In 2004, starchitect Zaha Hadid became the first woman to win the illustrious Pritzker Prize. Here, things aren’t much better for female architects. But Twitee Vajrabhaya Teparkum, 41, co-founder of the Department of Architecture Co., Ltd., is behind some of the most exciting projects in Thailand, whether it’s the dramatic Hilton Pattaya or the new TCDC headquarters on Charoenkrung. She shares with us her optimism for the architectural profession and her vision for TCDC.

For decades, controversy has surrounded the zoo on the rooftop of Pata Mall in Bang Phlat. But last August the zoo’s license was renewed despite netizens’ efforts to shut it down. Most of the criticism has been directed at the living conditions of Bua Noi, a 27-year-old female gorilla. Here, Kanit Sermsirimongkol, Pata Zoo’s director, discusses problems with Thailand’s zoo industry, and reveals his plans for Bua Noi’s future.

From college dropout to one of America’s most highly regarded comic book illustrators, Pop Mhanaojyakorn, aka Pop Mhan, 42, has worked for Marvel, Nintendo and DC Comics, among many other top names. Ahead of his appearance at Bangkok Comic Con this Apr 30-May 3, BK talked to the artist about his uncertain career path and plans to kick-start Thailand’s comic industry.

The Chao Phraya River could be about to see a renaissance. Big new developments are both underway and moments from being given the BMA’s green light, including new water-borne transportation links, pedestrianized boardwalks and a shopping mall offering Paragon-levels of luxury retail. So, here’s how the Chao Phraya could look tomorrow. 

After losing his fertilizer supply business to the 1997 financial crisis, Taradon Tunduan, 68, took up a completely new career altogether: tree surgery. Eighteen years later, he’s now the number-one tree surgeon in a country where the profession is little recognized. Here, he discusses the poor state of Bangkok’s urban trees, and what can be done about it.

From stuntman to internationally recognized actor, Tony Jaa, 39, recently made the great leap into Hollywood in the latest installment of the enduringly popular Fast and Furious franchise in cinemas now. Next up is a Thai-US collaboration, Skin Trade, about two detectives taking down human trafficking in Bangkok. Here, he discusses his lifelong debt to muay Thai, how Hollywood differs from Thai cinema and what it was like shooting alongside the late Paul Walker.

Easy to get around, cheap rent, perfectly located between Silom and the river—here’s what else you need to know about living in Surasak.

Piyawat (Dia), 42, and his girlfriend Wassamon (Nat), 28, became social media sensations when they embarked on a motorbike trip across the country and documented it on their blog. That page, Motorbike Journey (www.fb.com/motorbikejourney), now has more than 60,000 likes. Though they like to keep their identity secret, they opened up to BK and told all.