Meena Janekrabuanhad

‘Made in China’ really doesn’t quite mean what it used to. From cult fashion labels to design-led lifestyle brands, a new generation of Chinese names is winning over Bangkok and you no longer need to book a flight to Shanghai or Beijing to get your hands on them. In fact, some of these brands have made Bangkok their only home outside China. Stores once saved for the next trip abroad are now popping up around our very own city, bringing a distinctly Chinese take on fashion, design, food and lifestyle to Bangkok’s streets. Here are the Chinese brands Bangkokians are currently obsessed with and where to find them.

I just moved here, and I thought that would be the hardest part. Turns out belonging is a whole other battle.  Even in the social hubbub of Bangkok, making friends as an adult is hard, so I’ve turned to hobbies. Think of them as little whimsical side quests around Bangkok: no social pressure, no commitments, no need to be particularly good at anything. Just show up as you are, try something new and see where it takes you.   Maybe you’ll meet a like-minded friend. Maybe you’ll come out the other side with a new favourite pastime. Or maybe you’ll spend two hours awkwardly making some wonky trinket that doesn’t work properly but you’ve had a great time making it anyway. Worst case, you’ll have a funny story to look back on. Welcome to ‘hobbymaxxing’ in Bangkok. A series about trying new things, facing (social) fears and making new memories, one hobby at a time. First up: journalling. Trading your phone for a pen Journalling seems like a good place to start, even if it’s quite personal (so much for making new friends!). It’s low-entry, low-pressure and requires very little commitment beyond finding somewhere to sit and putting pen to paper, essentially. And in a city that’s always rushing to get caught in traffic, there’s something quite nice about deliberately doing the opposite. Find somewhere to slow down, open your notebook and scribble your thoughts. Serious ones or complete nonsense. Photograph: I found something goodEverything to Journaling

Light casts shadows through the glass, falling across a vinyl record spinning at a steady 33 rpm. The crackle of the needle settling into the grooves awakens analogue sound – imperfect, but that's why people love it.  In our fast-paced world, where almost everything can be commanded with the touch of a fingertip, sinking into a chair and listening to an entire record has become a rare and almost exquisite act. A ritual, even, for those who appreciate sound.  Japan’s traditional jazz cafés, known as Jazz Kissa, remain among the few places where you can walk in, leave the outside world behind and simply immerse yourself in the music – unbothered and uninterrupted, with no ads to skip and no algorithm deciding what you listen to next. In Bangkok, we have similar spots – usually referred to as listening bars – although they’re usually a little more connected than the social Faraday cages of Japan.  The Japanese sense of nostalgia is captured in the pages of Jazz Kissa: The Soul of Japanese Listening Culture, a photographic exploration of Japan’s iconic cafés and the culture of deep listening that surrounds them.  Behind the book are three people who appreciate the art of listening in their own way: Katsumasa Kusunose, a music historian and photographer who has spent nearly half his life immersed in jazz cafés; Ted Gushue of ERG Media, a publisher with a belief in the enduring power of print; and Devon Turnbull, a sound architect who turns loudspeakers into sculptural works of art

This is definitely a camera-eats-first kinda list. We’re judging these places purely by their looks (because, let’s be honest, it’s hard to go wrong with a butter and sugar combo), so expect an obscene amount of cuteness as we run through Bangkok’s best looking desserts. Those who know the drill will already have cameras at the ready. And if you’ve been dragged along but aren’t exactly a café person, well... please be patient and don’t tuck in until the perfect picture is taken. And for those who do prefer to eat with their eyes, this list covers cookies, parfaits, puddings, cakes, pastries, macarons and pretty much every kind of sweet treat you can imagine – provided it’s cute enough to make the cut. Bangkok has never been this sweet.

Move over, elephant pants. Thailand has another wardrobe staple worth adding to your closet: it comes in pairs and is made of leather.  That’s right, Thailand's homegrown leather shoe brands have grown from humble workshops into respected names recognised both locally and internationally the past few years, and we’re all here to celebrate them. With carefully selected premium leathers, skilled handcraftsmanship and versatile designs, these shoes are actually built to last rather than simply chasing seasonal trends.  And before you think it, forget the idea that leather shoes are only for boardrooms or black-tie events. Everyone’s going for the leather shoe look these days, seamlessly blending artisanal quality with everyday looks. We’re talking timeless loafers and Derby shoes, rugged boots and leather sneakers. They literally go with any outfit.  To celebrate this new Thai craft, we’ve rounded up 12 leather shoe brands made in Thailand worth knowing – from heritage names that have stood the test of time to emerging labels worth keeping on your radar.  

Nothing feels more inviting on a hot, humid day in Bangkok than stepping into a blissfully air conditioned mall. In fact, they’re often the coldest places you'll find in the entire city – a welcome escape from the relentless tropical city heat. To say Bangkok has a lot of malls would be an understatement. Thailand is one of the world's premier shopping destinations, and it seems like there's a new, luxurious mall around every corner. But these malls are much more than places to shop. They've evolved into all-in-one lifestyle hubs where you can find virtually anything you need from world-class dining and entertainment to grocery stores, banks, clinics, fitness centers and even cultural attractions. To make the decision on which one fits your style, we've rounded up the best shopping malls in Bangkok for every type of traveller – whether you're chasing luxury brands, hunting for bargains, searching for the city's best food courts or simply soaking up skyline sunsets.

Every Mid-Autumn Festival, eyes turn skyward for the full moon. But the real star of the celebration might just be something sweeter. The mooncake – a round pastry that has long symbolised family reunions, completeness and prosperity – is as much a part of the festival as the moon itself.So, as each autumn arrives, hotels, Chinese restaurants and leading confectionery brands across Bangkok unveil their annual mooncake collections, reimagining traditional recipes, selecting premium ingredients and creating gift boxes that resemble works of art. And in this era of great creatives, many of these venues collaborate with renowned chefs, artists and designers to share experiences that extend far beyond the ordinary dessert. In 2026, the world of mooncakes has become more exciting and competitive than ever. From classic lotus seed paste and salted egg yolk fillings to more contemporary creations featuring yuzu, lychee, caviar and limited-edition collections that challenge traditional expectations; there are more choices than ever to discover, enjoy and share as a memorable gift. We’ve curated the most noteworthy mooncake collections in Bangkok to help you choose the perfect Mid-Autumn Festival gift, or simply so you can overindulge yourself. We’re not here to judge.

While Fourth of July may not be a national holiday in Bangkok, it falls on a weekend, making it the ideal time for anyone to experience America without flying halfway around the world. Add on a decent number of US expats all rearing to cheer on 250 years of independence, there’s really no reason not to join in.  This year, Bangkok goes all out with rooftop fireworks, boat celebrations, all-American BBQ feasts and live music that would make Uncle Sam proud. So whether you’re an American missing home or just here for the food and festivities, there’s an event for everyone. Lobsterbacks included.  Whatever you are feeling – whether it's a family fun day or a late night party – here’s our top picks for America’s big day, Thailand style. 

For those accustomed to rushing through life – from the morning commute to racing home at the end of the day to reclaim a few quiet hours alone – THE BARAI HUA HIN feels like a summer break from being an adult.  About a three-hour drive from Bangkok, Hua Hin has long been the city’s seaside escape, known for its royal history, old-school holiday charm and a slower pace but with all the comforts.  Set on a quiet stretch of beachfront, THE BARAI HUA HIN started life as a spa. With boundless success, it’s now expanded into a hotel where four elements shape everything from the architecture to the wellness experience.  It’s also the first hotel in Thailand to join Hyatt’s Unbound Collection, a luxury portfolio of hotels picked for having a story, a sense of place and a personality of their own – not just a nice pool, although this hotel does have one of those too. From slow mornings by the beach and special meals cooked by the chef to guided wellness sessions and local excursions, the days at THE BARAI HUA HIN have a way of filling themselves here. Come without plans and let the day unfold.  Why stay at THE BARAI HUA HIN? For more than two decades, The BARAI has been a Hua Hin favourite for some serious spa time. Now, its hotel brings that same sense of restoration beyond the treatment rooms, turning a few hours of pampering into a full stay built around slowing down and feeling well.  The idea is simple: ‘Curated Wellness, Your Way’ – whether that means filling your day with trea

Before hyper-realistic fruit-shaped cakes, there was luk chup – a traditional Thai dessert that has long been known for its almost-too-real appearance. Taking the form of tiny fruit and vegetable shapes painted in vivid colours and finished with a glossy jelly coating, beneath the shiny exterior is a sweet mung bean paste made with coconut milk and sugar. Baan Luk Chup takes the tradition a step further, moving beyond the usual miniature fruits to recreate familiar Thai dishes and cute characters in luk chup form. Our favourite has to be the nam prik pla too – a cute dish of ‘chili paste’ and ‘mackerel’ that flips the concept savoury. Although the filling is absolutely still sweet. With so many playful creations, see how many you can recognise before taking a bite. Locations at Arun Amarin and Charan Sanitwong 50. Open daily 8am-7pm and 7am-6pm, respectively

This dessert could be cute or turn sideways very quickly. Baan.rukrom cafe & bakery is primarily a cake-decorating café where you can come in with your own inspiration and leave with your very own masterpiece. It might not end up in an art gallery, but it will, eventually, end up in your stomach. Choose from cakes, cookies and cupcakes to decorate, with the final level of cuteness entirely in your hands. Whether it turns out picture-perfect or a little more abstract, there’s no pressure – it’s all part of the fun. There are also ready-made cakes and baked treats for those needing a little bite without needing to put in the work. 493, 8 Pracha Rat Sai 2 Rd, Bang Sue. Open 10am-6pm (closed on Wednesdays)

If cuteness had a home in Bangkok, it would be HUUS PLATE. Housed in a renovated old house, the three-level café is known for its Japanese milk bread, shokupan and shonuts – a pastry that combines a shokupan with a doughnut. Innovation at its best.  But good pastries alone won’t land you on this list. HUUS PLATE also doubles as a space for hosting collaborations with different brands and artists, with the décor, themes and desserts changing to match. One visit might bring a new character, another a new world but one thing stays the same: the cuteness. 5 Sukhumvit 60 Alley, Phra Khanong Tai. Open 10am-6pm (closed on Mondays)

From the perfect Pantone-approved pastel colours and sprinkles on the storefront, you can already tell it’s only going to be even cuter inside. Sunny Flavour Cafe is famed for its cheesecake, which looks just like the yellow cartoon cheese blocks you can see Tom and Jerry fighting over. Almost everything on the menu comes in a baby-pastel shade, right down to the star-shaped ice cubes in the drinks. And adding to the line-up of cute animal desserts, this one’s cartoon character of choice is the bunny, with treats as adorable as the real fluffy ones.  Want to make some of the cuteness yourself? Sign up for one of Sunny Flavour’s cookie-decorating workshops and get creative with colourful royal icing and character-shaped butter cookies. 33 Pradiphat 17 Alley, Phaya Thai. Open 10:30am-5pm (closed on Mondays)

From the café to the desserts, Calling Calling feels like it could be tucked away on one of those cosy quintessential side streets in Japan. With their cute signature parfaits that manage to stack a huge amount of different sweets into one cup and cream sodas in every colour of the rainbow, it’ll have you reminiscing about your last Japan trip or planning your next one. Japanese sweets and cartoon nostalgia come together in the most kawaii way, with Hello Kitty parfaits that stack layers of ice cream, fruit, cookies and wafers for a mix of crunchy and creamy textures in every spoonful. And if you’re after something a little more cheeky, try the Crayon Shin-chan-inspired parfaits. A sweet throwback to the cartoons you loved as a kid, now served as ice cream. 387/7 Soi Charoen Krung 45, Si Phraya, Bang Rak. Open 11am-6pm (closed on Tuesdays)

Aren’t choux the cutest? Meet ‘Coco’ and ‘Bon Bon’ from the Woolloomooloo Bakery, the light, airy French choux pastries filled with custard, here to steal your heart and your appetite. Inspired by the owner’s very own dog, ‘Bon Bon’ became the bakery’s signature, with the cutest bulbous shapes that make taking that first bite just a little bit painful. There’s also dachshunds too, so you’ll have to take your pick or might as well just get both. And the cuteness doesn’t stop at the desserts. The storefront is just as adorable. Not just any kind of cute – we’re talking Korean cute. Think soft, whimsical, minimalist and ridiculously photogenic. The bakery is also pet-friendly, so you can enjoy cute desserts while being surrounded by cute dogs. Even though this isn’t a dessert review, if you’re lucky enough to catch their seasonal ‘peach­tachio’, don’t pass it up. A whole poached white peach in the prettiest shade of pink, filled with peach cream cheese on top of a baked custard tart layered with pistachio paste. Locations at Ratchada 19 and Thonglor 13. Open daily 9am-6pm

Whether you've followed Kodaline since the beginning or only recently discovered their music, this is your last chance to see the beloved Irish alternative rock band live in Bangkok. As one of Ireland's most beloved bands, Kodaline brings its ‘Farewell Tour’ to the city as the band closes the chapter on more than a decade of heartfelt songwriting, soaring indie-rock anthems and emotionally charged live performances. The set is expected to span the band's career, featuring fan favourites including ‘All I Want’, ‘High Hopes’ and ‘The One’, in a performance that reflects on the music and moments that have defined Kodaline's journey. August 28-29. B1,900-B9,600 via here. UOB LIVE, Emsphere (sixth floor). 9pm-late

Jelly Roll Jazz Club turns Lumphini Hall into a classic swing ballroom, with international jazz acts, beginner classes and some friendly competition. Never danced before? This is your chance to give it a go, with free beginner classes led by professional instructors – who knows, maybe you’ll even be ready to enter the competition later (but no pressure).  The night features live jazz from Thai and international artists, including Thailand’s Yusu Jazz Band, Japan’s Clap Stomp Swingin’, Eyal Vilner from the US, The Brothers Arntzen from Canada and Steven Coombe representing the UK, with the ‘Swing Era Cadets’ closing out the night with one final swing performance. Entry is on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early before the hall fills up.  August 23. Free. Register here. Lumphini Hall, 4pm-7pm

‘Well, I think they call this love…’ if the lyrics don’t ring a bell, then Matthew Ifield’s warm romantic voice might. The rising Australian artist captured listeners around the world with his cover of ‘I Think They Call This Love’ that became a viral sensation with his smooth vocals and heartfelt delivery. Now, Matthew Ifield is heading to Bangkok for his first-ever solo concert in Thailand. As part of VERY Live Presents: Matthew Ifield ‘Close To Your Heart Tour 2026’ in Bangkok, the singer-songwriter will bring his soulful performances, original romantic melodies and heartfelt ballads to stage.  August 19. B1,900-B2,500. Grab your tickets here. Volume Livehouse. 7pm

Road to Melt Festival brings together two of indie music’s most distinctive singer-songwriters, Matt Maltese and Phum Viphurit, for a night of intimate live music in Bangkok. With his bittersweet songwriting and heartfelt storytelling, Matt Maltese creates songs known for turning everyday emotions into beautifully honest lyrics that resonate deeply with listeners. The British-Italian singer-songwriter earned a loyal following with his charmingly melancholic style and captivating live performances.  Sharing the stage is Phum Viphurit, the Bangkok-born, New Zealand-raised singer-songwriter behind global hits like ‘Lover Boy’ and ‘Long Gone.’ With his laid-back charm, warm vocals and feel-good approach to songwriting, Phum has become one of Thailand’s most recognised indie artists, winning fans around the world with his effortlessly relatable sound. Together, they bring two distinct worlds of indie music from opposite sides of the globe together. August 16. B2,500 via here. Cloud 11 Hall. 7pm

No awkward icebreakers or forced networking and forget the usual ‘what do you do?’ introductions. At Type to Meet You: EP. 1 Type to Shine Yourself, your MBTI type becomes a new way to start conversations. The Academic Bar x MBTI Community event brings together knowledge and conversation beyond the four letters. The evening features an MBTI lecture by BeruArny Channel (MBTI Certified Practitioners), followed by a panel discussion with author and The MATTER co-founder, Champ and Pharaoh of The Common Thread on personality, self-growth and how understanding our MBTI preferences can help us better understand ourselves and others.  Set in a cosy bar atmosphere, this event is about good conversations and new connections – drinking is completely optional. Come meet new people with shared interests, exchange perspectives or simply enjoy listening and learning in a relaxed environment. August 5. B650 and includes a complimentary drink. Reserve your spot here. Bottle Rockets Bar, Silom. 7pm-10pm

Fancy a free boat ride with a useful purpose? Get Lost in Volunteer & Beyond is taking volunteers onto Bangkok’s Lat Phrao Canal for its monthly clean-up. You’ll collect rubbish from a waterway that helps protect the city from flooding. No experience is needed; gloves and the boat ride are provided. Lat Phrao Canal runs through Bangkok and forms part of the city’s flood-control system, carrying rainwater during the rainy season. Bangkok grew around its canals, but decades of urbanisation have left many polluted. Rubbish blocks water flow, making it harder for canals to drain efficiently during heavy rain. Get Lost in Volunteer & Beyond runs the clean-up each month. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty; gloves and the boat ride are supplied. The schedule:  8:40am: Meet at Airport Rail Link Ramkhamhaeng Station 9:00am: Arrival at Lat Phrao Canal 9:15am: Welcome, activity overview and safety briefing 9:30am: Canal clean-up begins 10:45am: Group photo and wrap-up 11:00am: Finish  It is a small, practical way to spend a Bangkok morning – and the free boat ride is a decent bonus. September 19 2026. Sign up here. Lat Phrao Canal. 9am-11am

Those shoppers from math problems buying 60 watermelons, 25 apples and 33 lychees finally have their moment: passengers can now check one 10kg box of fresh fruit for free on domestic flights from 20 regional airports across Thailand. The catch is manageable – use an official box supplied at the airport and leave the durian behind. It’s a rare chance to take a few extra kilos home without paying extra baggage fees, so consider this your sign to stock up. Running until August 31 2027, the initiative aims to help local farmers distribute produce during peak harvest season, promote Thai-grown fruit and encourage domestic travel. The 20 participating regional airports are Nan, Lampang, Tak, Phitsanulok, Loei, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Roi Et, Ubon Ratchathani, Buri Ram, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Ranong, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Krabi, Trang and Narathiwat.  The offer applies to passengers flying with seven participating airlines: Thai Airways, AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, Thai VietJet Air and Ezy Airlines. And yes, everyone is wondering about durians. The king of fruits remains banned, so it will have to stay behind. Participating airports will instead have designated retail spaces where farmers can sell permitted seasonal fruit. Only fresh fruit is allowed. Each passenger may check one 10kg box and must use an official fruit box supplied by the airport. It will be securely sealed to prevent odours, leaks and insects fro

Melody of Life 17 returns to centralwOrld this October with three days of free live music. More than 100 artists will rotate across the festival’s stages from daytime into the evening, making it an easy place to meet friends, catch a set, grab a bite and soak up the atmosphere. Photograph: Melody of Life Music FestivalBangkok This is built as more than a concert: Melody of Life is an all-day hangout for browsing, shopping and discovering new music. Previous editions have included a Music Market stocked by artists and designers, with DJs soundtracking the browse.  Choose a stage to suit your mood. The Outdoor Stage handles the biggest crowd-moving sets; the Indoor Stage is more laid-back. The Indy Stage spotlights independent musicians across genres, while the Idol Stage is aimed squarely at T-POP fans.  Come for a favourite artist and leave with a new one. The full Melody of Life 17 line-up and performance schedule will be announced soon. Follow Melody Of Life Music Festival for the latest line-up and schedule. October 16-18, 2026. Free admission. centralwOrld, Pathum Wan

Got more plushie keychains than actual bags? A growing pile of stickers and notebooks you’re still too scared to use? Then ‘Lontoh,’ a collectors’ flea market, might be your kind of weekend plan. Its name translates roughly as ‘overflowing table’ – fitting for a market where tables groan with cute finds, handmade goods and collectibles. Back by popular demand, it returns for a bigger second edition. Browse a treasure trove of things you don’t need but will probably take home anyway. Squeeze another character keychain onto your already crowded bag, browse one-of-a-kind prints and stickers, discover work by small local artists, or pick up a ceramic matcha bowl to brighten your morning routine. Fellow collectors sell new and second-hand goods at friendly prices, so expect affordable little treasures that’ll have you asking, ‘What is this?’ before buying them anyway. Go through your collection and bring a trinket you’re ready to part with for the trinket trade. Swap prized possessions and perhaps make a new friend to drag along to the next market. Bring some change for the coin-operated postcard machine – and hope you land your favourite print on the first try without getting carried away. A stamp rally, photo booth, and DJ zone add to the fun, making browsing only one of the things to do. Lontoh is for anyone who finds joy in being surrounded by cute, pretty things that make the working week feel worthwhile. There are also free stickers, free entry and air-conditioning. Browse w

If one taste of som tam – the fiery, addictive papaya salad – was enough to make you a convert, ISAN UNBOXED FEST 2026 is made for you.  This free festival brings Isan, Thailand’s northeastern region, to Bangkok – no plane ticket required. From local culture and ways of life to music, crafts and famously fiery cuisine, it packs three days of Isan experiences into one place. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is ‘unboxing’ Isan through five zones. Given the region’s famously bold flavours – worth every bead of sweat – start at the Isan food and café station to seek out dishes that are harder to find in Bangkok.  Between bites of sticky rice, catch live Isan music. With its lively rhythms and distinctive sound, mor lam may have you dancing before you have finished eating. At Isan acoustic and talk, catch performances and hear more about the region, its culture and travel experiences. Once you have had your fill of walking, eating and dancing, slow the pace at Isan ma muan ma mu, where wellness traditions, local wisdom and spiritual practices offer a chance to recharge. Next comes a little retail therapy at Isan souvenir, where handmade crafts meet creative workshops. Pick up something made in the region or try making something yourself. If the festival has you ready to book a flight, visit Isan hot deals, where tourism operators from across the region showcase destinations and travel offers. Your next trip may be practically planned before you leave. You may still be in Ba

Tried the apps, deleted the apps, waited to naturally meet the one only to download the apps again? Time to give Cupid some very Asian-style backup. Observed once a year on the Friday before the full moon of the Hindu lunar calendar, falling on August 28 this year, Varalakshmi Vratam is considered an especially auspicious day for people seeking love and fortune.   Goddess Lakshmi is at the centre of it all, in her blessing-giving form that is believed to be particularly receptive to prayers that day – making it a good time to ask for a little extra luck in love. Here are a few tips from Bangkok locals who say they found love after giving it a try: Dress code: Wear pink or red, colours traditionally associated with Goddess Lakshmi and believed to be her favourites. Offerings to bring: Worship with nine incense sticks, pink lotus flowers, sugarcane juice, water, milk, five kinds of fruits and various aromatic substances.  What to avoid: Avoid offering meat or eggs. The most important part when praying: Give her the basics. State your first and last name and date of birth. After all, there are plenty of prayers to keep track of. Get specific. From personality traits, lifestyle to the little things that matter, like someone who actually puts the toilet seat down. Set a deadline. Give the goddess a timeframe so she knows you mean this year, not sometime in the next decade. Not in Bangkok? These days, even praying has gone digital. Join online or have the ritual performed on your

Bangkok’s annual Red Cross Fair, known in Thai as Ngan Kachad, returns to Lumphini Park in January 2027 for 14 days of eating, shopping and old-school fairground fun. This is no ordinary fair. For a fortnight, one of Bangkok’s best-known green spaces becomes a sprawling playground of food stalls, shopping booths, carnival rides, games and giveaways. The food stalls bring together specialities from across Thailand, giving you the chance to taste the whole country in one place. Alongside regional favourites, expect street-food staples and viral TikTok-famous eats.  For many Thais, no visit is complete without an Ovaltine Volcano. Parents and children queue for the towering chocolate drink, a nostalgic after-school treat that brings back childhood memories with every sip. Photograph: Red Cross FairBangkok Switch between savoury and sweet as you browse the stalls, then hunt for bargains ranging from household goods and clothes to make-up. Try your luck at the raffles, which support the Red Cross’s work. The wonderfully old-school games include dunking a policeman into a water tank, catching eggs from a dinosaur and yanking stars from the sky. Prizes can be surprisingly valuable – think gold and electronics – or delightfully practical, such as a prized bottle of laundry detergent. Photograph: Red Cross FairBangkok Fourteen days of eating, shopping and playing, all in aid of a good cause.  Jan 18-31, 2027. Free admission. Lumphini Park, Pathum Wan. 11am-10pm

Food delivery is second nature in Bangkok – boba, yoghurt, ice cream, acai bowls and smoothies, all scrumptious and all delivered in cooler bags. While those bags can be reused for packed lunches or grocery runs, there are only so many household needs. Before long, they start piling up and collecting dust in a corner of the kitchen. Now Grab is collecting clean, usable cooler bags for Charoenkrung Pracharak Hospital, where they will be used to store temperature-sensitive medicines for patients. Photograph: GrabBangkok Drop them at one of nine Grab collection points: Sathorn Prime Tower, UBC 2 The Park, Plan B Tower, Siam Paragon, Siam Discovery, Siam Center, Central Chaengwattana, Central Rama 9 or Central Pinklao. Look for the green Grab drop-off boxes, or donate directly at the hospital. Before donating, make sure the bags are clean, usable and undamaged. Donations are open until September 30, 2026.  So, when that next boba order arrives with a cooler bag, keep it clean and pass it on.

If Jesse Gold’s smooth vocals and soft beats have ever stopped you mid-scroll, here’s your chance to hear him live. The Canadian singer-songwriter is bringing his ‘Lucky Me’ tour to Bangkok for an intimate show at Volume Livehouse – a suitably close-up setting for his easy-going songs.  Expect fan favourites including ‘One in a Million’, ‘Always Been You’, ‘Date Night’ and ‘Song in My Head’, alongside plenty more feel-good melodies likely to stay in your head long after the show.  All tickets are standing, leaving plenty of room to groove and sway to Gold’s blend of indie pop and R&B. General admission tickets cost B1,800 plus a B120 ticketing fee. VIP tickets cost B3,000, plus a B200 fee and include a place in the closest standing section, a meet-and-greet with Jesse Gold, priority entry and early access to merchandise sales, if available. Don’t miss your chance to catch Jesse Gold while he’s in Bangkok. Nov 18, 2026. From B1,800. Book tickets here. Volume Livehouse, Din Daeng. Show starts at 8pm

Hooray! No need to sneak food into the cinema anymore. At Century Theatre Sukhumvit, your next movie night comes with a full Italian meal courtesy of a five-star hotel. The concept is this: Italian food, The Godfather on screen and large sofa recliners. This is Century Theatre Sukhumvit’s newest project, teaming up with Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotel for ‘La Famiglia Legacy: Table and Screen’, where you can enjoy dinner and a little crime all in one go. Photograph: Century Theater SukhumvitBangkok The experience begins at the cinema’s ‘Vivian Lounge’, which has been transformed into an Italian-American mafia family gathering for the night. And the film setting the scene? The Godfather, the legendary mafia drama. As the Corleone family drama unfolds, so does the dinner. The menu includes welcome drinks, pasta, cannoli and other Italian dishes served throughout the film. The hardest part may be remembering to watch the movie once the tower of cannoli arrives. Photograph: Century Theater SukhumvitBangkok   And it’s surprisingly good value for money. Tickets start at B1,550 per person for the Vivian Lounge experience in rows E–F, while the premium experience in rows A–D costs B1,650. The event runs every Saturday and Sunday from August 22 to September 13, with advance booking opening August 15. Seating is limited, so grab your tickets early because mob-boss drama is best enjoyed from a sofa recliner with food in hand – especially when it’s made by real chefs.  Every Saturday

Play is not only the stuff of childhood afternoons spent tearing around the neighbourhood park. At Bangkok International Children's Theatre Festival (BICT Fest), it becomes a way to spark imagination, curiosity and discovery – and a good excuse for grown-ups to join in too.  Now in its 10th edition, BICT Fest invites everyone from curious little ones to adults who have not entirely grown out of playtime. These are not sit-still-and-watch performances; audiences are encouraged to interact, explore and get involved  alongside the artists.  Running from August 21–30, BICT Fest 2026 brings together 11 performances by artists from Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Indonesia, Belgium, France and the United Kingdom. This year’s theme is Play Attention: Look Who's Growing Up!, with events taking place at One Bangkok, Goethe-Institut Thailand and Sodsai Pantoomkomol Centre for Dramatic Arts. Photograph: BICT FestBangkok Highlights include IYKYK, an interactive parking-lot performance that whisks audiences aboard golf carts into a world of light and shadow created by DuckUnit, Plock!, a Belgian contemporary circus show that turns movement into a living painting inspired by Jackson Pollock; and Frolic, a contemporary dance work performed by disabled and non-disabled artists. Families with babies aged three to 24 months can try Kaow Kome, a sensory performance exploring rice through Thai and Japanese cultures. Afterwards, keep the playdate going at TBC, a new interactive

There are two kinds of people: those who can’t stand insects and those who can’t get enough of them. Both are welcome at Insect Fest – but if you belong to the first camp, leave the squishing and squashing at home. Creepy-crawly complaints aside, we really can’t live without insects. Here’s the quick biology lesson nobody asked for: they pollinate our food, feed other animals (and sometimes us) and return nutrients to the soil. In other words, they do plenty of the heavy lifting for our wonderful Earth. Give the little creatures a chance at Rim Khop Fah Bookstore, where Sarakhadee Magazine has teamed up with Wanghin Lab to bring the fascinating world of insects into the city. Nervous visitors needn’t worry: the insects are safely contained in displays, while the line-up includes species endangered in Thailand, offering a rare chance to see them up close in Bangkok. Expect talks, insect-themed booths, workshops and an exhibition, with plenty of ways to explore the weird, wonderful and surprisingly important world of insects.  Those ready to go further can join workshops that make creepy-crawlies look decidedly more charming. Wanghin Lab, an insect-and-nature learning space run by two passionate brothers, hosts an insect pinning workshop revealing the scientific process used to prepare dried specimens. You can take one home – and it’s guaranteed not to wander around the house. MUSHIQUEEN, an art brand inspired by moths and other insects, lets you paint a canvas and create your