Kaweewat Siwanartwong

There are corners of photography you tiptoe into, and others you breach with a steady breath and a sharpened sense of responsibility. The naked form sits stubbornly in the latter. For decades the unclothed body, especially the female one, populated magazines like wallpaper. Familiar, unchallenging, endlessly posed. Today, many of those images read as dated relics, tinged with voyeurism and a faint whiff of something that doesn't sit quite right anymore. The female nude once felt like a default, a visual shorthand for seduction. Now it often feels like a reminder of an era when the camera wasn't always kind. The male nude, by contrast, has always been trickier. Less culturally sanctioned, less expected, shadowed by stigma yet charged with a different kind of electricity. Contemporary photography has swung the doors wide open, and the male body has entered the room with a force that feels both overdue and disarmingly intimate. Photograph: Ohm Phanphiroj This is where Ohm Phanphiroj steps in. Or perhaps more accurately, where he has stood all along, in that uncomfortable sweet spot where desire, danger and vulnerability meet. An international, award-winning photographer, filmmaker, educator, former fashion director and self-declared chronic observer, Ohm has carved a body of work that traces sexuality, identity, exploitation and the unvarnished male form across continents. His images are not polite. They're tender in one moment and confrontational in the next, as if caught bet

The final stretch of 2025 arrives with that familiar Bangkok mood shift, when the heat finally backs off and the city gets a touch sentimental. It's the season when everyone pretends to slow down yet somehow ends up saying yes to every gathering, screening and gig that pops up on the calendar. Christmas may hover at the edges with its twinkly soundtrack, though the months ahead promise far more than festive cheer. Suan Luang's botanical fest returns with flowers blooming across the park, turning the grounds into a weekend escape of soft scents and slow wandering. TV Girl drops by with their dreamy melancholy that somehow suits Bangkok's late-year evenings better than it should. Doja Cat storms in with her first show in Thailand, a spectacle that feels long overdue. Black Country, New Road bring their shifting, knotty sound to a crowd that likes its emotions served with a side of distortion. If you prefer something gentler, the Dutch Thai jazz night folds brass and breezy improvisation together, while Goodhood and Goodfood host a neighbourhood do that feels like stumbling upon a block party that actually knows what it's doing. The Bangkok Art Book Fair comes back with its usual crush of zines, prints and people comparing tote bags.  This is when the city reveals its many pockets of delight. Bangkok, as always, saves its best for the year's edge.  Stay one step ahead and map out your plans with our round-up of the best things to do in Bangkok.

There's a peculiar silence that follows when you tell someone 'I don't drink'. It lands awkwardly, like you've just admitted to something vaguely embarrassing. But that silence has been shrinking lately. Gen Z are leading a quiet revolution, choosing clear heads over hangovers and questioning why socialising has to revolve around a bottle. After lockdown rewired our habits, old rituals started looking a bit naff. Drinking less isn't just about health anymore – it's cultural. Which raises an obvious question: if you're not drinking, where the hell do you go in a city that's built on the mythology of nights out? That's how I ended up deep inside Sammakorn Village, a residential labyrinth in Bangkok that's home to more than 6,500 households and, rather improbably, one of the most unusual bars in Asia. STØCKHØLME Sober Bar is Thailand's first alcohol-free bar and the first in Asia. It opens from 2pm-10pm, welcoming everyone from the sober-curious to families who rock up with dogs and teenagers in tow. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Taste of The Place (@jiranarong2) I'd expected earnest kombucha, wellness lectures and maybe a queue of yoga mats. Instead I walked into something warm and surprisingly mischievous, where cocktail shakers were working overtime and two people, Korranath 'Oak' Thamamnuaysuk and Weeree 'Wee' Yomjinda, greeted me like friends determined to prove that sobriety has never meant boring. What followed was two hours of tasting,

Don't say you're not feeling it. The drop in temperature feels like permission to step out and claim the city for yourself. November's last weekend arrives with a mix of nice breeze evenings and beautiful sunsets, and Bangkok's event calendar is packed with treats that tempt every kind of curiosity. Movie Nights in the Netherlands Embassy Garden offer the chance to watch Dutch cinema under the stars, while the Open Air Cinema Festival brings Swiss comedies to a leafy outdoor setting, where laughter travels as freely as the evening breeze. For those chasing music and movement, Beamcube's Last Dance closing week promises four nights of sound and rhythm, where local favourites and international headliners keep the decks rolling from sunset to late hours. L'Impératrice lands in town for a live show drenched in disco, funk and irresistible groove, while Resonate's Bangkok Island Boat Party carries deep minimal house across the Chao Phraya, the skyline sliding past as basslines roll. And for something playful and thoughtful, A Weekend with Meta AI x Song Wat transforms the historic creative quarter into a hub of interactive art, music and AI-powered imagination, while Grooves and Goodies in Ari invites you to browse rare vinyl, vintage treasures and handmade pieces in a weekend that's more about discovery than haste. So get out there, soak it all in and make the most of it. Get ahead of the game and start planning your month with our list of the top things to do this November. Stay

Music still does that thing where it brings people together and tears them apart simultaneously. Some reckon punk's dead, just a relic from when rebellion meant eyeliner and leather jackets. But rock and roll – that stubborn bastard – won't lie down. It morphs, it sweats, it relocates. And in Thailand, surprisingly, it's still kicking. That’s where The Young Wolf comes in. A band so saturated in colour you'd think the 1970s never ended. Their gigs are proper fever dreams – shimmering jackets, hair that crackles with static, the sort of sound that makes your chest hurt in a good way. Their cover of a certain Led Zeppelin track racked up over four million views, and suddenly Bangkok had something new to shout about. I wanted to know who they actually were underneath the sequins and sweat. So I sent over some questions – the type that start simple and end up unpicking what makes a band tick. The sort that remind you rock and roll isn't just noise. It's how you survive. Photograph: The Young Wolf The howl begins 'We met through the small gig circuit in Bangkok,' they tell me. Five strangers who kept running into each other across sticky floors and dim bars. 'We jammed together in a rehearsal room. It was chaos until one night it wasn't. The gear clicked, the room caught fire, and The Young Wolf was born.'   The five-piece – Jonathan on vocals, Jimmie Petzh and Nonney on guitars, Song Song on bass, Little on drums. A lineup that would become something more than the sum of its pa

Mention Song Wat and most people picture weathered shophouses with Chinese-style storefronts. What they don't realise is that tucked between these century-old buildings, something rather brilliant has been happening. The younger generation has been slipping bits of modernity into every corner, and it's now become one of Bangkok's most interesting districts to explore. Song Wat isn't just about the food, though there's plenty of that. The art scene here is properly thriving. Shopkeepers and artists have been working together, turning the whole district into a sprawling outdoor gallery. The recent buzz has given confidence to people who actually care about preserving history and culture in old commercial areas. Support it to grow with the times and what you get back is architecture that future generations can still see with their own eyes, not just in history books. Photograph: rongklannuea What's Song Wat known for? Song Wat has basically become Bangkok's hipster area without really trying. Art is everywhere throughout the district. Street art on walls, designer bits in unexpected shops, galleries that range from big impressive spaces to tiny rooms down alleyways or tucked behind coffee counters. If you love art, Song Wat is brilliant. You just need to know where to look. Right now there are loads of new places opening. Restaurants, cafes, galleries, bars worth staying in until late. If you fancy a change of scene and want to walk around taking street photos, stopping for sn

November in Bangkok means art season running at full tilt, with the city's beautiful contradictions on full display – gridlocked traffic outside, hushed white cube spaces within. Art lives everywhere here: sprawling museums with cathedral-high ceilings, scrappy project rooms above third-wave coffee spots, galleries that look structurally questionable yet house work capable of stopping you mid-stride. Need to feel confused, delighted, unsettled or quietly gutted? Bangkok's got you sorted. The range is genuinely unruly. One evening you're facing neon installations unpacking migration politics, next morning you're locked eyes with a centuries-old portrait that feels disturbingly alive. Contemporary pieces question what existing in this particular metropolis actually means, modernist works get reinterpreted for right now, and the odd old master hangs about with surprising swagger. What makes things tricky is sheer choice. New shows open constantly, so deciding where to spend your Saturday afternoon becomes its own minor ordeal. Consider this less a definitive ranking and more your orientation map through a city that simply won't quit making, showing and interrogating through visual culture, monsoon season be damned. Everything below we've visited personally, stood in front of and probably Instagram-stalked first. Every single exhibition here deserves your time. 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

As the country mourns the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, Bangkok's tempo shifts. Venues stay open and music still plays, but with a quieter grace. It's a month of small joys and thoughtful gatherings before the year slips away. Anyway, we're almost there – one month until NYE. November brings slightly cooler air, though 'cool' is pushing it. The 11th month unfolds with a gentler energy, making space for moments that feel both present and reflective. Kick things off with Ghost2568: Wish We Were Here, a surreal blend of art, nostalgia and light that lingers somewhere between memory and dream. Or escape reality altogether with Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in Concert, where the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra breathes life into John Williams' score beneath a 40-foot screen. For something warmer, TYLA's We Wanna Party Asia Tour lands in Bangkok – all amapiano shimmer and attitude. Transport stretches a disco-lit day across 14 hours of pure movement at Chang Chui. Then swap sequins for strings at the Southeastern Old Time Gathering, a weekend of bluegrass, Irish trad and old-time tunes that feel like they've travelled across centuries to reach you. Get out there, enjoy! Stay one step ahead and map out your plans with our round-up of the best things to do in Bangkok.

Planning Halloween already? It maybe a little early, but the nights are drawing in, the air feels cooler, and before long, the season’s most mischievous celebration will be upon us. Thailand may not have the same obsession with ghosts and ghouls as other countries, but Bangkok knows how to throw a night worth remembering.  Soon enough, downtown Bangkok will shift into a carnival of costumes, flickering lights and characters that seem plucked from another world. Streets, bars, galleries and rooftops will offer everything from quirky pop-ups to immersive experiences, leaving little excuse not to get involved. It’s never too early to start plotting your own night of mischief, assembling your coven, or deciding which haunted corners of the city you’ll explore. Looking for something strange, eerie or delightfully absurd? Time Out Bangkok has your back. While we might not carry proton packs, we know where the best thrills are hiding. From haunted bars and rooftop rituals to costume competitions and spooky markets, our ever-growing guide will keep you informed and entertained. By the time the last lanterns flicker and the city’s ghosts retreat, you’ll know that Bangkok’s Halloween is not just a night on the calendar – it’s a festival of mischief, style and just enough fright to make it unforgettable.

In Bangkok, the music scene has transformed over the past few years, led by crews of DJs and collectives – both Thai and international, who are tackling imbalances in the industry by carving out their own creative corners. These collectives do more than play music: they build communities, experiment with sound and space, and create opportunities for voices too often overlooked. And the number of groups pushing this forward is far greater than most realise. Collectives are the empowering force. DIY at heart, they share resources, skills and ideas, providing spaces free from discrimination and harassment. Each crew has its own identity: some focus on multidisciplinary arts, others on workshops and mentoring, and some simply craft nights that feel electric and alive. What unites them is a vision of equality, inclusivity and diversity – for their members and for everyone who joins. Detour is the one for those chasing tracks you hear once and immediately need to know more. RomRom bends genres and expectation, from Bhangra to Brazilian hip-hop, creating nights defined by atmosphere rather than label. Non Non Non gives a queer sanctuary, where electronica, EBM and techno collide and the crowd feels at home. Kleaning Service turn up once a month with their offbeat 'cleaning' sessions, a tongue-in-cheek disguise for nights that refuse to behave predictably.  Transport, meanwhile, are a softer, warmer embrace of the dancefloor. moor brings underground international talent rarely seen i

October arrived with a bit of rain, but Bangkok doesn’t really do dull seasons. The city thrives on contrast – traffic outside, white-walled calm within. It’s a place where art lives in every possible corner: vast museums with echoing halls, hidden rooms above coffee shops, galleries that look like they might collapse yet hold works that could floor you. If you want to be confused, delighted, unsettled or quietly moved, this city rarely disappoints. The variety is unruly. One evening you might stumble across a show where neon tubes light up the politics of migration, the next morning you’re staring at a centuries-old portrait that feels impossibly alive. There’s contemporary work that questions what it means to exist in a city like this, modernism reinterpreted for the present, and the occasional old master hanging with surprising confidence. What complicates things is choice. With new exhibitions opening constantly, picking where to spend an afternoon can feel like work in itself. So think of this less as a definitive guide and more as a starting point – a way to orient yourself in a city that refuses to stop making, showing and questioning through art, no matter the weather. 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 October. Whether you're a regular gallery-goer or just art-curious, these are Bangkok’s best spots to live the ar

October in Bangkok doesn’t tip-toe in. As the rains finally turn polite and the air dries, the city arms itself with spectacles that crackle in neon, shadow and trembling melody. Museums open new worlds. Theatres unfurl fresh tales. Bars and cafes welcome midnight whispers. On the music front it’s chaos of the best kind. The Smashing Pumpkins return after nearly three decades, giving a set that could flicker from 1979 to their new rock-opera. Mariah Carey is back too, hair flips intact, marking 20 years since The Emancipation of Mimi with seven-octave theatrics Bangkok hasn’t seen in years.  Sean Paul finally touches down for his Thai debut, bringing the riddims that once soundtracked every school disco. Connan Mockasin drifts in with his woozy dream-funk, while Blackpink stage a three-night stadium takeover that will probably sell out faster than you can open a group chat. Over at the Contemporary World Film Series, Something Like an Autobiography plants its flag. Penned by Mostofa Sarwar Farooki and his actress-wife Nusrat Imrose Tisha during lockdown, it folds their marriage into fiction, even as Farooki steps in front of the camera for the first time. It’s a quietly radical piece about memory, identity and how lives unspool when we least expect. And for those who sleep with their lights off: the Junji Ito Collection Horror House turns dreams into architecture. Over 1,500 square metres, you might find Tomie’s cursed beauty, balloon-headed predators or Souichi’s mischievous

Bangkok is about to claim a new chapter in its nightlife story with the opening of a ‘hyperclub’ designed for anyone who measures life in beats and movement. The debut brings ARTBAT to town, the electronic duo whose sets have commanded the biggest stages across the globe. Their sound, equal parts melodic and relentless, promises to shape the evening from the first note. Joining them is Nakadia, Thailand’s own Techno ambassador, who has clocked more than 1,700 performances across 72 countries, including residencies in Berlin and appearances at Tomorrowland. Her sets, a mix of precision and propulsion, return home with a reputation that precedes her, making this opening more than a party. December 30. Price to be announced here. FVTURE Bangkok, 9pm

One at A Time closes the year with a party made for those who feel music rather than chase it. Gene on Earth leads the evening, a selector whose sets never shout but linger, coaxing shoulders to loosen and ears to lean a little closer than usual. Each track feels deliberate, a quiet mastery of groove and restraint that keeps the room suspended just enough to notice the small details. Elaheh and Shinfish, the trusted residents, weave through the night with unhurried precision. They drop the right record at the exact moment, and occasionally something unexpected, which somehow lands perfectly. It’s the kind of night where time stretches softly around the music, where dancing is measured, smiles are exchanged over shared beats, and the year quietly folds itself into a groove that feels entirely your own. December 20. B500 via here and B700 at the door. Bar Temp., 9pm onwards

Doja Cat is coming to Thailand for the very first time, and the timing couldn’t feel more festive. The Grammy-winning superstar has revealed her Ma Vie World Tour, bringing her genre-blurring sound and theatrical energy to stages across New Zealand, Australia and several spots in Asia. For Thai fans, it promises an evening where pop, rap and R&B collide with a performance style that has made her one of the most talked-about names in music right now. Expect bold visuals, choreographed spectacle and moments that will have the crowd moving from the first beat to the last. It’s a chance to see her world on a stage that, until now, has only been imagined, and to ring out the year with a show that feels impossibly vibrant and very much worth the wait. December 18. B2,800-12,600 via here. Impact Exhibition Hall 5-6, Muangthong Thani, 7pm

Cambridge’s Black Country, New Road have been quietly rewriting the rules of indie pop since 2018. Formed by a cluster of friends, most fresh from music school, they built a sound that refuses to sit still – baroque flourishes rub against jazz improvisation, folk and rock twist through unexpected structures, and vocals teeter between subtle emotion and urgent confession. Their live shows are a theatre of movement and intensity, each set a reminder of why Ninja Tune snapped them up so quickly. Their debut album For the First Time (2021) startled listeners with strings and brass crashing against post-punk edges, a sound both jagged and cinematic. Ants From Up There (2022) introduced lighter, playful tones without losing the storytelling that has become their signature. Thailand gets a first glimpse of their full evolution at Maho Rasop Series, a performance that promises to linger long after the last note fades. December 13. B2,200 via here. Search Studio, 7pm

The 2025 Contemporary World Film Series closes with A Perfectly Normal Family, directed by Malou Reymann. The story follows an ordinary family whose life shifts unexpectedly when the father decides to transition into a woman, exploring the ripples this decision sends through love, confusion and eventual acceptance. The film has already made its mark internationally, collecting accolades at major festivals and earning Denmark’s Bodil Award, a nod to its sensitive storytelling and strong performances. The screening is hosted with support from the Embassy of Denmark, and attendees can look forward to a reception afterwards. HE Danny Annan, the Danish Ambassador, will open the evening with a few words, setting the tone for a story that is at once intimate and universally resonant, a reflection on identity, family and the quiet courage it takes to embrace change. December 13. B20 at the door for non-TK Park members. Reserve via filmforum17@gmail.com. TK Park, Central World, 4pm

Paintbrush Foundation is welcoming the public to an open-air concert at Benjakitti Park, an hour of music set against one of Bangkok’s greenest corners. Students and teachers alike will perform Thai classical pieces alongside fusion arrangements, blending tradition with playful modern touches. The park itself feels like an extended stage, the lake catching the last light of the afternoon and the trees leaning in as if listening. It’s the sort of event where you can wander in casually, settle on the grass with a friend and let the melodies thread through conversation. For anyone who has spent long weeks in the city, this hour offers a gentle pause, a quiet celebration of music and movement, and a reminder that the city can be unexpectedly serene when the sun is low. December 13. Free. Benjakitti Park, 5pm-6pm

Returning for its fourth year, this food festival has quietly become a highlight of the season. Curated with help from the popular food review page ThanadChim, the event gathers more than 120 stalls serving up everything from sticky savoury bites to indulgent desserts and thirst-quenching drinks. Each stall feels handpicked, offering little surprises that keep you wandering with a plate in hand. The soundtrack keeps the weekend humming. Mini concerts feature familiar names like Tattoo Colour, ETC., Lipta and Landokmai, with a few unexpected performers dotted through the schedule. It’s the kind of festival where tasting and listening go hand in hand, where you can linger over a dessert while an energetic chorus fills the air, and somehow three hours slip by without noticing. December 12-14. B200 via here and B250 at the door. Sermsuk Warehouse, 3pm-midnight

The year is bowing out with a three day affair on Soi Nana, Sukhumvit 4, where a roomy venue is being remade as a cheerful end of year hangout. Think of it as a playful mash up of market, block party and friends’ reunion, stitched together with the kind of energy that makes you forget December exhaustion. Every corner offers something to poke at. Rows of stalls cover fashion, accessories, clothing and footwear with a spread wide enough to satisfy anyone who shops by instinct rather than plan, all selling authentic pieces. A drinks and food zone keeps the crowd fuelled with cold pours and quick bites. DJs and live bands take turns keeping the soundtrack lively while a generous lounge area helps you catch your breath. It promises an easygoing weekend built for wandering, snacking and squeezing every last drop of good mood from the final days of the year. December 12-14. Free. Maison Hotel Bangkok, 4pm onwards

The event makes its return with the swagger of an event that knows exactly how to gather a crowd. The riverside setting is gone, replaced by a central spot that cuts travel time without losing any of the fair’s original mischief. Vinyl spinning DJs keep the mood warm across two days, giving the whole thing the feel of a laid back block party with better glasses. Wines come from a generous cast of producers and importers including Fin, Cloud Wine, Winearoi, Koko Wines, The Grand Crew, Tipsy Tickles, Soul Wines, Must Wine Bar, Grapey and Veraison, adding up to roughly 100 labels. Food arrives courtesy of Dough with its sourdough and Olive and Apple with homemade salads. A vinyl market waits in the corner like a quiet temptation, perfect for anyone who can’t resist taking music home as a souvenir. December 6-7. B700-1,500 via here. FRIEND FRIEND, Emporium, midday-8pm

A proper heavyweight night is brewing, the sort that pulls electronic diehards out of their midweek routines with barely a warning. Keith Hillebrandt sets the tone, a sound architect with a career that once threaded through the world of Nine Inch Nails. His sets tend to feel like conversations with machines that answer back in riddles. Honeycomb follows with the confidence of someone who has spent years shaping Bangkok’s electronic undercurrent, easing between textures and tempos as if switching languages. Then comes Muzz, frighteningly productive yet rarely spotted on stage, which makes this appearance feel like a small gift to anyone who has kept an eye on his catalogue. December 6. B300 at the door. JAM, 9pm onwards

RomRom is winding up the year with its beloved community mishmash, the RomRom Prong Dong, a party that always feels stitched together by the people who show up rather than the flyers that promise. Expect four stages plus a few tucked away corners that reward curious wanderers. International and local DJs share the bill with live acts from Bangkok and further afield. A food court keeps everyone fed with familiar favourites while vintage stalls, custom jewellery makers and art installations turn the grounds into a small festival village. It is set to be RomRom’s most ambitious gathering yet, a December blowout built for lingering long after the music stops. December 6. B555-800 via here. The Warehouse Talat Noi, 4pm onwards

Bangkok Art Book Fair returns for its seventh round with a theme that feels like an open-armed invitation: You Can Sit With Us. The message is simple enough. Anyone curious, shy, seasoned or completely new to the scene can walk in without pretending to know the difference between risograph and perfect binding. This edition packs four programmes including three fresh additions. Expect 126 exhibitors from 25 countries, installations that stretch the idea of what an art book can look like and 25 activities ranging from compact talks to hands-on workshops. Conversations on the state of contemporary publishing thread through the weekend, offering thoughtful pauses between browsing sprees. It promises a heady mix of clever printing, sharp ideas and unexpected encounters, the sort of fair where you wander off with stories as easily as you do with books. December 5-7. Free. Bangkok Art and Culture Center, 1pm-8pm  

Bangkok's been choking on something nastier than traffic fumes lately, and if you've stepped outside recently, you'll know exactly what we're talking about.  Forget those dreamy golden-hour Instagram posts, the city's currently wrapped in a thick blanket of PM2.5 dust that's turned a simple morning jog into a genuinely risky proposition. Over the past couple of days, dust levels have hit 47-59 micrograms per cubic metre, prompting AirBKK to slap an orange zone warning across the entire capital without any sugar-coating. The still air mixed with Bangkok's legendary traffic is brewing up a smog cocktail that nobody ordered. But the city isn't leaving residents to fend for themselves. A full-team effort is underway, tackling everything from construction sites to work policies, all aimed at helping Bangkok breathe a bit easier. Photograph: BMA Construction sites get the heavy treatment Construction sites are dust enemy number one, and Wang Thonglang district is getting special attention. The moment AirBKK flashed orange, the Deputy Governor turned up unannounced at the COBE Lat Phrao-Sutthisan project site, no messing about. What followed was a proper crackdown: mandatory wheel washing before vehicles leave, constant water spraying, six-metre-high dust barriers and a requirement for all vehicles to be registered in the Green List system. This isn't a plaster on a single problem but part of a bigger plan to cut dust dispersal citywide. Meanwhile, factories and establishments acr

After November's Vijit Chao Phraya 2025 went down a storm with its light and sound shows along the river, the organisers switched things up by using drones instead of fireworks out of respect for the mourning period. It created a gentler vibe, sure, but everyone's been waiting for the pyrotechnics to make their comeback. Well, the wait's over. The fireworks return this December to light up the sky above the Chao Phraya, celebrating the final stretch of 2025 and bringing the good old vibes back to Bangkok's main waterway. The shows will still honour HM Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother, keeping the same theme and concept that's run throughout the event. Here's what you need to know: fireworks will explode over Phra Phutthayotfa Bridge (Memorial Bridge) on December 5, 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21 at 8:45pm. Each show comes with light and colour displays designed around the concept 'The Light of Siam, the Mother of the Nation'.   Photograph: Vijit Chao Phraya 2025   The drone shows aren't disappearing entirely. They're just being scaled back to three dates: December 5, 12 and 19 at 8.45pm. But here's where it gets interesting: the organisers have loaded up the weekends and long holidays with extra fireworks displays so you can properly soak up the spectacle. Mark December 5 in your calendar right now. It's the only night that'll feature both 1,000 drones and 2,500 fireworks shots in one go, no holding back. The organisers are calling it the grandest show of the year, and they're not

The afternoon alcohol ban is finally being scrapped. Well, for six months at least. From today, December 3, you'll be able to legally buy booze between 2pm and 5pm for the first time in decades. It's part of a 180-day trial that's lifting Thailand's longstanding afternoon alcohol sales restriction, which has been in place since the early 2000s. The new rules mean alcohol can now be sold during three windows: 11am-2pm, 2pm-5pm and 5pm-midnight. That middle slot is the game-changer, approved on a trial basis to see how it goes. Shops must be registered to sell alcohol (obviously), and if you're drinking at a venue, you can stay until 1am. Once the trial wraps up, Bangkok's Alcohol Control Committee and provincial committees across Thailand will assess what actually happened during those previously banned afternoon hours. Did it help small businesses compete with big chains and tourist areas, as supporters argued? Or did it unleash chaos, as critics worried? There are some exceptions to all this, by the way. International airport terminals can sell alcohol whenever they fancy to arriving and departing passengers. Licensed entertainment venues operating within legal hours get a pass too, as do hotels registered under the Hotel Act. It's worth noting this is specifically about sales restrictions. The rules around where alcohol can be consumed and advertising regulations remain unchanged for now. Whether this trial becomes permanent depends entirely on how the next six months play

Wolf Alice are heading back to Bangkok for the first time since they headlined Mangosteen Music Festival way back in September 2018. They will hit Bangkok, Jakarta and Singapore as part of their world tour, bringing the sound that's made them one of the UK's most vital rock bands. This tour will feature tracks from their latest album The Clearing alongside fan favourites from their Mercury Prize-winning back catalogue. It's been a minute since Wolf Alice last played Thailand, and a lot's changed since then. They've released two more albums, won a Mercury Prize for Visions of a Life and cemented their status as one of Britain's best live acts. Their shows are known for being absolutely electric – frontwoman Ellie Roswell has this rare ability to flip between delicate, introspective moments and full-throttle rock fury in the space of a single song. Want to sing 'Moaning Lisa Smile' at the top of your lungs with a room full of people? Obviously. Here’s everything you need to know about Wolf Alice 2026 Asia Tour.   When are Wolf Alice performing in Bangkok? Bangkok will host Wolf Alice’s celebrated live act for a one-off concert on Sunday January 11 2026.   Where is Wolf Alice performing in Bangkok? The British alt-rock icons are set to take the stage at Ambience Space.   When are the tickets on sale? Tickets go on sale right now through Megatix at this link.   How much are the tickets? General Admission tickets are priced at B2,400, while Bulk Buy tickets are available with a mi

The weather's still decent right now, which for Bangkok is practically a miracle. Perfect timing for a free concert in the park, then. Music in the Park happs this Sunday December 7 at 5pm in Benjakitti Park. It's part of the celebrations of 50 years of diplomatic relations between Ireland and Thailand, put on by the Irish Embassy and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. Not your typical anniversary party, but we'll take it.The Bangkok Metropolitan Orchestra are doing orchestral versions of Irish classics, we're talking U2, Hozier, Westlife, The Corrs, The Script. Proper bangers, just with more violins than you'd expect. You don't need to be into classical music. These are songs you already know, 'With or Without You', 'Take Me to Church', 'The Man Who Can't Be Moved' – just arranged for a full orchestra. Bring a picnic blanket, some snacks and whatever you fancy drinking. Find a spot on the grass and let the orchestra do their thing. No tickets, no booking, just turn up.   How to get there: BTS: Take the Sukhumvit Line to Asok Station, then it's a 10-15 minute walk to the Lakeside area at Benjakitti Park (Entry Gate 1). MRT: Hop on the Blue Line to Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre Station. From there, Entry Gate 1 is only 5-7 minutes on foot. Spend your Sunday evening at Music in the Park, 5pm in Benjakitti Park. Free entry.

If you woke up today feeling a bit hazy in Bangkok, you're not dreaming. And it's something we're facing every year. All 50 districts in Bangkok are now reporting unsafe air quality, with the city's average PM2.5 concentration sitting at 49.1µg/m³. Nong Khaem district is experiencing the worst conditions at 53.4µg/m³, though central areas like Sathorn (65.8 µg/m³) and Bang Rak (61.7 µg/m³) are actually logging even higher readings. Narong Ruangsri, permanent secretary of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, warned that a high-pressure system moving through China will likely keep PM2.5 at unsafe levels until Tuesday. He's advised residents to wear face masks when venturing outdoors and suggested vulnerable groups stay inside altogether. The current situation marks a sharp deterioration from mid-November, when most districts maintained safe air quality and the citywide average was a relatively pleasant 24.1 µg/m³. Back then, only three districts, Lat Krabang, Bueng Kum and Prawet were nudging into orange-level territory.   Top 12 districts with highest PM2.5 levels: Sathon - 65.8 μg/m³Bang Rak - 61.7 μg/m³Lat Krabang - 60.1 μg/m³Min Buri - 59.5 μg/m³Nong Khaem - 56.8 μg/m³Taling Chan - 56.3 μg/m³Khlong Sam Wa - 56.2 μg/m³Ratchathewi - 56.1 μg/m³Pathum Wan - 55.2 μg/m³Thawi Watthana - 55.0 μg/m³Yan Nawa - 54.8 μg/m³Bang Kho Laem - 54.4 μg/m If you're heading out, wear a PM2.5-rated protective mask and keep strenuous outdoor activities to a minimum. Watch out for symptoms lik

December is almost upon us, and we can't deny that all the year’s best events are here. Well, here's yet another one you'll want to pencil in (or better yet, ink in permanent marker). Goodhood and Goodfood are back for another round, bringing together the city's style-obsessed shoppers and serious food lovers for a year-end blowout at Sermsuk Warehouse by the Chao Phraya River. Two festivals, two weekends, one very excellent excuse to dress up and go out. Photograph: Good Hood Services First up is Goodhood Vol. 6, running December 4-7. This is where Bangkok's coolest shops and those hard-to-find brands all congregate in one spot, so you can actually tick off your Christmas shopping without traipsing across town. But it's not just about the retail therapy, each day wraps up with indie music sets to keep you there well past closing time. December 4 features Tilly Birds, Polycat, Rejizz, DJ Mikepack and DJ About Time. December 5 brings Pun, Blvckheart, Chala Deen, DJ Shockko and DJ Sumairu. December 6 brings Youngohm, Yented, 2Ectasy, DJ Bookythestrider and DJ M Dey Say; December 7 wraps up with The Parkinson, Kachain, Cupnoodle, DJ B-Set and DJ CCK. Photograph: Good Hood Services If you've worked up an appetite from all that shopping (or you just fancy skipping straight to the eating bit), Goodfood Vol. 4 follows on December 12-14. Bangkok's top restaurants turn up with everything from street food favourites to fancier fare, all washed down with decent drinks and backed by

After a French artist cried foul over what she called ‘hypocrisy’ when her mural depicting a nude man, back and bottom visible, was censored by the hotel whose wall it was painted on, street art fans can breathe easy. The work is back, and it's got fresh meaning. Following negotiations with the property owner, Mimi Tibayrenc (also known as Myrtille Tibayrenc) was invited back to finish what she started. The French artist, curator and art centre director based in Thailand has added new dimensions to the original piece, transforming what could've been a straightforward censorship row into something more nuanced. Known for her figurative style inspired by Renaissance techniques, Mimi's work often explores human form and emotion in ways that challenge contemporary sensibilities. Which is exactly what kicked off the controversy in the first place. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has also weighed in, clarifying that it has no policy of censoring artworks. Instead, the BMA's role is to promote and support artists whilst coordinating cooperation between communities and the business sector in developing Creative Districts and street art projects that reflect local identity. It's a happy ending in the world of public art politics. Mimi's willingness to return to the wall, and the property owner's openness to dialogue, shows that sometimes the best response to censorship isn't anger, but collaboration. It now stands as proof of what can happen when artists and communities talk t

For gentlemen who actually care about what they wear, here's one worth marking in the diary. MenDetails’ 'The Club Market' is a gathering place for classic-minded men who want to pass on their prized pieces and well-maintained quality clothing to others who appreciate them just as much. It's happening November 29-30 at ONE Bangkok's The Storeys, it's basically a two-day menswear swap meet for people who actually give a toss about what they wear. You'll find rare vintage bits, quality pre-loved gear and new stock from vendors who know the difference between a proper Oxford and whatever's hanging in Topman. Photograph: mendetailsclub What makes it work is the lineup, tailors and menswear specialists including Rugged Supply, Mars People, Manii, HEIM, Pinky Tailor and Second Impression have all set up shop. Browse the racks, pick up a vintage watch, then get something made to measure while you're at it. Efficient, really. The whole thing exists because MenDetails Club wanted to expand their network over the usual crowd. It's for blokes who understand why a well-made jacket matters, who've got that one piece they've worn to death but can't quite bring themselves to bin because it deserves better. This market's where those items find new homes with people who'll actually look after them. Look, we all know someone who's got strong opinions about sleeve length or wouldn't dream of machine-washing their knitwear. If that's you, or you're shopping for someone like that, this is where

BangCork Wine Fair is back after a successful first outing, landing at Friend Friend, Emporium on December 6-7. The venue might have shifted from Song Wat, but the vibe stays intact, with two full days of records spinning from midday ‘til 8pm. If you're the type who enjoys discovering new labels without the stuffiness of a traditional wine tasting, this is worth blocking out your weekend for. You'll find bottles from across the globe, courtesy of top producers and importers like Fin, Cloud Wine, Winearoi, Koko Wines, The Grand Crew, Tipsy Tickles, Soul Wines, Must Wine Bar, Grapey and Veraison. They're bringing a solid 100 labels to the table, matching the scale of last edition's debut. Photograph: koko_wines Don’t forget to grab sourdough from Dough and handmade salads from Olive & Apple. Record collectors will want to check out the Vinyl Market, where you can pick up some wax to take home. Now, the practical stuff. Entry costs B700, which gets you two tasting tokens, or B1,500 for 10 tokens. You can top up more once you're in. Grab advance tickets via Ticketmelon right here. If you're the type who enjoys discovering new labels without the stuffiness of a traditional wine tasting, this is worth blocking out your weekend for.  BangCork Wine Fair runs December 6-7 at Friend Friend, Emporium, midday-8pm.

As Gallery’s Night wraps up, the Night at the Museum Festival takes the party to museums from the capital to the provinces. This year, more than 50 spots nationwide join the fun in throughout December. Venues include Museum Siam, the National Museum of Royal Barges, Silpakorn University Art Gallery, Museum Pire, Phaya Thai Palace, Chulalongkorn University Museum of Natural History, Siam Serpentarium and loads more. Each spot has special after-hours tours, night markets, live music and stargazing sessions in the dark. In Bangkok, most venues kick off from December 19 onwards, though a few start earlier on December 5-7, like The Wireless House One Bangkok and Bangkok Art and Culture Centre. It’s worth checking opening times since there are so many taking part this year. A few highlights: the EGAT Learning Centre in Nonthaburi is doing an electricity and energy exhibition after dark. The Thai Film Museum in Nakhon Pathom has film screenings plus craft stalls and food vendors. Over in Pathum Thani, the National Memorial has a new exhibition where visitors can try VR games. There's also the King Rama II Memorial Park in Samut Songkhram, opening up its puppet collection and Amphawa Cultural Heritage Museum at night. The Princess Sirindhorn Observatory in Chachoengsao hosts astronomy exhibitions, while Museum Sing Buri hosts lighting installations. If you're planning a trip to the provinces between December 23-25, don't forget to pin down some after-hours visits. For Bangkok, most k

Here's another activity for this lovely cool weather, get out of the house for some good vibes and live music. Anyone who fancies hearing a mix of genres and styles should check out Winter Sound Festival at Siwilai Sound Club. The festival runs across three nights from November 27-29. Kicks off on November 27 with bossa nova, featuring songs by Astrud Gilberto, the legendary Brazilian singer, and tracks from Antônio Carlos Jobim, another icon of the genre. Things shift gears on November 28 with a rock and roll night paying tribute to Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix, B.B. King and Stevie Ray Vaughan. If you're into American-influenced sounds, this one's unmissable. The festival wraps up on November 29 with dance-style jazz, going all out with the New Orleans sound, the birthplace of jazz itself. Each night starts at 9pm and runs until just before midnight, giving you plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere. If you've ever been, the setting of Siwilai Sound Club makes it the right spot to experience live music without the massive crowds of larger venues. Winter Sound Festival runs from November 27-29 at Siwilai Sound Club. Grab tickets at Tictetmelon, they’re priced at B600 per night, and B1,800 for three nights.