Guru's Weekly Pick: August 25 - 31

Guru's Weekly Pick: August 25 - 31

SOCIAL & LIFESTYLE
Guru's Weekly Pick: August 25 - 31

Every week, we sift through tonnes of activities, shows, art exhibitions and things to do. Here is our especially curated list of what's hot this week in Bangkok and beyond. Enjoy!

ACTIVITIES

+ Big Bad Wolf Book Sale Bangkok 2017, Hall 9 IMPACT, Until Aug 27

Bookworms have three more days to stock up on all the English-language books on offer at whopping discounts of 60-80%. About three million copies from various genres and for different age groups have been selected for this book fair. Sounds like a lot to browse through but no worries because Big Bad Wolf never sleeps! It’s open 24/7 so you can shop ‘til you drop, in case you didn’t get that.

24 hours. Hall 9, IMPACT Muang Thong Thani. goo.gl/hbPqTC

+ Wheelchairs for disabled animals workshop #19, Veterinary Hospital Hua Hin, Aug 27

Those cute disabled animals need your help to get around. Lend a helpful paw by coming to this workshop at the Veterinary Hospital Hua Hin, Kasetsart University, where you can make wheelchairs for the little guys.

From 9am. Veterinary Hospital Hua Hin, Soi Moo Ban Suan Son, Phetkasem Road, Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan. www.fb.com/dr.chakr for more info, 02-797-1967 to apply. Free.

+ Doc+Talk11 : “Manufacturing Consent: Noam Chomsky and the Media”, BACC, Aug 26

You’ve probably heard of the name Noam Chomsky before (or more likely heard that he sent an email showing support to student activist Netiwit Chotiphatphaisal in the wake of the Chula scandal). But how much do you really know about this linguist, philosopher and political activist? The Documentary Club comes to BACC to tell you more with a documentary called Manufacturing Consent: Noam Chomsky and the Media. It discusses Chomsky’s critique of mass media as a threat to democracy and his thoughts on the importance of being a well-informed citizen. The film will be in English with Thai subtitles and will be shown twice, followed by a talk.

12pm and 3pm. Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, 5/F, Rama I Road. goo.gl/PRW8aq. B100.

+ Scale[d] Thinkers Reading Series: Reading Lefebvre #1, Alliance Française de Bangkok, Aug 26

Interested in philosophy and the way society works? Join Bangkok’s most thoughtful crowd at this discussion about the ideas of Henri Lefebvre. This French philosopher and sociologist has written over 60 books and 300 articles about cities and societies, and his ideas have become particularly relatable to Thailand’s urban and environment issues. Scale[d] and SoA+D KMUTT has teamed up with Alliance Française Bangkok to organise a reading and discussion of some of his works, including the whole of The Urban Revolution and the first part of Writings on Cities.

4pm-6pm. Alliance française de Bangkok, 179 Witthayu Road. goo.gl/fdJjfU. Free entry.

+ Perfume Making Workshop, Tentacles N22, Aug 26

Wake up the inner perfumer in you. Learn how to mix your own scent from 60-70 varieties and other basics of perfume-making. Natural teller (fb.com/naturalteller) will guide you through this fragrant process. By the workshop’s end, you’ll get to bring home 30ml of your very own perfume. Join the workshop with a friend or more to receive a B200 discount each. Those who joined the Oil Perfume Workshop before will automatically get B300 discount.

1pm-5pm. Tentacles N22, Narathiwat Ratchanakharin Soi 22. Message m.me/tentaclesn22 to apply, goo.gl/k8EnwL for more info. B3,000.


PARTIES

+ Pay Day Disco Soundsystem, Studio Lam, Sep 1

The brainchild of local DJs Tek and Chote, Slum Disco Soundsystem is back to blow your socks off with something blastingly different from the usual tirade of tech house, Berlin-style techno and EDM that Bangkokians have become over-accquainted with. If you’re looking for something in the way of boogie, funk, disco and house, and you’re looking for a party that doesn’t stink of people showing off and being up themselves, i.e you just wanna have fun, sweat your ass off, party like you mean it and let that hair and “I don’t care” attitude loose, then head to Studio Lam next Friday baby! We highly urge you to spend that hard-earned cash wisely even though the event may state otherwise. A certain “Disco Dave” will be there working his charm so be sure to look out for him.

9:30pm-2am. Studio Lam, Sukhumvit Soi 51. goo.gl/Rnmt4t. Free admission.

+ Kolour Beachside Party, Fact Coco, Aug 26

Pack your bags and head to the A-One hotel in Pattaya where the Kolour crew will be throwing their next best thing! The venue is the hotel’s newly renovated beach club — Fat Coco — inspired by Ibiza’s fun and festive beach clubbing scene. The international lineup includes electronic duo X0809, Coran, Dan Buri and more. Ain’t gonna be no party like this Fat-Coco-Kolour party.

3pm-11pm. Fat Coco, A-One Hotel, Pattaya.

goo.gl/NCjHzx. Early bird tickets B700, via Event Pop, B1,100 at the door.

+ LUST at Levels, Levels, Aug 26

Levels Club & Lounge brings you a sexy themed party every month. Expect sexy dancers, beautiful models and stunning shows throughout the naughty night.

9pm-2am. Levels Club & Lounge, Sukhumvit Soi 11.

goo.gl/NZga1q. Free entry.

+ Taco Tuesday X Bangkok Invaders, Touché Hombre Bangkok, Aug 29

Enjoy tasty tacos at the modern Mexican restaurant along with selected Tequila & Mezcal drinks. Six taco varieties will be offered at B95++ for the night only. Then burn some calories off on the dance floor (before you order more) as you move to live hip-hop-heavy sets by DJs from the Bangkok Invaders crew.

7pm-2am. Touché Hombre Bangkok, 72 Courtyard, between Thong Lor Soi 16-18. 082-392- 7760.

+ DJ Hedspin, Sugar Club, Aug 23

Hedley “Hedspin” Tuscano, a Vancouver-based Filipino DJ, returns to the Big Mango once again for another big set. DJ Hedspin has been making his name known through his early work in Vancouver’s club scene with edits and remixes that got played in clubs and on the radio and his work for NY Fashion Week and NBA and, most importantly, his winnings at the 2011 Red Bull Thre3Style World Championships. Catch this champion DJ live at Sugar.

From 10pm. Sugar Club, Sukhumvit Soi 11.

goo.gl/sXFtsu, 061-391-3111.


SHOWS

+ The SwingKings at Big Boy Band Night, Maggie Choo’s, Aug 25

Bangkok’s working up a strong jazz game, with the SwingKings currently dominating the scene. These guys have performed at the “Music for the King #1” concert and at many musical theatres around the city. Now they’ll be entertaining fans with some sweet rhythms at Maggie Choo’s. So get jazzed up (no shorts and flip-flops) and head over there tonight for some classics from the Swing Era from 9pm until late. Make sure to stay for the after party featuring DJ Bixzexy of the Bangkok Invaders crew.

9pm-2am. Maggie Choo’s, Silom Road, 091-772-2144. Free entry.

+ Folk Five: International Songwriters Showcase, Black Cabin, Aug 25

Other Road Records and Live Artists Asia bring you an amazing line-up of international singer/songwriters at the cool new music venue, Black Cabin. Come for a chill night of great acoustics and dreamy lyrics by five artists from five different countries. Featuring Coast & Ocean from Australia and our very own Phum Viphurit, this unique experience is set to be a highlight of the month.

8pm-12am. Black Cabin, Soi Farmwattana, Rama IV Road. B200 including two local beers or a house pour.

+ The Front Row Live @ Nongtaprachan, ChangChui, Aug 26

Super chill band The Front Row are performing their fourth addition to their album series, The Other Side on Saturday night. Korn Pongpipat’s mellow voice promises an easy evening with songs such as Woo, which has a cute music video you should definitely check out by the way.

7pm-8pm. ChangChui, Sirindhorn Road.

+ Zakir Khan Live in Bangkok, The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Aug 27

Lighten things up with a night by The Comedy Club Bangkok as they team up with Zee TV to present India’s biggest Hindi comedian, Zakir Khan. Touring with his Amazon Prime Special, Haq Se Single, Khan is here in Bangkok for the first time and ready to raise the roof with an exclusive show in Hindi. This guy has been rated as the pioneer of storytelling in Indian comedy and is the winner of Comedy Central’s hunt for the Best Stand-Up Comic of India. His take on modern India in this 90-minute show will get you laughing out a proper ab workout. For even more fun, grab the VIP Platinum package and get a front row table complete with a bottle of whiskey and eight mixers.

7pm-8.45pm. The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Sukhumvit Soi 19. goo.gl/yJHscX, 098-854-0410, 062-735-1151. B900.

+ Season Five, Beer Belly, Aug 30

No, get off Netflix and come spend an even more chill evening at Beer Belly in Thonglor’s Courtyard with its latest edition of #BeerBellyLive. They’ve got Season Five performing this time, so the four dudes will be sending out some good tunes for all to sway and hum to. We’re sure you won’t want to miss singing along to Pood Mai Kid with the live band!

9pm-2am. Beer Belly, Courtyard, Sukhumvit 55. www.fb.com/beerbellybkk, 02-392-7770. B300 with one Hoegaarden.

+ Thunder From Down Under, Moonstar Studio 8, Aug 30 - Sep 5

Ladies and good Judies, listen up! This is the closest you’ll ever get to seeing Magic Mike IRL. Thunder from Down Under, the all-Aussie and all male revue show, is coming to Southeast Asia for the first time. The group has enjoyed a 15-year residency at the Excalibur Hotel & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip, making it the only Australian act to achieve this longevity ever! The guys will be gyrating from Aug 30 until Sep 5. Two dates are especially reserved for women-only and gay-only audiences on Sep 4 and Sep 5 respectively. General and VIP tickets as well as VIP tables are available via Ticketmelon.

Moonstar Studio 8, Lat Phrao Soi 80. www.wildnight.asia, goo.gl/PQqWCn. B2,500 for general standing ticket with one drink, B7,500 for seating VIP ticket with two drinks and B40,000 for VIP table for six people with bevvy package.

+ Memories Do Not Open Asia Tour, Impact Challenger Hall 1, Sep 15

2017 is turning out to be a good year for music fans in Bangkok (although your wallet may take a bit of a beating). Andrew Taggart and Alex Pall, the EDM-pop duo known as The Chainsmokers, are coming to Bangkok! Well-known for hits like #Selfie, Closer and Something Just Like This (a collab with Coldplay), they’ll be rocking the Big Mango on Sep 15. Nick Martin, a rising DJ from Greece who signed with Armada Music earlier this year, will warm up the crowd for them too. Tickets are on sale via ThaiTicketMajor.

8:30pm. Impact Challenger Hall 1, Muang Thong Thani. goo.gl/k6P8iG. B2,000, B3,000 for standing tickets.

+ Dream Theater Images, Words & Beyond 25th Anniversary Tour Live in Bangkok, Thunder Dome, Sep 27

Bangkok seems to be on a throwback vibe as we welcome progressive rock group, Dream Theater back to our city. The band is returning to Thailand on Sep 27 in celebration of the 25th anniversary of its all-time hit album Images & Words. With the album ranked in the Rolling Stones’ “100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time”, fans are in for a treat as the metal maestro will be performing the whole set of Images & Words, taking everyone back in time with numbers like Pull Me Under, Another Day, Metropolis Part 1 and Under a Glass Moon. Whether you saw them live last time in 2012 with A Dramatic Turn of Events or have followed their tracks from vinyl to YouTube, this is a not-to-be-missed event.

8pm. Thunder Dome, Muang Thong Thani. goo.gl/eo4QeX. B2,000.

+ STRFKR live in Bangkok, HEAVEN Bangkok, Oct 6

If you’re looking for a night of great music and great rooftop views, get yourself up to CentralWorld’s rooftop bar, Heaven, and dance to the funky tunes of indie pop/indie electro band STRFKR. These Portland guys have had some much talked-about live performances which featured instrument swapping, dual drumming, stage diving, and some crazy costumes. You might remember their hit While I’m Alive from the movie The Fault in Our Stars; don’t miss it being performed live!

10pm-1am. Zense @ HEAVEN Bangkok, Zen World, CentralWorld. goo.gl/DgqYrz. B1,290.
 


ART

+ Now 2, The Gallery 36 at Pullman Bangkok Hotel G, Until Oct 22

Award-winning artist Piyaphach Jeeno, also known as Art Jeeno, was born and raised in Chiangmai and works as a full-time independent cartoonist. Illustrator of the popular cartoon book, D Day and JUICE, his NOW 2 exhibition will certainly be a sight for sore eyes. It features a series of images about the life of a girl called ‘Now’. In her world, Now wants to understand things that appear through her life in the moment before they disappear. The viewer can look into her life through a series of expressive oil on canvas paintings that are filled with emotion.

Daily, 10am-5pm. The Gallery 36 at Pullman Bangkok

Hotel G, Silom Road. www.fb.com/Artjeeno, 02-352-4000 ext 1419.

+ Hope Land, Jam, Sep 2-Sep22

For the last year and a half, photographer Adam Birkan stared out of his window, at the same scape, sometimes for hours, drawing initial inspiration from a glowing pink marquee far off in the cityscape. We have a feeling it’s that one in Phra Khanong because we often use to gaze at it too from our bedroom window. While he watched he wasted no time in photographing anything and everything. One might think this a lazy project and the photographer confirms that they’d probably be right; he was often in his underwear whilst working on it. #goodforyouadam

Tue-Sun, 6pm-midnight. Jam, Charoen Rat Soi 1, closest BTS Station Surasak Exit 2.

www.fb.com/JAMCAFEBKK, 089-889-8059.

+ The Land of Virtue – The Land of Karma, Ardel Gallery of Modern Art, Until Oct 1

This exhibition by Anupong Chantorn features sculptural works created after thinking about good and bad deeds according to the beliefs of heaven, earth and hell found in Buddhism. The artist points out the value and truthful meanings of Buddhism by applying characters in Apaya Bhumi that appear in ugly physical forms while committing evil deeds, together with monk robes and alms-bowls, which have also been modified to ecognize the ill-wishers in disguise. This exhibition poignantly brings to attention those within our society who abuse the advantages of monkhood.

Tue-Sun, 10:30am-7pm. Ardel Gallery of Modern Art, Boromratchonnanee Road.

www.ardelgallery.com, 02-422-2092.
 
+ Human Body to Space, Sansiri Lounge, Until Sep 30

One of the most internationally ecognized sculptors, British artist Antony Gormley, who has also accepted an OBE for his works, will be exhibiting his sculptures for the first time in Thailand during an exhibition titled “Human Body to Space”. He is renowned for using the human body — his own as well as others — as inspiration for his sculptures which have appeared on the streets, beaches and public spaces of many countries worldwide. The exhibition, which will be showing at property developer Sansiri’s stomping ground in Siam Paragon, aligns well with the company’s appreciation of art having the power to lift, add colour and character to any space.

Open daily, 11am-10pm. Sansiri Lounge, Siam Paragon, 3/F. 02-610-9207 ext 9.
 


FOOD

+ Michelin-Star Chef Ronny Emborg, St Regis Bangkok, Sep 18-23

Danish Michelin-starred chef Ronny Emborg brings his “Sensory Kitchen” for a limited time to Jojo Restaurant at the St Regis. Customers can enjoy a seven-course lunch menu or an eight-course dinner menu, both of which come with an optional wine pairing for an added price.

12pm-3pm, 6pm-11pm. Jojo Restaurant, St Regis Bangkok, 159 Rajadamri Road. Visit www.stregis.com/bangkok, 02-207-7777. B3,800++ for lunch, B5,800++ for dinner.

+ New Beverages, Starbucks, Until Sep 18

Healthy Starbucks Frappucinos? You betcha. The Acai mixed berry yogurt and the Granola dark mocha frappucinos are available in all Starbucks stores for a limited time only. Along with its new fraps, Starbucks also has a few new breakfast selections like Egg Florentine (B145) and Riceberry club sandwich (B135) as well as a slew of new merch that range from tumblers to pouches.

www.starbucks.co.th or www.fb.com/StarbucksThailand
 
+ Macanese Culinary Specialties, Dean & Deluca, Jul-Oct

The Macao Government Tourism Office has teamed up with Dean & Deluca to bring its customers a taste of Macao’s specialties right here in the Big Mango. Selected stores will be serving dishes like Macanese African Chicken and Caldo Verde Soup.

www.deanandeluca.com, www.fb.com/ddbkk.
 
+ Freebird Garden Party V, Freebird Bangkok, Sep 3

Celebrate the Asutralian restaurant’s first anniversary with free flow oysters and other Australian dishes such as Poached Norwegian salmon and Grilled salt pork belly. Wear something white to receive a free cocktail during your next visit.

12pm-7pm. Freebird Bangkok, Sukhumvit Soi 47. www.freebirdbkk.com, www.fb.com/freebirdbkk, 02-662-4936. B1,550.
 


TRAVEL

+ The 44th Thai Taew Thai Fair, QSNCC, Aug 31-Sep 3

Have your Crocs clogs ready because you’ll be covering miles at this famous travel fair where you’ll meet hundreds of offers from resorts, travel agents, car rentals and more. We’ve done some preliminary scouting to present you with some highlights.

Escape Hua Hin and Escape Khao Yai (booths C344-345, www.escape-hotel.com, fb.com/escapehotels) offers exclusive deals with up to 55% off. A one-night stay in a Deluxe Room at Hua Hin property with brekkie for two is priced at only B2,700 and you’ll also have an option to buy a seafood platter for two at a reduced price. One night in Deluxe Room at Khao Yai property also includes brekkie and you’ll also get to buy a barbecue set for two at a reduced price. During the daily happy hours, you may also win a room upgrade and more. Moreover, packages with the additional 10% early-bird discount can be bought from the hotel via email, telephone (063-187-0777 for Hua Hin, 063-196-4999 for Khao Yai) and website from now until Aug 31 and at the fair on Aug 31 only. B1,000 surcharge per night is applicable for weekend and holiday stays. These offers are valid for stays from Aug 31 to Feb 28, 2018.

ONYX Hospitality Group offers special deals at its Amari and OZO (P150-153) properties in Thailand and seven other countries at the fair. Beach getaways at Amari Nova Suites Pattaya, Amari Hua Hin and Amari Vogue Krabi start from B2,500, B2,800 and B3,500 respectively. Nightly rates at the brand-new Amari Galle Sri Lanka start from B5,000. Football fans can stay at Amari Buriram United for B1,900 per night. Vacations at OZO in Samui, Hong Kong and Sri Lanka start from B2,500, B4,250 and B3,560 respectively. These offers are valid for stays from Sep 1 to Mar 31, 2018. 

Cape & Kantary Hotels (P087-88) offers affordable room rates at their properties across the nation from the palatial Cape Panwa Phuket to Kantary Hills Chiang Mai. Don’t forget to check out their latest properties — Kantary Hotel Korat and Cape Kudu Hotel, Koh Yao Noi. Room rates start from B1,500 per night.

There are so many more waiting to be discovered. We recommend downloading the “ThaiTeawThai” application onto your iOS or Android smartphones so you can conveniently check the floor plan, exhibitor list, news update and more.

www.thaiteawthaiplaza.com
 
+ Summer Sale deals for the 2017 SEA Games, Hotels.com, Until Aug 31

As the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games are happening in Kuala Lumpur from Aug 19-31, getting the best seat in the arena isn’t the only thing you should be worrying about. If you’re also looking for a comfy, convenient and affordable place to stay, Hotels.com has you covered. Their summer sale deals with up to 40% discount mean you can book the perfect stay for a great price and choose from several different prime locations depending on the sports events you’re seeing. Book before Aug 31 for travel before Sep 10.

www.hotels.com, 02-343-6175.
 
+ The Ultima Summer Holiday, Ultima Gstaad Hotel, Spa & Residences, Until Aug 31

Gstaad isn’t just for ski holidays! During the summer, this Swiss city offers a whole different scene of fun activities and sports such as hiking, golfing, and summer dipping in the mountain lake. If you’re looking to discover the sunny side of this ski town, Ultima Gstaad is a boutique hideaway that is offering sun-filled holiday packages. For a night’s stay, foodies can opt for the Summer Suite & Sunday Brunch package and have dinner and brunch at the DUCHESSA restaurant for two. If you’re looking for a cleanse, the Deluxe Escape is for you, including detox juices, a Detox Dinner for two at DUCHESSA, Caviar massages by La Prairie for two and a private yoga class. The packages also include VIP welcome packages, breakfast and welcome drinks.

Ultima Gstaad, Switzerland. www.ultimagstaad.com, +41-33-748-05-50. B23,800 for Summer Suite & Sunday Brunch, B40,000 for a Deluxe Escape. Transport services available.

+ Double Points Promotion, Best Western Hotels & Resorts, Until Sep 30

For your next holiday, make that shot of excitement a double because Best Western Hotels & Resorts are offering a double points promotion on bookings with any participating Best Western hotel in Asia. Until Sep 30, 2017, you’ll earn twice as many reward points when you book. Whether you want a city break in Tokyo, a world-class beach spot in Bali, or a taste of Asian heritage in Vientiane, you’ll want to get in on this deal.

See all participating hotels or sign up for rewards at www.bestwesternhotelasia.com.
 
+ Opening Packages, X2 Hua Hin Oasis, Sep 1 - Feb 28, 2018

Your family are in for a treat with leading luxury brand X2 offering special packages to celebrate the opening of their new resort in Hua Hin. The private pool-villas suit every need, with lush farmland and mountains for tranquillity but also a five-minute drive to the town centre for shoppers. Promising a home-from-home concept, each villa includes three bedrooms, a private pool and a kitchen. In-villa services such as spa treatments, chef-prepared barbecues and children’s art and swimming lessons are also available. All packages include breakfast, while bookings for two nights also gets you an in-villa barbecue dinner and three nights gets you all-day spa treatments for six people on top of everything. Be sure to book directly with the resort for complimentary cocktails and canapés. And one last tip: the little ones will go crazy for the Blissful Standard Family Villa, which features its own ball pool!

X2, Hua Hin Oasis. www.oasishuahinvilla.com, 081-409-9496. B12,500 for single night package, B23,000 for two-night package, B35,000 for three-night package.


MOVIES

+ THE HITMAN’S BODYGUARD (directed by Patrick Hughes)

Who’s in it?

Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L Jackson, Gary Oldman.

What’s it about?

A professional bodyguard (Reynolds) is hired to protect a hitman (Jackson) scheduled to testify at the International Court of Justice against a dictator (Oldman). The two of them must set aside their differences to be able to survive against each other as well as those coming after them.

Why watch it?

Guys, it’s Deadpool escorting Nick Fury. We can’t even begin to imagine the banter and insults.
 
+ THE BEGUILED (directed by Sofia Coppola)

Who’s in it?

Nicole Kidman, Kirsten Dunst, Elle Fanning.

What’s it about?

Set against the American Civil War, a wounded Union soldier is reluctantly taken in by a girls’ school in Virginia. However, his presence causes complications and tension among the women.

Why watch it?

Further evidence of men causing problems in women’s lives.
 
+ AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL: TRUTH TO POWER (directed by Bonni Cohen and Jon Shenk)

Who’s in it?

Umm... Al Gore.

What’s it about?

It’s the sequel to An Inconvenient Truth, which is made obvious in its title and follows what has happened since the first film, the signing of the 2016 Paris Climate Agreement, and the announcement by President Donald Trump afterwards that the US would be pulling out of the agreement.

Why watch it?

Educate yourself so that you’ll know how to reply to ignorant idiots who think global warming is a myth. 

+ DEATH NOTE

Based on the popular manga series, the film follows a young man who stumbles upon the Death Note, a notebook which allows him to kill anyone he pleases by simply writing their name down. The notebook was created by the demon Ryuk, who communicates with him as he goes on killing those he thinks are unworthy. However, this catches the attention of a mysterious detective only known as “L” who is now right on his tail.
 


TV SERIES

+ THE MIST (SEASON 1)

A mysterious mist engulfs a whole town (hence the title). But zero visibility is the least of the resident’s concerns when they find out that creatures that seek to kill reside within the mist.  Based on the popular novel by Stephen King. 
 
+ WIMP 2 WARRIOR

Saturdays and Sundays, 11:30pm
RTL CBS Extreme Ch 338

Watch average Joes and Janes undergo a six-month period of gruesome training that pushes them to the limit until only a handful of them are left, at which point they’re pitted against each other in an MMA fight to be bruised up some more. Makes you happy to just be sitting on that couch, huh?

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