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. Enjoy!
Activities
+ Festive Doughnuts
Christmas Doughnuts Decoration Workshop / The COMMONS / Dec 23
Learn how to make doughnuts and deck them out with glaze and buttercream in various forms of Christmas icons from a snowman to a Christmas tree to poinsettias. They will be highly Instagrammable when you're done.
1-5pm / theCOMMONS Kitchen & Bar, The COMMONS, 3/F, Thong Lor 17 / book your seat at http://goo.gl/forms/jljTiIpDORuWnhq63 / B1,600 per person.
+ Getting Crafty
Craft Space Beer Week 2017: Drink Craft, Play Hard, Have Fun / MOVE AMAZE / Dec 25-31
Join this rooftop party centred around the golden bevvies that we can't legally promote. Expect Thai and foreign craft brews during the seven-day event. There will also be some cool workshops if you would like to sculpt a ceramic piece, paint a mug or screen-print a T-shirt or a bag. Beer buffs will discuss whether one day Thai craft beer will become a thing “in our lifetime or the next” (their words, not ours). Free entry. But if you buy a cash coupon valued at B1,000 in advance you'll get to do one activity for free.
From 5pm / MOVE AMAZE, Lat Phrao 19 / 092-289-5626, http://fb.com/moveamaze.
+ Potterheads Rejoice
Harry Potter: Christmas in the Wizarding World / Siam Paragon / Until Mar 2, 2018
For the first time in Thailand, the official Harry Potter-themed retail experience will pop up at Fashion Hall on Siam Paragon's first floor for the enjoyment of muggles, squibs and wizards alike. Expect a curated array of merch inspired by Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them in a festive and interactive setting of Hogsmeade (non-fans, it's an all-wizard village) during the winter. Basically you can shop for all the accessories needed to pull off your Harry Potter cosplay. Don't forget to check out a real-life Ollivanders wand shop. Photo ops can be had at a selection of backgrounds from both film franchises. Potterheads should definitely not miss this one. More info and tickets at goo.gl/ztZefQ.
10am-10pm / Siam Paragon, Rama I / 061-893-7634 (9am-8pm) / B100.
+ Ready, Set, Bike
Skylane Thailand Reopening / Skylane Thailand / Dec 23
Skylane Thailand, the cycling park on the northeast corner of Suvarnabhumi International Airport, will reopen to the public with limited facilities on Dec 23. The old wristbands are cancelled so bicyclists must register to get new wristbands at Skylane Thailand for free.
6am-7pm / Skylane Thailand, Suvarnabhumi 4 / http://fb.com/skylanethailand, http://skylanethailand.com.
Parties
+ Drum ‘n' Bass Dragon
PhatFunk Drum & Bass w/ Dragon / De Commune / Dec 23
Dubbed as the Thai pioneer in the drum ‘n' bass genre, Dragon will headline this pulsating party along with three more DJs. DJ Dragon and his crew hosted a long running electronic music programme called “Homebass Show” on the now-defunct 104.5 Fat Radio. He's keeping the vibe going through a record label and Dubway Sessions, Thailand's biggest dubstep event. The added bonus is that adult drinks at De Commune are cheaper compared to the other clubs in Thong Lor.
9pm-2am / De Commune, Liberty Plaza, 1F, Thong Lor / http://fb.com/PhatFunkBKK / B150 at the door.
+ Be Jolly (and Gay)
Sunday Gay Night X'mas Eve party -- Nut(s)cracker / Maggie Choo's / Dec 24
Come out (of the closet) to celebrate Xmas Eve at Maggie Choo's. Judging from the “nut(s)cracker” theme, expect naughty fun and shirtless male models. Drag diva Pangina Heals and her children will entertain you from 7pm. Don't forget to bring a sense of humour. As usual, DJ Yui Truluv and DJ Steven G Knight will dish out sexy tunes from the 90s. No sandals.
7pm-2am / Maggie Choo's, Novotel Bangkok Fenix Silom, Silom / http://goo.gl/NytFR6 / B500 with two drinks.
+ Extra EDM
Don't Let Daddy Know / Live Park / Feb 2-3, 2018
Don't Let Daddy Know returns to Bangkok at a new venue. This time around, the EDM event will take place over two days. You can expect a major stage production, mind-blowing effects and a top-notch DJ line-up. Three Dutch DJs, Martin Garrix, Ummet Ozcan and Dannic, have been confirmed.
From 5pm / Live Park, Rama IX / Get your tickets at http://dldk.com/thailand2018 / B3,000 for the early bird two-day pass.
Shows
+ The Last Laugh
The Early Late Show & Epic Gameshow / The Comedy Club Bangkok / Dec 22
The Comedy Club Bangkok and Bangkok Improv join force to bring you their last show of 2017. Expect a live improvised parody of late night TV and game show genres with lots of prizes and 555. Be ready to have your side split by stand-up comedy Carly Kane and local all-stars. Also, tomorrow (Dec 23) is your last chance to join HO HO Homicide, a murder mystery dinner theatre in which everyone gets to play a character, at CheckInn99. All tickets can be purchased at http://ComedyClubBangkok.com.
Early Late Show & Epic Gameshow -- 8:30pm / The Comedy Club Bangkok, Sukhumvit 33/1 above The Royal Oak pub, BTS Phrom Phong / B400 for advanced tickets, B500 at the door. Mystery dinner -- 6:30pm / CheckInn 99, Sukhumvit 33 / BTS Phrom Phong / B1,300 with Asian buffet.
+ Genie Gathering
Chang Music Connection presents genie fest19 / Rajamangala National Stadium / Feb 10, 2018
Genie records under GMM Grammy will host a giant concert, featuring an all-star line-up. 20 leading Thai rock acts such as Bodyslam, Paradox, Big Ass, Potato and Labanoon will perform their hits. Why are we telling you this so early? The tickets will be on sale from 10am on Jan 7, 2018, and you can buy them each for B1,000 on that day only!
2pm - midnight / Rajamangala National Stadium, Ramkamhaeng Road / Buy tickets at http://info.g19fest.link, B1,000 on Jan 7, B1,200 from Jan 8-31, B1,500 from Feb 1-10, buy five get one free.
+ The Legend is Coming
John Legend Darkness and Light World Tour 2018 / BITEC Hall 106 / Mar 23, 2018
The American R&B award-winning crooner will perform for the first time in Bangkok as part of his “Darkness and Light World Tour 2018”. Known for his romantic, soulful and emotive hits, he's definitely not to be missed for R&B fans. If you're an old fan, you'll remember how much Ordinary People made you feel. Also, how many times did you hear All Of Me being played at weddings? Tickets are available via ThaiTicketMajor now.
8pm / BITEC Hall 106, Bangna-Trad Road / www.thaiticketmajor.com / B2,800, B4,500, B8,000.
+ Jazz in Jiang Hai
Thailand International Jazz Festival 2018 / Singha Park Chiang Rai / Feb 2-3, 2018
Neekrung Connects (who's bringing John Legend's upcoming concert) and Singha Corporation will co-host a two-day jazz fest, featuring award-winning artists and rising stars from around the world. Brian McKnight of Back At One fame, Joey Alexander and Koh Mr. Saxman are among the headliners. Brian McKnight, you ask? Although he's best known as an R&B crooner, he himself told New York Daily News that he's “a jazz musician masquerading as a pop/R&B guy” back in 2012. Joey Alexander is a child phenom whose album My Favourite Things charted on Billboard 200 and he was the first Indonesian pianist to do so. Early-bird tickets are on sale until Dec 31.
Singha Park Chiang Rai, 99 Moo 1, Mae Korn / www.thaiticketmajor.com / B1,800 for two-day pass for early birds, B2,500 after Dec 31.
+ Firebreathers Rejoice
Singha Music presents Imagine Dragons Evolve World Tour Live in Bangkok / Show DC Oasis Outdoor Arena / Jan 11, 2018
The award-winning American alternative rock band will return to the Big Mango in January to play their second fully-fledged concert after their first gig here two years ago (yes, they performed at the official opening of Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen's Park in September but that doesn't count because it was members-only). It will be in support of their third studio album Evolve, which was released in June and already generated hits such as Believer, Whatever It Takes and Walking The Wire.
7:30pm / Show DC Oasis Outdoor Arena, Rama IX Road / http://goo.gl/rjQ39F / Tickets start at B2,500 via ThaiTicketMajor.
Art
+ Missing our father
In memoriam / Duke contemporary art space / until Feb 5, 2018
Witness what happens when 16 talented artists get together to remember and honour the charisma and legacy of the late king Bhumibol Adulyadej. The art exhibition will feature works by Amnat Kongwaree, Theekawut Boonvijit, Warawut Tourawong, Thanarit Thipwaree, Parichart Suphaphan, Jakkee Kongkaew, Manit Srisuwan, Alongkorn Lauwatthana, Teerawat Nutcharoenpol, Homesawan Umansap, Xaanphvith Xitdhixaant, Krit Ngamsom, Palut Marod, Anchalee Arayapongpanich, Yutt Puektasajatum and Thadon Theekachorn.
Open daily, 11am-midnight / DUKE Contemporary Art Space, Gaysorn Village / http://fb.com/duke.gaysorn, 094-647-8888.
+ An exhibition to end the year
Pretty please / Sathorn 11 art space / until Dec 29
Take a look at how one pop artist with a “mega mamacita attitude” creates paintings that centre around the ideals of women and beauty in this consumerist age, and how one should instead celebrate the diversity of women's bodies. Although the woman's body has not changed much since the beginning of time, society's value of it and our need to defy fat and chase the perfect body have progressively increased, with some seriously negative consequences. But, society's unrealistic ideals aren't the be all and end all!
Tue-Sun, 5pm-1am / Sathorn 11 Art Space, Sathon Soi 11 / http://fb.com/sathorn11artspace, 02-004-1199.
+ An artist and his flowers
Kawee's flowers / Yelo house / until Jan 21, 2018
Here is a solo art exhibition by Kawee Laksanasakulchai, presented by an artist who explores his feelings and ideas through the portrayal of various paintings of flowers, on canvas as well as other materials, such as metal. His unique style of colour choice and composition are what set his flowers apart from the many others created before him.
Wed-Mon, 11am-8pm / YELO House, Rama I Road / http://fb.com/yelohouse, 089-777-2322.
+ We're so material
Dissecting desire / S.A.C. Subhashok The Arts Centre / until Jan 21, 2018
This exhibition showcases two talented young Thai artists whose works reflect the illusion of humans' materialism through paintings and sculptures. The artist Naruepon Bamrungruan's sculptures are full of sense of humour and profound meanings which resonate materialists in a sarcastic way, while Patdanu Tameekul paints flesh, skin and several parts of the body to create a new symbolic form and way of looking at luxury.
Tue-Sat, 10am-5:30pm, Sun, Noon-6pm / S.A.C. Subhashok The Arts Centre, Sukhumvit Soi 39 / http://fb.com/sacbangkok, 02-662-0299.
+ The power of nature
Eye am everywhere / Kalwit studio & gallery / until Feb 3, 2018
Pavanarani (Pavana) Verma, the unique and spiritually inclined Thai-Indian visual artist from Singapore has always been enraptured by the cycle of life and its relationship with the Ultimate Source of the Universe. Intrigued by the message of Oneness, and the concept of duality as a mirage from various ancient philosophies such as Vedanta, Hinduism, and Buddhism, she uses her art to explore the relationship between physical nature and the spiritual cosmos.
Tue-Sat, 10am-6pm / Kalwit Studio & Gallery, Soi Ruamrudee 2 / http://fb.com/kalwitgallery, 02-254-4629.
Food
+ I do, I do, I do
Proposal package / Centara grand at Centralworld / ongoing
Planning to pop the question but pressured about planning all the details? Leave that to the hands of the capable staff at Centara Grand at CentralWorld. Start with cocktails at sunset with a gorgeous view atop CRU Champagne Bar followed by a four-course dinner at Red Sky Restaurant.
Centara Grand at CentralWorld, 999/99 Rama I / Email diningcgcw@chr.co.th, 02-100-6255 / B14,999++ per couple.
+ Grill fest
'The grill' now open / Siwilai city club / ongoing
Pick and choose from a variety of different meats to be grilled and to enjoy. Whether it be wagyu beef, pork, sausages or lamb racks, feast on them along with veggies and nam jim jaew.
11am-midnight / Siwilai City Club, Level 5, Central Embassy, 1031 Phloenchit / Email cityclub@siwilaibkk.com, visit siwilaibkk.com/cityclub or fb.com/siwilaicityclub or call 02-160-5631.
B850 for two items, B1,600 for four items.
+ Party delivery
Star delivary / Heineken / until Dec 31
Heineken and Greyhound have teamed up to provide a hassle-free catering service for office celebrations, family gatherings or hanging with friends. A simple phone call or message and you'll have a feast delivered to your doorstep. Price starts at B700 per person.
Call 080-584-5842 or LINE @Stardelivery.
+ Season's feastings
Winter wonderland / emorium & emquartier / Until Jan 31
A selected number of restaurants at Emporium and EmQuartier are serving up seasonal menus for a limited time. Celebrate the festivities and feast to your heart's content at restaurant favourites like Dean & Deluca, Crab & Claw, Bella Rocca and Emack & Bolio's, among others.
10am-10pm / Emporium and EmQuartier, BTS Phrom Phong / Visit http://emquartier.co.th or http://fb.com/EmporiumEmquartier.
Travel
+ Hooray in Hua Hin
Opening Rate / The Holiday Inn Vana Nava Hua Hin / Ongoing
Opened on December 1, The Holiday Inn Vana Nava Hua Hin adds excitement to your stay with free and unlimited access to Vana Nava Water Jungle during its soft opening period. The 300-room brand new hotel is geared towards families and business travellers. It boasts a 24/7 fitness centre, a panoramic view of the ocean, infinity pools on the 26th floor, a spa, a kids club and more. This offer is valid for a stay from now until Apr 20, 2018. Call or email to book.
The Holiday Inn Vana Nava Hua Hin, 129/129 Phetkasem Road, Hua Hin / 032-209-999, hihh.rsvn@iha.com / From B2,999++ per night with access to the water park.
+ Ready for Ranong
Don Mueang - Ranong Route / AirAsia / Until Dec 23, 2017
AirAsia has just launched a new daily direct flight between Don Mueang and Ranong and commemorates it with very affordable fares. The southern province is known as Thailand's onsen city due to its several hot springs. It also boasts islands and national parks and also serves as a gateway to Myanmar. To enjoy this promotional fare, you must book via the airline's website by Dec 23 to fly from Feb 16, 2018 onwards.
www.airasia.com / B590 per flight.
+ Besties of Best Western
Holiday Bonus to Reward Members / Best Western Hotels & Resorts / Until Jan 31, 2018
Best Western is rewarding its loyal members extra during this holiday season. BWR (Best Western Rewards) members will receive one $10 Best Western Travel Card for every stay at any of the 4,200 properties under Best Western around the world until the end of January next year. BWR members can redeem 10,000 points for a free stay at any Best Western property in North America, too.
Sign up at http://BestWestern.com/Rewards.
+ Christmas in Hong Kong
A Symphony of Lights & Hong Kong Pulse Light Show / Ongoing
Hong Kong just unveiled the new version of its famous multimedia light show, A Symphony of Lights and the winter version of the Hong Kong Pulse Light Show, giving you even more of a reason to visit for your year-end celebrations. A Symphony of Lights (which you can watch on our Facebook) incorporates 40 buildings on both sides of the Victoria Harbour which beam and shine to the rhythm of music by The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. The 10-minute light-and-sound show takes place at 8pm every evening. After that, you can catch the winter version of the Hong Kong Pulse Light Show at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza. The 3D projection show begins with a snowstorm which covers the centre in snow. A dragon then shows up to save Christmas. The centre's piazza (fancy word for a square) will be decked out with LED balls and a giant crystal ball for a snowy effect. This eight-minute show takes place at 8.10pm, 8.40pm, 9pm, 9.20pm and 9.40pm every day until Dec 28 only. The best spot to catch both shows is at the harbour front area near the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.
For more info on both shows, visit http://goo.gl/numiPp.
Movies
+ LOVING VINCENT
(directed by Dorota Kobiela and Hugh Welchman)
Who's in it?
Saoirse Ronan, Chris O'Dowd, Douglas Booth, Jerome Flynn.
What's it about?
A young man is sent to deliver the final letter of troubled artist Vincent Van Gogh to his brother, Theo. However, upon discovering that Theo had also passed away shortly after his brother, the young man is drawn to investigate Vincent's final days.
Why watch it?
This is the first fully painted animated feature film, taking inspiration from Van Gogh's masterpieces.
+ PITCH PERFECT 3
(directed by Trish Sie)
Who's in it?
Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Hailee Steinfeld, Ruby Rose.
What's it about?
The Bellas find themselves split apart after winning the World Championships and struggling to find their place in the world. However, a USO tour offers them a chance to reunite and perform one last time.
Why watch it?
Insert cheesy and ridiculous acapella pun like “It will aca-rock your socks off” or something along those lines.
+ FERDINAND
(directed by Carlos Saldanha)
Who's in it?
John Cena, Kate McKinnon, Bobby Canavale.
What's it about?
Based on the children's book, Ferdinand (Cena) is a non-violent Spanish fighting bull who's been part of a loving family. When he's mistaken as violent and sent off to go against matadors, he must escape with the help of some new friends and find his way back to his family.
Why watch it?
You can't see John Cena. But you can definitely hear him.
RUSSIAN FILM WEEK 2017, SF WORLD CINEMA AT CENTRAL WORLD, UNTIL DEC 24
Six Russian movies of different genres will be screened during Russian Film Week. Some of the titles to be screened include: Attraction, which follows the story of a girl who saves an alien who crash-landed in Moscow; Friday, a movie about a millionaire who becomes a waiter, a loser that becomes a star and two friends looking for a kangaroo; and The Dragon, a movie about a princess who falls in love with the dragon who abducted her. Free tickets can be picked up at the venue no later than 30 minutes before screening. Visit sfcinemacity. com or fb.com/welovesf or call 02-268-8888 for more information.
NETFLIX
BRIGHT
Directed by David Ayer
Starring Will Smith, Joel Edgerton, Noomi Rapace. Set in an alternate world where humans co-exist with mystical creatures like orcs and elves, Officer Ward, a human, and Officer Jakoby, an orc, are on a routine patrol when they encounter an artefact thought to be destroyed long ago: a wand. They must set aside their differences if they’re to survive and protect the wand from falling into the wrong hands. Available for stream now.
