1. TBA, Sretsis

2. TBA, Senada Theory

3. B4,995, Greyhound

4. TBA, Issue

5. B4,550, Disaya

6. B2,950, Kloset

7. B4,550, Disaya

8. B2,595, Greyhound

9. TBA, Sretsis

10. TBA, Matina Amanita for Sretsis

11. B2,450, Kloset

12. B16,500, Disaya

Essentials

Disaya. Try L/F, Gaysorn, 02-656-1388, www.disaya.com
Greyhound. Try 3/F, Siam Center, 02-251-4917. www.greyhound.co.th
Playhound. Try 3/F, Siam Center, 02-252-3861. www.greyhound.co.th
Kloset. Try 1/F, Siam Paragon, 02-610-7907, www.klosetdesign.com
Issue. Try Siam Square Soi 3,
02-658-4416, www.issue.co.th
Senada Theory. Try 3/F, Siam Center, 02-252-2757, www.senadatheory.com
Sretsis. Try 1/F, Siam Paragon, 02-610-7881, www.sretsis.com

Sudarat Laksiriroj, who has been renting two properties from the university in the old Sam Yan Market area for over 40 years, explains her ongoing legal battles and the effect of all the changes on business.
Chula gave us a first eviction notice 16 years ago. But then they let us stay. In 2007, they sent a lawyer, who brought us all to the court and made us sign a moving consent document. We all signed and didn’t really pay attention because we thought they would just let us stay like last time. We paid our rent like normal for a year and right after that, they told us we could only stay until June 2009. Most of us didn’t have anywhere else to go, so we stayed until the end of that year. Around May 2010, I found a notice on my other house, saying that according to the 2007 contract, they had the right to take over the other property I also rent in Sam Yan. I didn’t believe it at first because I’ve never owed rent for that house in the 40 years I’ve been there.

Many other tenants and I decided to hire a lawyer and thought we could fight and ask for another three-year contract. Chula just brought up that 2007 contract, as it states that Chula has the right to take possession if I didn’t move by their deadline. I found a new space to rent and moved as quick as I could, but then Chula told me that they were going to charge us B400,000 as a late leaving fee. I couldn’t take it. I don’t have that much money, so I asked them if they will accept B100,000. This issue is still going on.

My sales are lot less since the old market was torn down, and also because some old customers don’t know that we’ve reopened nearby. I understand that Chula has the right to have their land back, but they shouldn’t have been this cruel to us. We are innocent people trying to make a living and we didn’t really understand what we signed. I’ve lived here since I was born. So I’m bound to the place and feel very sad that everything has changed.

Essentials

GAP. 1/F, Siam Paragon, 02-269-1000,
www.gap.com
Greyhound. Try 3/F, Siam Center, 02-251-4917. www.greyhound.co.th
Playhound. 3/F, Central Chidlom, 02-254-3670.
Shake Appeal. 3/F, Mathematics, Siam Center, 02-658-1000.

Crystal Design Centre (CDC) has finally understood that not all of us can buy a posh designer chair every time we go to the mall. Unlike the big furniture brand stores that opened in the community mall’s first phase, this latest crop of openings offers a lot more variety—and a little something for everyone, including those with smaller wallets. Spread over two floors and divided into 11 sections, each store comes with its own mood. So in comparison to the stern modern look of CDC part one, this extension brings a touch of fantasy, almost like the vibe you get at faux-Tuscan mall Palio in Khaoyai.

There have been some serious food and wine additions, too (as you know, if you’ve been reading our Flavors section). But tired shoppers seeking a smaller pick-me-up can also swing by the new Kuay Tiew Khai Yon Yook (L4-111) for old-style noodles topped with boiled egg, or London-style café Cuppi Coffee (K3-114) for a cake and some free Wi-Fi. There are also a few fashion stores, now, another novelty for the design-focused mall. You can even find tech products such as the high-end audio shop, Bose by Asavasopon (L1-107) and instruments—Music Acumen (K106) has guitars or ukuleles starting from B1,800. But more than the variety, what we love most about the place is that all of the shops’ interior designs are creative and exciting, making return visits a must, despite the location. n
Crystal Design Center. 1420/1 Praditmanutham Rd., 02-101-5999. Open Mon-Thu 10am-8pm, Fri-Sun and national holidays 10am-9pm.

Kim, 5

“I’d put on beautiful clothes and have my mom do the hair for me. I’d give him flowers and ask him out to the movie. And also take him to the beach and share him some yummy candies.”

Pooh, 6

“I’d send my friend out to her and ask if she wants to come play with us. I’d go sit near her at lunch, and when it’s party time, I’d send my friend to give her a present.”

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Bell Sarunya, 24, Secretary

“A guy from the same school got off at the same bus stop and stalked me until I was in front of my house. He approached to me and said ‘Hey, let me send you home today.’ I was like, ‘Duh, this is home.’ Too bad he wasn’t very attractive, so that kinda freaked me out.”

Fern Chattrabhorn, 23, Client Service

“A guy added me on Facebook and talked to me like he knew me for a long time. He would’ve impressed me though if he let my toot friends get their hands on him.”

Ice Rattanavija, 24, Sales Engineer

“Guys turn me off when they try to act cool. It’s so unnatural.”

Neena Uaesoon, 27, HR Payroll Analyst

“My boyfriend went out shopping alone and bought me a waxing kit. He was the one waxing my legs.”

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1. DULY Sport Shirt, B4,450.

2. Earphone, Skullcandy: Smokin’Bud, Paul Frank. B1,290, Loft.

3. Lantern, B250, Zeen Zone.

4. Hot water bag, B295, Zeen Zone.

5. USB drive, B590. Zeen Zone.

Essentials.

DULY. 3800 Rama IV, 02-672-2891.
Loft. 4-5/F, Siam Discovery, 02-658-0320.
Zeen Zone. 7/F, Central Chidlom, 02-793-7777.

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Celebrate Singles Awareness Day (SAD). Head to Q Bar for Find your Valentine (or not).

Get dirty in a movie theater. Bangkok’s movie theaters can be dodgy for one of two reasons. Type A offers legit double-bills for B70 but no one is watching the movies. They’re gay cruising zones or just dark places for couples who can’t afford a motel. Is your seat sticky? It’s not a spilled soft drink. Try Phaholyothin Theater opposite Big C, at BTS Saphan Kwai. Type B is a more straight forward porn movie theater, like the Laem Thong Rama on Rama IV Rd. An all-day screening of up to five movies will set you back B50.

Find the love of your life. If you’re actually not that happy alone, do something about it. Matchmakers will usually interview you and then set up dates with people they think are a good match. Try these:
- MeetNLunch. 02-652-0044, www.meetnlunch.com. Rates: B5,000 for a single date, B12,000 for 3, and B27,000 for 7 dates.
- Bangkok Matching. 083-687-9343, www.bangkokmatching.com. Rates: B5,999-B9,999 for a single date, B52,000-B77,000 for 1-year of unlimited dates.
- ILikeDate. 02-711-6860, www.ilikedate.com. Rates: B7,000 for 3 dates, B12,000 for 1 year of unlimited dates, B25,000 for a lifetime VIP membership.

Unleash all that frustration. The Mingles Pub at Amari hotel (1880 New Petchburi Rd., 02-718-2000) lets you down a vodka shot before smashing the glass in a designated cubicle. B248/shot.

Egg couples. Ideally, you need rotten eggs, but fresh organic free-range ones—if that’s all you’ve got in the fridge—will do. Head to any of our recommended restaurants, wearing a ski mask, and simply pelt the couples with the eggs. You’ll feel better. They’ll have something to tell their grandchildren. Top tip: Wear running shoes.

Get plastered at home. How about a Yaowarat Toddy? A signature cocktail of Soul Food Mahanakorn (56/10 Sukhumvit Soi 55 [Thonglor], 085-904-2691), it’s pinkish red (to mark the occasion), pretty easy to make, strong and delicious. Restaurateur Jarrett Wrisley supplies the recipe:
* Chop about 1 tsp of fresh ginger, and muddle it (smash it, to release the juices) in the bottom of a highball (tall) glass.
* Add 5cl of white rum, preferably Havana Club.
* Add 2cl of Monin raspberry syrup (available at Villa Supermarket).
* Add 2cl of freshly squeezed lime juice (or, the juice of 1/2 a good Thai lime).
* Add 3cl Cranberry Juice.Stir.
* Top with plenty of ice an and soda water.

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Go on a cruise. A romantic cruise down the Chao Phraya can be a good warm up for your special night. If you don’t happen to own a yacht, for B4,000, love birds can enjoy a 2-hour international buffet, live music, and a stunning view of the shining stars and temples. Try Chaophraya Cruise (02-541-5599. www.chaophrayacruise.com). But if the idea sounds better suited for your parents (it kind of is), just head to Lumpini Park (MRT Silom) instead. For B80/hour, you can hold hands and breathe in loads of slightly less polluted air as you pedal your little boat into the sunset.

Play it safe. If you’re not ready to raise a baby, then wrap it up. But if you’re bored with Durex, go for something with ticklers or some exotic flavor. Too shy? Try www.zeedcondom.com for discreet home delivery.

Sing your love. But don’t just head to any karaoke joint. R&B Karaoke has over 10 concept rooms to help you set the mood, with rates starting B300. Don’t forget to call 02-675-4224 and ask them for an all-night promotion. Karaoke not enough? Then we suggest you do it at Yes!! R&B (Arena 10, Thong Lor Soi 10, 02-675-4224) before heading down to the dance floor at Demo or Funky Villa. The place features over 16 themed rooms based on concepts like Prison Break or Dream Girls. B399++ each, inclusive of karaoke room and dinner buffet, 6-10pm.

Reach for the stars. If you’ve already done it in the pool, the stairwell, the car and on your desk, it’s time to go inter-galactic by doing it in the Star Wars room of short-time motel Banana State (55/1 Moo 6, Kanjanphisek Rd., Nonthaburi, 02-459-2121/-4.www.bananstate.com). It’s clean, it’s whacky and you can always ask for the Madonna or Marilyn rooms if Ewoks aren’t your idea of sexy.

Skate before sex. Ice skating is the ultimate romantic outing. Hold hands, pretend you’re in a romantic comedy set in New York, and cozy up together to fight the blistering cold.
- Blu-O. Nightclub vibe and lots of teens. B150/ hour or 180 from 9pm-midnight. 4/F, Esplanade, Ratchada Rd., 02-354-2138.
- The Rink. Small and surrounded by curious shoppers. B250/90 minutes. 1/F, Forum Zone, CentralWorld, 02-613-1480.
- Imperial World. Affordable but crummy ice. B150/session (3-4 hours). 5/F, 2539 Ladprao Rd., 02-934-9253.
- Imperial Samrong. Serious, olympic-sized, industrial and a little scary. B200/day. 02-756-8217.

Heat thing ups. If the same old sex routine’s getting too dull, heat up your bedroom temperature with some assistance from all the sexy goodies at The Hidden Closet at Mansion 7 (Ratchada Soi 14, 02-275-0057). We like the edible undies for him and her (B220 each) made from selections of flavored jelly—passion fruit, cherry, vanilla, and strawberry chocolate. But if you have a thing for sadism, get one of their paddles (B2,300), a handcuff (B950), and start the spanking exercise. Hot and steamy costumes, erotic sextivity games, and special condoms are also available to turn things on.

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