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
+ Get to Work(shops)!
Workshop Hopping / The COMMONS / Mar 17-18
Workshopaholics can get productively busy this weekend at The COMMONS. The community mall has teamed up with instructors, studios, practitioners and individuals who are passionate about their crafts and can't wait to share them. A total of 30 plus workshops will be available ranging from arts & crafts, food & drinks to personal development. You'll never be too young or too old to learn. Go to the shortened link ASAP for the full schedule of workshops. Some require advance booking so get to it!
The COMMONS, Thong Lor 17 / http://goo.gl/V9CH46.
+ Games of Politics
Games and Politics / Goethe-Institut Thailand / Mar 17 - Apr 12
This interactive exhibition, organised by Goethe-Institut, Center for Art and Media Karlsruhe and Communication Design Program of Chulalongkorn University, puts together 18 video games from around the world under one roof. Play and reflect on many social issues presented within these games from migration, refugees, and consequences of wars. The opening takes place today at 6.30pm. Free admission.
Tue-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat-Sun 10am-4pm, closes on Monday / Goethe-Institut Thailand, 18/1 Soi Goethe, Sathorn 1 / http://goo.gl/kjEzVa, 02-108-8231-32.
+ Vintage Vibe
Classy Classic / ChangChui / Mar 16-18, Mar 23-25
Take a nostalgic trip at this vintage market where classic cars, motorbikes, fashion, music, food and drink from the 60s to 80s will come back to life. Shop for motorcycle accessories and other items from bygone eras to the background live music of rock 'n' roll, soul, funk, jazz and more.
Fri 4-11pm, Sat-Sun 11am-11pm / ChangChui, Tai Mung Building, Sirindhorn Road, Bang Plad / www.changchuibangkok.com, 081-817-2888 / Free.
+ Freedom to Eat
PUEY Talk#5 Food Democracy / BACC / Mar 17
While we're waiting for democracy some time early next year, you can always console yourself with the freedom to eat. This talk will explore how we choose to what we eat and how we can eat sustainably, diversely and safely. Eight speakers will make a nice salad of thoughts. Free admission but must register online.
Noon-4.30pm / BACC, Rama I / http://goo.gl/forms/fLezQceSndoQXzZi2.
+ Walking and Shooting
Bangkok Photo Walk / Chinatown / Mar 18
Have a field day capturing the beauty of Yaowarat along with fellow photogs by joining this trip organised by Lots Magazine, Siam Street Nerds and Street Photo Thailand. Meet at MRT Hua Lamphong, Exit 1 and walk towards Chinatown. Shoot away until lunch time and eat at a local spot.
9am-5pm / MRT Hua Lamphong / http://fb.com/lotsmagazine.
Parties
+ Trance laser show
Transmission: the spirit of the warrior / BITEC B-Square / Mar 17
Trance family rejoice! Get ready for an epic audio-visual experience with the best trance music laser show in the world! Having made its Asia debut last year, Transmission is set to return tomorrow at the Bitec exhibition hall with a huge lineup of some of the biggest names in trance music. This year's line-up includes Aly & Fila, Ben Nicky, Ferry Corsten, John O'Callaghan, Bryan Kearney, Jordan Suckley, Markus Schulz, and The Thrillseekers.
5pm-2am / Bitec B-Square, 88 Bang Na-Trad Road / http://goo.gl/Mcnz8B / Tier 1 tickets at B2,800, VIP early bird at B4,500.
+ Push play
Zeed: Asia club tour 2018 / Onyx / Apr 5
EDM superstar Zedd will be heading to Bangkok next month as part of his Asia Club Tour through Southeast Asia. The Russian-German DJ/producer will see him play in arena shows across countries such as China, Philippines, Hong Kong and Singapore. Early bird tickets have sold out, but an additional 100 pre-sale tickets will be sold at the venue starting today so act fast. General sale tickets will also be available on the night of the event.
10pm-1am / Onyx, RCA, Rama IX / http://goo.gl/3AQLKX.
+ Back in white
Heineken presents sensation Thailand 2018 / BITEC / Jul 29
After a four-year hiatus, Sensation returns to Thailand later this year! The famed electronic dance event will see fans dress their best in white and be submerged in ultimate euphoria with the elaborate stage design. Originating in the Netherlands, the first Sensation Thailand took place back in 2012 at Impact Arena with the theme "Ocean Of White", followed by a second "Wicked Wonderland" theme at Bitec in 2014. Early bird tickets are now available for purchase.
6pm-2am / Bitec Bangna / http://goo.gl/Ze4BLq / GA early bird tickets at B2,900, deluxe at B4,700.
+ Explore the land of dance music
U Mystic Machucan / Acmen Ekamai complex / Mar 24
U Beer invites festivalgoers looking for adventure to U Mystic "MachUcan", a music festival with a theme inspired by the Inca city of Machu Picchu in Peru. The event will be split into three zones, the Unique, Unexpect and MysterioUs zones, where music lovers can explore an LED forest and be part of the Inca tribe and enjoy some Incan-inspired shows. The event's line-up consists of EDM, trap and hip-hop/rap artists that will get your adrenalin pumping, including Australian DJ Phase One, rap duo Bangbangbang, TWOPEE Southside, DJ Cleo P, Younghom and many more. Head to the event's website for more details and to register for tickets.
5pm-midnight / ACMEN Ekamai Complex, Ekamai 13-15 / http://goo.gl/m8oqXg, http://fb.com/Mystic.MachUcan.
+ Ready to party
Urban pool party 3rd year anniversary / Pathumwan princess hotel / Mar 25
Marking a complete three years of urban pool parties, the 3rd Year Anniversary of the Urban Pool Party will commence next Sunday at the Pathumwan Princess Hotel. The celebration will be featuring Daboyway and Bangkok Invaders as well as Canadian DJ Ehh Kay, who is a part of a huge line up of emcees and DJs for the event.
2pm-9pm / Pathumwan Princess Hotel, 444 Phayathai Road / http://goo.gl/yHAorG / Early bird tickets at B400.
Shows
+ Music is life
Melody of life 11 / CentralWorld / Mar 24-25
Record label Spicy Disc is back with their annual Melody of Life Music Festival with a Future Factory concept. With a concert that spans across two stages with more than eight hours of music, the event will also hold Experience Space where social organisations will be bringing awareness of environmental issues that people can help take action in order to provide a better future. A Cheeze Market will allow fashionable shoppers a marketplace to shop with while listening to music. A music contest will also be held where bands and artists showcase their skills to see if they could be the next new talent.
From noon / CentralWorld, 999/1 Rama I / http://fb.com/MelodyOfLife.Festival / Free entry.
+ Hearts will strain
Jake Bugg live in Bangkok 2018 / Scala theatre / May 1
English singer-songwriter Jake Bugg will be making his debut in Thailand in May, performing an intimate show at Scala Theatre. The Nottingham musician first rose to prominence at the age of 17 when he was chosen to perform at the 2011 Glastonbury Festival, which landed him a record deal with Mercury Records. He recently released his fourth album, Hearts That Strain last year in August. Tickets for the concert will go on sale tomorrow.
Scala Theatre, Siam Square, Rama I / Thaiticketmajor.com / B2,600.
+ A sign of the times
Harry styles: Live on tour / Impact Arena / May 7
For those wanting to see former One Directioner turned solo artist Harry Styles' Bangkok debut this May, tickets are now available for purchase. The performance is part of his Live On Tour, in support of his self-titled debut album released last year. After popular pop group One Direction went on a hiatus, Harry Styles embarked on a solo career, becoming the second member of the group to do so. His first single Sign Of The Times reached number one in the UK and number four in the US.
From 8.30pm / Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani / http://goo.gl/ctWPxW / Tickets available at B2,040-5,040, VIP packages at B10,540-18,040.
+ Improvisation and creativity
Bangkok improv comedy / The comedy club Bangkok / Mar 16
Treat yourself to some funny as The Comedy Club Bangkok will be hosting another night full of improvisation as made famous by Whose Line Is It Anyway?, theatre sports, and The Second City comedy troupe. The audience will be suggesting hilarious and creative situations to some of the best Bangkok's improv comedians onstage for them to act. Drink specials are also included at the event, including beers that cost B85.
From 8.30pm / The Comedy Club Bangkok, above the Royal Oak Pub, Sukhumvit 33/1 / http://goo.gl/6mPQUW / B400 for advance tickets, B500 at the door.
+ The world of lost childhood
ICS presents Lord of the flies / International Community School / Apr 5-6
The International Community School will be showcasing the school's production of William Golding's classic novel Lord Of The Flies, adapted for the stage by Nigel Williams. The aim of the production is to help empower young people, with the show comprising of a cast of 26 people, between the ages of 10-18. The set, designed by Gersom de Koning and Micah Babia Lee, has been primarily built by Technical Theatre students, between the ages of 14-18, and hopes to immerse the audience into the soundscapes of the island jungle.
From 7pm / International Community School of Bangkok, 1225 The Parkland Road / Student tickets at B250, B300, B350, adult tickets at B300, B350, B400.
Art
+ Sculpted Self
KMA Sculpture / ChangChui / Until Mar 31
It took Kma Sirisamphan five years to complete the sculptures on display at his new exhibition. A graduate of Silpakorn University's Faculty of Painting Sculpture and Graphic Arts, Kma has shown his thesis works at the 37th National Exhibition of Art. The artist uses his experience and struggles as an inspiration while trying to connect with audiences in hope to uplift their spirits through simple-looking forms.
4-10pm, closed Wed / ChangChui, behind Ar-nek Pa-song Building, Sirindhorn Road, Bang Plad / www.changchuibangkok.com, 081-817-2888 / Free.
+ Up Close and Personal
Jaruwat: Mostly People / The Gallery 36 / Until Apr 30
Jaruwat Normrubporn aka LoveSyrup is having his first solo exhibition on the 36th floor of Pullman Bangkok Hotel G. His oil-on-canvas paintings captures stories, moments, memories and people from his life in vibrant hues. Free admission.
Pullman Bangkok Hotel G, 188 Silom Road, Bangrak / http://fb.com/pullmanbangkokhotelG,
02-352-4000.
+ Get High, Kinda
Eden, Part 1: Photography and Sculpture / Serindia Gallery / Until May 27
Piyatat Hemmatat artistically explores plant-based narcotics through the combination of microscopic photography and bronze sculpture. He highlights the beauty of plants that can affect and alter our minds to bring about a new way of looking into substance use and abuse and question where these cursed plants stand in our society. The second part of this exhibition will take place at Galerie OaSis in Sukhumvit 43 on Mar 24. It took him three years to complete this project.
11am-7pm, closes on Mon / Serindia Gallery, O.P. Garden, Charoen Krung 36 / http://fb.com/serindiagallery, 02-238-6410.
+ It's a White-Collar World
"Chao Charm Yen Charm": An exhibition by KHAE / 10ml. Cafe Gallery / Mar 17-Apr 4
This exhibition by KHAE (Pimkhae Kaewpusri), a Thai doodler, will poke fun at nine-to-five office life through a series of cute cartoons. They may make you question whether the office environment is mundane or there are little charms in it.
Tue-Sun 10am-8pm / 10ml. Cafe Gallery, Vibhavadi Rangsit 16 / http://fb.com/10mlcafegallery, 089-465-6915.
+ Artist Duo
I-solated Beings / S.A.C. Subhashok The Arts Centre / Mar 17-Apr 22
Subhashok the Arts Centre, in collaboration with the Embassy of Denmark in Bangkok, bring together two noted artists in one exhibition. Thai artist Torlarp Larpjaroensook and Danish artist Andreas Schulenburg will lead a visual discourse on the relationship between individuals and society. It also showcases how seemingly Thai and Danish cultures are different in terms of climate and social norms, yet they share a similar concept when it comes to experiencing joy and comfort in everyday life. What Thais regard as sanook, Danish people may call it "hygge". Both artists offer a little escape by providing a space to feel comforted at the present moment and be free from any thoughts of what may lie ahead. Chiang Mai-based Torlarp presents U.S.O. (Unidentified Standing Object) which is a functional and mobile living space he repurposed from a water tank. He's a multidisciplinary artist and founded Gallery Seescape. His works have been exhibited outside Thailand in Singapore and Japan. For this exhibition, Schulenburg brings his latest felt works that are centred around the night, traversing between its calmness and darkness. The Danish artist is known for experimenting with different materials, including pelts which he uses for his 2D and 3D works. The opening reception will take place tomorrow at 7pm.
Tue-Sat 10am-5.30pm, Sun Noon-6pm / S.A.C. Subhashok The Arts Centre, Sukhumvit 39 / http://fb.com/sacbangkok, 02-662-0299.
+ Because Reasons
An Instant for Surprise (Don't Know the Reason, I Just Like It) / Kathmandu Photo Gallery / Until Apr 28
Fashion is like a contagion through sensory. Fashion reflects what goes on in the world at a particular time. Someone starts a design or look and soon it will get replicated. Jakrin von Bueren's photography will be on display as part of New Visions project. Manit Sriwanichpoom, the project's curator and a conceptual artist who famously did Pink Man photo series, said Jakrin's photos are full of youthful energy and come with a daring edge. His portraits of friends and models show fresh faces free of lines but the eyes hide worry for the future. The subjects try to convey their identities through fashion while Jakrin tries to go deeper and experiments with his films. The young Thai-German photographer is studying fashion photography at London College of Fashion.
11am-6pm, close on Mon and Sun / Kathmandu Photo Gallery, 87 Pan Road / http://fb.com/kathmanduphotogallery, 02-234-6700.
+ Go Deep and Dark
All Things are Nothing / Maison Close BKK / Until Mar 31
Thai "calligraphitti" artist Fckn'Gns Bkk is having his first solo exhibition at the edgy Maison Close BKK. His work is inspired by nihilistic/existentialist references from figures such as Nietzsche and Stirner. Post-apocalyptic urban landscapes meets up with his perfectly crafted calligraphy backed by a sombre ambient/death industrial soundtrack. Some pieces on display gives us H.R. Giger vibe. Some killer designs he collaborated with Adhoc have been worn by iconoclasts like Die Antwoord too.
Wed-Sun 3pm-midnight / Maison Close BKK, 397/399 Charoeng Krung 45 / http://fb.com/maisonclosebkk.
Food
+ Spanish sharing
7 days of sharing, Uno Mas, until Apr 30
Get serenaded with a guitar all the while enjoying the "7 Days of Sharing" special of the day. The Spanish fine dining resto serves up the likes of Secreto iberico (B750++) and Charcoaled presa pork (B750++).
4pm-1am / Uno Mas, Centara Grand at CentralWorld, 54F, 999/99 Rama 1 / Email diningcgcw@chr.co.th, visit unomasbangkok.com, 02-100-6255.
+ Organic a go-go
Asian organic gourmet festival, 137 Pillars suites & residences Bangkok, Mar 22-25
Join in the four-day event with chefs from Hawaii, Argentina and Turkey and learn about the importance of buying locally-sourced products, as well as pairing the right wine to go with at the Asian Organic Gourmet Festival. A gala dinner awaits those lucky enough to have reservations. Cooking classes and a farmer's market will also run during the event. A gala brunch buffet on the last day will top the whole event off. Reservations strongly recommended.
137 Pillars Suites & Residences Bangkok, Sukhumvit 39 / Email benchamaporn@137pillarsbangkok.com, visit 137pillarsbangkok.com, 063-187-6209 / B4,200++ per person for Gala Dinner, B1,900++ per person per day inclusive of two cooking classes, B3,500++ for the Wellness Day, and B2,900++ per person for the Gala Finale Brunch.
+ Burgers Galore
Long burger board, Pullman Bangkok hotel G, ongoing
The name of the promo says it all. 25 Degrees invites -- perhaps even challenges -- you to feast on seven gourmet burgers, which include their Black-bun burger and their Dry-aged beef burger served on a metre-long board with your friends or if you're feeling lucky, by yourself. Priced at B1,400++, there's a free side dish for you if your order from Mon-Fri between 11am-3pm.
25 Degrees Burger, Wine & Liquor Bar, Pullman Bangkok Hotel G, 188 Silom Road / Email H3616@accor.com, visit http://fb.com/25DegreesBangkok, 02-352-4192.
+ Foodies symposium
{Re} food forum, Mar 19-20
The two-day symposium consists of a number of dinners and masterclasses for the dedicated foodie, kicking off with a Thai BBQ dinner at Anantara Riverside Resort today. Visit re-take.asia to buy tickets for the masterclasses and dinners, as well as for details on the chefs and different venues.
Email refoodforum@gmail.com, 019-422-5847.
+ Gin Gin Gin Gin
Gin around the world, Just a drink (maybe), Mar 18
Here's your chance to drink around the world... sort of. Just a Drink (Maybe) will have two gins from each continent of the world for you to try. Make sure you Grab or Uber home.
1pm-4pm / Just a Drink (Maybe), Thong Lor 1 / Visit http://goo.gl/1kNQat / B600 for entry ticket plus welcome gift.
Travel
+ Let There Be Light
i Light Marina Bay 2018 / Marina Bay Waterfront / Until Apr 1
Here's a new reason to visit Singapore soon. Living Spirits, a group of Thai interactive art creators, has been selected as one of international artists from 14 countries to showcase their masterpieces at the i Light Marina Bay 2018. Their light installation is titled Chandelier Of Spirits and will be on display at the Marina Bay Waterfront as part of the sixth edition of the sustainable light art festival. Free admission.
7.30-11pm (until midnight on Fri and Sat) / Marina Bay Waterfront, Singapore.
+ The Early Bird Gets The Discount
Tropical Escape Early Bird Offers / Centara Resorts & Hotels / Until Mar 31
Various properties under the Centara umbrella in Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Oman and the Maldives are offering tempting deals for those who book at least 60 days in advance. Guests will enjoy up to 40% discount and an addition 10% if they sign up for CentaraThe1Card membership, which is free. Book by Mar 31 for stays until Jun 30. Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa in the Maldives boasts 140 beachfront and overwater villas and is designed for couples and honeymooners as children below the age of 12 aren't welcome. Under the "Gold All-Inclusive" package, guests can enjoy up to three dives per villa, per week. Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives features 112 spacious beachfront suites and overwater villas and activities for everyone in the family. Diving is also part of the "Ultimate All-Inclusive" package, allowing families to enjoy up to three dives per person, per week. Both resorts also offer unlimited snorkelling.
http://goo.gl/uGvR2L / from US$500++ per night at Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives, from US$352++ Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives.
+ OZO Rewards Early Birds
Early Birds / OZO properties in Thailand, Hong Kong and Sri Lanka / Until Dec 23
Guests at OZO Chaweng Samui, OZO Wesley Hong Kong, OZO Colombo Sri Lanka and OZO Kandy Sri Lanka enjoy a 10% discount on rooms when they book at least seven days in advance. Have your affordable right-next-to-the-beach vacation at OZO Chaweng Samui or get away from it all at the lush surroundings of OZO Kandy Sri Lanka. OZO Colombo Sri Lanka is a beach getaway but swimming in its rooftop pool overlooking the vast sea below is pretty sublime, too. If you're looking for comfort and convenience during your next Hong Kong visit, consider OZO Wesley Hong Kong for its easy access to entertainment complexes and attractions. Both OZOs in Sri Lanka offer a 15% discount when bookings are made at least 30 days in advance. Reserve online.
Visit www.ozohotels.com.
+ Luxe Laos
Opening Offer / Amari Vang Vieng / Until Jun 30
Amari Vang Vieng, ONYX Hospitality's latest addition, is in the heart of the city and along the Nam Song River. Vang Vieng was once a stopover town between Vientiane and Laung Prabang but now is a go-to place for nature lovers. The new hotel serves as a great base for the explorers of countryside. Its interior is inspired by three natural elements that surround the hotel -- Nam Song River, limestone mountains and lush forests. Enjoy local cuisine at Essence, the hotel's all-day dining restaurant or an afternoon snack at Cascade. Relax with a signature mood-based massage at Breeze Spa. Stay fit with a few laps in an outdoor swimming pool or lifts weights at the Fit Centre. The Kids' Club offers a play area and scheduled activities. Get the opening rate by booking online.
Amari Vang Vieng, Song River Road, Sawang Village, Vang Vieng Riverfront / www.amari.com/vang-vieng / US$60++ in a Superior City View room.
+ Charoen Kewl
Creative District Discovery Room Package / Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers / Until Jul 31
Charoen Krung has been regarded as Bangkok's new cool for some time now and the Royal Orchid Sheraton on Soi 30 makes a good base for your exploration of the creative district. Key venues such as TCDC and Warehouse 30 are within walking distance, while Lhong 1919 is on the other side of the Chao Phraya. When including nearby neighbourhoods such as Bang Rak, Talad Noi and Soi Nana in Yaowarat, you'll have plenty to explore. A stay in the Deluxe Riverview Room comes with buffet breakfast for two, free room upgrade, 4pm late checkout, B1,000 credit redeemable for F&B in the hotel. Book now for stays until Jul 31. Contact the hotel directly and use the "LCDPKG" code.
Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers, 2 Charoen Krung 30 / www.royalorchidsheraton.com, 02-665-3165 / from B6,000 per night.
+ Squad Goal
Fun with Friends / Sheraton Grand Macao Hotel / Until Jun 30
Get away with your friends and enjoy fun and flexible perks, too. Accommodation for two in a Deluxe King or Twin Room at Sheraton Grand Macao Hotel comes with buffet breakfast or lunch for two at Feast, one-way Cotai Water Jet tickets (from Macao to Hong Kong or Hong Kong International Airport) or MOP200 dining and spa credits, two complimentary glasses of selected bevvies at Palms Cafe and Bar and MOP100 dining and spa credit. You'll be right in the centre of shopping and entertainment while staying at the hotel.
Sheraton Grand Macao Hotel, Estrada do Istmo. s/n, Cotai, Macau / www.sheratongrandmacao.com / From HKD1,388++.
+ Double Delights
Two Double Points Campaigns / Chatrium Properties / Until Dec 31
Chatrium Hotels & Residences has launched two double point campaigns. Guests who stay during their birthday month get more points until the end of the year. Those who book and stay between Apr 1 to May 31 will receive double points. Participating properties are Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok, Chatrium Residence Sathon Bangkok, Emporium Suites by Chatrium, Maitria Hotel Sukhumvit 18 by Chatrium, Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon and Chatrium Golf Resort Soi Dao Chanthaburi. Sign up for Chatrium Points Plus membership for free at the link below.
www.chatrium.com/loyaltyprogram-en.html.
Movies
+ A WRINKLE IN TIME
(directed by Ava DuVernay)
Who's in it?
Oprah freaking Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling, Chris Pine.
What's it about?
Based on the novel of the same name, the film follows Meg Murry, who finds out that her missing father (Pine) is actually being held captive on a distant planet. With the help of three astral beings and her younger brother, she sets out to save him.
Why watch it?
Oprah. Freaking. Winfrey.
+ THE HURRICANE HEIST
(directed by Rob Cohen)
Who's in it?
Toby Kebbell, Maggie Grace.
What's it about?
A bunch of bad guys decides to steal a crap-ton of money during a Category 5 hurricane and a bunch of good guys has to stop them. Really, what did you think it was about?
Why (not) watch it?
Judging from the trailer, it looks like a B-movie with a big budget, and with Rob Cohen as the director, expect a lot of action with an "meh" plot.
NETFLIX
+ ANNIHILATION
Biologist and former soldier Lena embarks on a mission to venture into the mysterious Area X to find out what happened to her husband. What she encounters there is not what she expected at all. Starring Natalie Portman and Oscar Isaac, the film is streaming now.
+ LOVE (SEASON 3)
Gus and Mickey are finally in a committed relationship. That doesn't necessarily mean things are smooth sailing from here on out. The final season of this romantic comedy series from Judd Apatow is streaming now.
+ GAD ELMALEH: AMERICAN DREAM
The hilarious Frenchman recounts his experiences from Paris to New York in his second stand-up special on Netflix. Streaming now.
