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
+ Praew Charity 2017, Siam Paragon, Sep 15
This fund-raising shopping event to mark the 39th year of the Thai fashion magazine will take place at Fashion Hall and Fashion Gallery on the first floor of Siam Paragon. Expect great deals on pre-loved brand name items on offer from Thai celebs. All proceeds will go to charities to support underprivileged students, women, animal rescue and more. The event will also see the announcement of Praew Iconic Beauty 2017 award in recognition of iconic beauty products.
From noon. Siam Paragon, Rama I Road.
+ Cake Pops & Financiers Workshop, The COMMONS, Sep 16
Everyone knows good things come to those who bake. So come make adorable cheesecake pops and bite-sized financiers with the whole family at The COMMONS, Thong Lor, on Saturday! British pastry chef Davina Pickering will be showing you how to make the most delicious creations for a perfect weekend treat.
10am-11am. The Commons Kitchen and Bar, The COMMONS, 3/F, Thonglor Soi 17. 02-712-5245. B750 per set.
+ The Modern Oblivion, HUBBA-TO, Sep 17
This Sunday HUBBA-TO will host a screening of three short films and a director's talk sesh. Along The Shore, Under The Dying Sun by Natchanon Vana, is about a dying film director returning to his hometown to spend time with his wife after having lived separate lives for the last 16 years. 11-minute-long Amsterdam, directed by Muangthai Jirawongnirandon, Dith Tanasetvilai and Natchanon Vana, centres on a female pharmacist who returns home after living abroad and she falls in love with a man who shares a similar past. Upside Down by Natchanon Vana and Suwanchart Suwanjaroen depicts the rise and fall of a couple's relationship and every ugly detail during the period of one year that they are together. The director's talk with Natchanon Vana and Kanapol Wong will take place afterwards. Get free tickets via Event Pop. No walk-ins.
3-7pm. HUBBA-TO, Habito Mall, 3/F, Sukhumvit Soi 77, Soi On Nut 1/1. http://goo.gl/fnLZN6.
+ Hand-Painted Jeans Workshop, Tentacles N22, Sep 17
Breathe new life into your old pairs of jeans at this creative workshop to be led by Water, owner and designer of clothing brand Wwwwaaaatttteeeerrrr (http://fb.com/Wwwwaaaatttteeeerrrr). He will advise you on how to choose colour, basic painting techniques and maintenance of the end product. Bring your own pair of jeans or a jean jacket.
1-5pm, Tentacles N22, Narathiwat Ratchanakharin Soi 22.
Message m.me/tentaclesn22 to apply, http://goo.gl/vgr4sP for more info.
B2,300 fee includes equipments to practice at home and a canvas bag.
Hand-Painted Jeans Workshop
+ How to Freelance: Shoot like a Pro, HUBBA-TO, Sep 20
White Gallery (http://fb.com/WhiteGalleryTH) or Teerawat Somjai, a noted photographer known for his portraits of cute young girls, will reveal his process as well as some tips and tricks during this casual meetup. After the talk, there will be a Q&A and networking with an F&B sesh. Get your tickets via Event Pop.
6.30-8.30 pm. HUBBA-TO, Habito Mall, 3/F, Sukhumvit Soi 77, Soi On Nut 1/1. http://goo.gl/WpC3Da. B300.
+ Mega Ghost Festival: Welcome to Asylum Hospital, Mega Bangna, Sep 21-30
The annual Halloween celebration at Megabangna returns early. This year, you'll get to brave a haunted asylum for a chance to win prizes. Two concerts by Scrubb and Paradox will take place from 9-10pm on Sep 21 and Sep 30 respectively.
10am-10pm. Megabangna, 1/F, 38-39 Bang Na - Trad Road. www.mega-bangna.com, 02-105-1000. B250
+ Fast Forward Summit 2017 by Roger J. Hamilton, The Berkeley Hotel Pratunam, Sep 23-24
People with an entrepreneurial spirit should consider joining this two-day conference where you'll learn about future trends and their impact on your business, upcoming technology to stay ahead of the curve and tools to stay productive throughout the day. All these questions and more will be discussed by Roger James Hamilton, NY Times best-selling author and world renowned futurist and social entrepreneur. He is the founder of Entrepreneurs Institute and the creator of Wealth Dynamics profiling system, which has been used by over 700,000 entrepreneurs. He will also be joined by notable Thai entrepreneurs such as Ruangroj "Krating" Poolpol, Strategic & Education Partner of 500 Startups Global, and Prinyarat "Tun" Samranwong, founder of Commerzy. The session will be conducted in English.
9am-6pm. The Berkeley Hotel Pratunam, 559 Ratchaprarop Road. http://wealthdynamicsthailand.com/ffs2017/, 065-640-3992, 097-113-1976.
B3,900-9,900.
PARTIES
+ SIWILAI Tour presents KLINGANDE, Siwilai City Club, Sep 16
SIWILAI Tour, a collab between conceptual lifestyle brand SIWILAI and Johnnie Walker to deliver a unique music experience, returns at SIWILAI City Club. Its inaugural act will be musician and producer Cedric Steinmyller, better known as KLINGANDE, who has become a force within the tropical house genre. Jubel, his best known single to date, has amassed over 150 million YouTube views. Moreover, two more singles, Losing U and Somewhere Newreleased in 2016 have garnered 23 million streams on Spotify. So far this year alone, the French DJ has earned festival veteran status, having performed at Tomorrowland, Ultra Korea, Parookaville and Mysteryland. DJ YP will open for him. The music will be complemented by special installation and exclusive drinks by Johnnie Walker. Get your tickets from TicketMelon.
From 8pm. SIWILAI City Club, Central Embassy, 5/F, Phloenchit Road. http://goo.gl/X27HNx. B990 for advance ticket, B1,200 for at-door ticket.
+ Akimbo, BEAM, Sep 23
This American expat DJ from South Korea will deliver a mix of high-energy sounds from Africa, South America and other corners of the globe and top it all up with a touch of traditional Korean music. Noxro and Foresto will open for him. If you need something to lift up your spirit in the middle of the week, check out Wednesday REBELS night when young artists and DJs will take over with a wide range of music from hip-hop to house to breakbeat and more.
9pm-late. BEAM, 72 Courtyard, between Thong Lor Soi 16 & 18. www.beamclub.com, http://fb.com/beamclubbkk, 02-392-7750. B300.
Akimbo
+ Special Sunday Gay Night Theme Kylie, Maggie Choo's, Sep 17
Your Sunday is about to get sunnier with a gay night at Maggie Choo's. This coming Sunday will be dedicated to the pint-sized Aussie diva Kylie Minogue. Dance all night long to her old and new remixes by DJ Yui and DJ Steve. Thailand's drag diva Pangina Heals and her children will entertain you with shows at 9pm, 10pm, 11pm and midnight. Go to the event's page and click "Going" to enjoy two hours of free-flow drinks from 7-9pm for B500.
7pm-2am. Maggie Choo's, Novotel Bangkok Fenix Silom, 320 Silom Road. http://goo.gl/HqcGTS, 087-015-6600 to reserve a table. B300 includes one drink after 9pm.
+ 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. http://waterzonic.com. B3,500.
Chang Music Connection presents Waterzonic Bangkok
SHOWS
+ FKJ Live in Bangkok, HEAVEN Bangkok, Sep 15
FKJ (French Kiwi Juice), aka Vincent Fenton, returns to Bangkok for his biggest performance here to date. The French electronic producer has been a music fest veteran, having performed at Coachella, EUPHORIA, CRSSD and Lightning in a Bottle. The self-taught multi-instrumentalist began his musical journey during his early teens. He released his first self-titled studio album in March.
9pm-midnight. HEAVEN Bangkok, Zen World, CentralWorld, Rama I Road. http://goo.gl/fmVFta. B1,290.
FKJ Live in Bangkok
+ 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 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. http://goo.gl/k6P8iG. B2,000, B3,000 for standing tickets.
+ Fund raising: Pirate Party, The Overstay, Sep 16
This is a fund-raising party to make the Bangkok Island (http://fb.com/BangkokIsland) project a reality. A sand barge is being transformed into a floating venue for music events and more. The aim is to become an affordable space where starving artists will get paid for their talent without making holes in music lovers' wallets. With your help, the venue will be up and floating on the Chao Phraya River by the end of this year. Become a bounty hunter at Overstay on the night to discover hidden treasures, including free drinks on the future boat, free tickets for the boat's opening night and more. There'll be food, drinks, games, bands and DJs. All proceeds will go towards the island. Music-wise, Stylish Nonsense and The Sangsom Massacre will perform.
From 8pm. The Overstay, Charan Sanit Wong Soi 40. http://goo.gl/1DWtjw. Free entry.
Fund raising: Pirate Party
+ OneRepublic Live in Bangkok, IMPACT Arena, Sep 21
It's abundantly clear that this year will go down as a golden year for big concerts by international names. American rock band OneRepublic will play in Bangkok on Sep 21 at IMPACT Arena. While we're counting down the days to hear IRL their mega hit Counting Stars, which has garnered over 1.8 billion views on YouTube, their new dancehall-inspired single No Vacancy should easily rock the crowd too. Tickets are on sale via ThaiTicketMajor's website and all its counters.
8:30pm. IMPACT Arena, Muang Thong Thani. http://goo.gl/gSbh3Z, 02-262-3838. B2,000, B3,000, B4,000, B5,000.
+ 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, which is now being performed right here in Bangkok. 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.
+ G-Day Music Festival 2017, Thunder Dome, Sep 24
JAMM and Godzillionaire join hands to throw you a feel-good concert with eight acts in Thai pop music. Expect 10 hours of music from Room 39, Chin Chinawut, Ton Tanasit, Two Popetorn, Dan Worawech, Tor Saksit, Wan Tanakrit and Bee Peerapat. Love is' latest band MEAN will perform too.
2pm-midnight. Thunder Dome, Muang Thong Thani. http://fb.com/JAMM2016, http://goo.gl/znr3g2. B800, B1,200, B1,600, B2,000, B2,500.
ART
New York Minute
+ New York Minute, The Decorum Bangkok, Until Oct 15
Thai artist Prates Songtieng, AKA Monsieur Poppi, is a creator who found himself moving to New York in 2010 to follow his love for illustration. In his first solo exhibition, viewers will see how he has combined the worlds of illustration and photography to capture the Manhattan metropolis, its people and fashion, amongst other things, with pieces coming together to bring a collage work of art. Monsieur Poppi revels in the energy and life of Brooklyn, which is bustling with many artists and creators, and by the looks of it, has inspired a true gift within the artist. Can't wait for this one. Opening reception is tomorrow, from 6pm-9pm.
Open daily, 12:30pm-8pm. The Decorum Bangkok, 3 Arisamphan 5. http://goo.gl/7Nt6jf,
086-533-5255.
+ Forever In Our Hearts, Sky Lobby, Opens Sep 27
Four talented Thai artists inspired by the life and reign of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej have come together to present an exhibition of paintings, with works ranging from an impressionism style upon oil and canvas, charcoal and clutch pencil 4B on paper to watercolour. The artists are Mana Kwangsue, Dinhin Rakpong-asoke, Gulached Kaochaimaha and Sahashanat Tagoenggorn. A part of the total revenue received during the exhibition will be donated to Siriraj Hospital to provide medical equipment for the Navamindrapobitr 84th Anniversary Building.
Open daily, 10am-8pm. Sky Lobby, Centara Grand at CentralWorld, Rama I Road. 02-100-1234 ext 6753-4.
+ Time Capsule Exhibition Bangkok, Siam Paragon, Until Sep 25
The world's fashion mogul teams up with Thailand's mall mogul to present an exhibition that will take viewers on a journey through the history of the fashion house, revisiting its landmark innovations in technology and design. Travelling from the house's beginnings in 1854 to the present day, the story is told using rare and celebrated objects selected from the Louis Vuitton archive. In the very least, you'll get to see how the world has changed in the last 160 years and what Louis Vuitton had to do with it.
Open daily, 10am-8pm. Parc Paragon, Siam Paragon, Rama I Road. www.louisvuitton.com, 02-262-0130.
Time Capsule Exhibition Bangkok
+ Of Legends And Lore, Open House, Until Sep 30
Takafumi Asakura, one of Japan's most unique and talented artists, merges traditional ink paining and calligraphy, which results in his swift, action-filled strokes of a single type of black sumo ink and graces the surface of sheer aluminium screen panels and washi papers. The artist's work has been awarded, exhibited and collected in Japan and Europe. This exhibition has been put together by Serindia Gallery ANNEX, in collaboration with Yufuku Gallery of Tokyo.
Open daily, Mon-Thu and Sun, 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat, 10am-midnight. Open House, Central Embassy, Phloenchit Road. www.serindiagallery.com, 02-160-5949.
+ Two Men Look Out Through The Same Bars: One Sees The Mud, And One Sees The Stars # 2, Wtf Gallery And Cafe, Until Sep 24
This exhibition is presented by two artists who continuously question the world around them, noticing things especially in the mundane objects we stopped paying attention to. Sometimes it's hard to see the reality of visible things and the mysterious things that were never been mentioned may perhaps be the truth. At least, this is the premise of artists Latthapon Korkiatarkul and Thanarat Siripidej. Go check it out!
Tue-Sun, 4pm-10pm. WTF Gallery and Cafe, Sukhumvit 51. http://fb.com/ArtCentre.SilpakornUniversity, 02-221-3841.
+ Now 2, The Gallery 36 At Pullman Bangkok Hotel G, Until Oct 22
Award-winning artist Piyaphach Jeeno, also known as Art Jeeno, was born and raised in Chiangmai and works as a full-time independent cartoonist. His NOW 2 exhibition will certainly be a sight for sore eyes, featuring a series of images about the life of a girl called "Now". In her world, Now wants to understand things that appear through her life in the moment before they disappear. The viewer can look into her life through a series of expressive oil on canvas paintings that are filled with emotion.
Daily, 10am-5pm. The Gallery 36 at Pullman Bangkok Hotel G, Silom Road. http://fb.com/Artjeeno, 02-352-4000 ext 1419.
FOOD
+ Free Delivery On Foodpanda, Jamie's Italian, Until Sep 30
If you're too stressed to deal with the crowds and traffic of Siam, you're in luck. Renowned British chef Jamie Oliver's one and only resto over at Siam Discovery is available for order on foodpanda, and for the rest of the month, orders above B650 will have no delivery fee.
Order from Jamie's Kitchen on the foodpanda app or viist http://foodpanda.co.th.
Free Delivery On Foodpanda
+ Bonchon Chick Challenge 2017, Until Sep 30
A whole year of being able to eat BonChon for free! Too good to be true? Not anymore! Upload a creative photo of BonChon Chicken on your FB or IG with the hashtag "#BonChonChickChallenge2017" or submit the photo on their official FB page and you might just win a whole year of free BonChon and B100,000 in cash.
Visit http://fb.com/bonchonthailand or http://bonchonthailand.com.
Bonchon Chick Challenge 2017
+ Jw Marriott Hotel Bangkok 20th Anniversary Celebrations, Jw Marriott Hotel Bangkok, Until Sep 30
In celebration of the hotel's 20th anniversary, JW Marriott's array of restaurants and bars all each offering their own special promotions so that guests and patrons can join in on the celebrations. Head over to the Japanese restaurant Tsu & Nami for the "20 years, 20 items platter", or dine at the New York Steakhouse and take a pick from the seven cocktails especially crafted for the anniversary.
JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok, Sukhumvit Soi 2. Visit http://jwmarriottbangkokhotel.com or http://fb.com/JWMarriottBKK, 02-656-7700.
+ Black & Bael Cold Brew, Roots Coffee, Until Sep 30
Coffee lovers have something new to try with Roots Coffee's special cold brew of the month. The Black & bael cold brew utilises local ingredients such as bael, mangosteen and palm sugar to support local farmers. The ingredients give the drink an unconventional yet enjoyable fruity taste.
Mon-Thurs 8am-8pm, Fri-Sun 9am-9pm. Roots Coffee, The COMMONS, Thong Lor Soi 17. Visit http://fb.com/RootsBKK. B120.
+ New Set Lunch, J'aime By Jean-Michel Lorain, Ongoing
The French restaurant created by three Michelin-starred chef Jean-Michel Lorain is introducing a new lunch set for patrons. Enjoy a five-course meal that will please your palate or you could opt for the quick business three-course lunch.
12pm-2:30pm except on Tues. J'aime by Jean-Michel Lorain, U Sathorn Bangkok, 105/1 Soi Ngam Duphi. Email reserve@jaime-bangkok.com, 02-119-4899. B1,100 for five-course lunch, B990 for three-course lunch.
TRAVEL
+ AirAsia Upgrades
The world's leading low-cost airline has introduced Freedom Flyer, an overhauled loyalty programme, so travellers can earn points faster and with more flexibility. The more you fly, the faster you'll earn BIG Points, regardless of how much you spent on fares. Start with Red status for anyone who flies 13 or less one-way flights within 12 months. Then you can move on to Gold, Platinum and eventually Black after flying more than 50 times with AirAsia. For every RM10 (other currencies are based on exchange rates) spent, Red members earn 20 BIG Points. The higher your status means the more points you earn for the same amount spent. The points can be redeemed for a flight for a minimum of 500 points. All members have early access to AirAsia's popular Free Seats campaign while more perks will be rolled out soon.
Fly with the low-cost airline in style with its latest service AirAsia Red Carpet. Pay extra on top of your fares to enjoy the exclusive check-in counter, up-to-two-and-half-hour pre-flight F&B in a lounge as well as priority boarding and baggage claim. Simply add this service via Manage My Booking feature after you book a flight via AirAsia's website or buy it over AirAsia's ticket counter for an additional price of B800 for domestic flights and B1,000 for international and Fly Thru flights. The service is available for all AirAsia and AirAsia X passengers who fly from Don Mueang. Domestic passengers will have access to The Coral Executive Lounge while international passengers will have access to King Power Lounge and receive B400 cash voucher to shop at King Power until Dec 31. This red carpet treatment is also available at Phuket International Airport and Chiang Mai International Airport for international-flight passengers and Udon Thani Airport for domestic-flight passengers.
We're not done with AirAsia yet. Its annual Big Sale offering 5,000,000 million seats for domestic and international flights at special rates is taking place until 11pm of Sep 17, this Sunday. The starting price is zilch baht, baby! Be very quick and go to http://goo.gl/oudiQk to book a flight. These special seats are valid for travel from Mar 1, 2018 - Nov 21, 2018.
Download the new AirAsia BIG Loyalty app onto your iOS or Android devices or check out airasiabig.com for more info on Freedom Flyer. To book a flight, go to www.airasia.com.
+ SACICT plern CRAFT, Ayutthaya, Sep 16-17
This weekend, Support Arts and Crafts International Centre of Thailand, or SACICT, will host the third and last event of this craft fest dedicated to local art and wisdom in Ayutthaya. It'll take place at Wat Chaiwatthanaram where attendees will get to enjoy the magnificent lai rot nam (gold appliqué on black lacquerware), miniature elephants and a toy workshop. One-hour workshops take place three times a day at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.
www.sacict.or.th, http://facebook.com/sacict.
+ All-inclusive Beach Holiday, Centara Chaan Talay Resort & Villas Trat, Until Oct 31
For a getaway to truly chillax, consider this offer from Centara Chaan Talay Resort & Villas that comes with many perks so you can absolutely do zilch. The 2N stay in either a Tropical Suite or Tropical Family Suite includes two three-course set lunches for two, two three-course set dinners for two, daily brekkies for two adults and two kids, a roundtrip airport transfer, motorised water sports and more. Dogs weighing under 20kg can stay with their owners in suites or villas.
Centara Chaan Talay Resort & Villas Trat, 4/2 Moo 9, Laem Klud, Muang. 02-101-1234, http://goo.gl/guG9JZ. From 5,300 per night.
MOVIES
BABY DRIVER (directed by Edgar Wright)
Who's in it?
Ansel Elgort, Lily James, Kevin Spacey, Jamie Foxx, Jon Hamm.
What's it about?
Getaway driver Baby (Elgort) is the best in the business but is only in a life of crime because of a debt he has to pay. After finally being told he's off the hook and trying to live a normal life with newfound romance, he's suddenly thrown back into his old profession to pull off a heist that seems to be impossible.
BABY DRIVER
Why watch it?
People have been raving about this film for so long, it's a shame it's only arriving in Bangkok theatres now. Also, Edgar Wright is a superb director.
AMERICAN ASSASSIN (directed by Michael Cuesta)
Who's in it?
Dylan O'Brien, Michael Keaton.
What's it about?
Driven by fury and revenge, Mitch Rapp (O'Brien) is taken in as a CIA black ops recruit. Under the tutelage of Cold War veteran Stan Hurley (Keaton), the two embark on a mission to stop someone only known as "Ghost" who is bent on starting a world war and who seems to have a past with Hurley.
Why watch it?
To see if the kid from Teen Wolf could pull off becoming the next Jason Bourne.
TULIP FEVER (directed by Justin Chadwick)
Who's in it?
Alicia Vikander, Dane DeHaan, Christoph Waltz, Judi Dench.
What's it about?
A young woman (Vikander) is forced to marry an older, wealthy man (Waltz) to escape poverty. When her husband commissions an artist (DeHaan) to paint a portrait of her, the two start a passionate affair. Risking everything, they enter the booming tulip market to try to get money, escape and start a life together.
Why watch it?
Despite the seemingly harmless and quite amusing title, it seems to be a solid drama with a pretty solid cast.
TV SERIES
THE X FACTOR UK (SEASON 14)
Sundays and Mondays at 9:30am; Primetime Encore on Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays at 8pm
RTL CBS Entertainment on True Visions Ch. 337
Yes, we're here for the vocal prowess of contestants, to root for those who haven't had their big break yet but deserve it, and to be blown away by the sheer talent of these folks. But admit it, we're also here to watch Simon give harsh comments to deserving contestants... most of the time. Join Simon, Nicole, Sharon, and Louis as they judge another season of X Factor.
NETFLIX
NARCOS (SEASON 3)
The third season of Netflix's crime drama picks up right after the death of the infamous drug kingpin Pablo Escobar. But that doesn't mean things are easier now for the DEA since the vacuum left by Escobar has immediately been occupied by the Cali Cartel.
NARCOS
FIRST THEY KILLED MY FATHER
Based on the memoir of the same name written by Loung Ung, the film tells the story of Ung's childhood in a Cambodia ruled by the Khmer Rouge. Directed by Angelina Jolie.
