Toey Sarunrat

Bangkok settles into a slower rhythm this week after the Songkran rush, with new menus and bar updates that feel more considered than flashy. A light, seafood-led Italian menu lands at Rossini’s, while khao chae returns by the river at Praya Palazzo. Cocktail lists at Rabbit Hole and Opium Bar move between nostalgia and more ingredient-driven ideas. Sala Saneha, meanwhile, hosts a kitchen takeover revisiting a lesser-known chapter of Bangkok’s food story.

Bangkok’s dining scene never ceases to impress with new restaurants constantly adding fresh energy to the city’s vibrant food landscape. While elegant fine dining establishments often steal the spotlight with their refined menus and impeccable presentation, casual eateries play an equally important role in shaping the city’s culinary identity. From bustling street-side stalls to trendy bistros, these spots capture the capital’s lively spirit through bold flavours, creative concepts and inviting atmospheres. If you’re planning a romantic evening for two, a laid-back family dinner or even a solo food adventure, there’s no shortage of exciting options. The city’s diverse culinary landscape continues to expand, offering everything from Cantonese and French delicacies to comforting Burmese dishes. Whether you’re drawn to modern fusion cuisine or timeless classics, there’s always something new to discover. Discover, book, and save at hundreds of restaurants with Grab Dine Out. Enjoy exclusive discounts, use dining vouchers, and make instant reservations, all in the Grab app. Explore Grab Dine Out now.

タイムアウト東京 > トラベル >バンコク、ベストレコードショップ8選 バンコクには優れたレコードショップが多くあるが、真の音楽愛好家はそれらの店が、単にレコードを売っているのではなく、音楽文化そのものを生かし続けているということをよく知っている。 多くの人々がスマートフォンで音楽をストリーミングしながら絶え間なく画面を眺めるこの時代にあっても、アナログな音を好み、ほこりをかぶったレコードに心躍らせ、音楽を実体験として味わいたい者たちのための居場所が、バンコクにはまだ残されているのだ。 長年の「ディガー」であるか、先週初めてターンテーブルを手に入れたばかりの初心者であるかは関係ない。 この街には、ただレコードを売るだけでなく、コミュニティーを育み、情熱を燃やし続け、フィジカルな音楽がなぜ今なお重要であるのかを思い出させてくれる、控えめながら輝く店が点在している。 現金と時間、そして何より好奇心を持って訪れたい、バンコクのレコードショップを紹介しよう。 関連記事『タイムアウトが発表、「世界の歩いて回れる都市 トップ20」ランキング』『海外移住するならどこへ？ 「TikTokで人気の移住先」ランキングが発表』

Bangkok’s unagi game is way stronger than most people realise. There’s something oddly satisfying about unagi don. Maybe it’s the way the sweet glaze coats the charred eel skin. Over the past few years, a wave of unagi-focused joints, many with real Japanese roots, has spread around town, and they’re doing the dish serious justice. We’ve rounded up five restaurants where the eel is fresh and the grill marks aren’t only for show.

There’s something almost primal about the essence of a smash burger – it’s about that sear, that sound of ground beef hitting a hot griddle and being pressed until the edges go lacy and crisp, the fat bubbling up just enough to drip down your wrist. That’s exactly what this burger style has always been about. Since the 1950s, when American diners began smashing patties thin on flattops for speed and flavour, they unintentionally unlocked a Maillard reaction so perfect that, over half a century later, Bangkok is fully hooked on the crackly crust and fast-food-gone-right charm of this once-humble American invention, now reimagined by everyone from Thai chefs to hardcore burger heads across the city. The smash burger isn’t exactly new – but its resurgence has taken on a life of its own. Instead of using pre-formed patties, cooks now place balls of minced beef directly onto a blazing hot griddle and press them down hard, often with a heavy spatula or metal press (legend has it, a can of beans did the job in the early days). Once considered a fast, forgettable method in American diners of the 1950s, the technique faded from the spotlight – until the 2010s, when chains like Shake Shack and Smashburger helped bring the seared, crispy-edged patty back onto the radar. These days, chefs have refined the smash to an art: some go ultra-thin and stack high like meaty crepes, while others stick with more traditional 150g patties, always aiming for that elusive sweet spot – crispy edges, ju

Picture this, dusky pink walls, curving bronze shelves, rattan panels and a playlist that swings between disco and dreamy lounge jazz. We’re perched on a velvet banquette at Dusit Thani’s new 1970 Bar, and it genuinely feels like we've stepped back into the golden age of glamour. It’s here, amid cocktails and unrivalled city views, that we meet Jay and Jareyadee ‘Ple’ Spencer, founders of Woof Pack Projects, long-time creative forces in Bangkok, and one of the city’s most quietly iconic couples. ‘I think the 1970s were a time of beautifully decorated spaces,’ Jay says, sipping a dirty martini. ‘This bar feels like a private penthouse imagined by someone with great taste. André Fu nailed it – it’s intimate, nice and private.’ Photograph: STYLEdeJATE Ple agrees, though her eye goes straight to the skyline. ‘I love the view,’ she smiles. ‘You’re surrounded by towers in the city, and suddenly there’s green. It feels calm. Dusit has always had this iconic presence – it’s part of the neighbourhood. Coming here feels like visiting a friend’s apartment: it’s cosy, it’s comforting.’ If the pair were actually living in the ‘70s? ‘I’d be in the same field, just different aesthetics,’ Jay muses. ‘I’ve always been surrounded by art and design, so I’d still be doing this – maybe just trading skinny jeans for bell bottoms.’ Photograph: STYLEdeJATE Ple lights up. ‘I’d be running a production house,’ she says without missing a beat. ‘I actually wanted to be an architect, then switched to

In a city that never stops reinventing itself, Thai desserts remain one of the most tender links to the past, a quiet and fragrant reminder of heritage. These time capsules are carefully steamed, stirred or shaped by hand. Today’s Thai dessert scene in Bangkok is alive with contrast. You’ll find age-old favourites like luk chup and thong yod sitting beside creative renditions. Some shops honour the old ways, while others add a whisper of creative method, layering in new textures, new pairings or contemporary presentation. These seven dessert spots serve a moment of nostalgia, comfort, and cultural pride. From mung bean miniatures to coconut-scented classics, this list is your passport to Thailand's love affair with Thai dessert. Discover, book, and save at hundreds of restaurants with Grab Dine Out. Enjoy exclusive discounts, use dining vouchers, and make instant reservations, all in the Grab app. Explore Grab Dine Out now.

There’s something about dim sum that always feels like a special occasion, even if you’re just squeezing it into a late morning or casual lunch. Dim sum isn’t just food, it’s a ritual. In Bangkok, the dim sum scene is layered, part old-school, part experimental and part luxury. A table full of bamboo steamers, clinking teacups, a mix of conversation and chopsticks darting across dishes. These are the spots that get it right, and why they deserve your time.

Bangkok doesn’t always take brunch seriously, but when it does, it leans all in: quirky spaces, well-worn heritage shophouses, New York-ish Japanese cafes, plates full of nostalgia and even blues from New Orleans. Here’s where we’d actually go (and recommend to our friends) for a proper Sunday brunch with character and, most importantly, flavour that holds up.

Fried rice, for many, is that everyday comfort food that somehow ticks all the boxes – carbs, protein, maybe a little veg – the kind of dish that delivers full satisfaction. It might sound like the simplest thing in the world, just rice in a wok with some extras thrown in – but in Bangkok, where Thai and Thai-Chinese culinary DNA run deep, it’s a dish that reflects precision, control and often nostalgia. And while you can get fried rice just about anywhere, the places that really know what they’re doing? They hit different. These nine spots offer something distinctive, each brings something unique to the table, and no, we’re not talking about your average filler plate.

Labelled a teen for being ‘too much,’ Madame Rouge now runs Bangkok’s most fabulous entertainment empire – where every show is sparkly, surreal and just a little unhinged. Just the way she likes it. In the middle of Bangkok’s Chinatown, inside Chop Chop Cook Shop, a five-storey shophouse that now serves as a nostalgic tribute to old-world cookshops and neon-lit alleyways, something magical came to life. Our latest digital cover shoot with Madame Rouge, Bangkok’s burlesque powerhouse, captures contradictions, cinematic tension and the spirit of a woman who refuses to live a double life. Photograph: Pavel She steps into frame wearing sequins, satin and all the sass in the world. But make no mistake – what you see isn’t a persona she puts on. It’s who she is. ‘I’ve been this person my whole life,’ she says. ‘Even as a kid I was confident, dramatic, opinionated (when I was a toddler, my parent’s friends gave me the nickname Auntie Jade). That kind of boldness wasn’t always welcomed. I was relentlessly bullied during my awkward teenage years. Acne, weird fashion choices, big energy. But I didn’t know how to be anyone else.   Photograph: Pavel   Born in Hong Kong, raised across continents from Canada and the U.S. to Beijing and now based in Bangkok, Madame Rouge – also known off-stage as Jade – channels her life’s winding journey into her art. Her brand is burlesque, but her power lies in how she stitches together East and West, nostalgia and absurdity, grit and glam. ‘Growin

Bangkok is the kind of city that never really stops moving. Even when the bars empty out and the last train has left the station, there’s always a hum of life somewhere, whether it’s a late-night street food vendor flipping omelettes over a hot wok or a 24-hour restaurant serving up steaming bowls of noodles to bleary-eyed shift workers, insomniacs and partygoers who aren’t ready to call it a night. While the convenience store might have instant noodles and reheated meals, there’s something about sitting down at a proper restaurant – no matter the hour – that just feels right.

In Thonglor, Rabbit Hole is celebrating its tenth anniversary with a return of some of the drinks that helped define the bar in the first place. Familiar names such as Mad Hatter, Clueless and Smoke Peach Old Fashioned are back in their original form, which is part of the appeal. There’s no need to overcomplicate the idea: these are crowd favourites for a reason, and they still hold up. For long-time regulars, it’s a good excuse to revisit an old favourite; for newer drinkers, it’s a chance to try the cocktails that helped shape Bangkok’s bar scene over the past decade. Now until Apr 30. From B440++ per drink. Rabbit Hole, Thonglor. Open daily 7pm-late

At Praya Palazzo, summer means the return of khao chae, one of Thailand’s most distinctive warm-weather dishes. Served at Praya Dining in a restored riverside mansion, the whole experience suits the food: calm, unhurried and slightly old-world. Jasmine-scented rice arrives in chilled water with a traditional selection of sides, including sweet preserved radish, stuffed shallots and hand-shaped shrimp paste balls. It’s delicate, detailed and more satisfying than it first appears, especially when eaten slowly in the heat. For anyone looking for classic Thai seasonal food in Bangkok, this is an easy one to recommend. Now until May. B960++ per person or B1,790++ for two. Praya Dining, Praya Palazzo, Somdej Prapinklao, Bangyeekhan, Bangplad. Advance booking required.

Over two evenings, Sala Saneha brings in Akkee and Baan Lamyai for its first kitchen takeover, centred on the idea of ‘cookshop’ cuisine. The concept looks back to a period when Chinese cooks in Thailand adapted Western dishes for American soldiers, often improvising with limited ingredients and local techniques. What emerged was a style that sat somewhere between Thai, Chinese and Western cooking, with its own charm and a fair bit of nostalgia. Expect an à la carte format and two seatings each evening. More than a one-off collaboration, this feels like a smart way of revisiting a part of Bangkok’s food story that doesn’t get enough attention. Apr 27-28. Sala Saneha, Decho Rd, Suriya Wong, Bang Rak. Two seatings:  5.30pm-7.30pm and 8pm-12am. Advance booking recommended.

At Rossini’s inside Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, the new Primavera & Mare menu leans into the cleaner, brighter side of Italian cooking. Chef Stefano Merlo builds it around seasonal produce such as white asparagus, violet artichokes and citrus, paired with seafood including red prawns, seabass and langoustine. The dishes are ingredient-led and nicely restrained. A take on sarde in saor adds sweet-sour depth, while lobster tortelli, risotto with langoustine and grilled seabass keep the tone elegant rather than showy. This is one for when you want a slower meal where the point is good produce handled properly. Now until Apr 30. Prices from B580++ per dish. Rossini’s, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit. Lunch Mon–Fri 12pm–2.30pm; dinner daily 5.30pm–10.30pm.

Bangkok Baking Company (BBCO) at the JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok leans into the season with Tropical Harmony, a limited run of desserts built around bright fruit and lighter textures. It is a simple idea done well, with flavours like mango, coconut and berries working through a set of playful designs. Standouts include the raspberry flamingo, which layers sponge, confit and mousse into something sweet yet light, while the delightful poolside tropique – which brings banana, mango and passion fruit into a creamier mix – adds a kiss of freshness to proceedings. There is also a neat piña colada take and a chocolate option shaped like a beach bucket if you’re really after something richer and absolutely photogenic. Now until Apr 30. B250 per piece. Bangkok Baking Company, JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok. 6am-9pm

Fine dining gets a slightly easier way in at EBBE Bangkok with the new discovery menu. This shorter format lets you get a feel for the kitchen without settling in for the full run – great on the wallet, and the stomach. On the plate, the approach stays the same: ingredient-led and precise, just trimmed into something that works if you are short on time or not quite ready for the longer version. The kitchen is led by chef Ebbe Vollmer, whose background includes time in two Michelin starred kitchens and alongside names like Marco Pierre White and Gordon Ramsay. You are still seated right at the chef’s counter, close enough to follow the flow of the kitchen, which keeps things engaging without feeling formal. It is a good way to try it out, especially if you have been meaning to book but needed a gentler starting point. If you are in the mood to go all in, the longer seasonal prestige menu is there for a more complete experience. Open now. Discovery menu B3,800++ and prestige menu B5,500++ per person. EBBE Bangkok, LG/F, Erawan Bangkok Building. 5pm-10pm (closed Sunday)

At Market Place Thonglor, Butler brings a modern diner format that feels easy to drop into at any time of day, with the idea of being easy, familiar and just a bit more considered. The sort of place you can drop into at any hour, come for a quick bite, a slow lunch or something that turns into drinks without much planning. The menu moves from grilled cheese and tomato soup to larger plates like pork schnitzel and oxtail cannelloni, plus dry aged meats if you want something more substantial. There is also a house made sourdough bagel programme, which adds a bit of variety through the day, plus weekend specials that bring in oysters, dry-aged local fish and lighter plates. It is relaxed, a little playful and built for repeat visits, the sort of spot that becomes an easy default. Open now. Butler, 1/F, Market Place Thonglor. Monday-Friday 10am-10pm, Saturday-Sunday 8am-10pm

Bangkok is the place to be this week if you’re after something a little different on the plate. The city hosts the first-ever Thailand edition of the Russian-Thai Gastronomic Festival, where chefs from both countries come together to cook, collaborate and swap ideas. Expect masterclasses, pop-up dinners and behind-the-scenes sessions, with visiting Russian chefs teaming up with local talent to create menus that playfully mix ingredients, techniques and traditions from both sides. The festival continues with exclusive dinners on 31 March, 2 and 3 April at leading Bangkok spots including Wang Hinghoi, Baannok BKK City Edition and Brass House. It’s an up-close-and-personal affair with limited seats, all about creativity and cultural exchange, making it perfect for anyone curious to see two food worlds collide. Mar 30-Apr 3. Various venues including The Food School Bangkok, Wang Hinghoi, Baannok BKK City Edition and Brass House

Ekkamai gets a lively new player with Somsak, a modern Isan spot from the team behind Fatboy Izakaya and Kim Jeong Grill. The restaurant is named after Somsak, a taxi driver who won the lottery in London before returning to Bangkok to open this personality-packed eatery. The space is full of personality, with music, colour and a slightly chaotic energy that sets the tone from the start. The menu runs wide, covering som tam, laab, grilled meats and sharing plates, all dialled up with punchy seasoning. Start with fried squid tossed in laab spices, or for seafood fans, garlic tomalley river prawns and pla dib with wasabi nam jim seafood. There are also grilled cuts and playful twists across the menu. Whether you’re settling in for a proper meal or just swinging by for a lively night with friends, this place gets the energy to match. Open now. Somsak, Ekkamai Corner, Sukhumvit Rd. Sunday-Wednesday 11am-10.30pm, Thursday-Saturday 11am-11.30pm

Over at Goji Kitchen + Bar, things come in a double bill this April. Easter Sunday (Apr 5) brings a family-friendly brunch packed with international and Thai dishes, while the Songkran Feast (Apr 13-15) shifts into a more local celebration, complete with a floating market-inspired setup and a khao chae station running from Apr 10-15. It’s lively and built for groups, with plenty of choice across live cooking stations and buffet spreads, plus enough variety to keep everyone at the table happy. Goji Kitchen + Bar, Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park. Easter Brunch Apr 5 (12pm-2.30pm) B2,899++ per person. Songkran Feast Apr 13-15 (12pm-2.30pm and 5.30pm-10pm) B2,599++ per person.

Up on the 23rd floor of Andaz One Bangkok, Piscari opens its doors for the very first daytime service with the Piscari Sunlit Brunch, landing for one day only this Easter Sunday. The format leans generous and easy-going, starting with unlimited oysters, cheeses, cold cuts and starters, before moving into à la carte mains that keep the Mediterranean thread running throughout. Dishes run from chicken and merguez couscous to red wine-braised beef cheek and seafood paella, before finishing on sweets like pistachio baklava and cherry clafoutis. There are optional drink packages if you fancy stretching things into a longer, lazier afternoon. Apr 5. B2,500++ per person (including soft drinks). Andaz One Bangkok

Things get fiery at Chilli Fest 2026, returning for its fourth edition with a line-up that pulls together some of Bangkok’s most recognisable chefs and restaurants. Set at Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok’s Urban Oasis, the event leans big on flavours, fast-paced energy and plenty of heat. Expect everything from Thai and Mexican to Korean, Lao and Punjabi dishes, all built around chilli in different forms. Big names in the mix include chef Thitid ‘Ton’ Tassanakajohn and chef Parkorn ‘Tan’ Kosiyabong, alongside restaurants like Delia, I-Sang and Jhol. There’s also a chilli-eating contest for those willing to push their limits, plus drinks, live music and a market stocked with hot sauces and spice-led snacks. Mar 28.  B250 early bird, B350 at door. Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok, Langsuan. 2pm-9pm

Currently, a Bangkok train ride can set you back anywhere from B15-62 – the further you go, the more you pay. But come September 30, Thai citizens get to ride the entire network for a flat B20. The catch is you’ll need a Thai ID to unlock this transit goldmine, so it’s mostly a locals-only win. While the B20 flat fare is a game-changer for Thai citizens, it also highlights a troubling disparity. Migrant workers, long-term residents without Thai IDs and tourists, many of whom rely on Bangkok’s public transport daily, are excluded from this benefit. For a city that prides itself on being a global hub, this locals-only win feels like a missed opportunity for inclusivity and equity in public infrastructure. The flat rate applies across all seven colored lines: red, purple, green, blue, pink, yellow and gold. This cuts travel costs big time for daily Bangkok commuters, whether you're trekking in from the outer rings or just hopping between Siam and Asok. B20 full stop. This unified fare covers the Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS) – the elevated train network (aka the Sky Train), the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) – the underground metro system and the Airport Rail Link (ARL) that connects downtown Bangkok to Suvarnabhumi Airport. How to enjoy B20 fares Register through the Tang Rat app and tap in using either:  Contactless EMV cards (standard international credit/debit cards from Europay, Mastercard and Visa) Registered Rabbit cards (Bangkok's transit payment card system) Payment com

現在、バンコクではパン業界で静かなる激戦が繰り広げられている。意外にも、その主役は素朴でずんぐりとした形の小さなロールパンだ。「shio pan（塩パン）」と呼ばれるこれらのパンは、20年ほど前に日本で誕生した。 同地での人気を経て、今やバンコクの最先端を行くベーカリー、カフェ、週末のマーケットにまで勢力を拡大。焼き菓子で有名な店までもが、この流れに乗るべく生地の配合を改良し、チーズや柚子バターを詰める、あるいはトリュフを加えるなど、バンコクらしい「リミックス」を施してブームに乗ろうとしている状況である。 まだ食べたことがない人にとって、塩パンの見た目は実に地味に映るだろう。艶やかな砂糖やチョコレートのコーティングもなければ、幾重にも重なる層や奇をてらったトッピングも見られない。基本的には、わずかに自然なしわが入った黄金色のロールパンに、ひとつまみの粗塩がまぶされているだけだ（焼成中に内部のバターが溶け出してできた小さな割れ目ができることもある）。 それを口にした瞬間、塩パンへの執着が始まる。外側は薄い殻のようなパリッとした食感で、内側はほとんど空洞に近く、ふわふわ。口の中にふわりと広がるのは、決して力強くなく、控えめにそっと染み込んでくるミルキーでリッチなバターの風味である。 そうしたブームの中、全ての塩パンが正しく作られているとは限らないという問題も起きている。生地の密度が高くて油っぽく、まるでディナーロールでガーリックトーストを作ろうとして、肝心のニンニクを忘れたような仕上がりになってしまっているパターンもある。塩気が強過ぎるもの、乾燥し過ぎたもの、見た目だけ「SNS映え」を狙って実際には食べられたものではないものも少なくない。 塩パンはシンプルだからこそ、高度な技術が求められ、外はカリッと中はふんわりという絶妙なバランスを実現するのがいかに難しいかに気づかされる。そして、「完璧な塩パン」との出合いがいかにまれであるということもだ。だからこそ、人々は追い続けるのであり、そのこと自体が塩パンの魅力の一部となっているともいえる。 さらに興味深いのは、塩パンのブームからバンコクの食文化の変化がうかがえることだ。常に「次のトレンド」を追い求めるこの都市においては、これまでバスクチーズケーキやキューブクロワッサンのような派手なスイーツがブームになってきた。 塩パンはむしろその対極に位置する存在なのだ。甘くもなく華やかでもない。だから、人々の心をつかんでいるのだろう。バンコクの食文化は、今静かに成熟し始め、派手さではなく、さりげない完成度を評価する段階に来ているのだ。 今タイで「塩パン」がブームになっている理由 「塩パン」は、日本発の影響だけでこの国に広まったわけではない。そのブレークの契機は、韓国への旅行人気にあった。同国を訪れたタイ人観光客たちが、現地で「ソグムパン」と呼ばれる塩味のパンに出合い、それを持ち帰ったことがきっかけとなる。 多くの人がその味に夢中になり、その需要はバンコクのベーカリーにも波及。独自のバージョンを開発する店が次々と登場したのだ。「塩パン」として販売する店もあれば、韓国名のまま提供する店もあるが、いずれも共通しているのは、塩気とバターの満足感を、しっかりと届けているという点である。 ブームの初期においては、日本風または高級志向のベーカリーにおけるニッチな商品として登場した塩パンだが、今やこのトレンドは一般層にまで浸透。クールなカフェから職人系ベーカリー、さらには一般的なスーパーに至るまで、塩パンはバンコクのあらゆる場所で見か

There’s a quiet bread war going on in Bangkok right now, and oddly enough, it’s being fought with a simple, stubby roll of salt-speckled dough called shio pan. Originally from Japan, where it’s been a humble bakery staple for years, shio pan has now crept into Bangkok’s trendiest bakeries, neighbourhood cafes, and weekend markets. Even places known for their pastries are tweaking their dough formulas to get in on the game, some stuffing it with cheese or yuzu butter or adding truffle because, well, Bangkok can’t help but remix everything. If you haven’t had one yet, it looks plain, deceptively so. There’s no glossy glaze, no laminated layers, no absurd toppings. Just a small, golden-brown roll with a slightly wrinkled top, a dusting of flaky salt, and maybe a little crack where the butter inside has melted and leaked slightly in the oven. But then you bite into it, and that’s where the obsession kicks in. The outside gives a faint crunch, almost like a shell, but the inside is fluffy, borderline hollow, and there’s this rich, milky butter flavour that hits you like a whisper instead of a punch. But here’s the thing, it’s not always done right. The worst versions are dense and oily, like someone tried to make garlic bread with a dinner roll and forgot the garlic. Some are too salty, others too dry, and too many are just trying to be ‘Instagrammable’ instead of actually edible. You start to realise how much technique this simple bread needs to really hit that soft-crisp balance

One of K-pop’s hottest girl groups is entering a new chapter. Formerly known as (G)I-DLE, the group has officially dropped the brackets and the ‘G’, rebranding themselves simply as i-dle across all social media platforms. The change reflects a move towards a more fluid and liberated identity, one that isn’t bound by gender or conventional labels. To celebrate their 7th anniversary, i-dle has also announced the release of not one, but two mini-albums. The first, Special Mini Album, is dropping today (2 May), while their eighth official mini album is set to follow on 19 May. Fans were also treated to a teaser video featuring the track for (G), which appears to remix elements of their iconic debut single LATATA. Their upcoming May return also marks the first time all i-dle members have promoted together since signing new contracts with Cube Entertainment at the end of last year. In the meantime, they’ve each been exploring solo paths, with Minnie launching her debut solo album HER in January, and Yuqi followed with the digital single Radio (Dum-Dum) in March. With a fresh identity and new music on the horizon, all eyes are on i-dle to see just how far they’ll evolve this time.

Coachella 2025 had it all – viral moments, surprise guests, and enough star power to crash the internet. Lisa Lalisa Manobal, global pop sensation and member of BLACKPINK, has once again proven her status as a powerhouse performer, claiming the number two spot in earned media value (EMV) during Coachella 2025. According to influencer analytics platform Lefty.io, Lisa generated an impressive $9.5 million (approx. B350 million) in EMV, placing just behind fellow BLACKPINK member Jennie, who topped the chart at $13 million (approx. B480 million) following her solo debut performance of Ruby. Also in the top five EMV rankings were Enhypen at number three with $9.3 million (approx. B342 million), Benson Boone with $6.7 million (approximately B247 million), and Travis Scott with $5 million (approx. B183 million). Held across two weekends in California’s Colorado Desert, this year’s Coachella lineup was brimming with global stars – from Lady Gaga to Travis Scott and Post Malone. But it was Lisa’s electrifying presence on the Sahara Stage that sparked a global buzz online, with fans and fashion insiders praising her powerful performance and genre-defying looks.Lisa’s Coachella 2025 appearance marked her return as a solo artist, with two sets across both weekends. Her week one performance hit the Sahara tent and quickly became one of the most talked-about highlights of the festival, breaking into Coachella’s Top 10 most-viewed videos of all time on YouTube. But she didn’t stop there. O

For years, Thailand’s alcohol laws have felt like a confusing mix of outdated moralism and arbitrary enforcement. The infamous Section 32 of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act made it technically illegal for anyone – even regular consumers – to post a picture of a beer on social media if it was seen as promoting alcohol. Bars and craft brewers had to dance around frustrating restrictions while big brands found creative ways to keep their presence known. But as of 19 March, Parliament has voted to ease up, allowing alcohol advertising with conditions that are still being ironed out. This is a big deal, and not just for businesses. It’s a step toward a more transparent, informed drinking culture – one where consumers can actually learn about what they’re drinking instead of just seeing the same few dominant brands everywhere. The obvious winners here are craft brewers, small distillers, and bars that have been struggling to compete with corporations that had the resources to sidestep the old rules. Under the previous system, smaller players had to rely almost entirely on word-of-mouth, while big brands could push their non-alcoholic products – think soda water or alcohol-free beers – to keep their branding front and centre. It wasn’t a level playing field. Now, smaller producers have a real shot at telling their stories, connecting with consumers, and building their brands in a way that’s actually legal. Danny Yeung, a well-known F&B consultant, sees this as a long-overdue win:

Bangkok is a city that never sleeps – witness the thrumming traffic, heaving malls, busy street stalls, night markets, endless restaurants and bars. But beyond the chaos and constant movement, the capital also offers quieter, more magical moments, especially at sunset when the heat drops, everyone heaves a collective sigh and slows down a little. Watching the sun dip in Bangkok feels like hitting the pause button for a precious moment. Here then is an insider’s guide to the best spots to catch the golden hour in the Big Mango.   Wat Arun   Photograph: Mercure Bangkok Siam     When you think of Thailand’s iconic landmarks, Wat Arun on the Chao Phraya River likely comes to mind. It is often pictured with the sun perfectly aligned behind its stupa and although known as the Temple of Dawn, sunsets here are just as magical. The porcelain-covered spires glow in the soft evening light, creating postcard-perfect moments. The best way to enjoy it is to join a sunset cruise along the Chao Phraya, or bag a table at one of the riverside restaurants across the water for a front-row seat. Seeing the sun dip behind Wat Arun’s silhouette never gets old. Wang Doem Rd, Bangkok Yai. 02-891-2185. Open daily 8am-6pm   River City Bangkok Rooftop   Photograph: Ticketmelon   For those who appreciate cinema with a view, River City Bangkok, in collaboration with Skyline Film, elevates the film-going experience by transforming its rooftop into an open-air theatre. It offers a front-row seat to