/50 -52 Charoenkrung Soi 28, 089-508-3859. Free.

Shianghai Philharmonic Orchestra

The city’s largest annual festival for opera, ballet, orchestral concerts and performance pieces returns Sep 11 with a lineup of classic stage pieces from all around the world. Among the 13 shows this year are highlight pieces from the Antonio Andrade Flamenco Company, a live concert by the Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra, and the classic Broadway musical, West Side Story. Tickets are now available on Thaiticketmajor. For more details visit www. bangkokfestivals.com Sep 11-Oct 19. Thailand Cultural Center, Thiam Ruam Mit Rd., 02-247-0028, 0-2262-3191.

KATYA AND THE PRINCE OF SIAM (RUSSIA)

creative choreography to Bangkok.

Tickets are B1,000-3,000.

Russian ballet meets Thai dance choreography in this retelling of Eileen Hunter and Narisa Chakrabongse book about the romance between a young girl from Kiev and HRH of Chakrabongse of Siam.

Tickets are B1,500-4,500.

Sep 19-20, 7:30 pm

Sep 11, 7:30pm

CINDERELLA (RUSSIA)

The Ekaterinburg Ballet & Opera Theatre performs the classic fairytale to the music of Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev. Tickets are B1,200-4,000.

Sep 13, 7:30pm

SPARTACUS (RUSSIA)

Based on the historic story of a slave who rebels against the Roman Empire, choreographer Yuri Grigorovich’s Spartacus is performed by the Bashkir State Opera and Ballet Theatre. Tickets are B1,200-4,000.

Sep 15, 7:30pm

LE CORSAIRE (RUSSIA)

The Bashkir State Opera and Ballet Theatre performs the epic adventure of pirates and a young and beautiful Greek woman, with dance choreography by Yuri Grigorovich. Tickets are B1,200-4,000.

Sep 17, 2:30pm

FLYING SUPERKIDS (DENMARK)

Denmark’s Flying Superkids, a gymnastic dance troupe that has been around since the ‘60s, bring their acrobatic movements and

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TORERA (SPAIN)

For the first time outside Spain, the Antonio Andrade Flamenco Company performs its new Flamenco dance, Torera. The performance tells a story of social conflict through the body movements of Ursula Moreno.

The tickets are B1,000-3,000 Sep 22, 7:30pm

CARMEN (SPAIN)

One of the festival’s highlights sees the classic George Bizet opera about a Spanish woman’s intense love told by the Antonio Andrade Flamenco Company. Tickets are B1,000-3,000.

Sep 23, 7:30pm

SHIANGHAI PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA (CHINA)

China’s leading orchestra visits Thailand to perform classics that include Overture to Candide (Leonard Bernstein), The Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto (He Zhanhao and Chen Gang), and Symphony No. 9 in E minor ('From the New World') (Antonin Dvorak). Tickets are B1,000-3,500.

Sep 24, 2:30pm.

PETER MARVEY’S MAGIC SHOW (SWITZERLAND)

The world renowned magician and two-time winner of the International Magicians Society’s Merlin Award and Golden Magic Wand performs his tricks in Bangkok. Tickets are B1,000-3,000.

Sep 28-29, 7:30pm

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (FRANCE)

The Malandain Ballet Biarritz performs this classic fairytale through contemporary ballet movements.

Tickets are B1,000-3,000.

Oct 2, 7:30pm

WEST SIDE STORY (USA)

Adopted the story from the book of Arthur Laurents, this classic Broadway play tells the story of two teenage street gangs, the Jets and the Sharks, from different ethnic backgrounds. Performed with the original dance moves created by Jerome Robbins and Leonard Bernstein musical score. Tickets are B2,000-5,000

SOMEWHERE (NOT HERE)

THE STATE OF INNOCENCE

Emerging artist Rungruang Sittirerk teams up with filmmaker Marisa Srijunplang to recount their childhood experience of migrating from the rural countryside to urbanized areas, and the inherent class divide, through country songs, movies and folktales. Sep 9-Oct 20, 6pm. Tentacles N22, Narathiwas Soi 22, 082-487-1487. Free.

Photographers Sophirat Muangkum and Pokchat Worasub expose all in this exhibition inspired by the vulnerability of the human body. Sep 9-Oct 5, 7pm.

Rebel Art Space, 10/5 Sukhumvit Soi 67, 087-112-7774. Free.

SALES & FAIRS

Oct 5-6, 7:30pm; Oct 7-8, 2:30pm, 7:30pm

LITHUANIAN NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (LITHUNIA)

As one of their 50 annual shows, the orchestra performs the following pieces: Franz Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 in C sharp minor, Edvard Grieg’s Peer Gynt suite (compiled from two suites) and Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98. Tickets are B1,000-3,000.

Oct 14, 7:30pm

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW (GERMANY)

The Stuttgart Ballet performs a dance rendition of Shakespeare’s classic romantic comedy following a playboy and his rebellious love interest. Tickets are B2,000-5,500.

Oct 18-19, 7:30pm

Bangkok Farmers' Market

BANGKOK FARMERS' MARKET

Shop for the finest organic produces from local suppliers, along with well-crafted artisanal and baked goods.

Sep 9-10, 11am. Free.

ART WEEKEND

Meet some of the city's top artists, from Alex Face to Tuna Dunn, as they host pop-up studios and work their magic live. Sep 9-10, 12pm. The Commons, 335 Thonglor Soi 17, 089-152-2677.

Free.

BANGKOK ART BOOK FAIR

Twenty-eight of the city's independent and small publishers converge on Sathorn, including screenprint studio

The Archivist, Japan-born design space FabCafe, design magazine Art4D and rising illustrators Tae Parvit x MM. x Bloody Hell Big Head. Aside from art book launches, the event promises a series of talks and lectures. Through Sep 10, 6pm. Bangkok CityCity Gallery, 13/3 Sathorn Soi 1, 083-0872725. B60. MRT Lumphini.

HAPPY EATING FESTIVAL 2017

Siam Paragon shopping mall hosts a celebration of food, good coffee and chocolate. Sep 16-17, 10am. Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-690-1000.

Free. BTS Siam.

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now SPORT

FILM

Opening

2XU Yolo Run BKK

AMARIN RUN FOR KIDS 2017

WE RUN FOR THE BLIND #5

FUN RUN #1

The run for charity event at Rama 8 covers distances of 5, 10 and 21km.

A part of the proceeds goes to Ban Tan Tawan, a charity that nurses 0-4 year-old disadvantaged children. For more details, visit www.fb.com/ events/292483417873956

Experience what it’s like to run with no eyesight at this blindfolded race of 5 or 10km, during which runners will also be partnered with blind contestants. Money raised will go to purchasing equipment for blind people. Free entry for blind runners.

For more details visit goo.gl/dY9CKj.

Sri Boonyanon school’s first mini marathon for charity covers 5.8km, with each guests getting a T-shirt and medal at the finish line.

Sep 10, 4am. Rama 8 bridge. B400-700

2XU YOLO RUN BKK

The 5-10km mini marathon has a “Run Shirtless for Charity” theme, with money from shirtless participants going to charity. For more details, visit www.fb.com/ events/290522258058487.

Sep 10, 6am. Suanluang Rama 9 Park, Chalerm Prakiat Rd. B950-1090

IT (USA)

Horror. This adaptation of Stephen King’s 1986 horror novel sees a group of bullied children band together to fight off the advances of a psychotic clown.

Sep 9, 6am. Maha Chesadabodindranusorn Bridge. B400

MAEPRA FATIMA SCHOOL’S MINI MARATHON

Sep 9, 5.30am. Vachirabenjatas Park (Rot Fai Park), Kamphaeng Phet 3 Rd. B500-B900

In support of education, the charity run offers 4.5 and 10km distances.

RAJAVITHI WALK & RUN FOR YOU KNEE LOVE

Sep 10, 5am. Maepra Fatima Schhol 5921/1 Asoke-Dindaeng Rd., 02-2450580. B500

The hospital holds a fun run with 2, 5 and 10km distances, with income generated going to the hospital’s charity for knee surgery. For more details, visit www.rajavithi.go.th/ rjrun.

THE PROMISE (THAILAND)

Horror. Partially filmed at Sathorn’s iconic “Ghost Tower.” A woman whose daughter is haunted by a ghost believes it must have something to do with a promise she made, and then broke, to her best friend to end their lives together 20 years ago during the Tom Yung Goong financial crisis.

GIRLS TRIP (USA)

MONSTER FAMILY (USA)

Comedy. A group of friends take the trip of a lifetime to New Orleans, along the way rekindling their sisterhood and unleashing their wild sides.

Animation. A family’s attempt to reconnect for one night backfires when a witch turns them into monsters.

THE GLASS CASTLE (USA)

RUN FOR LOVE AND PEACE 2017

Drama. Based on a memoir by Jeannette Walls, this film recounts the upbringing of four siblings in a free-spirited and dysfunctional household.

Stars Woody Harrelson and Naomi Watts.

Central Group organizes a mini marathon of 3, 6 and 10km.

Sep 17, 5:45am. CentralWorld, 4, 4/1-4/2, 4/4, Ratchadamri Rd., 02-635-1111. B450

Sep 3, 5.30am. North Park Driving Range, Vibhavadi rangsit Rd. B450

SPECIAL SCREENINGS

Upcoming (Sep 14)

Blow-up

I, Harlequin

ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL BANGKOK 2017

The Italian Film Festival returns this Sep 13-18 at Quartier CineArt, featuring seven critically-acclaimed films including The Invisible Boy (2014), I, Harlequin (2014), God Willing (2015), Perfect Strangers (2016), Like Crazy (2016), The Francigena Path (2016) and Feather (2016).

Each film has been selected to represent contemporary Italian cinematography and culture. Tickets are B100-300.

For more details visit fb.com/ItalianFilmFestivalBangkok.

Sep 13-18. Quartier CineArt, 4/F, Emquartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 02261-0199.

CULT CLASSIC BLOW-UP OPENS AT BANGKOK SCREENING ROOM

Throughout this month, the independent cinema screens Blow-Up, Italian director Michelangelo Antonioni’s first entirely English-language film, which follows fictional London

Salam Neighbor

AMERICAN ASSASSIN (USA)

TULIP FEVER (UK)

Action/Thriller. CIA agent Mitch Rapp goes on a secret mission with a Cold War veteran and a lethal Turkish agent to stop a mysterious operative that can cause a World War in the Middle East.

Drama. Set in the Tulip mania of 17th century Amsterdam, the story follows an artist who falls for the married woman whose portrait he is painting.

fashion photographer Thomas (David Hemmings), who believes he may have captured a murder on film. Tickets are B300.

Sep 1-Oct 1. Bangkok Screening Room. Soi Saladaeng 1, 094-1259906. BTS Sala Daeng exit No. 4 or MRT Lumphini’s exit No. 2.

DOC NIGHT AND MEET THE DIRECTORS: SALAM NEIGHBOR

The Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand (FCCT) invites American directors and human rights activists Chris Temple and Zach Ingrasci to introduce their documentary about Syrian refugees, Salam Neighbor. The film follows the struggles suffered on a daily basis by people living in Jordan's Za'atari refugee camp. The screening starts at 7pm.

Tickets are B150 for non-members (free for member).

DateTK. FCCT, 518/5 Ploenchit Rd., 02-652-0580.

BABY DRIVER (USA)

BLOOD-C (JAPAN)

Action. A young getaway driver known as Baby (Ansel Elgort) wants to break from a life of crime after falling for a woman (Lily James), but that’s not so simple with work for a crime boss (Kevin Spacey) to finish.

Action/Drama. Set during prewar Japan, the story follows an intense battle between the Special Higher Police and villagers.

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