Kaweewat Siwanartwong

Updated February 2026: We’ve refreshed our list of the best record stores in Bangkok to keep you on top of the best new spots to dig. Recent additions include Recoroom Vinyl & Vintage Audio and Format BKK, as well as a special entry Cassette Shop for those who prefer their music on tape. Running your fingers along the spines, hearing that faint crackle as the needle meets the groove. It's a pleasure analog music lovers know can't be replicated by any streaming service. Unless you’ve been living under a digital rock, you’ll know that record shops in Bangkok are making a serious comeback. Communities for people who speak the same language, they’re where you’ll find vinyl lovers digging and poking through grooves new and old in search of a hot release or rare first pressing.  From old-school institutions that have been around since your parents' day to hidden underground spots brimming with character, the city's vinyl scene is thriving in ways you might not expect. Whether you're into jazz, soul, indie, international releases or boundary-pushing molam, Bangkok's got you covered. We've rounded up the very best record shops across the city, from the well-loved classics to the newer spots making serious waves. Trust us, there's enough here to keep any crate digger happy for hours. We update this article regularly to ensure the information remains accurate and current. So grab your tote bag and get ready to hunt for some proper analogue joy. Your next favourite album is out there so

'Coffee might be the reason we walk into a cafe, but community is the reason we want to come back.' Last year, we invited Khun Wa (Thananop Eimsunthorn), a cafe curator with a radar for cool spaces all across Bangkok, to reveal his map of must-visit spots. So many that you cafe hoppers could barely keep up, quite honestly.  This year, he’s back by popular demand with a 2026 update on new openings and must-trys – because it seems that 'just good coffee' no longer cuts the mustard.  'I feel honoured and excited every time,’ says Khun Wa. ‘It's like getting to explore the city all over again. Every place I visit sparks new conversations and ideas that really help refresh my creative energy.' From 'technique' to 'lifestyle,' he sees this year's vibe as cafes moving away from showcasing technique (think roasting profiles or latte art) and toward creating living spaces that connect more deeply with specific communities. We've seen the rise of cafes for runners, matcha cafes and spaces with clearly defined workshop areas. Today's cafes aren't just selling drinks. They're selling a worldview and creating a shared sense of belonging. When we asked why food, baked goods and various activities have become central this year, Wa offered a sharp insight. 'Great coffee is the core that gets people through the door. But craft menus like homemade sourdough, activities like run clubs and design events, are the tools that make people want to come back. These elements give a cafe its story and t

Welcome to a very very hot March, but nothing beats art with the bonus of AC, right? March is packed with exhibitions and events worth braving the heat for. The big one this month is Mango Art Festival, one of the city's major annual art gatherings that always delivers. Alongside it, a wave of new shows has just opened across galleries, giving you plenty of fresh reasons to step out and see what artists have been up to. Not sure where to begin? We've pulled together the top art exhibitions in Bangkok happening right now. Honestly, there's plenty on offer and the cool galleries are reason enough to venture out. Pop back each week for fresh recommendations as new shows keep rolling in throughout the month. 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 March. 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.

February might be the month of love, but March keeps Bangkok in a pretty flirtatious mood. The heat settles over pavements, linen replaces layers and the city remembers how good it feels to be outside. Weekends fill up quickly now. Parks host lazy wanderers, galleries tempt the curious and nights stretch longer than intended. Take a look at Mango Art Festival, it’s back as a huge playground for collectors and camera rolls alike, with installations and performances that'll have you reaching for your phone. T-Pet x T-Pop Festival pairs idol culture with four-legged companions, which sounds improbable but somehow works brilliantly. People Festival and MEK Music and Market go grassroots, mixing live sets with independent stalls and conversations that drift well past midnight. Silent Theatre Festival proves words are optional when movement tells the story. Central Cee brings sharp West London lyricism to a local stage, a reminder that global rap feels entirely at home here now. And Chilli Fest crowns the season with heat levels that test your courage as much as your taste buds. The thing about March is it rarely whispers. It beckons, really, pulling you out of whatever comfortable routine February left you in. So don't waste the month watching the temperature climb from indoors. Get out there and see what all the fuss is about. Stay one step ahead and map out your plans with our round-up of the best things to do in Bangkok.

We're out here having a grand old time celebratin' St Pat's in Bangkok, so we are. There's a rake of things to do, so let's get out there and give it a lash.  Look, Bangkok will celebrate pretty much anything if you give us half a chance. St Patrick's Day rolls around and suddenly the whole city's gone green, pints are flowing and everyone's having a proper laugh whether they're Irish or not. Sure, some people reckon it's all a bit much, but honestly? It's just a nice way to mark other cultures living in the city. And, if you're far from home, celebrating your national day with a bunch of mates (and strangers who'll be mates by the end of the night) feels pretty special.  St Patrick's Day marks the death of Ireland's patron saint, but really it's become a full-blown celebration of Irish culture. Loads of green, plenty of Guinness and drinking songs you'll definitely be belting out by midnight whether you know the words or not. So where should you head in Bangkok to get properly stuck in? We've rounded up the best spots to celebrate. RECOMMEND:Where to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in Bangkok

Ireland is known for its jolly culture of drinking and socializing in pubs. An amiable atmosphere, hearty traditional comfort fare, live sports showing on huge TV screens (accompanied by vigorous chanting), cheerful music and lots of booze—all these characterize good ol' Irish pubs.Bangkok is home to more than a few of these drinking spots. Experience laid-back vibes, exuberant conversations and charming Irish hospitality at these beloved joints.

The first full weekend of March lands with heat! Bangkok's waking up earlier, dressing lighter and actually stepping out the door. The city's cultural scene is doing the same. This weekend brings Maxnifier VI, an exhibition that brings printmakers from different continents together under the idea of 'Mail Art'. Works get passed hand to hand before ending up side by side on the same wall. Over at Funky Lam, there's free tam mak hoong for women all month, which sounds small but feels like more when you're there. Mae Naak: A Classic Opera is back to haunt the stage, Sunju Hargun's doing an all-night DJ set and Print Pop-Up is spreading fresh ink across tables. Mango Art Festival also has its moment on the calendar. The festival sets up at River City Bangkok with the theme 'ICON', suggesting that today's throwaway objects become tomorrow's collectibles. Japan's YOD TOKYO and Editions sit alongside Manila's Gallery. Sort of. and Malaysia's A4 ART GALLERY. Joan Cornellà turns up among independent names while newcomers claim their own space. Meanwhile, the BAC Passport Winter Edition 2026 turns gallery hopping into something like a gentle sport with 27 venues from Ratchadamnoen Contemporary Art Center to Numthong Art Space handing out stamps in exchange for showing up. Finish the routes before 31 May and you'll collect more than souvenirs. Get ahead of the game and start planning your month with our list of the top things to do this March. Stay one step ahead and map out your plans

Just recently, at a whisky event that promised the usual swirl of ice and polite applause, something else cut through the room. Not a saxophone – it was thinner, stranger, almost trembling. I remember turning to a friend and asking, 'What is that?' The answer leads me to Sorrawat 'Ben' Suviporn. Ben is one of the partners behind Studio Lam, the vintage-style bar long considered a sanctuary for Thai musical heritage. For years it's been a meeting point for luk thung devotees, mor lam obsessives, jazz heads and anyone willing to let African rhythms sit beside Latin swing, funk and soul. It's a place where crates matter and curiosity is currency. Yet the sound I hear that evening doesn't come from a record collection. It comes from plants. Under the name Melt and Reform, Ben works with bioelectric signals from living organisms, translating their electrical activity into control voltage, then shaping that data through a modular system until it becomes something like music. Or perhaps something before music. The project grows out of Melt Experience, an earlier collaboration rooted in plant medicine, inner stillness and guided frequencies. Over time, the work shifted from symbolic use of natural elements to actual dialogue with Mother Nature herself. Photograph: prakaanmaltwhisky Melt and Reform feels almost alchemical. Frequencies dissolving, field recordings bending, bioelectric signals reshaped into song. I ask Ben when he first realises sound can be treated as something aliv

This list is from 2024. Our latest ranking for 2025 is live here. In 2024, what exactly makes a neighbourhood cool? Craft breweries, natty wine bars and street art are well and good, but the world’s best, most exciting and downright fun neighbourhoods are much more than identikit ‘hipster hubs’. They’re places that reflect the very best of their cities – its culture, community spirit, nightlife, food and drink – all condensed in one vibey, walkable district. To create our annual ranking, we went straight to the experts – our global team of on-the-ground writers and editors – and asked them what the coolest neighbourhood in their city is right now, and why. Then we narrowed down the selection and ranked the list using the insight and expertise of Time Out’s global editors, who vetted each neighbourhood against criteria including food, drink, arts, culture, street life, community and one-of-a-kind local flavour. The result? A list that celebrates the most unique and exciting pockets of our cities – and all their quirks. Yes, you’ll find some of those international hallmarks of ‘cool’. But in every neighbourhood on this list there’s something you won’t find anywhere else. Ever been to a photography museum that moonlights as a jazz club? Or a brewery with a library of Russian literature? How about a festival dedicated to fluff? When communities fiercely support and rally around their local businesses, even the most eccentric ideas can become a reality. And that, in our eyes, is

This will be the first time a Marley heir has performed alongside Thailand's top reggae artists, which is pretty monumental when you think about it. Julian Marley, the son of Bob Marley himself has linked up with The Uprising for what’s shaping up to be a milestone gig. He and Alexx Antaeus just scored a Grammy nomination for Best Remixed Recording with their amapiano take on ‘Jah Sees Them’. When he talks about dabbling in different genres, he makes it sound completely natural, like it's just part of the journey. And his father's influence? Still there, always present, guiding everything he does. It's not just Julian Marley taking the spotlight. You've got some Thai reggae legends on this bill too. JOB2DO are there with all the tracks everyone knows and loves, doing what they do best with that easy, laidback feel. Malaiman Downtown bring their own unmistakable  flavour, and then there's INJA, who basically shows up to set the whole place on fire. Jamaican reggae heritage meets Thailand's homegrown talent, all on one stage. If you plan to go, here’s what you need to know before the night starts. When is Julian Marley performing in Bangkok? Julian Marley is set to play a one-night-only live show in Bangkok on Friday 22 May. Where is Julian Marley performing in Bangkok? Julian Marley brings his signature sound to the stage at UOB LIVE, located within Bangkok’s EM District and perched atop the Emsphere. The venue can host up to 6,000 guests, accommodating concerts, entertainment

We update this article regularly to ensure the information remains accurate and current. Please check back for the latest updates. Every weekend, dancefloors fill with crowds that look like they've walked straight out of a street style blog. Sequins, sunglasses and a studied sense of nonchalance are everywhere. But past the queue-snaking clubs and glitter-drenched Instagram backdrops, there's more happening. Bangkok still knows how to party but change is on the horizon. Iconic venues like Studio Lam have already shut their doors (thank you for the great memories) but, if there's one thing the city does best, it’s fighting for the right to rave. Clubs are going strong and the community is pushing forward, determined to keep the scene alive, dancing and kicking. Bangkok's after-hours scene, in all its forms, continues to confound, delight and seduce. Whether you're chasing beats in a basement or sipping bourbon under LED constellations, one thing's clear: sleep can wait. From the old guard spinning vinyl in converted warehouses to sleek newcomers rewriting the rules of nightlife, the Thai capital remains relentlessly restless. Time to get your party on.   RECOMMENDED:  🕺Best LGBTQ+ bars and nightclubs in Bangkok  🍻The 10 best beer bars in Bangkok  🍽️Bangkok's 7 sexiest dim-lit bars and restaurants

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

What is it? More Rice Record Store landed on Sukhumvit Soi 31 in 2021, growing from a label devoted to underground dance music, now a fully-fledged production house and shop. Founded by DJs Sarayu, DOTT and Elaheh, it carries that lineage proudly, with house and techno music dominating the shelves. Why we love it: Selections feel purposeful rather than padded, catering to collectors as well as selectors hunting for their next secret weapon. Duplicate finds are rare, which says plenty about the care taken with each order and crate curation. Accessories are given equal respect. Cartridges, headphones, slipmats and record bags sit alongside clothing, totes and printed matter celebrating vinyl culture. Even the in-store sound system has been chosen with their professional ear, allowing you to listen to records as they were meant to be heard. For those yet to make the journey, the team curates online playlists for home listening, with warnings to not skip ahead and simply let the sequence unfold as intended. Time Out Tip: If you care about house, techno or any of their sub-genres, block out proper browsing time rather than rushing between errands. Ask what has just arrived and what the founders are currently playing in their own sets.  Sukhumvit 31, Khlong Tan Nuea. Open Tuesday-Friday, 1pm-8pm and Saturday, 3pm-8pm. Closed Sunday-Monday.

What is it? Rejecting the predictable secondhand formula, the team excavates overlooked Thai tracks and long-forgotten songs, restoring them for modern ears. With Songkhla origins, they’ve recently expanded into a snug outpost at Entertainment Project on Charoen Krung, where music, drinks and live sets mingle with easy confidence. Why we love it: Choices hinge less on big names and more on groove, rhythm and the kind of bassline that still feels startlingly modern. Thai disco, funk and synth-pop from the ‘70s through to the ‘90s claim pride of place, many tracks sounding perfectly at home in a current club set. What makes this place special is that the team at Baa Records actively lead reissue projects, tracking down rightsholders to press vintage Thai recordings properly (and legally) on vinyl. That diligence ensures these songs travel further than nostalgia, reaching listeners who may have otherwise never encountered them.  Time Out Tip: You might encounter a rare seven-inch such as ‘Sin Ha’ or explore the ‘Thailand’s Golden S’ series, releases capable of quietly reshaping how you hear classic Thai music. Entertainment Project, Soi Charoen Krung 43. Open Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, midday-8pm and Friday-Saturday, midday-midnught. Closed Monday-Tuesday. Contact IG: baa.records

What is it? Founded by two owners, this shop feels more like a shared living room for those who cares about music than anything else. From first-pressing obsessives to those unboxing a first turntable, the mood is warmly domestic and records sit within easy reach. Why we love it: Anime and soundtrack fans are particularly well catered for here, with a collection that speaks to city pop and end-of-century pop culture. While many stores default to jazz or rock, Sassy Soul gives generous space to Disney releases, Japanese anime scores and carefully sourced rare film soundtracks. Hip-hop, pop and R&B also hold their own, creating a catalogue that refuses to be boxed in – great when digging with friends who share different tastes. You can sample a record before deciding, which removes that faint anxiety of commitment and better still, the team welcomes visitors to bring along a favourite LP to play, share and discuss.  Time Out tip: Searching for a hard-to-find pressing? Make use of the pre-order service. The shop is happy to source titles from abroad, extending your collection far beyond the neighbourhood. Yaowarat 27, Chakkrawat, Samphanthawong. Open daily, 11am-7pm. Line: @sassy.soul 

What is it? Anchored at Fortune Town for over eight years, this shop grows from an owner who spent a decade collecting within Bangkok’s music circles. That history hums through every crate. Thai luk thung and molam are the heroes here, sitting beside rock, soul and vintage Black music from the ‘60s to ‘80s, many becoming increasingly scarce. Why we love it: The focus remains on original-era pressings, meaning copies produced in the same year an album first appeared. If you want to hear The Beatles with their proper tonal character intact, the owner will attempt to track down versions from the ‘60s through to the ‘80s – although expect a price tag to match. Thankfully, instead of gatekeeping, the shop gently nudges beginners towards unexpected genres, broadening your tastes without making you feel underqualified.  Time Out tip: Thai ‘90s releases, classic luk thung and molam are drawing renewed attention from overseas collectors, so start there if you’re curious (and before they go up even more in price). Before setting off, glance at the shop’s Facebook page; the owner posts updates if he’s out at an event, sparing you a wasted journey. 3/F, Fortune Town Ratchadaphisek Rd, Din Daeng. Open daily, 11.30am-8pm

What is it? Although not technically a record shop (although they do have some vinyl), this spot backs into the soft whirr of magnetic tape and the deliberate clunk of the play button. Shelves stack new and secondhand cassettes in a ‘90s mosaic, along with refurbished Walkmans and full-size decks that gleam behind glass, each lovingly restored and ready for new ownership. Why we love it: If you’re into records, you’re likely into tapes too. And if you’re not, here’s the place to start. Every machine can be tested before you part with your money. You press play, listen for hiss, check the mechanics, decide with your ears rather than a spec sheet. Stepping inside resembles opening a childhood drawer you forgot existed. Albums once saved for with pocket money sit confidently on display. Familiar artwork triggers memories you didn’t realise were still intact, perhaps a little dusty like your memory, but all in perfect working order. The shop trades as much in recollection as in format, offering tiny jolts of recognition that land somewhere between grin and sigh. And there’s a small selection of vinyl too, in case you get the urge.  Time Out tip: Recently moved but still a little hard to find, hop off the BTS at Victory Monument, wander past Rangnam Road and continue along Soi Watthanayothin for a few minutes and you’ll find it.  Soi Watthanayothin, Thanon Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi. Open Monday-Saturday, 11am-7pm. Closed Sunday.

What is it? What began as an Instagram darling has now grown into a pilgrimage destination for serious vinyl heads. With shelves nodding to the ‘80s and ‘90s, it champions albums once dismissed – now fiercely guarded by collectors.  Why we love it: Hunting for vinyl here is more pleasure than pain.  You might arrive determined to secure a Madonna LP and leave holding a Japanese jazz-funk pressing you hadn’t previously encountered. The owners have clearly spent years listening carefully, filing away knowledge and developing taste that is now shared with the city. If you’re into discovering music, each visit carries the promise of a new fixation. Time Out tip: If an unfamiliar sleeve with peculiar artwork catches your attention, ask about it. That strange cover could conceal a rarity unlikely to reappear any time soon and the owners are more than happy to show you around the needle.  Soi Lat Phrao 8 Yaek 9, Chom Phon, Chatuchak. Open strictly by appointment.

What is it? Recordoffee spans two shophouses on Charoen Krung, feeling polished yet with a hint of underground energy. Half record shop, half coffee bar, it pairs espresso with analogue crackle. Crates anchor one end, the machine the other, high fidelity speakers tying it all together. Why we love it: Ordering a flat white and immediately asking the staff to play the record you’ve just selected feels indulgent in the best sense of the word. No need to wait until you’re home. The album can be tested properly, through a sound system that does it justice. Recordoffee is also an authorised dealer for respected audio names including Technics and Gadhouse. Considering a turntable upgrade or a new stylus? The team explains options clearly, minus the superiority complex that sometimes shadows hi-fi culture.  Time Out tip: Take the time to wander through nearby Talat Noi first, then settle in with a stack of records and let one play from start to finish through the shop’s speakers.  Phloen Chit Rd, Lumphini, Pathum Wan. Open Wednesday-Monday, 8am-8pm. Closed Tuesday.

What is it? Holding court at Fortune Town for over a decade, this refreshingly analogue shop champions Thai music in all its forms. Luk thung ballads, indie experiments and obscure regional pressings sit beside contemporary releases. Serious rarities share shelf space with reasonably priced finds. Why we love it: The team know their catalogue intimately and speak about Thai vinyl with the ease of people who have catalogued half of it themselves. Ask a specific question and you’ll likely receive not just an answer but a small history lesson. DP Music also doubles as a practical lifeline, with proper cleaning solutions, inner and outer sleeves in every imaginable size and sturdy mailing boxes designed for safe shipping. Reorganise your collection, replace worn covers and stock up on essentials without trekking across Bangkok. Efficiency has rarely felt so refreshing in a market that’s usually quite hard to get into. Time Out tip: Head straight for the rarities section if your wish-list has drawn blanks elsewhere. If you’re still stuck, ask for P’Pae – he has a knack for producing sought-after Thai pressings from shelves you somehow overlooked.  Ratchadaphisek Rd, Khwaeng Din Daeng. Open daily, midday-8pm

What is it? A shop for die-hard fans in Srinakarin that lives up to its name, serving collectors devoted to the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s. The racks are mainly a time capsule of classic rock, soul and soft-focus pop, with copies ranging from factory-sealed to gently worn – although we say those faint scuffs often reward the listener with a sense of history. Why we love it: The owner has spent a lifetime in the company of records, and it shows. Mention an album you half remember from your dad’s car stereo and he’ll crouch beside you, flicking through sleeves with quiet determination until it surfaces. You’re not simply handed an item at the till. You’re given context, anecdotes, small lessons in pressing history. That exchange transforms a purchase into a shared memory, and very few places do it so well. Time Out tip: Ideal for tracking down deep cuts from your parents’ era or learning how to properly care for ageing vinyl. Ask questions – the man behind the counter doubles as a walking encyclopaedia and seems genuinely pleased when someone wants to listen carefully. 162 Srinagarindra Rd, Nong Bon, Prawet. Open daily, 10am-6.30pm

What is it? Founded by Maft Sai, this Sukhumvit 51 spot politely ignores the Top 40 music chart. Instead, it champions Thai funk, molam and luk thung, genres that once flirted with obscurity, now very much part of the Thai zeitgeist, placing them beside African soul and classic disco. And now their famous bar next door, Studio Lam, has closed up shop (for something more exciting, we hear, on the grapevine), this is your best bet in Bangkok to capture the essence of the surprisingly successful revival of old Thai music.   Why we love it: A stubborn streak runs through the place, commanded through expert authority over the genre – they were instrumental in re-signing old labels and recovering music almost lost to time. Inside, collections refuse easy popularity and overlooked sounds are reframed as globally relevant. This quiet defiance has earned admirers far beyond Bangkok. Finding the shop – tucked down a dead-end soi near Thonglor BTS – can feel like a cultural scavenger hunt in and of itself. Once inside, you’re likely to leave with an album you’d never previously encountered yet somehow feel attached to by the time the needle retracts.  Time Out tip: This is also where The Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band first took shape. Ask the staff to play a 1970s molam or luk thung selection from the archive. Let it run in full and you’re bound to have your wallet ready.  Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana. Open Wednesday-Sunday, midday-8pm. Closed Monday-Tuesday

What is it? Half-cafe, half-miniature toy museum, this shrine to adolescence lines its walls with over 500 vinyl records while cabinets guard vintage collectibles and gently battered action figures. In the back, Sega consoles wait for pixelated fans and sofas let you lounge and listen with coffee in hand and a distinct lack of any Bangkok rush.  Why we love it: Being open 24 hours? That alone deserves respect. Few places trust their audience with such freedom. Afternoon crate-digging can stretch seamlessly towards a 3am drink, with a soundtrack you selected yourself. The indoor-outdoor layout blurs edges, making time feel pleasantly irrelevant – exactly what we look for when diving deep into the depths of the vinyl crate. Look closely and you may even notice a discreet rare-record corner nestled among the toy display. That small act of discovery feels oddly intimate, like finding a forgotten mixtape in an old drawer, and for that, we can only applaud. Time Out tip: Claim a seat, order coffee, admire the old-school figurines and let a record play properly from start to finish without fear of closing time cutting you short. Bangkok resort, 9 Pradit Manutham Rd, Khwaeng Lat Phrao. Open daily, all day

What is it? Recoroom began as a happy accident: owner Khun O travels a lot, overbuys records and duplicates inevitably pile up – eventually a shop quietly emerged from the burden. Walk in and you’ll see that what starts as personal overflow becomes a collector’s haunt, with racks spanning soul, funk, blues and rock of all kinds. It even lands on The Vinyl Factory’s world’s best list at 147.  Why we love it: If you shop here, expect to be encouraged to listen before committing to any purchase. Every record can be play-tested, because, in Khun O’s own words, ‘condition must be judged by ear rather than optimism.’ It’s a philosophy that feels reassuringly analogue in an age of blind clicks, and we love that. If you’re a newcomer to the scene, he gently nudges you to new and unique labels, original pressings from their production years (he loves music from the ‘50s to ‘70s) and pressings straight out of vinyl’s golden era. The focus stays on carefully chosen used copies, second- or third-hand yet treated with care. Prices stretch from manageable hundreds to more serious thousands, depending on rarity and condition. Time Out tip: Feeling overwhelmed? Think back to the songs your parents played when you were small. Share a title, even a half-remembered chorus. Khun O will likely disappear behind the shelves and return with a pristine pressing warm from the decks.  Khwaeng Phra Khanong, Khet Khlong Toei. Open daily, 11.05am-7.05pm

When Bangkok's pavements start feeling like they could fry an egg and stepping outside turns into an endurance test, the city has a plan. And it's pleasantly simple: go somewhere with air conditioning. Heat waves aren't just uncomfortable anymore. They're a health threat that can lead to heat stroke and other nasty heat-related illnesses. Bangkok knows this year's temperatures will climb even higher than last year's scorchers, with the heat sticking around for longer too. So the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has rolled out a network of 'heat escape rooms' across the capital. Photograph: Greener Bangkok These BKK Cooling Centres are exactly what they sound like: air conditioned spaces where anyone can pop in to cool down when the mercury rises. Right now there are 255 locations dotted around the city. You'll find them in 51 BMA schools and 10 vocational colleges, 68 public health service centres, 50 district offices and 76 cultural centre service points. The city has also set up 2,806 clean drinking water stations throughout Bangkok, because staying hydrated matters just as much as staying cool. It's a pretty straightforward response to extreme heat, mixing short-term relief with longer-term planning. You can check which cooling centre sits nearest to you here. When the heat gets too much outside, now you know where to go.

Dig around in your wallet right now and fish out that slightly battered MRT card you've been tapping through station gates for years. Take a good look at it, because its days are numbered. If you’re feeling kind, you could take it to Death Fest. The MRT rail system is pulling the plug on those familiar cards, with the old MRT and MRT Plus versions heading into retirement by the end of March. The whole thing is part of a shift towards the government's new joint ticketing system, designed to let you hop between trains, buses and eventually even boats with a single card. Photograph: Pinghyu Here's how the phase out works. From April 1 onwards, you won't be able to top up your MRT or MRT Plus card anymore, through any channel. The stations are switching over to EMV cards instead, which use the same chip technology as your debit and credit cards. Think of it as one card to rule all your commuting needs across the city's public transport network. But don't bin your old card just yet. You can still use it to get through the automatic gates until May 31, giving you a couple of months to sort yourself out. After that date hits, the system stops accepting both card types at stations completely. No more tapping through from June 1 onwards. Photograph: Pinghyu If you've still got credit sitting on your card when everything wraps up, you've got options. You can swap your MRT or MRT Plus card for a Mangmoom EMV card without paying any issuance fee. Or if you'd rather just cash out, hea

Death happens to all of us, and people pass away every day, but most people find it very difficult to cope with loss. Death Fest reckons we should talk about mortality a bit more openly, and frankly, it's onto something. This might sound like an unusual fair, but Death Fest has become something of an annual gathering for anyone who reckons we should talk about mortality a bit more openly. Running from March 13 to 15 at IMPACT Exhibition Center Hall 6, the event brings together everything from elderly care services to end-of-life planning, and entry is completely free. The theme this year is 'old, sick, dead', which sounds rather blunt until you realise what they're getting at. Quality of life matters whether you're healthy, unwell or facing your final days, and it involves everyone around you too. Family, friends, community and society all play a part. Photograph: The Cloud Inside you'll find five main areas. Old School offers theory and practice sessions where you can learn care skills either solo or with loved ones. The Human Life-brary Cafe hosts discussion circles with experts from various fields. Life Journey showcases service providers covering everything from ageing to palliative care. Friends Eat gathers restaurants where you can share meals with the people who matter most. But let’s talk about Before I Die, an exhibition space designed for activities you might want to experience with family before time runs out. This year brings three particularly interesting highl

If you've been missing the smell of fresh paperbacks, your wait is almost over. The Thai Book Fair is back at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center from March 26-April 6. This year's theme is ‘Read The Legend’, which is fitting for an event that's become something of a Bangkok institution. Running daily from 10am-9pm across Halls 5-8 on the LG floor, the fair sprawls across more than 360 booths packed with everything from Thai literature and translated novels to children's books and imported titles you won't find elsewhere. Photograph: Thai Book Fair Hall 8 hosts the main stage where authors launch new releases and chat about their work, while Hall 5 has a cosier Author's Salon for more intimate discussions. If you're after proper industry talk, head up to Room MR 205 on the second floor for the Book Symposium seminars about publishing and reading culture. Photograph: Thai Book Fair Worth noting is the Read as a Legend Award from The Ministry of Books, which spotlights quality Thai writers and pushes reading culture forward. It's not just about flogging books but actually celebrating the people behind them. The fair runs for 12 days solid, so there's plenty of time to browse, meet your favourite authors and maybe discover a new legendary read of your own. Just hop on the MRT Blue Line to Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre Station, take Exit 3 and you're basically there.

Thai dancers are among the world’s best. So it makes perfect sense that Red Bull Dance Your Style is back in Bangkok for its third year, raising the bar even higher. The Thailand Qualifier round kicks off the search for the country's top 12 freestyle dancers. Add in four wild cards and you've got 16 performers battling it out in the National Final, all fighting for one golden ticket to the World Final in Zurich this October. Photograph: bencapture_photo, prms.13 and rakjerry Four world-class Red Bull Dancers are flying in just for this event. Kyoka, Majid, Poppin C and Waackxxxy will be performing sets you won't see anywhere else, bringing their unique styles to Bangkok's dancefloors. If you fancy getting involved, online registration for dancers opens from March 2 to 31 here. The actual qualifier happens on April 2 at ELYSIUM Immersive Club Bangkok, and here's the best bit for spectators wanting to watch the action unfold for free with no tickets needed and no age restrictions from 3pm to 8pm. Photograph: bencapture_photo, prms.13 and rakjerry There's also a bonus workshop on April 3 at HOSTBKK where Poppin C and Kyoka will teach classes up close. It's completely free but spaces are limited, so registration opens March 17 through April 2 at the same website.  

Your furry mate could use a health MOT and you've been putting it off because vet bills are no joke. Well, Bangkok's making it ridiculously easy to sort your pet out without spending a baht. Iconsiam teams up with the Bangkok Department of Health, PETs CARE and PET Safari this weekend for a proper pet wellness event that's completely free. Professional veterinary teams set up shop at PET Safari every first weekend of the month, starting March 7 and 8, offering health checkups, microchip implantation, pet registration and rabies vaccination from 10am to 6pm. It's walk-in only though, so timing matters. They handle 100 microchip and registration slots per day and 200 rabies jabs daily. The service covers dogs and cats exclusively. Photograph: Canva Things to know before bringing your pet to check in Your pet needs to be healthy and not currently under treatment. Age-wise, they should be at least three months old for vaccination. Safety is non-negotiable, so bring them on a leash, in a cage or using a pet stroller while you're wandering around. And grab your ID card because they'll need to verify it. Document wise, here's what to bring along Pet owner's ID card Copy of house registration where the pet lives Certificate (KLS.1) and Registration Application Form (KLS.2), available at the event Power of Attorney if someone else brings your pet   The whole setup happens at ICONSIAM on floor B1 in the Escalator Lobby B, right in front of the PET Safari shop. Two days only, co

Bangkok's dining scene has seen its fair share of French-Japanese restaurants come and go. Hippopotoshi, the newest opening on Soi Ruamrudee near Ploenchit, takes a different approach entirely. The chef behind it, Hitoshi Komatsu, has spent years in the kitchens that make grown men cry. We're talking three Michelin-starred restaurants in France and those notoriously impossible-to-book Tabelog Gold rated places in Tokyo's Ginza district. But here's the thing about Bangkok diners. We've become pretty savvy about what good food should taste like, and we can spot someone trying to charge Michelin prices for mediocre cooking from a mile away.  Photograph: Karina Samoilenko Komatsu seems to understand this. Instead of recreating that high pressure fine dining experience, he's opened a place that feels refreshingly normal for the neighbourhood. Soi Ruamrudee has always been that area where embassy staff, expats and local Bangkokians mix, where you can find everything from street food to hotel restaurants within a five minute walk. This fits right into that energy. Classic French techniques, Japanese precision, but served in a way that feels like it belongs in Bangkok rather than trying to pretend it's somewhere else. What the place feels like The atmosphere is casual in the best possible way. No white tablecloths making you nervous about spilling something, no waiters hovering ominously over your shoulder. Just a comfortable space where you can actually relax and focus on what mat

Bangkok's heat has reached that point where even popping to 7-Eleven feels too much effort. But staying cooped up indoors all weekend does something to your soul, doesn't it? Your heart starts to wither a bit when you're stuck between the same four walls, scrolling through your phone and wondering if this is really all there is. Photograph: BMA The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration clearly understands this predicament, which is why Music in the Park is back to lure people out of their air-conditioned caves. The idea is simple but clever: combine green spaces, live music and the evening breeze to remind everyone that happiness doesn't always require elaborate plans or deep pockets. Sometimes it's just about showing up to a park and letting yourself breathe. Photograph: BMA This year's lineup is better than previous editions, with performances popping up in different corners of Bangkok so you don't have to trek across town to catch one. Throughout March there are four gigs happening, and if past turnouts are anything to go by, the city's public parks are about to get properly lively again. Here's where you need to be: Sunday March 15, 5.30pm Bangkok Music Festival Artists: KOH Mr.Saxman, Peach 38 years ago and Fern from the band Pause. Location: Sala Phirom Phakdi, Lumphini Park. Saturday March 28, 2pm A Harmony of Heritage and Hope Artists: Bangkok Metropolitan Orchestra and RSU Symphony Orchestra.Location: Sala Suriyadet Music Pavilion, Rangsit University. Monday March

The Bangkok Horror Film Festival returns from March 13-15, and it's swapped its previous New World Mall digs for somewhere with a bit more character. The festival has moved to the sixth floor of Hua Lam Phong Post Office. Photograph: Thai Film Director Association This time, you'll find outdoor screenings under the stars, a haunted house exhibition that brings scenes from the featured films to life, and spine-tingling stories shared by the actual film crews who lived through making these movies. There's also a short film competition for emerging horror talent, and talks where you can quiz directors and actors about their craft. Photograph: Thai Film Director Association Between scares, there's food and music to keep your energy up, alongside plenty of other activities that make this feel like a proper festival rather than just a screening series. The outdoor film lineup features a mix of Thai horror classics and international chillers. You'll get to see Scared, Bangkok Haunted and 303 Fear Faith Revenge alongside Speak No Evil, The Thing and Unfriended, all screened in one place.   Bangkok Horror Film Festival, sixth floor, Hua Lam Phong Post Office, March 13-15.

Bangkok's cranking up the heat this week and the city's not messing about. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) dropped a warning on Wednesday March 4 saying temperatures are hitting that sweaty ‘stay inside if you can’ territory, with the heat index climbing between 33 and 41.9C. The BMA reckons the conditions are serious enough to affect your health, so they're asking everyone to be smart about their outdoor plans. Here's what you need to know. General public: Cut back on outdoor activities between 11am and 3pm when the sun's absolutely blazing. High-risk groups (children, elderly, pregnant people and anyone with existing health conditions): Get yourself to a doctor straightaway if anything feels off. The advice is pretty straightforward really. Skip the midday adventures if you can, drink loads of clean water and stick to breathable fabrics that won't leave you feeling like you're wrapped in cling film. If you're particularly vulnerable to heat or looking after someone who is, keep an eye out for warning signs like dizziness, feeling faint, unusual tiredness or actually passing out. Those symptoms mean it's time to get medical help, no waiting around.

So, March 3 is shaping up to be special. There's a total lunar eclipse happening and it's the sort of astronomical moment that doesn't come around all that often. You might know it as a blood moon, and yes, it's exactly as romantic as it sounds. Perfect excuse to get someone special out for a date, isn't it? Here's what happens. The moon slips through Earth's shadow and suddenly shifts into this gorgeous brick red or reddish-orange colour. Sometimes it goes a bit reddish-brown. Either way, it's absolutely stunning. Photograph: Kristian Tuxen Ladegaard Berg/NurPhoto via Getty Images In Thailand, the moon pops up in the eastern sky around 6.23pm, right when the eclipse is in full swing. You've got about 39 minutes to soak it all in before it wraps up at roughly 7.02pm. Just find yourself a spot with a clear view to the east and you're sorted. If you're in Bangkok and want prime viewing, the Bangkok Sky Simulation page has some brilliant recommendations. Suan Luang Rama 9 is massive and wide open, whilst the area under Rama 8 Bridge gives you that riverside view with a suspension bridge backdrop. Fancy something a bit livelier? Asiatique The Riverfront mixes Chao Phraya River views with city buzz. Or there's Rot Fai Park with its lovely green lawn, ideal if you're planning to set up a camera and capture the whole thing properly.

Documentary films in Thailand often feel like they exist in some unreachable corner of the film world, reserved for serious cinephiles or industry insiders. The Have You Seen Documentary Film Festival wants to prove you wrong. This isn't your typical cinema event where you sit in silence and leave quietly after the credits roll. It's an invitation to see reality through someone else's lens and discover that real life can be every bit as gripping as any blockbuster. What makes this festival particularly special is its origin story. On March 21, four final-year students at Srinakharinwirot University decided their thesis project needed to mean something beyond a grade. They ended up creating Thailand's first non-profit independent documentary festival, hand-picking four remarkable films and bringing the actual filmmakers into the room for proper conversations. No pretension, just honest exchanges about the stories these documentaries tell. Event Schedule Photograph: ปู่สมบูรณ์ (Somboon) 10am-11.40am – Somboon Eternal love exists, and this film proves it through the quiet devotion of Grandpa Somboon. For 45 years he's cared for Grandma Miad, his wife who lives with serious kidney disease. Their marriage started as an arrangement with no sweet words exchanged, yet every small gesture speaks louder than any grand declaration. You'll feel their love story in your chest. Photograph: School Town King Midday-2.10pm – School Town King When the education system promises dreams but d