BK Magazine 839

WHO’S IN CHARGE?

BK EDITORIAL

Managing Editor Tyler Roney

Senior Lifestyle Writer Sarisa Pokawattana

Art Director Wirankan Saiyasombut

Production Manager Komkrit Klinkaeo

GROVE: COCONUTS BRAND STUDIO

Associate Thai Editor Pakvipa Rimdusit

Head of Digital Nuttajuk Kittichailuk

Senior Business Development Manager

Piti Rungrojanaluck

Senior Business Development Manager

Chalida Anuwattanawong

Finance & Operations Manager

Manita Satra

Managing Director

Dietrich Neu

Publisher, Printer, and Editor

Tara Rattanaphas

BK Magazine is a Coconuts Media Publication

Chairman Byron Perry

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06 by the numbers The Interceptor 019 takes over the Chao Phraya

14 open door Gordon Ramsay’s Street Pizza has arrived at Emsphere sans buffet

07 bk in brief Tomorrowland organizers rebuff claims the mega-festival is set for Thailand

12 new & noted Sompohnpak is serving Isaan food with a touch of Korean

16 nightlife 2.5-liter glasses of wine are on offer at the new Sixteen Grapes

WHERE TO FIND US! COCONUTS BK LIMITED

111 Room 5A, 5th Floor

We Space Building, Soi Thonglor 5 Khlong Tan Neua, Wattana Bangkok, 10110

Tel: 02-041-5755

Email: info@bkmagazine.com

08 cover story

15 review OMGM serves the crowd pleasers picky kids love

stories facebook.com/ bkmagazine

see what’s happening @bkmagazine

18 feature Thailand is one step closer to marriage equality

22 last word Nantiya “Milk” Praking puts a womenfocused fashion and lifestyle magazine on Bangkok shelves

10 BEST THAI THRIFT STORES ON INSTAGRAM

Modern day thrift shoppers can get pre-loved digs sans sweat stains through digital digging—but, let’s face it, the online sphere can be every bit as intimidating as a meter-high pile of pants in a warehouse.

So, here’s a handy BK guide for a few of our current favorite Instagram shops that are easy on the wallet and high in style.

Posting.my.stuff

This one’s for the minimalist. “Posting My Stuff” is all about neutral tones. You’ll rarely find a colorful item on their feed, making this the perfect place to hunt for timeless pieces, including sleek designer bags, sneakers, and Mary Janes. You can also ask the shop to list some of your own second hand items and browse through other customers’ listings. If you’re interested in an item, simply comment “CF or F”, screenshot the picture of the item, and send a DM. But you have to act fast because if someone is gunning for the same piece, you have 20 minutes to transfer the money before it goes to the next bidder. More than three purchases will get free shipping. Prices start from B100.

Kisa.stuff

Hopping on to the other side of fashion, shops like Kisa.stuff are a treasure trove for kitschy shoes which found a fanbase with the revival of Y2K micro trends like kitten heels, boxing boots, and sporty ballet flats. These can be quite unusual items so if you’re just getting started, you can go through the highlights on their page for some styling inspo. They do monthly drops, but shoes usually sell out really fast.

If you spot something you like in a preview post, be sure to turn on your notifications to be the first one in the comments. Prices start at B150 and run to more than B1,000.

Anotherbougieday

When it comes to fancy evening wear, “Another Bougie Day” does not disappoint. From a last minute bridesmaid’s outfits to prom dresses, the selected gowns come in multiple colors and designs ranging from the 20s and 90s to mid 2010s, all up for grabs via DM. For new customers, we recommend checking out #anotherbougiedaystockk for unsold gems you’ve been missing. Prices range from B1,000 to B4,000.

Clothes_twinkling

But it’s not just the elegant pieces that are getting the spotlight. For Clothes Twinkling, their retro sundresses, floral patterned skirts, and breezy tops cater to looks suitable for a picnic or lounging on the beach. The Bangkok based shop has a B50 shipping fee and posts around once or twice a month. Prices range from B300-B,1000.

Chumchumwatch

Chumchum Watch is known for sourcing authentic vintage watches with adorable cartoon characters on the dial. They also have a storefront called Chumchum Grocery Cafe at Pridi Soi 31, brimming with collectible accessories and knick knacks while serving up food and drinks. If you have a Disney adult in your life, you know where to get their next present. For watches, prices start at B2,000.

Unique24_4

Need cheap bling? This Insta shop is a joy for scrolling. Each piece has a unique look you won’t find shopping first-hand. They’ve got minimalistic pearl pendants, large beaded gemstones, and gold and silver chains. Occasionally, they’ll have a clearance sale where every piece is priced at B99. Their regular prices usually never go over B200.

Chobjai swimsuit

It’s almost always summertime in Thailand. So if you’re thinking of buying a vintage swimsuit for the coming holiday, Chobjai Swimsuit has rare and Japanese 90s imported second hand swimwear pieces and bikinis. Prices for a one piece start at B200 and bikinis start around B100.

Wishful.clothes

This Korean and Japanese imported clothing store offers sweet, timeless designs. Though they carry some lightweight fabrics perfect for Thai weather, some of their listings include sweater vests, puffer jackets, and fluffy cardigans. So it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re looking to visit colder climates. The shop hosts a weekly livestream every week via Instagram and prices usually never go over B300.

Kuttzun

Searching for the right button-downs can be tough but Kuttzun has narrowed it down. You can opt for their range of professional shirts or some of their bolder and funkier selections of collared tops. They’ve created a highlight on Instagram for you to browse the available items and even sort in different categories such as short sleeves, long sleeves, and neckties. Prices start at B300 to around B700.

Necktie_nuttha

BK’s guide to online thrift shopping would not be complete without tying it off with a recommendation of some Japanese imported second hand neckties. This shop features the formal wear in a variety of patterns, from brand name classic pinstripes to Disney cartoons and Van Gogh’s paintings. The ties are B250 each, but if you buy two you get free shipping. To purchase, comment “cf” under the post or screen shot the item and send it to their Line account (Line ID: @101bboao). You can also order their items via their Shoppee page. ●

The Chao Phraya has a new celebrity—the Interceptor 019. This is a plastic clearing vessel (which has had its share of greenwashing accusations) clearing up the mess the Chao Phraya spews into the ocean each year.

The Interceptor 019 is 100% solar powered.

YOU SAID WHAT? BY THE NUMBERS

The Ocean Cleanup’s Interceptor cleans 15 rivers with the cooperation of the Coca-Cola Company, a major plastics pollution culprit.

“How long before apologies for a miscommunication are issued?”

— Twitter user @wim_vertriest on the original Tomorrowland announcement for Bangkok.

“Things to not do.”

— Facebook user Kevin Corr on the April Chilli Fest 2024 featuring a chilli eating competition.

The Chao Phraya adds 4,000 tonnes of plastic to the ocean every year.

Plastic takes 500 to 600 years to decompose.

At 22 meters long and 8 meters wide, these vessels claim to have cleaned up more than 1,000,000 kilograms of plastic worldwide.

Thailand is the 10th worst nation at emitting waste into the oceans.

The Interceptor 019 cleans a 16-kilometer stretch of the Chao Phraya.

HOT OR NOT

Hot

You Make Me Happy Thai fashion brand My Only Sunshine has released an exclusive collab with actress Anne Thongprasom. The Thai vacation and lounge wear fashion brand has their latest 10 exclusive looks at a Central World pop up, and we are here for it.

Going Ape

After a number of high-profile attacks in recent weeks, the wildlife authorities in the town of Lopburi have had enough and say they have a plan to rid the city of their troublesome monkeys. Plans to capture 2,500 urban monkeys and place them in enclosures are underway, but there’s not telling what it will do for tourism.

“You mean the thai government went back on their word? Never! No way!”

— Instagram user @shane_friederich on Tomorrowland refuting claims of the festival coming to Thailand in 2026.

Apostofi

The new Apostofi House mixes the Apostofi Group’s Bangkok brands into one building in Sathorn. Combining their multidisciplinary brands, customers can pick up art supplies from their stationary brand Medium, sip some coffee and tea from Bangkokfamous cafe Vela, dine out with fare from Gardens.

Ooo, That Smell

There was a small panic last month over the smell of sulfur in the air, leading experts and authorities to calm rumors of a chemical leak or Buffy the Vampire Slayerstyle Hellmouth. Not to worry, it was just the regular car exhaust mixed with rain and pollution. Phew, we were worried about our health there for a second.

Tomorrowland organizers rebuff claims the mega-festival is set for Thailand

It would appear that media outlets (including BK Magazine) were jumping the gun when they took a government spokesperson’s word that one of the world’s biggest EDM festivals was coming to Thailand.

The more recent claims, after the Prime Minister’s statement in December, included government spokesman Chai Wacharonke, but an interview with the organizer revealed that things are not that simple.

“Deeply touched by the warm support, we must clarify the recent speculation: nothing has been officially confirmed or signed at this time. The Tomorowland (sic) team is diligently conducting thorough research and exploration to assess the feasibility of hosting Tomorrowland in Thailand. There is still much to be investigated,” Tomorrowland spokesperson Debby Wilmsen told EDM.com.

This is not the first time the Tomorrowland tease has gotten Bangkok EDM fans all hot and bothered for no reason. In 2016, the same hullabaloo was caused by a Post Today claim, only to be walked back.

The government has since walked back their claim, saying it was a misunderstanding but that there is still every possibility the festival is set for Thailand.

The Michelin Guide is coming to Chonburi in 2024

Michelin revealed at an event in the Okura Prestige that it will expand its seventh edition of the guide to include Chonburi in the eastern region of Thailand for 2024.

This follows a previous extension which saw the guide cover the northeastern (Isaan) parts of Thailand namely Nakhon Ratchasima, Ubon Ratchathani, Khon Kaen, and Udonthani. And the Southern region in Surat Thani and Koh Samui.

Chonburi’s location along the eastern Thailand coast makes it a perfect cultural and tourism summit with famous areas like Bang Saan and Pattaya attracting millions of domestic and foreign travelers every year. As a port region, the local cuisine is a rich mix of traditional seafood and bustling food markets.

Travel and food blogger Mark Wiens, with more than 10.5 million subscribers on YouTube, spoke at the event today expressing his favorite discoveries and produce from Chonburi, including squid, dried seafood, khao lam (baked sticky rice in bamboo), and young coconut shells that taste like bamboo shoots.

Though Chonburi is already a popular foodie destination for Bangkokians, Eastern Thai cuisine is still quite underrated, so this new guide could shine some light on hidden treasures in the area.

The House of Siren hosts a grand Kiki Ball

with international guest judges

The House of Siren hosted a Kiki Ball last month as part of an underground subculture event embracing and showcasing queer talent in a safe space. The event, called the Myxtery Kiki Ball, featured voguing, waacking, runway and more.

For a fast history lesson, Ballroom originates from African-American and Latin LGBTQ+ subculture from the mid 20th century. It is an escape from societal bigotry—where queer people can express themselves, battle it out in challenges. The ballroom community evolved into “houses” which are chosen families that form teams in the competition and a support system in day to day life; hence why house founders and more experienced members of the scene earn the title “mother” and “father”.

The international list of guest judges included the Asian Mother Channing Louboutin, a professional Taiwanese dancer predominantly teaching vogue and heels classes in Hong Kong, and Hoody Versace who has been contributing to the growth of Taiwanese ballroom scene for the past seven years and specializes in the runway and vogue femme category. Last but not least is the ex-founder of the Kiki House of Fusion and the first person who introduced ballroom culture to China, Mother Doll 007, who hit the judge panel. ●

Tomorrowland

Kiki Ball

Michelin Guide

THIS BELONGS IN A (THAI) MUSEUM!

Looted, bought, lost—academics and activists work to repatriate Thailand’s ancient treasures

Thailand’s “Golden Boy” returns in May. The statue is a small but unique 11th century treasure depicting a standing 43-centimeter Shiva in giltcopper with silver inlay. Previously, it sat in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

How an 11th century Shiva from Thailand came to sit on New York’s 5th Avenue is a complicated tale.

After being unearthed from Buri Ram near the Cambodian border more than 50 years ago, it fell into the hands of a controversial British antiquities dealer, Douglas Latchford. He made his home here in Bangkok and was a trader in Cambodian artifacts. The trader was given distinction by the Cambodian government—before his swift fall from grace for improper dealings and smuggling.

After Latchford’s death in 2020, Cambodia and Thailand began to lobby for around a hundred artifacts that had been sold to collectors and museums. More than seventy have been returned to Cambodia (which also

claims provenance over the Golden Boy statue), but hundreds of other articles from Thailand’s rich history are waiting to come home from abroad.

“Not a lot of Thai people know that we have so many key artifacts stolen from us by foreigners,” says a representative of Sam Nuk Sam Roi Ong (SSO), wishing to be known as Khunchot. SSO means “reminiscing the 300 divinities,” an online activism group trying to raise awareness of artifacts from Thailand’s history that have been lost and looted.

“What we’re trying to get repatriated doesn’t even make up 1% of the artifacts we lost, but right now we’re focusing on key pieces.”

The return of artifacts, however, is a complicated process and one that means a lot to Bangkok’s museums.

The complex negotiations involving the repatriation of the statue include Thailand’s Fine Arts Department, the Royal Thai Consulate-General in New York, and National Museum Bangkok.

Activists and academics in Thailand are trying to make it happen.

LOOTED

Using social media as a weapon, the collaboration between academics, activists, and archeologists made SSO a powerful tool in the efforts to return Thailand’s historic artifacts. The vital organization is working with institutions like US Homeland Security to fill out paperwork, raise awareness, and cooperate with the domestic authorities.

Due in no small part to the efforts of Bangkok museums, the SSO, and international cooperation, among Latchford’s artifacts, 32 items are to be returned to Thailand, according to a representative with SSO, including 18 Buddhas from Prakhon Chai.

“After we put some media pressure, eventually during Prayut’s regime, they finally formed the repatriation committee of stolen artifacts,” says Khunchot, adding that for the last 10 years America has focused on cracking down illegal international trade of artifacts which is used for money laundering and tax evasion.

“[These statues] showcase the meticulous and anatomically accurate craftsmanship of that era. It’s really amazing that people 3,000 years ago were able to create something like this with the limited technology they have,” says Khunchot. “Every statue is one of a kind and created using the lost wax casting technique. After it has been set, they will break the mold to take the finished product out. So you won’t get the exact statue again.”

The SSO group was created over 7 years ago, and Khunchot says they

found they were obstructed by people who stood to profit in the trade and replica businesses.

“Before we had the official repatriation committee, we used the method of campaigning such as the case of Narai Banthomsin lintel, buying it back such as the case of the Naga Prok Statue,” says Thanongsak Hanwong, a member of the repatriation committee for stolen artifacts and an independent academic specializing in archaeology. “Three years after the establishment of the committee, we successfully brought back Nonghong and Kao Lon lintels from America.”

The excuse often given for the smuggling and sale of Thai and Cambodian artifacts has been one of political instability—from the Vietnam War and coups to the Khmer Rouge. It’s a similar tale from the Elgin Marbles to Egypt. But Hanwong says this is not necessarily the case.

“I think it’s not an entirely reliable narrative. It’s true that a lot of the artifacts were stolen during the Cold War but it’s actually a misconception that these artifacts are transported via war helicopters, especially with the cases of lintels,” he says. “It’s mostly dug up by villagers and sold through foreigners that set up an agency in town. It’s quite rare for foreign soldiers to be involved.”

It has been alleged that River City in Bangkok was once a hotbed of smuggling in ancient artifacts, with claims that the shops would keep replicas on the shelves and proper works in the back for sales to hi-so customers and fences.

Vishnu cosmic dream lintel, lost in 1964 / NMB

THE MARKET AND PROTECTIONS

“Anywhere there’s something valuable, there will be thievery. These artifacts are valuable and there are buyers that see this, there are merchants, there are international markets,” says Damrong Leenanuruksa, another member of the government committee to repatriate stolen artifacts and a member of SSO, formerly a teacher of agricultural studies. “Buying and selling artifacts is a gray market. People might sell the genuine ones and the replicas. It’s difficult to say how these artifacts were stolen because each decade there’s a different perpetrator, and they’ll use different methods of doing business.”

Leenanuruksa’s background is in agricultural studies at Maejo University, but after researching for more than a decade on the subject of ancient artifacts, he became involved in the SSO group.

Legally, national treasures should not be taken out of the country or sold unless approved by the Fine Arts Department, but the artifacts that find themselves in museums and private collections have sales histories that go back decades.

“Those days, the law was in practice, but the looting happened far away. There weren’t a lot of officials looking over these artifacts. The merchants would purchase it in Thai currency and resell it for many times its price in a stronger currency,” Leenanuruksa says.

It’s no coincidence that Latchford’s home was in Bangkok. Thailand is a transit country for stolen artifacts. The 1970 Unesco Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property prevents the trafficking of cultural articles, but until 2000, Thai legislation imposed sanctions only on the export of artifacts originating in Thailand.

WELCOME BACK

The US has been a feature of some of Thailand’s most high-profile antiquities returns, even before the crackdown on money laundering. One of the most contentious was the return of the Phra Narai Bantomsin lintel. The stone edifice went missing in the 1960s and cropped up again in the Art Institute of Chicago in the 1970s.

The lintel became a cultural touchstone, kicking off more than 18 years of controversy until the piece was returned to Thailand. Famously, the band Carabao, a Thai rock band, launched their Narai Bantomsin album with the Statue of Liberty holding the lintel—along with a track taking a swipe at Michael Jackson.

It took 18 more years before the ancient lintel was returned in exchange for B50 million in artifacts, receiving a rock star welcome at Don Mueang airport.

Similar nationalistic and historic fervor surrounded the return of the Lopburi Buddha to Thailand in 1996 from Sotherby’s in London and then the US. Then there was the 2008 return of the Dvaravati Buddha statue that found its way into a private collection in New York but was discovered by Interpol.

Groups like SSO work together to repatriate Thailand’s lost artifacts, but Thailand lacks the legislative framework of its neighbor. Historically, Thailand has been much less successful than Cambodia in the return of sold and stolen artifacts. In fact, the return of the Golden Boy was predicated on Cambodia’s efforts.

“The reason why we were able to get it back is because the Cambodian repatriation team collaborated with the US,” Leenanuruksa says. Fourteen pieces were from Cambodia, and two showed origins from Thailand. “We can’t use Golden Boy as an example of Thailand repatriation because we just happened to gain it back.”

Hanwong points out that the repatriation is different for Thailand and Cambodia, stating that the Thai government uses ambassadorial connections, and the repatriation committee works through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with America to start building a case.

Cambodia, he says, has a smaller representative group that uses direct legal contact with America sans embassy, leading to faster and more successful results.

“In Europe, there aren’t a lot of laws in place that help with repatriation,” Leenanuruksa says. The EU has had legislation for the return of cultural objects unlawfully removed from EU countries, and the SSO has had far less cooperation from them.

HISTORY AT HOME

Thailand, too, has been the subject of repatriation efforts—largely to Cambodia. Latchford’s condo in Bangkok was filled with treasures, and on the occasion of his death, 25 works, some dating back more than 1,000 years, made their way from Sukhumvit to Cambodia. Similarly, Thailand returned 12th century statues confiscated from smugglers in 2009 after a decade. In fact, Cambodian archeologists have expressed disappointment that the Golden Boy would be going to Thailand, casting doubt on its original provenance rather than the discovery site.

National Museum Bangkok is currently in the process of preparing for the return of the Golden Boy. The official repatriation ceremony will be held in May and the statue will be on display after the celebration.

Thailand’s repatriation committee has submitted documents requesting the return of over 30 artifacts to various countries, but there’s no telling how many will return—either from the Latchford holdings or elsewhere.

“History is the most important thing to understand and develop a good international relationship,” Hanwong says. “For example, the artifacts we’re trying to claim back will explain Thai and Cambodian historical relations. It shows that we have the same cultural and societal roots, from the past to present day.” ●

Phra Narai Bantomsin lintel / Wikimedia

Disputed kneeling female figure, currently at the Metropolitan Museum in New York / Metropolitan Museum

Qraft ventures into all-day dining and an izakaya atop Empire Tower

Known for its Peace Oriental Teahouses and croissant shop in Ari, Qraft unveiled its latest venture on top of the 55th floor of the Empire Tower, their first all-day dining spot. Their offerings include the bakery and parfait, oriental brunch, and izakaya menu for the evenings. As they’re known for their teas, you have a tea pairing for every dish. Featuring a spacious but minimalistic interior, dark wood furnishings frame the main focus: the panoramic views. You’ll find sweets with Japanese influences with a blend of Japanese flours and butters. The fusion-inspired oriental brunch includes dishes like the Tokyo Ham Mantou Sando, an openfaced sandwich featuring soft mantou bread with ham and strawberries, pomelo, and lychee. In the evenings, the izakaya menu focuses on its wood-fired grill, including vegetables, chicken, beef, and seafood.

Gaggan tops the list of the eight Thai restaurants in Asia’s 50 Best 2024

This year, Ed Sheeran’s favorite chef and the owner of the eponymous Gaggan Anand took home third place. The restaurant is known for Gaggan’s innovative take on Indian cuisine to evoke a multi-sensory experience. Most recently, Gaggan has launched a fine dining venture in collaboration with Louis Vuitton— serving high fashion alongside haute flavors. Seven other Thai restaurants which made the top 50 list, including the modern Thai restaurant Nusara (no.6), the elegant German joint Suhring (no.7), the ever so difficult to book Southern Thai spot Sorn (no.11), Asia’s 50 Best 2023 winner Le Du (no.12), Chef Pam’s one of a kind Thai-Chinese mash up at Potong (no.17), ancient recipes at Samrub Samrub Thai (no.29), and last year’s Top Table winner Baan Tepa (no.42).

Sompohnpak is serving Isaan food with a touch of Korean Banthat Thong has long been a spot for local foodies and tourists—and there’s no shortage of Isaan food. Sompohnpak is the new neighborhood player that’s taking street food indoors, borrowing some Korean culinary tricks while maintaining all the hallmarks of northeastern fare. A common Isaan saying that’s similar to “may all your wishes come true,” Sompohnpak features hot pink neon signs, spray painted woven props, and disco balls hung from the ceiling like eclectic chandeliers. Director of Sompohnpak Sunatta “Bow” Raungoranwattana tells BK she worked with “Potato Head” to come up with the recipe, the food consultant group led by a team of celebrity chefs including Chef Bus who made it to the top four in Top Chef Thailand.

Qraft

Sompohnpak

Bath and Buns

Carmina brings real-deal Peruvian rotisserie chicken to Bangkok

With its crispy, golden skin and complex flavors, pollo a la brasa (Peruvian rotisserie chicken) and its accompanying spicy cilantro sauce has been an obsession in the United States and other countries for years. Now, Latin food specialist Carmina wants to take the dish mainstream in Bangkok. There are a few things that make it stand out from your typical rotisserie chicken: the wood charcoal oven gives it an extra level of crispiness while keeping the meat juicy on the inside; the spice palette is bolder and more robust than what you might find in American or Thai roasted chicken; and the accompaniments like aji verde (green chili sauce) and tangy salsa criolla elevates it with an unmistakable Latin flavor. Head over to Carmina to check it out.

66/4 Sukhumvit Soi 20, 095-726-1110. Open daily 5pm-11pm.

Brought to you by

New three-floor bakery in Ekkamai is all about the brioche buns from Bath

The “bath” in Bath and Buns is for the British city, and the resulting Bath Buns are fluffy, golden buns you can find in Ekkamai. Pastries are the main event. The space and dishes are nspired by three friends (Kajohnsak “Boy” Udomwattanachai, Nicha “Jaa” Thongkhawphurg, and Nakamol “Mild” Innuang) who studied together in the city of Bath and fell in love with both the city and their famed buns. Now, they’ve taken it, twisted it, and made it their own. Bath and Buns co-owner Boy tells BK Magazine how the team redesigned the sweet brioche bread by making the outside crispier, resulting in a cross between brioche and croissant: crispy and flaky on the outside, feather-light and buttery on the inside. They’ve also altered the shape, putting a hole in the center to add filling.

Taladplu gets a cafe specializing in authentic Chinese and Taiwanese tea

When we think of Chinese communities in Bangkok, we usually think of Yaowarat. But Supamas and Sattawat Suratuangchai, the siblings behind new specialty Deng Deng, want to put the spotlight on tea and shake up the Thai-Chinese community in Taladplu. The team behind the cafe have run a pre-ordering business for Chinese drinks and snacks since 2020, importing items that are not yet available or in stock. Pre-ordering takes longer than your average online shopping, so Deng Deng meaning, “wait a minute,” in Chinese just kind of stuck. The duo behind Deng Deng also run a page called “Thai born Chinese” which is all about the community’s cultural and historical tidbits. The menu is 70% Chinese tea and 30% Taiwanese tea and focuses on uplifting the unique flavors in different kinds of tea leaves. ●

TALK

BLUE BY ALAIN DUCASSE

1/F, IconSiam, 065-731-2346. Open Mon noon-1:45pm, 6-9pm; Tue-Wed 6-9pm; Thu-Sun noon-1:45pm, 6-9pm.

IconSiam’s fine-dining crown jewel needs very little introduction, especially with the legendary Alain Ducasse’s name attached to it (who ranks second all-time in Michelin-star wins). Perched high on the luxury mall’s top floors, the space opens to a gorgeous view of the river and further seduces diners with its artfully crafted French dishes. The chef team here, led by Wilfrid Hocquet, churn out an impressive range of seasonal menus, including lunch and dinner exclusives. Expect food that’s about as exuberant as it gets: Norwegian langoustine in Champagne sauce; coal-seared Blue Lobster; and of course the venue’s famous Bresse chicken. The wine list is no less impressive with its wide range of French labels by both the glass and bottle.

Get 10% discount on food only when ordering dinner menu

(limit up to 8 persons /card /table /sales slip, excluding beverage, VAT and service charge)

15 Jan ’24 – 31 Aug ’24

GORDON RAMSAY’S STREET PIZZA HAS ARRIVED AT EMSPHERE SANS BUFFET

The buzz: Last year, Gordon Ramsay’s first project Bread Street, serving the celebrity chef’s Hell Kitchen creations, arrived in Emsphere. Following that up, the hottest mall in Phrom Pong set up another one of Ramsay’s franchises. Street Pizza follows the recipes of classic comfort food in a lowkey pub style setting.

The vibe: Street Pizza has an open space in the front of the house where the long table makes a potential hangspot for large group gatherings. It’s set up right across from a flat screen TV so customers can enjoy some sporting events alongside the grubs. For those who want a little more privacy, the semisecluded sofa booths should do the trick.

The food: Street Pizza is famous for the allyou-can eat pizzas but the Bangkok branch is serving their zas a la carte style. This is to make sure each slice comes out hot from the oven. With eight pizza toppings, there’s already a lot to choose from. If you want to go with the familiar flavors, start with the margherita (B350) or the pepperoni (B450). All the bases are made from sourdough so you get the golden ration of crunch and airiness. The pepperoni also has a spread of spicy Spanish salami which will certainly become a favorite among the chili lovers. The Londoner (B590) is another one that packs a little more

heat. The thin slices are generously topped with fennel salami, burrata, and the spicy Italian pork sausage spread Nduja, which tastes very similar to the Thai staple chili paste, nam prik pao. Stepping out of the realm of classics, Street Pizza features the tandoori paneer pizza (B350) with ingredients that are typically found in Indian cuisines such as tiny cubes of paneer cheese, minty buttermilk dressing, and the refreshing sweetness from pomegranate seeds to cut the tension. Another essential from Street Pizza is their fried chicken. Currently, there are five flavors to choose from. We recommend the street hot sauce which tastes reminiscent of the Nam Chim Kai, sweet chili sauce you typically dip with fried chicken.

The drinks: Staying on theme, the venue serves up day to night alcoholic and non alcoholic bevs For a taste of nostalgia, order the London Garden (B220), a gin-based drink mixed with the refreshing tropical lemon, peach, and orange bitters.

Why we’d come back: With a wide range of pizza parlors to choose from, even in Emsphere alone, there’s quite the competition. This is for those who want to check out the classics with a slice of something new.

GM Floor, Emsphere, Sukhumvit Road, 092 253 3456, Open daily 11am-10pm. (last order 9pm). ●

Sarisa Pokawattana

OH MY GOD MOTHER

With its pastel colored exterior and Wes Anderson-esque dishes, Oh My God Mother has had Bangkokians buzzing since its fusion food opened at Emsphere—and now it’s coming for Thonglor.

On the busy G floor at the still novel Emsphere, you can spot the after work and after school crowd milling about, which makes the half exposed front a little distracting and less private, but there are more secluded seating options at the back.

BK tried the baby spinach salad topped with burrata and pecans (B620). The drizzled yuzu vinaigrette matches the creaminess of the cheese while the generous slices of strawberry and mango add a refreshingly juicy sweetness to mask the greens. In fact, a level of sweetness is a common thread in a lot of these dishes— which is why this salad can be a sneaky way to pack in some veggies for picky little ones.

The Blanket Pasta Cacio E Pepe (B490) is soft, handcrafted sheets of pasta folded with parmesan cream and a surprise egg yolk plopped in the middle. Black pepper and chunky bacon bites dot the plate. Even then, the ingredients are well balanced, nothing overpowers. But, there’s a catch. If you spend too long snapping away at the Insta-ready dish, these rectangle pockets will start to clump up into a giant sheet. So work that flash quickly.

Fair warning: a fair amount of pasta dishes incorporate prawns which you

can’t swap for other proteins—which can be off putting for some. However, you can ask for them served separately. The Fusilli Pesto with Grilled Prawn (B650) has an earthiness from the pine nuts mixed with the sweetness of sun dried tomatoes, and the pesto itself follows the mild flavor profile. But the prawns kind of fall short: dry and lacking the satisfying crunchiness that seafood lovers need.

Savory dishes stand out for their sweetness, but the desserts are actually toned down. The uber-popular French Earl Grey (B490) might look like an intimidating feat after the hearty meal but it’s deceivingly light and fluffy texture. What’s more is the light dusting of cocoa powder and the addictive tiny balls of caramel-like chocolate waiting at the center.

This new niche joint from IBerry Group is built on the talents of Top Tables 2023 Best Chef Chalee Kader and his nostalgic menu highlighting homemade pasta and cheese. To start, the flavors are less complex than you’d expect and it’s a family friendly spot that aces a simple yet effective mall food formula.

Overall, it’s not focused on being for a sophisticated palate. But it is, as advertised, nostalgic—the simple joys of your mother’s home cooking (before you started adding to it). ●

TABLE TALK

RESONANCE

108, 4 Sukhumvit Soi 65, Ekkamai, 094-798-2897. Open Tue-Sat 6-9pm

In a city that has sub-genres of omakase and hyper-regional French and Italian restaurants, Resonance opts for an entirely different approach. Shunsuke Shimomura, formerly an R&D chef for Gaggan and holding a post at Melbourne’s world-famous Amaru, presents “boundless” cuisine, bringing influences from his experience working around the world into immaculately executed tasting menus. The restaurant specifically shuns the idea of culinary categories, which makes it impossible to put its cuisine in a box. The minimalist decor guarantees you focus on the food. That’s to your benefit, as it’s incredibly nuanced. Here, tasting menus come in 12- and 14-course varieties, replete with wine or tea pairings—the last of which is a concept we wish more Bangkok restaurants would do.

Get a complimentary welcome drink valued THB 950++ when spending THB 4,500 or more /sales slip (limit 2 glasses /card /table /sales slip and excluding other promotions) 15 Apr ’24 – 31 Mar ’25

G/F, Emsphere, 524 Sukhumvit Rd., Open daily 10am-10pm.

BAD Awards 2024 names the

city’s hottest places to

get a drink

Bangkok only has one homegrown English-language nightlife awards, and they kicked off at the new Beamcube in the shadow of the Mahanakhon King Power Building. BK Magazine launched the BAD (Bangkok After Dark) Awards sponsored by Beam, Seara Sports Systems, Okonomi, Flow Inter, Chalong Bay, X Rated Fusion Liqueur, and OG Kratom.

Top honors of the night went to Opium for the second year in a row. Standing on the Michelin pedigree of Potong, the “Liquid Surreality” of this venue is beyond unique, the service is impeccable, and the drinks are expertly crafted.

Bartender of the Year went to the former actor, television host, and boy band member: Ronnaporn ‘Neung’ Kanivichaporn from Mahaniyom. Sadly, he’s globetrotting for the event and couldn’t make it, but BK had time to shoot a video with the bartender.

From the Best Rooftop Bar at Bar Yard and the Best New Bar at Funkytown to the Best Cocktail Bar at Bar Us and the Best Live Music Bar at Jam, it was a night to remember. The guide itself is filled with nightlife tips, bar crawls, and everything you needed to know about Bangkok nightlife in 2024. Learn more about the BAD Awards by visiting bkmagazine.com or pick up a copy at participating venues.

Comically large 2.5-liter glasses of wine are on offer at the

new Sixteen Grapes

Two wine-loving women, Wananya “Pumpuii” Wutikij and Porhathai “NJ” Tianubon, opened Asoke’s Sixteen Grapes in December, and their portions are turning some heads.

A highlight of the bar is the absurdly huge wine glasses. You can choose an XL that’s 1.5L for B799 or an XXL that’s 2.5L for B999, with a choice of red, white, sparkling wine, or sangria. They also have wine towers, which hold eight glasses for B1,000. You can mix red, white, sparkling wine, or rose. For some extra fun, guests can also draw on their wine glasses

“We want the drinks to be fun, shareable, and Instagrammable,” co-owner Pumpuii tells BK. “We’ve chosen every wine in our bar, and we’ve tasted almost half of our 125 labels.”

But, it’s not just about wine glasses straight out of “Cougartown.”

To complement the drinks, they have a versatile menu, allowing for casual snacking or shared mains, like oysters, charcuterie boards, focaccia, pasta, rice, tartare, and dips.

The space is light-hearted and fun with an indoor and outdoor terrace, and there are also live DJ sets throughout the week. It’s a great place to wonder when a wine glass stops being a wine glass and starts being a vase.

Get Your Kratom the OG Way

While OG Kratom is widely known for its mega-popular line of sodas (if you’ve been to a BK-hosted party, you’ve definitely tried one), many kratom enthusiasts in Thailand might not know of the most effective way to ingest kratom: powder. Before drinks and other products went mainstream, kratom powders (contained in capsules) were the consumption method of choice for aficionados looking for mood-altering benefits and stress relief in a powerful package. OG Kratom’s powder, which comes in packets of 10 capsules, uses maeng da kratom from Pathum Thani—widely thought to be the most potent and pure form of the substance in the world. Even though many countries in Southeast Asia produce kratom, Thailand is often believed to have the highest-quality leaves in the world. You can catch OG Kratom’s products at cannabis dispensaries and health food shops across the country—and even transport it to countries where it is legal like the United States. For more information, visit ogkratom.shop ●

Brought to you by

DRY WAVE SERVES UP TWO-IN-ONE CLASSICS FOR A CROWD THAT LOVES COCKTAILS

Mixing business with pleasure.

The buzz: Around two decades ago, Supawit “Palm” Muttarattana began his hospitality work in hotels and built up a staggering portfolio, acting as bar and catering consultant for Bangkok’s bars like Vesper, Fuschia, and Rabbit Hole. With names like that under his belt, you know Bangkok is talking about his new spot, Dry Wave Cocktail Studio.

The vibe: Set in Sodality Project, a new Thonglor 13 community space, the staircase to Dry Wave takes you upwards towards a secluded experience with secret treehouse vibes, complete with the al fresco area’s large tree in the middle of the bar. Inside, curved sand walls mimic rolling waves—the “dry” element referring to natural elements in the wood patterns and the terracotta marble bar with a desert feel. Palm’s space is inspired by artists David Hockney, Mark Rothko, and Edward Hopper, and you’ll catch glimpses of art work here. Hopper’s famed Nighthawks depicting the feeling of metropolitan isolation sits behind the extended counter bar area. The tracklist pumps out lounge, disco, and hip hop, sometimes even going to pop or 90s rock if it strikes a chord with the spot’s own nighthawks. This is also a chic space for cocktail lovers with dogs, with a pet-friendly zone for our furry friends.

The drinks: Six to eight months in the making, the “Super Classic” cocktail concept highlights Palm’s talent in making classic cocktails with the gimmick of combining two classics in one glass. When it comes to mixing, there are no rules. The infographics in the menu feature

a comprehensive guide to how the elements come together.

“When consulting for other businesses, you have to follow the briefs and creative suggestions. But when running your own place, all the elements should tell a story of who you are,” Palm tells BK.

Opt for the Love Bird in Venice (B370) for an easy to drink, refreshingly sweet and citrusy tipple. This is a blend of the classic Paloma and Bellini. The base fruitiness of each drink, the grapefruit and peach, blend in harmony. The Bellini’s prosecco is heightened with the intensity of Paloma’s tequila. To take things up a notch, order the Old Fashioned and Cosmopolitan combo, titled 1806-1988 (B400) to honor the decade those classics were popularized. This Dry Wave concoction represents another mixing technique that neutralizes some of the tangy flavors of the Cosmo while using Kyoho (grape liquor) to lighten up some bourbon’s intensity. The Old Fashioned is known for being a hard drink but this little fusion could be a friendly gateway to it.

Morning Tijuana (B400) is a bestselling underdog. This one borrows the smoky flavors of a mezcal Margarita and stirs it with the tropical elements from a Breakfast Martini. Adding a bit of complexity, a strawberry and bell pepper jam are thrown in the mix.

Why we’d come back: Palm believes that there are energy waves in everything. The bar and its concept act as a familiar foundation where moveable pieces—the people, the drinks, the music—can be mixed and matched. Every visit will be unique. ●

Sarisa Pokawattana

THAILAND IS ONE STEP CLOSER TO MARRIAGE EQUALITY

Let’s look at how far we’ve come.

The Marriage Equality Bill passed the Lower House with 400 voting for and only 10 against. Although it still needs the greenlight from the senate and royal endorsement before it can be legalized, the process is expected to be completed in 2024—making Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia and the third country in Asia following Taiwan and Nepal to support the right to same sex marriage.

“It’s unreal to witness the history, and as a person who was a part of this movement and the select committee, I’m feeling extremely exhilarated,” says Plaifah Kyoka Shodladd, an 18 year old a non-binary activist and member of the marriage equality ad-hoc committee representing civil society, affirming the significance of having the term ‘parent’ in this marriage equality legislation. “However, on the other side, I still have some dissatisfaction with how the results of the votes came out for the parental rights section, as it was one of the things we civil society representatives have been pushing.”

Marriage equality extends to spousal benefits like tax deductions and government pensions. Couples will also be able to make emergency medical decisions for their partner and adopt children.

With more work ahead, BK takes a look at the history of same sex unions in Thailand.

TIMELINE

2012

Activist Nathee Theerarojanapong tried to get married with his boyfriend in Chiang Mai but was rejected by the authorities. Consequently, the Thai Committee on Legal Affairs, Justice, and Human Rights of the House of Representatives began hosting hearings with support from the Thai National Human Rights Commission and the Ministry of Justice.

2013

The Civil Partnership Bill was drafted during Yingluck Shinawatra’s time as prime minister. However, a year later, Prayuth Chan-o-cha, commander of the Royal Thai Army launched a coup against the government and the bill stalled.

2020

A party representative from the Move Forward Party, Thanyawat Kamolwongwat, proposed the Marriage Equality Bill which gained over half of the votes in the House of Representatives. More than 50,000 citizens expressed their support for the bill via the parliament’s website.

Sarisa Pokawattana

Plaifah KyokaShodladd Thanyawat Kamolwongwat

2021

The Constitutional Court unanimously decided that according to Section 1448 in the Civil and Commercial Code, a marriage could only be recognized between a man and a woman. In the same month, the “Paki See Rung” group opened a people’s petition via Support1448 to amend Section 1448 and received overwhelming support of over 360,000 signatures—the first 100,000 received in under 24 hours.

2022

In June, Bangkok Naruemit Pride Parade called for marriage equality. Once again, the Marriage Equality Bill and Civil Partnership Bill underwent several amendments and waited for approval. The Civil Partnership Bill was championed by the authorities, but it fell short of the rights guaranteed by the Marriage Equality Bill. Neither came to fruition and were sidelined. Parliament then dissolved for the 2023 Thai general elections.

2023

Despite winning more votes than any other party, the progressive Move Forward Party could not form a government due to objections from the Senate. Prime minister Srettha Thavisin of Pheu Thai and the cabinet approved a draft of same sex marriage law. Three additional drafts from the Move Forward Party, the Democrat Party, and the civil sector were taken into consideration and passed with a landslide vote of 369 to 10.

2024

The Lower House voted for the legalization of same sex marriage. But Parliament still hasn’t agreed with the civil society’s proposals to include the gender neutral term “primary parent.” During the next parliament meeting, the bill is set to be deliberated by the conservative leaning senators on April 1, 2, and 9. Afterward, if the bill receives a royal permission, the law will be effective within 120 days.

Looking Ahead

The hashtag #สมรสเท่่าเ ท่ียม (marriage equality) has been trending on X, formerly Twitter, and receiving mostly supportive comments. One user commented “Wow! Congratulations everyone and appreciate everyone who fought for it.” Under activist Panan Phan’s Instagram post showing her speech at the parliament, she adds, “Thank you for this historic moment. Thank you to everyone who is still together or has gone their separate ways to grow…we’ve really come a long way.”

One area still waiting for progress is that of the parent. Earlier this February, the parliament rejected the Gender Recognition Act which would have allowed trans and non binary individuals to represent their preferred titles on legal documents.

“Marriage equality should not only allow legal marriage for all genders but also be opening the door for individuals in the LGBTQIAN+ community to start their own families and be legally recognized by families, society, and law with dignity and justice,” Plaifah tells BK.

Following this issue, the Lower House has yet to approve the Marriage Equality Bill’s suggestion to use the gender neutral term “parent” in place of “fathers and mothers,” a change that will support diverse identities under the LGBTQ+ umbrella to legally adopt children.

“Currently LGBTQIA+ family identities are “identity-less” within society and law,” Plaifah says, adding that current provisions in the Civil and Commercial Code only adhere to binary gender terms. “Our civil society representatives from the select committee have always affirmed the importance of having the gender-neutral term ‘parent’ in addition to ‘mother and father.’” ●

Panan Phan (left) and Plaifah Kyoka (right)

“MILK” PRAKING ON STARTING HER WOMENFOCUSED FASHION AND LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

At a time when most print magazines are going digital, Nantiya “Milk” Praking not only wanted to revive the scene but spruce it up with her creative vision. On International Women’s Day, Milk launched “Other Girl’s Journal” acting as editor, curator, and founder of the bilingual print magazine focusing on fashion, lifestyle, and inspiring personalities. Graduating in fashion design from Silpakorn University and working in visual communications for a fashion brand, she decided to explore another facet of her passion: fashion journalism.

How did you get into creating your own magazine?

I like to consume art that’s made by women, and I’ve always read a lot of international magazines. So I eventually got really into the behind the scenes and how these things got made. Before I turned to print, I had an Instagram about inspirational people in the creative industry. For example, if I come across a stylist that I like, I’ll look up their previous interviews, translate, and share it with my followers. Once I’d done that for a while, I sensed that it was starting to have a direction, sort of like a mood board. After gathering some content, it turned out, most of the stories I wanted to tell are about women. So I named it Other Girl’s Journal.

Why create a print magazine when everything is so digital?

Yes, even in my job, the fashion content I work on is online and it can be playful, but I wanted to go back to the classic—slowly turning the page and really taking the content in. It adds value to the work we’ve curated. We’re planning on releasing it biannually so the content is quite timeless.

What are some sources of inspiration for this magazine?

Abroad, I noticed that there is such a diverse range of print genres that are still thriving. But it’s not so popular in Thailand. I’ve done some zines and collected art books before, but that is a little niche and all about the visuals. Our magazine is sort of a fashion lifestyle magazine, so it’s very easy to understand. We priced it at B229 so it’s accessible while having a collectable value. It doesn’t have to be too complex. I just want Thai people to get into reading print again.

Why did you choose to make the magazine bilingual (Thai and English)?

I want it to be accessible for the people around me, and if there’s a chance for this publication to find an international audience, I want to go for it too! Or if the Thai market doesn’t really understand what we’re about, then we can try to find a wider audience with English.

Sarisa Pokawattana

Could you walk us through the stories in this first issue?

The first issue is called “first page”. I interviewed my friend Kanjanapat “Amp” Chaichaloemwong who is part of a Thai fashion design team. I caught her when she was changing directions, quitting her job, and going into freelancing. It’s sort of a new chapter in her life. Another person I interviewed is P’Tanja “Pe” Tanjasiri who is also taking all the rich experiences she accumulated to kickstart her own business. Apart from that, there’s a style journal column where I discuss how I found my personal style, a wishlist, and beauty section. Then there’s the mind journal column which is kind of conceptual, sort of a reflection, an open diary on the writer’s life. And there’s a random journal section which is more visual. It’s a curation of the works of photographers and stylists that I like. Oh, and we also have a fortune telling section at the end.

Are there any pros and cons of making your own magazine?

It’s really exhilarating to see what I have in mind come to life. I get to curate everything and everyone I like in one place. It feels very fresh and it’s super fun to invite other people along with the project. But doing it myself,

there might be some details I overlooked. So for the next issue, I plan on having a proofreading team on board to help me out.

Could you give us a sneak peak of the next issue’s theme?

Actually, we haven’t really nailed it down yet, but I want to really flesh out the concept of it being a take on inspirational women. The next issue will probably be out around September or October.

Any final thoughts you’d like to leave us with?

I want everyone to give it a shot and pick it up. I’ve gathered different types of women here because in our society or in social media, we tend to focus or celebrate on a specific ideal type of person. I want to show other dimensions of beauty, personalities, and show that we can be whoever we want. We don’t have to follow trends all the time. And even though the concept feels very feminist, this magazine is just another platform to uplift women’s stories. If men came across this, we think it’s also inviting them into our world and our perspectives.

You can purchase the first issue via their Line Shop or have a little flip through at independent bookstores like Vacilando bookshop and A Book with No Name. Other stores they’re in talks with include Spacebar Zine and multi-brand stores like Blu Lagoon. ●

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