The BigChilli
  • Home
  • ONLINE MAGAZINE
  • News
  • Promotions
  • Features
  • Restaurant Reviews
  • What's on
  • Social Events
  • The BigChilli TV
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Social Media
    • Pricavy Policy
  • Contact us

Patpong gets its own museum

7/11/2019

Comments

 
Picture
Picture
A museum dedicated to Bangkok's most infamous street has opened on Patpong 2.
​

Called the Patpong Museum, it features memorabilia, maps, photos and neon signs, along with cuttings from newspapers and magazines dating as far back as the days when this part of town was rice fields. There’s even a giant model of the area as it is today.
 
The museum is the brainchild of Patpong aficionado Michael E. Messner, an Austrian whose passion for the street dates was ignited some 20 years ago when he opened his first bar in the neighbourhood.
 
Michael, 41, who hails from a family of museum curators, has converted an empty first floor lot in the building opposite Foodland into a walk-through exhibition, complete with teasers, videos and a bar reminiscent of the legendary Grand Prix go-go bar whose owner Rick Menard appears on a giant photograph. Grand Prix’s distinctive outdoor sign is one many that have been rescued and now hang in the museum.
 
Three walls are covered in pages from old issues of the Bangkok Post featuring stories about the special delights of Patpong written by ‘Nite Owl’ Bernard Trink.

Picture
Famous visitors to the bars like David Bowie, Roman Polanski and Robert de Niro are mentioned, together with photos of Patpong ‘regulars’, some of whom still frequent the area. Its role as a centre of CIA activity during the Vietnam War is also highlighted.
 
The number of exhibits is bound to increase, believes Michael, as old Patpong hands visit the museum and wish to contribute to the collection with memorabilia from their own experiences in Southeast Asia’s best known street.
Patpong Museum is open daily and a guided tour costs 300 baht per person.
Picture
Comments

OZO – a great hotel choice in Phuket

7/8/2019

Comments

 
Picture
With Phuket currently going through its quiet season against a backdrop of an increasing supply of new hotels, the choice of accommodation on Thailand’s premier island destination has never been bigger or better. The trick, of course, is to choose your hotel wisely.
 

For families and independent travelers, OZO Phuket, a newly opened mid-scale property, makes the grade on many levels.
 
In terms of its location at Kata Beach, OZO guests couldn’t wish for more. Apart from being generally recognized as the island’s most beautiful bay, Kata is also well positioned for exploring Phuket’s other attractions, including nearby Karon and Patong beaches, as well as numerous offshore islands, golf courses and the amazing Hanuman World zipline park.
 
OZO’s simple but thoughtful interior and exterior design, and its unmistakable laid-back holiday atmosphere also tick the boxes. Accommodation includes 255 guest rooms and suites across nine different categories in a series of five-storey buildings.
Although not set directly on the beach, the hotel is just a short stroll away from the northern end of Kata’s golden sand and surf via a keycard accessed side gate.
 
The hotel entrance is actually located right on Kata Road, which means guests are close to some great local restaurants, shops and entertainment zones.
 
That said, many guests no doubt prefer to spend most of their time within the hotel itself. Its extensive landscaped gardens include two separate pools – one designed for kids with its twin water slides and volleyball net, the other a freeform main pool for adults to lounge around and relax in. This area is unquestionably one of OZO’s most attractive features.

Read More
Comments

Newcastle united with Bangkok architect to build Europe’s TALLEST OBSERVATION wheel

18/3/2019

Comments

 
Picture
Concept i design team behind ‘Giants on the Quayside’ development in famous British city – including a wheel called ‘Whey Aye’ that tops the London Eye.
​

By Colin Hastings
In an amazing example of globalization, a Thai interior design and architecture studio based in Bangkok and managed by a Canadian expat is playing a key role in a massive retail and leisure development called Giants on the Quayside, now taking shape in Newcastle upon Tyne in northeast England.
 
Concept i - an international design studio specializing in high profile retail/commercial, leisure and entertainment projects - won the contract to master plan and design the development last year. The site will include Europe’s tallest observation wheel dubbed ‘Whey Aye’, a phonetic rendition of the phrase ‘why aye’ in the local Geordie dialect meaning ‘yes, of course’.
 
Principal and MD of Concept i is Geoff Morrison, originally from Canada, who founded the company in 1996. With offices in Bangkok and Shanghai, Concept i has worked on over 150 projects in 19 countries. Geoff is clearly extremely pleased by his company’s latest success. “We are very proud to play such an important role in this huge development in Newcastle,” he said from his busy offices in Convent Road.
 
“It’s a wonderful project that will inspire people, create local jobs and boost the regional economy. The project touches a personal nerve – having studied and worked in the UK for almost 10 years, I was proud to take a lead role in such an innovative development from so far away. It’s a real testament to our Bangkok team that we win and take a lead position on this international design stage. It doesn’t get better than that.” 
Picture
Concept i founder Geoff Morrison and the project's senior architect Francesc Domingo in the company's Bangkok office
Located on the banks of the River Tyne and standing 16ft higher than the London Eye, the Whey Aye wheel is the anchor component of the ambitious, 50,000 sq m, UKP 100 million development, which will also feature a 39ft statue named The Geordie Giant, and riverside food and drinks promenade called The Giant’s Quay.
 
Other facilities include The Giant Sport Warehouse, comprising the newest active play, climbing and trampoline facilities, e-sports complex and a Quayside Golf Club, where golfers can compete internationally in virtual cyber space, at over 300 famous courses worldwide. The roof terrace is dedicated to competition footsal, tennis and basketball courts.
 
The Wheel ‘Terminus’, a five-story high entrance complex, immerses visitors in stories of Newcastle’s past, present and future as they move up to the Wheel launch deck. Following the Wheel sky voyage, visitors return to earth via a 20 m speed slide tower, or gently float down a suspended, gravity ‘roll glider’ track!
 
The company’s senior architect for the Giants on the Quayside is Francesc Domingo, a Spanish national and long-term resident of Bangkok. “All the buildings have been designed so visitors can ‘Feel the Wheel’ from wherever they happen to be,” explained Francesc. 

Read More
Comments

THE KINGDOM OF NATURAL TREASURES By Maxmilian Wechsler

15/3/2019

Comments

 
Picture
With more land and sea set aside for national parks than most countries, Thailand is truly Wonderland
One of the most enduring legacies of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej will be his determined involvement in the creation of national parks and wildlife reserves in Thailand.
 
The King was committed to setting aside public lands to preserve the habitats of endangered species and in many cases these species are now thriving.
 
King Bhumibol launched many other initiatives to safeguard the environment as well, including reforestation projects, campaigns to protect watersheds, the Royal Rainmaking project, Royal Development Study Centres and environmentally progressive Royal Development Projects.
 
From the outset, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit Kittiyakara shared the King’s vision of a sustainable Thailand and worked tirelessly in support of this vision. Her Majesty travelled to every corner of the Kingdom with the King and has also initiated various environmental projects herself. 
 
Picture
Kuhakaruhat Mansion Phraya Nakhon Cave, Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
Internationally protected sites
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has designated five World Heritage Sites in Thailand:
• Ban Chiang Archaeological Site cultural site in Udon Thani province, declared in 1992.
• Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex natural site in Saraburi, Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi Sa Kaeo and Buriram province, declared in 2005.
• Historic City of Ayutthaya – cultural site in Ayutthaya province, declared in 1991.
• Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns cultural site in Sukhothai and Kamphaeng provinces, declared in 1991.
• Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries natural site in
Kanchanaburi, Tak and Uthai Thani provinces, declared in 1991.
 
ASEAN Heritage Parks
Association for Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Heritage Parks came about through a shared recognition of the vital need to conserve areas of particular biodiversity or exceptional uniqueness throughout the ASEAN member states. All ASEAN Ministers of Environment collectively signed the ASEAN Declaration on Heritage Parks in December 2003.
Designated ASEAN Heritage Parks in Thailand:
• Ao Phan Nga Marine National Park.
• Ko Surin Marine National Park.
• Mu Ko Similian Marine National Park.
• Kaeng Krachan National Park.
• Khao Yai National Park.
• Taruato Marine National Park.
 
The IUCN
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is a membership union composed of both government and civil society organizations. The IUCN’s mission is to provide public, private and non-governmental organisations with the knowledge and tools that enable human progress, economic development and nature conservation to take place together. Created in 1948, it has become the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network. Thailand’s relationship with IUCN began in 1948 when it was one of the first Asian signatories to the IUCN Charter. IUCN located a regional office in Bangkok in the 1990s, and in 2001 the Thailand program office was established.
The seven IUCN categories are:
• Category Ia: Strict Nature Reserve.
• Category Ib: Wilderness Area.
• Category II: National Park.
• Category III: Natural Monument or Feature.
• Category IV: Habitat/Species Management Area.
• Category V: Protected Landscape/Seascape.
• Category VI: Protected Area with sustainable use of natural resources.

WHILE Bangkok is at times obscured in a haze generated by over-development, visitors to Thailand are often impressed at the abundance of well-maintained national parks and other public spaces that are off-limits to developers.
 
Thailand ranks well globally in terms of land set aside as protected areas in proportion of national territory -- around 20%. That’s 513,120 square kilometers (510,890 km² of terrestrial parks and 2,230 km² of marine parks), and in the coming years this figure is projected to rise to 25%. Which means practically every part of the country is within a short drive of a national park, forest park or nature reserve, and every weekend thousands of Thais, expats and tourists take advantage of this fortunate circumstance.
 
An informal survey of Bangkok expats and diplomats found that those who had visited the country’s national parks and other protected areas were without exception impressed with their natural beauty and their management.
 
Several had high praise for national park rangers and other staff they’d come across. None were distressed with the two-tiered pricing system that sees foreigners charged more for park entrance than Thais, and there was general agreement that the experience is worth the money.
 
According to the Thai language website of the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department (DNP), the Kingdom’s protected areas include132 terrestrial national parks, 24 marine national parks, 94 forest parks, 60 wildlife sanctuaries and 56 non-hunting areas. Another 23 land national parks, two marine parks and seven non-hunting areas are in the establishment phase.
All of Thailand’s protected areas are monitored by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and each type has a specific designation under the IUCN system. For example, national parks, both terrestrial and marine, fall under category II.
 
Conservation in Thailand really got off the ground with the passage of the National Park Act B.E. 2504 (1961), which also triggered the establishment of other types of protected areas.

National parks are officially proclaimed by a royal decree which comes into effect after publication in the Royal Thai Government Gazette. Khao Yai National Park became the country’s first national park when the Gazette published its official announcement on September 18, 1962.
 
The national park system is administered by the DNP, a division of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, from its headquarters in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district.
 
The DNP was established in 2002, before which park administration managed by the Royal Forest Department. In 1993 national parks administration was split between two divisions, one for terrestrial parks and
one for marine parks. The stated objectives of the Marine National Park Division are to manage marine protected areas in accordance with the National Park Act; to continuously revise and update marine park management strategies for conservation of natural resources and rehabilitation of marine ecosystems; and to provide recreation, education and research opportunities within the parks.
 
Following is a broad overview of protected lands in Thailand by category, with some specific examples:

Read More
Comments

Agoda picks six best destinations to get your fill of cherry blossoms

12/3/2019

Comments

 
Picture
Enjoy the age-old tradition of hanami across Asia, America and Europe
With spring around the corner, it means cherry blossom season is coming. Take this chance to spend some quality time with your loved ones beneath the beautiful sakura trees. While Japan and Washington, D.C. are the most famous places to enjoy cherry blossoms, it is possible to see these trademark pink flowers in other locales around the globe. Agoda (http://www.agoda.com/?site_id=1811392) one of the world’s fastest growing online travel agents (OTA), shares some of the best across Asia, America and Europe to enjoy the age-old tradition of hanami, or “flower viewing” in Japanese.

Jinhae, Changwon, South KoreaThe Jinhae Gunhangie Festival attracts roughly two million visitors a year. Historically a memorial service to commemorate Admiral Yi Sun-sin, it is now South Korea’s biggest spring festival. Enjoy the festival by taking a stroll down the picturesque Romance Bridge, where cherry blossoms canopy the Yeojwacheon Stream, and along Gyeonghwa Station where the trees line the railway track. The best time to visit is late March to April.
 
Conveniently located within reach of the city’s must-see destinations, M-Stay Hotel Changwon (https://www.agoda.com/m-stay-hotel-changwon/hotel/changwon-si-kr.html?site=id1811392) is the ideal accommodation for travelers looking to stay busy throughout their trip.

Dien Bien Phu, VietnamIt’s a little-known fact that Vietnam’s Hoa Island, located east of Dien Bien Phu in the middle of Pa Khoang Lake, is a goldmine for those seeking cherry blossoms. Did you know that Vietnamese scientist Dr Tran Le wandered up and down the country for the perfect place to plant the seeds, a gift from a Japanese friend?
 
Stay with the family at the Hoang Anh Villa (https://www.agoda.com/hoang-anh-villa/hotel/dien-bien-phu-vn.html?site=id1811392) which features an outdoor pool and sun terrace for some quality hanami, or cherry blossom viewing, time.

Washington D.C., AmericaThe three-week-long National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the dawn of spring while honoring both American and Japanese cultures. The 3,000 trees that can be seen here are a symbol of friendship between the two countries and were gifted by Tokyo’s then Mayor, Yukio Ozaki in 1912.
 
Take in the sights of a sea of stunning cherry blossom trees at the Tidal Basin, and stay at The Wink Hotel Washington D.C. (https://www.agoda.com/the-wink-hotel-washington-d-c/hotel/washington-d-c-us.html?site=id1811392) Located at the heart of the city, this hotel is perfect for travelers who want to make the most of all that the lively city has to offer.

Read More
Comments

VIEW Rooftop Bar Bangkok – the newest rooftop bar in the Rachaprasong Area

6/3/2019

Comments

 
Picture
VIEW Rooftop Bar Bangkok has been welcoming an eclectic mix of international travelers and locals since it opened on December 15th 2018. Bangkok’s latest hotspot recently celebrated with a grand opening party on 1 February 2019. 
Located on the 9th floor of the iconic Novotel Bangkok Platinum Pratunam, in the heart of Bangkok’s Shopping and Style District the iconic bar visibly stands out from as far away as Rachaprasong junction. Imagine the feeling of having an urban escape that makes you feel like you are at the beach club with pool access, with a view of Bangkok that cannot be seen anywhere else in the city. With unparalleled views of the Bangkok Skyline, relaxed beach club atmosphere, unique beats, delectable dishes and cocktails, there will be no other Rooftop Bar you will want to be seen at.

THE CONCEPT
Our design philosophy delivers a natural retreat, offering natural wood, earth tones, and pastels, complimenting the urban backdrop while standing out in this chic and stylish rooftop View Rooftop Bar Bangkok 9 th floor, Novotel Bangkok Platinum Pratunam 220 Petchaburi Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400 bar. At the same time, View Rooftop Bar Bangkok celebrates street art to provide the perfect backdrop for your escape, making this space a vibrant yet unique environment.

THE FOOD & DRINK VIEW
Rooftop Bar Bangkok offers a wide variety of food, playfully blending different styles of cuisines from around the globe, highlighting dishes designed to share with others in a social scene. Savor our Signature Tempura Battered Purple Potato Fries with our Signature Chili Salt. For others plates we offer Trio Sliders, Trio of Different Fries, our Signature Pad Thai, VIEW Bangkok Nachos, Crispy Skin Duck Spring Rolls, and the not to be missed Tom Yum Pizza Flatbread. A variety of Signature Cocktails are specifically curated to wow our guests with every sip. Moreover, VIEW Rooftop Bar Bangkok creates all syrups in house in order to do our part for the environment and provide you with flavors that cannot be found anywhere else. One of our signature sensory cocktail like “The Parch” which includes Captain Morgan Rum, Homemade Hazelnut Syrup, Fresh Pineapple Juice and Caramelized Pineapples to garnish; our best seller! .

Read More
Comments

Recommended Spa & Wellness- when your soul need the way to take a break

28/9/2018

Comments

 
Natural Oriental remedies
The Okura Prestige Bangkok’s serene 25th floor spa offers the benefits of essential oils from remedies such as plai, tamarind, camphor, lemongrass,
kaffir lime and turmeric. A 30 minute body scrub to warm and relax is followed by a 60 minute oil massage to relieve tension. Natural Oriental Remedies is available daily from 10am- 10pm, 1st October to 31 st December, priced per person at B4,000++/ B4,500++ for 90/120 minutes.
​
02 687 9000
spa@okurabangkok.com
Picture
The Okura Prestige Bangkok
Picture
eforea spa
‘Intimate Moment’ for deep relaxation
eforea spa on level 17 of Hilton Pattaya introduces ‘Intimate Moment’, a deep relaxing spa package that combines a choice of treatment with a relaxing oil massage. Starting with an exfoliating body scrub or eforea’s signature treatment ‘Journey Enhancement’, you complete the package with ‘Relaxing Oil Massage’, a deeply relaxing aromatic warm oil massage from head to toe. Priced at B4,000 nett per person for 120 minutes, available until 31 October, 10am - 10pm.
​
+66(0)38-253-000 pattaya.eforeaspa@hilton.com
Picture
Muay Thai classes with a view
Halfway up Centara Grand at CentralWorld tower at LifeStyles on 26 fitness centre, professional Muay Thai instructors guide you through basic punching and kicking moves in a series of kickboxing classes for all abilities, moving on to more advanced defence, knee and elbow techniques.  uay Thai is fantastic cardio workout building strength, flexibility and confidence. Classes every Thursday from 18.00 – 18.50 hrs, priced at B400
​
02 100 6299
www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centaragrand/cgcw/services

Read More
Comments

Moleskine Collaboration with five elite artists

31/8/2018

Comments

 
Moleskine, the creators’ favourite lifestyle brand of Italian origin, works with five elite artists : Sundae Kids, Lafyna, Juli Baker and Summer, Sy Chonato, and Chaonnapat Setdhasoratha The works were crafted on Moleskine sketchbook and watercolor notebook collection called Moleskine Art Collection under ‘The ExtraOrdinary’ concept.

Always inspired by new-yet-original ideas derived from artists’ journeys on the road, Moleskine creates products that act as unique and cannot-live-without travel companions – bridging creators and the current world of digital, as well as embracing the power of creativity and communications. Acting as a medium in supporting and distributing Thai cultural heritage through creative works worldwide.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Juli Baker’n Summer’s - Chanaradee Chatrakul Na Ayudhya Travel’s columnist who created the zine’s name I’ll follow the sun vol.2 within traveling journal concept, sharing her art tour experience in South Korea with colored pencil and watercolor format. 
Lafyna - Nicha Thaveecharoensook is an Illustrator. She regularly conducts watercolour and coloured pencil painting workshops in various studios. Her zine’s initiative ‘Bangkok Fantasy’ tell the story of Bangkok’s environment around such as places, foods, and a variety of culture
Picture
Sy Chonato – Pitshaya Chonato a content writer based designer who loved information overload who passionate in human communication by finding the sweet spot between Design and Writing  both offline and online formats ; The Internet Explorer which being inspired from online experience. A casual sketch journal that collects what she has found from the weird sides of the internet. She wants to explore, the weird, the meme, the dark side and awkward human communication of the web and the ambiguity thin line of what’s real and what’s not. She wants to embrace and explore it.       
Chaonnapat Setdhasoratha – A Traveling photographer, writer, and owner of “ABE rabbit” facebook page. He has named his zine as ‘Travel book whose story is lost during the journey in Shikoku’. Inspired by Murakami’s novel called “Kafka on the Shore” this photo journey takes place in Shikoku island and other thrilling places such as island of art, island of cats, island that is occupied by rabbits, and mystery village in the middle of the forest tht has dolls more than its population. The story is told by photos from Chonnapat and quotes by Murakami
Picture
Picture
Sundae Kids – Two best friends who enjoy every kind of art, enjoy to tell the story through their art works. Sundae Kids shared their work across a variety of media including illustration, Comics, Graphic novel and Animation. Their concept is snooping into other people’s lives and told us their stories, so their zine’s name ‘SNOOP’.
Enjoy with Moleskine Art Collection and discover your journey accessories such as Bag, Book, smart writing  set, and limited edition products at Moleskine pop-up store, 2nd floor Gaysorn Village. Today till 31 December 2018.

Join our community and Share your Journey with Moleskine!
Facebook: Moleskine Thailand , Hashtag #MoleskineThailand, Official LINE @MoleskineTH
Comments

Life as a foodpanda rider and… a “mother”

14/8/2018

Comments

 
​In today’s world, it is relatively common for a mother to juggle between working and raising a child. The on-demand economy offers those who choose to work flexibility to fit their work to their lifestyles, allows workers to manage their duties as an employee and a mother however they want.
 
On the surface, Miss Naruemol Winchakunkul or "Pang" may seem like a regular foodpanda rider. But at a closer look, this 33-year-old plays another important role. She is the mother of a 16-year-old boy, “Nong Lip”. Pang says raising a teenager alone is not an easy task, but her son’s future encourages her to work hard and live life to the fullest every single day. 

Now going into her fourth year as a foodpanda rider, Pang said that the job allows her to earn enough money to raise her son and to cover some personal loans. This is all possible thanks to foodpanda’s flexible working hours that fit with her roles as a mother. Delivering food by motorbike is not a simple task - the work itself is stressful and requires many responsibilities and obstacles. This includes checking the order, the condition of the food package and so on. When it rains and the roads are slippery, she tends to drive slower than usual which results in negative reviews from customers. Some of them have even splashed water on her face.
 
“As a rider, I want to deliver food to the hands of the customer in the best condition possible, so that they would be happy with our service,” Pang said. ​
Picture
Khun Pang
Picture
Khun Ya

Having not completed high school, she has always had to rely on jobs with limited skills to earn her money. With a helping hand from her sister, she chose to work 6 days a week and uses the rest of the week to spend her time with her son who is now studying in Hotel Management in a technical school in Bangkok. Pang said she wants to give total support to her son’s education, which is her priority.
 
“I didn’t have good education when I was young and I know how difficult life is without it. That is why I want to support my son fully in whichever career path he is pursuing,” Pang explained.
 
Let’s also meet Thatsaniya Saemasae or "Ya" a Thai-Malay who is currently residing in Bangkok has started working with foodpanda two months ago.Ya said she is pleased with how the company allows her to be flexible with the schedule. As an active individual, she chooses to work every day from 8.30 to 12.30 and 15.30 to 20.45. She sends allowance on a monthly basis to her 11-year-old son, Sawan, who now lives in Yala with her mother, and manages to have some savings left for herself.
 “As a delivery person, you give more than just food to the customers.  A couple of weeks ago I delivered one order to the Malaysian Embassy in Bangkok and I spoke to them in Malay. They were very surprised that foodpanda hires such a diverse group of employees. Aside from food, we act as an ambassador that creates a positive image for the company,” Ya said excitingly.
 
Ya plans to move her son to Bangkok to be closer to her. She knows that big cities have a higher cost of living, and plans to get some part-time jobs in the future to support herself further. “I am looking for jobs that allow me to apply online. It’s more convenient and enables me to adjust the job around my lifestyle and routine.”
 
In such a competitive world, many people are now struggling to earn a living to support their children. But as on-demand economies revolutionise society, it allows single parents to adjust their schedule however they want. Just like Pang and Ya, their duties go beyond food delivery and into bringing happiness to the customers via food. Not only that, but they create a bright future for someone waiting at home. 
Promotion from foodpanda on Mother’s Day!
 
There is no better way to celebrate an important occasion than to spend it with your loved ones and your favourite food. For this year’s Mother’s day, foodpanda customers can order “Mom & Me Combo set” from Pizza Hut with 50% off price and no delivery fee! Just order from foodpanda application or website: https://www.foodpanda.co.th,  you would get two medium-sized pizza, Cheesy Pops and Garlic Bread for only 359 THB. The promotion runs from August 6-19, 2018.
Comments

BANGKOK’S LATEST ‘IT’ SPOT FEELS LIKE A SLICE OF BROOKLYN – THE CREATIVE DISTRICT

5/7/2018

Comments

 
By Rodd Chant
The city’s oldest quarter beside the Chao Phraya River is home to an engaging mix of fresh creative energy, modern laid-back dining and old-school Thai-Chinese enterprise.
Picture
THE oldest road in Bangkok, Charoenkrung Road, has given birth to an entirely new area - the Creative District. Scattered throughout a myriad of so is and nestled amongst aging shophouses, food carts, and mechanic workshops you'll find a new breed of creative makers and doers, a mix of local and expat creative entrepreneurs, all bringing a new kind of energy to an old neighbourhood. The creative groundswell started to take hold in 2012 with the opening of the eclectically named Speedy Grandma (the name is a nod to a local legend about an elderly woman rumored to haunt the streets at night). The brainchild of Thomas Menard, who hails from France, and local artist Unchalee Anantawat, the space on Charoenkrung Soi 28 is home to an art gallery and bar and it has been known to hold some pretty lively events. Little may they both have known at the time but they were at the forefront of igniting a new creative energy in the area.

Thomas Menard

Q: Did you immediately see the potential of the area?
A:
“Yes, I saw the potential immediately because the area is so well located (Chinatown, Silom, Chao Phraya River) and Charoenkrung is the frst road in Bangkok, so there are many old buildings, and very lively sois. It’s a rare part of the city where you can actually walk around and observe artisans, mechanics, metal shops, retail shops of all kind of motor engineering workshops, small fresh markets, small Chinese temples, historical Chinese settler’s houses, converted warehouses, art galleries... I loved Talad Noi for all those reasons. The Creative District is now emphasizing and developing this community into a interesting destination and blend of upcoming creative businesses and old craftsmanship together.” Thomas Menard - Speedy Grandma, Soy Sauce Factory, Soulbar.
Picture
Thomas Menard
But even prior to the arrival of Speedy Grandma two Belgians fell in love with the charm of the neighbourhood. Pieter Compernol and Stephanie Grusenmeyer, founders of the sleek and desirable furniture design company P. Tendercool, settled in 12 years ago.

Peter Compernol & Stephanie Grusenmeyer - Founders & Design Directors, P. Tendercool

Picture
Peter Compernol & Stephanie Grusenmeyer
Q: What attracted you both to this area?
A:
“Stephanie and I used to be dealers in Oriental art, we have been visiting for 25 years now and always stayed in this area as it is the Oldest part of town, near always exciting Chao Phraya River. We’ve always found this a very authentic part of the city and love the small shops in Talad Noi leading up to Chinatown. We loved it so much that 12 years ago we renovated three shophouses, now known as Speedy Grandma. When our current gallery became available for rent we did not hesitate one second: an art deco gem in not exactly high street. We figured that if we were good enough, people would find us. They did.”

Q: Do you think the district will continue to evolve?
A:
“We are convinced it will. Just check the numbers of bars, restaurants, galleries which have popped up in recent years: 80/20 restaurant, Black pig Tattoo, 100 mahased, Jua, Maison Close, Tropic City,… not to mention what happens a bit further at Soi Nana in Chinatown. Warehouse 30 runs regular exhibitions, we are converting our warehouse into exhibition-space, Atty relentlessly puts her shoulders under the increasingly popular Gallery Hopping nights. This is just the start.”
Great minds think alike
A collective of like-minded individuals are focused on continuing to spearhead the development of the Creative District; and so far it seems to be working.
One of the key groups championing the area is The Creative District Foundation, a registered non-proft driven by local private active citizens and permanent residents, working voluntarily to improve livability and livelihood for those living and working in the area while developing it into a creative hub of the capital.
The foundation is but one of a few organizations working to realise the potential of the Creative District. It places the preservation and protection of current local way of life and businesses above all else while encouraging new developments, particularly responsible and creative ones. Its vision is to have a district that is economically robust and diverse, with new innovative and creative products and services standing side by side with traditional ones that were there first.
Some luxury hotels in the area have seen the benefit of the Creative District as an added experience for their guests.
“For the Peninsula Bangkok the Creative District is the perfect representation of Thai creativity, entrepreneurialism, heritage, harmony, discovery & surprise.
I have yet to meet a guest not captivated by the sensory overload an exploratory walk offers.
We are using it to differentiate a stay by the river and demonstrate clearly why this is indeed the centre of Bangkok once again.” Geoffrey Webb, Director of Marketing, Peninsula Hotel, Bangkok
Over the past five years many more newcomers have moved in, all bringing something different with their own takes on what to inject into the area.
Two of the biggest arrivals have been Warehouse 30 and the new TCDC (Thailand Creative & Design Centre).
Picture
Warehouse 30
Opening its doors in August of 2017 Warehouse 30 would be happily at home in Brooklyn, New York. Inhabiting a space of what was once a World War 2 storage facility, and under the guidance of renowned and visionary architect Duangrit Bunnag, Warehouse 30 has become one of the centrepiece destinations in the district. When you explore what lies behind the towering glass doors you’ll soon discover there is pretty much something for everyone such as fashion and accessories from local and international designers, vintage clothing and bric-a-brac, books, food, coffee and even documentary flm screenings.
Picture
TCDC
The new TCDC building makes a statement on Charoenkrung Road, attached to the beautifully renovated 75 year old Grand Postal Building, it is a gleaming creative edifce that offers up exhibitions, workshops, co-working spaces, a creative library, events and much more. TCDC’s move from the sixth floor of the Emporium department store on Sukhumvit Road, Phrom Phong to Charoenkrung Road played an important role in the confrmation of the area as a creative destination in Bangkok.
As you would expect in a ‘Creative District’ art can be found everywhere with a number of art galleries and unique art spaces calling the district home and many of Bangkok’s best street artists have left their mark on the sides of many buildings and walls adding to the artistic flavour of the area.
Picture
Speedy Grandma
Speedy Grandma: Thomas Menard and Unchalee Anantawat’s frst foray into the neighbourhood and the destination that started it all. This art gallery and event space focuses on experimental art and ideas.
672/50-52 Charoen Krung Soi 28
Soy Sauce Factory: Another of Thomas Menard’s creative ventures, this art space and bar focuses on photographic exhibitions and good drinks.
11/1 Charoen Krung Soi 24, Bangkok, Thailand

Maison Close: Part art gallery, bar and tattoo shop that hosts weekly events, exhibitions, movie nights, an underground film festival, and more.
397/399 Charoen Krung Soi 45
Galerie Adler: Contemporary international art gallery found on the same Soi as Outlaw Cuisine and Maison Close cocktail bar.
373/2 Charoen Krung Soi 45
​

Bangkok River City: One of the long standing presence’s in the area has recently launched their new RCB Photographer’s Gallery on the second floor with a show with renowned photographer Patrick Brown.
Charoen Krung Rd, Soi 24

Serindia Gallery: Showing fne art and photography exhibitions by international artists.
OP Garden, 36 Charoen Krung Rd.

Atta Gallery: This gallery’s sole focus is contemporary art jewelry.
OP Garden, 36 Charoen Krung Rd.

Most Gallery: Creative space dedicated to photography.
672/63 Charoen Krung Soi 26

1 Projects: Located on the ground floor of the same building as Most Gallery. Showcasing the works of local and international emerging Asian artists.
Picture
Galerie Adler
​Eliseo Barbàra, MOST Gallery + MOST 2414 Digital Marketing Agency
Q: What’s missing from the Creative District?
‘I would like to see more entrepreneurs and startups move into the Creative District, from industries not strictly connected to art and food & beverage. It would be great to have people doing innovative stuff such as mobile and web solutions, content development, and media production.’
 If it’s some personal art you’re after, the ink on skin type of art, then head to Black Pig Tattoos where you’ll fnd New York transplant Luke Satora, a Japanese-American tattoo artist. Luke made the move to Bangkok in 2016 and gravitated to the Creative District. You can fnd his shop positioned above the Tropic City
bar.
Speaking of bars, when it comes to food and beverage offerings in the area, and aside from the delicious local street food delights, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Picture
​Eliseo Barbàra, MOST Gallery + MOST 2414 Digital Marketing Agency
Picture
Chet Adkins, Chef/Co-Owner of Jua.
Chet Adkins, Chef/Co-Owner of Jua.
Q: Why did you decide to open in this area?
A: 
We chose the creative district area due to its proximity to the river and the feel of being in “real” Bangkok. It doesn’t have the feel of other areas like Thonglor, Ekamai and the like.
These areas are congested and overcrowded with tall buildings and masses of people.

Q: Any other plans in the Creative District beyond Jua?
A: 
We are planning to do more projects in the area as we really feel it is a better place to live and work. There are not to many areas in Bangkok like this and with groups trying to protect the architecture and soul of this area we would rather be here.
Refurbishing older buildings rather than building new ones makes a place hold on to its heritage and history which we feel is important in a city like Bangkok.

Jua: This Izakaya style restaurant and bar opened by chef Chet Adkins (ex - Ku De Ta, Bangkok) and photographer Jason Lang serves up a fresh and innovative Japanese menu and a list of enticing drinks.
672/49 Charoenkrung Soi 28, Bangkok, Thailand

Take the scenic route and arrive at the Si Phraya Pier.

Tropic City: Downstairs from Black Pig Tattoo, Tropic City is a cocktail bar founded by two Swedes - Sebastian De La Cruz and Philip Stefanescu that specializes in gin based creations. The vibrant tropical exterior makes it easy to fnd on
Charoen Krung Soi 28. 672/65 Charoen Krung Soi 28, Bangkok, Thailand.

Outlaw Cuisine: Owned by artist turned chef Romain Guiot, Outlaw Cuisine offers up a Mediterranean focused menu. Keeping with the vibe of the area the exterior of the restaurant is emblazoned with mural artwork.
415 Charoen Krung Soi 45, Bangkok, Thailand.

80/20: Around the corner from Little Market is this innovative Thai restaurant with a menu that comprises of 80% locally grown and organically produced ingredients. Chef Napol “Joe” Jantraget serves up some truly eclectic dishes that are perfectly at home in a creative district.
80/20, 1052-1054 Charoen Krung Soi 26, Bangkok, Thailand.
 
Maison Chatenet: Situated on the corner at the entrance to Warehouse 30 sits this taste of France helmed by chef/proprietor Marcel Chatenet. From coffee and pastries to quiche and porchetta sandwiches, this sleek designed two-level spot is yet another welcome offering in the district. Maison Chatenet, Warehouse 30
Charoenkrung Soi 30, Bangkok, Thailand.

Foojohn: You’ll discover a mix of crepes, wine, American barbeque, and live music spread throughout this multi-level venue.831 Charoen Krung Soi 31, Bangkok, Thailand.

You can also get your groove on in the Creative District. If it’s some live music you’re after you can’t go wrong with SoulBar found at 945 Charoen Krung Rd., a vibrant and intimate venue that caters to fans of good soul and funk music.

Picture
Tropic City
Picture
80/20
So as you can see Bangkok truly has a creative destination that is as diverse at the city is itself. There’s sure to be more additions to the area coming soon as it evolves and develops, because the energy that exists now shows no signs of
dissipating.

Rodd Chant is an Australian and an ex-New Yorker, he spent many years working as a Creative Director for major advertising agencies in Sydney, Singapore, and New York and he has a passion for all things creative, especially in the Asia region. You can find him on Instagram @roddchant
​
​
​
​

​

​
Comments
<<Previous

    RSS Feed

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    Categories

    All
    Attractions
    Business
    Crime
    Dining
    Diplomats
    Expat Women
    Fashion
    Feature
    Gourmet
    Health
    History
    Hotels
    Hot List
    Hua Hin
    Insight
    Motoring
    Patpong
    Schools
    Special Discs
    Sport
    Steak
    Technology
    Travel


    calendar of events


    Picture
Picture
About  |   Emag  |  Subscribe (print)  |  Newsletter |  Contact Us  | Advertise 

FOLLOW US

CURRENT ISSUE

2019 - 2021 so Far

The BigChilli July 2020
Jan 2021
FEB 2021
March 2021
April 2021
May 2021
June 2021
August
October
November 2021
December 2021
March- April 2022
Copyright © 2018 The BigChilli Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
No. 8/2 FMA Group Bldg., 4th Floor, Room 401
Convent Road, Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500

Tel: 02 635 5085 Fax: 02 635 5086  email: thebigchillimagazine@gmail.com

  • Home
  • ONLINE MAGAZINE
  • News
  • Promotions
  • Features
  • Restaurant Reviews
  • What's on
  • Social Events
  • The BigChilli TV
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Social Media
    • Pricavy Policy
  • Contact us