Kaweewat Siwanartwong

January has a habit of overstaying its welcome. Long days, half-kept resolutions and that strange lull after the holidays. Yet the final weekend arrives looking kinder than expected. The air feels lighter, evenings stretch a little longer and Bangkok seems ready to tempt everyone back outside. Start with Fuori Posto in Bangkok, where food loosens its rules and conversation matters as much as what lands on the plate. From there, Bangkok Design Week spreads across the city, less about slogans this year and more about what creativity can actually do, right now, on the ground. Expect exhibitions, talks and small discoveries tucked between streets you thought you already knew. When the sun dips, After Club: Sip Slow in the Garden offers a gentler option. Drinks, soft lighting and an atmosphere that rewards lingering rather than rushing. Later, Kang Kao welcomes Yoel from Seoul, whose considered selections promise a night guided by feeling rather than fireworks. If comedy feels more your speed, the Stand-Up Comedy Workshop Weekend opens the door to microphones, nerves and learning how to earn a laugh. Prefer to watch creativity under pressure? Art Battle Bangkok brings painting to the foreground, with artists working fast and audiences deciding who takes the win. January might be nearly done, but this weekend suggests ending it well, with curiosity, company and a few good reasons to leave the sofa behind. Get ahead of the game and start planning your month with our list of the top

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

It sounds almost too good to be true, but here we are. One of the world's biggest pop stars becomes a tourism ambassador and suddenly the entire internet is paying attention to Thai handicrafts. That's the Lisa effect for you. The BLACKPINK member has this uncanny ability to turn literally anything she touches into a global sensation. Remember when she posed with a Labubu doll? That once obscure collectible became an international must-have overnight. A casual Instagram story featuring a snack? Expect it to sell out within hours. Now the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has officially tapped Lisa (full name Lalisa Manobal) as their Amazing Thailand Ambassador for 2026. It's a pretty savvy move considering her influence extends far beyond the music charts. The TAT has now taken things further by spotlighting specific Thai food and fashion items that Lisa has already turned into viral moments. Rather than starting from scratch, they're capitalising on products she's naturally gravitated towards, the ones that have already sparked conversations and sent fans scrambling. It's an interesting approach to soft power. Let one of your most famous cultural exports casually showcase local products, then amplify what's already working. In the bizarre economy of modern fandom, where a celebrity's offhand choice can reshape entire markets, Thailand is playing it smart.  Here are eight picks that Lisa has put on the map.

We're officially saying hello to 2026, the Year of the Horse. According to the Chinese zodiac, it's meant to be dynamic, energetic and full of fresh starts, a calendar page that  nudges you towards action rather than hesitation. Whether your 2025 resolutions made it past January is beside the point. Abandoned lists don't cancel out ambition, and new ones can be written anytime – preferably without self-judgement. If one of your goals this year is to get out more often, you're in luck. We've rounded up some of the best things happening across Bangkok this January, and there's plenty to tempt you off the sofa. The music scene is particularly busy this month. Till Lindemann brings his industrial theatrics to town, Tyga hits up a Bangkok venue, Salin performs and Wolf Alice are back doing what they do best. But it's not all about gigs, there's loads more going on. So whether you're after live music, cultural happenings or just fancy trying something new, read on for our pick of January's highlights. Stay one step ahead and map out your plans with our round-up of the best things to do in Bangkok.

There is a certain cruelty to early fame in Thailand. It sticks, fossilises and refuses to move on even when the person inside the image does. We know NOTEP or Note Panayanggool as an artist, an influencer, a brand, a woman who seems to operate somewhere between sound bath and electronic music. Yet the country first met her as something else entirely – Note The Star, runner-up on a televised talent show, ukulele in hand, smile fixed in place. That version of her lingered longer than she wanted. For years, she tried to outrun it, forming an indie band, leaning away from pop sweetness, pushing herself towards edges that felt less tidy. But reinvention is rarely a clean cut. There were fractures along the way, moments where ambition and expectation collided hard enough to rattle her sense of self. Eventually, the noise inside became louder than the one outside. She stepped back and began what she now describes as a spiritual journey, not in a hashtag sense but as a necessity. Photograph: Vivi Suthathip Today, Note Panayanggool feels like a complete picture. Or at least closer to one. She is a Thai artist, musician and environmental advocate whose work moves across disciplines, often blurring where one ends and another begins. Since starting out as a singer in 2010, she has expanded her practice into sound design, installations and collaborations that orbit environmental causes. Music is still the anchor but it is no longer the destination. Photograph: Vivi Suthathip From hyp

Even though Christmas and New Year are just around the corner, Bangkok's cultural scene shows no signs of slowing down. If anything, things are ramping up, with galleries and museums packing their schedules with exhibitions that deserve your attention before the year wraps up. If you're wondering what's actually worth your time, start here. We've rounded up the best museum exhibitions and art shows happening in Bangkok right now, from contemporary installations to historical retrospectives that'll make you rethink everything you thought you knew about Thai art. There's plenty to see across the city, whether you're into cutting-edge contemporary work at MOCA Bangkok, intimate gallery shows in Charoenkrung or major exhibitions at the National Gallery. The variety is impressive, and the quality? Even better. Can't make it to everything? Don't worry. We're updating this list with the latest openings and must-see shows, so you'll always know what's hot and what's not in Bangkok's art world.  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 December. 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.

There are many ways to unpick a person's listening habits. Some people journal, others overanalyse dreams, but most of us simply wait for that neon billboard masquerading as self-reflection: Spotify Wrapped. It arrives every December like a digital horoscope announcing that your personality is apparently built on Scandinavian synth pop and whatever you played once by accident in March. This year they're even telling you your listening age, my friend at 25 got told she has a 70-year-old’s taste in music. I don't get one from Spotify. I'm the stubborn Apple Music holdout who refuses to migrate, so I must accept my sonic identity will remain unquantified forever. And that is what eventually led me, in a knotty roundabout way, to Da Minot. If you've never pressed play on Indian folk before, especially the intricate lineage from the Khasi and Jaintia hills, prepare your ears for something ungoverned by genre categories. India-born artist Hammarsing Kharhmar's ensemble Da Minot does not simply borrow from heritage. It treats ancestral rhythm as oxygen, using instruments like the duitara, bom and various bamboo flutes to carve out a sound that feels older than language and newer than the internet's attention span.   Before this interview, while waiting for him to reply to my email, I returned to their songs again. I told myself I'd listen to one track, then fell straight into another, then another. They have that effect. A pull that is both meditative and defiant. T

What is it? Located in Nuanchan, Bueng Kum, and founded and managed by Tatchanon Kotchasuwan, a famous promoter with a vision for Muay Thai to be a sustainable, global profession. This gym is for developing skills with professional fighters who've taken athletes to success in the ring for the last 10 years, with complete equipment and facilities where you can come and train comfortably, bringing only yourself. Why go? This gym uses sports science to systematically help fighters improve their techniques and enhance their physical condition. Merging the gym's modernity with care from veteran teachers makes training accessible but gaining more than exercise – skills, discipline and deeper understanding of Muay Thai. Time Out tip: This gym is about to have a project to create a clothing brand and equipment to present the Mavinn brand, ready to seriously open a production factory. Anyone who wants to see Muay Thai in the dimension of lifestyle and branding, we recommend keeping an eye on this movement. Mavinn Muay Thai, Nuanchan, Bueng Kum. Open Monday to Saturday, 6am to 7pm. 065-985-7919. For more informationFacebook: Mavinn Muaythai GymIG: mavinn.muaythai.gym

Paint dries quickly here. Art Battle Bangkok turns making art into a public sport, with artists racing the clock and the audience watching every decision unfold. Each round allows just 20 minutes, enough time for instincts to take over and nerves to show. Viewers wander between easels, close enough to see mistakes corrected and ideas shift in real time, then vote to decide who moves forward. Three rounds keep the pace sharp and the mood competitive without losing its warmth. Every finished work heads straight to auction, blurring the line between spectacle and support for the artists involved. You can turn up simply to watch or apply to paint yourself, joining a community that values risk over polish. Open to all ages, the event connects Bangkok to a global series staged across more than 50 cities worldwide. February 1. B99-350 via here and B450 at the door. The Fig Lobby Bangkok, 7pm

Hands still matter, even now. At Rosewood Bangkok, Made in Thai-Hands arrives through a collaboration with Play Art House, offering a thoughtful look at living craft traditions shaped by patience rather than speed. Curated by independent artist Seada Samdao, the exhibition brings together 10 Thai artists working between inherited techniques and contemporary thinking, without treating either as fixed. Moving through the space feels like travelling across different landscapes, guided by texture, material and touch. Threads hold hours of quiet labour, pigment settles through instinct and surfaces reveal years of repetition. Nothing rushes for attention. Instead, each work carries the weight of human effort and the calm confidence that comes from knowing a process deeply. While the rhythms of making remain central, the voices feel current, led by a generation carrying tradition forward with clarity rather than reverence. Craft here feels alive, personal and quietly defiant.   Until March 20. Free. G/F, Rosewood Bangkok, 9am-9pm

Curiosity about stand-up usually starts quietly, somewhere between a good heckle and a bad day at work. This two-day workshop at The Comedy Club Bangkok treats that curiosity seriously, offering a clear-eyed introduction to life on stage. Sessions unpack what actually earns a laugh, how jokes work and why the first moments matter more than most people think. Persona, timing and stage craft come under close attention, with plenty of space to test ideas without pressure. Led by resident comedian and creative director Chris Wegoda, the workshop stays practical rather than theatrical. Confidence and public speaking often improve along the way, but the focus remains on performance, not therapy. Expect focused exercises, honest feedback and the chance to see whether comedy feels like a passing interest or something worth pursuing further. It suits anyone ready to try speaking into a microphone and listening closely to the room. January 31-February 1. B2,000-2,500 via here. P.J. O'Brien's Bangkok, midday

H0M0HAUS marks the weekend by pausing long enough to look back, then nudging gently towards its third performance festival centred on diversity. Saturday plays out like an extended exchange rather than a schedule. The morning workshop treats the manifesto as something active, borrowing from activist strategies to sharpen expression and encourage dissent. Later, an opening ritual sits alongside a lecture performance tracing bodies, politics and sexuality, mapping the ideas at stake. As evening approaches, a social club opens space for informal debate, before a documentary-style work reunites two musicians reflecting on shared pasts and uncertain futures. Sunday turns quieter and more considered. Discussions address gender-aware making, unpack the politics of Y and Yuri dramas and reflect on life after marriage equality. Throughout, an exhibition by emerging students offers softer, hopeful counterpoints. January 31-February 1. Free. Register here. 2/F, Storeys, One Bangkok, 10am-8pm

Kang Kao kicks off 2026 with a fresh face and a steady sense of curiosity. Yoel arrives from Seoul, where early exposure to electronic music shaped a deep affection for vinyl and long-form listening. Now a resident at Club Ring, he represents a generation more interested in craft than hype, learning the room as carefully as the records in his bag. His sets move freely across techno, trance and house without sounding restless. The throughline is control, measured shifts that feel considered rather than showy. At times the mood sharpens, then softens again, balancing polish with a rougher edge that keeps dancers attentive. This first party of the year leans forward rather than looking back, offering a night guided by instinct, patience and the quiet confidence of someone still finding new ways to surprise. January 30. B550-700 via here and B800 at the door. Trinity Complex, 9pm-4am

Parity opens its doors with first patrons Rhode and Brown, a Munich-based duo you have probably moved to before, even if the name slipped past. Their tracks have landed across Permanent Vacation, Planet Trip, Public Possession and Toytonics, the kind of labels that quietly shape nights out. Beyond releases, they steer the Slam City Jams mix series on Radio 80000, inviting selectors such as Manuel Darquart, Tilman, COEO, Gee Dee and Running Hot. Recently, Frederiche has traded Europe for Thailand’s southern coast, so expect sun-warmed selections with a balearic-leaning ease rather than big-room theatrics. The music follows feeling over category, drifting between house, disco and whatever suits the room. Support comes from Brent Burns of Transport, keeping things grounded. January 30. B400 via here. Bar Temp., 7pm onwards

Evenings here unfold gently. Drinks are poured without fuss, whether that means a glass of wine, a cold beer or something alcohol-free that still feels considered. The garden setting does most of the work, leafy and relaxed, encouraging people to slow their pace and stay a little longer than planned. Small bites arrive at the right moment, enough to keep conversations going without stealing attention. Music hums quietly in the background, lights glow rather than glare and the atmosphere leans friendly instead of forced. It suits wandering chats, shared jokes and the kind of silences that feel comfortable rather than awkward. Come with a group, bring one favourite person or turn up solo and see who you meet. This is about easy company, unhurried sips and the pleasure of spending time well, surrounded by people doing exactly the same. January 30-31. Free. GalileOasis, midday-8pm

Memory often settles in the body before it reaches language. A brush of skin, the pressure of a hand, the sting that lingers just long enough to stay. This project leans on that idea, inviting Badego.bodega to curate an intimate gathering of seven tattoo artists: De hour, Deanxittt, Ice House Studio, Lau Garan Studio, matattyesyes, Sakiw Tattoo and Troll The Tatt. Together, their works read like a shared archive of touch, where personal histories sit quietly beneath ink. Each mark holds a moment that resisted words, shaped instead through line, colour and trust. The exchange between artist and wearer matters as much as the finished image, a private conversation made visible. What emerges feels tender rather than dramatic, reminding us that presence is often felt through skin, not screens, and remembered long after the feeling fades.   January 29-March 19. Free. MunMun Srinakarin, 10.30am-9.30pm

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.    January 29-February. Free. Song Wat, 2pm-8pm on weekdays and 1pm-7pm on weekends.

Charoenkrung knows how to make old things feel alive. The market returns after last year’s warm reception, settling back into the neighbourhood with a confident, well-worn ease. The edit leans thoughtful rather than excessive: clothes with a past, jewellery that carries a little attitude, handmade bags, small artworks, home pieces, secondhand books, vintage tableware and vinyl that deserves another listen. Each item arrives with its own backstory, quietly competing for attention. This is less about bargain-hunting and more about connection. Makers chat with collectors, browsers linger longer than planned and Thai-designed craft sits comfortably beside international finds. Framed by the wider design festival, the market feels like a shared living room for the creatively curious, where taste is personal and discovery happens at an unhurried pace. Come for one object, leave with a handful of stories and a reason to return.   January 29-31 and February 1,6 and 8. Free. Charoen43 Art and Eatery, 11am-6pm 

Order feels increasingly fragile. Systems wobble, tempers shorten and the future arrives looking less polite than promised. Against that backdrop, Bangkok Design Week returns with a sharper sense of purpose and fewer rhetorical flourishes. The long-running question ‘What can design do?’ has shifted gear. In 2026, it lands as a demand for action, grounded, practical and impatient. This year’s theme, DESIGN S/O/S, frames creativity as a working tool rather than a decorative extra. Secure Domestic looks at strengthening local economies through new standards. Outreach Opportunities pushes collaboration beyond borders with confidence rather than bravado. Sustainable Future focuses on survival that lasts longer than a trend cycle. Design here belongs to everyone, not just studios and showrooms. The ninth edition invites thinkers, makers and sceptics alike to act, test ideas and keep moving forward together.   January 29-February 8. Free. Citywide.

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

Alright, we're a month into 2026 but let's rewind to how Bangkok saw off last year. Turns out the Thai capital sits pretty high on the list of ultimate countdown spots worldwide. When the clock ticks down to midnight on New Year's Eve, certain cities just know how to make it count. Bangkok's Central World has earned its reputation as one of the globe's top five countdown destinations, often dubbed the Times Square of Asia. That's some serious street cred. The venue draws Thailand's biggest New Year's crowd every single year. We're talking cityscape fireworks lighting up the sky, world class production values and confetti raining down as the new year arrives. Choreographed drone displays add a modern twist whilst top artists keep the energy flowing right through to that midnight moment when the whole city collectively welcomes what's next. Central World sits alongside the heavy hitters. Times Square in New York still owns the crown with its iconic ball drop and global TV coverage. London's Westminster brings that British elegance with Thames fireworks framing Big Ben and the London Eye. Taipei 101 launches spectacular pyrotechnics from its skyscraper. Sydney Harbour gets there first with its bridge and Opera House backdrop. But Bangkok holds its own amongst this company. The Thai capital proves you don't need centuries of tradition to create something genuinely iconic.

If you fancy seeing off January in proper style, there's a market happening at the end of the month that's worth knowing about. Perd Tai-Sai Kon (which translates to Shake Your Butt Flea Market, and honestly that tells you everything you need to know) comes back to Bangkok's Chatuchak area for three nights of vintage shopping and dancing ‘til late. Photograph: Cheeze The market takes over the rooftop of JJ Mall from January 29- 31, kicking off at 4pm and running through to midnight each evening. It brings together some seriously good independent fashion sellers hawking rare finds and quality secondhand pieces all in one spot. Photograph: Cheeze Now here's the thing that makes this one different from your standard market. The organisers booked a massive lineup of DJs across multiple music scenes every single night. We're talking Civic Boys, Club Soma, Nosebleed, Puttisak Somarange, RAVE., Bookkeeper, Rabbitdisco, Skalagoon, Ummata, Vimlenbury, Benji, Bestboi and JJ. The whole setup basically encourages you to shop for a bit, have a drink, dance for a while, then go back to hunting through the vintage racks. Photograph: Cheeze The atmosphere leans into that relaxed evening market vibe that turns into a full party as the night goes on. You can show up as the sun sets, spend an hour or two digging through the stalls, then stick around as things get properly lively. It's the sort of event where you come for the clothes and end up staying much longer than planned. Entry costs

We already know Lisa is Thailand's tourism ambassador now, right? Well, after teasing the campaign in early January, they've just released the full video. If you caught the snippets floating around social media, the complete version of Feel All The Feelings is finally here to give you the complete picture of what Lisa's been up to in her new role. Photograph: Tourism Authority of Thailand Photograph: Tourism Authority of Thailand The film puts Lisa front and centre as she explores the kingdom, but instead of just showing off temples and beaches, it focuses on the emotions and experiences you get when you're actually there. Lisa plays the pathfinder, leading viewers through what the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) calls 'Unseen' Thai destinations, the kind of places that don't always make it onto the typical tourist trail but locals absolutely love. She's got company too. Thai stars Metawin 'Win' Opas-iamkajorn, Kanawut 'Gulf' Traipipattanapong and Pongtiwat 'Blue' Tangwancharoen join her on screen, helping to show off different corners of the country and the feelings each place brings out. It's not just about where you go but how it makes you feel when you're there. Photograph: Tourism Authority of Thailand Photograph: Tourism Authority of Thailand The official launch happened on January 28, with TAT making a big deal about repositioning Thailand as a 'Quality Leisure Destination'. What that actually means in practice is they want visitors to see Thailand

Asia already has three Disney resorts scattered across the continent. Tokyo Disney Resort was the first outside the US and includes the only ocean-themed Disney park in the world, Tokyo DisneySea. Hong Kong Disneyland's got the World of Frozen, the first complete Frozen-themed land anywhere. And Shanghai Disney Resort boasts the largest Enchanted Storybook Castle on the planet. So what would a Thai Disneyland actually look like? That's anyone's guess right now, but Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn says Thailand is ready to attract a global theme park to the Eastern Economic Corridor, and pretty adamant it can happen. Photograph: Shanghai Disney Resort The Walt Disney Company hasn't issued any official statement, press release or investor document about this from the American side. But that hasn't stopped officials from moving forward with their vision. The original plan included theme parks, water parks, sports stadiums, concert venues and even a legal casino. But now the focus has switched to landing the kingdom’s very own Disneyland. Officials have instructed the EEC Office to start scouting suitable land, so things are definitely moving. The current proposal includes a world-class theme park and an 80,000-seat international stadium within the Eastern Economic Corridor. Infrastructure upgrades are key here, especially that high-speed rail linking three airports, which would make getting around significantly easier for tourists. Photog

British rap icon Central Cee takes his Can't Rush Greatness world tour to Bangkok on March 20 2026. After a massive 2025 run through Europe, North America and Australia, the Doja hitmaker will headline UOB LIVE (Emsphere) for his first-ever full-scale solo performance in Thailand. The west London artist has become one of the biggest names driving UK rap, with tracks like BAND4BAND, Sprinter, Obsessed With You and Let Go turning him into a proper global phenomenon. His influence stretches way beyond music too, he's a streetwear icon with a style that's sleek, cool and effortlessly confident. This marks his first return to Bangkok since his headline set at Rolling Loud 2023, but this time Thai fans will get the full experience. We're talking a proper production – a headline show with all the energy that's made him one of the most in-demand touring artists around. Keen on catching Central Cee live? Tickets go on sale this week, here’s what you need to know. When will Central Cee come to Bangkok in 2026? Global rap force Central Cee brings his ‘Can’t Rush Greatness’ world tour to Bangkok on Friday 20 March 2026 at UOB LIVE.   General and presale details Tickets will go on sale with a presale on December 22 followed by a general sale on December 23 at 10am via Megatix here. The event is open to all ages although anyone under 15 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.   Ticket prices Tickets are priced at B5,500 for VIP, B3,500 for Standing Zone A and B2,500 for Standing Zone

This isn't just any motorcycle ride. The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride brings together sharp-dressed bikers from across the globe to do something genuinely meaningful, and this year's event on Sunday May 17. Photograph: Nutchiew Founded by Mark Hawwa, who was inspired by the idea of 'dressing sharply' whilst riding, this themed motorcycle gathering happens simultaneously around the world. But it's far more than a stylish photo opportunity. The ride creates a powerful platform for changing lives, raising awareness and funds for men's charity projects through its partnership with Movember. Photograph: Nikkasit Why it matters Since launching in 2012, the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride has united classic and vintage-style riders in a mission to reduce premature deaths among men. Money raised through the ride funds work on two major fronts: tackling prostate cancer and supporting men's mental health. Consider this: prostate cancer ranks as the second most common cancer in men and impacts more than 10 million blokes globally. Then there's the mental health crisis, where depression and suicide claim far too many male lives across every age group. Both issues urgently need funding and focus. Photograph: Nikkasit Getting involved Details for this year's ride haven't fully emerged yet, but keep us on your radar to stay in the loop. Whether you're a seasoned rider or just want to support the cause, it's worth keeping an eye on updates as they roll in. The pre-resister is opening

At some point in your twenties, likely around the time your Spotify Wrapped starts looking like the soundtrack of a Wes Anderson film, you realise you don't just 'like' music anymore. You want to touch it. You want to hold its weight, flip it over, scrutinise liner notes like they're sacred text and wince at the scratch you swear wasn't there when you bought it. You want vinyl. Bangkok's record fair, Record Store Day, comes back, and diggers can warm up their fingers to hunt for treasures from music's golden eras. This year it lands at a pretty convenient spot: Siam Paragon, running from April 24-26. Photograph: Record Store Day Bangkok Record Store Day started back in 2008 to celebrate the culture of independently owned record shops. It happens twice a year, once in April and again on Black Friday in November. These days it brings together fans, artists and lots of independent record stores from around the city, with loads of exclusive pressings made especially for the occasion. Photograph: Record Store Day Bangkok In Thailand, Record Store Day is basically the event where the most record shops gather under one roof. You'll find everyone from the famous Fortune Town stalls to standalone shops in the old city to those Instagram pre-order accounts. Almost every store sets up a booth. What's brilliant is that each one specialises in different genres, so you're guaranteed to meet proper experts and serious vinyl collectors no matter what you're into.   Another highlight this

A year ago today, Thailand made same-sex marriage legal. Today, January 23, the country is celebrating a milestone that shows just how much this law means to people. So how has the first year actually gone? Before the law officially kicked in, Bangkok was already leading the way. The city opened up partnership registrations for LGBTQ+ couples even when it carried no legal weight. It was a brilliant move from the capital that said we see you, we acknowledge you and we respect your love. The law made Thailand the 37th country in the world to recognise marriage equality, the first in Southeast Asia and only the third in Asia.   Photograph: BMA Fast forward from those early days of symbolic registrations to now, when marriage equality is the real deal in Thailand. The past year has been absolutely incredible for Bangkok. Between January 23 and December 31, 2025, a whopping 6,537 couples have walked through the doors to register their marriages under the new equality law. That's thousands of love stories now officially recognised, from intimate ceremonies to joyful celebrations. The city has been buzzing with this energy all year, and it shows just how ready people were for this moment.   Photograph: BMA What makes Bangkok's role in all this so brilliant is how the city stepped up even before the law existed. That early partnership registration programme laid the groundwork and showed that change was coming, whether the legislation had caught up or not. Thailand is shaping up

If you've got tickets for Haçienda Bangkok this Saturday night, we've got some news you need to hear. The legendary Manchester club night has pushed its Bangkok debut back to next year. FAC51 The Haçienda announces it's postponing the event originally set for Saturday January 24 due to unforeseen circumstances. It's disappointing news for dance music fans who've been waiting to experience the iconic club brand in Bangkok, and especially gutting for anyone who's already sorted travel plans.   View this post on Instagram A post shared by FAC51 The Haçienda (@fac51_thehacienda) The organisers say they're genuinely sorry about the change and thank everyone for their understanding. Fair play to them for being upfront about it rather than leaving people hanging. The good news is that if you've already bought tickets, you're getting a full refund. You can find all the details on how to claim yours through their refund request link. While the main event isn't happening, several of the artists are still playing smaller gigs across Bangkok this weekend. If you're desperate for your Madchester fix, you can catch Jon Dasilva at Siwilai Radical Club on Friday January 23. Then on Sunday January 25, Peter Hook takes to the stage at Amber Bar on the rooftop, while Liquid Earth plays at Bar Temp. It's not quite the full Haçienda experience, but these intimate shows might actually end up being pretty special in their own right. Sometimes the smaller venues create the best m

When you think of the Bangkok neighbourhood of Thonglor, luxury probably springs to mind. But tucked away on Thonglor Soi 16 sits a mysterious house with a more soulful agenda. Walk through the door and you'll spot the red lights that act as this cabin's calling card. Step inside and you've suddenly escaped to a jungle hideaway right in the centre of the capital. Crimson illumination splashes across every surface, setting the scene for music that soothes and ignites in equal measure. Thailand's 20 Best Bars 2025 backs this up as one of the country's standout spots.   Black Cabin first put down roots in the Rama 4 area back in 2016, then officially relocated to this new Thonglor outpost in early 2025. The venue channels that same cabin-in-the-forest vibe pretty perfectly. Photograph: Black Cabin This place goes beyond your typical bar. It's a community built from music, atmosphere and the people who fill the space. From day one, the concept has centred on bringing folk together with music at its heart and conversation that flows naturally.   The layout caters to whatever mood you're in. Some days you want solitude, so there are corners perfect for solo seating. Other times you fancy engaging with both the crowd and the tunes, which is where the large tables and stage-front spots come in handy. Sitting near the stage means getting close to the music and making eye contact with plenty of people around you. If watching bartenders craft cocktails is more your thing, grab a seat