Fitri Aelang

In Thailand, talking about alcohol used to be a bit like whispering in a library. Even showing off a bottle of locally made wine on social media could feel like tiptoeing through a legal minefield. Meanwhile, big brands had long mastered the art of sneaky marketing, leaving smaller producers struggling to have their voices heard. But things are finally shifting. After marathon negotiations, Thailand’s alcohol laws are getting a much-needed makeover, giving the underdogs of the country's wine and spirits scene a chance to shine. At the heart of this movement is Mimi Suvisooth Lohitnavy, who has spent years on behalf of the Thai Wine Association fighting for the right of small producers to tell their story. From family hobby to national darling   Photographer: Granmonte Co., Ltd.   Mimi, the marketing brains behind GranMonte, the family-owned winemaker that snagged 2024’s coveted ‘Best Wine from Asia’ trophy. Two decades after GranMonte began its journey from hobby to hegemony, Thai consumers are no longer shy about local wine. They want it, they trust it, and crucially they understand it. The brand has been riding that wave, positioning itself as 100 percent Thai, 100 percent authentic, from vineyard to glass. For years, small crafters had to stay silent. Posting about a vineyard or even sharing an award felt risky, while big brands danced around loopholes. Mimi wasn’t having it. She joined forces with other producers, campaigned, sat through endless meetings and changed the

Time Out asked me to write a list of my favourite new cafes, and as I started to put it together, I found myself thinking back on how this all began. For the past eight years, my passion has been exploring Bangkok’s coffee scene. It started simply because I’ve always loved coffee. When I had a full-time job, I'd spend my weekends searching for interesting new cafes. Every time I discovered a place with delicious coffee or beautiful decor, I felt a spark of inspiration and didn't want to keep it to myself. Sharing those moments on Instagram became my way of documenting these small, joyful discoveries. It’s been my personal gallery, and I'm still amazed that so many people have followed along on this journey with me. Over the years, people have always asked me, ‘How do you find all these new cafes?’ There's no one answer. Back in the day, I was part of a group of ‘cafe hoppers,’ and we’d share new spots with each other. I'm also lucky to have friends in the design world who sometimes give me a heads-up about a new project they're working on. For everything else, it’s a mix of my own methods: scouring hashtags, checking my social media feeds, and sometimes, I just stumble upon a new place while I’m out exploring. Visiting so many places has taught me a lot. The most important lesson is that passion is an incredible source of energy. I love talking to baristas and owners, and in those conversations, I always see the dedication that drives them. Whether it’s their love for coffee,

Let's be real: the golden temples are great and a whirlwind tuk-tuk ride is a rite of passage. But if that’s all you do, you’re only scratching the surface of what makes Bangkok one of the most exciting cities on the planet. The city’s real magic isn’t on a postcard; it's in the details. It’s the slurp of noodles at a tucked-away stall, the discovery of a cool art gallery down a quiet soi, and the laid-back vibe of a riverside park where locals unwind. These are the places that make you fall in love with the city for real. So, how do you get past the tourist traps and into the good stuff? That’s where the Trip.Best Top 100 comes in. By sifting through over 100 million user reviews, Trip.Best by Trip.com has created the ultimate data-driven, local-approved hit list of standout stays, must-try restaurants and unforgettable nights out. This is your key to unlocking the city’s best-kept secrets, like checking into an impossibly chic urban oasis like Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok (a winner on the 2025 Global 100 Instagrammable Hotels list) or snagging a coveted table at culinary heavyweight Côte by Mauro Colagreco (crowned on the 2025 Global 100 Fine Dining list). Ready to see the Bangkok that locals are proud to call home? We’ve tapped into the Trip.Best list to get you started. Read on.

It starts the same way, every night. Backstage under the soft hum of dressing room lights, Myra Molloy ties a sai sin (a sacred white thread blessed by Thai monks) into her hair. She sips warm steam to soothe her voice, gets in a quick gym session and says a quiet prayer. These aren’t just warm-ups. They’re grounding. They're reminders that no matter how loud the applause or high the stakes, she knows exactly where she comes from. Minutes later, she steps onto a Broadway stage, becoming the first Thai woman in history to lead a major production. The weight of it all is not lost on her. ‘I genuinely can’t believe it,’ she says. ‘Being able to represent my own country in this way has been nothing short of a dream come true.’ But Myra’s story isn’t just about being first. It’s about opening the door wider, so more voices can walk through it. From the Bangkok stage to Broadway’s bright lights Photograph: Berklee online Myra’s path to the spotlight didn’t begin in New York but in a shopping mall in Bangkok. At 13, she captivated the kingdom by winning the very first season of Thailand’s Got Talent. Such a victory could have turned her into a local celebrity, but she chose not to settle.  Photograph: classicalcrossover While others might’ve chased red carpets, Myra headed to Berklee College of Music in Boston. She honed her skills, pushed herself and embraced the grind by touring internationally with Miss Saigon, voice acting as Moana in Thai and taking on every opportunity wit

The dinosaurs are back – and they’ve swapped Isla Nublar for Thailand’s stunning jungles, limestone cliffs, and turquoise seas! Hollywood’s latest blockbuster, Jurassic World Rebirth, has transformed Thailand into a prehistoric paradise. With stars like Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali filming in Trang, Krabi, and Phang Nga from mid-June to July 2024, it’s not just a win for movie fans – it’s boosting tourism, supporting local crews, and powering the economy.  Why Thailand? Beyond the jaw-dropping scenery (think lush jungles and cascading waterfalls), the country offers a 20% rebate for international productions and a world-class team of film pros who know how to make magic happen. Hollywood, meet your tropical set! A Jurassic-themed attraction is coming to Bangkok! Starting mid-July 2025, Jurassic World: The Experience lands at Asiatique The Riverfront. This massive 10,000-square-metre. adventure spans two floors and features life-like animatronic dinosaurs, high-tech visuals, and iconic moments from the franchise brought to life. With 60-90 minute visits and a five-month run, there’s plenty of time to come face-to-face with a raptor (or two). Pre-register now before the dinos take over! Movie not out yet? Theme park still under construction? Don’t worry – we’ve rounded up five spots where you can unleash your inner palaeontologist, right here in Thailand.

This new brunch destination is tucked away in Sukhumvit 49, Haps is serving more than just good coffee, it’s offering a slice of happiness, quite literally. Haps takes its name from ‘Happiness’ and the vibe lives up to it. With a palette of warm tones, wooden accents and a clean, unfussy design, the space feels both stylish and welcoming. A marble coffee bar and curated artistic furnishings add just the right touch of sophistication without taking away from the relaxed, homey mood. Haps was born from the owner’s desire to create a place where pet lovers can truly relax with their four-legged companions. Address: Piman 49. 089-963-8777 Open daily. Mon–Fri 7.00am–5.00pm, Sat–Sun 8.00am–5.00pm.

Whether you're chasing that morning caffeine kick or looking for a cosy late-night hangout, this spot in Ekkamai ticks all the boxes. Created by the stylish minds behind local fashion label RAWIT, this hybrid cafe-wine bar is nestled inside their flagship store so yes, you can sip and shop in style. The ground floor is all about relaxed, clean vibes with a warm, minimalist aesthetic – perfect for leisurely brunches or casual laptop sessions. By day, the cafe brews excellent coffee with a choice of light or dark roast beans, alongside a full brunch menu and a solid line-up of non-coffee options for the caffeine-free crowd. Pair your drink with one of their house-made pastries for the ultimate midday pick-me-up. Come sundown, the space shifts gears into a relaxed wine bar, ideal for winding down over a glass. Don’t forget to head upstairs to browse RAWIT’s latest fashion collections while you’re at it. Address: Park Avenue Ekkamai. 092-624-2352 Open Tue–Sun. Coffee 8am–5pm, Wine 6pm–midnight. Closed Mon.

This cute little home cafe in Thonburi serves up mid-century vibes and photogenic sips. Located away on the quieter side of Kanchanaphisek Road, it’s a hidden gem for coffee lovers and weekend chill-seekers. With warm wooden tones, Bauhaus-inspired furnishings, and floor-to-ceiling glass windows that let in dreamy natural light, the whole place feels like a Pinterest board brought to life. Every corner is camera-ready, turning your coffee break into an impromptu photo op. There’s a good mix of drinks on the menu, alongside some fresh-out-of-the-oven bakery treats. Biscoff crumble is a must-try, while for the non-caffeine crowd, the Rose Lychee Soda absolutely hits the spot. Address: Kanchanaphisek Rd. 089-895-6132 Open Mon–Fri 8am–4pm, Sat–Sun 8am–5pm. Closed Thu.

The third flagship store from Rise Coffee has officially landed, this time at One Bangkok and it's as sleek as it is satisfying. The space feels both polished and cosy, with a warm mahogany and gold palette divided into three functional zones: an espresso bar, a bakery counter and a slow bar for filter purists. The modular layout uses non-footprint laminate and bold orange marble details to craft everything from menu boards to merch shelves, while Alpi Sottass plywood adds a touch of softness to the cafe's modern angles. If you're into pour-overs, don’t miss Rise exotic filter, featuring Geisha beans from Ching Saetao. The Menu of the Month spotlights black Kyoho, and sweet tooths will want to snag a cup of red velvet stick. Address: One Bangkok. 094-187-4000 Open daily. Mon–Fri 7am–9pm, Sat–Sun 8am–9pm.

Hidden in a quiet corner of the city, this serene spot opens its doors early, welcoming morning people, pet lovers and anyone who appreciates a slower, greener way of life. The space is bright, breezy and bathed in natural light, with minimalist decor that leans on wood tones, plants and upcycled elements. Everything here follows a strong eco-conscious ethos with no plastic cups or straws in sight, waste bins for easy sorting placed around the cafe and solar panels powering parts of the space. Besides the good vibes, the menu is just as thoughtful. Expect wholesome brunch plates, fresh bakes, plant-based options and locally sourced coffee served in reusable cups. Four-legged friends are more than welcome, too. Address: My Paws Backyard, Ram Intra 34 Alley. 065-989-9242. Open Mon–Fri 8.30am–6.30pm, Sat–Sun 9am–7pm. Closed Mon.

Nestled within a quiet corner of Ekkamai 21, Cuckoo & Friends might just be your new favourite cafeteria. It feels less like a coffee shop and more like stepping into a friend’s retro-styled living room – complete with warm orange lighting, nostalgic decor and a comforting sense of familiarity. The space is designed to feel like home – one corner is filled with mismatched vintage furniture, analogue knick-knacks and a playlist that leans into mellow moods. It’s a cosy spot to sip on a cup of coffee, tuck into a home-cooked dish or simply linger over slow conversations. Address: Ekkamai 21 Alley. 062-832-8249. Open Fri–Wed 8.30am–5pm. Closed Thu.

Sathorn just got a little cooler with the arrival of Two Hands Coffee, a newly opened cafe located inside BLOQyard. You’ll spot it instantly by its standout blue brick-shaped facade – a bold, eye-catching design that sets the tone for what’s inside. The space leans into clean, minimal aesthetics with thoughtful touches that blend form and function. Coffee lovers will particularly appreciate  Thai–Brazil medium roast and Sirinya Amarone medium-light roast.  Two Hands Coffee is shaping up to be a new Sathorn favourite. Sathornians, assemble – this one’s worth the detour. Address: BLOQyard. 061-596-2466 Open Mon–Sat 7am–6pm. Closed Sun.

Striding into Museum Pier this July, Thainosaur is Thailand’s biggest-ever dinosaur exhibition and it’s staying until November. This isn’t just a lineup of bones. This is a jaw-dropping showcase of real fossils, life-size replicas, and storytelling that brings Thailand’s dinosaur history to life. Who knew Bangkok used to be stomping grounds for prehistoric beasts? 166 Tha Suphan Alley, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon. 

What started as a vision to turn a classic French garden into a botanical valley quickly evolved into something wilder. Nongnooch Pattaya Garden added a playful twist by introducing its first dino residents, starting with a set of triceratops. Fast forward to now, and you’ll find over 230 species of 814 of dinosaurs scattered across the grounds. It’s a dino maze where every turn reveals another prehistoric surprise. Snap a selfie with a stegosaurus, get lost among the raptors, or just take a peaceful stroll away from the city lights and soak up the Jurassic vibes.  34/1 Moo 7 Najomtien, Sattahip, Chonburi. 081-919-2153. Open daily 8am-6pm.

Looking for a roaring good time? Make tracks to this dino theme park, home to more than 100 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, including the Argentinosaurus and T-Rex. But it’s not all posing for pics. Ride dinos, dig for fossils, hatch eggs and even cuddle baby dinos. Bonus: there’s a mini zoo with goats, deer and ducks for the full Jurassic-meets-farm experience. Nong Pla Lai, Bang Lamung, Chonburi. 033-086-565. Open daily 9am-6pm.

Fossils, time travel, and a royal backstory - this museum has it all! Perched on one of Thailand’s richest excavation sites, the Sirindhorn Dinosaur Museum houses over 700 fossilized bones, including the famous phuwiangosaurus sirindhornae. Step into a cool, air-conditioned journey through time as you explore eight themed zones, from the Big Bang to human evolution. Volcanoes, ancient seas, towering skeletons, and epic storytelling – it’s part science, part adventure, and 100 percent worth the trip to Kalasin.200 Moo11, Non Buri, Sahatsakhan, Kalasin. 043-871-014. Open Tue-Sun 9am-5pm. Closed Mon

Bangkok just beat the world to it. Marshall, the legendary British audio brand behind those black-and-gold amps, has chosen our city – not London, not New York for the debut of its very first Marshall Livehouse. The Thai capital is now a ground zero for the brand’s big leap into culture and it says a lot about where Big Mango’s music scene is headed. Sitting pretty in Charoenkrung’s creative district, the four-storey Livehouse is more than a gig space. It’s a music playground, culture lab and maybe the place where Thailand’s next superstar gets their start. Photograph: Marshall The ground floor sets the mood with an intimate stage that puts you just a few feet from the performers. By day, it moonlights as a coffee pit-stop in collaboration with City Boy Coffee Stand but by night, it transforms into a buzzing bar, pouring cocktails and craft beers to fuel the live shows.  Head upstairs and you’ll find a vinyl listening bar spinning everything from golden oldies to fresh finds. A Marshall showroom is basically a wonderland for gearheads.    Photograph: Marshall On the third floor, things get loud. Two rehearsal studios come fully loaded with Marshall amps, drum kits and pro-level gear, giving young Thai musicians the space they’ve been missing for years. Finally, a spot where you can jam, practice or polish your set without needing a record label budget. Photograph: Marshall The top floor is where it all comes together: a flexible event space that hosts gigs, art exhibiti

If you’ve ever dreamed of naming a baby animal and winning a plushie, now’s your moment. Khao Kheow Open Zoo has welcomed three adorable new residents: baby capybaras, joining a family already world’s celebrity pygmy hippo, Moo Deng. With 21 members in total, the capybaras are loved for their chill vibes, photogenic expressions and meme potential. Born on August 9 2025, to dad Siang and mum Pukpik, the triplets are healthy, lively and like most newborns, glued to their mother’s side. Dad, meanwhile, takes a more relaxed approach, letting mum take the lead. But there’s one thing missing: the names. To fix that, the zoo has launched a public vote, inviting everyone to help pick the perfect handles for the three pups. There are 10 themed name sets on the ballot, ranging from pop-culture references to food-inspired fun: Jane – Nun – Bow (Thai girl group members) Cullen – Dan – Jung (Thailand-based Korean YouTubers) Mum – Teng – Nhong (famous Thai comedians) Tic – Tac – Toe (the game) Ranong – Rayong – Yala (Thai tongue twister) King – Kong – Kaew (a traditional Thai play) Cocoa – Mocca – Latte (a coffee order) Kaopun – Sushi – Mochi (rice ball and Japanese snack squad) Namphueng – Namcha – Namkhaeng (honey, tea, ice) Som – Apple – Cherry (orange and other fruits) Thailand has a soft spot for democratic animal naming. Fans may remember that Moo Deng was also named by public vote. Capybaras themselves have already earned global fame online for their calm, friendly demeanour, ofte

Bangkok rain has a way of driving city folks under cover and while the saying goes that every storm brings a rainbow, this season it leaves behind something more. The downpours have turned into blooms of cosmos and as the skies clear, Bangkokians get the perfect excuse to step back out and revel in the city’s floral charms. More than 60,000 golden-yellow cosmos are now in full bloom across four rai of land, transforming Wachirabenchathat Park (Suan Rot Fai) into a glowing sea of sunshine in the urban heart. For just one month, you’ll feel like you’ve tripped into a flower wonderland without ever leaving the Big Mango.  Photographer: Environment BMA Known in Thai as dok dao krajai, these sun-loving blooms are as easy to care for as they are on the eyes. While they often come in a painter’s palette of white, pink, and purple, this year’s showcase is drenched in a singular golden hue. The name ‘cosmos’ comes from the Greek word for order and harmony, but in the language of flowers, it symbolises love, peace, and gentleness – a timely sentiment in a city where quiet green escapes are precious. For locals, it’s a reminder that the capital still has space to breathe, even in the thick of rainy season. For visitors, it’s one of the rare moments you can experience the city in bloom, when a park in the middle of the capital suddenly feels more like a countryside field.  With free entry, this garden invites families, couples and flower-chasing travellers alike to slow down, look clos

กรุงเทพฯ ที่ไม่มีสตรีทฟู้ด ก็เหมือนส้มตำที่ขาดพริก คิดไม่ออกเลยจริงๆ ว่าจะออกมาเป็นยังไง ถ้าอาหารขึ้นชื่อเมืองไทยหายไป ไม่ว่าจะเป็นหมูปิ้งควันคลุ้งจามริมฟุตบาท ไปจนถึงผัดกะเพราตามรถเข็น วัฒนธรรมการกินแบบวุ่นๆ แต่น่าหลงใหลล่าสุด กรุงเทพฯ กำลังจะยกระดับความวุ่นวายนี้ให้เป็นระเบียบมากขึ้น ด้วยการสร้าง Lumphini Hawker Centre หรือ ศูนย์อาหารที่รวบรวมร้านอาหารริมทางหรือแผงลอยไว้ในที่เดียว บนถนนราชดำริ ติดสวนลุมพินี คาดว่าจะเปิดต้นปี 2569 คอนเซ็ปต์คล้ายฮอว์กเกอร์ที่ประเทศสิงคโปร์ แต่ว่าได้ใส่กลิ่นอายแบบไทยๆ ที่รับรองว่ายังคงเผ็ดร้อนจนเหงื่อซึมเหมือนเดิม ศูนย์นี้จะประกอบด้วย 176 ร้านอาหารแบ่งออกเป็น 2 เวลาได้แก่ รอบเช้าตี 5 ถึง 16.00 น.  ซึ่งเหมาะกับสายวิ่งสวนลุมฯ และรอบเย็นบ่าย 4 ถึงเที่ยงคืนที่เหมาะกับทุกๆ ไลฟ์สไตล์  ทุกแผงได้พื้นที่ขนาดมาตรฐาน 2x2 เมตร พร้อมคุมราคาให้สบายกระเป๋าเหมือนเดิม แถมบรรดาพ่อค้าแม่ค้าที่เคยถูกเคลียร์พื้นที่จากฟุตบาทแถวนี้ จะได้สิทธิ์เลือกทำเลก่อนใคร นั่นหมายความว่า ร้านโปรดของคุณอาจกลับมาในบ้านหลังใหม่ที่มีหลังคาคุ้มแดดฝนแล้ว Photographer: Bangkok Metropolitan Administration สำหรับคนกรุง นี่อาจหมายถึงการได้นั่งกินข้าวต้มร้อนๆ ก่อนเข้าออฟฟิศ หรือผัดไทยตอนเที่ยงคืนหลังเลิกงาน โดยไม่ต้องเสี่ยงหลบมอเตอร์ไซค์กลางถนน ส่วนฝั่งแม่ค้า พ่อค้า ก็ได้ที่ยืนถาวรไม่ต้องลุ้นทุกวันว่าจะถูกไล่หรือไม่ แต่คำถามคือการย้ายเข้าไปในฮอว์กเกอร์ฮอลล์แบบนี้ จะทำให้เสน่ห์ของสตรีทฟู้ดกรุงเทพฯ หายไปหรือเปล่า? เพราะจริงๆ แล้วมันไม่ใช่แค่เรื่องของอาหาร แต่เป็นเรื่องบรรยากาศที่เต็มไปด้วยควันโขมง เสียงเจ๊ขายส้มตำเจื้อยแจ้ว และความตื่นเต้นจากการเจอร้าน ‘เจ้าประจำ’ ที่ทำรสถูกปากแบบเป๊ะๆ Ph

Bangkok without street food is like som tam without the chilli, unthinkable. From sizzling moo ping skewers on sidewalks to pad kra pao dished out of a wok balanced on a motorbike cart, the city’s chaotic, charming and slightly smokey food culture is one of the reasons we’re ranked among the world’s best food cities.   Now, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is taking a big step in organising this beloved chaos. A brand-new Hawker Centre is under construction on Ratchadamri Road, right beside Lumphini Park, and is expected to open in early 2026. The concept is similar to Singapore’s hawker culture but with local twist, and hopefully spice levels that’ll still make you sweat. The Lumphini Hawker Centre promises to bring some level of order to our messy food heaven. The space will host 176 vendors split into two shifts: a morning crew from 5am to 4pm (perfect for joggers finishing a few laps around the park) and a night crew from 4pm to midnight (perfect for everyone else). Each stall will have a standardised two-metre-square space, with prices kept at affordable levels. Vendors displaced during footpath clean-ups in the area will get first dibs, meaning familiar favourites may be back with a new roof over their heads.   Photographer: Bangkok Metropolitan Administration For locals, this could mean digging into rice boiled at sunrise before work or tucking into midnight pad Thai after your overtime shift without dodging cars and motorbikes. On the other hand, vendor

If you’ve been in Thailand lately, you already know: TikTok isn’t just a thing here – it’s the thing. More than eight out of 10 Thais online scroll the app every month, ranking us first in Asia and second in the world according to We Are Social. That’s double the global average.  But here’s the tea: the application is basically Thailand’s biggest stage. It’s not just about lip-syncs, dance trends or that one guy reviewing weird snacks anymore. This platform is a virtual community that spins itself as a variety show, a shopping mall and a global runway. Thai humour, street food hacks and slang can go from niche to internationally viral overnight.   Why this matters (more than you think) In a world where mass media is fading, things that used to be hard to promote like small cafes, don’t need billboards anymore. One well-timed TikTok from a micro-influencer can create a queue down the street. K-pop may have paved the way for cultural soft power but Thai creators are right behind, serving up their own distinct flavor to the world. Thailand’s 13-million-strong Gen Z (ages 12–28) is a hyper-online bunch with a sixth sense for spotting cringe and devotion to authenticity. For them, TikTok isn’t just a social app; it’s the Swiss Army knife of the internet. It’s where you TikTok it instead of Googling, where a single scroll can spark an add-to-cart spree and where travel dreams are born.  This is where it gets wild. Thai teens are becoming content creators, influencers and even chart

Gone are the days of rattling along in a fan-cooled carriage with sagging curtains and a chatty uncle who won’t stop telling his life story until 3am. Thailand’s classic Bangkok–Chiang Mai sleeper train is getting some high-class competition in the form of a navy-gold beauty called The Blue Jasmine. It’s essentially a boutique hotel that just happens to roll through some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes.  Poised to make its inaugural nine-day journey from November 16-24, the locomotive trades cramped bunks, dim corridors and platform snacks for private cabins, full dining cars and lounges with wraparound windows.   Photograph: DTH Travel Photograph: DTH Travel This nine-day, slow-travel odyssey links three UNESCO World Heritage cities: Ayutthaya, Uthai Thani and Sukhothai with plenty of detours such as riverside almsgiving, mountain-top picnics, pottery-making and silk weaving sessions.  On board, you can sip craft cocktails as the countryside drifts past. Off the train, you’ll bed down in boutique heritage hotels and wander through markets at a pace that lets you actually remember their names.   Photograph: DTH Travel   Photograph: DTH Travel Besides the plush seats and postcard stops, this project is a ‘New Thailand’ tourism strategy – a move towards high-value, low-impact travel. It’s about drawing in visitors who don’t just tick off temples, but stay longer, spend more locally and leave a lighter footprint. In an age where overtourism is a growing conc

As more local businesses embrace the possibilities of the digital world, Bangkok has seen a steady rise in marketing agencies helping brands get noticed online. Whether you're a small startup or a global brand setting up shop in Thailand, there's no shortage of companies offering everything from SEO and Google Ads to content creation, email marketing and website design. Bilingual teams are also common, making it easier to speak to both Thai and international audiences. Among the many players in the field, IBEX in Bangkok, has been catching attention for its thoughtful, results-oriented approach. Rather than pushing pre-made packages, they focus on understanding each brand's identity and goals before crafting a plan. It’s an approach that has helped them earn a loyal client base. Their services cover the usual digital toolkit, such as SEO, paid media, web development, email campaigns and social content. What makes IBEX stand out is their collaborative style. They position themselves as partners more than providers, working closely with clients to track results and adjust strategies along the way. From boutiques to big brands, they’ve worked across industries and stages of growth. If you’re in the market for a digital agency in the capital, it’s worth looking at those that go beyond buzzwords and take the time to truly understand your business.  Address: 145 Unit RQ.3 508, Sukhumvit Soi 49/11, Wattana. 027-802-897

Thailand seems to always wake up ready to snatch a crown and this time it’s a big one. The country now ranks first in the world for gender equality in education. According to the 2025 Global Gender Gap Report by the World Economic Forum (in collab with Chulalongkorn University), Thai girls are absolutely crushing it, earning a perfect score of 1.000.  In the classroom, girlies are conquering but outside the situation is, well, still loading… Despite this educational glow-up, Thailand ranks only 66th overall in gender equality and 105th in political empowerment. So here comes the million-baht question: If Thai girls are thriving in school, why aren’t they running the world (yet)? These women have been showing up and showing out for years. They lead school councils, dominate university halls, win national contests and break academic records. And yes, Thailand has seen two female prime ministers or even a first Miss World from the nation but beyond those wins, boardrooms, parliament seats and corner offices are still mostly a boys' club. This mismatch hints at something deeper. Education might look equal on paper, but power, opportunity and visibility are still a mixed bag. Even within the country, not all girls get the same shot. Those from rural areas or lower-income backgrounds often face different realities, from being pulled out of school to help with the family shop to being nudged into early marriage. So no, not everyone’s Thailand looks the same. And representation matte

If you’ve ever hitched a ride on a motorbike taxi to skip gridlock, dodge a downpour or make a breakneck dash to the MRT, then you already know – those orange-vested heroes are Bangkok’s real-life fast-forward button. And now our beloved two-wheeled chariots are getting a bit of an upgrade. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has launched a city-wide renovation of all 5,365 registered public motorbike taxi stands. The plan lasts from August to December 2025 and they’re aiming to make stands safer, cleaner and less chaotic. Every district office has been told to inspect 20% of their local stands each month under the ‘Model Stand’ initiative. That means every single stand in Bangkok gets a once-over by New Year’s Eve.  Inspections won’t just check for neat uniforms and straight lines. BMA’s bringing in the big guns, AI traffic cams, citizen reports and good old-fashioned human eyes on the ground. They’re tracking violations, cracking down on rule-breakers and yes, legal action is very much on the table. Citizens are being asked to report violations from sidewalk riding and dodgy plates to suspected drunk driving.  If you have a complaint, just open the Traffy Fondue app and include key details like the vest number, plate number and stand location.  The city’s also brought back its Motorbike Taskforce Meetings, a monthly pow-wow of agencies meant to speed up complaint resolutions and policy updates.     Photograph: iStock   For the riders, this could be a win. With f

August in Thailand is all about honouring mothers and honestly, what says ‘I love you, Mum’ better than a day out surrounded by flowers? If you’re looking for the perfect excuse to escape the smog, ditch the malls and actually hang out with your mum (or your bestie, boo, grandma or just your plant-obsessed self), Flora Festival in Honour of Her Majesty the Queen Mother is calling your name. From August 8-13, Bangkok’s biggest floral fest with over 150,000 flowers takes place at Pupha Mahanatee Garden – the capital’s newest garden right next to Queen Sirikit Park in Chatuchak.  This year’s festival returns with exhibits and plenty of reasons to linger. Scenery is guaranteed to fit your feed, or mum’s new LINE profile pic while the festival’s packed with stalls selling fruit, flowers, handmade crafts, hilltribe produce, royal project veggies and the kind of garden tools your mum will low-key lose her mind over. There’s also live music, art workshops and community crafts if you feel like getting your hands dirty.  The main event is The National Orchid Design Competition, held under this year’s theme ‘Orchids for a Sustainable World.’ Winners will receive trophies presented on behalf of Her Majesty and royal patrons. But beyond the flowers, photo-ops and shopping, this fest is really about something sweeter. In a city of concrete and chaos, a quiet garden in full bloom is a gentle reminder: some of life’s most beautiful things grow slowly, quietly and with a whole lot of love – k

In a big city where people constantly surround you, it’s strangely easy to feel alone. According to a recent survey by Thailand’s Mental Health Department, 40.4% of Thais report feeling lonely. That’s nearly half the country. And if you’re one of them, you’re definitely not alone. Whether you’re a Bangkokian, someone who just moved to the city or an expat starting over in Thailand – loneliness can hit when you least expect it. And sometimes, it makes you feel smaller than you think. That’s why I was so intrigued when I heard about Walk and Talk, an event hosted by Crimson Cat Events, a social group on Meetup. They regularly gather people in the city to join in simple, low-pressure activities that help ease isolation and encourage connection without language barriers. Walk and Talk invites strangers to do exactly what the name promises: walk and talk. I was curious. And honestly, a little nervous. What if it was awkward? What if I said something weird? The event took place at Benchakitti Park from 7pm to 8pm. The sun was already low, the heat had lifted and that calm early-night vibe was settling in. I arrived early – one of the first people there. I noticed two others nearby and even though no one was holding a sign, I could instantly tell they were here for the same reason (maybe it was the familiar ‘lonely but open’ aura).   Photograph: Supathat T. - Time Out Bangkok Soon, more people started arriving almost out of nowhere, and we became a small group. The host mentioned