25

Number of stations.

35

Number of 3 car BTS trains.

1,106

Number of passengers these trains can carry.

12

Number of new 4-car trains being introduced to the Silom line this November.

1,490

Number of passengers these trains can carry compared to current.

500,000

Average number of weekday passengers.

570,000

Highest recorded weekday usage of the BTS.

1. Clean the face before applying a makeup base on the face and neck. Then follow by applying super white foundation cream. The color has to be whiter than the natural face color.

2. Use your hand to rip up a cotton pad, and then roll one piece into a thick roll. Make its length about the same or less than your forehead from left to right. Apply eyelash adhesive glue as a strip along the forehead (same length as the rolled cotton pad). Stick the cotton roll right on the glue line. Make sure that it is well and truly secure.

3. Repeat step 2, and stick the second cotton roll by making its ends touch both ends of the first roll. While waiting for the glue to dry, use the grey eye shadow to make your eyes look more sunken. Also do this to your eyelid, and laughter lines.

4. Apply black or dark brown eye shadow inside the scar circle on your forehead. Add an additional fear factor by making it seemed bruised with red and purple eye shadow. If the scar looks too flat on the face, use some glue to give some additional texture.

5. While waiting for the glue to dry, apply lip balm to your lips and color with the black eye shadow.

6. Blend together the extra dark coffee and grenadine to get your fake blood. Drop the blood onto the scar and let it run down your face naturally. Touch up the scar with extra red lipstick, and back comb your hair for a suitably wild look. Narisa Pokunchanan.

Makeup by Thanakorn Saengsongsin (Khun Elle Makeup
085-046-4545).

Essentials:

Makeup Base, Super white foundation.
Eye shadows: Black, brown, grey, purple and red.
Cotton pads, Eyelash adhesive glue, red lipstick.
Coffee and red grenadine.

Four Fixes For Fragrant Feet

1. Apply baby powder on your feet before putting your shoes on, and clean your feet thoroughly after taking your shoes off.
2. Blend a one-lid amount of mouth wash with 2-liters of warm water in a basin. Keep your feet in the basin for 20-30 minutes, before drying them thoroughly.
3. Vinegar also works. Pour 1/2 cup of vinegar into 2-liters of warm water, and then leave your feet in the tub for around 10-15 minutes or until the water gets cold. Don’t forget to dry your feet.
4. Make your life easy with the Odor Control Foot Spray from Scholl, B200, or the Super Deodorizing Foot Spray from Boots at B180.

ESSENTIALS

Mango Mojito. 1/F, Shoe Café, Paradise Park, Srinakarin Rd., 02-787-1641.
Greyhound. 2/F, Emporium, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-664-8664.
Clarks. 3/F, Eden,CentralWorld, Rachdamri Rd., 02-613-1332.
Miss Selfridge. 1/F, Atrium, CentralWorld, Rachdamri, 02-613-1703.
Cole Haan. 1/F, Central Chidlom, Ploenchit Rd., 02-793-7777.

For a look at the state of street fashion in Bangkok, see our photo essay.
 

Jongkol Tangpradit, ELLE Fashion Editor

What’s your definition of street fashion?
Individual character and style expressed through clothes. The difference between traditional fashion and street fashion is that street has less limitations. It’s what people pick to wear for their daily lives.
How does Thai street fashion differ from elsewhere?
I think most Thais wear similar things, and that makes street fashion a bit dull. Thais tend to copy what they see in the media or what’s being worn by celebrities. In other countries, like Japan, people express themselves differently. If you walk down the street in Japan, you see people dressing in their own unique styles. Still, Thai teenagers these days are getting more daring in the way they dress. We can see more people who know how to mix and match, and there are signs of some unique styles developing. Thanks to online media, Thai fashion is getting more fun as cultural barriers are lowered.
Do you have any tips for getting a street look?
Just know yourself, who you are, and what your style is. Sticking to your own style doesn’t mean wearing the same clothes because that would be too boring and repetitive. What you do is adapt new trends with your own style. For instance, top up your cute secondhand dress with a designer pair of shoes.

Pipat Kim, Central Personal Shopper

What’s your definition of street fashion?
On the runways, there is haute couture, and ready-to-wear, which are created by designers. On the street, it’s all about what people pick themselves and wear for their daily lives.
How does Thai Street Fashion differ from elsewhere?
Thailand has some limitations due to the weather. In other countries, there are seasons. Here, there’s really only one season, so we have fewer opportunities to play with layering. Also Thai people like to stick to the same trend for a while. For instance, maxi dresses. Usually in other countries, by the end of a season, people tend to move on to the next trend. But, Thais have a blurry of picture of seasonal changes, so it takes longer for them to realize a trend is out.
Do you have any tips for getting a street look?
I personally like layering to create something unique. However, it can be difficult here because of the weather. So go for thin cotton fabrics. Street fashion’s all about mixing and matching.

Jean-Baptiste Andreani, Academic Directork, Raffles International College

What’s your definition of street fashion?
It’s the people’s fashion. Normally, fashion comes from the catwalk and then spreads down to the masses. So people adapt what they see from the catwalk. Street fashion is the opposite. A person sitting on the balcony of a café can be the designer. They are inspired by what passers-by are wearing instead of watching what’s presented on the catwalk. To me, street fashion’s like an individual’s picking power. I think it’s so much more spontaneous, and is based on the ability to mix and match.
How does Street Fashion in Thailand differ from elsewhere?
Thai street fashion’s very interesting. When people ask me how’s Bangkok, I answer, “It’s creative chaos.” A mix between modern infrastructure and more traditional elements.  When I walk around Siam Square I can see people wearing a lot of different patterns, colorful outfits—and that’s quite daring. Thai street fashion is representative of that. I would say that the main influence of Thai street fashion is Korea, followed by Japan. We will get to see more and more influences from Korea, actually. The typical thing about fashion in Thailand is the social collectivism culture. As soon as someone picks up a trend, it spreads very fast to the rest of the population. I’m not sure if we’ll see Thai street fashion’s unique identity any time soon. When we look at how Thai designers produce, we see good designs, good materials, but they are still influenced by the west.
Do you have any tips for what makes a good street look?
The craziest combination is always the best for me. I love to see women that wear an old pair of jeans, with a very expensive handbag. My tip would be, don’t look at Style.com, don’t look at Vogue, don’t look at the runways. Instead, look into your closet, see what you have, and pick the items by yourself. Be spontaneous. Fashion reflects who you are and what you believe.

This week sees the city’s fashionistas crowding around the catwalks for the Autumn/Winter 2010/11 shows. For complete listings, Click to Elle Fashion Week & Bangkok International Fashion Week 2010 HERE. But we’re also interested in what’s happening out there on the pavement and that’s where we went hunting for hot looks that actually work in the real world. What we found, a small but growing population who isn’t afraid to take risks with their style. They may be young, but let them be your inspiration to mix, match and flaunt your personality.

1. Natcharee, 25, flight attendant ♥ Kloset
2. Ohm, 23 ♥ Chatuchak’s secondhand
3. Meemi, 21, student,  ♥ Fly Now
4. Peck, 26, singer ♥ Marc Jacobs
5. Puntaree (Pleng), 21, student ♥ Zara, TOPSHOP
6. Puttipong, 23, student ♥ CPS, Lee, Ray Ban
7. Money, 18, student ♥ secondhands
8. Nanaril, 24, writer and assistant stylist ♥ Christian Louboutin
9. MYNDDCK,18, student ♥ TOPSHOP
10. Pipe, 23 ♥ Siam Square
11. Saratsanun, 22, student ♥ Vivienne Westwood
12. Lelwalee, 51, Banking Officer
13. Nont, 20, student ♥ Fred Perry
14. Hong, 24, graphic designer ♥ Sweet Chic
15. Pantida, 22, film director assistant ♥ Fendi
16. May, 24, designer  ♥ black jeans
17. Worakorn, 22, student ♥ Soda
18. Laksamee, 21, student
19. Netty, 17, student ♥ Siamsquare, Suanlum Night Bazaar
20. Theeranee, 25, shop owner ♥ YSL, Balenciaga
21. Takashi Yurotsu, 28, graphic designer
22. Natcha, 23, student ♥ Martin
23. Janejira, 24, marketing ♥ Nine West
24. Jida, 31, singer ♥ vintage
25. Fai Sirichat, 24, english news anchor, ♥ Chloé
26. Eve, 17, student ♥ Siam Square
27. Prommintr, 20, student

Is this fashion? Find out what the experts think here.

Essentials

1. B1,500, Elegance (Central)
2. B2,690, Arosse by Nuance (Loft)
3. B590, Cote Table (Central)
4. B30, Article (Central)
5. B190, Ektra (Central)
6. B215, Ektra (Central)
7. B250, Loft
8. B695, Chef’n (Central, Loft)
9. B110, Anita Home (Central)
10. B1,950, Loyfar (Central, Paragon)
11. B450, Anita Home (Central)
12. B450, Keetat (Central)
13. B290, Ektra (Central, Paragon)
14. 4 pairs for B95, Flower Ware (Central)

Central. 4/F, Central Chidlom, Ploenchit Rd., 02-793-7777. BTS Chidlom
Loft. 4-5/F, Siam Discovery Center, 02-658-0238. BTS Siam
Paragon. 999 Rama 1 Rd., 02-690-1000 BTS Siam.

Essentials

TOPSHOP.
G/F, CentralWorld, 02-613-1660.

Steve Madden.
2/F, Siam Discovery, 02-658-0299.

Miss Selfridge.
1/F, Atrium, CentralWorld, 02-613-1703.

Daniel Hechter.
4/F Central Chidlom, 02-793-7777.

Jaspal.
2/F, Siam Center, 02-251-5918.

D&G.
M/F, Siam Paragon, 02-610-9333.

- Go big and dramatic with these at B500 from M.A.C.

- Let’s get freaky! Neo Fringe B3,500 from Shu Uemura

- On a budget? Get these extra thick and long lashes for B20 on the streets around Silom.

- Stand out from the crowd with these Fluffy Tail lashes at B1,250 from Shu Uemura.

- Set hearts aflutter by adding these feathery lashes to your look for B400. BSC Panadda

- For party animals, go wild with this pair for B935 at Make Up For Ever

how to: Apply false eyelashes in 6 steps

What you’ll need:
A pair of false eyelashes, false eyelash glue, liquid eyeliner, and scissors.

1. Apply a thin line of the eyeliner along the upper eye lid.
2. Compare your eye length to the lash to make sure that they fit perfectly. The length of the lash should not exceed the length of your eye. If it does use the scissors to trim them down.
3. Apply glue to the edge of the lash. Apply a thin layer on each side.
4. Start from the middle of the lash, place it onto the edge of your upper eyelid and use your finger tip to softly press it onto the skin. Make sure that the lash sticks to your real eyelashes as much as possible.
5. Check if the lash is secure. If not, pull it off gently, and repeat step 1-4.
6. Apply the eyeliner once again to achieve the perfect eye curve.'

Essentials

Shu Uemura. 2/F, Siam Discovery Center, Patumwan. 02-658-0263.
M.A.C. 1/F, Central Chidlom, Ploenchit Rd. 02-655-7292.
BSC Panadda. M/F, Beauty Hall, SiamParagon, Rama 1 Rd. 02-610-7761.
Make Up For Ever. G/F, Emporium, Sukhumvit 24 Rd. 02-269-1000.

1. CLEAN AIR

Bangkok is mobilizing to throw cars out of our city. Finally! On Car Free Day, organizers will be giving out flags to stick on every participating bike as they cycle around town en masse. While Car Free Day is on Sep 20-22, the rally to raise awareness about the event is on Sep 19. Register and checkout the itinerary and schedule at www.thaicycling.com or call 02-612-4747. Bikers will also get free BTS trips on 19-22 Sep 2010

2. A Great Ass

Studies have shown that cycling to work improves cardiovascular fitness by 3-7%, tones muscles, burns approximately 300 calories per hour, reduces the threat of heart attacks by 50% and is one of the few exercises that can reduce cellulite. It is also low impact creating less stress on the knees and ankles than other exercise regimes like running or aerobic workouts.

3. Fixie Fashion

Every single graphic designer and ad creative already has one, so what are you waiting for? The fixed gear bike or “fixie” is the perfect archetype of the original two-wheeler. This is a single-speed bike without a free-wheel, meaning that whenever the bike is in motion, the pedals will turn. (Backpedalling is also the only way to brake.) A favorite with NYC bike messengers, the fixed gear has found a lot of fans here in Bangkok and there are numerous crews around the city. Some ride the bikes for sport, doing tricks not unlike skateboarding, but most of the recent adopters are in it for the lifestyle and fashion statement. On http://www.bkkfixed.net/forum/ you’ll see a score of small banners for fixed gear bicycle shops, cafes and even places selling cool fixie-focused T-shirts. For the bike pictured above, check out at Cog’n’Roll (126, Soi Wat Mahaputaram, Siphaya Rd., MRT Hualumpong, 081-376-9696, http://cognroll.wordpress.com/)

4. Compact Convenience

Ok, so we appreciate that Bangkok is just a little too hot and a little too scary to cycle long distances, which is where a fold up bike comes in. These bikes are convenient for commuting around the city, as you can fold up the bike, carry it with you on the BTS or MRT, and then pedal off into the sois without having to hail a cab. Try the foldables from classic brand Dahon (from B5,900) or this stylish hipster option by Mini Cooper at www.aimbike.com, price B16,500.

5. Budget Bikes

If B16,5,000 is a little out of your reach, but you you still want to ride in style, then check out some of the cool secondhand bicycles from Japan at www.bicyclestu.com. We particular like the foldables starting from B2,500, and some elegant all-purpose road bikes from B5,000.

6. Yummy yogurt

Riding your bike burns calories, so once you finished pedalling you’ll need a little pick me up. Stop by Sealee Fixed Gear Shop & Café. (33/306 Chokchai 4, Ladprao 53, 083-808-9061. www.sealeeefixed.com. Open daily 3pm-midnight) for a complete fixed gear bicycle (and parts) and some homemade yogurt (with toppings like strawberry, blueberry, cereals), choc lava cake, coffee and smoothies menus. You earned it.

7.Happy Feet

Head down to Bike Station (2456 Phathanakan Road corner of Phatanakarn 58, Suan Luang, 02-722-9999) for a range of cycling shoes (they have large sizes, too, for cycling giants) from B3,500-12,000. They carry Merida, Bianchi, and Colnago. It’s also a great bike shop and they’ll service your bike with parts from Shimano, Mavic, Campagnolo, and Sram. Wait, there’s more: check with them for info on their weekend and holiday riding trips.

8. Caffeine Cycle

The Tour de France used to be infamous for the Belgium cocktail, a potent mix of coke and speed that did wonders on tired legs. Short of that, you’ll have to settle for caffeine and we suggest you get your dose at Velayenn (59/27, Soi Thanpuying Puangrat-Prapai, Sugarlust Café & Bistro, Sukhumvit 26, 080-900-2610, www.velayenn.com, Open Tue-Sun 5pm-midnight). As well as coffee, you can get cake, pasta, and Thai dishes. Beware, you’re in fixie zone, so expect plenty of hipsters.

9. You Need a Unicycle

Two wheels bad, one wheel good. Well that’s what unicyclists will tell you anyway. Pick your own up at the S.Sombat Kanamuji (5-7 Chula Soi 8, Bundathong Rd., 02-611-7832-3, 081-423-1438. www.sombatkanamuji.com/) megastore. They have a huge range of imported Japanese bikes for sale including one wheeled offerings. A unicycle should set you back around B1,000 but that doesn’t include the protective gear needed while you learn to ride it, though. (The shop is currently out of stock but check back or place an order).

10. Cruise Control

There’s nothing like cruising alongside the Chao Phraya River, wind blowing in your face. With its old-school simplicity meets modern design flourishes, the cruiser bike has witnessed a mini renaissance here as of late. Choose your own cruiser at NYLA (G/F, Esplanade Cineplex, Ratchada Rd., 02-660-9297-8). The shop offers several cruisers from Nirve, with prices ranging from B18,000-B36,000.

11. Training Ground

Wachirabenchatat Park (Suan Rot Fai) is a great picnic and cycling spot. You don’t even need a bike here, with rentals available for B20-30 each, depending on the bike model or your negotiation skills. They’ll take your ID so you don’t cycle off into the sunset with their precious ride. There’s also a butterfly park and a faux urban environment (complete with traffic lights) for kids to practice riding their bikes.

12. ATVS

If you’re going off-road, you’ll want a bike with (at the very least) front suspension to handle the bumps. Mountain bikes aren’t just for mountains. Any uneven terrain will do, from dirt roads in Kanchanburi to sidewalks on Sukhumvit. However, if you’re planning to use it primarily on the road you can drop the suspension and save yourself a chunk of cash. Bike Zone (2/F, Outdoor Unlimited Zone, Amarin Plaza, Ploenchit Rd., 02-652-1559, www.bikezone.co.th) offers a good range from Marin. Beginners can settle for the Iron Springs (B23,800) but we’d date anyone with a Full Carbon Team CXR at B155,000 (right).

13. Get High

At just two and half hours from Bangkok. the area around Khao-Eto in Prachinburi, is the place that mountain bikers in the know come to get their off-road kicks at weekends. There are actually three main trails that cover varying levels of difficulty, there’s also a bike shop for repairs nearby and a restaurant for recharging the batteries. Get full details and maps of the trails at http://www.mountainbiketoursthailand.com/ as well as loads of other suggestions for other MTB trails all over Thailand. 

14. X-Factor

The human-powered cousins of the motocross motorbike, BMX are made for jumping ramps and tearing down dirt tracks. If you’re the outdoorsy type with a daredevil streak, this bike is definitely for you. For street-riding, wheels with 48 wire spokes and fairly smooth tire threads are decent enough for you to maneuver through tight alleys and ramps. If mud is your middle name, bikes with 36 rugged 13-gauge spokes, 24-inch heavily threaded wheels and just rear brakes should do the trick. Track down your own BMX ride at Rollyas (Ramkamhaeng 24, 087-919-7719. www.rollyas.com), price starting from B6,240.

15. Lazy Sundays

If the romance (and environmental friendliness) of getting around on a bicycle moves you, but moving your ass doesn’t, try www.la-bicycle.com for an electric bicycle, which can bring you to places up to 40-km per one battery charge. Alternatively, aim high to something evern more exciting like the Eneloop bike from Sanyo, (ashamed you have to order it from Japan at cost around B77,500) works a bit like hybrid, allowing you to charge it by pedaling and then use its battery when you get tired.

16. Tandem Trips

Cha-am may not be as chic as Hua Hin, but the seafood there is cheaper and better. More importantly, the 3km long beach has plenty of tandem bicycles for rent. And they are pink! B20-30 per hour for a single seat. B90-150 for more a tandem—some even have three seats if you fancy a seaside menage a trois!

17. BAAN BAAN ELEGANCE

We like Cog’n’Roll (126, Soi Wat Mahaputaram, Siphaya Rd., MRT Hualumpong, 081-376-9696, http://cognroll.wordpress.com/) as much for its fixed gear bicycles painted in original Bangkok taxi colors as for its low-key workshop vibe (wooden walls, location tucked by a temple—see below & left). Bikes start at B25,000 but you could start with a pair of brand new wheels (B2,500). Added bonus: they’ll help you install them and provide all the neccessary tools.

18. Reduce Reuse Recycle

Join the bike recycling campaign at www.thaicycling.com to share your old, unused rides to the schools in the rurals. Just drop those off at their office, or give them a ring (02-612-4747), so they know where to pick the bikes up.

19. High-Tech Luxury

If you want the very best in bicycles then you could do worse than splash out on this B330,000 road bike available from Probike (231/9 Sarasin Rd., Lumpini, 02-253-3384. www.probike.co.th, Open Mon-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 8.30am-7pm, Sun 8.30am-5pm). The frame is feather-light, the gear changes like a Ferrari, and the sales staff claim that this is the same model as used by the pros in the Tour de France. Your rich uncle is going to be so jealous.

20. Friendship Rides

The best part about bicycles is the camaraderie. Join a club to meet like-minded enthusiasts, or just people with really well-developed calf muscles. Pick a flavor: BKKCYC (www.bkkcyc.com) is the no-pretense option, for those who just ride their bike for relaxation or with their family. JNSNP (http://jnsnp.wordpress.com) is a bunch of creative industry hipsters riding fixies. Their events (including an upcoming short film festival) and attitude is way cool. For serious cycling trips, get in touch with the Thai Cycling Club (www.thaicycling.com): they’re headed to Ampawa on Oct 3, and Ayutthaya on Oct 10.

21. Messenger Chic

The hottest fixed gear crew is probably FarFast, which you’ll see on Wednesday nights at Tawanna Square (Ladprao 124, next to Macro Bangkapi, 02-734-1215). If you can’t stand the heat, then just look the part with this awesome striped messenger bag available at the uber hip Sneaka Villa (422/6 Siam Square Soi 11, 02-658-1970. www.sneakavilla.net).

22. Size Matters

One of the most important things when picking your bike, is to make sure it fits you. And since fancy bikes can run into the tens of thousands of baht, you don’t want to end up with a bike that’s anything less that perfect. For US$4.99, www.sizemybike.com has an iPhone app that will compute the optimal bike for you, based on six of your measurements: frame size, pedal length, seat height and more.

23. Bicycle Polo

Another fixed gear crew in Bangkok, another quirky space. Apart from bringing out beer and turntables, the 1000 Ways Commune also holds bicycle polo games, which is just like the version with horses except you don’t have to be obnoxiously rich to play. Add them on Facebook, find them at Sai Mai Market (km 19), or call 081-828-2132. (Cog’n’roll also sells bicycle polo kits for B1,500, contact: 081-376-9696). 

24. Incoming!

Even if Bangkok drivers learnt to actually respect cyclists as human beings worthy of life, you would still better off wearing a helmet. Try the handsome ones from Giro, at Probike (B1,700-B8,900), or this Prowell for B1,000 at Bike Zone. Top tip, price isn’t that important but if you can, do make sure you look for the MIPS certification which shows it meets international safety standards.

25. Need for Speed

If Super Sonic is who you feel like you really are, get yourself on track with your riding speed by one of the Cat Eye speedometers at Probike (B750-B2,000).

26. Time Travel

Fancy a day spent cycling past Chedi Chet Yot or up the steps of Preah Vihea but don’t actually have the time to head up North? Why not just jump in a cab and visit Muang Boran, the Ancient City (02-709-1644. Open daily 8am-5pm. www.ancientcity.com). This cultural park, about 30 minutes past On Nut BTS, features 3/4 size replicas of most of the Kingdom’s major historical sites set in a gorgeous parkland in the shape of Thailand. You can rent bikes there—B50-B150 (single-triple)/ or bring your own and pay B50 to cycle round the Kingdom in an afternoon.

27. Amp it Up

Best known for its cute floating market and fire flies, the small town in Samut Songkram is also a great place for a bike trip. As well as offering bikes to rent Thai Theeb @ Ampawa (2/1, Prachasret Rd., Ampawa, Samut Songkram 082-777-5999. Mon, Wed, Thu 10am-8pm/ Fri-Sun 10am-9pm) provide maps to places of interest and historical sites in the area so you can explore on your own. Cost: free for rides under 30 min, B30 for 60min, B120 for 120min, B150 for 3hrs, B180 for 4hrs, B250 for a day.

28. 1,900km Rides

This charity event won’t see a lot of performance enhancing drugs but the Tour de Thailand will raise money for good causes and draw some international entrants to our fair kingdom. The 25-day event weaves its way down through Thailand starting in Chiang Mai and ending up in Phuket 1,900kms later. More details about how to get involved at http://www.tourdethailand.com/

29. Bangkok Green

Bang Kra Jao might be just across the river from Bangkok but it really is like entering another world, one full of banana plantations, winding waterways, sleepy hamlets, ancient temples, and tropical jungle all interconnected through a series of narrow raised walkways.  It’s perfect for cycling and there are various companies offering guided tours. Try Spice Roads who offer a half-day trip with bike rental for B1,000. Just visit their website (www.spiceroads.com) for more info and a complete schedule.

30. Easy Peasy

Triathlons involve a spot of swimming, running and cycling. In the case of an Iron Man triathlon, we’re talking a 3.8 km swim, 180 km ride, and a marathon (42.2). Want in? Warm up with the Laguna Phuket Triathlon (Nov 28) and finish strong with the Ironman 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship (Dec 5). Visit www.trimapper.com for details.

31. Flat Feeling

Getting a puncture on your bike is no fun, but guess what, you don’t have to buy a new tire. Just fix it! If you don’t know where to start, head down to Bike Zone (2/F, Outdoor Unlimited Zone, Amarin Plaza, Ploenchit Rd., 02-652-1559, www.bikezone.co.th) where they offer free puncture repair workshops to get you pumped up and back on the road again.

THE INTERVIEW

Nakwan Sriarunothai

27, Graphic Designer
How often do you ride your bike?
Three days a week to get to work and nearly every day around my neighborhood.
Aren’t you covered in sweat by the time you make it to the office?
No. Sweat can dry [laughs]. I can shower there, too.
Do you think Bangkok is dangerous for cyclists? If so why?
Well I think it’s less dangerous than riding a motorcycle but it’s still very inconvenient to cycle in Bangkok. The paths are bumpy and crowded, and cars and buses don’t think cyclists have any rights. But the biggest problem is that there are so many thieves waiting for you to leave your bike unattended.
Do you worry about pollution?
Not really. I don’t think it’s any worse than taking a bus.
How could cycling here improve?
Bike lanes that actually connect to the public transport system. Now you can’t even carry your bike on the MRT. And safe places to leave your bike would be nice, too.

Jett Virangkabutra

30+, product design program director
How often do you ride your bike?
Not enough actually. The weather has not been great for commuting recently. But once a week I will go mountain biking somewhere beautiful.
Why do you ride a bike?
Riding a bike is like a virtual time machine. As a child it made me felt like a grown up because of the freedom. As an adult riding a bike makes me feel like a child again.
Is Bangkok dangerous for cyclists?
From my experience, I don’t think it is as bad as it looks. But for novice riders, it is. The buses are the worst. Most cycling fatalities in Bangkok are caused by buses.
Do you worry about pollution?
Not as much now. I feel that the pollution levels have improved a lot over the years.
How could the city improve cycling here?
The government needs to seriously support this issue. In London the government even sponsor people to buy bikes and commute to work!
How much did your bike cost?
Which one? I have 10 bikes. My bike for commuting is about B12,000. The rest, don’t ask!

Suwanee Kerdsaeng

34, graphic designer
What do you use your bike for?
To commute to work, from Bangkae to Rama 3 ablout three days a week. It saves time and money. You don’t have to pay for petrol.
What do you when you get to where you’re going?
I just wash my face and lock my bike. That’s all.
How much did your bike cost?
It starts from B8,000 but I reckon I’ve spent about B80,000 on parts.

Peerasit Poltan

24, lead singer of Lomosonic
What do you use your bike for?
I use it every day to go to work, to go out and buy stuff and for exercise.
What do you do when you get where you’re going?
I have to shower. If it’s a formal meeting, I can’t go by bike. Where I work at Small Room, there’s a totally safe parking.
What would make cycling in Bangkok better?
Less traffic! Especially on Friday evening at the end of the month.
How much did your bike cost?
B20,000 and counting. I’m still adding parts.
What do you get from riding a bike?
It teaches me to push myself, to be tough. A bike is a vehicle that can reveal a lot about yourself. It depends on each person to find out what it means to them.

Nupin Jansuttipan

56, housewife
How often do you ride your bike?
Every day, to go and buy food and pay bills.
What do you when you get where you’re going?
I leave my bike with someone I know, like shop owners I know in the area.
Do you think Bangkok is dangerous?
Yes. Drivers drive cars so fast so I prefer to ride on the pavement.
Do you worry about pollution?
Yes, I really hate the toxic fumes from cars.
How much did your bike cost?
B450.
What do you get out of riding a bike?
Health and food!

Arak “Pae” Amornsupasiri

26, singer/actor
How often do you ride your bike?
I used to ride every day, but now I’m very busy so I ride less.
Why do you ride a bike?
For work and as a hobby. It’s very fast and costs nothing. I’m really satisfied when I pull ahead of other cars that are stuck in traffic. [laughs]
What do you when you get to where you’re going?
I have to lock the bike and go to shower.
Do you worry about pollution?
Yeah. I used to wear a mask but it didn’t work. I couldn’t breathe.
How much did your bike cost?
B40,000.

BK: How did you start this job?
Pensri: I used to work somewhere else as a salesperson, but I didn’t get a very good income. Then, my cousin who also worked for Yakult encouraged me to apply for the job.

BK: How long have you been a Yakult lady?
Pensri: I started in 1980. I was very young back then.

BK: Did you have to pass any training?
Pensri: Yes, all salespeople have to pass a three-week training before going out on the field. That’s how we learn about the product, how to sell, and how to dress like Yakult ladies.

BK: What do you like most about the job?
Pensri: Although I have been selling Yakult for 30 years, it’s still fun. I get to talk to happy customers everyday. I laugh a lot and nothing seems to be boring for me. Another thing I like is that the company rewards us with prizes for those who work hard and have high sales.

BK: Have you ever received a reward?
Pensri: Yes! I got to go to Japan for one week, and Phuket for three days. Everything was free during the trips, too!

BK: Have you ever heard the famous slogan “If you want to know anything, ask the Yakult lady”?
Pensri: Of course. But usually the customers only ask me jokey questions. We laugh about it.

BK: Do all of the salespeople ride bicycles?
Pensri: It used to be like that. But now it’s different. Some can’t bike such long distances. I’m lucky because I don’t live too far away from my route.

BK: What’s your day like?
Pensri: I wake up at 4am and then ride my bicycle to the Yakult distribution center in Silom to get the products. Then, I go to my usual parking spot near the Thaniya Building. From there, I distribute Yakults to my list of customers.

BK: Where do all the orders come from?
Pensri: We used to have to ride around and find our own potential customers. But now the market already knows the product well, so we have lots of direct orders.

BK: Who are your main customers?
Pensri: Most are office people around Silom so I spend most of the time going up and down building elevators.

BK: What do you do if you have products left over?
Pensri: They’re always all sold out, and sometimes there aren’t enough to meet demand.

BK: Don’t you get tired riding the bicycle to work?
Pensri: Sometimes. But I understand that it’s what I need to do in order to survive. Bangkok is very dangerous for cyclists, so we have to be cautious. Car drivers don’t care much about the traffic rules. However, I think Bangkok has improved a lot. Back in the day, the floods were terrible. I felt like I was riding in a sea. Now it’s so much better.