Thanongchai Talavanich, owner of O-Corner (6/F, MBK, 02-611-4880. BTS National Stadium) tells us about his passion for retro gaming and how he started his store.

How did you start your shop?
I was a gamer since I was young. I experienced these video games from their very first generation. At that time, I was studying veterinary medicine at Chulalongkorn University and during my fifth year, I had a lot of free time. I decided to take a Japanese language course and I began to frequently visit Japan. My friends would always ask me to bring back games. I had this Japanese friend in university and, one day, he saw me holding a bag from his parent’s shop in Japan! Selling video games was his family’s business. So, two years after graduating, we came up with this idea of opening a shop at MBK and importing new and used games from Japan.

What is your first video game and console?
The first game that I seriously played was “Mario” on the Family Computer by Nintendo, although “Pong” on the Atari is even older.

Is your entire collection for sale?
If you’re thinking of being a seller, you cannot be possessive. Maybe I’ll have a console of which only three exist in Thailand. But if someone out there wants it more than I do, I’ll sell it to them. I’d rather the game or console be with someone who really wants it. After selling it, I miss it, though. I’m also a collector that way. But I never regret it. I’ll have a chance to find more in Japan, whereas my clients only have my shop. There is this one console I’m really attached to. It’s a Gameboy booth that comes with a big screen. My friend said I could have it after we had been running this shop together for three years. There are less than five in the whole world that are still in working order.

What is your favorite console and game?
My first experiences were on the Family Computer by Nintendo which is also my inspiration for starting this business. But today, my favorite one is the NEO-GEO by SNK because you really get that feeling of playing in an arcade. The NEO-GEO is the most expensive console in this shop, though—it’s 50,000 baht. Also I’ve grown up, I have less free time, and I like games you can finish quickly. My all-time favorite game is Mario 3 though, because of the exquisite graphics. I never feel bored playing it, even though I’ve finished the games 50 times or more.

What do you think about TCDC’s Digiplay exhibition?
There’s about 40 items from my shop that have been put in the exhibition. At first, I couldn’t believe that they were really interested, because TCDC is about design. After I’ve saw the exhibition, I realized that they’re right; video game consoles have been carefully designed to impress people. I think it’s a good exhibition. It feels like a museum of retro games.

Do some people buy these consoles for decoration?
Yes. Here, we’re talking about rich people whose homes have entertainment rooms full of different consoles and they can play them on a huge screen. Sometimes they decorate their walls with these games. These people are actually pickier than game collectors because every game has to be playable. It’s like showing off and upgrading your social status. Interview by Rattikarn Suwithayaphan

DigiPlay is on display until May 22 at TCDC.

The craze for bubble tea, or cha nom khai mook, started in Taiwan about 30 years ago and has since spread around the world, reaching tea lovers as far away as North America and the UK, where the first shop specializing exclusively in bubble tea just opened this year. The signature twist, of course, is the bite-sized dark pearls at the bottom of the drink, for which extra fat straws are provided. These pearls are made of starch from tapioca, a plant also known as sago and cassava in other parts of the world. The pearls first have to be boiled, stewed, then soaked in a sugary syrup for up to four hours before being deemed ready for consumption. Actually, they’re not even exclusive to bubble tea, but are added to other desserts as well. You may find them gooey or otherwise icky, but slurping up these beauties through big, brightly colored straws, are one of the joys of bubble tea, making them insanely popular and prompting shop owners to come up with their own fun, flavorful and chew-worthy alternatives, ranging from jellies to pudding mixes. Here we round up some of the stranger options that the top bubble tea shops in Bangkok have to offer:

Dakasi: pineapple jelly, aloe, chocolate pudding
Mr. Cup: chao kuay (grass jelly), vanilla ice cream
Mr. Shake:  honey jelly, milk pudding, apple jelly
T.Bar: kanten (a Japanese gelatin)
Miss Mamon: azuki (red) beans, milk pudding

Why did you feel compelled to return to this painful period of Cambodian history?
I have come to understand why my family and many thousands of Cambodian were killed. I want to help Cambodians and the world understand in greater detail why this disaster happened in the hope we will not repeat history.

What has been the feedback like in Cambodia?
The film was only shown in one small cinema in Phnom Penh because the government don’t allow it to be shown widely. But those Cambodians who have seen it have been excited and I believe we are entering a new phase of understanding our history. It has encouraged them to learn more about the Khmer Rouge. The younger generation have read books and seen films and heard their parents telling them about atrocity and starvation but they don’t believe, because they’ve grown up in a more peaceful society.

Any comments on the current Thai-Cambodian relationship?
I do not want to see any fighting or killing from the dispute over the border and temple. I am a Cambodian and I have lived through many wars and I see how war always destroys people’s lives and fragments society. If we [Thailand and Cambodia] do not agree at any point, we should solve it in a peaceful way through discussion. But if that is not possible, we should go to court. There we shall have to smile at each other and accept the court’s decision. It is a good lesson for the new generation to learn.

What’s next?
The killing fields are actually a result of the political conflict that went on inside the Khmer Rouge party. We plan to show this in much greater detail in our second film, Suspicious Minds. It will feature the same people as in Enemies of the People. But it will also include others who were on both sides of the political struggle.

Enemies of the People is screened exclusively at SF World Cinema (7/F CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd., 02-268-8888. www.sfcinemacity.com).

How did you two start doing the show?
Pairoj: We first began around two years ago. At first Kartoon started off with her solo shows when she was five. After she was on Dan Dara, part of At Ten’s famous talent show on Channel 3, she was invited as a guest to many TV shows, game shows and events.

Why did you decide to do the show here at the hospital?
Pairoj: Well, we didn’t think it would be this way, but when an organizer contacts us, we go and perform; so it’s really our job now. Sometimes we also go to shows outside of Bangkok and even weddings and birthday parties. It’s something we are happy doing and I think we wouldn’t do anything else.

Kartoon, when did you start playing violin?
Kartoon: My dad taught me when I was three years old. I can also play piano, guitar and drums. In the future, I would like to learn the flute and ukulele.
Pairoj: I’m a violin teacher. I teach in school, at student’s houses and also at home. After teaching Kartoon, I noticed that she picked it up really fast and obviously had a gift. She could remember all the notes from books and even began transcribing chords from famous songs.

How much do you charge for performances?
Pairoj: It depends on the particular show. This one pays B3,000, but at other events outside Bangkok, it can be up to B30,000. Sometimes, we also do it for free.

Has Kartoon been in any contest before?
Pairoj: Yes, she has been in many contests and won many. Recently, she competed in a contest on Phuying Tueng Phuying [a TV program], where she had to hula hoop while playing the violin.

Do you ever feel tired?
Kartoon: Never, because I have so much fun and I don’t get lonely. I feel like there’s always someone beside me and it’s like playing with a friend. Also when there’s a lot of audience, it pushes me to perform to the utmost.

What are your dreams?
Kartoon: My dream is to be like Vanessa Mae [Thai-Singaporian violinist].
Pairoj: My dream is to see Kartoon take her musical skills to the national stage. She needs to practice hard.

How does your wife help with the shows?
Pairoj: She is our personal manager. She takes care of the schedule and Kartoon’s clothing and makeup. Sometimes when the schedule is tight, she has to feed Kartoon in the car while reading a map to figure out where we’re going next. Interview by Rattikarn Suwithayaphan

Samsung Galaxy Tab II

Spec: 8.9- and 10.1-inch screen | 3MP camera with flash and 2MP web camera | Wi-Fi+3G | Android 3.0 Honeycomb
Price: TBA for 16, 32, 64GB (launch Jun 2011)

LG Optimus Tab 3D

Spec: 8.9-inch 3D screen | 5MP 3D camera with flash and 2MP web camera | Wi-Fi+4G | Android 3.0 Honeycomb
Price: TBA for 32GB (launched in UK for £799 in Apr, Thailand launch TBA)

Acer Iconia Tab A500

Spec: 10.1-inch screen | 5MP camera with flash and 2MP web camera | Wi-Fi | Android 3.0 Honeycomb
Price: B17,900 for 32GB

Motorola Xoom

Spec: 10.1-inch screen | 5MP camera with flash and 2MP web camera | Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi+3G | Android 3.0 Honeycomb
Price: B21,900 for 32GB Wi-Fi, TBA for Wi-Fi+3G

As a child: I always had a problem with any kind of authority.
In your pocket: I’m afraid I can’t answer that question without my lawyer present.
Never leave home without: Jesus.
Stupidest trend: Wobblers. Just kidding.
Favorite audience: Anyone who is willing to listen to music without prejudice.
Happiest moment: Getting engaged to my fiancé.
Best gig you’ve ever been to: JB and Dark Angel at Café Democ in 2002.
In 20 years: I hope I will still be Djing.
All time fave song: “For all of us” by PFM.
On a night out you: Pass the dutchie on the left hand side.
Last lie: I would never do such a thing.
Rule for life: Be like Nike and “just do it”
Day job: Teacher.
First Job: DJ.
Idol: Satan.
(Would like to be) remembered as: A guy that played really good music.

1. Bright colors are the key look for this summer. If you can’t resist wearing plain colors like black, at least hold onto some colorful accessories. This can be your purse, shoes, nails, scarf, watch, or even a hair ornament. Just make it pop.

2.  Paint your lips in exciting colors like neon orange, splashy red, or wild pink. Try M.A.C or Make Up For Ever (M/F, Siam Paragon, 02-690-1000).

3.  Sunglasses are forever and will always be one of the most essential accessories for the sunny season. The best look for this year is retro, or big and bold. But if you like something more daring, then cat-eye shades are a must. Try Calvin Klein Woman or grab one from Platinum Fashion Mall (222, Petchaburi Rd., 02-121-8000) at only B100.