Kaweewat Siwanartwong

It has been a hot week in Bangkok, but not for long – a summer thunderstorm is looming on the horizon, its electric fingers itching just beneath the clouds. With any luck, it’ll be more poetic than apocalyptic. Still, even if the heavens do open, it’s unlikely to dampen the city’s appetite for revelry. Bangkok, ever defiant, ever indulgent, has a way of carrying on regardless. From ceramic reveries to sonic battles, this week’s cultural calendar is full to the brim. Ruination, an exhibition featuring 19 artists, ruminates on the idea of collapse – not just physical, but spiritual – inviting visitors to contemplate rebirth in ruin.  If you’d rather dance through your existential dread, Yung Singh’s set promises just that, blurring garage, grime and Punjabi folk into something loud enough to shake off your Monday malaise. Meanwhile, Khana Bierbood return with their surf-psych haze and a new record under their arm, proving that Bangsaen’s answer to 60’s fuzz still knows how to build a wall of sound with a wink. Feeling heavy? Let a crystal sound bath, a dose of Bach flowers or an oracle card or two align your inner bits. Or drift through second-hand stalls where pre-loved shirts whisper old stories – because this city knows that reuse isn’t just ethical, it’s stylish. Bangkok may be sweltering, storms brewing like a threat or a promise, but the city doesn’t slow down – it recalibrates. So drink water, brave the steam, and let the downpour (if it comes) be part of the theatre. Th

Attempting to put together a list of the 50 best restaurants in Bangkok is an unenviable task. No matter how hard you try, you’re going to be leaving out not just good restaurants, but mind-bendingly good restaurants. Indeed, the process of assembling the following list involved not only signal-boosting some of our favourite culinary craftspeople, but also a painful triage of a host of excellent venues. That’s just how dense with excellence this city is when it comes to quality dining.  What makes eating out here so brilliant is the sheer diversity – both cultural and economic – of the Big Mango’s food scene and our top 50 aims to reflect that. Were we to focus purely on the set-menu avant-garde and quiet-luxury omakase counters, it would be a disservice to a readership that doesn’t just want food to look at, photograph and read about, but wants to eat. Therefore, we include some of the city’s most dazzling palaces of haute cuisine alongside humble streetside vendors. We’re serious eaters more than withering critics, and Bangkok is a city full of serious eats. Hence, we want to share our favourites and leave it to you, the reader, to be the withering critic. Dive in and enjoy the ride!

The Thai capital’s nightlife scene is thriving, with throngs of party-goers flocking to clubs every weekend to experience talented DJs, lively venues and a sea of fashion-forward styles. But look closer and you'll find even more to like, such as underground warehouse spaces hosting top international DJs. These hidden gems cater to those seeking an electrifying evening away from the mainstream. Whether it's the best-established clubs or the latest spots for the demimonde, Bangkok offers a clubbing scene that's constantly evolving.  RECOMMENDED: Bangkok's best new bars in 2024

  April has arrived, marking the official start of summer. With the city’s parks and streets taking on new life, the cultural scene is also awakening. Museums and galleries across the city are gearing up for exciting exhibition openings, offering fresh and inspiring experiences for art lovers. As the temperatures rise, why not seek refuge in a cool gallery or museum? Bangkok boasts a wealth of world-class art and photography exhibitions, all available to explore without spending a satang. From contemporary photography to traditional artwork, there’s a variety of free exhibitions on offer throughout the city this month. Set aside some time to explore these exhibitions, and while you're at it, discover everything else Bangkok has to offer this weekend.Below, you’ll find all of the free art and photography exhibitions happening in the city right now, but that’s not everything: don’t miss out on the things to do on the weekend right here. Enjoy. RECOMMENDED:  The best things to do in Bangkok The best things to do this weekend  Bangkok’s best spots to live the art life Top spots to see street art

The long-awaited holiday, a beloved Thai tradition, has returned once more. While many joyfully embrace the water-splashing festivities of Songkran, the Thai New Year, others may choose to stay dry and sit out the soaking celebrations for their own reasons. If you're not exactly interested about being drenched during this chaotic water fight of a festival and are wondering how to make the most of the holiday, fear not. We've put together a list of activities designed for those who'd rather not become walking puddles, along with some personal recommendations from our team of writers (who clearly love staying dry). Hopefully, this will give you a few ideas on how to enjoy the Thai New Year without needing to dry off every five minutes. Here’s wishing you a fantastic and dry holiday ahead!

At last, summer has arrived, and with it comes the much-awaited Songkran festival. Bangkokians are ready to make a celebratory splash and the long holiday means it's time to explore the city's stunning parks, museums, vibrant galleries and of course, its night life scene. From art exhibitions and the hottest festivals to rooftop outdoor screenings, whether you’re immersing yourself in culture, out for cool sips with friends, or dancing to live music, April is crammed with big ticket celebrations. Here’s our round-up of some of the best happenings in town during the month. 

Get ready, Lambily! The queen of high notes and iconic hair flips, Mariah Carey, is heading back to the Big Mango! Mark your calendars for October 11, when her spectacular show, The Celebration of Mimi, takes over Impact Challenger Hall, Muang Thong Thani. But the magic doesn’t stop there – Mariah is bringing her powerhouse vocals across Asia, with stops in Shanghai, Manila, Kobe and Yokohama.  This is your chance to experience Mariah’s vocal acrobatics and diva energy! The tour celebrates 20 years since The Emancipation of Mimi blessed our ears in 2005. For Thai fans, it’s been a long seven years since her last performance here in 2018. Details about Bangkok tickets, pricing, and sale dates are still under wraps, but updates are coming soon. In the meantime, keep stalking Mariah’s Instagram. Here’s the Asia tour poster Photograph: mariahcarey

Denmark’s beloved indie-prog-dream-pop pioneers Mew are set to call it a day later this year, marking exactly three decades since they first came together. To bid us farewell, they’ve announced their final gig in Bangkok this November.  This show will be one of the last chances for fans to experience Mew’s performances before they officially bow out. Both frontman Jonas Bjerre and the band have shared statements If you’re going to break hearts, you might as well do it properly. The band began their journey in 1995, dropping their debut, A Triumph for Man, two years later. It was their third album, Frengers (2003), that put them on the global map – though most of its tracks were actually polished-up versions of earlier work. By 2005, And the Glass Handed Kites had firmly secured their status, proving they weren’t just a fleeting dream-pop fever dream. Fast forward to 2017, and Visuals, their seventh and final album, brought their discography to a close.  Their live performances are often described as some of the most immersive, balancing grand theatrics with a career spanning over 30 years and seven studio albums The band has built a devoted global following and if longevity is anything to go by, Mew’s place in music history is well secured. Catching the trio live this November? Here’s everything you need to know, from dates to presale tickets. When will Mew perform in Bangkok?  Mew will be gracing the stage in Bangkok on November 14 at the Moonstar Convention Hall, starting a

Just last week, Guns N’ Roses revealed their return to Thailand for a one-night-only show on May 13 at the Thunder Dome Stadium in Bangkok, as part of their 2025 world tour. With Bangkok being a key stop, this gig is a reminder that they’re still one of the greatest rock bands ever, bringing their legendary high-energy performance back to the fans.  They’re one of the most-streamed rock bands globally, racking up an impressive 24 million monthly listeners on Spotify, with their 1991 ballad November Rain now in the one billion plays. It’s their fourth track to reach that mark, and the first outside their debut Appetite for Destruction. Three tracks from that album – Sweet Child O’ Mine, Welcome To The Jungle and Paradise City – have already hit the same milestone.  After the reunion of the century, they headlined Coachella and shifted over five million tickets on the Not In This Lifetime… Tour. But Guns N’ Roses don’t slow down – there’s more touring lined up for 2025 and some surprises in store. The ‘Nightrain’ is still chugging along at full speed. Photograph: Guns N' Roses From punk to rap and rock’n’roll, it’s shaping up to be an epic night of genre-defining support acts. Public Enemy, the legendary American hip-hop group, will electrify the crowd with their powerful beats and politically charged lyrics. Joining them are Rival Sons, the high-energy rock band from Long Beach, California, renowned for their raw sound and captivating live performances. And that’s not all – 

There is such a variety of things to do across Thailand’s 76 provinces it can be a daunting task knowing where to start. The promise of peaceful villages, the excitement of sports, top-notch nightlife, island-hopping on a whim and great hospitality is all within reach. The country’s natural beauty and rich culture – from myriad festivals and markets, ancient Khmer-influenced ruins and contemporary art is matched by the diversity and hospitality of Thailand’s official 70 ethnic groups. Why wouldn’t you want to explore the entire kingdom?    Time Out recently ranked Bangkok as the second-best city in the world for 2025 and placed Chiang Mai at 28, making Thailand the only country in southeast Asia to have two cities in the top 50. But there’s a lot more than great cities. Here is Time Out Thailand’s guide to the best things to Do in Thailand.

Every year, St. Patrick’s Day takes the world by storm, officially landing on March 17 – but let’s be honest, the celebrations usually last all weekend. Wondering how to join the fun in Bangkok? You’re in luck! Read on for a tropical crawl between the capital’s Irish pubs that keep the spirit alive. Don some green, grab a Guinness and see where you end up!

An exhibition that plunges the heart of loss and destruction, unfolding not only through the lens of wars and disasters but also the disintegration of the human spirit. In a world ravaged by power struggles, conflict, and endless turmoil, it becomes clear that the very essence of humanity is at stake. Yet, in this wreckage, art emerges as neither a weapon nor a simple escape. Instead, it offers a sanctuary – a space for contemplation and introspection. The exhibition gathers works from 19 artists, each reflecting on the collective human experience of grappling with loss. It invites viewers to consider how new life can emerge from the rubble, sparking the possibility of rebirth from devastation. Until May 11. Free. Joyman Gallery, 11am-6pm  

A blend of ceramics and painting, beckons viewers to admire a conversation between artist and material, where memories are etched into clay. Each piece reflects the artist’s unique touch – a dialogue between the hand and the earth that reverberates through every curve and line. Some artists express dreamlike realms through lines, while others channel inner emotions with vivid colours or symbols that invite the viewer to engage with deeper themes. While their methods may feel familiar, the use of fresh mediums adds a layer of unpredictability, transforming these works into something more than just art – they become an experience. Until Jun 8. Free. MMAD Mass Gallery, 11am-7pm  

Discover a unique path to healing, where sound, flowers and spirit converge. Through the gentle power of bach flower remedies, release pent-up emotions and ease the wounds that linger within. A crystal sound bath offers a deep cleanse for your energy, restoring balance with every resonating note. Meanwhile, an oracle reading offers insight, guiding your spirit towards clarity and peace. It's an invitation to reconnect, to listen deeply and to restore harmony in ways that transcend the everyday. Whether you're seeking emotional release or spiritual direction, these practices promise a transformative journey of healing that nurtures both the heart and soul. May 4. B1,111 via Instagram @soundscape.th. Energy Space, Slowcombo, 11am-1pm

Khana Bierbood is back, and they’re bringing with them a fresh wave of sound after the release of their latest album. The band, formed in 2012 by university friends in Bangsaen, Thailand, blends Western 60s-70s psychedelic influences with Thai funk, Luk Tung, and Molam styles. It’s a fusion that feels both timeless and contemporary, rooted in generational storytelling and cultural reflections, laced with a sharp, witty edge. The night will also feature a live set from Scottish singer-songwriter feeney.mark, whose original material will make its Speakerbox debut, bringing fresh energy from Blackridge, West Lothian. A night where the old and new collide with irresistible rhythm. May 3. B500 at the door. Speakerbox, 9pm onwards  

MOVIEMOV – Italian Film Festival 2025 arrives not with blockbusters or big-budget flair but with something far more elusive: nine Italian features that exist beautifully out of frame. Each one, from a different filmmaker, resists easy categorisation – the kind of stories that don’t shout, but linger. Included are titles like Il Mio Compleanno by Christian Filippi and Diamanti by Ferzan Özpetek. Opening and closing with two documentaries on writer Tiziano Terzani – one a life journey, the other a final interview – the festival doesn’t just showcase cinema. It asks you to slow down and actually watch. May 3-6. Free. House Samyan.

Bar Temp. is launching its Neighbourhood Series with a name worth knowing. For the inaugural night, Bali’s DITA steps behind the decks, bringing her kinetic energy and genre-hopping spirit to Bangkok. Starting out in 2014 after diving headfirst into Indonesia’s shifting soundscapes, DITA carved her place through the ‘Perky Club’ collective, blending Jakarta’s grit with Bali’s sun-dazed hedonism. Her sets drift through proto-house, ‘90s breaks, Balearic waves and whatever else catches her ear, stitched together with the sort of effortless instinct you can’t fake. Local favourite Brent Burns joins her for the night, for a dance floor where unpredictability is the only constant. May 3. B300-500 via here and B700 at the door. Bar Temp., 9pm onwards

Yung Singh doesn’t just play music – he rewires a room. With a sound that shape-shifts across UK garage, grime, Punjabi folk and jungle (sometimes within the same breath), he’s become a scene-shifter for diasporic club culture, slipping between influences like they’re genres he invented. This Bangkok stop pairs him with RomRom, whose sets flirt with Bollywood nostalgia and pan-Asian beat flips, and Genji of Suburb Sound, known for high-octane blends of hip-hop, UKG and Afrobeat. May 2. B300-400 via here and B800 at the door. BEAM, 9pm onwards 

Bar.Yard doesn’t do subtle, and its Cinco de Mayo celebration is no exception. For four nights, Bangkok gets a full-on Mexican mood – smoky grills, fiery salsas and a margarita shake-off challenge that’s more riot than ritual. On May 5, five women behind some of the city’s boldest bars – 2463 Speakeasy, Bar Scofflaws, Blanc Bkk, GIR and Yào Rooftop Bar – step behind the counter at Bar.Yard to stir things up. Before that, there’s the all-you-can-eat Mexican feast: B600 nets you a table full of spice, grilled meats and all the attitude you’d expect from a rooftop party that doesn’t bother pretending to be chill. May 2-5. Reserve via 02-056-9999. Bar.Yard, 5pm onwards

In a city obsessed with the shiny and new, there’s something oddly comforting about giving old things another go. Bangkok’s second-hand market returns, this time with a conscience – wrapped neatly in the mantra ‘Reduce, Reuse & Recycle.’ It’s less about frugality, more about intention. Here, forgotten clothes, neglected knick-knacks and once-loved toys find new hands and fresh purpose. Thailand’s reputation as a global hub for second-hand gems isn’t unfounded. But this isn’t just about the thrill of the find. It’s a small rebellion against overconsumption, an invitation to slow down and reconsider what we discard – and what’s still worth keeping. May 2-4. Free. Near the Red Building, Chatuchak, 4pm-midnight  

Eman El-Husseini is back in Bangkok for her second visit, bringing her sharp wit and electrifying stage presence. Known for her time at the iconic Just for Laughs festival, she’s also made her mark on comedy circuits in Australia and New York. There, she’s a familiar face at the legendary Comedy Cellar, where her fearless style and biting humour have earned her a loyal following. This return to Bangkok promises to be a treat for fans, with her unique perspective on everything from life’s absurdities to its darker corners. Eman’s comedy is a refreshing blend of insight and irreverence, always pushing boundaries. May 2-3. B600 via hare and B800 at the door. The Comedy Joint, 8pm-9.30pm 

There’s something about underground culture – an unspoken bond, a shared vision that transcends genre or geography. It’s the kind of force that drives the creative collective UNDERHATCHES, where filmmaking, events and visual production collide in unpredictable ways. Then there’s FANGS, a ghetto community built on vampire lore and the raw energy of underground spaces. It’s a world where night and noise bleed into one another. RELOADED takes that energy international, connecting rave scenes across Paris, Tbilisi, Bangkok and Istanbul. A mix of punk, electro, techno and everything in between, it’s the pulse of a movement defined by intention rather than format. May 2. B300-350 via here and B600 at the door. Blaq Lyte Rover, 9pm onwards

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

Just when Bangkok seemed to be in a lull – caught somewhere between monsoon melancholy and midsummer mania – Summer Sonic makes a return like an old flame who shows up dressed better than ever. The festival, a long-standing fixture of Tokyo’s music calendar, is once again packing its bags and heading south. Scheduled for August 23-24, IMPACT Challenger Hall 1-3. Bring earplugs, possibly your therapist. The second lineup drop, announced with the usual self-congratulatory fanfare, is headlined by Alicia Keys. A household name and 17-time Grammy winner, she’s the kind of artist whose booking signals prestige, not surprise. Her set will no doubt include If I Ain’t Got You, Fallin, and that anthem to aspirational real estate, Empire State of Mind – songs so deeply embedded in the cultural subconscious they no longer provoke reaction, only recognition. Alicia's presence will be hailed as iconic, though it’s difficult not to wonder whether the inclusion of such an established figure reveals the festival’s cautious, nostalgic leanings. In contrast, CHANYEOL, formerly of EXO, represents a different kind of reassurance – the hyper-curated K-pop export with built-in global fandom. Having successfully pivoted to a solo career with last year’s Black Out, he ticks every commercial box: chart success, sold-out tour, pan-Asian appeal. What his set may lack in spontaneity it will surely make up for in polish – choreography as discipline, emotion filtered through a high-production haze. Photo

There’s a certain irony in wandering through a shopping mall and stumbling across a celebration of rebellion. Between escalators and artificial plants, The Step 1 – a slightly echoey section of MMAD at MunMun Srinakarin – has been commandeered by the kind of art that usually lives outdoors, sometimes illegally, often fleetingly. For once, street culture isn’t being scrubbed off – it’s being spotlighted. This is Wall Lords Thailand Exhibition, a loosely tethered companion to the 2025 graffiti competition of the same name. It runs until June 1 and brings together over 20 artists, including the competition’s 14 finalists, to create something temporary, collaborative and slightly unpredictable. The idea, it seems, is not to tame street art but to let it breathe without cars or rain or CCTV. What emerges isn’t chaos, but a kind of layered quiet. The exhibition isn’t loud, though some of the work clearly wants to be. You see glimpses of protest, yes, but also nostalgia, humour, the aftermath of something unspoken. One wall offers up neat geometries in matte black; another is more hesitant, like a thought forming mid-sentence. A mural near the back plays with optical illusions. A nearby scrawl reads almost like a diary entry – private, and probably never meant to be framed. Walking through feels less like gallery-going and more like urban daydreaming. The space doesn’t guide you, exactly. You pause when something catches your eye, not because it demands it but because there’s time t

Lumpini Park, usually a predictable collage of joggers, tai chi lovers and semi-feral pigeons, has recently acquired a more curious spectacle. Scattered beneath the trees, artists are hunched over sketches, their concentration slicing through the humid air. From somewhere – everywhere – comes the low hum of cello and violin, threading through the scene like a half-forgotten dream. It feels accidental, cinematic almost, but it is neither. This is Plein Air Woodcut, a public experiment staged by WoodyWind (Waravut Kaewcharoen), a modern impressionist. The public are invited to witness this slow magic on Saturday May 17, between 4pm and 6.30pm, by the lakeside near the playground of Lumpini Park – that small anarchic patch where children outnumber ducks two-to-one. The set-up is deceptively simple. Instead of the traditional easel and oils, WoodyWind has exchanged canvas for blocks of wood, chisel in hand, capturing the park’s soft chaos in lines and grooves. It is, reportedly, the first time he has abandoned the more forgiving medium of painting for the uncooperative grain of timber – and, crucially, he is doing it live, in front of strangers, water monitor lizards and children. Photograph: Woodywind The plan is this: 4pm-5pm: Woodcut in action 5pm-6pm: Printing the pieces 6pm-6.30pm: Meet the artist, collect an original print (free, if you’re lucky to be the first 50) Footpath Band will be playing from 5pm-6pm – a set of acoustic tunes to soften the edges of it all. If not

Every April 30, International Jazz Day creeps up like a saxophonist arriving just behind the beat – slightly late, entirely intentional. UNESCO, in a rare moment of groove, declared back in 2011 that jazz wasn’t merely a genre but a kind of musical diplomacy. A passport in treble clef, uniting strangers with a trumpet and a bit of unresolved yearning. This year, Bangkok joins the global jam session with all the flair and mild chaos one might expect. The Commons is once again hosting its annual jazz festival together with Sweets Records, summoning the city’s jazz faithful for a festival that’s as sonically bold as it is sartorially unpredictable. This isn’t just a soft launch for jazz rookies still figuring out how to carry a trumpet case without looking terrified. Yes, there are wide-eyed newcomers, fuelled by youthful enthusiasm and probably an alarming amount of caffeine. But they’re sharing the stage with musicians who’ve seen things. People who’ve played smoky clubs, botched solos then turned them into standing ovations, and once made a saxophone sound like the end of a relationship you never really got over. Evenings are a free-flowing buffet of sound, bolstered by the clatter of cocktail shakers and the aroma of whatever’s being grilled within 15 metres. You’re encouraged to graze, linger and perform your best impression of someone who totally grasped that inverted chord progression. Entry is free, so come as you are. Bring your ears, your hunger, your faintest understa

There’s a kind of poetry to a second-hand market – a slow dance between memory and material, where forgotten T-shirts hum their past lives, and chipped teacups whisper of breakfasts long cleared. RRR Rookie Reuse Recycle returns this May not as a mere pop-up, but as a full-blown hymn to reuse – where nostalgia meets sustainability and no one judges you for haggling over a mug shaped like a cat. Held near the Red Building, Chatuchak, from May 2-4, it runs from 4pm until midnight. And this time, it’s bigger. Tables buckle under vintage denim, shelves creak with decades-old toys, stalls bloom with mismatched crockery and soft-worn quilts. Here, a single brass candlestick could set your whole flat on a new emotional trajectory. A lamp might change your evening mood forever. It’s all wrapped in the quiet manifesto of ‘Reduce’, ‘Reuse’, ‘Recycle’, not as a lecture but as an invitation – less eco-warrior, more eco-romantic. Thailand’s long-standing knack for second-hand charm finds its echo here, curated not with precision but with affection. Photograph: Rookie BKK Between the vintage book stalls and embroidered collars, there’s sound – DJs playing the kind of sets that make you forget you’re under a concrete sky. Games, prize draws and impromptu dance-offs threaten to interrupt your browsing. Children barter for plush dinosaurs. Someone adopts a ‘90s lava lamp like it’s a rescue mission. Bring a tote. Bring two. Bring the friend who tells you not to buy that thing and then buys i

At some point in your twenties – likely around the time your Spotify Wrapped begins resembling the soundtrack of a Wes Anderson film – you realise you don’t just ‘like’ music, you want to touch it. You want to hold its weight, flip it over, scrutinise liner notes like sacred text and wince at the scratch you swore wasn’t there when you bought it. You want vinyl. Record Store Day, then, feels less like an event and more like a rite of passage. This April 25-27, from 10am-10pm, it descends once again upon Bangkok, sprawling across three full days and over thirty record vendors. Set inside The Storeys Square at One Bangkok, it’s less ‘mall event’ and more temporary temple to the analogue gods – complete with DJs, crate diggers and people earnestly debating the superiority of mono pressings. And admission is absolutely nothing. There are talks, of course. There always are. Panels where collectors drop the needle on nostalgia, fansign corners where musicians meet the brave few who still buy their music in physical form. There’s a DJ set billed as ‘exclusive,’ which usually just means you’ll hear something deliciously obscure that no algorithm has yet to recommend.    Photograph: Record Store Day Bangkok But let’s talk about the Vinyl Swap – here’s where it gets interesting (at least in my view.) You bring a record – your record – maybe a copy of Plastic Ono Band you once played in a breakup fog, maybe something French and dramatic from Air. It has to be in good condition, obviou

In a city where street dogs saunter past luxury malls and cats claim entire sois (side street that branches off of a major street) as their queendom, Bangkok’s relationship with animals has long been a laissez-faire affair. But come January 10 next year, this dynamic gets a distinctly bureaucratic makeover. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has announced a new regulation that could change the way residents live with their four-legged flatmates – less free-roaming, more fine print. Under the updated rules, all dogs and cats will need to be microchipped and officially registered – think of it as state-sanctioned tagging for your fluffy friend. The deadline? Within 120 days of birth or a month from the day they become yours, whichever comes first. The city isn't merely cracking down on paperwork for the sake of it. The move, BMA insists, is a response to the ever-growing stray animal population, whose ranks swell with each abandoned litter and impulse adoption gone sour. But this isn't just about chipping a tabby and calling it a day. The regulation goes further, introducing a pet quota system based on square footage – a kind of minimalist manifesto for animal ownership. Got a shoebox condo? That’ll be one pet, max. If you're lucky enough to spread out in 100 square wah (roughly 400 square metres) or more of suburban bliss, you may be permitted to keep a small parliament of six. Photograph: masii The logic, according to officials, is one of public health and neighb

The Italian film industry, much like a Fellini dream sequence, tends to arrive in full drama: sweeping gestures, decaying architecture and someone in oversized sunglasses chain-smoking while quoting Sartre. But every once in a while, it loosens its collar, takes off the metaphorical silk scarf and lets a few new voices through.  MovieMov – Italian Film Festival is one such moment. From May 3-6 at House Samyan, nine films will be screened, each one quietly poking at convention without ever slouching in its seat. Subtitled in English and Thai, they come armed with just enough introspective angst to derail any plans for light entertainment. Among them, a double offering devoted to Tiziano Terzani – journalist, philosopher and reluctant mystic – reminds us that introspection doesn’t have to be a luxury. Tiziano Terzani, Il Viaggio Della Vita (The Journey of Life) opens the festival, painting a textured portrait of a man who managed to make even war correspondence sound poetic. It closes with Anam Il Senzanome (Anam the Senzonome), an achingly tender piece drawn from Terzani’s final interview – less a conclusion than a soft unravelling of his worldview. Photograph: Diamanti (Diamonds)   There will be guests, of course. Not in the red-carpet sense, but more like people who matter. Documentary filmmaker Mario Zanot will appear alongside Terzani’s daughter, Saskia, in what promises to be a quiet homage rather than a publicity parade. Joining them: Silvia D’Amico, whose performance

Some voices linger. BIBI’s doesn’t claws, clutches and croons its way into your subconscious until you're half-humming her most popular song, The Weekend, while waiting for your Grab. She’s the chaotic, charming, deeply caffeinated force of nature who’s turned vulnerability into armour and cheek into a genre. On August 9, the Seoul-born popstar lands in Bangkok for 2025 BIBI first WORLD TOUR [EVE], her inaugural solo concert on Thai soil. Set at UOB Live, EmSphere’s shiny new crown jewel. If you’re late to the BIBI-verse (blasphemy, but we forgive), she’s the genre-defying musician with hits like BIBI Vengeance, The Weekend and Bam Yang Gang – the latter a track that sounds like a snack, and somehow is. Her music is sultry yet self-aware, wounded but winking. And while some stars dip a toe in acting for variety’s sake, BIBI dove straight into a pool of despair in Hopeless, a film that not only showcased her acting chops but won her the Best New Actress gong at the 60th BaekSang Arts Awards. So if your August plans included doing absolutely nothing, we suggest a minor revision. And here's everything you need to know, including pricing. When is BIBI going on tour?  BIBI’s world tour dates are all between May and the very end of October 2025. When do tickets go on sale? Set your alarms: general sale for all shows goes live on Thursday May 8 at 10am. Is there a presale? Various presales will take place. Here’s the lowdown. Weverse members can access early tickets on Tuesday May

Pack your bags – or better yet, step through the ‘Anywhere Door’ to the cheerful world of Doraemon and his gang. After wowing crowds in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Shanghai, the 100% Doraemon and Friends Tour is finally landing in Thailand for its next global adventure.  This event celebrates the 90th anniversary of the iconic Fujiko F. Fujio, with the exhibition travelling the globe. Thailand has been selected as the latest location for the show, which will take place at the Attraction Hall on the sixth floor of Iconsiam shopping mall from May 1 to June 22. The 100% Doraemon & Friends experience will bring to life the adventures of Doraemon and his crew. You’ll be able to join their escapades through the Anywhere Door and explore two main zones that promise to be worth the visit: The first highlight is the 100% Manga Art Exhibition Hall, where you’ll find a full-size Doraemon (standing at 123.9 cm, just like in the manga), along with his trusty friends. The space will be designed to make you feel as though you’ve stepped straight into your childhood cartoon. There will also be a Cafe & Pop-Up Store for all your souvenir needs, including some exclusive, limited-edition items.   Photograph: Eventpass The second major feature is an exhibition along the Chao Phraya River, which will showcase the world’s largest inflatable Doraemon. It’s set to become a new landmark along Bangkok’s riverside. Tickets for the 100% Doraemon & Friends Tour in Thailand will be available from 10am on Apri

We all know the scene – a Sunday afternoon, the smell of freshly printed pages in the air, the soft rustling of book pages as you pick out your next read, the intoxicating combination of creativity, love and the delightful chaos of shopping for quirky items. If this sounds like your idea of heaven, then mark your calendar for April 27 – Sant Jordi is back at GalileOasis. The fourth edition of the festival is a celebration of books, love and all things delightful, and if you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming of wandering through the streets of Barcelona on Saint George’s Day, this is about as close as it gets in Thailand. Organised by Myriam Rueda, the Spanish graphic designer and owner of MESA 312, alongside the Spanish Embassy in Thailand, this event will give bibliophiles and design enthusiasts the perfect excuse to shop, indulge and fall in love (with a book or two, of course). Before we get carried away with the excitement, let’s explore the origins of Sant Jordi. This cherished festival has its roots in Catalonia, where Saint George is celebrated as a legendary hero who slays dragons, rescues princesses, and, according to myth, causes roses to bloom from the dragon’s blood. Traditionally, men in Catalonia gift roses to women, who, in return, present books to the men they admire. It’s a timeless and romantic tradition that has endured through the centuries, somehow remaining both meaningful and remarkably refreshing. Photograph: MESA 312 At Sant Jordi, expect a treasur

Kula Shaker. The name alone creates a certain mystique, conjuring images of ‘90s britpop swagger, with a touch of Eastern allure. In an era dominated by a frenetic rush of guitar bands, they stood out, crafting a unique sound that was equal parts rock‘n’roll and psychedelic nirvana. Their formula? A heady mix of ‘60s psychedelic influences and Indian instrumentation, with sitars, tambouras and sarods threading their way through the music like a melodic prayer.  The band's influence remains undeniable and while their name might ring a bell with fans of ‘90s music, their appeal stretches far beyond nostalgia. Who could forget Hush, the track that delivered a thunderous opening to their debut album K in 1995? Or the mystical, driving beats of Tattva, with its mantra-like chants? If their music was a journey, then it was one steeped in Eastern philosophy, classic rock vigour and a touch of the unexpected.  Their success didn’t stop at K – the follow-up album, Peasants, Pigs & Astronauts, released in 1997, continued to cement their status as ‘90s alt-rock darlings. Tracks like Sound of Drums mixed heavy rhythms with a playful sense of wonder, a vibe that was infectious in a way only Kula Shaker could pull off. The band’s blend of ancient and modern influences made them both intriguing and accessible, a band you could groove to at a festival, but also ponder during a solitary late-night listen. Photograph: Kula Shaker The fact that they’ve maintained a dedicated fanbase over deca