Kaweewat Siwanartwong

The second weekend of February rolls in with roses, mixed feelings and a surprisingly generous lineup for anyone who fancies staying curious around the city. Valentine's might sit at the centre, but romance feels broader than candlelight this year. Start with Delusional, an exhibition that questions belief, politics and personal perception through works that linger long after you leave the gallery. Film lovers can settle into Cut Action Kiss Movie Nights, where familiar love stories unfold without forced sentimentality, or catch Skyline Film screenings framed by city views that make even quiet moments feel cinematic. Elsewhere, Rookie BKK offers a lively hangout filled with music, community energy and unexpected conversations that stretch later than planned. When Sunday arrives, Sunday Jazzy Brunch provides a slower pace with live melodies, generous plates and a relaxed crowd leaning into long afternoons rather than rushed schedules. Connection happens naturally across each gathering, whether you arrive with a date, a group of friends or simple curiosity. February's second weekend is like a patchwork of small encounters reminding us that affection appears in many forms beyond the traditional stuff. Get ahead of the game and start planning your month with our list of the top things to do this February. Stay one step ahead and map out your plans with our round-up of the best things to do in Bangkok.

When you think of the citywide festivals that get locals excited, Bangkok Design Week should be in your top three. This year it returns with the theme DESIGN S/O/S, inviting everyone to switch on creative mode, unleash their wildest survival ideas and make them happen in reality, whoever you are. The concept imagines a world where uncertainty strikes every day. Here, design isn't just about creating beautiful things but becomes a tool for questioning society: the way we live our lives, cope with change and imagine the future of cities and people. The event wraps up this weekend, so time is running out. This year, Time Out went wandering along the routes of design events scattered around the city, exploring where design is working and who it's working with. We've picked out nine design highlights from BKKDW2026 that we reckon aren't just there to look pretty. These projects are clearly answering the same question as us: how can design actually help to ‘do/give/survive’? What events should you check out? Let's get stuck in.

February always shows Bangkok at its most performative. Bangkok Design Week rolls through town, collectors sharpen their opinions, gallerists rehearse enthusiasm and suddenly everyone is very busy being seen. It's loud in the cultural sense but also oddly useful. This is the moment to take stock and plan how the year might look beyond opening night chatter. Across the city, sculpture rubs shoulders with glossy photography while big exhibitions compete with smaller spaces quietly doing the most interesting work. Some shows lean on spectacle, others on ideas that take a while to land. Together, they sketch a scene that feels ambitious, occasionally overwhelming and far more varied than it gets credit for. From niche project rooms to stubbornly experimental galleries and museums built for crowds, Bangkok is stacked with work that provokes, comforts, confuses and sometimes does all three at once. Not everything deserves equal attention though. If time and energy are limited, a little guidance helps. So start here. These are the exhibitions worth stepping out for right now, with updates dropping weekly as the city keeps moving. Consider this a gentle nudge rather than a rulebook. Grab a pen, mark your calendar and let the rest of February sort itself out. Stay one step ahead and map out your plans with our round-up of the best things to do in Bangkok.   Get ahead of the game and start planning your month with our list of top things to do this February. Whether you're a regular gal

New York has been photographed to death. Every alley mythologised, every night flattened into attitude. What Jesper Haynes offers instead is something quieter and more unsettling: a record of being there without rehearsing what it might later become. New York Darkroom, his recent exhibition in Bangkok, looks back at downtown New York in the late ’80s and ’90s without soft focus or hero worship. Faces are close. Streets feel narrow. Nothing performs for the camera. Photograph: Jesper Haynes Speaking to Haynes, what becomes clear is that this work is not about legacy. It is about attention. About what happens when you show up night after night, shoot one frame instead of ten and trust that whatever remains will explain itself later. His photographs, featuring figures such as Andy Warhol, Willem Dafoe and John Lurie alongside friends, lovers and strangers, feel less like cultural artefacts than private evidence. Proof that something happened. Proof that he was there. This is not nostalgia. It is memory with its elbows out. Before New York became a story When I ask Haynes whether the New York he photographed felt historic at the time, he doesn’t pause. ‘Simply immediate,’ he says. No sense of witnessing a future legend. No awareness of living inside a reference point. Just now. That matters. The photographs in New York Darkroom don’t announce themselves as documents of an era. They are too absorbed in the moment for that. Haynes arrived in New York as a teenager after Andy Warh

January drags its feet like it has nowhere else to be, while February slips past almost apologetically. After the detoxes, dry weeks and financial self-discipline that open the year, Bangkok responds with a calendar that refuses restraint. The city seems to exhale all at once, stacking romance, release and late nights into four compact weeks.   Music does much of the heavy lifting. Givēon Live in Bangkok lands as the month's emotional centre, all velvet heartbreak and cinematic restraint. His baritone carries regret with a strange tenderness, backed by a full band built for drama rather than efficiency. Elsewhere, RomRom and Transport offer their own kind of therapy, sweaty and communal, with lineups that prioritise feeling over neatness. The Modern Sound from Isan shifts the mood again, letting regional rhythms take over bodies before anyone has time to overthink.   Cinema plays its part too. Skyline Film turns rooftops into temporary confessionals for lovers, friends and solo romantics, while Japan Expo reminds the city how easily pop culture, food and fandom blur together when given enough space. February doesn't ask for grand plans. It just suggests showing up, staying out a little longer and letting the month do what it does best. Stay one step ahead and map out your plans with our round-up of the best things to do in Bangkok.

Muay Thai is both a sport and a martial art that's been woven into Thai society for centuries, from the Sukhothai, Ayutthaya and Thonburi periods right through to Rattanakosin. Even though the world spins faster every day and plenty of things have changed, Muay Thai still stands as an important national identity. At the same time, it's never stood still but has adapted and evolved with the times. Culture from outside has gradually blended naturally with Thai roots. The result is Muay Thai that's gone beyond being a fighting art in the ring, expanding into dimensions of branding, lifestyle and contemporary creativity, reflecting how the sport has evolved in the big city context and its role on the world stage today. Before Muay Thai went global, it began with bare hands, kad chueak wrapped with raw thread. Fighters wore prajieds on their left and right arms, mongkol on the head, short pants, no shirt and bare feet. Meanwhile, the referee in purple cloth and royal sash stood supervising the game. The atmosphere was thus not unlike a ritual awakening the fighter's spirit before the bell rang. Photograph: Muay Siam Magazine Today, Muay Thai might live in a gym next to the BTS, with classes after work and gloves instead of kad chueak. But its true essence hasn't disappeared. Anyone who's truly trained knows that every punch, every elbow, still connects to the original roots of this fighting art. Muay Thai from each region has a different signature. The North emphasises footwork,

Coming back to poke Bangkok where it already aches is perhaps not how most creative projects like to announce themselves. Yet that is precisely how Bangkok Pains feels when it returns, slightly smug, knowingly sharp and irritatingly accurate. Invisible Ink, the Creative Agency behind last year’s Bangkok Pains board game, is back with another affectionate assault: Bangkok Pains – The Alphabet Poster. It scratches the same itch as its predecessor, the kind that only appears after years of living here, when affection and exhaustion start sharing the same sentence. This time the medium is deceptively gentle. A Kor Kai to Hor Nok Hook alphabet practice sheet, the kind that once hovered above childhood desks, learning corners and dusty classroom walls. The familiar cadence of Thai consonants is still there, but the meaning has been quietly rerouted. Gor Gai has left the coop. Hor Nok Hook has flown off somewhere quieter. In their place come readings written by the city itself, spelling out daily irritations with the precision of someone who has been stuck at Asoke junction long enough to observe everything else happening around them. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Invisible Ink (@invisibleink.asia) I approach the poster with the particular defensiveness of someone who has lived in Bangkok long enough to recognise themselves in the joke. Some letters make me laugh out loud. Others make me stare for a moment longer than expected. It is

New Year, new art exhibition to look forward to. More art, better conversations and plenty of afternoons that'll start with good intentions and end with you wandering around galleries instead of dealing with your inbox. The city shifts between tiny spaces hidden down side streets, experimental rooms that push you a bit and museums that aren't shy about showing off. Each one gives you a different reason to stick around, ask questions or just stare at something for longer than you meant to. Some exhibitions demand your full attention. Others plant ideas that only land properly later when you're on the BTS heading home. Together they make a cultural landscape that feels restless and generous, never happy with just one way of looking at things. We've pulled together seven exhibitions worth knowing about right now. If your diary's packed but your curiosity's louder, these are the shows worth shuffling things around for.   Stay one step ahead and map out your plans with our round-up of the best things to do in Bangkok.   Get ahead of the game and start planning your month with our list of top things to do this January. Whether you're a regular gallery-goer or just art-curious, these are Bangkok’s best spots to live the art life. From alleyway masterpieces to paint-splashed corners you might walk past without noticing, here are our top spots to see street art.

So 2025 was pretty huge for live music in Bangkok, wasn't it? We had Doja Cat, BLACKPINK, TV Girl, The Smashing Pumpkins and Tyler, The Creator all gracing stages across the city. Not a bad lineup.   The good news? 2026 is looking just as packed. Alright, Oasis might not be on the cards just yet, but there's still a serious roster of artists lined up to play Bangkok stadiums and arenas over the coming months. And rumour has it even more big names are yet to announce tours like BTS.   Givēon, Central Cee, Taeyong, Kraftwerk... the list goes on. Whether you're into R&B, grime, K-pop or electronic legends, there's something coming your way. Here are the best major gigs heading to the capital this year.   RECOMMENDED: Confirmed: Tomorrowland Thailand officially debuts on December 11-13 After 12 years, Studio Lam is closing with an epic 49-night farewell party

No matter what time of year you visit Bangkok, this teeming, eccentric and buzzing city will always be filled with events, culture and things to do. And right now we're talking about books. Bangkok is a bookworm's paradise with readers tucked away in corners all across the city. In fact, there's so much going on that you'll inevitably experience a bit of decision paralysis. Hey, we've been there too, but Time Out has your back.   Ready to start turning pages? Here are three reading events in Bangkok. And if you're more of a borrower? Head to these lovely Bangkok libraries.

Bangkok nights are always lined with choices, but New Year’s Eve turns the dial up to 11. With a dizzying number of rooftop countdowns, pulsating club nights and luxurious riverside dinners, the sheer volume of options can be genuinely overwhelming. Tempted to just stay in with a playlist and a few drinks? We get it. But trust us: if you're ready to ring in 2026 with a bang, the capital has lined up a well-rounded roster of parties for you to peruse. Whether you're after a fancy champagne-fuelled affair with views over the city or a sweaty club night that goes until sunrise, there's genuinely something for everyone this year. The only catch? You'll want to sort yourself out pretty sharpish. New Year's Eve tickets in Bangkok have a habit of vanishing faster than anything, and trust us, FOMO on January 1 hits different. So before you end up refreshing sold-out event pages at 11pm on December 30, have a look through our picks for the best ways to spend December 31 in the Thai capital. From riverside countdowns to club takeovers, here's how to say farewell to 2025. Stay one step ahead and map out your plans with our round-up of where to find Christmas magic in Bangkok.

Hard to believe December has slipped in again, but here we are, watching Bangkok swap its usual gleam for something a little more golden. No snow here, obviously, but there's still plenty of sparkle once the fairy lights go up along Sukhumvit and those enormous Christmas trees start appearing in every mall atrium. Jangly carols drift through night markets, bars get that extra twinkle and the whole city shifts into celebration mode. With everything happening at once, the season can feel a bit overwhelming. Luckily, Time Out is here to guide you through everything you need to make your yuletide in Bangkok a truly merry occasion.  If you fancy a proper Christmas dinner without the stress of brining, basting or staring into your oven wondering if you've just ruined everything, Bangkok's got you sorted. The city's mastered the art of letting you celebrate without any of the usual chaos. Grand hotel dining rooms roll out gleaming roasts and generous spreads, cosy pubs do turkeys to perfection, neighbourhood spots serve up comforting plates and even curry houses create festive specials that feel wonderfully familiar. Consider this your starting point for finding the brightest, warmest corners of Christmas spirit across Bangkok, places where the season feels effortless, inviting and just indulgent enough to make December worth savouring.  Get ahead of the game and start planning your month with our list of the top things to do this December. Stay one step ahead and map out your plans

An exhibition confronting Thai democracy arrives with unsettling clarity, pairing Manit Sriwanichpoom and Akkara Naktamna in a conversation that feels both personal and painfully public. Their works sketch daily existence beneath rigid political scripts where citizenship becomes an endurance test rather than an act of participation. Photographs and installations lean on sharp metaphors: veiled faces, constricted bodies, environments that appear breathable yet quietly hostile. Each piece questions authority’s gentle language while revealing how control slips through education, media, ritual. Viewers are left wondering what belief even means when vision feels filtered and breath negotiated. Are citizens misled, or simply surviving within limits imposed long before consent? The exhibition asks uncomfortable questions without promising answers, suggesting delusion may not belong to individuals alone but to a system sustained by repetition, fear and uneasy silence.   Until April 12. Free. West Eden Gallery, 11am-6pm

Reading Party offers a gentle alternative to loud socials, inviting guests to spend unhurried hours turning pages while sharing quiet company. Inspired by the WHOLESOME Book Club yet shaped with a looser spirit, the gathering skips deadlines, assigned chapters and formal discussions. Bring a beloved novel or borrow one on site, settle into a cosy corner and read alongside strangers who quickly begin to feel familiar. The debut session arrives through a collaboration with Biblio and BKK Lit Fest, blending literary curiosity with an easygoing atmosphere where conversation happens naturally rather than by design. Small giveaways add a playful touch, alongside a 10 per cent discount from Guss Damn Good and Adam n Eve for those craving a sweet reward.   February 15. B150 via here and B200 at the door. The Commons Thonglor, 4pm 

February Sundays gain a leisurely rhythm with Sunday Jazzy Brunch, a month-long series pairing thoughtful cooking with live jazz that gently reshapes the usual weekend routine. Each week introduces a new culinary theme, encouraging returning guests to experience familiar surroundings through fresh flavours and seasonal ingredients handled with quiet confidence. Expect towers of chilled seafood, flame kissed specialities and shareable plates designed for lingering conversation rather than hurried bites. Atmosphere leans warm and unpretentious, allowing romance to appear naturally without staged theatrics. The Namsai Trio provide an elegant soundtrack, their intimate arrangements drifting through the room like a soft afternoon breeze. Friends gather around generous tables, couples settle close over sparkling glasses, solo visitors find easy comfort among strangers united by music, laughter and the unspoken joy of slowing down.   Every Sunday. Starts at B1,500. Reserve via 02-649-8888. Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, midday-3pm

Valentine’s evening finds a softer rhythm at Siwilai Sound Club with The Natural Sound of Love, a live session shaped for quiet connection rather than grand gestures. RIRI x 3 Lbs take the stage with a fluid mix of jazz, soul, pop and R&B, weaving smooth melodies with gentle improvisation that feels close enough to touch. Seating stays intimate, lights low, conversation easy between songs that linger long after the final note fades. Couples lean closer, friends sway together, solo listeners find comfort among strangers sharing the same soundtrack. Drinks flow slowly, laughter travels softly and the evening moves at an unhurried pace, allowing music to guide each moment without forcing any particular mood.   February 14. B1,200. Siwilai Sound Club, 9pm-midnight

Tropic City marks eight years of tropical mischief with a house party that feels equal parts reunion and open invitation. Doors swing from 4pm, perfect for a pre dinner shuffle, sunset cocktails or a full night surrendering to rhythm. Franco Munoz of Salmon Guru Dubai lands for a rare Thailand appearance, joining Leo Malakul from Dry Wave Cocktail Studio alongside two surprise guests shaking signature drinks for one night only. Behind the decks, Sarayu, Pichy, DJ Zombie, KWH, Jirus and Mumsfilibaba keep spirits high with a blend of house, disco, breaks and playful curveballs that regulars know well.    February 14. Free. Tropic City, 4pm-2am

Thai illustrator Lili Tae, also known as Phindita Techamongkhalaphiwat, presents a solo exhibition curated by Jason Yang that feels like stepping through shifting layers of memory, dream and landscape. Her digital paintings grow from quiet encounters with forests, wandering paths and unexpected meetings with flora and fauna, reshaped through a deeply personal lens. Soft brushwork meets luminous colour, allowing realism to brush against fantasy and moments of gentle surrealism without losing emotional clarity. Figures appear suspended between waking life and subconscious reflection, suggesting stories half remembered rather than fully explained. Natural textures echo skin, water, leaves and shifting weather, giving each image a tactile presence despite its digital form. Viewers wander through scenes that feel intimate yet expansive, reflecting how imagination reshapes daily observation without ever fully separating from lived experience.   Until March 16. Free. GalileOasis Gallery, 9am-8pm

Saturday afternoon plans gain a playful twist this Valentine’s season as W XYZ Bar swaps late night rituals for a sunlit gathering built on rhythm, caffeine and easy conversation. DJs take charge from early hours, blending smooth house, nostalgic favourites and laidback grooves that keep bodies gently moving without demanding full club commitment. Behind the counter, baristas craft inventive coffee creations designed for lingering rather than rushing, each cup matching the buoyant mood. Expect friends catching up across communal tables, couples laughing over iced lattes, solo guests discovering unexpected company between tracks. Lighting stays bright, energy relaxed, atmosphere welcoming rather than overwhelming. February 14. B250 via here. W XYZ Bar, 2pm-6pm

Valentine’s plans feel refreshingly easy with Moose Chill Ground and Friends Edition, a two-day gathering that swaps stiff romance for music, browsing and shared afternoons that stretch well past sunset. Indie pop risers Kikidoyoumind Band headline with melodies built for swaying crowds, balancing sweetness with a slightly restless edge. Between sets, wander a thoughtfully curated market hosting more than 30 vendors, mixing familiar local makers with outside labels offering fashion pieces, crafts and playful lifestyle finds. Corners across the venue hold workshops, games and low key hangout zones, encouraging guests to linger rather than rush between highlights. Couples, friend groups, solo wanderers and curious families all find space without pressure.   February 14-15. Free. Tur Gub Chan, 11am-10pm

Riva Starr claims the penthouse at APT 101 for a night shaped by rhythm, reputation and a catalogue most dancers already carry in muscle memory. Expect selections familiar yet freshly charged, delivered live from the booth by a DJ who has spent years refining club culture from shadowy basements to headline festival slots. Founder of Snatch! Records and a regular presence across Dirtybird, Defected, Crosstown Rebels and Glitterbox, he arrives with both credibility and a playful sense of occasion. Stories hide between transitions, while grooves slip effortlessly across house, disco and unexpected detours. Regulars know his sets rarely follow predictable paths, favouring instinct over formula. Skip long introductions and trust curiosity instead. Think late smiles, spontaneous movement and strangers becoming co-conspirators beneath penthouse lights until the city finally quietens. February 13. B500 via here. APT 101, 6pm

Slowcombo launches its first Movie Night just in time for Valentine’s, offering an alternative to candlelit cliches. The evening begins with a relaxed wander through Lumphini Park, city lights flickering as strangers become temporary walking companions before heading back for conversation and cinema. A House of Common Read-lation-ship talk opens space for honest chat about love, friendship and the awkward grey areas between. Screens then glow with Richard Linklater’s romances: Before Sunrise on February 13, Before Sunset on February 14. Expect floor seating, laughter, moments of reflection and the comforting presence of fellow film lovers. Schedule runs 4.30pm-5.30pm park walk, 5.30pm-6pm return journey, 6pm-6.45pm discussion, 8pm-10pm screening.    February 13-14. B150-300. Reserve at Line OA: @slowcombo. Slowcombo, 4.30pm-10pm

Heading to Bangkok Design Week 2026 around Phra Nakhon, consider slipping a book into your bag. Rommaninat Park hosts Reading in the District, a modest pop-up library tucked beneath a generous tree. It links independent bookshops with the city’s green pause, turning shade and grass into a temporary reading room. Shelves hold a thoughtful mix of titles, while bean bags, mats and low seating circle the trunk like an informal club no one has to join properly. You can read for an hour, skim a few pages or simply sit and watch the afternoon stretch out. The appeal sits in its lack of urgency. No programme to follow, no checklist to complete. Just paper, quiet conversation and the feeling of borrowing time from the city. It is the kind of place you stumble across, then stay longer than planned.   Until February 8. Free. Rommaninat Park, 11am-10pm

Song Wat turns playful without losing its sense of history. For Bangkok Design Week, the district becomes a walkable board game, stretching across streets that once carried trade, gossip and daily deals. Building on the earlier manhole cover project, this new chapter invites visitors to play merchant, navigating landmarks and stories that shaped the neighbourhood’s working life. Set along Song Wat Road at Tuk Khaek, Merchants of Song Wat reimagines the area as a network of warehouses and shops. Players move as caravans, trading goods, striking bargains with local businesses and slowly building their own corner of commerce. The rules stay friendly, the visuals clear, drawing from familiar colours and signs around the area.    Until February. Free. Song Wat, 2pm-8pm on weekdays and 1pm-7pm on weekends.

The wait is finally over for Pathum Wan residents and animal lovers across Bangkok. Lumphini Dog Park on Witthayu Road has just opened its gates. This is Bangkok's ninth dedicated dog park, following the likes of Benjakitti Park and Wachirabenchathat Park that most pet owners already know and love. Photograph: BMA Here's what makes this one special. The former car park has been completely transformed into a green space covering over 3,200 square meters, and it's got this lovely Japanese aesthetic going on. It's a collab between Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce Bangkok (JCC) celebrating their 70th anniversary. They've brought in experts to sort out the landscape design, upgrade the lighting and manage the trees, so it looks gorgeous and actually feels safe and modern. Photograph: BMA The park is thought out, with zones clearly divided by dog size. There's a 'Big Bro' zone for larger dogs and a 'Little One' area for the smaller breeds, which means fewer dodgy encounters and less stress for owners. The whole system was developed with advice from Japanese specialists, so it genuinely works as a safe space for everyone. Photograph: BMA The real star of the show is the Off-leash Area. Inside a fully fenced zone, you can actually let your dog off the lead. They get to run around, play and burn off all that pent-up energy whilst you sit back and have a chat with other dog parents in a relaxed setting. It's the kind of thing that makes a m

You know that moment when you're watching a brilliant performer and you realise you haven't heard a single word, yet you've understood everything? That's the magic of Silent Theatre Festival. No subtitles needed, no language barriers, just pure storytelling through movement, rhythm and the kind of physical comedy that makes your sides hurt. Photograph: Silent Theatre Festival The festival lands at Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) on March 21-22, taking over the Studio Room on the fourth floor. House of Mask and Mime theatre group put the whole thing together, gathering artists from Japan, Czechia and Thailand who prove that sometimes the best stories are the ones told without words. This year brings four different shows, each with its own flavour of wordless brilliance. Photograph: Silent Theatre Festival Zeroko's teatime is Japanese artist Zeroko's contemporary mime piece built around a tea ceremony. Sounds simple, right? Except every tiny gesture carries weight, every movement invites you into this strangely relaxing world. The show shifts with each performance too, as Zeroko improvises based on the room's energy and what the audience brings. You leave feeling like you've just had your favourite brew, that warm fuzzy feeling lingering long after. Photograph: Silent Theatre Festival Silly Little Things comes from Trygve Wakenshaw, one of Europe's top mime artists. The Czech-based performer digs into life's tiny moments that somehow lead to friendship, awkwardness

All-you-can-eat dim sum isn't going anywhere, and frankly, why would it?  It’s all about unlimited access to steamed, baked and deep-fried parcels of joy, especially when they're made the proper way. If you're after a menu that takes classic Cantonese techniques seriously, Summer Palace at InterContinental Bangkok has just upped its game. From January 12, the restaurant rolled out a refreshed unlimited dim sum spread alongside new a la carte options. Leading the kitchen are Executive Chinese Chef Shui Wing Yau and Dim Sum Chef Pui Kwan Chan, both Hong Kong natives who've brought that no-shortcuts, every-pleat-counts approach to Bangkok. Photograph: InterContinental Bangkok The all-you-can-eat menu covers all your favourites. Har gao crystal prawn dumplings and siu mai sit alongside steamed pork ribs with black bean sauce, ham sui gok crispy glutinous rice dumplings and a rather luxurious baked seafood pot pie that feels very old-school Hong Kong.   Here's the clever bit though. Your unlimited ticket also unlocks an appetiser, soup, main and dessert. We're talking roast duck, crispy pork belly, double-boiled Chinese yam soup and Yangzhou fried rice to fill you up. Photograph: InterContinental Bangkok If you'd rather cherry-pick, the new a la carte menu brings steamed dumplings topped with abalone, xiao long bao with hairy crab roe soup and baked bird's nest egg white tarts for when you're feeling flush. The unlimited option starts at B1,150 per person while a la carte dish

Breathing deeply in central Bangkok isn't always the easiest thing to do these days. But the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is gradually giving public space back to the city, from launching a booking website for creative spaces to doing up parks so they actually work for people who use them.   The latest addition is a big one. The 80th Birthday Anniversary Park of His Majesty the King in Sathorn District opens again after a massive renovation, sprawling over 27,000 square metres. The revamped green space is ready for exercise fans, people after some peace and quiet and anyone looking for somewhere to spend their time that isn't another shopping mall. Photograph: Prachachat.net The park opens to the public now and even though there's no official ribbon-cutting ceremony yet, everything inside already works. You get a waterside walkway, nature study trail, healing garden, children's playground, jogging track and exercise path, plus an outdoor stage. There really is something for everyone and you can use it from morning right through to evening.   If you fancy a jog or just want to escape into some actual greenery, grab your trainers and head to Soi Ngam Duphli. The more green spaces the city gets, the more breathing room we all have. Just imagine breaking away from the towering buildings and traffic chaos to find yourself in a park that's actually pleasant to look at and be in, right in the heart of Sathon. Photograph: Prachachat Whether it's a weekend wander or an afte

Anyone who's tried booking government premises for events in Bangkok knows the pain. The endless back and forth, the weeks of waiting (sometimes months), the approvals that arrive only to find the actual staff on site haven't been told what's happening. It's enough to make anyone want to give up. Photograph: Music in the Park But things are changing. Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has been working to turn urban spaces into actual public spaces again, the kind people can genuinely use rather than just walk past. First they compiled data on what spaces exist and started making the whole application process less of a headache. Film crews got to try it out first through a One Stop Service, then BMA opened things up to festivals and all sorts of activities across the city. The result? Events popping up all over Bangkok, bringing proper life back to shared spaces that have sat empty for too long. Now, BMA has launched an official public space booking platform that handles everything in one place. The website cuts out most of the faff, sorting applications and coordinating with the agencies that manage each space before your event day even arrives. This means organisers can actually plan things properly and the city gets to host new ideas without everyone losing their minds in the process. Here's how the booking works: Photograph: Better Bangkok For film shooting (BFMCC) Submit your application with all the documents attached (staff review them within one to three wo

These days, buying stuff doesn’t take much effort. You grab your phone, scan a QR code and you’re done. No fumbling for cash, no awkward moments wondering if you've got enough change. It's the kind of convenience that slides into your routine without you really noticing.   And it turns out Thai people aren't the only ones hooked on it. Thailand's cross-border QR code payment apps are quietly being adopted by foreign tourists, particularly visitors from China. Photograph: paywise   Thai QR, a homegrown cross-border payment app, is seeing serious traction with inbound travellers. According to National ITMX (NITMX), December 2025 alone saw transaction values smash through B809 million, a 143 per cent jump from the year before. Chinese tourists lead the charge, with visitors from Malaysia and Laos following close behind. The numbers paint a picture of a city that's genuinely ready to welcome the world, from street food vendors and taxi drivers to shops dotting tourist neighbourhoods. Photograph: moneyandbanking But Thai QR isn't purely about moving money around. It's a bit of infrastructure quietly making the city function better, helping Thai businesses sell with less hassle and nudging Thailand closer to becoming Asia's digital payment hub. The system now links up with global platforms like Moreta, Alipay, WeChat Pay and UnionPay. Meanwhile Kasikorn Bank has teamed up with Meta to launch Meta Pay, a new service letting shops on Facebook and Messenger take payments directly

Vietnam is literally becoming the place to visit in Southeast Asia, and Saigon (or Ho Chi Minh City, if you're being formal) is leading the charge. The city's creative scene is absolutely buzzing right now, and if you're after a cocktail experience, Time Out Bangkok has found somewhere pretty special. We're talking about Ômm Mixology, Vietnam's first mixology concept bar, born from a belief that cocktail culture here could move beyond instant gratification. At Ômm, mixology isn't about theatrics or molecular showmanship. It's a structured dialogue between craft, culture and human connection, where drinks are composed like artworks rather than assembled from recipes. The philosophy is simple but radical for Vietnam's bar scene: less sweetness, more depth. Balance over spectacle. Restraint as a form of expression. Photograph: Omm Mixology The whole operation is curated by Japanese mixologist Shuzo Nagumo, who's a bit of a legend in the bar world. What sets Nagumo apart isn't just technique, it's culinary thinking. His approach to mixology is fundamentally rooted in kitchen disciplines, treating ingredients with the same respect and precision a chef gives to seasonal produce. This culinary foundation shapes everything at Ômm, from how botanicals are sourced to how flavours are layered, balanced and allowed to speak without interference. You can tell from the moment you walk in that something different is happening here. In a city that rarely slows down, Ômm feels intentionally

Running a hotel, restaurant, cafe, or bar can feel like an endless juggling act. There's the startup stress, finding suppliers who actually show up, dealing with staff shortages and watching costs creep ever higher. But here's the thing – innovation and tech are genuinely making life easier for operators, and if you went to THAIFEX – HOREC Asia last year, you'll be pleased to hear it's back. This massive trade show gathers the best innovations for the hospitality and foodservice sector under one roof. Running from March 11 to 13 at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani Challenger Hall 1 and 2, the event brings together thousands of products from over 600 brands across more than 40,000 square metres. That's a serious amount of ground to cover between 10am and 6pm across three days. Photograph: THAIFEX - HOREC Asia The whole point is making restaurant, bar, cafe and hotel operations easier while boosting profitability and keeping pace with global trends. Instead of chasing multiple suppliers or burning time on trial and error, everything comes together in one place. You get kitchen equipment, front of house tech and connections with brands and operators from over 80 countries (that's more than 20,000 industry professionals). Visitors gain fresh inspiration, practical knowledge and access to the latest products and innovations, all of which can be applied directly to their own businesses, all in one event. Here's what you'll find across the zones. Bakery and Ice Cream dives into equipment

Japanese cinema fans can clear a little space this month. From February 13-22, the Japanese Film Festival returns with a line up that refuses to stay in one lane, pairing well-worn classics with newer releases still carrying the scent of fresh celluloid. The Japan Foundation Bangkok has teamed up with House Samyan, Dude, Movie and Berng Nang Club to screen 15 films that span nearly eight decades of Japanese cinema. We're talking legendary classics like Seven Samurai from 1954 sitting alongside brand new 2025 releases. There's Ghost in the Shell for the anime crowd, documentaries for the curious and thrillers for anyone who fancies an edge-of-seat evening. Photograph: Ghost in the Shell   Every film comes with Thai and English subtitles, so language isn't a barrier. What makes this festival particularly special is how each selection offers a window into Japanese life. You get gorgeous shots of the country's landscapes, glimpses of daily culture and art that feels distinctly Japanese. Photograph: Renoir Already planning your next Japan trip? These films won't help with that wanderlust. If anything, they'll make you want to book flights immediately. Not in Bangkok? The festival travels north with free screenings across three provinces. Khon Kaen gets its turn at MAIELIE Khonkean from February 27-March 1. Chiang Mai hosts screenings at the CIC building Auditorium at Chiang Mai University on the same dates. Chiang Rai rounds things off at Corner, Chiangrai Contemporary Art Mus

If you're still scrambling for Valentine's plans, here's a thought. Instead of the usual dinner date, how about wandering through a romantic film set under the stars? Maya City, a historical replica of Thailand's golden age of cinema, is opening its gates for evening visits this February 13-15, 5pm-9pm. Photograph: Thai Film Archive Night@Maya City Maya Ratri is back for its sixth year, making the Thai Film Archive an after-dark hangout. The event runs across three evenings and lets you explore Thai cinema history in a completely different mood to the usual daytime visits. Photograph: Thai Film Archive You'll find a mix of things to do here. There's the Thai film history museum (atmospheric at night, naturally), live music performances, exhibitions dotted around the grounds, craft stalls selling handmade bits and bobs and food booths serving up tasty treats. Activities run throughout the evening, so you won't be stuck wondering what to do next. Photograph: Thai Film Archive The real draw is the outdoor film history replica city itself. There will be old medicine carts from classic Thai movies, vintage railway carriages, the Black Maria studio and Star Plaza where legendary Thai actors have left their handprints. It's basically an Instagram dream for cinema lovers, but genuinely interesting even if you're not glued to your phone.   Photograph: Thai Film Archive This year's edition gets an extra boost with live performances from Thee Chaiyadej on February 13 and Pijika

One month into 2026 and chances are you've already let work pile up, your to-do list spiral and your heart forget what rest feels like. So here's a thought: take a breather at GalileOasis, a secret garden hiding in Ratchathewi where art, community and nature all meet. On January 30 and 31 from midday-8pm, this end-of-January event brings together carefully selected craft beverages, wines and beers that you can taste and sip while sitting in an actual urban garden in the middle of the city. If you're doing Dry January or just don't fancy alcohol, there are non-alcoholic options too, so everyone gets to enjoy the atmosphere and properly unwind. Plus the whole thing is pet-friendly, which means your four-legged friend gets an invite as well. Photograph:GalileOasis   Beyond the drinks, GalileOasis teams up with Documentary Club, curated by Film I trust, for their 8½ programme. Two documentary screenings open up new perspectives on life, waste and the stories we overlook every day. Tickets cost B40 and B80 and you register through their Google form. On January 30 at 6.30pm, the screening shows The World Before Your Feet from 2018. It follows a man who walks every single street in New York City, covering over 8,000 miles as he discovers the people, lives and stories tucked away in the sprawling metropolis. The next evening on January 31 at 6.30pm brings Scrap from 2022. This one takes you inside the graveyards of throwaway culture, from discarded mobile phones to abandoned aeropl

The capital’s enormous ethnic Chinese community has been shaping everything from the business scene to the street food landscape here for generations, especially around Yaowarat where Chinatown buzzes with that perfect mix of heritage and hustle. You've got your casual street side spots or the full on formal family banquet venues. Not much in between for when you just fancy really good Chinese food on a random Tuesday or any day. Photograph: Andaz One Bangkok That's the gap Jǐng fills at Andaz One Bangkok. The name means 'scenery' or 'view' in Chinese, which clicks the moment you walk in. Natural light pours through the windows on the L Floor, making the restaurant feel airy and relaxed. Before you start worrying this means the food has gone all fusion and experimental, take a breath. The kitchen runs on pure authenticity. Experienced chefs use techniques they've spent years perfecting. Quality ingredients arrive daily. Traditional preparations get the respect they deserve. Photograph: Andaz One Bangkok The open kitchen steals the show before you even taste anything. It's built like a theatre stage so you can watch the entire performance. Woks crackle and hiss. Flames leap up in controlled bursts. You're eating dinner and watching a masterclass at the same time. Jǐng plants its flag firmly in Sichuan and Cantonese territory. Breakfast is served as a buffet with Chinese-focus selections. It features fish congee that tastes like comfort in a bowl, X.O. sauce omelet with pro