What’s the worst thing someone has done or said to try to pick you up ?

Dutchan: Someone just came up and kissed me at the bar...fuck.
Arnaud: Someone said, “You are really cute. Are you a guy or a girl?”
G.E.: A nasty Italian tourist came up to me on Khao San Road and said, “Let me see what’s inside,” then he pulled open my shirt and saw my boobs! It was disgusting.
Natthawatt: An old gay guy wrapped a B1,000 note around a glass and gave it to me.
Nao: In Tokyo, a normal looking guy came up to me and proposed sex for money. He said he would give me B70,000 for one night. It was the middle of the day!
Ploy: A guy asked me, “Are you a hooker? How much?” I replied, “You can’t afford it.”
Hariti: A girl bumped into me and apologized. You won’t impress anyone by hurting them to get their attention.
Nimma: Too many—men really know how to make fools of themselves! Like this: “So you’re from thigh land?’” while grossly caressing his thigh. And, “Can you say ‘Thank you, come again’ in an Indian accent?”
Tiffy: While I’m getting a drink at the bar, a guy tried to touch my butt to show off to his friends. And when I tried to leave, he stopped me and said “I’m getting you a drink, why be so prude.”
Jida: In China, someone asked me, “How much?”

What’s the worst date you’ve been on and why?

John: I went on a date with a girl I met at a club. On our first date she invited two of her girlfriends to join us for dinner. When the bill came, they didn’t even flinch. They expected me to pay, so I did. Super fail.
Arnaud: I went on a beach holiday with a daughter of my dad’s client, she was 5 or 6 years older than me, but really charming, except she turned out to be a fetish addict into hardcore BDSM. Not my type.
Natthawatt: The one who had me waiting at Paragon for four hours. Naturally, I ignored the rest of her texts and calls.
Nao: A guy asked me out for dinner and he took me to a French restaurant. I didn’t like anything he ordered. Then we went back to his hotel to have sex and his penis was tiny! Everything was just wrong.
Samuel: I met a girl in Paris, and the next day she asked me to meet up for coffee. She brought her mom along.
Ploy: We went to a restaurant and the guy couldn’t afford the bill. Stingy guys are the worst dates.
Nimma: Blinged-out grills. Nuff said.
Tiffy: Dating a guy that treats you like a friend makes me confused and totally ruins the moment.
Jida: No, every date always has something good.

What do you think men want in a woman?

Dutchan: Respect and sex, of course.
Jao: Sexual satisfaction, loyalty, honesty and trust.
Arnaud: At first we want perfection, and when it’s not possible, a man will ask for a smile because it means everything.
G.E.: Men either want a woman who they can take care of or a hot woman. Seriously, men are so confusing. When they find a good woman, most of the time they don’t know how to keep them.
Shan: Men want a woman who is attractive, smart (but not too smart that they’re overshadowed) and good in bed.
Jeremy: Someone who doesn’t nag.
Noodie: Independence.
Hariti: Sex and loyalty, respect, passion, maturity and pleasure.
Nimma: T&A
Tiffy: Ability to make decisions, trust and caring
Jida: Freedom and also understanding.

What do you think women want from a man?

Jao: Financial stability, security, honesty and sexual exclusivity.
G.E.: A sexy man, obviously... like a really fit, strong, sexy, smart, mature and cultured man. Someone who makes you feel safe and secure and sexy.
Chaew: Someone who offers something she doesn’t already have, and they need to be funny.
Chirada: People seek security and certainty in life, which is what you expect to find in a man that you love.
Natthawatt: A good man that will take care of her for the rest of her life.
John: The three most desirable attributes in a man are: Looks, swagger and money.
Hariti: Security, safety, maturity, pleasure, adventure, loyalty, passion, respect and sex.
Nimma: Love, friendship, protection, excitement, stimulating conversations.
Tiffy: Trust.
Jida: Understanding.

What’s the best thing about being single?

Dutchan: All the free time that I get to spend with friends, family and myself.
Chirada: It’s a good opportunity to dedicate your time to find peace and happiness for yourself. You have more time to discover your passion in life instead of focusing your passion on him or her.
Hariti: No strings attached.
Nimma: Options.
Tiffy: Freedom.
Jida: Freedom.

Why do you think you are still single?

Dutchan: My personality is very tom-boyish, so maybe I’m better at being a guy’s friend.
Jao: I’m not single, but I can’t afford (financially and emotionally) another real commitment.
Pook: I choose my own way. I only pick what’s best and I’m very picky.
Jeremy: I haven’t found a person yet that understands me.
Arnaud: I`m not single. I’m in a long-standing relationship with fun and freedom.
Nimma: Quality men are hard to come by.
Tiffy: Women stay single because they’re waiting for the right one.
Jida: I don’t understand others.

What’s the best thing about being in a relationship?

Jao: Having consistent sexual satisfaction
Arnaud: When one of the partners remembers every little detail about the other one.
G.E.: Sex
Natthawatt: To have someone be there by your side and share your story.
Shan: Knowing that you have someone at home to come back to each day and someone to hold at night.
Pook: Being treated sweetly and getting attended to every five minutes.
Chaew: The feeling of power you get. The power of having a stronger opinion and resistance to things that you would not have when you are single.
Anita: A feeling that at the end of the day that no matter what happens, I still have someone that will be there for me and will be on my side.
Hariti: Comfort.
Nimma: Someone to share your everyday ups and downs with.
Tiffy: Having a friend who understands me the most.
Jida: Having someone you can share anything with at any time.

What’s the worst thing about being in a relationship?

Jao: Not having consistent sexual satisfaction.
Arnaud: You can’t pass out on the street or at a friend’s house anymore, or else she will cut something off you, or you’ve got to be the best liar of the year.
Natthawatt: To live with a bitch and have bad sex!
Shan: The worst thing is worrying about the other person.
Nao: I feel like I have to take care of his mother and family. I have to think of them and spend time with them; his mom always wants to go shopping with me.
Ploy: People who are too clingy.
Chirada: When two people become too attached and don’t manage to find the time to do what each of them love in life. A good relationship should support the other to become a better person.
Hariti: Becoming fragile.
Nimma: Well, if it’s the right person, then nothing.
Tiffy: Not have a hundred percent freedom in making decisions. Easily getting hurt.
Jida: No more freedom.

The Coffin Shop

Started by the owner’s great grandfather who emigrated from China, the Tia Heng Coffin shop has been open for 78 years. City regulations mean they no longer make their own coffins, while changing funeral customs have caused a real drop in business, but the biggest threat seems to come from the new MRT Line.

Current Generation
Prapaporn Euajitthaworn, 54

How have things changed?
We used to make all the coffins by ourselves. But now we have to stop making them at the shop because of city regulations barring businesses from creating noise or dust in densely-populated areas. We now have to order coffins from out of town.
This is a real family business right?
Yes, I used to run the place then my eldest brother took over. He went to run his own business four years ago, and my younger brother quit his job to take over. We are a really Chinese family so we still stick to the rule that the business must only go to sons.
What does the business entail?
We serve as an advisor for families wanting Chinese traditional funerals. Some of our clients buy their own coffins decades in advance. We let them keep them in our shop. We have one that’s been on hold for 14 years.
How is business?
It’s not as good as it used to be because traditions are disappearing. Now more people cremate their relatives instead of burying them like the old Chinese families did.
Does your business have a future?
Yes, but we might need to change our tactics. Our competitors wait at temples and hospitals for potential clients mourning recently deceased loved ones.

Next Generation
Saengchai Khunvisetpong, 48.

How did you get involved in the business?
I’ve been around the business since I was a kid, but I wasn’t involved. I was manager of a bank and had worked there for 19 years when I was called back by my family to run the business.
Do you like it?
I can’t say that I like it, but it’s in
my blood. It is my duty, as I am the son. I have to take care of the family business.
Does your business have a future?
I’m most worried about the rental agreement with the landlord. We are not sure when they’ll take the shop back. This building is really old, nearly a hundred years. They could decide to tear it down to develop the area because the MRT is going to open a station here. We’ve already bought another shop near Yaowarat to continue our business in case the landlord takes this one back.
Do you want your children to take over?
Definitely. But I have a feeling that they might not want to. They are young and still studying. They might want to do something else.

The Grocery Shop

Originally established more than 50 years ago by the current owner’s grandfather, the Yan Wo Yun Ta Sun grocery store sells hard-to-find imported ingredients from China, Korea or Japan. They’ve survived in a constantly changing market, but the next generation is undecided about taking over.

Current Generation
Joengsak, 54, and Woranuch Tangsombatwisit, 43.

How did you get involved in the business?
Joengsak: It was originally established by my grandfather, then my dad took over. He finally asked me back to help out about 25 years ago.
How have things changed?
We’ve been through a lot, like the emergence of the department stores’ grocery sections. We had to transform ourselves from just a grocery store to selling items that others won’t sell—like special salt soya beans, chili paste from China or instant noodles from Korea—and sell direct to restaurants instead of waiting for clients to walk in. We also created our own brand of soy sauce, too. It’s called Ta Kee Yan Wo Yun or Dek Uan (fat kid).
Who takes care of the business?
Joengsak: It’s mostly me and my wife, but I let my children help out with the accounts and sales to get them used to it.
Does your business have a future?
Joengsak: It does, but we need to continually change. We can’t just sell the same items we used to sell. We have to keep an eye on what’s popular.
Do you want your children to take over?
Joengsak: It’s up to them. I won’t force them to work here. I’ll let them do what they want.
Woranuch: I do. I don’t want to force them, but I have three daughters and we definitely need one of them to continue the business.

Next Generation
Torroong, 21, and Kwanwanas Tangsombatwisit, 16.

How long have you helped with the business?
Torroong: Since we were young. Mom and Dad let us help them and teach us what’s involved in running the business.
What are you doing now?
Torroong: Studying ICT at Silpakorn University.
Kwanwanas: Studying in grade ten. I’m not sure what I want to study at university.
Do you want to do something else outside the family business?
Torroong: Yes, I do. I want to work somewhere else to use my knowledge and gain more life experiences. I’m not sure about taking care of this business but I plan that I might help my parents with the advertising to make more people aware of us. I have no problem taking care of that but I want to do something else, too. I might continue my degree or work somewhere else for a while.
Kwanwanas: I don’t know. I haven’t planned anything yet.
What do you enjoy about the business?
Torroong: It’s good working with newer clients, but some of the older ones treat me disrespectfully because they just see me as the daughter of the owners.
Kwanwanas: It’s good that I’ve learned how to run a business, while my friends just study or sit around at home.

The Decoration Shop

Things remain tough for this family, despite switching from making traditional clothing to Chinese decorations and sacrificial offerings, but at least Ussanee Sae-kang has two loyal childrens who are happy to keep the business going for another generation.

Current Generation
Ussanee Sae-kang, 66.

How did you get involved in the business?
My husband’s parents used to make traditional Chinese clothing for people in Yaowarat. As times changed, I switched to sell shoes or some newer-style clothes. It went well until the first malls arrived in Bangkok and I got really sick. I couldn’t walk. We used all of our money to treat me. When I finally beat the illness, I donated all of my stock and started selling Chinese decorations and sacrificial offerings. We are near a Chinese temple, so it is a good location.
Who takes care of the business?
It used to be only me. But now my daughter and son are helping me. My other children have families and work elsewhere.
How is business?
It’s just good during the festivals, like Chinese New Year or ghost or spirit Festivals. We have to save up then for other times of the year.
Do you want your children to take over?
Of course. We built it together, so I want them to take care of it.

Next Generation
Thanyada Sarapan, 39, and Kampol Kittithammawut, 33

How long have you helped with the family business?
Thanyada: About eight years. My brother and I used to help my mother when I was young. But I went away when I got married and worked for C.P. as a manager. I finally quit and came back to help out when I had a child and my mom couldn’t take care of the shop alone. My brother was still studying at the time, so I had to take over for him.
Kampol: I just started helping about two years ago after graduating from university. I studied advertising. Now I have to learn how to sell because selling Chinese decorations is all about belief. You have to remember everything that relates to the festivals, like people who were born this year must worship this thing to make their life better.
Do you want to do something else?
Thanyada: Now I don’t want to, but I have to eventually because at the end of the day, this business will go to my brother. I might open a shop somewhere else. But it’s quite hard because people always think you have to buy decoration stuff at Yaowarat.
Kampol: I want to take care of my family business. I don’t want to do something else. Now I have to learn how to sell it well. I even studied how to read Chinese to better explain items and their meanings to our customers.
Do you want your children to follow you into the family business?
Thanyada: It would be hard because the business might already belong to my brother’s family.
Kampol: I do. It’s our business.
Do you like working with your family?
Thanyada: I like it. The only hard thing in running this is finding good, reliable workers.
Kampol: It’s good that we have the family feeling at work. I can see my mom and my sister every day. If I worked elsewhere, I wouldn’t have time to be with them like this.

The Tea Shop

Originally started in China, this centuries-old family business has now grown to cover Taiwan and Thailand, where they’ve been in wholesale and retail business for four generations. These days they run a number of tea shops including Ew Kee Tea. While the children are happy to continue the business, they face an uncertain future due to potential changes to the area brought about by the new MRT extension.

Current Generation
Dandit Watthanamaneenin, 66.

Who is involved in the daily business?
It’s me. I’m the one currently in charge of the branch here in Bangkok. We have other branches in Taiwan, but this is where I am based with my wife and three kids.
Does your business have a future?
It’s OK. But we are uncertain of our location. We’re currently waiting for the landlord’s decision on how they would like to manage the area after the MRT’s completion at the nearby Wat Mangkon Kamalawat station. We consider selling tea a long-term business. It would be a sad thing if we have to relocate from Chinatown, though. It’ll definitely affect our business operations, as our shop has had clients here for nearly fifty years.
Do you want your children to take over?
It’s really up to them.

Next Generation
Andrew Wang, 25.

Do you and your siblings help out with the family business?
I’m quite preoccupied with my own projects, while my brother just graduated from university and my sister still in high school, so we’ve been quite inactive. But that doesn’t mean we’re not supportive.
Do you like it?
I’ve never really been a big fan of tea, I’m a coffee addict. However, I’ve recently noticed a growing appetite and appreciation for tea, so as my interest grows, I believe I’ll be more involved.
What do you do now?
I’m a hip hop artist and producer, and I’ll be doing artist management in Shanghai. I also design and have my own clothing line, Luxlivin, and do online marketing. I am exactly where I want to be at the moment.
What is your plan for the future?
Anything can happen. I will definitely devote more of my time and energy into the family business once I’ve fulfilled my projects. I feel like this is one of those family responsibilities a sensible son has to live up to—it’s almost like an inheritance. I even have plans on developing the tea catering side of the business, as well as transforming the tea shop into a more creative/multifunctional tea bar without compromising the quality and original image of the brand. But nothing is certain until we know what our landlord wants to do.
What’s good about working in a family business?
It’s much easier to communicate with each other and sustain trust. There’s no office politics—no one’s trying to undermine anyone else. The badside is it’s difficult to scale up the size of the business unless there are more people to delegate the workload to.
Do you want your children to be part of the family business?
If my children happen to have a strong passion for the business, then I’d definitely encourage them.

Food Stall

The Je Gung food stall has been serving the hungry residents of Yaowarat with classic Chinese dishes from bird’s nest soup to fish maw and coffee for over fifty years. Like others in the area, they are unsure what the planned redevelopment might mean for their business.

Current Generation
Meeju Techa-anantpipat, 82.

How did you get involved?
I was born in Yaowarat. My Chinese parents sold clothing but when I got married, I had to help my husband’s family sell bird’s nest soup. It became hard to find quality bird’s nest, so we switched to selling fish maw soup, guaytiew lord and coffee.
Who takes care of the business?
My eldest daughter and her sister, who is in charge of the coffee stall.
How is business?
It’s OK. We can make a living.
Does your business have a future?
We’re not too sure about the development plan for Yaowarat after the MRT station is built. We might not be able to sell on the street anymore.

Next Generation
Thipmanee Techa-anantpipat, 52.

How did you get involved in the business?
I have helped my mom sell food since I was a kid. I also realized I wasn’t good at studying, So I decided to come take care of the business after grade 7.
Did you ever want to do something else?
I don’t have much education and this is the only thing I know. It can support my family. That’s all I know.
Do you want your children to take over the business?
I don’t have any but I do have nephews and nieces. All I want is to get them the best education they can. I won’t force them to do this. Still they come out to help on the weekend because it’s the busiest time.
What do you enjoy about the business?
It’s tiring, but it also makes me proud that I can take care of all my family members.

THE THREAT MRT Extension at Yaowarat

Project: MRT Hualampong – Bangkae – Putthamonthon Sai 4
Distance: 21.8 kilometers
Timeline: 2011-2014
Stations planned: 15 (Wat Mangkon Kamalawat, Wang Burapha, Sanam Chai, Itsaraphap, Tha Phra, Bang Phai, Bang Wa, Phet Kasem 48, Phasi Charoen, Bang Khae, Lak Song, Phutthamonthon Sai 2, Thawi Watthana, Phutthamonthon Sai 3 and Phutthamonthon Sai 4)
Construction issues: The route of the line from MRT Hualampong to Bangkae runs along Charoenkrung Road (Wat Mangkorn Kamalawat station), and the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) are currently negotiating to expropriate the land. The exact location of some of the station entrances and the development plans for the area as a whole have still not be confirmed.

Napa on 26

2/F Nihonmachi (behind K-Village), Sukhumvit 26, 02-258-2622. Available only Sun 11:30am-2pm.
The Californian restaurant has been doing a brunch for a few months now (B1,500 per person) which includes a free flow of sparkling wine and choice of six different red and white Californian labels. You can combine appetizers from the cold seafood buffet along with soup and a main course.

The Eugenia

267 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 02-259-9011. Available on Sat-Sun 11:30am-2:30pm.
This quaint boutique hotel has recently undergone a change in management and also a change to its set brunch menu, now with Asian influences. For B1,590 per person, you get a pastry and preserves spread, coffee, juice, a glass of sparkling wine and choices like oeuf a la bourguignonne (poached egg in red wine with white truffle sabayon) or homemade gnocchi with duck ragu.

Tables

Grand Hyatt Erawan, Rachdamri Rd., 02-254-1234. Available only Sun noon-2:30pm.
This old-school European restaurant now has a hot, new chef, and a brand new Sunday brunch offering a slightly different concept: live cooking stations that whip up dishes like risotto, scallops and steak tartare a la minute. You also get your choice of lobster thermidor or lobster salad as a main dish. B1,400 per person, B580 extra for free-flow prosecco, wine, beer and soft drinks.

Viu

12/F, St. Regis Hotel Bangkok, 159 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-207-7777. BTS Ratchadamri. Available only Sun 12pm-4pm.
St. Regis now brings its “New-York style” brunch to Bangkok. The brunch (B2,400) features your expected gigantic spread, with an never ending menu of gourmet dishes; and if you’re a cheese lover, their choice of cheese is unbeatable. They also have free flow cocktails (martinis and Bloody Mary) to end your weekend properly hammered.

Rain Tree Cafe, Plaza Athenee

61 Wireless Rd., Plaza Athenee Hotel, 02-650-8800. Available only Sun 12pm-3pm
Plaza Athenee’s Sunday Brunch is not new, but it has just been touched by the molecular gastronomy bug going around Bangkok. That means ingredients have been foamed, liquified or even thrown into liquid nitrogen. The results? Molecular smoked duck or nitro poached cocktails. But if you prefer your brunch less meddled with, there’s still the Alaskan king crab, Maine lobster and Swiss raclette station to keep you happy. B3,040 with free flow sparkling Jeanne D’Arc blanc de blancs brut, cocktails, wine and Illy coffee.

Be Your Guest

24, Sukhumvit Soi 53. 081-637-9047. BTS Thonglor. Private car park. www.villabeyourguest.asia. Available only Sun 11am-4pm
Nestled in leafy Sukhumvit Soi 53, Be Your Guest is a private residence turned gourmet cafe, private restaurant and boutique guesthouse (clearly they like to multi-task). Sit next to their lush garden and private swimming pool while enjoying no less than four different brunch sets with a free-flow of hot coffee, tea and juice: Thai (B590), Parisian (B890), Gourmet (B1,190) or Children’s (B300).

Chu

Room 204-206, 2/F, Exchange Tower, 388 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-663-4554. BTS Asoke. Breakfast menu available only until 11am on weekdays, 3pm on weekends and public holidays.
Although Chu gets its name from its churros (B90/plate, add chocolate or dulce de leche for another B20) and is well known for its variety of desserts, they’ve recently rolled out a breakfast and an all-day brunch menu, both with some serious egg recipes. The egg white fritatta with smoked salmon, mozzarella, caramelized onions and rocket (B260) and french toast with berries (B230) have sparked our interest. If you’re hungover and need that calorific blow out to recharge your batteries; try the breakfast set with two eggs (fried, scrambled or poached) with grilled tomato, crispy bacon, Virginia ham, German Bratwurst, toast, orange juice and hot coffee or tea (B220)—enough protein to make a T-bone look vegetarian.

Hungry for more? For genuine egg breakfast options, such as our faves Roast and RMA, visit http://ow.ly/7YN8J.

The Deck

Few restaurants can boast a spectacle as inspiring as the brightly lit Wat Arun directly across the river. There is a modest list of wines, so you’re probably better off bringing your own (no corkage). As for the food, try poh pia gung (B180) and kai satay (B180). To watch the sun set behind the wat while enjoying the open air, call in advance for the best spots.
Arun Residence, 36-38 Soi Pratu Nokyung, Maharat Rd., 02-221-9158. Restaurant opens Mon-Thu 7am-10pm, Fri-Sun 7am-11pm. Bar opens Mon-Thu 5pm-midnight, Fri-Sun 5:30pm-1am. Parking available

Buri Tara

Decorated in a classy black and red theme, with a mix of Balinese and Thai styles. The most popular cocktails are the Buri Tara Sunset and Falling in Love (B180 each). And of course, there’s the charming view surrounded by trees and the nearby river while bands play soft jazz and acoustic music.
762/2 Rama 3 Rd., 02-682-9457-9. Open daily 5pm-midnight. Parking available, Reservations Recommended

Balco

This open air space has got a white-arched roof, a u-shaped bar and impressive downstream views of the river. You’re paying a lot less for the same views as the neighboring five-star hotels (and it’s on a rooftop) without worrying about a dress code. Try the Baby Green with vodka, midori, banana liqueur, lime juice and a touch of soda water (B180) or go for the usuals (beer B80, whisky B1,200.) Light snacks start from B100.
5/F, River City Shopping Complex, Charoen Krung Rd., 084-928-6161. Open Tue-Sun 7pm-2am. Parking available, Reservations Recommended

NEW >> Viva Aviv

From the folks who brought you Hyde&Seek comes Viva Aviv. We love the fun naval theme, with a dash of industrial chic and pirate inspired-interiors. The delish Piña Colasi (Appleton Jamaican rum, fresh pineapple, orange and black pepper syrup, citrus and fresh young coconut foam, B250) and the Four Cheesons pizza (B225) are awesome.
B/F, River City Shopping Complex, 23, Yotha Rd. 02-639-6305. Open daily 11am-midnight.

In Love Bar & Restaurant

Sure it’s a bit far, and the entire decor is comprised of stainless steel furniture, but the view is breathtaking—with the sparkles of the river and the Rama VIII Bridge. Just make sure you head there before the scenic sunset and bring your own booze because they only have regular beer (Heineken B90).
2/1 Krungkasem Rd., 0-2281-2900. Open daily 11am-midnight. Parking available

Roof by MUSE

Their Korean café-style renovation was completed last year, but they’ve kept the secret garden feel and regular live acoustic music. The drinks are the focus here, so try some sangria (B250-270) together with fancified comfort food like the foie gras burger (B320). Sure, the music is pop covers, it’s tranquil spot for some pre-partying before hitting the clubs below. Happy hours: buy-one-get-one-free on food and drink every Tue and Thu after 9pm. 20% off on a bottle of wine and buy-two pints of Hogaarden to get one half pint free every Sun.
159/8 Thonglor Soi 10, 089-988-5995. Open Tue-Sun 6pm-2am. Reservations Recommended

NEW >> The Speakeasy

Perched atop the Hotel Muse Bangkok, The Speakeasy takes you back to the jazz age of the roaring 1920s. The two-story space sports a prohibition-era inspired décor, featuring lots of dark woods and Art Deco touches. A balcony on the 24th floor lets you take in 180-degree views of Bangkok’s business district, while an al fresco rooftop offers a more leisurely ambiance in a terrace atmosphere. The must-try drinks are long-forgotten classic cocktails that really pack a punch, like the Sazerac 1838, which combines Jack Daniels, absinthe and bitters.
24-25/F, Hotel Muse Bangkok, 55/555 Langsuan Rd., 02-630-4000. Open daily 6pm-1am.

Nest

Beachside chilling meets LA pre-party at this rooftop bar. Crash on the Thai-style beds or cozy up in a swing-seat for two—ideal for a romantic cuddle. Get their recommended spicy mango (B330), cranberry mega cocktail (B330) or go for the Champagne cocktails (B350-750).
Rooftop/F, Le Fenix Hotel, 33/33 Sukhumvit Soi 11. 02-2550638-9. Open daily 4pm-2am. Parking available, Reservations Recommended

Skytrain Jazz Pub

It’s a long, steep climb to the top—and you may not get a seat on weekend nights—but Skytrain Jazz’s rooftop location and grungy shophouse cred gives it a wonderfully gritty urban feel. Sip on Singha as the BTS rattles past, basking in the pale light of Century Movie Plaza’s giant marquee. This is not a rooftop bar to escape the big bad city; it’s where you come to remember why you love it.
5/F, 6 Rangnam Rd., BTS Victory Monument. 02-640-0303. Open daily 5pm-1am.

Nang Kwak

While many places try to recreate a garden atmosphere with a couple of potted plants, Nang Kwak truly succeeds in both going green and providing a sweeping panorama of Thong Lor. The rooftop really is charming but to be honest skip their food and try their wine buffet (B999)—red and white from South Africa, Chile and Australia with a selection of main courses, available daily 6pm midnight.
3/F The Third Place, Thonglor Soi 10, 02-714-7938. Open daily noon-2pm and 6pm-1am. Parking available, Reservations Recommended

Phranakorn Bar

Apart from opening the gallery space downstairs for art exhibitions by young talented artists, this four-story venue located on Ratchadamnoen Road reserves most of its charm for the rooftop bar that lets you enjoy the fresh air along with a view of Phukhaothong temple. Popular for its tasty Thai food at very reasonable prices, the place combines candlelit ambiance, easy listening music and a very arty crowd.
58/2 Soi Damnoenklang Tai. 02-622-0282. Open daily 6pm-1am. Parking available

Ambar at 4 Points Sheraton

Perched on the top floor of the newish Four Points Hotel, amBar attracts locals despite its hotel location, in part thanks to its DJ events (see BK+, page 26). Chill out on daybeds on the terrace or poolside—too bad you’re not allowed to jump in. Cocktails B250-350, beer B100-250, whiskey B240-350 (glass). Happy hour is 5:30-7:30pm and the deal is buy one get one free for selected drinks. If you’re in Nana and need a space to chill out, this is one of the very few spots, that offers you non-sleazy poolside seats with affordable prices.
8/F, Four Points by Sheraton Hotel. 02-309-3113. Open daily 4pm-2am.

Barley Bistro & Bar Silom

This modern rooftop bar has a dark dualcolor scheme, bean bags and some stencil art. Their views are blocked by high-rises on all sides but you can still enjoy the breeze. Their popular cocktail, Fly Me to the Moon (B300) is a blend of vodka and fresh pineapple juice in a carafe. There is also wine by glass (B220), beer (B130), whisky (B1,300) and mixers (B30). If you get peckish, try their Thai fusion food like the fettuccine tom yum (B200). Silom is a seriously crap neighborhood to just catch a drink but at least here the booze is cheap—and there are no creepy sexpats.
3/F, Food Channel, 3 Silom Rd. 08-7033-3919. Open daily 5pm-1am. Parking available

Bloc Beer & Bistro

Exposed brick walls sporting photos and shelves lined with beer bottles from around the world make up this after-work spot. The third floor balcony seating offers nice views of Narathiwas. Please note that there are no local beers here—not even Heineken. But there are a respectable number of brews on tap: Hoegaarden, Stella, Leffe, Guinness and Hofbrau (B220 per pint, B130 for half) and an impressive variety of imported beers.
3/F City Viva, Narathiwas Rd., 089-181-1888. Open Mon-Thu 4pm-2am, Fri 4pm-4am, Sat 2pm-4am, Sun 2pm-2am. Parking available

Water Y

Water Y looks pretty similar to the former Ruen Rub Rong with the renovation mostly focused on color tones—white tables, dark wooden chairs, a pool in the middle. Whiskey ranges from B450-1,400 (by the bottle), beer B100-140 (by the bottle) and mixers are B30. The bar also offers lots of Thai dishes like tom klong pla salid (spicy soup with deep-fried gourami fish B140). In short, nice views of Ladprao along with not-so nice popsanova covers.
12/F, Pisawit Tower, 614/126, Phahon Yothin Soi 24. 081-376-4466. Open daily 5:30pm-midnight.

Red Sky

Red Sky’s view puts it in the league of high flyers like Vertigo and Sirocco. A classy martini and wine bar,it has two zones. Outdoors, everything is made from mahogany: floors, walls, the long counter top and the stools. Given the strong martinis (B350), lightweights should maybe opt for their sweet white chocolate martini. Wines range from B900 to over B30,000 and the collection includes 240 labels housed in a two-story wine cellar.
55/F, Centara Grand, CentralWorld, 99 Rama 1 Rd. 02-100-1234. Open Daily 5pm-1am.

The Garret

The vibe here is casual sophistication, thanks to the lounge-y, prohibition-chic furniture and stylish setting out on the rooftop terrace. Signature cocktail granilla vojito (B290) adds a scrumptious vanilla twist to a classic and the richy (vodka with lychee juice, B290) is a must try. Still feeling indulgent? Try the “Original GR” beef burger (B320).
Rooftop/F Mini Showroom, Ekkamai Soi 7, 02-711-6999. Open daily 11.30am-2.30pm and 6pm-midnight. Parking available, Reservations Recommended

Above 11

One of the new rooftop bars and restaurants to emerge on the Sukhumvit Soi 11 party strip this year, Above Eleven serves Peruvian-Japanese fusion fare, known as Nikkei cuisine, along with a refreshing list of cocktails made from Peruvian Pisco. Make sure you book ahead to get a table right by the edge and take in the sweeping views of Sukhumvit. Happy hours: 50% off on cocktails daily from 6-8pm. 
33/F, Fraser Suites Sukhumvit, 38/8 Sukhumvit Soi 11. 02-207-9300. Open daily 6pm-2am.

Park Society

For a real breath of fresh air and a park view to boot then you should head up to Park Society on the 29th floor of the super trendy Sofitel So. Inside is for fine dining with an impressive menu of international cuisine, while out on the rooftop with its soaring columns, it’s all about killer cocktails, lounge tunes and the striking view. For a more intimate night out there’s also a small mezzanine one level up called Hi-So Cabana. B500 entrance fee with one complimentary drink.
29/F, Sofitel So Bangkok, 2 North Sathorn Rd., 02-624-0000. Open daily 5pm-1am (Bar).

Scarlett

This year saw the former Sofitel Hotel on Silom Road transformed into the Pullman Bangkok Hotel G. Part of that transformation included the renovation of the 37th-floor wine bar into a brand new venue, Scarlett, a sister to the popular bar by the same name in Beijing. The biggest change to the space was the addition of a breezy outdoor terrace, which packs serious wow power thanks to its city skyline view. An extensive and pretty affordable wine list, the industrial-bistro decor, DJs at the weekend and a menu of classic dishes and tapas options have made it a very popular spot.
37/F, Pullman Bangkok Hotel G, 188 Silom Rd., 02-238-1991. Open daily 6pm-1am.

Balco

Something of a hidden gem, this open-air space has got a white-arched roof, a u-shaped bar and impressive downstream views of the river. You’re paying a lot less for the same views as the neighboring five-star hotels (and it’s on a rooftop) without having to worry about a dress code. Try the Baby Green with vodka, midori, banana liqueur, lime juice and a touch of soda water or stick to the beer and light snacks.
5/F, River City Shopping Complex, Charoen Krung Rd., 084-928-6161. Open Tue-Sun 7pm-2am. Parking available

Kunipa Changkiew

64, housewife and volunteer at the Chulalongkorn Sport Center

Are you a volunteer here?
I actually live in Don Muang and was helping at the volunteer center at the airport for ten days before the floods came to my house. Finally, I had to evacuate and my son brought me to his apartment in Bangkok. Now I have been helping here at Chula.

Has your house been affected by the floods?
I was living by myself so I wasn’t able to save or pack away most of my belongings. Many of the things are heavy and I can’t carry them by myself. Now that I know how high the water level has reached, I am sure everything in my house has been destroyed. I was unable to put my car in a safe location, so that is also gone. Everything is gone there.

Why did you decide to come and help even though your own house is under water?
I don’t have much to do in Bangkok and I don’t have much money to help others but I can give my strength. It makes me happy.

What do you think of the government’s handling of this disaster?
They did not inform the public properly. They seem prepared but had problems cooperating with each other. I also don’t know if I will receive any help once I return home.

Thipawon Bookpokklong

32, storekeeper, now at Rajamangala Stadium

How has your area been affected by the floods?  
I am from Ayutthaya, I was born there and have lived there all my life. At first the water arrived just like regular floods, then as the dam broke it got worse and worse. We realized it wasn’t like the usual floods anymore. When we left our house the water was chest high. After we left, I called my father and he told us that the water was over their heads.

Did you come here with other family members?
I came originally with six people, my children, husband and other family members. Now two have already gone back home. The military arranged for them to go back. But we were told we would have to pay B1,000 per person.

Will you received any compensation?
We were told that homeowners would receive B5,000 per person but as I am not the owner of my house I don’t think I will receive this. I have lived in that house all my life and all of my belongings are lost. I believe that they will not give me the money because they will say I am not the owner.

How do you find the conditions here?
I was originally at Thammasat [Rangsit Campus] and I liked it there better as it was closer to home. Also there were 3,000 people there which is fewer than the 4,000 here [Rajamangala Stadium]. What is good here is that there are enough supplies and we are well provided for. I have a baby and we receive a good amount of baby supplies.

Buntham Punanon

36, factory worker now at Rajamangala Stadium

How did you end up here?
I’m from Ayutthaya. We heard about the floods coming but there was nothing we could see, so we went to sleep thinking it would arrive the next day. At midnight, we awoke to the water rushing into our house. We started packing and trying to salvage our things. Finally, we finished packing by 4am. Then me and my two children left but there was so much traffic that we had to take the army truck to Thammasat. We arrived at Thammasat on October 12, spent 10 days there and then seven days here [at Rajamangala Stadium]. It’s hard to believe that it has been more than two weeks already.

How is life here?
There are definitely enough supplies for everyone but the most difficult thing is equal distribution among the 4,000 people here. At first, we did not get any clothes so we had to use whatever we brought with us. They would give us washing powder and we washed our clothes in the bathrooms. But finally, I just received this bundle of clothes so I won’t be needing to wash so often.

Are you well informed about the flood situation?
I have heard that the Hua Mark area will also flood so they are offering us the chance to move to other provinces, but you have to go when they decide and only with the military. I also heard that 4,000 people are being moved around to different shelters in Korat and other places every day. Last I heard from my province, the water was about waist level and was receding slowly, also that some roads are beginning to clear. I want to to go home now but the military is charging B1,000 per person to arrange for you to get home and I do not have any money to pay.

Will you receive any aid?
They said that if your house is completely destroyed you will receive 75% insurance but no one is coming around to ask you how much you have lost or how much you need to rebuild. This month I will get paid even though I have missed many days of work, but next month my salary will be according to my work hours. But as my factory has been affected by the flood waters, I am not sure if I will be able to find work once I return home.

Janejob Pasunon

32, volunteer at the Rajamangala Stadium’s relief center

What brought you to this center?
I am from Ramkamhaeng and my area didn’t flood. I am one of the staff here. I feel good working here. After a long day I feel useful and like I am helping people. Sometimes I go home around midnight.

How is the general mood?
They are all very stressed and mainly looking forward to going home. There have been lots of doctors and psychologists coming around to check on them. There are even celebrities that have come to talk to the people; like Aum Patcharapa came the other day. Everyone really enjoyed that.

Are you getting enough supplies?
Although we have been receiving lots of supplies and donations, there is still a constant lack of basic items such as water, sanitary pads and bras for women, as well as towels and milk powder for children. I believe there have been some volunteers, evacuees and even outsiders that have been hoarding items, especially water.

What is your assessment of the relief efforts?
The biggest problem has been the executive decisions: there seems to be difficulty making decisions about how to deal with the flood waters. Also water management was poorly controlled.

Any advice for the evacuees?
Although these floods are terrible, from what happened, I see the kindness of people and their willingness to help. Every day I see ordinary people and children coming to help each other and volunteer. It is important to stay strong during this situation and trust in the goodness of the people to help you.

Malee Solthikasetrin

67, owner of a small food store, now at Rajamangala Stadium

How has your home been affected?
I am from Ayutthaya. I have lived there all my life. At first we knew that the water was coming so we began to set up tents and things to block the water. However, when the water began coming over the barriers we moved to a nearby temple. We stayed there two days and then even the temple began to flood and we were asked to move to a different section of the temple grounds. Finally that flooded as well, so we decided to go to a local Tesco. Of course, after a while, Tesco also began to flood and then we began to realize how bad this flood really was. After this, the military arrived and my family and I were all taken to Thammasat.

How were the facilities at Thammasat compared to Rajamangala Stadium?
At first, the facilities there were really good: we had more space as there were fewer people and plenty of food and water. But then the floods started to arrive there, the power went out and there was less food for everyone. After this, they began moving people to different centers and they gave us a choice as to where we wanted to be relocated. I am with my whole family so they sent us here because it has more space. I came here with eight people from my family. Here, the facilities are good, we have a lot of supplies and we have been receiving items such as food and clothing.

How do you feel about the current government’s role in dealing with the floods?
I don’t know if they acted as quickly as they should have. I doubt that we will ever receive enough compensation to rebuild our house and our livelihood.

What has been one the most difficult thing about this for you?
The hardest thing for me and everyone here has been the shock of seeing your house and all your possessions completely underwater. Seeing the water level going above my roof will be something I will never forget. I also want to go back home and rebuild my life and start working again, get back to my normal lifestyle. My greatest worries right now are getting the
funds for me to rebuild my home.

Wanwasa Kaewchompoo

32, bank employee

How was your house flooded?
My mom, dad, aunt, grandma and I live together in Klong Sam, Pathumthani. At first we planned to stay in the house even though the flood was coming but when the water finally got here, it took only one day to fill our house and reach 50cm. Four of us decided to move out with my grandma who is 96 years old. We moved to our relative’s house in Don Muang but, unfortunately, that place got flooded seven days later. I had to move again to Klong Ha in Pathumthani. My dad later moved out from Klong Sam with one dog after the water reached 1.5 meters. Now they all live in Don Muang, 13 people in one house, while I live in an apartment in Thong Lor that my bank rents for me because I still have to go to work.

How is your family?
They are OK right now because they live on the second floor but it’s getting harder to find food. We got a little help from outside and we still can find some food in the street which is often B10 more expensive than usual. I worry that if the flood stays, they might not have anything to eat.

What do you think about this disaster?
I think it’s man-made. They miscalculated the amount of water in the dams and we got a weak government who failed to manage things. They don’t have real experts to manage this and all they do is panic people. All they say is, “You should evacuate.” But I don’t see any support for the evacuation plan. I also think we need more soldiers to help people. It’s not enough. Even the Flood Relief Operation Center (FROC) can’t cope. I went there to help pack stuff but some of the relief bags didn’t have the complete list of goods or were damaged.

Will you get compensation?
I don’t expect I will. I sent a claim but I haven’t gotten an answer yet. But to be honest, B5,000 won’t cover all the damage. It would be great if the government’s banks could give cheap loans to affected people.

Pagorn Jungrungruang

26, advertising creative and volunteer for the Office of the Consumer Protection Board

How did water reach your house?
My family lives in Bang Bua Thong. Two weeks ago, I came back home to my parents and found that the road to my village was already flooded. I had to ask for some help from a car to even get home. People in my village were very fast to react: they shared the cost on sand bags and water pumps to keep the whole area dry. It did work at first, but water started to come through the walls from the back of our houses, and then up through the water pipes in our toilets and kitchen. I felt like everyone was playing a kind of plug-the-hole game to save their homes. Finally, the water found its way through tiny cracks in the tiled floor.

When did you decide to move out?
When the water started to sneak up through the tiles and cockroaches began to stream out from the pipes in the toilet. My parents believed we could still save the house, but me and my siblings argued with them. My dad just had heart surgery and it wasn’t worth the risk. We waited until water reached the first step of the stairs, cut the electricity off and told our parents we had to leave. It was too late to use a car so my dad asked for help from his friend who had a boat to pick us up. It was hard to resist the urge to take every single belonging with us, but we had to worry about more important things—life.

Where did you go?
We stayed at our cousin’s house. Now my parents are taking a vacation in Prachuapkirikan. I have nothing left to worry about, so my siblings and I are back at work. I’m staying over at my office.

You also volunteered.
I work for the Office of the Consumer Protection Board, so my office is actually one of the help distribution centers for flood victims at the moment. Donations come here and are distributed later to the flooded areas. My friends and I are also working on this Sunshine After Flood project to caution people on how fast and how bad the flood can affect them if they aren’t prepared enough. My family was so “chill chill” at first and now we’re the victims ourselves. It’s better to leave the house, securely locked and prepared, than to leave on a boat.
See Pagorn’s video and other flood projects at http://tinyurl.com/3oamnkp or www.facebook.com/sunshineafterflood

Amitha Amranand

28, freelance writer

In which area is your house located and how many family members live with you?
I live in Pinklao with my sister, maid and my maid’s family in the same house. My mother also lives with us but is out of town for the time being.

How did the floods arrive at your house?
The flood started coming at night from out of the drainage pipes on the road. The water levels kept rising and falling at intervals of about ten minutes. The next morning the water levels had receded from the day before but then in the afternoon they had risen higher again. This was basically how the floods kept coming until we were calf-deep in water. It came into our garden and ground floor by going right through the sand bags we had set up. Finally that night we decided it would be a good time to evacuate. We wanted our housekeeper and her family to come with us but they felt more comfortable staying behind, so they remained at the house and also looked after our five dogs. I felt we were well stocked up on water, sand bags, dry goods and so on; enough for those staying behind. Friday morning, my sister and I got a ride to a dry road thanks to our neighbor who had a truck that could drive through the water. We spent the night at a friend’s house and then left to Chiang Mai the next day.

What is the state of your house now?
The toilets are working and the power is still running. Last I heard, the water around my area is waist level. I am worried about the risk of disease and electrocution for those who stayed behind.

What do you think of the way the government has been dealing with the floods?
The current floods have been around for a month already, not to mention that once a year some province in the country experiences a flood. The Thai government should understand the importance of flood preparation and management. It’s crazy that people have just been focusing on the most recent weeks of the flood just because it’s finally starting to enter Bangkok and affect the city-dwellers. I believe that the government should stop worrying about day-to-day events and consider what is needed throughout the country to help the flood victims and prevent this disaster from happening again.