Latest news with #TimeOutBangkok
Time Out
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Capture Bangkok - A celebration of the city we love
The doors to The Corner House are officially open, and our Capture Bangkok exhibition is finally here for all to see, on display until August 20. This journey began back in January, when Bangkok was named the second-best city in the world in a Time Out global survey. That immense sense of pride and optimism sparked an idea: to celebrate our city in the most authentic way we knew how – through a street photography exhibition that could capture its true, unfiltered soul. Within weeks, we had assembled 10 of the city's top street photographers and invited them to simply… capture Bangkok. We followed them with our own camera crew through bustling markets, abandoned buildings, and even a snake farm, learning their unique philosophies and techniques. Inspired by their work, we then invited you, our readers, to pick up a camera. The response was incredible, with thousands of photo submissions of such high quality that we felt duty-bound to create a special category for 10 runner-ups alongside our grand prize winner. If you missed our live charity auction during last night's launch in support of the Issarachon Foundation, don't worry – here's your second chance to own a piece from this remarkable collection while contributing to a truly meaningful cause. Our online auction will take place from August 14-18 exclusively on our Time Out Bangkok Facebook page. This project has been a true labour of love, and I'd like to thank the entire Time Out team for working tirelessly to make it happen. It truly wouldn't have been possible without our generous sponsors: Canon, Coca-Cola and LG. The result is a stunning collection of images that form a collective portrait of our home, a city of endless stories and boundless creativity. We hope you enjoy this celebration of the city we all love. Thank you.
Time Out
29-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Sip with Pride
Time Out Bangkok in partnership with Chalong Bay Pride in Thailand has a powerful new reason to celebrate all year long. On June 18 2024, the country made history, passing a bill to become the first nation in Southeast Asia to legalise same-sex marriage – a monumental win for love and equality that sent waves of joy across the kingdom. Riding that celebratory wave is Phuket's own Chalong Bay, the craft distillery celebrated for its 100 percent natural Thai sugarcane spirits. To honour this landmark moment, the brand has just dropped its Limited Pride Edition Rum, a pioneering tribute to the LGBTQ+ community and the freedom to love. As the first Thai liquor brand to create a special bottle for this occasion, Chalong Bay is proving that every toast, every bottle, and every sip can be a meaningful step forward. Here's the story behind this spirited celebration. A personal pour The inspiration for this special edition comes straight from the heart. Chinavich 'Lek' Ratanachinakorn, co-owner of Chalong Bay and a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, sees this rum as an extension of his identity and values. 'At Chalong Bay, our craft is also our voice,' Lek explains. 'The legalisation of same-sex marriage in Thailand is a huge step forward. We're proud to release our Limited Pride Edition rum as a celebration of love, equality, and the freedom to be yourself.' Crafted with Thai Pride True to its sustainable roots, this rum begins with 100 percent organic Thai sugarcane. The stalks are harvested by hand – never burned – to protect the environment. By working directly with local farmers who champion sustainable agriculture, Chalong Bay ensures that every bottle supports both the planet and the community. A zesty toast to love Using a traditional French copper still, Chalong Bay distills the sugarcane wine infused with the fresh zest of hand-peeled Thai limes. This meticulous process creates a bright, citrusy kick that's entirely natural, with no artificial additives. The result is a rum that's as authentic as the community it celebrates. Sip, celebrate and support This bottle does more than just taste good – it does good. Chalong Bay is donating three percent of revenue from each Pride Edition bottle to APCOM, a leading organisation advocating for LGBTQ+ human rights, health and community development across the Asia-Pacific region.
Time Out
25-07-2025
- Time Out
Lumphini Park turns 100 this year
There's a certain charm to a park that comes with its own resident dinosaurs. Or at least, that's what they look like when you're half-asleep and jogging past the lake at 7am. Lumphini Park, Bangkok's first public park and an oddly thrilling microcosm of the city's contradictions, has turned 100 this year. And frankly, it's aged more gracefully than most of us. In 1925, King Rama VI generously gifted 360 rais of royal land to the public, marking a rare gesture of leisure-focused governance. However, it would take nearly two decades for the park to fully take shape and flourish into its final in 1942 and now home to a monument of the King standing rather regally at the Rama IV entrance, Lumpini feels like it exists in a slightly alternate Bangkok. One where things move just a bit slower, the air is thick with birdsong not honking traffic, and the most pressing threat is a monitor lizard giving you side-eye. Let's address the lizard in the room (everybody talks about them). The water monitors of Lumpini Park are not subtle. They're massive, they roam freely, and yes, they look like they've been lifted straight from the Jurassic era. Tourists squeal, locals barely flinch. These semi-aquatic reptiles have become a kind of unofficial mascot – wholly unbothered by your presence. They sunbathe like retirees and occasionally startle a yoga class. It's their park too, after all. Sprawling across central Bangkok, Lumphini is a rare thing: green space without pretence. No manicured topiary. Instead, you get earnest joggers making their fourth lap of the 2.5km circuit, uncles playing Chinese chess beneath the trees, and couples attempting to row boats across stubbornly still water. The lakes glimmer, the lawns invite and the smell of grilled squid occasionally drifts in from nearby vendors. It's serene, yes, but never dull. Open daily from 4.30am to 9pm, the park draws up to 20,000 people a day. And not just fitness types or nostalgic aunties. There's a whole ecosystem of early risers, tai chi enthusiasts, pigeon whisperers, dog walkers and quiet lovers reclaiming their city from the roar of motorcycles and the tyranny of concrete. A century on, Lumphini is no longer just a park – it's a living, breathing piece of Bangkok's psyche. A place that holds the weight of history while being delightfully unserious about it. So the next time you're nearby – maybe just a short walk from Time Out Bangkok's HQ – drop in. Watch the lizards. Run a lap. Pretend you're in Season 4: Bangkok. Just remember: the park may be old, but it's still very much alive.
Time Out
23-05-2025
- Time Out
Ease, variety and speed: How GrabFood serves expats
Time Out Bangkok in partnership with Grab Thailand It's no surprise that Thailand holds a reputation as a top tourism hotspot and there's proof to back it up. The kingdom has been named Travel + Leisure's 2025 Destination of the Year. With this recognition, it's natural to see a growing number of expats making their way to the country. One big reason? The food scene. Bangkok was named Time Out's second-best city for food in 2025 and it's easy to see why. The city buzzes with street food stalls and upscale international restaurants that showcase its global community. But it's not just the capital that shines – other top destinations for expatriates each have their own unique charm. Chiang Mai invites those seeking a relaxed pace with cosy cafes and rich northern Thai flavours. Phuket offers fresh seafood and tropical tastes set against stunning beach backdrops. Pattaya is where local delights sit comfortably alongside international favourites. Together, these cities highlight the diverse lifestyle and rich food culture that make the kingdom a favourite among foreigners. However, as much as we love exploring the food scene, going out for a go-to dish isn't always easy, especially with traffic, long queues and the magnetic pull of the couch. That's where GrabFood rides in. *According to a survey by Kantar, GrabFood is the number 1 food delivery app in Thailand (most often used brand in 2024). With their service, expats and locals alike can enjoy scrumptious meals anytime, anywhere – delivered right to their door. Browse the menu in English for a hassle-free experience For expats and travellers, figuring out what to eat in a food-rich country like Thailand can be a challenge especially when language gets in the way. Not every restaurant has an English menu and trying to decipher unfamiliar dishes on the spot can feel a bit overwhelming. With GrabFood, many spots on the app include translations, making it easier to browse, choose and order without second-guessing what's in each dish. Fast delivery in 30 minutes or less Living in Thailand can sometimes turn grabbing your favourite food into a bit of an adventure especially when the language barrier slows things down or your go-to spots are miles away. When hunger hits, a long trip isn't exactly ideal. Sometimes, you just want to skip the travel hassle and get straight to the best flavours. GrabFood makes things get a whole lot easier. You're likely to get your meal in just 30 minutes – over 70 percent of nearby orders make it within that time (excluding Saver Delivery). And if it takes longer? You'll get a small reward for your next order. Not a bad trade-off for staying comfy at home. A smorgasbord of tasty eats to pick from One of the best things about Thailand's food scene is its sheer variety. From Isaan's spicy som tam and grilled chicken to northern rich khao soi, southern-style curries or even a sweet cup of Thai tea, there's always something to satisfy your cravings. Thanks to GrabFood, sampling all kinds of dishes is easier than ever, no matter which city you live in. Whether it's street food from Bangkok's Yaowarat, desserts from a cafe in Chiang Mai, seafood in Phuket's Old Town or a comfort meal in Pattaya's Walking Street, just a few taps and it's on its way. With so many choices, deciding what to eat might be the toughest part.
Time Out
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Jate: ‘Make film photography great again!'
When Time Out Bangkok released its first-ever digital cover, it didn't scream for attention. No neon overlays, no overly filtered drama. Just a quiet, deliberate choice: film. Not as an aesthetic gimmick, but as a statement. Shot by STYLEdeJATE (Jate Pokmangmee) – co-founder of Fotoclub BKK and something of a household name in Bangkok's analogue photography circles. In an age of instant everything, choosing to shoot on film is a refusal. A refusal of convenience, of perfection, of the compulsive need to edit life into something shinier than it is. It was, in many ways, the perfect medium for this moment. Behind the lens was a man who's spent the last decade treating photography less like a trend and more like a language. Through Fotoclub BKK, Jate has been quietly building a space where the practice of image-making isn't just preserved, but deeply felt – one 36-frame roll at a time. A click worth considering Our shoot, fittingly, was done entirely on film. Not for aesthetic posturing or vintage cosplay, but to say, plainly, 'this still matters'. Analogue, with its grain and limitations, has crept back from the brink and is now quietly mounting a comeback. Not ironic, not retro – just right. 'You only get 36 shots,' Jate told me, without a hint of lament. You can't go around pressing the shutter like it doesn't cost anything. You have to think. And when you think, it becomes something else entirely. It's not about purism, nor the fetishisation of imperfection. It's about restraint – a word rarely associated with digital culture. A roll of film, unlike your iPhone's bottomless gallery, doesn't tolerate the redundant. It's a limited resource, and therefore, inherently, precious. The limitations, that's what gives film its value. It's a law of nature. The new old school You could say Jate is Bangkok's analogue whisperer – the kind of person who can explain the emotional weight of ISO in a way that makes you want to throw your DSLR into the Chao Phraya. But it's not just nostalgia he's dealing in. Fotoclub BKK, which he co-founded in the slightly crumbling but ever-cool Charoenkrung district, has become less of a shop and more of a sanctuary. Technically, it's a film lab. But that feels like calling a cathedral a building with pews. There's a studio, workshops, exhibitions, the occasional cafe-dweller who seems to be developing their own auteur theory over a long black. It's not exclusive either – locals mix with expats, hobbyists with professionals, people who've just bought their first point-and-shoot with those who could develop film in their sleep. 'Some of them send us ten rolls at a time,' Jate laughed. 'They're not playing around.' Familiar faces often pass through Fotoclub BKK's doors, from of The Face Men Thailand fame to Danny (Daniel Trujillo), co-founder of who regularly joins the club's gatherings and shares his film captures on his Instagram, filmjuntz. There's also Ola Allouz, co-founder of in Dubai, who makes it a point to join in whenever she's in town. Some don't even live in the city – they just trust Jate's team enough to mail their film halfway across the world. It's not a trend. It's a culture. And one that refuses to be flattened by Instagram filters or apps that promise 'film-like' tones with the push of a button. Slow is the new fast We like our culture quick these days. Scroll, swipe, shoot. The faster, the better. Except, curiously, not here. Fotoclub BKK hosts something called the 'Photo Walk,' which is exactly what it sounds like – a group of people walking through the streets of Charoenkrung, cameras in hand, minds attuned to whatever theme they've been given. One month it might be architectural details, another, local street food. Sometimes it's strictly black-and-white. There are rules. And rules, it turns out, are oddly liberating. It forces you to look, and not just at your screen. Post, click, develop At Fotoclub BKK, the film lab experience is part analogue ritual, part modern convenience. You can submit your rolls online, customise scan settings and even mail film in from overseas – no fuss, no flimsy labels. Despite the global price hike in film stock, the lab keeps things accessible. 'If it becomes exclusive, what's the point?' Jate says. Fairness, not elitism, seems to guide the model. Beyond the frame But Jate isn't just romanticising celluloid. He's building something – something bigger than bokeh and decent light. 'Film is just the starting point,' he said. 'What we're really trying to do is make space for people to connect. To think. To create something they're proud of.' The goal was never to become a commercial powerhouse. In fact, you get the feeling Jate would rather lose a sale than compromise the ethos. Fotoclub BKK hasn't pivoted towards what's marketable. It's grown, instead, like a darkroom print – slowly, with care, in unexpected directions. Now it's an ecosystem. A small, beautifully imperfect community where the value of an image isn't measured by likes, but by intent. We want people to come and stay. Not just drop off their film and leave,' he told me. 'This isn't a transaction. It's a conversation. It may sound lofty, especially in an era where photos disappear faster than they're taken. But here, the shutter still matters. And somehow, in this quiet revival of light and grain, film has become radical again.
