Kaweewat Siwanartwong

Attempting to put together a list of the 50 best restaurants in Bangkok is an unenviable task. No matter how hard you try, you’re going to be leaving out not just good restaurants, but mind-bendingly good restaurants. Indeed, the process of assembling the following list involved not only signal-boosting some of our favourite culinary craftspeople, but also a painful triage of a host of excellent venues. That’s just how dense with excellence this city is when it comes to quality dining.  What makes eating out here so brilliant is the sheer diversity – both cultural and economic – of the Big Mango’s food scene and our top 50 aims to reflect that. Were we to focus purely on the set-menu avant-garde and quiet-luxury omakase counters, it would be a disservice to a readership that doesn’t just want food to look at, photograph and read about, but wants to eat. Therefore, we include some of the city’s most dazzling palaces of haute cuisine alongside humble streetside vendors. We’re serious eaters more than withering critics, and Bangkok is a city full of serious eats. Hence, we want to share our favourites and leave it to you, the reader, to be the withering critic. Dive in and enjoy the ride!

Bangkok rarely does anything by halves, and that includes the heat. As temperatures climb well past the comfort zone, the city’s social calendar is also reaching a boiling point. The long holiday may have wrapped, but any illusion of calm has quickly evaporated. April’s tail end is packed, chaotic and delightfully unpredictable – a reflection of the city itself. Bangkok may be sweltering, but the events scene is doing a fine job of making it worth the sweat. For those seeking shade with a soundtrack, jazz. Specifically, International Jazz Day at The Commons and Siwilai Sound Club – few evenings where music does the emotional heavy lifting and strangers sway in unison like they’ve known each other since vinyl was the norm. Here, the trumpet is both therapist and provocateur, and it’s all rather romantic in a sweaty, semi-chaotic kind of way. Meanwhile, those inclined to browse rather than brawl might find solace in The Good Market, where pre-loved fashion, eco finds and the occasional dog in a bandana offer a gentler pace. It’s proof that you can shop sustainably, eat well and still feel like you’ve had a full day out – no guilt, just vibes. On the more riotous end of the spectrum, Sant Jordi returns, masquerading as a literary event but really just a lovely excuse to sip sangria and discuss Cervantes while buying handmade earrings. There’s music, there’s bread, there’s always someone reading aloud in the corner. If last weekend started slow, it’s certainly making up for lost

The Thai capital’s nightlife scene is thriving, with throngs of party-goers flocking to clubs every weekend to experience talented DJs, lively venues and a sea of fashion-forward styles. But look closer and you'll find even more to like, such as underground warehouse spaces hosting top international DJs. These hidden gems cater to those seeking an electrifying evening away from the mainstream. Whether it's the best-established clubs or the latest spots for the demimonde, Bangkok offers a clubbing scene that's constantly evolving.  RECOMMENDED: Bangkok's best new bars in 2024

  April has arrived, marking the official start of summer. With the city’s parks and streets taking on new life, the cultural scene is also awakening. Museums and galleries across the city are gearing up for exciting exhibition openings, offering fresh and inspiring experiences for art lovers. As the temperatures rise, why not seek refuge in a cool gallery or museum? Bangkok boasts a wealth of world-class art and photography exhibitions, all available to explore without spending a satang. From contemporary photography to traditional artwork, there’s a variety of free exhibitions on offer throughout the city this month. Set aside some time to explore these exhibitions, and while you're at it, discover everything else Bangkok has to offer this weekend.Below, you’ll find all of the free art and photography exhibitions happening in the city right now, but that’s not everything: don’t miss out on the things to do on the weekend right here. Enjoy. RECOMMENDED:  The best things to do in Bangkok The best things to do this weekend  Bangkok’s best spots to live the art life Top spots to see street art

The long-awaited holiday, a beloved Thai tradition, has returned once more. While many joyfully embrace the water-splashing festivities of Songkran, the Thai New Year, others may choose to stay dry and sit out the soaking celebrations for their own reasons. If you're not exactly interested about being drenched during this chaotic water fight of a festival and are wondering how to make the most of the holiday, fear not. We've put together a list of activities designed for those who'd rather not become walking puddles, along with some personal recommendations from our team of writers (who clearly love staying dry). Hopefully, this will give you a few ideas on how to enjoy the Thai New Year without needing to dry off every five minutes. Here’s wishing you a fantastic and dry holiday ahead!

At last, summer has arrived, and with it comes the much-awaited Songkran festival. Bangkokians are ready to make a celebratory splash and the long holiday means it's time to explore the city's stunning parks, museums, vibrant galleries and of course, its night life scene. From art exhibitions and the hottest festivals to rooftop outdoor screenings, whether you’re immersing yourself in culture, out for cool sips with friends, or dancing to live music, April is crammed with big ticket celebrations. Here’s our round-up of some of the best happenings in town during the month. 

Get ready, Lambily! The queen of high notes and iconic hair flips, Mariah Carey, is heading back to the Big Mango! Mark your calendars for October 11, when her spectacular show, The Celebration of Mimi, takes over Impact Challenger Hall, Muang Thong Thani. But the magic doesn’t stop there – Mariah is bringing her powerhouse vocals across Asia, with stops in Shanghai, Manila, Kobe and Yokohama.  This is your chance to experience Mariah’s vocal acrobatics and diva energy! The tour celebrates 20 years since The Emancipation of Mimi blessed our ears in 2005. For Thai fans, it’s been a long seven years since her last performance here in 2018. Details about Bangkok tickets, pricing, and sale dates are still under wraps, but updates are coming soon. In the meantime, keep stalking Mariah’s Instagram. Here’s the Asia tour poster Photograph: mariahcarey

Denmark’s beloved indie-prog-dream-pop pioneers Mew are set to call it a day later this year, marking exactly three decades since they first came together. To bid us farewell, they’ve announced their final gig in Bangkok this November.  This show will be one of the last chances for fans to experience Mew’s performances before they officially bow out. Both frontman Jonas Bjerre and the band have shared statements If you’re going to break hearts, you might as well do it properly. The band began their journey in 1995, dropping their debut, A Triumph for Man, two years later. It was their third album, Frengers (2003), that put them on the global map – though most of its tracks were actually polished-up versions of earlier work. By 2005, And the Glass Handed Kites had firmly secured their status, proving they weren’t just a fleeting dream-pop fever dream. Fast forward to 2017, and Visuals, their seventh and final album, brought their discography to a close.  Their live performances are often described as some of the most immersive, balancing grand theatrics with a career spanning over 30 years and seven studio albums The band has built a devoted global following and if longevity is anything to go by, Mew’s place in music history is well secured. Catching the trio live this November? Here’s everything you need to know, from dates to presale tickets. When will Mew perform in Bangkok?  Mew will be gracing the stage in Bangkok on November 14 at the Moonstar Convention Hall, starting a

Just last week, Guns N’ Roses revealed their return to Thailand for a one-night-only show on May 13 at the Thunder Dome Stadium in Bangkok, as part of their 2025 world tour. With Bangkok being a key stop, this gig is a reminder that they’re still one of the greatest rock bands ever, bringing their legendary high-energy performance back to the fans.  They’re one of the most-streamed rock bands globally, racking up an impressive 24 million monthly listeners on Spotify, with their 1991 ballad November Rain now in the one billion plays. It’s their fourth track to reach that mark, and the first outside their debut Appetite for Destruction. Three tracks from that album – Sweet Child O’ Mine, Welcome To The Jungle and Paradise City – have already hit the same milestone.  After the reunion of the century, they headlined Coachella and shifted over five million tickets on the Not In This Lifetime… Tour. But Guns N’ Roses don’t slow down – there’s more touring lined up for 2025 and some surprises in store. The ‘Nightrain’ is still chugging along at full speed. Photograph: Guns N' Roses From punk to rap and rock’n’roll, it’s shaping up to be an epic night of genre-defining support acts. Public Enemy, the legendary American hip-hop group, will electrify the crowd with their powerful beats and politically charged lyrics. Joining them are Rival Sons, the high-energy rock band from Long Beach, California, renowned for their raw sound and captivating live performances. And that’s not all – 

There is such a variety of things to do across Thailand’s 76 provinces it can be a daunting task knowing where to start. The promise of peaceful villages, the excitement of sports, top-notch nightlife, island-hopping on a whim and great hospitality is all within reach. The country’s natural beauty and rich culture – from myriad festivals and markets, ancient Khmer-influenced ruins and contemporary art is matched by the diversity and hospitality of Thailand’s official 70 ethnic groups. Why wouldn’t you want to explore the entire kingdom?    Time Out recently ranked Bangkok as the second-best city in the world for 2025 and placed Chiang Mai at 28, making Thailand the only country in southeast Asia to have two cities in the top 50. But there’s a lot more than great cities. Here is Time Out Thailand’s guide to the best things to Do in Thailand.

Every year, St. Patrick’s Day takes the world by storm, officially landing on March 17 – but let’s be honest, the celebrations usually last all weekend. Wondering how to join the fun in Bangkok? You’re in luck! Read on for a tropical crawl between the capital’s Irish pubs that keep the spirit alive. Don some green, grab a Guinness and see where you end up!

Now in its fourth year, Sant Jordi returns with a lively blend of books, crafts and cultural flavour. This edition brings together a bustling market, hands-on workshops, thought-provoking discussions, live music and the bold tastes of Spanish and Latin American kitchens. It’s a celebration where literature meets community, and creativity spills into every corner – from stalls stacked with stories to conversations sparked over tapas. Whether you’re there for the food, the authors or just to get lost in a page-turner, the event offers a little something for anyone who enjoys ideas shared face-to-face rather than through screens. With its relaxed atmosphere and diverse line-up, it’s more than just a day out – it’s a reminder that stories still bring people together. Apr 27. Free. GalileOasis, 10am-7pm  

A speed dating night made exclusively for gay men. Think flirty icebreakers, charming chaos and zero small talk about crypto. Designed for those tired of the apps but still hopeful about love (or at least a decent flirt), the evening kicks off with games to get things moving before guests are free to mingle at their own pace. One drink is included with each ticket, plus bar deals to keep things spirited. Whether you're after romance, a new mate or just someone who also hates leg day, it’s a low-pressure, high-fun way to see who else is out there – no profile pics, just real people. Apr 27. B1,499 via here. Bangkok Trading Post Bistro & Bar, 7pm-10pm  

A celebration of music and theatre comes to Bangkok as West End talents join forces for a concert led by Maestro Michael England. Vocalists Stevie Doc, Sara Poyzer, Tobias Turley and Haydn Oakley will take the stage to perform beloved ABBA hits – expect everything from Dancing Queen to Waterloo, with plenty of crowd-pleasers in between. The evening marks a special tribute for HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s birthday on 2 April 2025, blending pop nostalgia with a touch of grandeur. Produced in collaboration with West End International Ltd, the event brings London flair to local audiences, promising high notes, heartfelt singalongs and just enough glitter to make you wish flared trousers were back in style. Apr 26-27. B600-3,000. Thailand Cultural Centre.

Bangkok Trading Post is joining forces with OMG! Matchmaking for a series of summer speed dating evenings designed to take the awkward out of introductions. Things begin with light-hearted icebreakers to ease into the night before everyone’s free to chat, roam and see where conversations lead. Each ticket comes with a drink to help smooth the edges, and there are bar specials to keep the mood buoyant. Whether you’re hunting for love, or just hoping to meet someone whose houseplants are still alive, it’s a fresh way to do dating – no swiping required. Apr 26. B1,499 via here. Bangkok Trading Post Bistro & Bar, 7pm-10pm

Three years after its debut in the quieter corners of Nakhon Nayok, UNAHARN is making a return – this time in Bangkok, and just for one night. The festival will spread across two rooms of BEAM, allowing for a bit more space to move, breathe and properly commit to a shoulder shuffle. The night’s soundtrack comes courtesy of an international DJ roster: Di Linh from Vietnam’s Savage crew, Belgium-meets-Thailand’s Gaspray, local favourite Jayja, Odd Thomas with his UK-tinged sets and Australia’s Wax’o Paradiso bringing their signature blend. Visuals will be handled by Human Spectrum, adding a little extra electricity to the atmosphere. Apr 26. B500-900 via here and B1,100 at the door. BEAM, 9pm onwards

A community-focused gathering aimed at encouraging sustainable living without the smugness. Expect a mix of gently-used treasures, environmentally-conscious finds and a donation corner for passing on your once-loved belongings to local charities. It’s not just a rummage through eco bins either – there’s food, drinks and hands-on workshops if you're feeling inspired. Talks from thoughtful guests offer moments to pause between browsing, while a lineup from LOVEiS brings a fitting soundtrack to the day. Whether you're on the hunt for a new plant pot or just want to loiter near good music with a drink in hand, the atmosphere makes lingering easy. Bonus: it’s pet-friendly, so you and your dog can debate over who wore the harness better.  Apr 26. Free. 515 Victory Bangkok, 10.30-7pm

This cyanotype workshop and mini exhibition offers a moment to reflect on the hidden toll of global trade, particularly in a region where over a quarter of the world’s cargo flows through vital maritime routes. Led by artist Ruwanthi Gajadeera, the session merges creative practice with environmental awareness, encouraging participants to engage with the ocean not just as a backdrop but as something under threat. Conducted in English, the experience combines elements of science, activism and visual storytelling. Attendees will use sunlight and a photosensitive dye to craft cyanotype posters, imprinting shapes of marine debris onto paper in an effort to visualise our impact on the sea. Apr 26. B500. Reserve via here. SEA Junction, 1.30pm-4.30pm

Bangkok’s about to get a little bolder with an immersive club night drawing inspiration from Berlin’s kink scene. After selling out multiple editions in Hong Kong and Shanghai, the event brings together hedonistic techno, indie dance and electronic beats in a space where self-expression isn’t just encouraged – it’s the dress code. Think latex, leather, lace or just something dark and danceable. It’s intimate, unpredictable and delightfully off-script, with a lineup mixing international names and local favourites. But the music’s only half the story. This is a space where curiosity’s welcome, fantasy has free rein and connection comes in many forms. Whether you're there for the BPMs or the BDSM, it’s about feeling good in your skin – or whatever you’ve strapped over it. Apr 26. B350 (entry before 10pm), B400 via here and B500 at the door. Blaq Lyte Rover, 9pm onwards  

Baees is back and turning the volume up in Bangkok. This time, London’s own Saint Ludo takes the decks with her no-nonsense mix of UK bass and blistering 140BPM selections. She’s joined by Sadia, who brings a global approach to club sounds – think percussive, unpredictable and entirely unbothered by borders. Completing the trio is Enable, ready to throw down a gritty set packed with off-kilter rhythms and grime-laced textures. It’s not about polish, it’s about pulse – the kind that grabs you by the chest and doesn’t let go until the lights come up. Expect a room where shoes get scuffed, tempos climb and the air feels charged. If you’re looking for a quiet night, you’ve taken a very wrong turn. Apr 25. B400 via here and B600 at the door. BEAM, 9pm onwards

Over three nights, this gathering offers more than just a backdrop of live music. It’s a space for unwinding, where people slow down, sip something good and maybe end up deep in conversation with someone they’ve never met. With a line-up of performances, the mood is warm, unhurried and open – the kind of atmosphere that makes it easy to stay longer than planned. A selection of local names is behind the drinks, including Chitbeer, Suntree, Mardi, Call Me Papa and Group B, each pouring with purpose. Whether you’re here to listen closely or just let the rhythm blur the week, it’s a welcome pocket of calm. Apr 25-27. Free. Chapter Market, 5pm-midnight

Patrick Gräser, aka Answer Code Request, has made a name for himself by pushing techno’s edges. Since his 2012 debut on Ostgut Ton, his sound – a collision of breakbeats, brooding pads and industrial grit – has kept Berghain floors restless. Born in Fürstenwalde during the fall of the Berlin Wall, Gräser came of age in a swirl of hip-hop, acid and early UK rave. Alongside childhood friends Marcel Dettmann and Marcel Fengler, he soaked up Berlin’s post-reunification chaos, channelling it into a sound that slips between jungle, IDM and Detroit influences. Whether behind the decks or in the studio, he’s not interested in nostalgia – just new ways to make the floor move. Apr 25. B750 via here. HORN, 9pm onwards

Brace yourself for flying limbs, sweaty drama and a sound system that doesn’t quit. Santo Slam returns to El Santo for another round of absolute mayhem – where pro wrestling collides with pounding bass and unapologetic energy. Expect headlocks, hype and possibly someone being hurled across the room. Between bouts, dig into proper Mexican fare and try not to spill anything when the crowd erupts. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just there for the spectacle, there’s enough movement to rattle your fillings. Oh, and there’ll be prizes – because violence, apparently, loves a bit of flair. It’s loud, it’s unhinged and no one’s leaving quietly. Apr 24. Reserve via 062-821-5812. El Santo, 8.30pm onwards

There’s a kind of poetry to a second-hand market – a slow dance between memory and material, where forgotten T-shirts hum their past lives, and chipped teacups whisper of breakfasts long cleared. RRR Rookie Reuse Recycle returns this May not as a mere pop-up, but as a full-blown hymn to reuse – where nostalgia meets sustainability and no one judges you for haggling over a mug shaped like a cat. Held near the Red Building, Chatuchak, from May 2-4, it runs from 4pm until midnight. And this time, it’s bigger. Tables buckle under vintage denim, shelves creak with decades-old toys, stalls bloom with mismatched crockery and soft-worn quilts. Here, a single brass candlestick could set your whole flat on a new emotional trajectory. A lamp might change your evening mood forever. It’s all wrapped in the quiet manifesto of ‘Reduce’, ‘Reuse’, ‘Recycle’, not as a lecture but as an invitation – less eco-warrior, more eco-romantic. Thailand’s long-standing knack for second-hand charm finds its echo here, curated not with precision but with affection. Photograph: Rookie BKK Between the vintage book stalls and embroidered collars, there’s sound – DJs playing the kind of sets that make you forget you’re under a concrete sky. Games, prize draws and impromptu dance-offs threaten to interrupt your browsing. Children barter for plush dinosaurs. Someone adopts a ‘90s lava lamp like it’s a rescue mission. Bring a tote. Bring two. Bring the friend who tells you not to buy that thing and then buys i

At some point in your twenties – likely around the time your Spotify Wrapped begins resembling the soundtrack of a Wes Anderson film – you realise you don’t just ‘like’ music, you want to touch it. You want to hold its weight, flip it over, scrutinise liner notes like sacred text and wince at the scratch you swore wasn’t there when you bought it. You want vinyl. Record Store Day, then, feels less like an event and more like a rite of passage. This April 25-27, from 10am-10pm, it descends once again upon Bangkok, sprawling across three full days and over thirty record vendors. Set inside The Storeys Square at One Bangkok, it’s less ‘mall event’ and more temporary temple to the analogue gods – complete with DJs, crate diggers and people earnestly debating the superiority of mono pressings. And admission is absolutely nothing. There are talks, of course. There always are. Panels where collectors drop the needle on nostalgia, fansign corners where musicians meet the brave few who still buy their music in physical form. There’s a DJ set billed as ‘exclusive,’ which usually just means you’ll hear something deliciously obscure that no algorithm has yet to recommend.    Photograph: Record Store Day Bangkok But let’s talk about the Vinyl Swap – here’s where it gets interesting (at least in my view.) You bring a record – your record – maybe a copy of Plastic Ono Band you once played in a breakup fog, maybe something French and dramatic from Air. It has to be in good condition, obviou

In a city where street dogs saunter past luxury malls and cats claim entire sois (side street that branches off of a major street) as their queendom, Bangkok’s relationship with animals has long been a laissez-faire affair. But come January 10 next year, this dynamic gets a distinctly bureaucratic makeover. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has announced a new regulation that could change the way residents live with their four-legged flatmates – less free-roaming, more fine print. Under the updated rules, all dogs and cats will need to be microchipped and officially registered – think of it as state-sanctioned tagging for your fluffy friend. The deadline? Within 120 days of birth or a month from the day they become yours, whichever comes first. The city isn't merely cracking down on paperwork for the sake of it. The move, BMA insists, is a response to the ever-growing stray animal population, whose ranks swell with each abandoned litter and impulse adoption gone sour. But this isn't just about chipping a tabby and calling it a day. The regulation goes further, introducing a pet quota system based on square footage – a kind of minimalist manifesto for animal ownership. Got a shoebox condo? That’ll be one pet, max. If you're lucky enough to spread out in 100 square wah (roughly 400 square metres) or more of suburban bliss, you may be permitted to keep a small parliament of six. Photograph: masii The logic, according to officials, is one of public health and neighb

The Italian film industry, much like a Fellini dream sequence, tends to arrive in full drama: sweeping gestures, decaying architecture and someone in oversized sunglasses chain-smoking while quoting Sartre. But every once in a while, it loosens its collar, takes off the metaphorical silk scarf and lets a few new voices through.  MovieMov – Italian Film Festival is one such moment. From May 3-6 at House Samyan, nine films will be screened, each one quietly poking at convention without ever slouching in its seat. Subtitled in English and Thai, they come armed with just enough introspective angst to derail any plans for light entertainment. Among them, a double offering devoted to Tiziano Terzani – journalist, philosopher and reluctant mystic – reminds us that introspection doesn’t have to be a luxury. Tiziano Terzani, Il Viaggio Della Vita (The Journey of Life) opens the festival, painting a textured portrait of a man who managed to make even war correspondence sound poetic. It closes with Anam Il Senzanome (Anam the Senzonome), an achingly tender piece drawn from Terzani’s final interview – less a conclusion than a soft unravelling of his worldview. Photograph: Diamanti (Diamonds)   There will be guests, of course. Not in the red-carpet sense, but more like people who matter. Documentary filmmaker Mario Zanot will appear alongside Terzani’s daughter, Saskia, in what promises to be a quiet homage rather than a publicity parade. Joining them: Silvia D’Amico, whose performance

Some voices linger. BIBI’s doesn’t claws, clutches and croons its way into your subconscious until you're half-humming her most popular song, The Weekend, while waiting for your Grab. She’s the chaotic, charming, deeply caffeinated force of nature who’s turned vulnerability into armour and cheek into a genre. On August 9, the Seoul-born popstar lands in Bangkok for 2025 BIBI first WORLD TOUR [EVE], her inaugural solo concert on Thai soil. Set at UOB Live, EmSphere’s shiny new crown jewel. If you’re late to the BIBI-verse (blasphemy, but we forgive), she’s the genre-defying musician with hits like BIBI Vengeance, The Weekend and Bam Yang Gang – the latter a track that sounds like a snack, and somehow is. Her music is sultry yet self-aware, wounded but winking. And while some stars dip a toe in acting for variety’s sake, BIBI dove straight into a pool of despair in Hopeless, a film that not only showcased her acting chops but won her the Best New Actress gong at the 60th BaekSang Arts Awards. So if your August plans included doing absolutely nothing, we suggest a minor revision. And here's everything you need to know, including pricing. When is BIBI going on tour?  BIBI’s world tour dates are all between May and the very end of October 2025. When do tickets go on sale? Set your alarms: general sale for all shows goes live on Thursday May 8 at 10am. Is there a presale? Various presales will take place. Here’s the lowdown. Weverse members can access early tickets on Tuesday May

Every April 30, International Jazz Day creeps up like a saxophonist arriving just behind the beat – slightly late, entirely intentional. UNESCO, in a rare moment of groove, declared back in 2011 that jazz wasn’t merely a genre but a kind of musical diplomacy. A passport in treble clef, uniting strangers with a trumpet and a bit of unresolved yearning. This year, Bangkok joins the global jam session with all the flair and mild chaos one might expect. The Commons is once again hosting its annual jazz festival together with Sweets Records, summoning the city’s jazz faithful for a festival that’s as sonically bold as it is sartorially unpredictable. This isn’t just a soft launch for jazz rookies still figuring out how to carry a trumpet case without looking terrified. Yes, there are wide-eyed newcomers, fuelled by youthful enthusiasm and probably an alarming amount of caffeine. But they’re sharing the stage with musicians who’ve seen things. People who’ve played smoky clubs, botched solos then turned them into standing ovations, and once made a saxophone sound like the end of a relationship you never really got over. Evenings are a free-flowing buffet of sound, bolstered by the clatter of cocktail shakers and the aroma of whatever’s being grilled within 15 metres. You’re encouraged to graze, linger and perform your best impression of someone who totally grasped that inverted chord progression. Entry is free, so come as you are. Bring your ears, your hunger, your faintest understa

Pack your bags – or better yet, step through the ‘Anywhere Door’ to the cheerful world of Doraemon and his gang. After wowing crowds in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Shanghai, the 100% Doraemon and Friends Tour is finally landing in Thailand for its next global adventure.  This event celebrates the 90th anniversary of the iconic Fujiko F. Fujio, with the exhibition travelling the globe. Thailand has been selected as the latest location for the show, which will take place at the Attraction Hall on the sixth floor of Iconsiam shopping mall from May 1 to June 22. The 100% Doraemon & Friends experience will bring to life the adventures of Doraemon and his crew. You’ll be able to join their escapades through the Anywhere Door and explore two main zones that promise to be worth the visit: The first highlight is the 100% Manga Art Exhibition Hall, where you’ll find a full-size Doraemon (standing at 123.9 cm, just like in the manga), along with his trusty friends. The space will be designed to make you feel as though you’ve stepped straight into your childhood cartoon. There will also be a Cafe & Pop-Up Store for all your souvenir needs, including some exclusive, limited-edition items.   Photograph: Eventpass The second major feature is an exhibition along the Chao Phraya River, which will showcase the world’s largest inflatable Doraemon. It’s set to become a new landmark along Bangkok’s riverside. Tickets for the 100% Doraemon & Friends Tour in Thailand will be available from 10am on Apri

We all know the scene – a Sunday afternoon, the smell of freshly printed pages in the air, the soft rustling of book pages as you pick out your next read, the intoxicating combination of creativity, love and the delightful chaos of shopping for quirky items. If this sounds like your idea of heaven, then mark your calendar for April 27 – Sant Jordi is back at GalileOasis. The fourth edition of the festival is a celebration of books, love and all things delightful, and if you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming of wandering through the streets of Barcelona on Saint George’s Day, this is about as close as it gets in Thailand. Organised by Myriam Rueda, the Spanish graphic designer and owner of MESA 312, alongside the Spanish Embassy in Thailand, this event will give bibliophiles and design enthusiasts the perfect excuse to shop, indulge and fall in love (with a book or two, of course). Before we get carried away with the excitement, let’s explore the origins of Sant Jordi. This cherished festival has its roots in Catalonia, where Saint George is celebrated as a legendary hero who slays dragons, rescues princesses, and, according to myth, causes roses to bloom from the dragon’s blood. Traditionally, men in Catalonia gift roses to women, who, in return, present books to the men they admire. It’s a timeless and romantic tradition that has endured through the centuries, somehow remaining both meaningful and remarkably refreshing. Photograph: MESA 312 At Sant Jordi, expect a treasur

Kula Shaker. The name alone creates a certain mystique, conjuring images of ‘90s britpop swagger, with a touch of Eastern allure. In an era dominated by a frenetic rush of guitar bands, they stood out, crafting a unique sound that was equal parts rock‘n’roll and psychedelic nirvana. Their formula? A heady mix of ‘60s psychedelic influences and Indian instrumentation, with sitars, tambouras and sarods threading their way through the music like a melodic prayer.  The band's influence remains undeniable and while their name might ring a bell with fans of ‘90s music, their appeal stretches far beyond nostalgia. Who could forget Hush, the track that delivered a thunderous opening to their debut album K in 1995? Or the mystical, driving beats of Tattva, with its mantra-like chants? If their music was a journey, then it was one steeped in Eastern philosophy, classic rock vigour and a touch of the unexpected.  Their success didn’t stop at K – the follow-up album, Peasants, Pigs & Astronauts, released in 1997, continued to cement their status as ‘90s alt-rock darlings. Tracks like Sound of Drums mixed heavy rhythms with a playful sense of wonder, a vibe that was infectious in a way only Kula Shaker could pull off. The band’s blend of ancient and modern influences made them both intriguing and accessible, a band you could groove to at a festival, but also ponder during a solitary late-night listen. Photograph: Kula Shaker The fact that they’ve maintained a dedicated fanbase over deca

If you thought mangoes were just for sticky rice, think again. Mango Art Festival returns this May, and no, it’s not a fruit-themed carnival (though snacks are probably involved). From May 7-11, River City Bangkok will host Thailand’s most eclectic gathering of artists, collectors, creative minds and curious wanderers who like their weekends with a side of sculpture. This year’s theme, ‘Connected Worlds’, is a deep dive into how imagination and culture cross borders without bothering with passport control. Mango Art Festival isn't just another artsy Instagram backdrop; it plays a pivotal role in Thailand’s creative ecosystem. It brings together everyone from emerging talents sketching their way into the scene to seasoned collectors eyeing the next big thing. Expect to rub shoulders with Thai and international artists, hear ideas that make you question your life choices (in a good way) and perhaps leave with something you didn’t know you needed. Over the course of five days, there will be immersive installations, live performances and design showcases. Five curated zones will feature everything from crafts to cutting-edge pieces, workshops where you can get your hands dirty (literally) and talks that go beyond the usual art speak. For artists, it’s also a rare shot at business matchmaking. Photograph: Mango Art Festival So yes, it’s an ecosystem, a marketplace, a playground and a slightly intimidating yet totally thrilling dive into what happens when ideas stop being polite

What were you doing in 1983? Sting was topping charts with The Police, possibly wearing leather trousers, and definitely penning the sort of heartbreak anthems that still sneak into your Spotify rotation during your more ‘reflective’ moods. Fast-forward four decades, several tantric jokes too many, and a not-so-quiet solo career later, and the 17-time Grammy winner is headed to Bangkok. Yes, that Sting. And on September 25, the man who made melancholy sound sexy will bring his STING 3.0 tour to Bangkok’s UOB LIVE. While many of us spent lockdown hoarding houseplants and sourdough starters, Sting did what Sting does – wrote a new song. I Wrote Your Name (Upon My Heart) is his latest, mixed by the ever-decorated Robert Orton and released under Cherrytree Music Company/Interscope. It’s giving raw. It’s giving intimate. It’s giving ‘how is this man still writing songs at 72?’ Beyond the music, the man’s activism has never been a background chorus. Since 1989, Sting and wife Trudie Styler have championed the Rainforest Fund, an initiative that protects both the lungs of the planet and the people who call them home. Add Amnesty International and Live Aid to the mix, and you’ve got someone who doesn’t just perform to packed arenas – he performs with purpose.  Photograph: Live Nation Tero The Bangkok show is part of a broader Asia sprint – Kobe, Tokyo, Singapore, Kaohsiung. Tickets range from B2,800 to B6,500 via Thaiticket Major and Live Nation, with fan club presales kicking off

Humidity clings like vintage silk and the streets hum with scooters and ghosts of colonial architecture. Something is stirring. Not the usual cafe openings or rooftop soirees that require sunglasses past sunset, but something deeper. Smoother. Slightly tipsy, probably. The International Jazz Celebration is less a music festival and more an elegant rebellion against linear time. Hosted by Siwilai Sound Club, from April 24 to 26, this three-day sonic pilgrimage unspools down the storied lanes of Charoenkrung. The sound of jazz will echo through the rhythm of the old town. This isn’t just a playlist come to life. It’s a living, breathing mixtape set in motion by the legacy of Chez Eve, one of Bangkok’s earliest jazz dens. Back in the 1950s, it stood as a smoky beacon of rhythm and rebellion. Now, decades later, the vibe’s been uncorked again – and frankly, it’s intoxicating.   Photograph: Siwilai Sound Club   Day 1: Mainstream jazz and Texas blues It’s the opening night. The Bob Mocarsky Trio teams up with Cherryl Hayes in a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, which will probably make you feel things. Later, Banglumpoo Blues Company keeps it gritty. Gritty enough that even if you’ve never been to Texas, you’ll leave convinced you once rode a freight train across it. Day 2: Swing jazz and Chicago blues The second night slips into its petticoat and heels for the golden era of swing jazz and Chicago blues. If the first night was about elegance, this one’s all swagger and soul. Monkonkwan