Thonglor just reclaimed its status of being the city’s “it” neighborhood with the arrival of Model Market, an environmentally-conscious space that promotes sustainability and the eco-friendly lifestyle apart from gathering some of the city’s top food and booze producers and purveyors.
The communal venue is embellished with everything recycled, to the point that it will confuse you (because we were), but not in a bad way. Most of the furniture in the market are from defunct bars or restaurants around Bangkok.
Plastic straws, utensils and non-recyclable items are banned at Model Market, and all food waste go into a compost. The venue also teamed up with local recycling and pro-sustainability organizations that are intending to build an eco-market where people can come and exchange their unwanted stuff.
To bring in mainstream gastro cred, the market has gathered together an impressive list of famed eateries from around Bangkok. We’re talking Neapolitan pizzeria Peppina, sausage-maker Fat Boy Smoke House, and legendary bar and restaurant The Iron Fairies. The drink stalls are also spot on. There's a little something for every preference, such as cold press coffee by Nitro Lab, tiki concoctions by Tropic City, and Thai craft beer from Bootleg Brothers. If all the flashy grub and tipples don't cut it, go all the way in with Korean barbecue at Gangnam Pocha.
Recycling studio The Remaker is also housed here. The shop offers leather bags, jackets, and shoes, all of which are crafted from discarded materials. The studio also has a bicycle-powered juice maker, which you can hop on to make your very own juice.
If you’re one of those who can’t go anywhere without your canine and feline friend, coming to Model Market will appease your worries. The venue has a space for pets to chill, and provides leashes as well.
Live gigs every weekend feature emerging Thai and international artists on rotation, and farmer’s markets, clothes swap events and upcycling workshops are also part of the weekly itinerary.