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!
ACTIVTIES
+ Olympic Digger Weekend, The COMMONS, Sep 30 - Oct 1
Olympic Digger, a community of record enthusiasts and collectors, will host a weekend dedicated to the forefather of music format which came into being before cassette tapes, CDs and MP3. Diggers (a term for those who spend hours digging for vinyls at a record store) are welcome to join talks by record enthusiasts and shop away at various stalls. Strictly vinyl DJs will put those records on for an eclectic soundtrack to your afternoon. Non-diggers, learn why gramophone records are gaining popularity again and you may become converts. Grab offers discounts for the attendees. New users type in TC100 to get B100 off your first ride while existing users type in TC50 to get B50 off.
Noon-midnight. The COMMONS, Thong Lor Soi 17. More info at goo.gl/bJU7yy.
+ 3rd TEDxChulalongkornU, KBank Siam Pic-Ganesha Theatre, Oct 8
14 speakers from different walks of life and expertise will give inspirational talks which are united under “Strive Forward: The World is Changing, Are You?” theme. President of Chulalongkorn University Prof Dr Bundhit Eua-arporn will talk about Siam Innovation District, an open platform to boost, integrate and develops new ideas into meaningful innovation. Apirut Vanchaam, who’s behind a banking application designed for visually impaired users, will discuss why innovation without purpose is just a gadget. Dr Nart Fongsmut identifies the importance of proper care facilities for the elderly in Thailand so all can age happily. If you can’t make it on that day, the talks will be streamed live via Facebook.
1-6pm. KBank Siam Pic-Ganesha Theatre, Siam Square One, Rama I Road. www.fb.com/TEDxChulalongkornU.
+ A City Within A City, The Reading Room, Sep 30
When we talk about what constitutes a city, there are many aspects to consider. And Bangkok life can be very complex indeed (as you may already be well aware of). This talk explores problems Bangkokians face daily, the city’s structure, the public health system, BMA’s administration policies and more. Three Chula experts — political science professor Pitch Pongsawat, architecture professor Niramon Kulsrisombat and Anuk Pitukthanin of Chulalongkorn Social Research Institute — will lead this eye-opening discussion.
2-4pm. The Reading Room, Silom Soi 19. www.fb.com/thereadingroombkk, 02-635-3674.
+ ‘AIS D.C. Talk: Transforming to the Future’ by THE STANDARD, AIS D.C., Sep 30
Come pick the brain of TV host Wannasingh Prasertkul who can advise you on how to create online content all by yourself, reduce head count and communicate in this digital age. The talk will be hosted by The Standard editor-in-chief Nakarin “Ken” Wanakijpaibul.
From 1pm. AIS D.C., 5/F, The Emporium, Sukhumvit Soi 24, BTS Phrom Phong. goo.gl/U6D9pG.
PARTIES
+ Chang Music Connection presents Waterzonic Bangkok, Live Park, Sep 29-30
The wet and wild EDM fest returns with an international lineup from Dutch DJ MaRLo, genre-crossing American female DJ Mija and our superstar homegirl Nakadia. All tickets are valid for both days. Get your tickets from Event Pop.
5pm-midnight. Live Park, Rama IX Road. www.waterzonic.com. B3,500.
+ SO Pool Party, SO Sofitel Bangkok, Sep 30
For a pool party so high up that you’ll also get an overlooking view of Lumpini Park, head to SO Pool Party. This time around SO Sofitel Bangkok will partner up with Diageo Moet Hennessy Thailand to deliver a big wet bash. The poolside will get a makeover by Moët & Chandon. Think impressive lighting, special effects and in-pool decorations. Big beats will be complemented by champagne gun.
1-9pm. The Water Club, SO Sofitel Bangkok, 10/F, Sathon Nua Road. 02-624-0000. B600 includes one flute of Moët & Chandon Brut Imperial.
+ Red Bull 3Style Thailand Finals 2017, CÉ LA VI Bangkok, Oct 7
Red Bull 3Style is a search for best DJs that take place in over 20 countries around the world. Six finalists will each out-mix each other by blending three styles of music into one mesmerising set. The new winner will represent Thailand for a world champion title in Poland. Past 3Style winners will also be showing off some skills.
Door opens 8pm. CÉ LA VI Bangkok, 39/F, Sathorn Square Building, Sathon Nua Road. goo.gl/y3YiG1.
+ Tungevaag & Raaban, Levels Club & Lounge, Oct 5
Tungevaag & Raaban is a dance music duo consisting of Martin Tungevaag from Stadlandet from Norway and Robbin Söderlund (Raaban) from Borås in Sweden. They return to Big Mango to perform a brand new set. Buy tickets at the door.
9pm-2am. Levels Club & Lounge, Sukhumvit Soi 11.
+ Fired-up Friyay
Revolution with the Bangkok Invaders, Sugar Club, Sep 29
Every Friday Sugar Club is extra lit as DJs from the Bangkok Invaders perform while SaCrew, a Thai beatboxing and breakdancing group, and The Sugar Babes will show off their sick moves on the dance floor.
Sugar Club, Sukhumvit Soi 11. www.fb.com/SugarClubBangkok, call 061-391-3111 to book VIP table.
SHOWS
+ Freshly Squeezed Sounds, Live Lounge BKK, Sep 29
Showcase Freshly Squeezed Sounds is a monthly live music event featuring performances from five acts. This month they are: Matthew Fischer, Ryan Holweger, The Note, The Front Row, and Lou What. The show shall feature a night of uninterrupted live music, followed by Live Lounge’s resident DJ Crooze Kutz, who will crank up the tempo after the last performance with an eclectic mix of dance-floor fillers.
Live Lounge BKK, Sukhumvit Soi 13. www.fb.com/liveloungebkk. Free entry.
+ STRFKR live in Bangkok, HEAVEN Bangkok, Oct 6
If you’re looking for a night of great music and great rooftop views, get yourself up to CentralWorld’s rooftop bar, Heaven, and dance to the funky tunes of indie pop/indie electro band STRFKR. These Portland guys have had some much talked-about live performances which featured instrument swapping, dual drumming, stage diving, and some crazy costumes. You might remember their hit While I’m Alivefrom the movie The Fault in Our Stars; don’t miss it being performed live!
10pm-1am. Zense @ HEAVEN Bangkok, Zen World, CentralWorld. goo.gl/DgqYrz. B1,290.
+ Cat Expo 4, Wonder World Fun Park , Nov 25-26
Cat Radio’s famous music fest returns for the fourth time. The weekend will see 100 music acts performing on two stages. The lineup includes indie darlings such as Hugo, Stamp, Noi Pru, Pae Arak, Yellow Fang, Jelly Rocket, X0809 and many more. Support the artists by buying merch directly from them at their booths. Tickets are on sale from ThaiTicketMajor.
From 4pm. Wonder World Fun Park, Ramintra km 10. goo.gl/CV8fXq, 02-262-3838. B1,500 per person for two-day access.
+ The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Creative Industries at M Theatre, Sep 29-30 & Oct 6-7
Hopes, struggles, passions and an eclectic group of six-graders. All this spells out the hilarious Broadway musical, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Under the direction of Michael J Allman, Bangkok Community Theatre will be performing this entertaining winner of two Tony Awards. Book those tickets now for this I-R-R-E-S-I-S-T-I-B-L-Y adorable show!
7.30pm with 2pm matinee on 7 Oct. Creative Industries, M Theatre, 2/F, Phetchaburi Road. www.bangkokcomunitytheatre.com. B850.
+ #HYHBKK Live! with JMSN, Rockademy, Nov 17
American singer-songwriter JMSN (pronounced Jameson) will stop by Bangkok as part of the Asia leg of his “Drinkin’ with JMSN” tour with help from Have You Heard?. He released his latest and fifth album Whatever Makes U Happy earlier this year and previously lent his vocals to notable names such as Tyga, Kendrick Lamar and The Game. Listen to Cruel Intentions on YouTube and we bet he’ll make you feel so many feels. The early bird tickets were already sold out so be quick! Tickets are sold through Ticket Melon.
From 7pm. Rockademy, Sukhumvit Soi 26. goo.gl/3JhGaQ. B1,100 per person or B1,300 if buy ticket at the door.
+ E-San Music Festival #6 Thailand, Ubol Ratana Dam, Nov 25
Go northeastern for the annual music fest with a hippie vibe. Embrace music, love, peace and freedom amidst the vast body of glistening water and mountains. Four out of 60 music acts to join the fest have been confirmed. They are The Richman Toy, Yaan, Yena and Sanim Yok. Send a message to their inbox to buy tickets.
From 9am. Ubol Ratana Dam, Khon Kaen. www.fb.com/ESANMUSICFESTIVAL, 081-592-1624. B350 per person.
+ Dean Live in Bangkok, Moonstar Studio 8, Nov 11
Dean, aka Kwon Hyuk, is a South Korean R&B singer-songwriter. While some of you may have heard of him just now let us tell you that the portfolio of his young artist is very impressive. Besides writing tracks for many K-pop acts since he was 18, he also has collaborated with many American artists since his US debut in July 2015, accumulating in his first EP 130 mood : TRBL which dropped last year. With only one EP, he has already won several music awards in South Korea. Two more South Korean artists Miso and Saay will open for him. Regular tickets and VIP meet-and-greet tickets are available via 14 ThaiTicketMajor outlets from today at 10am.
8pm. Moonstar Studio 8, Lat Phrao Soi 80. www.thaiticketmajor.com/outlets.php. B2,500, B5,000.
+ 50 Years Pre-xiayid, IMPACT Arena, Sep 30
Nakarin “Pang” Kingsak will celebrate his big five-o with a full-scale concert and a setlist of his “hits and underappreciated tracks”. He needs no introduction for fans of Thai rock music really. His repertoire includes light-hearted sing-alongs to very emotive tracks (especially during the height of alternative rock in Thailand). He has invited noted Thai comedians to join him on the stage too so we guess this would be high-energy performance along with loads of 555. Go to the shortened link of ThaiTicketMajor below to buy tickets.
7pm. IMPACT Arena, Muang Thong Thani. goo.gl/j8sutt. B1,500 for standing tickets, B1,000, B1,500, B2,000, B2,500, B3,000 for seating tickets.
ART
+ Paul The Robot Makes Portraits of Bangkokians, Sofitel So Bangkok, Until Tomorrow
Yo, if you haven’t checked this out, do, by tomorrow. The hotel has been hosting a pretty strange little artist who goes by the name of Paul, a portrait artist robot. Guests are invited to have their portrait drawn in approximately thirty minutes. This residency has showcased the invention of London-based French artist and scientist Patrick Tresset, who is the creator and mastermind behind Paul the Robot. Fascinating.
Ends tomorrow, 6pm. SO Sofitel Bangkok, Sathon Nua Road. www.so-sofitel-bangkok.com, 02-624-0000.
+ 10795 Days Of Bummer by Wasted Rita, WTF Gallery & Cafe, Oct 7-29
A solo exhibition brought to you buy The Embassy of Portugal in Thailand, the Portuguese Cultural Center in Bangkok, in partnership with WTF Gallery. Portuguese artist Rita Gomes presents works of her thought-provoking scribbles on colourful paper that illuminate a variety of observations of the absurdities of life, sometimes angry and always brutally honest. We’re pretty in love with what we’ve seen so far and we’re sure you will be too. Opening reception on Oct 7 at 7pm. Be there or be square.
Tue-Sun, 4pm-10pm. WTF Gallery & Cafe, Sukhumvit 51. www.fb.com/WTFGalleryandCafe, 02-662-6246.
+ Belief Over Beauty, S Gallery Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit, Until Nov 1
Check out the exhibition by French photographer Jessie Lie, who investigates the mystery, magic and the unknown that lies behind the age-old Thai tradition of hand-tattooing ink designs on the body for, AKA sak yan as well as intriguing portraits by Lop Buri painter Jirasak Anoujohn. In this exhibition, he expresses the story of the philosophy and beliefs in Buddhism related to The Three Wise Monkeys. Did you see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil?
Open daily, 10am-10pm. S Gallery Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit, Sukhumvit Road Soi 13-15. 02-126-9999, www.sofitel-bangkok-sukhumvit.com.
+ Cut&Paste: The Black Pig, Sathorn 11 Art Space, Until Oct 1
Luke Satoru, our favourite American-born artist with Thai and Japanese heritage, is back with another exhibition. During “Cut&Paste: The Black Pig”, he will be cultivating his own visual narrative through tattooing and painting that’s stimulated by his multicultural upbringing as well as his experiences living in the melting depot of Bangkok. His versatile skill set includes mediums such as fine jewellery, painting and graphic design. “The Black Pig can’t change, he or she is a pig but elects what kind of pig he/she wants to be”.
Wed-Sun, 11am-6pm. Sathorn 11 Art Space, Sathon Soi 11. www.fb.com/sathorn11artspace, 02-044-1199.
+ Drawn Lines, Cho Why, Until Sep 30
With support of the Embassy of Mexico, Natalia Ludmila’s exhibition explores the fragility of the human condition while in the transitory state of migration, which has been a crisis at its highest since WWII. Viewers can witness the gruelling journeys spent on land and sea while fully exposed to the peril of the natural elements. Expanding over two floors at Cho Why, the exhibition consists of several large sized watercolours on paper as well as a video piece.
Opens 6:30pm until Sat. Cho Why, Soi Nana 17, Chinatown. www.fb.com/chowhybkk.
FOOD
+ Mid-Autumn Gift Set, Garrett Popcorn Shops, Until Oct 8
Thinking about giving someone an unconventional gift for the Mid-Autumn Festival? Garrett Popcorn Shops has a limited supply of their Mid-autumn gift set (B990) for a limited time. They also have a new flavour, the Barbecue CheeseCorn, priced starting at B180 for a small bag, also available until Oct 8.
Visit www.fb.com/GarrettPopcornTH.
+ 4 Regions Thai Set, Dream Bangkok, Ongoing
Dream Bangkok’s Flava Restaurant & Bar and Flava Lite Rooftop Pool & Bar are introducing four sets that give patrons a taste of dishes from Thailand’s four regions. Chef Boonchard Kaewplang has taken signature dishes from each region to include in each set, like larb moo or sai oua.
Dream Bangkok, Sukhumvit Soi 15. Email info@dreambkk.com, 02-254-8500. B380++.
+ Oktoberfest, Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre At Centralworld, Until Nov 30
Celebrate the incoming German festival with the World Restaurant’s Oktoberfest-themed buffet nights. Take your pick from five different imported sausages and other German treats. Once you’ve warmed up, go to the carving board station and enjoy the roast duck or crispy pork knuckle with meatloaf. All this plus free-flow Paulaner draught makes for an epic Oktoberfest celebration.
6pm-10:30pm. The World Restaurant, Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWord, Rama I Road. Email diningcgcw@chr.co.th, 02-100-6255. B1,890++.
+ New Autumn Tasting Menu, Il Fumo, Ongoing
Chefs Nelson Amorim and Luca Appino have concocted a meeting of Portuguese and Italian cuisines that have resulted in Il Fumo’s new Autumn tasting menu. Experience cross-cultural dining with the Suckling pig & Sicilian bronte pistachio or the ‘Kokotxa’ of Bacalhau & carbonara. The restaurant’s sommelier also has wine pairings options to go with the dishes.
6pm-12am. Il Fumo, 1098/2 Rama IV Road. Email choti@ilfumo.co, 02-286-8833. B2,500++ for seven-course menu, additional B1,700 for wine pairing; B2,800 for nine-course menu, additional B2,000 for wine pairing.
TRAVEL
+ The 3rd Museflower Life Festival, Museflower Retreat & Spa Chiang Rai, Oct 6-9
Looking for a transformative experience regarding holistic wellness? The annual event at Museflower Retreat returns for the third time, celebrating all things healing and green. They will host workshops, fitness classes, health counselling sessions, therapies, vegetarian buffet and many more. Be open to participate in alternative practices such as singing bowl meditation, mandala colouring and trauma releasing exercises.
The event will be open to the public on Sat 7 with an entry fee of B800 which grants you all access from 10am-5pm to workshops, talks, lunch buffet, classes and swimming in Thailand’s first Himalayan crystal salt pool. A very good deal, if you ask us. Pay B400 to join one 60-minute class or B600 for a 90-minute class. A retreat programme is available exclusively for guests who are staying during the holistic healing fest.
10am-5pm. Museflower Retreat & Spa Chiang Rai, 159/1 Moo 1 Ban Samanmit, Donsila, Wiang Chai. www.museflowerlifefestival.com, 052-029-823, 093-137-0414. B11,450 or B14,450 per person for festival package depending on room type.
+ Super Deal, X2 Yachting, Until Oct 31
A yacht cruise to the islands near Jomtien coastline with X2 is on offer at special rates. There are various packages starting from a two-hour to eight-hour charter and even three-hour sunset cruise with flee-flow adult grape juice. To live really large, stay overnight in a yacht with your squad of six people. Start from B27,000 for a maximum of 20 passengers on a two-hour charter along with soft drinks, tea, coffee, snacks, snorkelling equipment, fishing gear and kayaks. BBQ costs extra. Use SUX2YT17 promo code to book.
http://x2yachtcharter.com/super-deal.
+ Thai Resident Package, Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort, Until Dec 19
Being a resident or an expat of Thailand entitles you to this exclusive deal (sorry, non-residents). Stay for three days and two nights in a Deluxe Garden Bungalow, which is steps away from the Andaman Sea, and enjoy perks such as complimentary lunch for two at Api Restaurant & Bar. No need to worry about transfer between land and the Phi Phi islands as it is provided by the resort as part of the package. Stay active during your getaway with a range of activities on offer, including diving by the resort’s own PADI-certified Phi Phi Island Dive Village.
Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort, 49 Moo 8, Aonang, Muang, Krabi. www.phiphiislandvillage.com/phi-phi-package.php, 075-628-900. B19,400 for 2N stay.
+ Ur Spa Package, U Pattaya, Until Mar 31, 2018
U Pattaya will throw in a complimentary massage for two and 25% off room rates on top of daily breakfast so long as you stay for at least two nights. This offer applies to Superior, Pool Villa and romantic Beachfront Pool Villa. As with any U properties, guests can expect special touches to make their stay memorable, including 24-hour use of the room, breakfast whenever/wherever and a personal selection of amenities.
U Pattaya, 70/14 Moo 8, Soi Na-Chomtien 56/3, Sattahip, Chon Buri. www.upattaya.com, 033-046-100.
From B4,324 per night.
MOVIES
+ LOGAN LUCKY (directed by Steven Soderbergh)
Who’s in it?
Channing Tatum, Adam Driver, Riley Keough, Daniel Craig, Katie Holmes.
What’s it about?
Two brothers (Driver and Tatum) decide to pull off a heist and with the help of their sister (Keough) and a felon (Craig) they plan to break out of jail and return once the heist is completed. There’s one catch: they’re robbing the Charlotte Motor Speedway on the day of a big NASCAR race.
Why watch it?
Kylo Ren, Magic Mike and James Bond pulling off a heist. That sounds like the beginning of a joke.
+ THE FOREIGNER (directed by Martin Campbell)
Who’s in it?
Jackie Chan, Pierce Brosnan.
What’s it about?
After his daughter is killed in a terrorist attack, a man (Chan) goes after a government official (Brosnan) who he believes knows the identities of those behind the attack.
Why watch it?
The Drunken Master going up against James Bond. ‘Nuff said.
+ BUSHWICK (directed by Cary Murnion and Jonathan Milott)
Who’s in it?
Dave Bautista, Brittany Snow.
What’s it about?
The whole nation is put under martial law and the Brooklyn neighbourhood of Bushwick turns into a war-zone. An army veteran (Bautista) and a young woman (Snow) stick together to try and survive the chaos.
Why watch it?
Similar to films like Red Dawn and games like Homefront, it’s a movie that gives a glimpse of what would happen if the cities and homes we live in were suddenly invaded.
NETFLIX
STAR TREK: DISCOVERY (SEASON 1)
Space. The final frontier. Set ten years before Star Trek: The Original Series, this new addition to the Star Trek canon follows the crew of the USS Discovery as they deal with a cold war between the Klingons and the United Federation of Planets.
STRANGER THINGS (SEASON 1)
Before the second season drops next month, revisit the Upside Down with the boys and Eleven; cheer as Jonathan and Nancy gear up and go after the Demigorgon; be conflicted whether you like Steve or not; and for goodness sake, can we have justice for Barb!?
DESIGNATED SURVIVOR (SEASON 2)
Thomas Kirkman was thrust into the presidency when an attack at the Capitol Building during the State of the Union killed his predecessor and everyone in the line of succession. Now, a year after he took office, President Kirkman is still trying to figure out who was at the bottom of the attack, all the while trying to bring back stability and normality to the government and the country itself.
