This morning, a foreign tourist — one who clearly has life figured out — was spotted casually snoozing on a mattress that was precariously perched on the awning of an unidentified building in Phuket.

Concerned citizens quickly called the local tourist police at about 10:30am, thinking the foreigner had perhaps jumped from the top of the building in Phuket’s Mueang District and landed there.

When officials arrived at the scene, however, they quickly realized , reported Khaosod.

The tourist in question hadn’t jumped off the building, he’d simply decided the awning was a better place to sleep and dragged his mattress out there.

Oh, drunk logic.

The individual and their friend had reportedly been staying at the building since last Wednesday.

The pair, who allegedly exhibited drunken behavior when roused today, also caused police told Matichon.

The two were taken to Chalong Police Station where they were charged with being drunk and damaging property. No mattress-related crimes were cited.

They have reportedly agreed to pay for all the damages before heading home next Tuesday.

So next time you find yourself debating whether to order one last drink, heed these guys’ story and think wisely. You just might wake up on a Phuket awning.

[Update July 9, 2024: Some identifying information of the subjects involved, including names and country of origin, have been removed from this story.]

In recent years, Southern Thai food has been getting a lot more glory, and the fusion bites at Tamarind blend Thai with global inspiration—think tomyum and lobster paella—all found at a postcard-perfect space just 45 minutes from Phuket’s airport. 

Start off with their pomelo salad with grilled scallops or their Thai crab and betel leaf curry (gaeng khua poo bai chaplu); the locally caught crab comes with a classic yellow curry that’s a can’t miss for the Thai food purists. 

Getting into the mains, the borders start to shift a little for a delicate balance of international and Thai influences. The Southern-style with beef stew features beef cheeks, caramalized Chiang Mai figs, soya jus, and a little bit of star anise to get that umami going. Heading to Italy via Phuket comes the tagliatelle duck panang curry, the Panang Ped, putting the Thai spices and tradition to work with freshly made noodles. 

Other insta-worthy dishes include the likes of the green papaya salad with smoked rock lobster—with a large, succulent lobster tail rising out of the dish—and the Thai spicy-style paella with seafood featuring juicy squid, mussels and prawns. 

To finish off, try the Phuket coconut ice-cream with candied bananas—a classic. Or, for you durian fiends out there, the khao niew durian dessert paired with sticky rice. They say durian is an acquired taste, and this is how you acquire it. 

As for the setting, the Tamarind space features indoor and outdoor open-air seating where you can stay safe from the rays and still take in that Makham Bay view. And that beautiful sea view isn’t just for looks, you know. Tamarind focuses on sustainability which means they work with local fishermen and markets to source fresh seafood from the markets of the city—including fresh-as-it-gets crab meat straight from the sea.

It’s the beach, it’s got the creativity and the spice, and it’s doing ingredients right—what’s not to like?

One of GXS’s most unique aspects is that it’s a wholly digital bank, backed by familiar brands Grab and Singtel. Unlike your traditional brick-and-mortar banks — and the endless queues that accompany them — you have full control over your GXS account through their app. And while GXS is a proudly unconventional bank, rest assured that they know what they’re doing and are in the same league as the older, more traditional banks.

Saving better with GXS

Currently, GXS has two main products for customers. The first is their GXS Savings Account that comes with the Saving Pockets feature, which lets you earn daily interest of 2.68 percent p.a. on your saving goals. There’s no lock-in, no minimum balance and no fees too.

You also get accelerated rewards of 1.2X GrabRewards points when you pay with your linked GXS Savings Account on the Grab app on eligible transactions. Plus, you get to earn an instant reward when you spend a minimum of S$10 on eligible transactions with the GXS Debit Card.

Currently, slots for the GXS Savings Account are full, but you can sign up for their waitlist to get priority access when new slots open up.

A loan that finally works for you

The second product is the GXS FlexiLoan, which is different from existing loan plans thanks to its customizable nature. The plan’s Flexi Borrow allows customers to borrow from as little as S$200 (a first for the market), and to draw down multiple loans from their credit line as needed. Not ready to draw down? Your GXS FlexiLoan will remain on standby, with no interest charged. 

With flexi repayments, customers can choose a loan tenure that works for them from two to 60 months, including the exact repayment date, so that you’re working with a realistic timeline. Realize you can actually repay your loan earlier? There’s no early repayment fee, and customers who are able to do so actually stand to save on interest.

The GXS FlexiLoan comes with one of the lowest rates in the market (from 2.99 percent p.a. or an effective interest rate of 5.65 percent p.a.), and with absolutely zero fees – no processing, annual or early repayment fees.

GXS masterpieces

As part of their launch campaign, GXS teamed up with prominent Singaporean artists Angela Chong, Kenn Lam, and Kristal Melson to create a series of artworks that reflect GXS’s ethos to challenge long-standing conventions.

Their (literally) biggest collaborations to date, though, are with well-known Singaporean street artists Zero and ANTZ, who each painted massive 18x6m wall murals in the heart of Singapore’s own Bali Lane. For those who are unfamiliar with Singapore’s street art scene, Zero and ANTZ have been artists for nearly two decades, and both are members of RSCLS, one of Singapore’s leading street art collectives (which is cheekily pronounced “rascals”). In their own words, the members of RSCLS “propagate acts of artistic nonsense through open uninhibited random collaboration.” Back when they started, physical space on which to draw their art was hard to find, and any art they did manage to put up was promptly taken down. Today, though, the city is covered in murals.

“I am always an advocate of breaking new boundaries, challenging one’s notion of what is and what was, even for an artist who has been doing this for 20 years. Innovation only comes from disruption.” – Zero

Given Singapore’s international reputation as a “clean” city with many rules and regulations, ANTZ says that he approaches street art with a “instead of going against the system, work with the system” mindset. He also notes, “It’s a pretty young scene with a lot of room for improvement. It’s nice to see different styles of murals and graffiti growing within the community.”

Personally, ANTZ thinks of every new wall (and mural) as a new challenge. “Different walls have different characteristics, and they will react differently to you.” he explains. “Some walls are friendly, and the painting is smooth. Some are not, and tend to reject the paints or add challenges, like peeling paint.”
While creating a mural of this scale from scratch for GXS might be overwhelming for some, Zero viewed this opportunity as a way to push himself artistically. “Painting a mural is always a daunting task, but I personally feel as an artist if everything seems easy to do, then you won’t learn anything or you are just too comfortable, you are not pushing the scene or doing anything new,” he explains. “[You’re] just following formulas that others have figured out before you. Is it really about art making or content creating?”

Although a lot of people might question the connection between street art and a banking brand such as GXS, it was precisely this shared desire to push themselves to break from the norm that convinced Zero to accept the assignment. “GXS came with a pretty open brief that was really open to the artist’s own interpretation and it is something I really appreciate… I liked the direction that was presented, [that is,] breaking boundaries and conventions,” Zero says. “I am always an advocate of breaking new boundaries, challenging one’s notion of what is and what was, even for an artist who has been doing this for 20 years. Innovation only comes from disruption.” 

Similarly, ANTZ said yes because he viewed it as yet another exciting challenge in that it was very dissimilar to any other client he’d collaborated with before; after all, as he puts it, every new project that he accepts is a way for him to “outdo” himself.

It took each artist approximately a week to ideate and sketch a digital rendering of their respective murals. Although the two pieces share similarities such as the general neon hues and intricate details, they also reflect ANTZ and Zero’s distinctive individualities.

Zero’s piece ultimately drew inspiration from a range of references, including comics he grew up with, and various graffiti elements such as a brick wall as an homage to his street art upbringing. When asked about the two astronauts featured in the center, Zero explains that it is a nod to his long-standing love of “anything fantasy and sci-fi.” In fact, he confesses, “I have always wanted to own an actual astronaut suit.” The charming maneki-neko statue that one astronaut is holding represents the idea that “fortune favors the bold… Fortune for me is not represented only by material wealth, but it can also come as experience, knowledge and growth, both personal and as a collective of beings.”

[I’m] toying with a lot of ideas in presentation and backstories [in terms of] breaking free from the norm.” – ANTZ

ANTZ took a slightly more methodical approach to designing his piece by sorting out keywords from the brief, and then first drafting the overall “flow” of the mural before adding colors and incorporating more research to strengthen the concept.

Like Zero’s, his mural also features his own take on a fortune cat. When asked about the decision, he (accurately) pointed out, “Well, who would say ‘no’ to a fortune cat?” Enclosed in a space suit bubble, the cat’s face was the first thing that he painted, and its “good vibes” immediately made it his favorite part of the whole piece. 

“Placing a traditional mascot in a futuristic setting is something interesting,” ANTZ explains. “[I’m] toying with a lot of ideas in presentation and backstories [in terms of] breaking free from the norm.”

Like the artists’ past work, both murals are pieces of art that you can stare at for a long time and consistently discover new details. Zero confirms that every piece of art he makes “has always been peppered with hidden easter eggs.” In this one, the audio wave in the background is the chorus of Queen’s I Want To Break Free. Look closer, and you’ll find a binary code that actually says the GXS slogan “Banking made better.” Hot tip: there’s a QR code in the bottom left that you might want to scan.

“There’s always a meaning behind every element I put in the work. I do not really want to explain it to the viewers as I’d much rather they discover it for themselves and have their own eureka moment which is not driven by me, the artist,” says Zero as he remains tight-lipped on the other easter eggs which he says are hiding in plain sight. “I want viewers to make up their own interpretation of the artwork based on what they see and how it makes them feel.”

For more information about the collaboration and GXS Bank, check out their . Visit for full terms and conditions that apply for the GXS Savings Account, GXS Debit Card and GXS FlexiLoan. The GXS banking app is available for download on both the Apple App and Google Play stores.

GXS is a separate entity and is not associated with the businesses of Singtel, Grab Holdings and their entities. GXS holds a banking license and is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

Are you on the hunt for stellar entertainment that is not your uncle’s post-COVID rants at the dinner table? Dive into the latest content on HBO GO, the ultimate streaming haven for your beloved HBO shows and movies, accessible anytime, anywhere. 

Whether you’re craving drama, comedy, horror, or action, delivers a curated selection just for you. Revisit Emmy?-nominated series like The Last of Us, House of the Dragon and more, as well as stream a wide selection of HBO’s exciting lineup, which will keep your eyes glued to the screen (though we do recommend stepping out of the house from time to time).

The Gilded Age

Season two of this from creator Julian Fellowes (Downton Abbey) begins on Easter morning 1883, with the news that Bertha Russell’s bid for a box at the Academy of Music has been rejected. Through the eight episodes of the season, we watch as Bertha challenges Mrs. Astor and the old system, and works to not only gain a foothold in Society, but to potentially take a leading role in it. George Russell takes on his own battle with a growing union at his steel plant in Pittsburgh. In the Brook House, Marian continues her journey to find her way in the world, secretly teaching at a girls school while, much to everyone’s surprise, Ada begins a new courtship. Of course, Agnes approves of none of it. In Brooklyn, the Scott family begins to heal from a shocking discovery, and Peggy taps into her activist spirit through her work with T. Thomas Fortune at the NY Globe. The series stars Carrie Coon, Christine Baranski, Cynthia Nixon, Morgan Spector, Louisa Jacobson, Denée Benton, Ben Ahlers, Michael Cerveris and many more.

30 Coins

This eight-episode second season of the acclaimed is directed by ?lex de la Iglesia and co-written by ?lex de la Iglesia and Jorge Guerricaechevarría. Most residents of Pedraza, a remote town in Spain plagued by inexplicable, demonic events, have lost their minds and are confined to a psychiatric hospital. Elena (Megan Montaner) lies comatose in a Madrid hospital bed; Paco (Miguel ?ngel Silvestre), shattered by remorse, tries to take care of her. As horror intensifies around them, our group of heroes must face a mysterious new enemy (Paul Giamatti) – someone so perverse that even the devil fears him. Stars Eduard Fernández, Megan Montaner, Miguel ?ngel Silvestre, Macarena Gómez, Pepón Nieto and more.

The White Lotus seasons 1 & 2

The , The White Lotus, from Mike White is an Emmy?-winning series. The first installment, set in Hawaii, received 20 Emmy? nominations across 13 categories and 10 wins, the most wins of any program that year, including Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series. The second season of the social satire is set at an exclusive Sicilian resort and follows the exploits of various guests and employees over the span of a week. Season 2 of The White Lotus stars F. Murray Abraham, Jennifer Coolidge, Adam DiMarco, Beatrice Grannò, Meghann Fahy, Jon Gries, Tom Hollander, Sabrina Impacciatore, Michael Imperioli, Theo James, Aubrey Plaza, Haley Lu Richardson, Will Sharpe, Simona Tabasco, and Leo Woodall.

If you’ve been living in a cave and haven’t watched them yet, you might also want to catch up on some classic HBO series that have earned accolades and a following (read: obsession) over the years. Here are some of the shows you can binge-watch on HBO GO:

Game of Thrones

Based on the best-selling novel series by George R.R. Martin, Game of Thrones holds the record as the most awarded Drama series in television history. From epic battles like Blackwater and The Battle of the Bastards, to emotional scenes like Hold the Door, and the shocking twists of The Red Wedding and The Great Sept Explosion, fans will be immersed in the world of Westeros in ways they haven’t seen before.

The Last of Us

The HBO Original drama series takes place 20 years after modern civilization has been destroyed. Joel, a hardened survivor, is hired to smuggle Ellie, a 14-year-old girl, out of an oppressive quarantine zone. What starts as a small job soon becomes a brutal and heartbreaking journey as they both must traverse the U.S. and depend on each other for survival. Stars Pedro Pascal as Joel, Bella Ramsey as Ellie, Gabriel Luna as Tommy, Anna Torv as Tess, Nico Parker as Sarah, Murray Bartlett as Frank, Nick Offerman as Bill, Melanie Lynskey as Kathleen, Storm Reid as Riley, Merle Dandridge as Marlene, Jeffrey Pierce as Perry, Lamar Johnson as Henry, Keivonn Woodard as Sam, Graham Greene as Marlon, and Elaine Miles as Florence.

Succession

Created by Jesse Armstrong, the Emmy?-winning HBO Original drama series Succession explores themes of power and family dynamics through the eyes of patriarch Logan Roy (Brian Cox) and his four grown children, Kendall (Jeremy Strong), Siobhan (Sarah Snook), Roman (Kieran Culkin), and Connor (Alan Ruck).

If you’re interested in watching any of these titles, or any of the other hundreds of shows and movies on HBO GO (including The Idol), you’ll be happy to know that you can get . 

Here are some of the amazing offers you can get with your Mastercard when you subscribe to HBO GO:

• If you have a Mastercard World or World Elite card, you can enjoy a complimentary 1-month HBO GO subscription and watch unlimited shows and movies on any device. This offer is valid for Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Philippines, and it applies to new or existing HBO GO accounts that have not used any complimentary trial before.
• If you have a Mastercard World, World Elite, Platinum, Titanium, Gold, or Standard card, you can save 10 percent off a 12-month HBO GO subscription and enjoy a whole year of entertainment at a lower price. This offer is only available for Philippines and Thailand, and it applies to new or existing HBO GO accounts with active subscription.
• If you have any of the above Mastercard cards, you can also get 30 percent off a 3-month HBO GO subscription and watch your favorite shows and movies for three months at a discounted rate. This offer is valid for Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Philippines, and it applies to new HBO GO accounts that have not used any complimentary trial before.

Don’t miss this chance to enjoy the best of HBO GO at a great price with Mastercard. Happy streaming!

When local veteran sommeliers Alvin Gho and Ian Lim first founded Wine RVLT back in 2016, the duo just wanted to have a space in Singapore where they could drink all the wines they fancied and share them with like-minded wine-curious friends in a fun and casual atmosphere. There was no bar of that sort back then, so an idea began fermenting.

And thus sparked the revolution: a movement to drink wines made with a philosophy of ecological sustainability and thoughtful craftsmanship.

After a move to its current location on 38 Carpenter Street in 2017, Wine RVLT evolved into RVLT, incorporating a produce-driven culinary program that rivals that of top-notch restaurants in Singapore. Led by the philosophy that everyone should eat and drink real, its food and wine program is all about quality, sustainability and natural produce. Over the years, RVLT has gained a cult following as a progressive gastro bar known for its downright delicious food and juicy, smashable wines by genuine winegrowers from around the world.

Despite having just celebrated its sixth anniversary, RVLT’s wine program continues to evolve with the times. RVLT prides itself as a wine bar of discovery, aiming to have a wide range and regularly updated selection of wines for both amateur wine drinkers and vinophiles with more discerning and mature palates. 

Whether you are new to vino and are seeking to step into the wide world of wine without all the pretentiousness, or a seasoned wine drinker searching for wines out of the left-field, there is always something fresh and exciting to discover and stumble upon when scanning RVLT’s iconic wine wall. The team of affable sommeliers, led by co-founders Gho and Lim, are as authentic as they are knowledgeable, introducing wines based on personalities and personal preferences.?

Helming RVLT’s kitchen is head chef Sunny Leong, who cut his teeth at Chinese and European restaurants since he entered the culinary world 15 years ago. His unique career progression has enabled him to dish out tasty moreish cuisine that not only smartly combines the heart and soul of the West and the East, but also embraces the perfect balance of aesthetics, taste and texture.

Curious, meticulous, and creative, Leong puts the “fun” in RVLT’s fundamental focus on ingredients, craftsmanship and keeping it real — crafting elevated dishes that make perfect partners to the delicious wines the bar advocates. Leong also employs innovative cooking techniques to bring delicious food that spotlights regional flavors and fresh, quality ingredients while minimizing food waste.?

Mirroring the ever-changing selection of wines available, Leong will be steering RVLT’s food program to embrace a more ingredient-driven approach come 2024. Expect a refreshing of the menu every four months, with seafood taking centre stage in the beginning of the year, followed by vegetables mid year, and rounding off with a more meat-focused menu come year end.

How does one find the pizzeria? At the front of the building is a small pathway leading to an unmarked door. Inside this door, lies Pizza Maru — a pizzeria serving Neo-Napoli pizza.

The pizzeria’s owners — Nanu Youttananukorn, Dhyan ho, and Himd Janthachotbutr – said that their intention to keep it hidden isn’t a mere gimmick.

“As new players in town, operation wise, it makes more sense to open once a week, just because of the labor costs,” Nanu tells 黑料社. “Also our clientele is still growing. The last thing we want is our staff to hang around, so if there is more demand then we will expand.”

The pizzeria is open from 5pm. Bookings can be made via their Instagram page and seats are limited. While that gives the pizzeria somewhat of an exclusive feel, it does mean patrons are served on a first-come, first-served basis.

Formerly an office space with a bar, the spot features a homey yet classy vibe, with a DJ booth opposite the open kitchen. 

Nanu, a designer who took up making pizza during COVID, says the pizzeria relies on word-of-mouth marketing and Instagram. No doubt, the hidden entrance will surely make people talk.

When 黑料社 visited the pizzeria, the owners shared their plan to utilize delivery via Line. 

But how is the pizza? At the open tables, you can see Pizza Maru’s owners and staff hard at work baking fresh pies in an oven.

For those out of the loop, neo-napoli pizza utilizes lower temperatures and longer baking times, as well as the hydration in which the amount of water proportionate to the amount of flour used. More water is used for Neo-napoli, or contemporary Napoli, resulting in a fluffier and crunchier dough.

“Our dough is processed two days before use, spending 48 hours fermenting,” Nanu explains.

Pizza Maru offers some classic toppings including margherita, anchovy marinara, pepperoni, and four cheeses. All of Pizza Maru’s pies achieve a balance of fluffy and crispy crusts with soft and gooey bites in the center.

However, we must recommend trying one of their original pizzas, particularly the Kale Blue Cheese (THB420).

“It’s always been our intention to do something quirky and keep some of the things that people expect in a pizzeria but also something new,” Nanu said.

Apart from the pizzas, the pizzeria has a sizable collection of wine bottles ranging from THB1,790 – THB2,190. Hoping to have only one glass of wine? Well, you’re out of luck, as the pizzeria sells wine by the bottle at the moment, so be sure to come with a group. However, you can also order a bottle of Regency Thai brandy for THB850, sodas and sparkling tea. The latter comes in strawberry jasmine and passionfruit mango.

Once you’ve had your fill of pizzas, you can push it all down with a cup of ice-cream in either matcha or salted caramel flavors (THB120).

Initially only open one Thursday per week, Pizza Maru is now open for business Tuesdays through Thursdays. As of publishing, the staff is ready to serve customers for their ninth session.

Next time if you’re hankering for a more intimate pizzeria that doubles as a small home, take the sorta secretive beaten path in the front of the Chalermnit Art De Maison building.

FIND IT

Chalermnit Art de Maison
106/1 Sukhumvit 53 Alley, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana
Thursdays, 5pm-late

Lt. Col. Teeradet Masthanaphan of Laem Ngop district police said Panya Chaichiang-erm, 44, admitted to beating the boy unconscious after first fabricating an unconvincing poltergeist story to explain his death.

“The stepfather is currently in custody and we are gathering witness accounts to help bring this case to a close,” Tiradech told 黑料社.

The 6-year-old boy, identified only as Sai-Fah, was found dead Sunday by the family’s Honda sedan parked outside their home. Initially, Panya and the boy’s 36-year-old mother Narinrat, denied harming the child.

But Maj. Gen. Pakorn Maneepakorn said an autopsy found the boy had a fractured skull and broken arm, and had been dead six hours before his body was discovered. 

It was the neighbors, who said the boy had been abused for some time, who told the police the boy had died in the car, after which his parents removed his body. 

Panya initially told the cops that the boy liked sleeping in the car and was alive when he was put in the vehicle the night before. 

Police said that when confronted with the evidence, Panya admitted he beat the boy Saturday night after becoming angered by his crying. After he lost consciousness, he placed the child in the at midnight, where he found him dead the next morning.

Panya, who police said has a history of drug abuse, has been charged with manslaughter; however, he could face a murder count as the investigation proceeds.

Update: Thai stepdad says wife killed son to punish boy’s father, actually

According to the family’s neighbors, Narinrat did not report Panya’s abuse to the police as she depended on him for financial support. It is not yet known whether she would face any criminal charges.

When police arrived Sunday and found Sai-Fah dead in the car, his parents were not cooperative and told the cops the boy preferred to sleep in the car because the house was possessed by ghost. 

Despite the bruises on his body, they further strained credulity by claiming that he loved sleeping in the car every night, and they were not allowed to check on him after 9pm due to their beliefs.

The infamous Kru Kai Kaeo statue was removed from the front of Bangkok’s The Bazaar Hotel in Huai Khwang district. The order came from the State Railway of Thailand who had asked the hotel for its removal by Saturday.

The hotel’s operator, Suan Lum Night Bazaar Ratchadaphisek, was ordered to pay a hefty fine of THB1.3 million for violating the Building Control Act.

The spot where the four-meter tall statue sat alongside its nine-tailed fox figure will be renovated into an activity area for guests, according to hotel owner Pairoj Thungthong.

The statue, known for its menacing glare and winged demon features, attracted so much attention from the public since it was erected in the beginning of August. It was deemed frightening by some, including a group called the “Council of Artists Promoting Buddhism” who had lobbied to have it removed, claiming it encourages people to worship demons and offer pets as sacrificial animals. Thankfully, there have been no reports indicating that either had happened at the site.

Kru Kai Kaeo, according to some believers, was said to be a teacher of former Khmer empire ruler Jayavarman VII. While some say he is a god of wealth, critics and scholars say they have never heard of him.

Another group called the National Thai People Council petitioned Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt to remove the statue as it posed “a threat to Thai culture and beliefs.”

Japan’s Summer Sonic Festival announced via its socials that the inaugural Summer Sonic Bangkok 2024 will take place for two days on Aug. 24-25 at Impact Arena in Muang Thong Thani. 

Although no acts have been revealed yet, the festival promises to announce the first wave of artists and bands sometime in late January or February.

SUMMER SONIC BANGKOK 開催決定

サマソニの新たな展开として、サマーソニック?バンコクを初开催
今后の発表にご注目ください

— SUMMER SONIC (@summer_sonic)

In 2023, Summer Sonic Festival took place in Tokyo’s Zozomarine Stadium and Makuhari Messe and Osaka’s Maishima Sonic Park between Aug. 19 and 20, and featured an all-star lineup of big name talents across rock, electronic, and hip-hop including Blur, Kendrick Lamar, NewJeans, ENHYPHEN, Sunset Rollercoaster, Evanescence, Two Door Cinema Club, Wet Leg, The Kid LAROI, Maisie Peters, and more.

The investigation report was returned to authorities after the prosecution found that it was filed before police obtained a psychiatric evaluation from the Galya Rajanagarinda Institute, where the boy is receiving treatment.

Naken Thongpraiwan, deputy spokesman for the Office of the Attorney-General, told reporters that police failed to adhere to the Criminal Procedure Code by interrogating and charging the suspect before obtaining the psychiatric report. In accordance with the law, police must ascertain whether the suspect is mentally stable and able to stand fit for trial.

Pathumwan Police began interrogating the suspect on Nov. 3 and filed the psychiatric report on Dec. 20, though Naken said the report was filed on Nov. 21. The institute ruled that the boy was “found to have no understanding of the charges against him” and was unable to regulate emotions and therefore unfit to stand for trial.

Naken added that authorities are able to submit the report again before the case’s statute of limitations ends in 20 years.

It’s been almost three months since the shooting, during which the 14-year-old suspect killed two women – Chinese national Zhao Jinnan and Myanmar national Mor Myint – and injured four others. Among the injured, 30-year-old Penpiwan Mitthampak succumbed to her injuries 10 days after the incident.

Pathumwan Police filed five charges against the suspect, namely premeditated murder, attempted murder, shooting in a public space, possession of firearms, and carrying firearms in a public place without permit.

1. Canggu: The Trendy Trailblazer (Cost of Living: $$$$)

Canggu, the undisputed surfer haven (as well as the ‘it’ place for digital nomads, influencers, fitness aficionados, and cryptobros), pulsates with a youthful energy. Trendy cafes, co-working spaces, and sleek boutiques line the streets, offering a taste of the cosmopolitan. However, this convenience comes at a price.

Canggu’s rent can be eye-watering, with basic studios starting at around US$500 per month (mind you that soaring prices occurred now that the island has “recovered” from the COVID-19 pandemic). Groceries and dining out also lean towards the pricier side. But hey, you’ll be sipping lattes with influencers and catching waves with the cool kids.

Canggu is the ‘It Girl’ of the Island of Gods, after all. For now, at least.

2. Seminyak: The Luxe Lifestyle (Cost of Living: $$$$)

If Canggu is the “It Girl” then Seminyak is perhaps the established “Queen Bee.”

Seminyak, Bali’s crown jewel, glitters with five-star resorts, designer boutiques, and upscale restaurants.

Think private infinity pools, gourmet degustation menus, and in-villa spa treatments. While luxury comes at a premium (think US$1,000+ for a decent villa), Seminyak offers an air of exclusivity and undeniable pampering. Budget-conscious travelers can find solace in chic homestays and warungs (local eateries) tucked away from the main drag.

3. Legian: Bali’s Beach Budget Paradise (Cost of Living: $$)

Legian whispers “savvy sister” rather than “glam queen.” Sure, you won’t find private helipads here, but skip the designer duds and step into Legian’s laid-back charm. Think breezy beach shacks serving Bintang for a dollar, budget-friendly spas with sunset massages, and surf lessons so cheap you’ll be catching waves, not credit card debt. Accommodation swaps five-star infinity pools for charming guesthouses with sun-drenched patios, and while your Instagram story might lack infinity pool envy, it’ll overflow with local markets, hidden warungs dishing up babi guling, and enough smiles to fill a Balinese temple.

It’s not Seminyak’s glitz, it’s Legian’s warmth – and your wallet will thank you for it.

3. Ubud: The Cultural Oasis (Cost of Living: $$)

Nestled amidst verdant rice fields and ancient temples, Ubud is the spiritual heart of Bali. Yoga studios, art galleries, and traditional healers paint the town with a bohemian charm. Compared to Canggu and Seminyak, Ubud offers a more affordable haven. You can find charming homestays for under US$300 per month, and local warungs dish up delicious meals for a fraction of the price of Seminyak’s cafes

Keep in mind, however, that nightlife options are limited, and the pace is decidedly slower.

4. Sanur: The Family-Friendly Haven (Cost of Living: $$)

Sanur’s wide, sandy beach and gentle waves make it a haven for families and retirees. Budget-friendly resorts and guesthouses line the coast, offering comfortable accommodations at reasonable rates. Warungs and local markets cater to a more traditional palate, keeping dining costs down. While nightlife is limited, the laid-back atmosphere and family-friendly activities make Sanur a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle.

5. Uluwatu: The Cliffside Escape (Cost of Living: $$)

Uluwatu, perched on the rugged cliffs of Bali’s southern coast, offers a unique blend of luxury and bohemian vibes. Picture stunning ocean views, world-class surf breaks, and ancient temples all within reach. You can find comfortable guesthouses for around US$200 per night, and delicious seafood warungs dot the coastline. Plus, Uluwatu’s iconic Kecak dance performance, held at an open-air temple overlooking the ocean, is an unforgettable experience.

6. Amed: The Off-the-Beaten-Path Gem (Cost of Living: $)

Amed, nestled on Bali’s east coast, is a hidden gem for budget travelers. Traditional villages, untouched beaches, and world-class diving await at a fraction of the price of other areas. Basic bungalows start at around US$100 per month, and fresh seafood from the local market is a steal. Amed may lack the trendy cafes and nightlife, but its charm lies in its untouched beauty and laid-back vibe.

The Verdict:

Bali’s cost of living varies like its diverse landscapes. Canggu and Seminyak offer luxury and convenience, while Ubud and Sanur charm with affordability and cultural immersion. Amed emerges as the budget champion, offering an escape to paradise without breaking the bank.

Ultimately, the “best” place depends on your priorities and lifestyle. So, grab your sarong, pack your bags, and get ready to discover your perfect Bali on a budget!

Bonus Tip: Consider shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) for lower accommodation rates and fewer crowds. Renting a motorbike or scooter is a budget-friendly way to get around, and don’t be afraid to haggle at local markets!

Remember, Bali is a land of endless possibilities. So, choose your adventure, embrace the local spirit, and discover your own slice of paradise on this magical island.

The ninth edition of the Singapore Airshow, Asia’s most influential aviation event, is officially returning to Changi Exhibition Centre from Feb. 20 to 25. 

For the first time ever, the Airshow is dedicating two full days – Feb. 24 and 25– exclusively for the public, aptly named Weekend@Airshow. 

This means you and your family can get up close to the wonders of flight, witness breathtaking flying displays by local and international air force teams, and explore the latest advancements in aerospace technology.

Tickets for Weekend@Airshow go on sale from Jan. 2, with prices starting at S$34 for adults and S$17 for children aged 3 to 12. There’s also a group package for four at S$240, which includes car park access.

While the aerial performances are sure to steal the show, Weekend@Airshow promises much more. 

The first four days of the Airshow, from Feb. 20 to 23, are reserved for trade visitors, including high-level government and military delegations, as well as top executives from aerospace and defense firms worldwide. For them, the 2024 edition promises a full-scale return, with over 1,000 companies from more than 50 countries expected to participate.

The 2024 Airshow is putting a spotlight on environmental sustainability. A dedicated forum on reducing carbon emissions in the aviation sector will be held, while attendees can offset their travel footprint by purchasing carbon credits.

Thursday

Yuck it up at the Queen Bee in Phrom Phong to get the New Year’s weekend started out with a laugh. With a mix of international and visiting comedians, it’s a good chance to roast 2023—and it certainly has it coming.?THB300, Queen Bee.

View Rooftop Bar is glowing up for 2024 with a neon party to kick off the new calendar year with live DJ performances, fluorescent decor, and more.?More info?, View Rooftop Bar

Japan-ish made a big splash this year and they’re letting ladies know it every Thursday. DJ TaqTaqq takes the stage at 9pm, as ever, with a little eye candy for the ladies. Don’t forget their all-night drink specials.?Reserve?, Japan-ish

This every-Thursday even features a carefully curated “besties” experience starting at 1pm, so you can get your New Year’s Eve weekend started right by digging into their wide selection of vino.?Reserve?, Trattoria Delina.

Friday

Join DJ Johnny O from Bangkok and DJ Reynan from the Philippines for a hot Latin party from Salsa Bangkok with two rooms for dancing.?More info?, Quaint Bangkok?

Fridays have certainly given us some memories this year—and this is your last one. Head down to this nightlife hotspot for a night of music featuring Palm the Voice, DJ Aris, and DJ Champ. Do Friday 2023 right, you don’t get another chance.?More info?, Platform Thonglor?

Aneesh Medina and German music sensation YouANDme will be taking dancers on a musical journey at Mustache Bangkok starting at 9pm.?Tickets?, Mustache Bangkok?

Saturday

Get to the grill at the Grand Mercure this Saturday for a last chance to feast up with Benihana before the year ends, featuring a 10% discount to get the last Saturday of the year going with a bang.?Tickets?, Grand Mercure?

This New Year’s party is going for two days, so hit up the club for tunes, dancing, and a night at Max Club to send 2023 packing.?Tickets?, Max Club

Are you good at the guitar, drums, or singing? Well, it doesn’t matter. Because all you need are the requisite fingers on your left hand and the confidence to think you can keep up with Bowie, Mercury, or any of the other superstars on offer at Arcadia. Free entry, Arcadia?

Head into Sugar for a hip-hop party with DJ Gno, MC 808, and the Sugar babes starting at 9pm for the type of party this spot is famous for hosting.?Book?, Sugar Club.?

It’s a night of Afrobeats at Bafros this Saturday, featuring live DJs, that swank dance floor, and everyone looking their snazziest.?Booking at 061 391 3111, Bafros?

Sunday

If you’ve missed the news, Aesop’s is back in a big way. Hit up the Column Bangkok for their cool new revamp for some New Year rooftop plate smashing.?More info?, Aesop’s Bangkok

Hey, it’s not all wild parties. Cagette can get your New Year’s Eve started off with a buffet of seafood, cheeses, cold cuts, roasts, and more. They’ve also got a free-flow deal to get you started early.?Tickets?, Cagette

Smalls is one of the coolest bars in town, and with cocktails to match. DJs Fredrick Funk and Izzy Izzy will keep you dancing, and there’s a free glass of bubbly in the 30 minutes until the clock strikes midnight.?Book?, Smalls?

Can’t decide between Sing Sing, Gigi, and Iron Balls? Well, this event is mixing them together. It’ll be the fancy, well-dressed, thumping party of New Year’s Eve at these locations.?Click?for more info, Sing Sing / Gigi / Iron Balls

Where better to say goodbye to 2023 than Oskar Bistro, a spot that had been in Bangkok’s heart for more than 12 years. They’ll have DJs Jack Haze and Yvan spinning the year away.?Book?, Oskar Bistro

Well, this is going to be one for the books. Finch knows how to party and this one is going to be epic. DJ Mamoun will kick things off before handing over to Cakezomm Band as well as DJ Peter Soul and MC Sunny. Look forward to live shows and late partying at this spot way past midnight. Tickets?, Finch

?

It’s the end of the world at Paradise Lost at Siam@Siam—or the end of the year at least. It’ll be a night of pink and yellow mayhem at this energetic spot, complete with special food offerings and live DJ performances to go with the wild vibes at this spot.?Book via Line at @paradiselost, Paradise Lost

Drag Queen x Stand Up Comedy at South+East Brewing Co.

Stand-up comedy and drag royalty are colliding in a hilarious head-on collision of wit and sparkle. You’ve probably seen drag queens performing here and there on the Island Gods. Most likely you’ve watched (or, at least, are familiar about) stand-up comedy shows popping up in various places in Bali. But have you seen drag queens and stand-up comedians performing together at the same venue? Even better – how about a drag queen who does stand-up comedy? Headlining the show tonight is Anna Linguist, a drag queen/stand-up comedian who is already well-established in the scene. Ayubie Tsunami, a fixture amongst drag performers in Bali, is also set to bring her best performance that is guaranteed to be electric. Funny people from Actually Funny Folks will bring laughter to make your last Thursday of 2023 memorable af.

Thursday evening (that’s tonight) at .

Dance into 2024 with Martin Garrix

Ring in the New Year with the world’s biggest beats and brightest lights as global superstar DJ Martin Garrix takes center stage at Atlas Beachfest. This electrifying New Year’s Eve bash will be an unforgettable night of pulsating energy, featuring dazzling visuals and a crowd buzzing with excitement. Get ready to dance under the stars, raise a toast to the future, and celebrate life’s biggest moments with the one and only Martin Garrix at the helm.

This Sunday at .

Have a blast at Savaya

The iconic clifftop beach club Savaya Bali is out to ignite your New Year’s with a week-long extravaganza (Dec. 29 to Jan. 7). Dance under Bali’s starry sky to global DJs, sip cocktails by the beach, and ring in 2024 with dazzling lights and a vibrant crowd. Pre-register now for early ticket access.

This week at . Find more information .

Enter the clandestine world of Mamasita

Nestled in the heart of Canggu, Mamasita beckons you into a world where whispered secrets and extraordinary experiences collide. This captivating destination is more than just a bar, it’s a sanctuary of mystery and creativity where age-old customs intertwine with modern innovation. Step inside and be enveloped by a warm welcome, where every corner whispers stories and shadows dance to the rhythm of Mamasita’s vibrant soul. Experience the hidden treasures of Bali’s social scene, where meticulously crafted libations tell tales of flavor, and delectable bites create a symphony of taste. From enchanting jazz melodies to electrifying live performances, Mamasita is a nightly adventure, a modern speakeasy where mystery and revelry intertwine.

Find Mamasita.

Pilates? More like Pila-YES!

K?R PILATES, launched this February in Canggu, has quickly gained prominence amidst the growing interest in Pilates within the area. Despite not being the first Pilates studio in Bali or Canggu, K?R PILATES distinguishes itself through its picturesque setting amid rice fields and a diverse array of classes, encompassing mat Pilates, reformer Pilates, and fitness-focused sessions. Notably, 黑料社 Bali has visited the studio on several occasions, and we were impressed by its intimate class sizes—limited to nine reformer spots—which afford attendees personalized attention from instructors.

Find

Lick up LICKBAIT’s experimental flavors

Okay, before you judgy old-timers roll your eyes and be, like, “Gelato bar? In Bali? Groundbreaking!”, we will vouch for this place. The newest addition in the BatuBelig/Canggu area, LickBait described their gelatos as “small-batched, produce-driven, artisanal, and experimental”. 黑料社 Bali recently visited the premise ourselves and we have to say their flavors are mind-blowing and, quite frankly, out of the box. Our top picks include brown butter maple, riccota amarena (we do love cherries!), black pepper bacon (!), malted milk rengginang (traditional Indonesian crackers made from glutinous rice), and vanilla burnt tape (tape here refers to the traditional Indonesian snack made of fermented cassava). Your tongue is in for a rollercoaster ride.

Findhere.

Get productive at Canggu’s Mandatina Cafe

You want a hot body? You want a Maserati? You better work for them! It is well-known that Canggu is the Mecca for digital nomads and remote workers. Mandatina Cafe is the latest addition to the area – they opened last March – and the spacious, fully air conditioned area (!) is perfect for you to open your laptop and get a lot of work done while enjoying their selection of meals such as avocado toast, chicken teriyaki, and tempe wrap. Priced from IDR60,000 to IDR120,000, Mandatina offers delicious meals that are quite affordable for Canggu (meaning you can eat more!). Since they are situated on Babakan Canggu street, the neighborhood is very quiet (a rarity in the area) so if you need to be laser-focused to meet your deadlines, this is the place to be.

Find Mandatina Cafe .

Need a break? Comma is your new Cemagi hangout hotspot

Seeking an escape from the energetic atmosphere of Canggu this weekend? Take a brief journey to the peaceful ambiance of Cemagi and drop by COMMA, the newest establishment in the area. Just a stone’s throw from the beach and nestled amidst picturesque rice fields, COMMA beckons guests to unwind, relax, and savor delightful offerings. Indulge in familiar classics with an innovative twist and relish coffee crafted by the renowned Hungry Bird of Berawa. Don’t overlook their special soft opening offer — enjoy a 25 percent discount until Nov. 30.

Find COMMA .

Marina Bay Singapore Countdown 2024

Celebrate the new year with a bang at the Marina Bay Singapore Countdown 2024, the largest and most spectacular countdown event in the city. Witness the dazzling fireworks display that will light up the sky in three chapters, each telling a story of reflection, hope and resilience. Enjoy a variety of fun and exciting activities, from a pop-up winter playground to a go-kart arena with live performances.

More info .

NYE party at Lavo

There is perhaps no better spot to take in the dazzling views of the fireworks than from the Italian restaurant/rooftop bar Lavo atop Marina Bay Sands. Cap off your 2023 at the ultimate rooftop celebration in Singapore, featuring gourmet dishes, free-flow champagne, cocktails, and canapes, while grooving to the beats of a live DJ.

Make a reservation .

Manifest New Year’s Eve

Deck yourself out in black and gold and join the party with Manifest, the leading techno and house music collective in Singapore. Dance the night away at the rooftop pool and bar of 1-Altitude Coast, with stunning views of the Sentosa Island fireworks display. Enjoy free entry to Sentosa and a glass of champagne, and groove to the beats of TropicLab, Sivanesh, A&E and Jeevan Leroy.

Tickets .

NYE beach party

Enjoy a night of music, fire, and bubbles on Siloso Beach. Dance to the tunes of local and international DJs, watch the amazing fire-twirling performances, and marvel at the “liquid fireworks” by CJ the Bubble Girl.

Tickets .

A Philharmonic New Year’s Eve 2024

Welcome the new year with a musical extravaganza at the Philharmonic Orchestra’s New Year’s Eve 2024 Gala Concert, featuring conductor Lin Juan and pianist Jonathan Shin. Enjoy a selection of classical and contemporary pieces, from Otto Nicolai’s?Merry Wives of Windsor Overture to Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s?Capriccio Espagnol.

Tickets .

Christmas Wonderland

Step into a dazzling wonderland of festive cheer at Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay! From Dec. 1 to Jan. 1, immerse yourself in a twinkling spectacle of lights, towering illuminated sculptures, and magical wintery scenes. Glide through a fairytale forest, marvel at the iconic SuperTrees adorned in festive splendor, and be captivated by enchanting live performances.

More info and tickets .

Snow Splendours

Forget the tropical sun, Tanglin Mall is getting a taste of winter! Every evening, the mall transforms into a whimsical wonderland with a flurry of artificial snow and an avalanche of foam. Imagine stepping into a scene from a Christmas movie, with soft flakes swirling around you as festive lights twinkle overhead.

Until Jan. 1. More info .

Ice Magic: Winter Wonderland

Brace for a frosty fun-fest! Ice Magic: Winter Wonderland returns to Singapore Dec. 9 to Jan. 21, featuring real snow, thrilling ice slides, a captivating merry-go-round, a charming winter village, and delicious festive treats.

Tickets .

Superstar Christmas

It’s December, so it’s time to start getting festive. From Dec. 1 to Jan. 3, head on over to Resorts World Sentosa for Superstar Christmas, where you can enjoy dazzling concerts by international and local stars, such as Jessica Jung and William So. Marvel at the spectacular light show of the 10-meter-high Christmas Tree of Wonders, or explore the winter wonderland of thrilling rides and art installations. And don’t forget to treat yourself to some delicious food and drinks at the gourmet park and the various restaurants.

Dec. 1-Jan. 3. More info .

Nintendo Pop-up Store

If you are a fan of Nintendo games, you will be delighted to know that a Nintendo Pop-up store is opening soon at Jewel Changi Airport. Nintendo fans can get their hands on exclusive merchandise from games such as Super Mario, Animal Crossing, The Legend of Zelda, Splatoon and Pikmin. The pop-up store will feature a variety of products, such as plushies, keychains, stationery, apparel and more.

From Nov. 17-Jan. 1.

Puffy Bois

After popping up around town at takeovers from Caffe Fernet to Tippling Club and Meatsmith Little India, Puffy Bois has found a permanent home for its pizzas and slices on Singapore’s Bali Lane. Stop in for fresh pizza, cracking drinks and good times all around at . 

Joo Chiat Farmers’ Market

Experience the local food culture at Joo Chiat Farmers’ Market, a weekly event that showcases fresh produce, artisanal products, and delicious treats from local farmers and vendors.

Find out more .

Four storeys of cocktails at White Shades

Coachtopia

Ms. Maria & Mr. Singh

Chef Gaggan Anand, known for his Bangkok restaurant that has been awarded #33 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list, is now serving a five-course lunch and eight-course dinner for its Singapore diners.

The menu features signature dishes from its acclaimed Bangkok outlet like the all-time favorite Papdi Chat, a yogurt explosion of flavors, the Cold Curry Ceviche with cured scallops and the Crab Curry paired great with the fragrant and addictive coconut rice.

Check out their for more information.

Ms. Maria and Mr. Singh Singapore, 43 Craig Road, Singapore 089691

Cat Bite Club Opens on Duxton Hill

A new watering hole specializing in agave and rice spirits has opened in Duxton Hill.

Hidden behind the doors to the Monument cafe is Cat Bite Club, the brainchild of Gabriel Lowe and Jesse Vida who have more than 30 years of hospitality experience combined.

Together, they’re on a mission to showcase Asian spirits such as soju and shochu as well as agave and rice spirits from Mexico’s deep history in their cocktails.

Highlights include the Soju Sprint which is made with Tokki Soju, Peach, Honey, Mint, Fresh Citrus Blend, Sherry and Absinthe and the Cat Bite Margarita with Código 1530 Blanco Tequila, Siete Misterios Espadín Mezcal, Cointreau, Fresh Citrus Blend, Agave Nectar and Sherry.

Peep their selection of over 100 different agave spirits and a curated selection of vodka, gin, whiskey and more!

Cat Bite Club opens from 5pm to midnight daily except on Sundays at 75 Duxton Hill. Look out for the flowing red Cheshire cat grin!

CouCou celebrates anniversary with new menu

CouCou Hotpot, known for its bubble tea and signature Taiwanese Style Spicy Soup Base, is celebrating its 7th anniversary with a new menu spread.

Indulge in its new Laksa Soup Base, F1 wagyu beef from Japan, Angka Prawns locally sourced from Singapore, Fried Lotus Leaf Bun, Deep-Fried Oyster and Cuttlefish Stuffed Portobello Mushroom with Tobiko among others.

Available at its three outlets at Jewel, i12 Katong and Suntec City, where it has its own karaoke room!

Get hiking!

Avoid the crowds at the usual hiking spots and divert into these locations we think you might enjoy!

READ MORE: 12 unexpected places for hiking and trails in Singapore

Plume opens at Pan Pacific Singapore

Inspired by the indigenous birds of Singapore, is an experiential bar located in Pan Pacific Singapore. More than just a lobby bar, the vibrant spot serves cocktails and snacks dedicated to our island’s native birds – and you also learn a thing or two about these fascinating creatures.

Highlights include the Blue-tailed Bee-eater – a summery drink that is refreshing like a gin sour and infused with sage and saline, and the curious Banded Woodpecker, a cocktail made with Green Ant Gin, and served with a mist of oak moss. Snacks are a must too, especially with dishes like Perched Together – yes they are fully committed to the bird theme – which are chicken rendang croquettes nestled on a bed of crispy leeks, served with a creamy and savoury egg emulsion.

Open daily from 5:00pm to 1:00am Sundays to Thursdays, and till 2:00am on Fridays and
Saturdays at Pan Pacific Singapore, 7 Raffles Blvd, Singapore 039595.

Have a Moroccan feast

Eat Sum Thing

From the team that brought you the Headquarters, Tuff Club and XXL parties, Thugshop now offers a new concept called Eat Sum Thing at Boat Quay.

No, it doesn’t serve dim sum but a selection of food intricately made by fine dining chef Brandon Lee who has worked in Les Amis restaurants like Au Jardin.

Its food is not what you’d expect to be served in the Boat Quay stretch filled with watering holes. Highlights include mains such as the Miso Cod, which is served in umami-rich miso and brown butter broth similar to cai poh pickled daikon; the Grilled Chicken With Cauliflower & Zucchini made with sous vide chicken glazed with onion jus and served with cauliflower hummus.

There’s also the addictive Ayam Bakar Karaage doused in sweet kecap manis with a sambal mayo dip, and the Grilled Caesar served with brown butter anchovy sauce and a pistachio spread.

The gastro bar’s happy hour includes S$10 nett natural wines and beers from Off Day and Garage Project.

Open Tuesday to Saturday 5pm to 11:30pm, closed on Sunday and Monday at 66 Boat Quay, Level 1, Singapore 049854

Tiong Bahru Bakery opens 13th outlet at Anchorpoint

Brunching this weekend? Check out the new breezy TBB outlet at the revamped Anchorpoint Shopping Center and make some space for its famed croissants. While at it, treat yourself to the launch exclusive Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie as well.

Open daily from 7:30am to 8pm at 370 Alexandra Rd, #01-13A Anchorpoint Shopping Center, Singapore 159953.

BHC Chicken opens at Marina Square

Dubbed as South Korea’s largest fried chicken chain, BHC Chicken has opened in Marina Square with its variety of chicken, as well as popular Korean delicacies.

Try the Bburinkle Chicken which is coated with cheese and vegetable-flavored seasoning with a sweet dip, the Classic Gold King which combines Korean soy sauce, sweet honey and garlic, or the spicy Red King with hot chili peppers and garlic.

There are also cheese balls, cheese sticks and Sotteok, Korean sausage with rice cake.

BHC (which stands for Better & Happier Choice) uses high oleic sunflower oil which contains less saturated fatty acid and less trans fat.

Open 11am to 10pm daily at 6 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square #02-332A & #02-332F, Singapore 039594

Bird Paradise

Singapore’s newest animal park is now taking visitors! Meet the more than 3,000 birds (including the adorable penguins) in their new homes or join tours and get backstage passes to access the animal’s healthcare facilities.

READ MORE: First look: Birds moving into their new home at Singapore Bird Paradise (Photos)

, open 9am to 6pm daily at 20 Mandai Lake Rd, Singapore 729825

Singapore Zoo’s Glamping in the Wild

Singapore Zoo is giving the public a chance to spend the night glamping in the wild with its animals!

The 2D1N stay is packed with interactions with its animals as well as a peek into the zoo’s kitchen and healthcare facility.

CHECK OUT OUR REVIEW: We spent the weekend glamping in the wild with Singapore Zoo’s animals (Review)

Living your best (budget) life

After the recent budget announcement where we are told to not “rely” on the government, we came up with a list of alternatives you can make to your life.

Smart watches, convenience store coffees and hidden gems are the way to go.

READ: How to not ‘rely so heavily on govt support’ while still living your best life

Bar up at No Sleep Club

Ranked 15th in Asia’s Best Bars 2022, No Sleep Club is a 黑料社 favorite when it comes to after-work dranks. So much so that we interviewed owner Jun to give the public some love advice based on some of the craziest dates she has seen as a bartender.

The bar also happens to be a hotspot for dates so if you’re looking to treat your loved ones to a great time, head on over!

READ MORE: Dating horror stories & biggest bar no-nos as told by the owner of No Sleep Club

HomeTeamNS’s adventure clubhouse in Bedok Reservoir

Bedok Reservoir is getting new developments in a recreational building that has opened to the public. Some facilities and activities include the longest indoor water slide, an indoor wet obstacle rope course, climbing walls and a relaxing laze pool.

There’s also a large infinity pool that overlooks the reservoir, barbeque pits and “Mancaves” where families can sing their hearts out in karaoke machines.

READ MORE: Slip and slide through the longest indoor water slide at Bedok Reservoir’s adventure clubhouse

Future World and Digital Light Canvas Refresh 2022

ArtScience Museum’s permanent exhibition, Future World: Where Art Meets Science, as well as Digital Light Canvas by teamLab at The Shoppes, will reopen following extensive redevelopment works to reveal artworks that invite visitors to experience these dynamic spaces in a new light.

READ MORE: See the new teamLab digital interactive installations at Marina Bay Sands

ArtScience Museum, 6 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018974

Candlelight Concerts

Immerse yourself in a series of candlelit classical concerts performed by string quartets, oriental strings and pianists at various iconic locations.

For the latest updates, ticketing details and the full lineup, check out their .

Local authorities received information about the 49-year-old’s disappearance at 1:37pm, after he and his teenage son were enjoying some leisure activities at the beach.

“Reports from witnesses indicate that the man was swept away by strong currents and couldn’t be found,” revealed Masri Ibrahim, Operations Commander of the Penawar Fire and Rescue Department.

Sadly, he was found dead at 5:30am the next day, with authorities believing that he drowned.

“The body was found about 5 kilometers from where he was last seen and the victim was identified by his wife,” Masri told .

The man’s 15-year-old son was rescued by bystanders before emergency personnel arrived. He has been taken to Hospital Kota Tinggi for medical attention.

According to Masri, red flags were displayed at the beach warning of dangerous water conditions, urging caution against swimming and water activities.

Gone are the bean bags and infinity pool – now you can enjoy their brand new cuisine while marveling at Bangkok’s beautiful skyline and sunset with a DJ and live music. The bar now includes not just a place to dine but also space to dance to the music.

The View prides itself with a brand new authentic menu, led by their experienced Greek chef Christos “Titos” Karageorgiou, who brings his rich culinary heritage to the heart of Bangkok.

So what is there to eat? No need for fancy cutlery here, just grab-and-go goodness that tickles every taste bud.

Skip the fork and embrace the primal pleasure of succulent beef tartar and pita cracker. Each bite explodes against the sturdy crunch of the toasty cracker. Primal heaven without the fuss.

Dive in, let the coolness refresh, and savor the tangy whispers of Greece with the bar Greek salad gazpacho and feta cream.

Our personal favorite is the falafel and hummus, a staple in Mediterranean cuisine. Embrace the warmth of their golden falafels while dipping them in the creamy hummus.

Or how about the fiery tango of saganaki cheese and sweet heat tomato chili jam? Or sample a taste of Moroccan streets with their Kormos delicacy.

There are also live stations on hand, including Mediterranean sea bass and sirloin with bell pepper cream and salsa verde.

After enjoying all of the bites, wind down with their desserts, particularly the citrusy oasis of the orange pie and Greek yogurt.

Once you’re done savoring all the unique flavors the bar has to offer, cool yourself with some of their signature cocktails – two of which are gin-based and one vodka-based.

For gin lovers, taste a burst of sunshine with the Sevilla Sun-Drenched. Or, for a little more of an adventurous kick, why not be enthralled with their Charm of Marrakech with its mix of Gin Mare and vermouth?

The vodka-based cocktail, Saint Tropez Breeze, is not to be skipped either, as it offers a quick refreshing escape from the summer heat.

The View is also cranking up the vibes with live music. A resident DJ is on hand to provide groovy ethno house beats alongside live performances, including a violin accompaniment to the dance music.

FIND IT

Novotel Bangkok Platinum Pratunam
9th Floor
220 Phetchaburi Rd, Thanon Phetchaburi, Ratchathewi
+66 2 209 1700

As reported by , Sim Wee Meng admitted in court to two counts of harassment on Tuesday, while four other charges, including one of carrying a deadly weapon, were considered during sentencing.

The court heard that Sim was rushed to SKH on March 20, 2021, at about 6am, due to a high heart rate. After a doctor drew his blood, Sim, reportedly in a state of drug-induced paranoia, accused the doctor of spiking him with cannabis and ecstasy. The doctor tried to calm him down and told him he was just doing his job, but Sim was not having it. 

He later woke up and demanded a smoke.

When the doctor said “no”, Sim flipped out and cursed him in Hokkien. He then yanked out his cannula and started bleeding everywhere.

Two doctors and two nurses tried to stop the bloodbath, but Sim was still freaking out and swinging his arms around. He then whipped out a Swiss Army knife from his shorts and threatened the doctors and nurses with it. Another nurse called the cops.

Sim then wandered around the hospital with the knife, looking for a way out. He even waved the knife at one of the nurses again.

He finally got out through one of the ambulance bay doors. The police showed up at the hospital and nabbed him at about noon that day.

The prosecutor said Sim had a rap sheet that included drug offenses. Meanwhile, his lawyer said Sim was an odd-job worker with a history of mental problems and drug-induced psychosis. He also said Sim was trying to get his act together and live a crime-free life, and that he had his family’s support.

The prosecutor said the victims in this case were healthcare workers who were just doing their duty and helping Sim. Sim’s conviction came after a new framework to protect healthcare workers from abuse was launched on Dec. 13. 

Inspired by the energy of Asian nightclubs and chic city lounges, ATTIKO aims to bring a seamless transition from sunset chill to high-octane nightlife.

ATTIKO’s menu represents a culinary journey across Asia, from Wagyu Gyoza with a foie gras twist to artfully presented sushi like the Scallop, adorned with Hokkaido scallops, mango, and a touch of jalape?o. Signature dishes like the 48-hour marinated Chilean Seabass and truffled Beef Tataki showcase Asian flavors with innovative techniques.

The drinks menu boasts an equally impressive range, featuring traditional Pan-Asian infusions alongside modern twists. Aged whiskeys mingle with contemporary gins and sours, ensuring every visit yields a new favorite.

As for the vibes at ATTIKO, think trendy urban landscapes with a touch of Bali’s bohemian charm, creating a space that’s both chic and inviting. 

FIND IT

Jl. Pemelisan Agung Jl. Pantai Berawa, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Berawa, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361

Julius Lee, 44, was snapping a festive family pic with his wife and kiddo near the merry-go-round when the tree came crashing down like a disgruntled Grinch. 

Luckily, the little one was spared thanks to Mom’s eagle-eyed reflexes.

“My husband was standing outside the merry-go-round to take our picture when suddenly, a Christmas tree fell on him,” recounted wife Aileen Tan. “It happened so fast. Thankfully, my child was with me. The Christmas tree would’ve hit her if she was in the stroller.”

Fortunately, Julius emerged with just a bump on his head. The mall’s medical team whisked him to the clinic pronto, and Pavilion KL issued a speedy apology. 

“Our medical and safety team promptly responded, accompanying the shopper to the nearest clinic for immediate medical attention,” they said. “The shopper had a minor graze and appreciated the prompt action from the management.”

Falling decorations aside, Pavilion KL assured everyone they’re taking extra precautions to make sure all shoppers have a merry and mishap-free holiday season.

“We don’t want our brothers and sisters in other parts of the country to face the impacts we have been facing,” says Thanawan Kainok, addressing a panel discussion on the ‘Past, Present and Future of Potash in Isan’ in Wanon Niwat district, in north-east Thailand’s Sakon Nakhon province.

In 2015, the China Mingda Potash Corporation, a Chinese company registered in Thailand, received a licence to survey this rural area for potential sites to mine potash – naturally occurring salts rich in potassium and sodium. To date, while the company has explored several locations, they are yet to commence commercial mining due to strong opposition from local communities in the area.

Thanawan travelled more than 300 kilometres to join the discussion, held in April 2023, from her community in Dan Khun Thot district, Nakhon Ratchasima province. Dan Khun Thot is the location of the only active potash mine in Thailand, and has suffered extensive salinisation of land and water, allegedly as a result of mining activities.

Villagers in Wanon Niwat worry that a new potash mine could contaminate waterways that tens of thousands of people depend on for agricultural and household use with harmful chemicals and salt. In 2015, they formed the Wanon Niwat Preservation Group, which opposes potash mining with demonstrations, petitions, and direct action, such as physically blocking the company from surveying the area. As a result of the latter, the company filed??against community members in 2018, accusing them of defamation and demanding compensation.

Wanon Niwat is one of three locations in north-east Thailand where companies have been attempting to mine potash, but have yet to start commercial extraction.

While potash is mainly mined for potassium, which is used to produce fertilisers, the sodium it contains could soon prove equally attractive. Researchers at Thailand’s Khon Kaen University have recently successfully developed??that use sodium, rather than lithium. This new technology, which is also being developed elsewhere in the world, looks set to make a big impact on the electric vehicle (EV) industry in particular. Sodium is cheaper and more readily available than lithium, and its use in batteries could help make EVs more affordable and promote their more widespread adoption. The Thai government is keen for this to happen, but anti-mining advocates worry it may trigger a boom in potash mining.

Growing pressure to tap Isan’s rich potash reserves

The north-east of Thailand, a region also known as Isan, has a long . Potash was first discovered in the area in the 1970s. While the size of Thailand’s reserves is not clear, the government claims they amount to the fourth largest in the world. Canada has the world’s largest known reserves, at , followed by Belarus and Russia at 750 million and 400 million tonnes respectively. There has been interest in mining Thailand’s potash since the 1980s, but very little headway has been made until the last few years, mainly due to a lack of  and legal restrictions, as well as local opposition.

The recent push to mine potash is closely tied to changes in the global market for fertilisers. Thailand currently relies heavily on imports, bringing in more than 736,000 tonnes of potassium chloride in 2022 according to . But disruptions to trade in the commodity due to sanctions imposed in  to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the suppression of peaceful protest in Belarus resulted in a significant rise in potash prices in 2022.

“The [Thai] government has been saying that the [mining] projects will reduce the import of potash and in turn reduce the price of fertiliser in Thailand,” says Santiparp Siriwatthanaphaiboon, a lecturer at Udon Thani Rajabhat University. Santiparp says the country has the potential to produce an estimated 3 million metric tonnes of potash per year. This exceeds Thailand’s current demand, leaving a healthy chunk that could, he says, be sold to China.

Despite having its own potash reserves, China, with its vast agricultural output, is the world’s third largest importer of the commodity, bringing in more than 7.5 million  tonnes of potassium chloride every year, mainly from Russia, Canada and Belarus. The country has long eyed Thailand’s reserves as a potential alternative source closer to home. In 1997, the two governments  on Chinese investment in potash mining in Thailand. A few years later, in 2004, the China Mingda Potash Corporation applied for a licence to explore for potash in Wanon Niwat.

It wasn’t until after Thailand’s military coup in 2014 that this exploration licence was approved, however. Keen to make more economic use of the country’s natural resources, the new military government also??in three locations in the north-east provinces of Chaiyaphum, Udon Thani and Nakhon Ratchasima. So far, mining has only started in one of these locations –?the Dan Khun Thot district project in Nakhon Ratchasima, operated by the local Thai Kali Company.

Dead soils and salty water

“I will keep this piece of land as it is, to be evidence of what the potash mine has done to the villagers,” Thanawan Kainok says while walking on salt-encrusted land back home in Dan Khun Thot. This piece of land, abutting the mine’s border fence, used to be a paddy field. After the potash mine started operating in 2017, community members say salt began seeping into the area’s water sources and the soil became so salinised that nothing would grow.

A process called??is being used to extract the potash here. This involves injecting large quantities of water underground to dissolve the potash salts. The resulting brine is then pumped back up to the surface into large ponds, where the water is slowly evaporated off to leave behind crystals of potassium and other salts. The entire process is very water intensive, and the risk of contaminating nearby water sources is high.

Within two years of Thai Kali commencing mining operations in Dan Khun Thot’s Nong Sai sub-district, residents of the adjacent village of Sai Ngam began to see their crops fail, and traces of salt beginning to appear in the soil surrounding the mine.

What had been productive farmland growing rice, mangoes and corn is now covered with the white residue of salt for much of the year. Dead trees and bushes stand where healthy ones once grew.

“I always thought that they [the mining companies] would bring development to us. I was really shocked to see this much negative impact,” Thanawan says.

At the villagers’ request, the Environment and Pollution Control Office, a Thai government agency, tested soil and water samples from around the mine in May 2022. It??– so high that residents have noted erosion to their walls and buildings caused by the salt.

Krue Kainok, who lives in a village located more than 10km from the potash mine, says that running water in his village became salty in 2019. “We were showering and suddenly felt itchy. The shampoo no longer produced bubbles. When we tasted the tap water, that’s when we knew that the running water had become salty,” he says, explaining that salinised water from the area around the mine flows down through natural waterways into the public pond used by his village.

The villagers bought drinking water for almost a year before they demanded someone take responsibility. Eventually, Thai Kali laid pipes to connect the village to another water source, but the price they had to pay for water ballooned.

In early 2022, when the company started to explore other possible mining locations in the area, residents in the village of Sa Khi Tun quickly saw environmental impacts in the immediate vicinity of a test site. Rice that once grew in abundance stopped growing, and fish in a nearby pond died. Fearing they would face the same fate as Sai Ngam village, residents came together to form the Dan Khun Thot District Preservation Group to oppose the mine and demand compensation. Thanawan, who had returned home from working in Bangkok during the Covid-19 pandemic, decided not to go back to the capital, and became a leader of protests against the mine.

“If we don’t fight, the impacts are going to get worse,” Thanawan says. Thai Kali bought much of the land surrounding the mine from residents, but Thanawan refused to sell hers. “We are fighting so people will see what is happening to us. We want to be an example so the same thing will never happen in other areas in Isan.”

Electric cars and a new reason for more potash mining

In 2021, the Thai government  its ambitious ‘30@30’ vision, which aims to ensure that 30% of the country’s vehicles . This push has put wind in the sails of Thai efforts to develop affordable rechargeable batteries using sodium, a cheaper alternative to lithium. The sodium-ion batteries so far developed by Khon Kaen University – the first of their kind in Southeast Asia – are not yet ready for use in electric vehicles. But the government hopes they will play a key role in the development of Thailand’s own EV battery industry. It seems there are also hopes this will, in turn, boost the potash industry. Official communications on the subject often mention the country’s  as a source of sodium.

Similarly, internal efforts to push potash mining also point to the potential growth in demand for sodium thanks to this new type of battery. This can be seen in a Ministry of Finance document??in January 2023, which states: “There are investors in energy who are interested in investing in the [proposed] potash mine in Chaiyaphum province. These investors are not interested in producing potassium fertiliser but in using potash as a raw material to produce batteries for EVs.”

However, experts have questioned the need for new potash mines to meet demand from the EV industry.

Nonglak Meethong, head of the sodium-ion battery research team at Khon Kaen University, explains that the technology needs very pure sodium. New mines focused primarily on potassium production may not be able to provide this.

The battery they developed used sodium extracted from rock salt mined in Thailand. At current levels of demand, Nonglak does not believe an additional source of the mineral is needed. But demand is likely to increase substantially over the next decade, she says.

“The technology to produce batteries from sodium will be coming in for sure, which is good progress. However, we will need to manage the resources and control the environmental impact,” says Nonglak, noting the need to limit repercussions on communities who live near mines.

Lertsak Khamkhongsak, an anti-mining advocate and founder of activist group The Project for Public Policy on Mineral Resources, agrees that current quantities of rock salt mined in Thailand are adequate for the needs of the battery industry. He fears EVs are being used as a green excuse to push for more potash mining.

Claiming you are trying to be environmentally friendly is a way to get projects “approved more easily,” says Lertsak, adding that “what happens in reality is different”. “At the end of the day, potash will mostly be used by China to make fertiliser.”

“There needs to be a more complete explanation of how they will take care of the pollution and [map out] appropriate mining areas, not just coming out and saying that we will have enough materials to produce batteries,” Lertsak says. “Even with just the potash mine in Dan Khun Thot district, there are already many impacts. If there is more demand from other industries, how will they be able to control the impacts?”

China Dialogue reached out to the Thai Kali Company for their response to the issues raised in this article, but had not received a response by the time of publication.

This article originally appeared in .

The Thai singer, best known as the youngest member of Blackpink, reached the milestone on Christmas. The achievement also makes the 26-year-old the first Asian female to reach that milestone, as well as the first Thai celebrity to do so.

Last week, Lisa earned the distinction as the most influential K-pop artist this year by the Guinness World Records, which adds to an already impressive amount of records, including having the most Spotify streams with Blackpink and being the first K-pop artist to reach 1 billion streams with her solo debut single Lalisa.

The singer also released a new music video for her cover of Britney Spears’ My Only Wish.

Earlier this month, Blackpink, whose seven-year contract with label YG Entertainment that began in 2016 was coming to an end, renewed their contracts after months of rumors of a split. The label said in a statement that it was “an exclusive contract for group activities based on strong trust” and that Blackpink would continue to “repay their fans around the world with activities that match their global status in the K-pop scene with new albums and world tours”.

[Brought to you by?Park Hyatt Bangkok]?

New Year’s Eve Fine Dining Extravaganza at Park Hyatt Bangkok

If you’re into the finer things in life, Park Hyatt Bangkok has not one but two New Year’s Eve events that are sure to be a culinary hit. Dig into an extravagant 11-course dinner at Embassy Room, where the theme this year is authentic Catalan cuisine. Or take the lift up to the 34th-36th floor’s rooftop Penthouse Bar + Grill, where the luxurious 6-course dinner includes a seafood tasting, and grilled lobster or wagyu entrées. Tickets , Park Hyatt Bangkok

One of Hua Hin’s trendier resort spots is burning down 2023 with the mother of all disco jam nights. The hotel’s Lido Bar gets decked out in “wonderland” decor while disco dancers and DJs help you cut up a rug. There will also be a glitter tattoo station (perfect for a sparkly Mike Tyson-style face tat) and singing performances by Amadiva and Cherilyn in the styles of music icons Cher and Diana Ross.?B500 includes one drink, tickets?, The Standard Hua Hin.

BK Magazine once said?. If that vibe is enticing to you, check out Escape this NYE to unleash your inner cyberpunk fantasy surrounded by neon lights and ?LED outfits. Acclaimed DJ-producer Sam Supplier will join the party to bring a high-energy set worthy of a dystopian club future.?Early bird B1,000 (includes three drinks), tickets?, Escape (Emquartier)

[Brought to you by?Mercure Bangkok Sukhumvit 24]

Tropical New Year’s Eve Party at Vue Rooftop Bar

The 29th floor of the Mercure Bangkok Sukhumvit 24 will be hosting a tropical extravaganza to ring in 2024. Guests can pick from three food and beverage packages, or join the celebrations after 11pm for a special rate. DJ Ployfon will provide the soundtrack as you dance your way to midnight. Tickets , Mercure Bangkok Sukhumvit 24

Say goodbye to 2023 at one of the city’s longest standing drinking dens this New Year’s Eve. Expect plenty of special drinks, dining deals, and (let’s be honest) very watchable chaos from Sukhumvit Soi 11 as the night goes on.?Free entry, Hemingway’s Bangkok

Everybody needs to experience a disco ball drop during New Year’s Eve at least once in your life. If you don’t fancy flying all the way to New York City, check out Japan-ISH this NYE for a night of live music, great city views and nonstop beats from DJs Peter Soul, Gwise, and Mamoun.?B5,900 (includes eight-course menu with wine pairings), tickets?, Japan-ISH

[Brought to you by Valia Hotel Bangkok]

Wrap up the year with a decadent six-course dinner at Valia Hotel Bangkok. The culinary highlights include roasted foie gras and strawberries, your choice of smoked beef tenderloin or grilled snow fish entrée, and a chocolate and hazelnut mousse. Diners can pick where they want to dine: the elegant Florae Restaurant, the poolside BelleValia pool bar, or the snazzy Eastern Elixir Social Lounge & Bar. Tickets , Valia Hotel Bangkok

Rooftop bars are some of the best places to take in the NYE madness—considering people blow up half the city with fireworks. Take in that chaos while downing some top-quality Mediterranean eats and bubbly Champagne at Aira Hotel’s Pastel Rooftop Bar. DJs, live performances, and fireworks are on the menu here.?Free entry, tickets?, Pastel Rooftop Bar

Step into the New Year with a grand dinner buffet inclusive of a glass of wine. Get ready for a spread featuring a seafood on-ice selection, including lobster, scallops, poached river prawns, mussels, spotted babylons, and oysters. There’s also sushi and sashimi and suckling pig and more.?More info?, Holiday Inn Bangkok Silom

[Brought to you by?Hotel Indigo Bangkok]

Dinner and Countdown Party at Hotel Indigo Bangkok Wireless Road

Start off your NYE with a chic fine dining dinner at CHAR Restaurant, whose three and five-course menus feature Wagyu tenderloin and a homemade raspberry-pistachio sponge cake. Afterwards, shimmy on up to CHAR Rooftop Bar for the big countdown party where the theme is “Once Upon A Time In Hollywood”. Live DJs and special performances from Madame Rouge will keep the party going until the clock strikes midnight.

But that’s not all! Share your first meal of 2024 with your loved ones at Metro On Wireless’ New Year’s Day Family Brunch—the international buffet includes a complimentary half-lobster for each guest. CHAR Restaurant will also have a special New Year’s Day set dinner menu, available as either three or five courses.
More details?, Hotel Indigo Bangkok Wireless Road

Seen Restaurant and Bar is bringing you a cosmic celebration. Be sure to dress in your best cosmic-themed outfit, to dance and party the night away with celestial music. Be sure to stop by Lost & Found for an?.?Tickets?, Seen Restaurant & Bar Bangkok??

The Lost and Found crew have plenty installed for you! Get ready for an immersive experience of art, disco, and cabaret at your favorite adult playground, there’ll be art activations, and live performances from experimental artists and dancers.?Tickets?, Lost and Found Bangkok??

How about a boat party under the fireworks? There will be fireworks coming from three directions, a four-hour party cruise with drinks, cocktails, food on board, DJs, fire dancers, and MCs.?Tickets?, Watworachanyawas

To wrap up a full year of So pool parties, it’s time to dive into the year’s final party—the countdown edition. There’ll be drinks and nibbles, a chance to watch the fireworks light up the sky, and an impressive lineup of house, techno, and hip-hop DJs.?Tickets?, So Bangkok??

The Neon countdown to 2024 is back! Witness their iconic infinity stage in person, stroll through Neon Downtown, and watch as they light up Bangkok’s sky. With a banging line-up including Axwell, Sebastian Ingrosso, Charlotte Dewitte, DJ Snack, Hardwell, and more.?Tickets?, Wonder World Extreme Park?

Enjoy Mimi’s free-flow open bar and dance your way into the new year. The free flow package is B3,500 per person.?Tickets?, Mimi’s Bangkok?

Skyline’s New Year’s Eve buffet will keep you going late into the night. With fireworks raining over the river, Bangkok will be looking more beautiful than ever from the 11th floor.?Tickets?, Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel??

Haven’t made plans for New Year’s Eve? How about turning back time and celebrating in retro style at the 1826 Rooftop Bar? Groove to R&B, soul, and pop dance tunes. There will be free-flow drinks and a DJ throughout the night.?Reservations?here?or by calling 06-2598-0301, 1826 Rooftop

Raise your glass to new beginnings at Hansar Bangkok. Get ready for a jungle party like no other on the 19th-floor sky garden this New Year’s Eve. There will be a festive buffet, and DJ Natsha bringing the tunes.?Reservations?, Hansar Bangkok?

Celebrate with their five-course dinner and enjoy the fireworks from the terrace with a DJ hitting the decks to entertain you the whole night.?Tickets?, Viva and Aviv The River?

End the year with a bang at Bangkok’s highest rooftop bar and the 3rd highest rooftop bar in the world. Come on up to Sky Beach for a three-hour open bar and beats by Cody Currie, Secretsundaze, and Seelie.?Tickets?, Sky Beach Bangkok, King Power Mahanakhon.?

They’re bringing the bling this New Year’s Eve with a set menu, a live DJ, a celebratory toast, and all the right bubbly. This includes a six-course dinner, a half bottle of Billcart-Salmon Champagne per person, free-flowing cocktails, a live DJ, and complimentary access to the Sky Beach.?Book?, Ojo??

Raise a toast and welcome the New Year at The House on Sathorn! It’ll be a night filled with live music and W Sonic that’ll keep you dancing all night long.?Tickets?, The House on Sathorn??

Get ready to dine, dance, and dazzle on a boat. There’ll be an Italian cuisine live food station, free-flow beverages, a live band and DJ, and a fireworks display when the clock strikes midnight.?Tickets?, Sirimahannop – The Heritage Asiatique The Riverfront Watprayakrai

Celebrate New Year’s Eve and let the Crystal Grill House do all the planning for you with a set menu, unlimited beverages, and a magician!?Tickets?, the Crystal Grill House, Asiatique The Riverfront.

Bar Yard, the 40th-floor backyard rooftop bar, takes festivities to another level with a line-up of live performances from Madame Rouge and DJs that will keep you dancing into 2024.?Tickets?, Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok

Celebrate the New Year with friends and family at one of the trendiest rooftop bars in Bangkok. There’ll be a live BBQ station and a lineup of live DJs and entertainment ready to ring you into 2024.?Tickets?, Ambar Bangkok?

Ring in the New Year at the Octave Rooftop with free-flowing wines, cocktails, spirits and beers, and food from the food terrace. Or, if you feel like dinner, head over to the Octave Restaurant to dine amongst the beautiful city views.?For more info on the different packages and tickets, click?, Octave Restaurant and Rooftop

Head over to the Altitude Rooftop and celebrate with international DJ sets from Hidden Bag, Alex Edels, and Sleepie, a spectacular firework countdown, a curated selection of beverages and free-flowing drinks from 9 pm-10 pm.?Tickets?, The Westin Grande Sukhumvit Bangkok??

Get ready to go wild at the Sky Jungle countdown party. There’ll be unlimited drinks and stunning city views whilst you dance the night away with DJ Rabbit Disco and DJ Groove.?Tickets?, ABar Rooftop?

Get ready for a countdown to 2024, techno vs psytrance NYE edition. Psyhead Community and The Third Techno Crew return for a battle against psychedelic frequencies and dark industrial techno to see which genre is the winner.?Free entry, Culture Cafe Bangkok??

Chatrium’s New Year’s Eve Dinner buffet will transport you back to the quirky 1970s and 1980s. There’ll be a live music performance by Cho and Her Band, DJ Natty, and a fireworks show along the river.?Tickets?, Chatrium Hotel & Residence Riverside Bangkok

Hit up Phrom Phong’s favorite brunch spot for a special meal to celebrate 2024. Featuring at New Year’s Eve Dinner and a next day brunch, look forward to a seafood platter, scallop risotto, Australian lamb, and more.?Book?, Gigi Dining Hall

Head to Portal for your New Year’s fix, where DJ Robi Roka will be tearing up the decks with a mix of drum and bass and techno at one of the city’s hottest clubs.?Tickets?, Portal

It’s a chill, fun spot in Phrom Phong—where you can still get a little messy. Head here for New Year’s bevvies, dishes, and holiday specials.?Book?, The Deck?

It’s one of Bangkok’s most exclusive downtown hotels and they’re holding their countdown at the New Year’s Eve Countdown Party at The St. Regis Bar. Don’t miss the fireworks.?Book?, St Regis Bangkok

If you want a full evening of food, booze, and tunes, head over to Mojjo Rooftop Lounge and Bar for a party under the stars (or smog).?Book?, Mojjo Rooftop

Above Eleven knows their booze and their food and for New Year’s Eve they’re pulling out all the stops with live shows, two DJs, Latin beats, and more.?Book?, Above Eleven

It’s the end of the world at Paradise Lost at Siam@Siam—or the end of the year at least. It’ll be a night of pink and yellow mayhem at this energetic spot, complete with special food offerings and live DJ performances to go with the wild vibes at this spot.?Book via Line at @paradiselost, Paradise Lost

If the wild night at Paradise Lost isn’t your thing, head over to Taan at the same location for a special 16-bite dinner from Chef Monthep “Thep” Kampolsilp at this trendy dining spot. In fact, you don’t have to wait for New Year’s. They’re serving from Christmas Eve to New Year’s Day.?B4,390, Taan

Siwilai Countdown

It’s Thonglor’s hottest new club. Siwilai is pulling out all the stops for their very orange New Year celebration. Party withArmani, JWP, and APACHI well into 2024.This club, opening just last week, is ready to party. More info , Siwilai Radical Club

This story originally appeared in BK Magazine.

Happening this December and into January, the event not only marks the dawn of the New Year, but also celebrates the grand opening of EMSPHERE, the final piece completing the world-class shopping center EM DISTRICT. EMSPHERE is a stunning architectural masterpiece that offers a variety of lifestyle experiences, from dining and entertainment to wellness and art.

To celebrate this momentous occasion, EMPORIUM Department Store has transformed itself into a fantasy land under the theme “The Rhythm of the Star,” where you can immerse yourself in a dazzling atmosphere of joy and surprises. Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift, the latest fashion trends, or a memorable experience, you’ll find it all at EMPORIUM Department Store.

Unwrap (and wrap up) a universe of delights

One of the highlights of the festive season is the joy of giving and receiving gifts. At EMPORIUM Department Store, you can find a wide range of products from local and international brands, suitable for every occasion and budget. Whether you’re looking for something elegant, trendy, or quirky, you can be rest assured that EMPORIUM Department Store has it.

Here, you can also elevate your gift-giving experience with EMPORIUM’s exclusive Star Service, a gift-wrapping service featuring uniquely designed themed wrapping paper and bags that capture the essence of the celebration. Discover an array of patterns and textures to suit your every preference, including the distinctive Furoshiki gift wrapping service, which includes a stylish wooden handle valued at THB1,490 that transforms the wrapping into a trendy bag. This exclusive offer is available for those who spend THB5,000 or more.

Visit the dedicated gift wrapping service station at EMPORIUM Department Store, SportsMall department, 2nd floor, from Dec. 1 to Jan. 1.

Surprises await under the starry sky

Every weekend throughout December, prepare to be showered with delightful gifts and surprises with Star Surprise! For no minimum purchase, you can engage in the entertaining “Star Hunting Tree” game for a chance to win substantial prizes and discount coupons — and there are over 4,000 goodies worth more than THB1.3 million to snag. You can improve your chance of getting that lucky surprise by spending THB2,000 or more at the store.

On top of all that, you can witness captivating performances by EMPORIUM Stars, inviting everyone to dance and revel in the festive spirit.

Exclusive offers to light up your shopping spree

Through Star Offer, enjoy a constellation of special promotions on a curated collection of products, ensuring a spectacular shopping experience for every taste. Explore gift sets from world-class beauty brands, limited editions of fashion and lifestyle items, and premium gift baskets crafted for that special someone.

Plus, M Card holders have the opportunity to win a Toyota Camry 2.5 Premium worth THB1,599,000 with every spending of THB2,000 at the department store. Those who have a UOB, CITI, AEON or Muang Thai Smile Club credit card can double their chance to win, while those who hold a Bangkok M Visa credit/debit card can triple their chance to drive away lucky.

This promotion, inclusive of Power Mall and Gourmet Market, runs from Nov. 27 to Jan. 7.

So go where the three stars align and create unforgettable moments with “The Star of Bangkok.” Let EMPORIUM Department Store illuminate your New Year’s festivities with joy, surprises, and endless possibilities. The stars await you from Nov. 27, 2023, to Jan. 7, 2024.

Follow EMPORIUM Department Store on social media, 

The short hop between the neighboring capitals, clocking in at just over an hour, saw a staggering 4.9 million seats filled throughout the year. While daily flights dipped from 82 to around 36 compared to pre-COVID times, the sheer passenger volume secured its crown.

Asia and the Middle East dominated the top 10 busiest routes, reflecting strong regional travel demand. Cairo-Jeddah (4.8 million seats), Hong Kong-Taipei (4.6 million seats), and Seoul-Osaka Kansai (4.2 million seats) followed closely behind.

The coveted New York JFK-London Heathrow transatlantic link clinched the eighth spot with 3.8 million seats, while other Southeast Asian connections featuring Singapore cemented its regional air hub status.

Closer to home, domestic routes in Japan and South Korea ruled the roost. Jeju-Seoul, Hokkaido Chitose-Tokyo Haneda, and Fukuoka-Tokyo Haneda racked up impressive seat numbers, exceeding 10 million each.

With international travel rebounding and regional hubs thriving, the skies seem poised for even more traffic in the year ahead.

Taking to Facebook to share the devastating news, Abdul Rauf recounted their idyllic trip to the US, only to have it shattered by an unimaginable nightmare. He described enjoying the scenery with his wife when the unthinkable happened. “In a blink of an eye,” he wrote, “she was gone.”

Abdul Rauf’s desperate screams for help alerted nearby hikers, who rushed to locate Aisyah. Sadly, by the time emergency personnel arrived and airlifted her to the hospital, it was too late. The rescue efforts, hampered by thick foliage, took almost three agonizing hours.

Through his social media post, Abdul Rauf poured out his grief and apologized for not being there in his wife’s final moments. “Sayang,” he wrote, using the Malay term for “darling,” “I wish I was there, physically by your side… Everyone misses you and loves you.”

Aisyah, along with Abdul Rauf, co-founded the real estate investment firm Noble Sky International. 

Remembering Aisyah, Abdul Rauf described her as “faithful, doting, and an animal lover who cared deeply about everyone around her.” Even a brief encounter, he said, would leave you feeling special, touched by her genuine warmth and kindness.

Back in Singapore, Aisyah’s family grapples with the tragic loss. Her sister-in-law, Siti Nurwanti, spoke of the family’s shock and disbelief. “She was an angel loaned to us and taken away too soon,” she said, highlighting Aisyah’s selfless nature and her deep love for family.

Abdul Rauf is currently making arrangements to bring Aisyah’s body back to Singapore, where she will be laid to rest near her late grandmother and mother, the New Straits Times reported.

A security team attempted to hold back against the sea of humans before they overflowed the stage, even as a steady stream of people continued to exit the stage every waking minute while neon strobes and pulsating rhythms continued inside.

Three nights in, under the velvet sky, this was Wonderfruit at its peak.

“You can’t get in! It’s too packed right now,” one security staff told 黑料社. “There’s too many people down there, it’s too dangerous.”

Despite his futile attempts at warning the throngs of people still gathering, many attendees continued to wait to gain entry. Suddenly, about four guards clad in yellow jackets emerged from the stage signaling the crowd to make way. Another four guards or so ran from the security area nearby, each clutching flashlights as they hurriedly ran and began to escort an Asian couple who was just inside.

They began to carry the woman to the nearby medical station a few feet away while they threw a bucket full of ice at the man.

The swift response to aid attendees in trouble comes after the festival was criticized by those in attendance last year, who said that it had been ‘ill-equipped and negligent’. Attendees commented that medical personnel were unprepared to treat those with substance-related issues and were concerned at the lack of critical equipment at its medical facilities. Medical tents were also few and far between, preventing any urgent care from being undertaken.

Additionally, at least two people died at the festival held southeast of Bangkok in Chonburi province, in the vast sun-drenched fields of Siam Country Club.

Since ticket sales went live back in May, which came with a price hike, a number of people asked for more transparency regarding how attendance would be capped and what measures would be taken to improve the experience, especially in regard to transportation. 

With Wonderfruit 2023 having finished its five-day run by Monday noon, was there anything the festival improved upon?

Clear visible signs

Last year, 黑料社 reported that there were only seven water refilling stations across The Fields, but they were poorly lit and difficult to find. There were no apparent signs that would direct attendees where to find water.

Conversely, this year the organizers seemed to reflect upon that feedback. Water refilling stations were plenty this time around. Approximately 17 stations can be found throughout the festival this year. Each station was indicated by a bright blue water droplet sign to help attendees find the station at night with ease.

Each station included sinks to wash cups, refill faucets, and interestingly, electrical outlets where revelers can charge their phones. A welcome addition.

It wasn’t only the refill stations that had visible signage. Most importantly, there were an abundant number of medical stations indicated by bright crosses.

A total of nine medical stations can be found as opposed to last year’s meager four. Medical staff, the Iyara medic team, were seen sitting on standby at each station with ambulances parked. Some stations even included an inflatable pool for attendees to cool down.

Resting spots and quick response

For this year, Wonderfruit placed strict security checks. Metal detectors are now in place at the entrance with eight queues. There were both male and female guards to conduct searches.

Security this time was very thorough. Similar to airport checks, many attendees were told to empty their bags. Guards thoroughly checked every pocket with their flashlights. All outside food and drink were disposed of.

Cigarette packs were sometimes emptied to check for illegal substances. One attendee was caught with substances. The guard confiscated the illegal items but did not take any action or arrest. The attendee was able to walk in after confiscation.

A 黑料社 reporter on site witnessed a guard unwrapping gum and forcefully chucking it into the bin despite the attendees pleas.

Medical teams and guards patrolled the festival grounds throughout. As previously observed, they were able to rush with immediacy to anybody in need of medical attention.

Staff were quick to observe any dangerous action undertaken. People who were seen relaxing or sleeping on the open fields were routinely checked by staff to make sure they were okay and conscious.

“I see people actively going around checking on people resting in the area, lying down on beds. That’s definitely an improvement in access to medical care,” festivalgoer Tristan Singh, who attended Wonderfruit for the second time, told 黑料社.

The Solar Village stage, which in the past  included a modular wooden structure for attendees to climb up and relax, had been scaled down by half. Attendees were also no longer allowed to climb to the top like they could before.

黑料社 witnessed several instances where staff yelled at attendees who climbed the structure, before they were urged to go back down to prevent any accidents.

There were now clear resting spots in between stages where attendees could sit down and rest. IV drip stations are also near these resting spots, another welcome addition where attendees from last year said that there was a lack of basic medical equipment.

As previously mentioned, the Quarry stage saw massive droves of people attempting to enter on a very busy Saturday night. Security were vigilant in getting more people to get in out of fear that it could get overcrowded. Minor improvements were made at the entrance of the stage. In previous years, the stage was accessed by a sloping downhill path where people could potentially trip and fall. Now there were wooden stairs in place for people to walk easier.

Throughout the festival, signs were put up urging attendees to “wear good shoes” due to “uneven ground, rocks, debris, holes & ruts.”

On social media, the Wonderfruit Instagram page posted reminders for people to stay hydrated.

Parking?and the perils of going back home

Although the festival saw welcome improvements, ease of transportation took a dire backseat. At night, there was a big traffic jam that took up the narrow road leading to the festival grounds. Many attendees were seen dropping out of taxis, and decided to take motorcycle taxis nearby. Some decided to walk.

Whereas taking a Grab to the festival was easy enough with reasonable prices, going back home was definitely not a pleasant experience.

In the early morning hours and every sunrise, hordes of people gathered at the taxi zones in unorganized queues. No proper system was put in place for the taxis driving in to pick up festival goers.

Many taxi drivers from all over Pattaya were rushing to accommodate the innumerable amounts of people in need of a ride. Because of this, they were charging exorbitant prices.

On the first night, heading back to nearby accommodations cost around THB600-700. By the second and third nights, festival goers reportedly had to pay up to around THB1,200, and by sunrise, THB2,000.

That means attendees could potentially pay up to THB4,000 in total to leave the festival.

Several drivers cite that it was difficult for them to enter the festival grounds due to the long traffic jams clogging up the narrow road that led to the venue.

“Personally, I am sorry for charging this much, but we have to wait for hours to pick someone up,” one driver said. “It is already difficult for us to drive into the festival.”

An anonymous post made in the Wonderfruit Facebook group earlier this week voiced concerns with the taxi fees.

“Please address the issue with the local taxi services,” the anonymous post read. “They charged us between THB1000 to THB1500 for short, 15-minute trips, which seems excessive. Perhaps establishing a partnership with reliable transportation services at fixed rates could be a solution or simply blocking the taxi mafia and [allowing] Grab access to the fields.”

On a separate instance, a driver who’s been driving attendees every year to Wonderfruit attributed the disorganized queues to the event severing partnerships with Grab. Now regular taxis were left, enabling them to mark up prices.

“Previously, in the first year of Wonderfruit, the pricing depends on designated areas assigned by the app. Within Pattaya prices are at THB800, but once you cross the boundaries set by the app even for 500 meters, prices can jump up to THB2,500,” the driver said.

And what about those with a car? The festival now required commuters to fork over THB350 a day for a parking space.

Noise pollution

Wonderfruit saw the addition of new stages including the Japanese DJ-focused Catch 428 stage featuring the likes Yousuke Yukimatsu and Wata Igarashi, as well as Detroit pioneer DJ Stingray 313.

One minor complaint is the spacing between DJ stages. Sound bleeding between stages was quite apparent; at one stage, you could hear molam music on one side and hard-edged techno on the other. 

Wonderfruit would probably need to think about expanding and spacing the stages especially as it continues to gain prominence . Again, it is a relatively minor complaint that can easily be remedied next year.

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With One Dines Free with Mastercard, you can get a complimentary main course when you pay with your Mastercard at participating restaurants in Singapore and across Asia Pacific. This means you can savor more flavors, share more moments, and save more money with your family and friends. 

Here are some of the restaurants in Singapore that offer One Dines Free with Mastercard, featuring their signature dishes and ambiance.

Come to Town if you’re into international cuisine and scenic views. This restaurant offers a global gastronomic journey, with refined flavors from east to west. You can enjoy a power breakfast, a sumptuous lunch buffet, or an idyllic dinner at The Fullerton Hotel, flanked by the Singapore River. Almost anything and everything from around the globe is available here, such as local favorites nasi lemak and laksa to sumptuous dishes from the culinary origins of Italy, India, France, and more.

Modern Indian restaurant Adda prides itself as a place where people gather for a conversation, and the conversation here usually revolves around the restaurant’s soulful and authentic dishes, using fresh and quality ingredients. You can enjoy a variety of dishes, from street food snacks to curries, kebabs, and biryanis. Don’t miss their rich and creamy signature butter chicken, which is sealed with flaky pastry, for an explosion of flavors and textures. The Irani paneer tikka, which is roasted to perfection, also deserves a shout-out.

Allow your posh spirit to bloom at Wildseed Café at The Summerhouse. This floral café and patisserie offers freshly roasted coffee, delectable sandwiches, cakes, pastries, and weekend brunches. You, along with your friends (furry or otherwise — yes, this is a pet-friendly café), can enjoy your food in the charming indoor space, or the spacious outdoor garden.?

Also on the cards is Cherki, a Peranakan fusion restaurant that is named after a forgotten card game. The dishes at Cherki are pestle-and-mortar Peranakan at the core but served in a contemporary style. Crucially, the portions are large enough for sharing, just as tradition dictates. Opt for the likes of the rendang beef linguine, sambal crab fried rice, and the gulai chicken scallopini for your group,? and balance out the spices with desserts such as chendol creme brulee, Cherki nyonya kueh platter, and Singapore rice pancakes with banana.

The food and sake pairings at Tanoke are way more than just okay — in fact, they’re quite exhilarating. The Japanese restaurant serves dishes cooked in the Edo period’s culinary tradition of the Shichirin Binchotan grill. You can enjoy their signature dishes, such as the Australian sanchoku wagyu tomahawk, hamachi kama, tarabagani, and wagyu or sushi bowls. Pair any of the above with Tanoke’s premium artisanal sake from different regions of Japan. Tanoke is also somewhat of a hidden gem, located within a quaint conserved shophouse on Purvis Street.

Conquer your Francophile cravings at Napoleon Wine Bistro, a wine bar and restaurant that serves traditional French brasserie dishes with a modern twist. Napoleon offers the best from regional producers, as well as ingredients sourced from authentic French suppliers. You can enjoy dishes such as the escargots de Bourgogne, foie gras terrine, and steak frites, as well as desserts such as crème br?lée and red wine poached William pear. Napoleon also has imported French wines of the highest quality, with their authenticity guaranteed.

Sabio by the Sea is a Spanish tapas bar and grill that overlooks the Sentosa Marina. Sabio is one of the first tapas bars in Singapore, offering Spanish staples such as patatas bravas, croquetas, and jamon iberico, as well as grilled meat and seafood, such as tender grilled pork chops, squid, and paella. You can also enjoy freshly made sangria, cava, and cocktails. Sabio by the Sea offers a laid back and spacious outlet, with a nautical theme and a breezy atmosphere.

With One Dines Free with Mastercard, you can enjoy these amazing restaurants and more for your year-end festive dining. Whether you are in Singapore or traveling to other cities in Asia Pacific, you can find a participating restaurant near you and get a complimentary main course with Mastercard. This offer is valid until May 31, 2024, so don’t miss this chance to celebrate the festive season with Mastercard. For more details and terms and conditions, visit.

However, the agency is closely monitoring the situation and stands ready to assist ships facing delays due to route diversions.

“Should the disruption be protracted and ships’ schedules increasingly impacted, MPA and partners in the Port of Singapore stand ready to assist ships calling in Singapore to ‘catch up’ on their schedules and facilitate cargo movements,” the MPA said in a statement to Channel News Asia.

The unrest in the Red Sea has prompted major container shipping companies like Maersk, MSC, and CMA CGM to reroute their vessels away from the Suez Canal, a critical trade artery connecting Europe and North America with Asia.This detour around the Cape of Good Hope adds significant sailing time, potentially impacting global supply chains.

“Concurrently, some oil companies are also temporarily halting shipments through the Red Sea,” the MPA noted,highlighting the potential economic ramifications of the ongoing conflict. It estimates that 10 to 15 percent of global trade and 30 percent of container trade transits the Suez Canal annually.

While Singapore’s own port operations remain unaffected, the MPA has advised Singapore-flagged vessels traversing the Red Sea to review their security plans and implement necessary risk mitigation measures. The agency confirmed that it hasn’t received any requests for assistance from these ships at this time.

The Houthi attacks, attributed to their retaliation against Israel’s actions in Gaza, have escalated concerns about regional security and maritime safety. In response, the United States has assembled a 10-nation coalition, including Britain, France, Bahrain, and Italy, to address the escalating situation.

The continued turmoil in the Red Sea underscores the potential for wider economic disruptions, highlighting the need for a swift and effective resolution to ensure the safe flow of essential goods and commodities through this vital trade route.

The accessible European-style restaurant which has won over hearts and tastebuds since its establishment in 2011, serving classic European cuisine alongside cocktails and vino. But let’s face it, Ramsay’s reputation (good and bad) gets a lot of people through the door. 

Maintaining the industrial interior design, the Emsphere location is decked out in comfy mustard colored sofa benches and clean metal touches. An elevated open kitchen sits at one corner of the restaurant so diners can catch a glimpse of the brigade in action—and thrown plates if Gordon ever shows up.

These are the dishes that make or break budding talents in Ramsay’s kitchens, like the spicy tuna tartare—fresh and briny like it’s just crawled out of the sea. It’s a bit on the hot side, but nothing the average Thai palette can’t handle. This is also pleasantly neutralized with some mashed avocado. 

Unusually, the seafood shines at Bread Street. Check out their seared scallops, elevated with some carrot puree, smoky pancetta bits, and refreshing pomegranate. The Lobster moilee is another one to look out for, similar to some Thai style curries with a sweetness from the butternut squash and saltiness from the sauted spinach.

But, you haven’t really been here unless you’ve tried the signature beef Wellington. Get in line as this hearty dish is only available for 50 servings per day.

The cooking and prep time takes up to three days: a dijon-coated Australian tenderloin layered with truffles bundled in golden brown puff pastry. It’s served medium rare with honey carrot and mash, paired with a glass of red wine—so very, very English.  

You can round out your dessert with some sticky toffee pudding—so big you’ll want to share—featuring a cake drenched in a pool of toffee and a dollop of ice cream.

It’s Gordon’s first salivating salvo in Bangkok, so this is a big deal for long-time fans. If you don’t like him, tough luck, because the famed chef and entrepreneur announced plans to open?14 venues in Thailand?over the coming years in a partnership with Tanachira Group.?

G Floor, Emsphere Sukhumvit Road, 063 268 9991, Open daily 11am-10pm.

This story originally appeared in BK Magazine.