Thai artists collaborate with restaurants to spark your creative appetite

Thaweesak Srithongdee or Lolay, is known for his boundless creativity and distinctive, surreal style. His works, marked by exaggerated and distorted forms, captivate viewers with their freedom from convention. He has collaborated on various projects, including designing a cape for Anna Sueangam-iam, Miss Universe Thailand, at Miss Universe 2022. During the swimsuit competition, he transformed the blank cape into a unique piece reflecting cultural diversity through imaginative design.

Lolay recently teamed up with American burger brand Shake Shack to create murals for a new branch at One Bangkok. The vibrant artwork blends abstract forms, shapes and typography, symbolising human unity, futuristic infrastructure and nature’s coexistence with urban life. His signature elements, including portraits of people alongside Shake Shack’s offerings such as burgers, chips and milkshakes, create an atmosphere that feels like you’re enjoying fast food in an art gallery.

If you wish to appreciate artworks that reflect rural life, look no further than Maitree Pharahom’s creations. He captures the simplicity, peace and warmth of village life in the Isaan region (Thailand’s northeast), highlighting the generosity and mutual support among villagers, which are qualities that are lacking in urban society. His paintings often feature everyday scenes and people, with colours, lines and raw elements coming together to create striking visuals. 

And there is no need to visit an exhibition to see Maitree’s works. Eat Me Restaurant, located in the Silom area, offers food and art lovers the chance to admire the vibrant life of northeastern people through his mural, The Morlam Mural – Isaan Dance. He has also created murals on the second and third floors of the restaurant, bringing the simple, joyful life of Isaan to life. One shows two farmers raising their hands, waving and dancing happily as they harvest rice. Every detail is beautifully captured, from the betel nut on the lips of the sun-kissed farmers to the lush green rice fields they cultivate. 

If you haven’t heard of Ping Hatta or Piamrak Hattakitkosol, she’s an artist and illustrator known for her vibrant depictions of women. Her style is marked by strong lines, flat colours and harmonious compositions hinting at inspiration from Fauvism and the works of French artist Henri Matisse. As you might expect, her art revolves around the female form, exploring themes of womanhood, everyday life and the mystery of femininity. Her pieces have gained international attention, appearing in British Vogue, ELLE Thailand and collaborations with major brands such as Nike and Sephora.

It’s no surprise that Ping Hatta’s creative talents have ventured beyond art venues and into spaces like Wine Climats Bangkok. This cosy restaurant in the Silom area is adorned with her murals, joyous expressions in her signature style of people enjoying the fruits of the vine. With Ping’s vibrant touch, the restaurant achieves harmony, becoming a space for art, culture and the sweet life.

Art can take many forms, as demonstrated by Teerapon Sisung who transforms copper wire into sculptures and installations that blend traditional Thai elements with contemporary art. The essence of Thainess so evident in his work draws inspiration from the country’s heritage, which Teerapon believes connects us to the past while also bridging the present and future. 

Teerapon's work caught the attention of Michelin-starred chef Thitid “Ton” Tassanakajohn and snared a commission to design decor elements for the chef’s Thai restaurant Nusara, an enterprise that serves as a memorial to Ton’s grandmother, who was a seamstress. Teerapon’s resultant work focuses on the art of sewing and incorporates traditional weaving techniques using a loom passed down from the artist’s grandmother. The installation is designed to float, gently swaying as if suspended in mid-air, offering a visual language that connects fine dining with fine art.

You may recognise Phannapast "Yoon" Taychamaythakool from her vibrant wall painting at the Wat Mangkorn MRT station. Her works are easily identifiable, often featuring animal characters and flowers. Phannapast’s art reflects her personal experiences, using the personalities of animals to express her emotions. Her inspiration often comes from her surroundings and her upbringing in a Thai-Chinese family, which has influenced her to incorporate a deep love for the culture in her pieces. Her distinct style caught the attention of Alessandro Michele, creative director at Gucci, leading to a collaboration that resulted in several projects with the luxury brand.

Her works have been showcased in various places, including the Spanish restaurant Vamos at The Society, a new hangout spot in Phuket. At this restaurant, Yoon draws inspiration from the marine life Phuket is famous for. Step inside and you'll find vibrant murals of squid, shrimp and crab adding splashes of colour that complement the seafood offerings.