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
+ Portrait Watercolour Workshop, Tentacles N22, OCT 21
Spend tomorrow afternoon painting a beautiful portrait with Nalu, an accomplished watercolour painter. From learning the basics of sketching to sampling different watercolour painting techniques, you will go home with a new palette of skills. No prior experience is needed.
1pm – 4pm. Tentacles N22, Soi Taweewattana (Narathiwat Ratchanakharin Soi 22). 082-487-1487. Visit www.workshop.tentaclesgallery.com for more info. B2,500.
+ Doc Film Night and Chat with Director: Angkor Awakens, FCCT, Nov 6
Robert H Lieberman presents his latest documentary titled Angkor Awakens, depicting modern Cambodia and its people post the brutal Khmer Rouge regime. The event also includes a Skype session with the acclaimed director who had previously helmed They Call it Myanmar. Described as “absolutely harrowing” by the New York Times, this screening is not to be missed.
7pm – 10pm. Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand, Maneeya Center, Phloenchit Road.
Visit www.fccthai.com for more info, 02-652-0580. B150 for non-members.
+ 9th Care for Cancer – 2017 Fun Run, Lumpini Park, Nov 18
Anantara Siam Bangkok is hosting its annual charity fun run in efforts to raise funds for cancer research. This event allows participants to share their experiences of how cancer has impacted their lives in different ways through the theme “I care b’coz...”. You can run, jog, or stroll at your own pace for either the 5 km or 10 km. A minimum donation of B350 provides you with the official “Care for Cancer” t-shirt while B500 gets you a polo shirt with a breakfast box and a chance to win prizes. You can get your exercise done early as registration begins at 7.30am.
7.30am–10.30am. Lumpini Park. Visit www.siam-bangkok.anantara.com/activity.aspx for more info. 02-126-8866. B350.
+ Storytelling Workshop, Magnum Photos, Nov 28 – Dec 2
Magnum photographers Matt Stuart and Antoin D’Agata will host individual 5-day workshops to aid photographers who already have technical skills but wish to develop narrative and storytelling abilities. The workshops will include shooting, reviews, group critique, editing and mentoring. Final pieces will be shown at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre. Total cost for the workshop is $1,500 with Oct 30 as the deadline to apply.
Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, Rama I Road. Visit goo.gl/rm69bY for more info. 02-214-6630. $1,500.
SHOWS
+ The Picture of Dorian Gray, Culture Collective Studio, Nov 2–5
Culture Collective Studio presents this exciting production adapted from one of Oscar Wilde’s most famous novels. It centres on a young man who, after getting his portrait painted, sells his soul in exchange for eternal youth and beauty while the portrait ages and becomes ugly. This production will be performed in English and is adapted and directed by Loni Berry. Turn to page 17 to read our interview with model/actor/man candy Phil Blaze who will star as Lord Henry in the play.
Nov 2 at 7pm, Nov 3-5 at 8pm. Culture Collective Studio, Charoen Krung Soi 70. 089-876-5400. Visit culture-collective.com for more info and to get your tickets. B1,000 includes a free drink.
+ Circle Mirror Transformation, M Theatre, Nov 2-4 & 9-11
Circle Mirror Transformation, an award-winning play by Annie Baker, ponders and explores what acting actually is. Five people attend a drama class taught by free-spirited and supportive Marty. Her students are recently divorced carpenter Schultz, vibrant former actress Teresa, Marty’s quiet and genial husband James and reserved high schooler Lauren. But they are in for more than what they may expect as, beneath acting exercises and trivial games, quiet wars are waged, emotional wounds are nursed and healing begins. This funny play by Bangkok Community Theatre will take the audience on a journey in an unexpectedly profound way. Must be 15+.
7:30pm. M Theatre, Bluebox Studio, New Phetchaburi Road. www.bangkokcommunitytheatre. B500.
+ Spoken Word Poetry Open Mic Show, Live Lounge Bkk, Oct 23
Bangkok Lyrical Lunacy will hold its next bi-monthly open mic night for spoken-word poetry at Live Lounge Bkk. Chris Aldana Sanders will return as the featured performer of the night to move and inspire you with her wordsmithery. Complementing Chris’ performance, Hip hop duo Nasi will have the premiere of the music video to their new single Flight on Rice from their latest self-titled EP. The theme is homecoming but all performers who wish to take the stage should know that following the theme isn’t mandatory. So let your freak/creative flags fly! Non-performers are advised to come early to get the best seats.
7-10:30pm. Trendy Building, Sukhumvit Soi 31. www.fb.com/BangkokLyricalLunacy. B300.
+ Salsa Bangkok Fiesta 2017, Windsor Suites Hotel, Nov 3-5
Spice up your life with the 13th edition of the well-known salsa fest. Bigger ballrooms have been picked to accommodate the growing number of attendees. Dance in three ballrooms, each of which is dedicated to one style of social dance from salsa, bachata to kizomba. Learn how to dance salsa and bachata from the masters. Be wowed by skilled dancers from across the globe. The welcome party will take place at Bangkok Marriott Marquis on Nov 2. The workshops, boot camps and dance parties will be held at Windsor Suites Hotel from Nov 3-5. The fiesta will conclude with a pool party at DoubleTree Hilton by Hilton Sukhumvit on Nov 5.
Windsor Suites Hotel, Sukhumvit Soi 20. For ticket and programme details, go to www.salsabangkok.com/sbf.
FOOD
+ Vegetarian Delights, Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok, Oct 16-26
Welcome the Vegetarian Festival with Dynasty Chinese Restaurant’s array of zero-karma dishes. Have the traditional steamed Chinese bun filled with mixed vegetables (B55++) or opt for the fried vegetarian snow fish in three flavoured sauce (B400++) as well as a whole slew of other vegetarian choices.
Dynasty Chinese Restaurant, Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok, 1695 Phahon Yothin Road. Email fb_office@chr.co.th, 02-541-1234 ext. 4151.
+ Vegetarian Delights at Liu, Conrad Bangkok, Oct 20-28
Conrad’s Liu Restaurant has also prepared their own specialties to celebrate the Vegetarian Festival. Chef Jacky Chan has put his own twist on traditional Chinese dishes like Vegetarian prawn with mixed fruit and deep fried vegetarian fish taro with tamarind sauce.
11:30am-2:30pm, 6pm-10pm. Liu Restaurant, Conrad Bangkok, 87 Witthayu Road. E-mail bkkci.info@conradhotels.com, 02-690-9999. A la carte menu starts at B220++, set menu at B6,280++.
+ Vegetarian Food Festival, Ambassador Hotel Bangkok, Oct 20-28
All restaurants of Ambassador Hotel Bangkok are gearing up for the Vegetarian Festival. Hong Teh Chinese Restaurant has a vegetarian à la carte menu for B140++. Am Cafè’s international buffet (B499++) also has a vegetarian corner. Finally, the Bloom Restaurant has a vegetarian à la carte menu (B140++).
Ambassador Hotel Bangkok, Sukhumvit Soi 11. Call 02-254-0444 ext 1562, 1582, 1709.
+ Vegetarian Italian-Inspired Menu, Well Hotel Bangkok, Ongoing
Well Hotel Bangkok’s The Twist Bar & Bistro has a unique twist on the meat-free dishes its rolling out in celebration of the Vegetarian Festival. Chef Tao Mongdoo has concocted an Italian bistro menu which consists of Porcini mushroom soup (B290), Vegetable lasagne with bechamel saffron sauce (B250) and Mushroom risotto with parmesan cheese (B250), among other dishes.
The Twist Bar & Bistro, Well Hotel Bangkok, Sukhumvit Soi 20. Email dinings@wellhotelbangkok.com, 02-127-5995.
+ Garrett Cones, Garrett Popcorn, Ongoing
Garrett Popcorn is known for its premium popcorn and making the ground floor of Siam Paragon smell so heavenly. Now, its also making eating popcorn much easier — with cones. The Garrett Cones are available in three flavours, starting at B50 with the plain, buttery flavour.
10am-10pm. Garrett Popcorn, G/F, Siam Paragon. Visit www.garrettpopcorn.com/thailand, www.fb.com/garrettpopcornth, 02-610-7766.
+ Thanksgiving Buffet, The Okura Prestige Bangkok, Nov 23
Who says we can’t celebrate Thanksgiving here in Bangkok? The Okura Prestige Bangkok’s Up & Above Restaurant is offering patrons a traditional Thanksgiving Buffet to celebrate the occasion. There’s an array of things to choose from at the buffet, but of course, the star of the spread is the roast turkey served with cranberry sauce and giblet sauce. There’s also an option to have free flow beverages.
12pm-2:30pm. Up & Above Restaurant, The Okura Prestige Bangkok, 57 Witthayu Road. Visit www.okurabangkok.com, email upandabove@okurabangkok.com, 02-687-9000. B1,200++, B2,000++ with selected free-flow drinks.
+ Thanksgiving Buffet, Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre At Central World, Nov 23
And yet another option to get your turkey on! The World Restaurant is serving up its own succulent big bird along with sweet potatoes, steamed corn and fresh beans, among an array of other sumptuous choices. Unlimited soft drinks and French red and white wine are also included.
6pm-10:30pm. The World Restaurant, Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, Rama I Road. Email diningcgcw@chr.co.th, 02-100-6255. B1,890++.
+ W Does Brunch X Pree Boutique Sportswear, W Bangkok, Through Dec
W Does Brunch now happens twice every first and third Saturday of the month. For the last quarter of the year, they’ve also partnered with Pree Boutique Sportswear and is serving up some healthy selections to not only get you eating right but to also inspire you get active. Try out its vegetable butcher corner or the detoxifying charcoal cocktail.
12:30pm-4:30pm. The Kitchen Table, W Bangkok, Sathon Nua Road. Email bf.wbangkok@whotels.com, 02-344-4210. B2,500++, B3,100++ for The Experience package.
TRAVEL
+ Koh Chang Spa Holidays Package, Centara Koh Chang Tropicana Resort, Until Oct 31
If you’re going to really get away, two nights may not cut it. Why not go for four nights on Koh Chang off Trat’s coastline? Book four nights at Centara Koh Chang Tropicana Resort via Centara’s website to reap the perks. This package is ideal for a family of four with the parents getting pampered the most obvi. On top of daily buffet breakfast for up to four people, guests get to enjoy one Thai set dinner or buffet dinner for two, three spa treatments for two, 10% off on even more treatments at Spa Cenvaree, free Wi-Fi and welcome drinks. This offer applies to Superior room, Deluxe Cabana, Premium Deluxe Cabana and Cabana Suite.
Centara Koh Chang Tropicana Resort, 26/3 Moo 4, Klong Prao Beach, Koh Chang, Trat. 02-101-1234, goo.gl/tVxujt. From B17,800 ++ for 4N stay.
+ Advance Purchase Deal, Travelodge Pattaya, Until Mar 31
If you don’t need bells and whistles to have a good stay, then consider this offer from Travelodge Pattaya (which was previously known as Premier Inn Pattaya and was originally Ozo Pattaya in the beginning). To get an affordable stay with up to 28% off room rates and optional breakfast, you need to book at least 30 days in advance. That’s not all. Travelodge members are also entitled to an additional 10% discount on top. Sign up for free via www.travelodgehotels.asia. Other benefits when booking at Travelodge hotels in Asia include early check-in at 12pm and late check-out at 2pm. Its central location affords guests walkable access to Pattaya Beach, the Walking Street, malls and many more attractions. Book online.
Travelodge Pattaya, Moo 10, Soi 10, Pattaya Sai Song Road, Chon Buri. www.travelodgepattaya.com, 038-103-777. B1,299 per night for room only, only B100 more for breakfast.
+ Opening Offers, The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui, Until Dec 22, 2017
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company debuts on Koh Samui with the opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui, which blends the brand’s legendary service with Thai island life and culture. 175 suites and pool villas on this 58-acre property, which was formerly a coconut plantation, overlooks the Gulf of Thailand. Its Spa Village Koh Samui lives up to the name, featuring eight treatment suites, three massage pavilions, one yoga pavilion, a health bar and a lap pool over its 3,800sqm of area. The F&B offerings are in abundance through six outlets, ranging from southern Thai cuisine at Pak Tai to east-meet-west flavours at Shook!. Besides the usual offerings of muay Thai, market tours, cooking classes and water sports, what makes the property uber interesting is its own reef where you can snorkel alongside 50 species of fish. Or you can chillax on not one, but two beaches. There’s no kidding around when it comes to young guests as there are a dedicated kids check-in, amenities for kids and an array of indoor and outdoor activities. It opened its doors for the first guests earlier this month and offers opening rates on both suites and villas.
The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui, 9/123 Moo 5, Tambon Bophut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani. goo.gl/HsM7fu, 077-915-777. From B13,875 per night.
MOVIES
+ Breathe (directed by Andy Serkis)
Who’s in it?
Claire Foy, Andrew Garfield
What’s it about?
After being diagnosed with polio, Rob Cavendish (Garfield) refuses to let his illness get the best of him. Along with his wife (Foy), they travel the world and meet others like Roy to give them hope.
Why watch it?
Not only is it led by two amazing actors, but did you realise who the director is? Yep, that’s the same Andy Serkis of motion-capture fame, responsible for Caesar and Snoke, making his directorial debut.
+ Leatherface (directed by Alexandre Bustillo, Julien Maury)
Who’s in it?
Stephen Dorff, Finn Jones.
What’s it about?
Before Leatherface, the notorious murderer of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, a young teenage boy raised in a sadistic household is sent to a mental hospital that only further deranges him through torture. He eventually escapes with a hostage in tow, only to find an equally deranged lawman out for revenge is hot on his trail.
Why watch it?
Glorious and bloody gore.
+ Wolf Warrior II (directed by Jing Wu)
Who’s in it?
Jing Wu, Frank Grillo, Celina Jade.
What’s it about?
A former member of the Chinese special ops decides to go to Africa to escape his former life after being dishonourably discharged. However, when a group of mercenaries reign terror on civilians, he decides to come out of retirement.
Why watch it?
One man versus an army — a classic action movie trope that we, unashamedly, fall for every time.
+ Tell Me How I Die (directed by D.J. Viola)
Who’s in it?
Nathan Kress, Virginia Gadner, Ryan Higa... wait, what?
What’s it about?
A group of college students take part in testing a new drug. As they stay in a facility where the effects of the drug are being observed by its developers, they suddenly are able to see visions of their deaths which terrifyingly come true.
Why watch it?
Ryan Higa in a freaking horror film. What?
+ Flatliners (directed by Niels Arden Oplev)
Who’s in it?
Ellen Page, Diego Luna, Nina Dobrev.
What’s it about?
Obsessed with knowing what happens in the afterlife, a group of medical students take part in a dangerous experiment where they basically have a near-death experience by stopping their hearts with defibrillators. The consequences, however, were something they weren’t prepared for.
Why watch it?
It’s actually a remake of the 1990 film of the same name which starred Kiefer Sutherland. It’s a good premise, but did they pull it off? I guess we’ll have to watch to find out.
NETFLIX
+ The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected)
With a stellar cast comprised of Dustin Hoffman, Emma Thompson, Adam Sandler and Ben Stiller, the story follows a family that comes together to celebrate the work of the head of their family, Harold Meyerowitz (Hoffman), a sculptor. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival where it received a four-minute standing ovation.
+ Riverdale (Season 2)
Who knew Archie, his pals, and the town of Riverdale could be so dark? Return to the titular town and follow the de-freckled and hunkified version of Archie and his supremely attractive friends as they try and get on with their normal teenage lives in the midst of all the dark secrets the town holds.
