Our picks for the best things to do in Bangkok this weekend

Doraemon fans, this one’s for you. The 100% Doraemon and Friends Tour arrives in Thailand for the first time, following stops in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Shanghai. The event celebrates Fujiko F. Fujio’s 90th anniversary with life-sized manga figures. Inside, expect two key zones. The first is a manga-inspired space with life-sized figures of Doraemon and his crew – each standing at 123.9 cm, just like in the comics. The second includes a themed cafe and pop-up store with items exclusive to the tour. A giant inflatable Doraemon – the world’s largest – will also debut by the Chao Phraya River, adding a surreal new landmark to Bangkok’s riverside. May 1-June 22. B199-1,790 via here. Attraction Hall, Icon Siam, 10.30am-9pm

‘It’s less of an exhibition, more of a collision,’ says one curator, adjusting a badge that simply reads ‘No Rules’. Across six loosely defined zones – some whispering design, others shouting installation – the fair unravels like a fever dream of what art might be if no one asked it to behave. There are the usual suspects: glossy names, hushed galleries, the lingering smell of fresh varnish. But wander further and things begin to fray. In the Independent Artist Zone, a painter from Chiang Mai is airbrushing over an IKEA table. Nearby, the Newcomer corner hums with ideas not yet smoothed into statements. Workshops spill over with glue guns and improvised philosophy. May 7-11. Free. River City Bangkok, 11am-8pm 

There are weekends when the only sensible response to modern life is seafood – grilled, fresh, occasionally shucked at the table by someone who knows what they’re doing. At Market Aunglo, this response is ritualised every Friday to Sunday, where the drama begins at B75. Yes, 75. For Irish oysters. But don’t mistake affordability for austerity. This is indulgence in its casual form: imported cold cuts, tapas, a garden that feels like it might have a secret, and music that never overwhelms the conversation – unless, of course, you want it to. And your dog can come too. Happy Hour runs from noon. You’ll stay longer than planned. Until May 31. Starting at B75. Bitterman Restaurant, 11am-11pm

To mark its second anniversary, Slowcombo is hostsing a month-long unfolding of food, music and small pleasures. In the aptly named Foodroom, a rotating cast of vendors serves up an ever-shifting landscape of flavour, from experimental desserts to street-style reinventions. Each week brings a new ensemble, making repetition impossible and discovery inevitable. The atmosphere hovers somewhere between low-key gathering and quiet celebration. Live music drifts in – DJs on one night, brass and bass the next – never overpowering, always lingering. It’s less about spectacle, more about shared rhythm. May becomes a stretch of gentle rituals: eating with strangers, listening in passing, finding comfort in the ordinary made thoughtful. May 7-27. Free. Foodroom, Slowcombo, 10am-8pm 

At ChangChui Gallery, the boundaries between chaos and creation blur in an exhibition that invites more than just observation. Line Censor’s latest work, framed under the theme ‘Perfect Storm’, promises a deep dive into the complexities of identity and perspective. Whether examining the turbulence of inner conflict or the eruption of societal shifts, his pieces offer a vivid exploration of what happens when forces – both internal and external – collide. Known for his intricate, often unsettling creativity, Line Censor doesn't just present art, he forces a reckoning with it. The result is a visceral experience that lingers long after you leave, the storm still quietly brewing.  May 10-Jun 15. Free. ChangChui Gallery, closed Mon, Tue-Fri, 2pm-10pm, Sat-Sun 11am-10pm

Ahmed, a Moroccan artist based in Bangkok, presents a solo exhibition that reflects his dual background in photography and music. His work centres on the human form, capturing gestures that blur the line between motion and pause. Each image becomes a quiet study of vulnerability and presence, where expression takes precedence over spectacle. There’s a subtle rhythm to his portraits – a visual tempo that draws from his musical roots, translating into frames that feel both composed and instinctive. The subjects, often caught mid-thought or mid-movement, offer a sense of unguarded honesty rarely seen in posed work. It’s this interplay between intimacy and distance, control and spontaneity, that defines the tone of the exhibition. In Ahmed’s lens, the body doesn’t perform – it reveals. May 1-30. Free. Sound Pop Coffee, 8am-5pm

The exhibition unfolds not with noise but with stillness, asking viewers to unlearn the instinct to categorise. Across a sequence of photographs, identity is presented not as fact but as feeling – shifting, unresolved, defiantly uncoded. What begins as a quiet meditation soon reveals itself as a layered refusal. The binary – once a seemingly stable structure – is dismantled image by image. Here, the influence of digital language is clear: 0 and 1 reimagined, not as limits but as endless combinations. Bodies blur, gazes linger, definitions fall away. Some portraits are bold, others barely there. All resist the neatness of X or Y. Rather than offering answers, the exhibition suggests another way of looking – one that doesn’t require certainty, doesn’t expect sameness and has no interest in choosing sides. May 1-29. Free. Ming Art Space, open Fri-Sun, 10am-7pm

An exhibition by seven artists brings together traditional and modern Thai art in a celebration of the essence of cultural heritage. In Phra Nakhon, an area rich in history, timeless architecture and artistic treasures from the Ayutthayan to the Rattanakosin eras remain a testament to Thailand’s enduring identity. This unique showcase blends classical and contemporary styles, offering a fresh interpretation of the nation’s artistic legacy. Set on Phra Arthit Road, a historic and cultural hub, the event highlights the creativity and spirit of Thai culture. Visitors, both local and international, are invited to explore the connections between past and present while gaining a deeper appreciation of the artistic traditions that continue to shape the country. Apr 1-May 31. Free. 10 10 Art Space, 10am-7pm

This immersive, interactive digital art exhibition themed "Nature and Wildlife" highlights the beauty of ecosystems and biodiversity through advanced techniques like projection mapping, laser art and high-quality media. Spread across nine rooms at King Power Mahanakon, each space presents a distinctive experience reminiscent of a fantastical zoo. Notable features include the Kaleidoscope zone, enveloped in a variety of flowers that serve as food for butterflies; a laser projection room showcasing the majesty of predators; and an interactive underwater world. Youngsters can also enjoy a colouring activity and have their creations appear on the walls. A special surprise awaits with the appearance of Moo Deng, the famous pygmy hippopotamus from Khao Kheow Zoo, who awaits in different rooms to delight you. Until Jul 31. B350 via here and B1,000-1,200 including the Sky Walk via here. Fourth floor, King Power Mahanakon, 10am-9pm

The debut performance of The Little Prince in Thailand blends immersive digital interactive experiences with captivating installation art, inviting audiences to explore this much-loved story. The journey begins with the Story Book Theatre offering an engaging introduction to the narrative. Covering more than 2,000 square metres, the event promises an inspiring and enjoyable experience for all visitors. Also, you can visit "The Store," where you will find an exclusive selection of merchandise inspired by The Little Prince. Each item has been thoughtfully designed and chosen to reflect the charm and essence of the story, providing a unique keepsake for fans to take home. Jan 24 - May 11. B350-1,100 via here. Icon Siam, 10am-8pm