Every week, we sift through tonnes of activities, shows, art exhibitions and things to do. Here is our especially curated list of what's hot this week in Bangkok and beyond.
ACTIVITIES
+ Sanrio Characters and The Missing Treasure, CentralWorld, Aug 19 - 27
Enjoy the cutest detective game in Bangkok! Go on a mystery solving adventure with the beloved Hello Kitty and her friends — My Melody, Kerokerokeroppi, Cinnamoroll and Bad Badtz-Maru — in a quest to solve mystery puzzles, discover adorable photo booths and more!
10.30am-8.30pm. Eden Zone, 3/F, CentralWorld. Ratchadamri Road. goo.gl/K99FD2. B250.
+ Urbano Fashion Sale, Gateway Ekkamai, Until Aug 31
Free up your wardrobe because you’ll be giving it a serious reload. Big shoppers and fashionistas, head over to Urbano zone at Gateway Ekkamai for some big sales on clothes, accessories, handcrafts, handmade goods and DIY items. Spend B3,500 or just B3,000 in the Urbano zone and you get a gift voucher to spend another B300. Happy shopping!
Urbano Zone, 2/F, Gateway Ekkamai, BTS Ekkamai Exit 4.
+ Pencil & Watercolor Workshop: Botanical Garden, Tentacles N22, Aug 19
Mark your calendar (with a colour pencil) for this unmissable painting workshop. Pick up the best techniques for mixing water colours and colour pencils with Freya Kotchakorn, a talented illustrator who’s worked with clients such as Prima and Disaya. Come and spend the afternoon learning how to transform the most abstract ideas into amazing colourful masterpieces.
1pm-5pm. Tentacles N22, Naradhiwas Rajanagardindra Soi 22. Message m.me/tentaclesn22 to apply, goo.gl/RyD6u8 for more info. B2,300.
+ “Your Favourite Film Scene” Oil Pastel Workshop, Tentacles N22, Aug 20
One for the artist/movie buffs: this is a unique chance to put your own artistic take on a scene from your favourite movie. The painter and illustrator, Jaruwat Normrubporn (LoveSyrup), will be giving a workshop on how to use oil pastels, demonstrating techniques and taking you step by step through the world of oil pastels. You’ll then be able to use your master oil pastel skills to paint your favourite scene from your favourite movie. Practice makes perfect, so with this class you’ll also be given some materials to work more on your skills at home. And don’t worry, absolutely no experience is needed to attend this workshop.
1pm-5pm. Tentacles N22, Naradhiwas Rajanagardindra Soi 22. Message m.me/tentaclesn22 to apply, goo.gl/3WzRQW for more info. B2,200
PARTIES
+ Kevu, Demo, Aug 18
Supporting some of the biggest names in EDM such as Tiesto, Hardwell and Avicii, Kevu is in Bangkok ready to smash the turntables at Demo.
9pm-2am. DEMO, Thong Lor Soi 10. goo.gl/ucs3K7, 096-387-4569.
+ Justin James, Insanity Nightclub, Aug 19
Successfully carving a name out for himself on the international circuit, Justin James is in Bangkok ready to bring the dance floor to life with his mix of energetic and eclectic tunes.
10pm-late. Insanity Nightclub, Sukhumvit Soi 11. goo.gl/kd3yVp, 082-731-8885. Men B400, ladies B300, includes welcome drink.
+ Westin Pool Party, Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Aug 19
Make some waves at another instalment of the Westin Pool Party. Spend your Saturday lounging like a pro, swimming, enjoying drink specials and listening to a line-up of skilled international DJs. Slide through for the open bar at 2pm-3pm!
2pm-9pm. The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Sukhumvit Soi 19. goo.gl/nDa4Cs, 02-207-8000. B400 includes welcome drink.
+ Pierre at Glow, Glow Nightclub, Aug 19
Resident DJ at Belgium’s iconic Fuse Club, Pierre is here in Bangkok to make some music magic at Glow. With support from local talent Layered Love, it’s sure to be one high tempo night.
9.30pm- 3am. Glow Nightclub, Sukhumvit Soi 23. goo.gl/cpgRt4. B250, B350 after 12pm, includes welcome drink.
+ Kolour Beachside Party, Fact Coco, Aug 26
Pack your bags and head to the A-One hotel in Pattaya where the Kolour crew will be throwing their next best thing! The venue is the hotel’s newly renovated beach club — Fat Coco — inspired by Ibiza’s fun and festive beach clubbing scene. Ain’t gonna be no party like this Fat-Coco-Kolour party.
3pm-11pm. Fat Coco, A-One Hotel, Pattaya. goo.gl/NCjHzx. Early bird tickets B700, via Event Pop. B1,100 at the door.
SHOWS
+ Showcase: Freshly Squeezed Sounds, Live Lounge Bkk, Aug 18
Bangkok’s got a great music-loving crowd and a great music-making crowd to match. Freshly Squeezed Sounds (FSS), a live music event taking place at Live Lounge BKK, is a must for these two groups of music lovers to meet. FSS is a monthly event which showcases emerging Thai and international musicians and their original music. Tonight there’ll be five acts performing, including Alyn (Thai), Buhonero Clandestino (Panama), and Oliver Han (England). The night will feature pure uninterrupted live music followed by the resident DJ, Crooze Kuts, who will crank up the tempo with an eclectic mix of dance-floor fillers to carry the event through into the early hours of the morning.
Doors open from 8pm. Live Lounge BKK, Trendy Building, 2/F, Sukhumvit Soi 13, BTS Nana. goo.gl/VoCezi. Free entry.
+ All-4-One Live in Bangkok, Thunder Dome, Muangthong Thani, Aug 19
This will be a trip down memory lane for the 90s kids out there! American R&B group All-4-One, best known for hits like I Swear and I Can Love You Like That, will come to serenade fans in Thailand. Pek Palitchoke will open for them too. Tickets are on sale now via ThaiTicketMajor.
Thunder Dome, Muangthong Thani, Nonthaburi. goo.gl/BY7cX9, 02-262-3456. B1,500, B2,000, B2,500, B3,000, B4,000.
+ Dektape 90s Alternative Concert, JJ Mall Jatuchak, Aug 19
Cassette tapes are long gone but the music they played is alive and kicking. To the excitement of all you 90s kids, U Beer and Heavy Organizer have teamed up to bring together bands you probably first heard on tape such as Paradox, Smile Buffalo, T.N.T. and Nursery Sound. Maybe you heard Yokee Playboy on the soundtrack of the final season of Hormones and got hit with serious nostalgia, or you just feel like reliving those times you had to rewind tapes with a pencil. Either way, grab your Scholls and head to JJ Mall where the 20 bands at this 90s alternative concert will have you sent back in time to relive some old favourites all night.
3pm-midnight. @HALL, JJ Mall Jatuchak. fb.com/Dektape. Tickets can be purchased at any 7-Eleven and www.allticketthailand.com. B1,200.
+ Foo Fighters, IMPACT Challenger Hall 2, Aug 24
We’re long overdue for another performance by the American rock band FooFighters. It was founded in 1994 by Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl and the last time they performed here was back in 1996. They’ll knock you out with some of their greatest hits such as Everlong, Best of You, The Pretender and more. Seating and standing tickets can be purchased from ThaiTicketMajor.
7pm. IMPACT Challenger Hall 2. goo.gl/wQk3SO, 02-262-3456. B2,500, B3,500, 4,500, B5,500, B6,500 for seating tickets, B5,000 or B6,000 for standing ticket.
+ Dudesweet presents YED Talks #02, ChangChui, Sep 9
With the Tedx talks in Bangkok done and dusted for the year, Dudesweet brings you a mischievous, tongue-in-cheek twist presenting the YED Talks (‘Your Everyday Devastated’). The speakers at this “conference” will each give 15-minute talks in Thai on inspiring topics such as failure, hopelessness, annoying people and just generally terrible experiences. Yep, very inspiring. The talks will either have you laughing or crying (probably both), but it’s sure to be an interesting and entertaining evening.
5pm-10.30pm (doors open from 3pm). ChangChui, Sirindhorn Road. goo.gl/3uogHD, 062-593-2224. Shuttle bus available. B700, early bird tickets at B500 until Aug 20.
+ Memories Do Not Open Asia Tour, Impact Challenger Hall 1, Sep 15
2017 is turning out to be a good year for music fans in Bangkok (although your wallet may take a bit of a beating). Andrew Taggart and Alex Pall, the EDM-pop duo known as The Chainsmokers, are coming to Bangkok! Well-known for hits like #Selfie, Closer and Something Just Like This (a collab with Coldplay), they’ll be rocking the Big Mango on Sep 15. Nick Martin, a rising DJ from Greece who’s signed with Armada Music earlier this year, will warm up the crowd for them too. Tickets are on sale via ThaiTicketMajor.
8:30pm. Impact Challenger Hall 1, Muang Thong Thani. goo.gl/k6P8iG. B2,000, B3,000 for standing tickets.
+ Dream Theater Images, Words & Beyond 25th Anniversary Tour Live in Bangkok, Thunder Dome, Sep 27
Bangkok seems to be on a throwback vibe as we welcome progressive rock group, Dream Theater back to our city. The band is returning to Thailand on Sep 27 in celebration of the 25th anniversary of their all-time hit album Images & Words. With the album ranked in the Rolling Stones’ “100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time”, fans are in for a treat as the metal maestro will be performing the whole set of Images & Words, taking everyone back in time with numbers like Pull Me Under, Another Day, Metropolis Part 1 and Under a Glass Moon. Whether you saw them live last time in 2012 with A Dramatic Turn of Events or have followed their tracks from vinyl to YouTube, this is an unmissable event.
8pm. Thunder Dome, Muangthong Thani. goo.gl/eo4QeX. B2,000.
ART
+ Gallery Hopping, Various Galleries, Aug 19
The Creative District Gallery Hopping Night is back with a bang, giving you the chance to get your version of speed dating — but with art galleries — on! Experience all the artistic beauty Bangkok’s creative talent has to offer. They’ve been a bit lax with announcing which galleries will be participating, but we can confirm Serinda Gallery, Most Gallery and JUA. Definitely swing by PT Gallery, which will be showing “Lifelines”, comprised of drawings, mixed media and paintings by artist Jiratchaya Pripwai.
6pm-11pm. Keep informed via www.fb.com/galleryhoppingbkk or by calling 089-143-7216.
+ Oh Ode, WTF Gallery and Café, Aug 18 - 20
Members of B-Floor’s For What Theatre bring you a performance project by artist Sasapin Siriwanij in collaboration with Surachai Petsangrot, with a photography exhibition by Wichaya Artamat. The project invites you to witness live sculpting of art with movement and dance, seeking to celebrate the exemplary virtues and beauty of this country. Admission B300.
From 8pm. WTF Gallery and Cafe, Sukhumvit 51. www.fb.com/WTFGalleryandCafe, 081-593-9644.
+ Siam Rangers, S.A.C Subhashok The Arts Centre, Until Sep 10
The popular singer turned artist Preyawit Nilachulaka, known for his track Please Send Someone To Love Me for the movie Bangkok Traffic Love Story, has got a few things he’d like to convey about the uniformed men in brown who roam the streets.The artist has reproduced his experiences and perspectives on the Thai police in 20 paintings and one life-size sculpture in his solo exhibition. The models in his paintings are similar to authority figures and heroes that also look like characters from children’s’ films. Wonder if his experiences with the Thai police have been any better than ours...
Tue-Sat 10am-5:30pm, Sun 12pm-6pm. S.A.C Subhashok The Arts Centre, Sukhumvit 39. www.fb.com/sacbangkok, 02-662-0299.
+ When Watched: Gracelee Lawrence Solo Show, Bridge Art Space, Aug 19 – Sep 16
Witness a solo show by artist Gracelee Lawrence when she tries to show viewers how, it would seem, technology has infiltrated how we physically experience the world around us. She is a sculpture artist and artist first and foremost, so we are interested to see how she will roll this out. “For the digitally tethered, life is at the intersection of the virtual and the physical”.
Wed-Mon, 10am-8pm. Bridge Art Space, Charoen Krung Soi 51. www.fb.com/bridgeartspace, 089-666-2051.
+ (Un) composition, Gallery Ver, until Sep 30
The first solo exhibition by artist Latthapon Korkiatarkul, someone who has a deep interest in creating pieces that extend beyond the traditional rules of composition. The artist has bravely experimented with different techniques and a variety of methods which beautifully express a sense of perseverance and persistence in his practice. The paintings will not only challenge your perception, but may also entice you to question the spaces beyond the rectangular frames.
Wed-Sun, 12pm-6pm. Gallery Ver, Sathu Pradit 15. www.fb.com/galleryver, 02-103-4067.
FOOD
+ 18th World Gourmet Festival, Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel, Sep 4 - 10
Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel and San Pellegrino have partnered up to invite 11 of the world’s top chefs to Bangkok for a culinary showcase. These Michelin level chefs will be preparing set menus that will be available at all of the hotel’s in-house dining venues.
Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel, 155 Ratchadamri Road. siam-bangkok.anantara.com. 02-126-8866.
+ Willy Wonka’s Wacked Up Chocolate Party, Sing Sing Theater, Aug 19
Lose yourself in a world of sweet fantasies and extravaganza, in a night of Willy Wonka themed chocolatey delight.
9pm-late. Sing Sing Theater. goo.gl/PGq29e, 063-225-1331.
TRAVEL
+ Spartan Race with Room Promotion, Siam@Siam Design Hotel Pattaya, Sep 8 - 10
Looking to join the upcoming Spartan Race Thailand at Siam Country Club in style? If so, consider this deal from Siam@Siam Design Hotel Pattaya. Enjoy affordable rates on a Leisure Class room with brekkie and 20% off on F&B when you order à la carte.
Siam@Siam Design Hotel Pattaya, 390 Moo 9, Pattaya Sai 2 Road, Nongprue, Banglamung Chon Buri. 038-930-600. B2,900 per person.
+ Singapore Toy, Game & Comic Convention, Marina Bay Sands, Sep 9 - 10
Gaming fans, be ready to geek out. Ringing in its tenth anniversary, STGCC promises a pop culture wonderland of the best local and international toys, games, comics, animé and collectibles, topped with an exciting line-up of guests and personalities. Headlining the convention will be the renowned illustrator and animator Hiro Kanzaki, while cosplay star Iori Moe and Marvel comic book artist Adi Granov will also be attending. On top of the usual activities, STGCC are introducing the Good Game Experience, an exhilarating programme of entertainment and tournaments where attendees can get their hands on new and unreleased games as well as take part in some casual competitions. Not to be missed is the Akiba Zone, which has been inspired by Tokyo’s famous Electric Town, giving Japanese subculture and cosplay fans the chance to indulge in their hobby while getting up close with their idols. There’ll also be the Good Game Awards (GGA) 2017 to honour outstanding Indie Game Developers.
10am-8pm. Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. Visit www.singaporetgcc.com for tickets.
+ The Ultimate Party Package, Conservatorium, Oct 18 - 22
To coincide with the Amsterdam Dance Event 2017 (Oct 18-22, www.amsterdam-dance-event.nl), Conservatorium offers a super living-it-up package for party-goers. The Ultimate Party Package includes 3N stay in 155sqm of I Love Amsterdam Suite, two VIP passes to the event, wellness treatments (perfect for after-party winding down) and a private recovery concierge throughout the stay. The triplex — yep, you read that right — suite itself is a man-made marvel of three levels of uber-chicness, complete with a rooftop terrace and a view from the top that will make you fall in love with the Netherlands’ capital city. You’ll feel like a VVIP with hi-so perks such as brekkie in bed with champagne, one welcome bottle of champagne, two vitamin drip therapies and more. The Amsterdam Dance Event consists of a conference part during the day and EDM fest during the night. Some 2,200 artists will perform at 450 events during the five days. Check out the (very long) A-Z list of confirmed international line-up at the event’s website.
Conservatorium, Van Baerlestraat 27, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. www.conservatoriumhotel.com, reservations@conservatoriumhotel.com, +31205700000. €806 per night on top of the BAR (Best Available Rate) per night.
+ Goddess Retreat with Mel Wells, Anantara Layan Phuket, Oct 27 - 31
Anantara Layan Phuket is offering a one-of-a-kind retreat this October to give you ladies mind-and-body restoration. They’ve teamed up with Mel Wells, wellness guru from the UK and Hollyoaks alumnus, who is a certified health coach and bestselling author of The Goddess Revolution. Her empowering vibes have been hailed by Women’s Health, Hello!, Cosmopolitan and more. This four-day retreat promises to set women free from a negative mentality so that they can fall in love with their bodies. The retreat encourages emotional, physical, and nutritional restoration through spa experiences, cooking classes, Muay Thai lessons, paddle boarding and playtime with elephants in a sanctuary. The chefs at Anantara will make sure you’re well fed throughout all this with a dedicated menu of healthy and wholesome dishes. You’ll also get private coaching from Wells that is not currently available anywhere else. What’s more, the beautiful Layan Residences where participants will be staying all include a live-in butler to cater to your every need. At the end of the stay, Wells will be throwing a Goddess Beach Party so all can celebrate their new happy relationship with their bodies. Due to the exclusivity of this retreat, bookings are made by application only.
Anantara Layan Phuket, Moo 6, Soi 4, Layan Beach. goo.gl/jpV5Mt, 076-317-200. B85,000 per person until Aug 31, B103,000 per person from Sep 1.
MOVIES
+ SILENCE (directed by Martin Scorcese)
Who’s in it?
Andrew Garfield, Adam Driver, Liam Neeson.
What’s it about?
After receiving news that their mentor renounced his faith, two Jesuit priests (Garfield and Driver) travel to feudal Japan to find him.
Why watch it?
We’ve been waiting a long time for this — this time, Liam Neeson gets taken.
+ OVERDRIVE (directed by Antonia Negret)
Who’s in it?
Scott Eastwood, Ana de Armas, Freddie Thorp.
What’s it about?
Two car thieves and brothers (Eastwood and Thorp) decide to travel to the south of France in search of new exploits, only to get in hot water with a crime boss who now wants them to do a job for him.
Why watch it?
Seems like it wants to follow suit with the Fast & Furious franchise, so we guess we should watch it to see if it’s as over the top. Other than that, there’s Scott Eastwood’s chiselled good looks which he obviously got from his father.
+ GHOST HOUSE (directed by Rich Ragsdale)
Who’s in it?
Scout Taylor-Compton, James Landry Hébert, Mark Boone Junior.
What’s it about?
A couple on vacation in Thailand incur the wrath of a ghost after disrespecting a ghost house.
Why watch it?
We featured this movie on our cover story two issues ago. It has a ghost with a Japanese name.
+ NET I DIE (directed by Weeratham Preedee)
Who’s in it?
Kachai Pich, Fahkuelon Ratsameekhae, Klai-Udom Sarantorn.
What’s it about?
A net idol who committed suicide now haunts her rivals who encouraged her to go through with killing herself when she livestreamed the deed.
Why watch it?
A cautionary tale of cyber bullying and the fragility of internet fame, albeit with a supernatural twist.
TV SERIES
SPARTAN: ULTIMATE TEAM CHALLENGE
Saturdays and Sundays, 11:30pm
RTL CBS Extreme Ch. 338
Watch as teams of five people attempt to take on a gruesome and torturous mile-long obstacle course that only the best of the best can overcome. Either this is going to drive you to start working out or it’s going to make you glad you’re not one of those people in those teams.
MARVEL’S THE DEFENDERS
The next Avengers film is still about a year away, but that doesn’t mean we won’t see any superhero team-ups. Marvel’s Netlifx heroes — Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist — are uniting to fight the villainous organisation known as the Hand in this limited series that drops today. Best thing about a Netflix series? All episodes are released in one go which means binge watching ‘till you drop (or finish the season).
