Even through beer goggles you’ll be able to take memorable shots with this funky water-resistant camera from Frog Eye Lomography. Or maybe you’d rather forget? B3,900

Leave your LV trunk at home and stuff your holiday gear in an Ocean Pack—if it works for sea travelers it’ll surely work during the wet season. In three colors: red, blue and yellow. B625-725

Bag your essentials in this waterproof sack from Aloksak before you hit Khao San. B450

You may be cool from all that water, but that doesn’t mean you’re safe from the sun. Vaseline Healthy Protection Sun Block SPF30 is water-resistant and will protect your thick skin from those nasty UVA and UVB rays. 100ml, B242

Are you really going to walk through Paragon wearing a wet t-shirt? Don’t be a dog—wear a dry-fast top from Equinox. B590-1,050. Jeans, too: B2,950

You know you should leave it at home but you just can’t—what if my gig should call?! To keep your communication device/lifestyle accessory safe and dry, try Aquapac. B950, B1,200 for clamshell. In three sizes: small, medium and large.

Planning to dance and splash like there’s no tomorrow? Prepare for battle on Soi 4 with L’Oreal Party Proof hair gel. B206

Neo Victorian girls—put this one on the top of your shopping list and pin it on your white tank top. You can use these feathers for tickling your boyfriend… who knows what might come after that. From Exquisite Stories (B1,490).

This plain but classic stone pin from Artticle Unique (B650) goes well with either scarves or blazers.

Combine roses, a pink pendant and some artificial fur and you get this pin—perfect if you’re in the mood for love or for Chinese New Year. Try the earth-tone version for a more elegant look. From Exquisite Stories (B690).

Get flowery all in blue: velvet, beads, ribbon and tiny gems. A nice accessory for your blue day or just because you feel like it. From Exquisite Stories (B690).

This funky patchwork heart compliments your yippy-hippie look. You can even claim that you made it yourself! From Exquisite Stories (B1,650).

This brown velvet pin with vintage-style petite jewelry makes you look like Marie Antoinette. From Exquisite Stories (B1,795).

No matter what your stance on the inflammatory events of the day, when it comes to political demonstrations, being heard is intrinsically linked to being seen. A colored top is a must at these events—just make sure that you know what color your side plans on sporting. If it’s a huge public protest you are headed to, there will probably be some clothes available to buy on site. However, preparing your get-up at home will of course insure a snazzier style. You can pick up a new top anywhere from Giordano to Lacoste, or just reuse one that’s been sitting in your wardrobe since high school. Try Siam Discovery Center (Rama 1 Rd., 02-658-1000) and MBK Mall (Phaya Thai Rd., 02-620-9111).

As for pants, play it safe with some black trousers or jeans: linen, cotton, or wool will do nicely. Shorts will even work if it’s a hot day, just as long as they’re black. As a simple rule of fashion, black goes with every color. If you are planning on buying something just for this event then you’d better find something that’s cheap and available at nearly every corner in Bangkok. Fashion-wise, choose the color that suits the theme. After all, we are Fashion City citizens. Try Bonanza Mall (Siam Square, Phaya Thai Rd.) and Silom Rd.

Accessories

Flags. You can get national flags in every size and shape at a flag or stationery store. Get creative by customizing your own version of the flag and you might get what you want! Try Saparn Wanchart intersedtion, Dinsor Rd.

Stickers. These are a must for every campaign: re-useable, portable and they get the attention you’re looking for. The more creative you are, the more people will get behind your message (though fellow protesters might not actually give a ****, stickers are cool to have anyway). You can probably get these for free at the venue. Try G/F MBK Mall (Phaya Thai Rd., 02-620-9111).

Paper visors. Mostly you can get these for free at the demonstration, so don’t bother bringing your own. Hold onto yours so you can customize or redecorate it for the next time. Try Saparn Wanchart intersection, Dinsor Rd.

Scarves. If you want to pick one of these up at the protest, you better get there early—free stuff never lasts long. For the fashion-conscious, make sure your color matches and that the scarf is made from cotton, especially on the hot and humid days. Try Chatuchak Weenkend Market, Kamphaeng Phet Rd.

Shoes. There are no rules concerning what kind of shoes you have to wear; just make sure they’re comfortable and fashionable. You never know how long you could be out there. Try MBK Mall (Phaya Thai Rd., 02-620-9111) and Siam Discovery center (Rama 1 Rd., 02-658-1000).

It’s all purple but all good at Manna. Located in Siam Paragon, this little monster of a restaurant offers casual Thai cuisine in a very casual dining environment. They’ve got beautifully decorated tables where ceiling-high glass windows give way to a scenic view of the lagoon.

Quickly skimming over the menu, we really didn’t notice anything spectacular about the Thai and fusion food offerings, so we asked the waiters to give us a hand and recommend something out of the ordinary. Answering to the call, the waiters pulled out their three secret weapons that they swore would not let us down. We started with the kanom bueng (crispy turmeric flour with coconut and shrimp filling, B160), but unfortunately, it took a whopping 15 minutes. The panang gai sordsai (stuffed golden chicken wings in sweet peanut sauce, B170) and the khao na gai Sukhothai (chicken in gravy and Chinese sausage on steamed rice with crispy egg, B110) actually made up for the long wait ‘cause both were full of flavor. Although the dishes look like something from a tiny Siam Square restaurant, the aroma and taste are exquisite. Prices are reasonable, too.

After we stuffed ourselves, we headed over to the couch where it would be more conducive to the digestion process. There, we indulged in some light and refreshing fruity cocktails like the Lychee Angel (B180), a perfect mix of rum and lychee juice. If you want something even fruitier try the Yellow Bird (B180), with dark rum, mango and tropical fruit juices.

Before we left, we had a chat with the owner, Khun Him, or Pornsak Rattanamethanon, and got his thoughts about this purple attraction.

What does Manna mean?
Manna means food from the heavens or heavenly food. When you eat here, you’re going to experience one or the other—or perhaps even both!

What makes you different from other Thai restaurants?
We focused on Sukhothai cooking styles. To be honest, most Thai restaurants have either shit food or a shitty atmosphere, so Manna is filling in the gaps and eliminating the shit altogether. Our restaurant serves good food, and we offer great atmosphere by bringing the ambience of good restaurants all along Ratchadamnoen Road.

You’re really confident about your food—why is that?
Our cooking process is exactly the same as in the past: Our ingredients, cooking styles and methods are all true to tradition. We don’t like to rush, that’s why our kanom bueng takes 15 minutes to prepare. That’s because we use grandma’s old pans and her list of ingredients. So these are the original tastes that a lot of people don’t really get anymore. We’re not into fusion, but we’ll use updated ingredients and mesh the old and new traditions together.

What’s with the purple 50’s décor?
Doesn’t it look good? We wanted it to be really different and eye-catching, so that when people ask about a good Thai restaurant, everyone can say, “The purple place.”

Restaurant Details

Get yourself some heavenly Thai food at Manna. Open daily 11am-10:30pm, at G/F, Siam Paragon Shopping Center, 991 Rama I Rd., 02-129-4553/-5. V MC

What’s up with your name “No Milk”? Did you have a bad milk experience when you were a child?
(Laugh.) Sure! I drank a lot of milk to be tall, but I got a stomachache and in fact it did not work on me. The real reason is milk is symbolic of the white color. But my music reflects more of a “black” soul, funk, jazz and techno music with a Japanese twist. Also, it doesn’t sound like any name, does it? Nobody can see my nationality from No Milk. You’ve got to listen to the music first!

Who is your musical inspiration?
With all due respect, there isn't one. It’s more about things I’ve seen and experienced. Sometimes I’m inspired from random everyday life or just a cool party. Everything has an inspirational impact on me be it small or big and I love to create something from it.

What’s your favorite album or song?
Alicia Keys' MTV Unplugged album never lets me down; her voice and the harmony of the backing chorus are beautiful. And the groovy style of the band is cool, too.

Which event have you enjoyed the most so far? What’s the crowd like?
It is hard to choose just one. But when I see a happy crowd, I feel I want to give them more! I believe in the synergy that DJs and the crowd possess. We can come together to turn it into a great event.

What’s in your CD player?
I listen to slow beats and easy listening songs at home. I need a balanced harmony of my private life and work.

What’s your Bangkok show going to be like?
I’m very excited about Bangkok’s reaction to my music. I expect to rock the house at maximum levels early on in the evening ‘cause clubbing here is a little too short. I’ve got to be like an Olympic sprinter! I guess there’s no warm-up this time.

Where are you heading for the after-party?
I’m going to get a Thai traditional massage. Definitely! It’s the best way to chill-out, isn’t it?

What helps make a perfect set?
A good mixer, sexy and cute dancers—of course! (Laugh.)

What are some of your favorite DJ perks, aside from the free booze and chicks?
All of the great opportunities like coming here to Bangkok for Chivas’ party. Moreover, I just love pleasing my crowd. Their happiness makes it all worthwhile!

A word to your Thai fans and those that don’t know you yet.
Let’s have a good time and party together. The most important thing is to be borderless. Good times and widening your horizons will make up easily for the differences.

Five words to describe your work?
Perseverance, funky, twist, free and continuation.

Fashion Trend Center

The Face: Its name grabbed our attention, so we gravitated towards this “trend center.” A cool book and magazine cubby. Trend books are kept on lock-down behind the reception counter. The magazine selection is fab and up to date. Sit and peruse pricey fashion books you’d normally just skim through at Asia Books.Quiet, isolated (no neighboring offices) and staff are helpful but sometimes don't have a clue. No photocopy services available but they'll scan and do print outs at B20 per page for black and white and B50 per page for color. (That feeling that you've been robbed comes at no extra charge.)

The Feeling: A place for a work-free afternoon to read and hone on your fashion prowess. The primo trend books tempt you into passing ideas on to your tailor for your next big outing. However, if you couldn't care less about fashion, it’s really nothing spectacular—Asia Books or Kinokuniya will do just fine.

The Fees: Members fees and privileges vary from B200-4,000.

6/F, The Office at Central World Tower, Ratchadamri Rd., 02-264-5353, www.fashiontrendcenter.com. Open Tue-Fri 10:30am-8pm. 

Thailand Creative & Design Center (TCDC)

The Face: A huge location with a very impressive presence. The first gallery is very informative and highly entertaining, great for insight on the origins and inception of design, which are displayed through objects, descriptions and multimedia showcases. The second gallery shows monthly exhibitions. Staff are helpful and informative—though, somehow invisible. The global material collection of Material ConneXion is massive and useful for designers and trade people.

The Feeling: It's all above standard and beyond our expectations, though the membership fee is heartbreaking. If you need any inspiration or are looking to expand your right-brain creativity, this is definitely the place. It can be used as a temporary office in the afternoons or as a great spot for a "creative" first date.

The Fees: B600-600,000. Free for first time visitors.

6/F, The Emporium, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-664-8448. www.tcdc.or.th. Open Tue-Sun 10:30am-10pm. BTS Phrom Phong.

Maruey Knowledge & Resource Center

The Face: The hall is bright and airy with ceiling-high glass windows and modern décor. Book collections are plentiful but most of them focus on finance and investments. Audio-visual learning is available as well as chess, a big screen projector and 30 plus computers. People can enjoy a morning chat over a cup of joe on the ground floor but upstairs is reserved for serious study only. The second floor houses academic, financial and business information of the companies listed in the stock market. Librarians here are as typically stuffy as they usually are. Free WiFi is provided and a coffee shop next to the library serves up Starbucks-like coffee; upstairs is a B2S bookstore.

The Feeling: Their early-bird opening and night owl closing hours are great. It gives you a chance to visit either before or after work. Some casual reads are also available too. This library brilliantly combines the old and the new into one place.

The Fees: Free entry for all but only members can check out books. Member fees are B100, but gold and silver members have to pay B300 and B500 respectively, in case of damaged books.

The Stock Exchange of Thailand building, 62 Ratchadaphisek Rd., next to Queen Sirikit Center, www.maruey.com, 02-229-2063-4. Open Sun-Thu 8:30am-11pm, Fri-Sat 8:30am-midnight. MRT Queen Sirikit Center.

TK Park & ICT Learning Center

The Face: TK library is a quirky interpretation of the typical library with comic books and casual reads. Computer services are provided at B10 for every 30 minutes by use of a refillable member card. A minimum value of B300 on your card enables you to check-out two books at once and return them within seven days. There's a music library too but good luck finding a spot thanks to all those kids. A VR (virtual reality) room is across the hall and an ICT learning center is next door. With about a 100 computers available, service fees are B10 per hour but you have to take a tiring hop-around-the-hall for the pre-pay process. A computer library's on the left and a seminar room is next to it. On the right, find a 4D Theater, E-training class and British Council rooms in that order.

The Feeling: It has a lovely, family-friendly environment that kids just love. It mixes a grandpa-library with a young, cutting-edge one. Stuck baby-sitting tiny tykes? Bring them here while you surf for porn next door.

The Fees: Free entrance. Membership cards are B50 for children and seniors and B100 for adults.

4/F, Central World Plaza, Ratchadamri Rd., 02-250-7620. www.tkpark.or.th, BTS Chitlom. Open Mon-Fri 11am-8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-8pm.

The Style by Toyota

The Face: The first floor has a prototype car display, café, and an IT terminal with content ranging from fashion, music, moviez, design, sports and technology. Discover the Ubiq window—a touch screen panel for designing screen savers, pictures or cars that you can burn onto CDs or download into phones. Their see-through LED screen boasts to be the biggest in Asia—and is actually the outside wall of the building. The DJ booth and design lounge are on the second floor. The third floor is an event and workshop hall.

The Feeling: It’s geared for teens that like to cruise around Siam but everyone is welcome and the content of the IT terminal is quite enjoyable. The touch screen computers and the Ubiq window don't 100% work. It’s a good place to come after a long hard day of shopping—and could possibly evolve into the new "center point," who knows?

The Fees: Free.

240/9, Siam Soi 2-3, Rama 1 Rd. 02-658-4444. Open daily 10am-8pm. BTS Siam.

Like Singapore’s Crazy Horse, one of our more recent French imports comes straight from Paris. Located on a sub-soi of swanky Lang Suan, Le Pré Grill is a charming little restaurant located in a converted house painted cheery yellow. Unlike the original on Rue Saint-Séverin, which is a bistro, the younger Bangkok sibling offers a full menu of authentic Gallic delicacies. The terrine de foie gras de canard des Sandes (Le Pre Grill duck liver, B520) goes down great with toast. Mignon de porc á l’orange (fine pork fillet with orange sauce, B340) achieves a nice balance of sweet and savory flavors, and the cote d’agneau gillé (grilled rack of lamb, B580) is magnificent. Don’t forget to leave room for dessert: Try the mousse au chocolat (B280), which isn’t too sweet, or the house specialty blanc manger (vanilla cream, B200), a guilt-free pleasure that is low in both fat and sugar.

In addition to the dozen or so tables inside the restored home, there are a few tables on the front balcony for pleasant alfresco dining. Service is friendly, and the overall experience is more like having a meal at someone’s home—with a great chef—than stuffy fine dining.

After a quick tour of the property, we have a chat with the half-French, half-Thai chef, co-owner and general manager, Jai Lafon.

What’s the story?
The owner of Le Pré Grill has been visiting Thailand three times a year for a long time, and he is in love with the country. This is the first branch before we expand to other countries in Southeast Asia.

How is it different from other French restaurants in Bangkok?
We use only original recipes—no fusion or modified recipes. If there is something we can’t find in Thailand, we import it from France. The head chef from Paris has made sure that the taste, presentation and service are up to Paris standards. So this is real French flair and taste.

You say your prices are lower than other French restaurants here. How do you do it?
Other restaurants may set their prices based on what others in Bangkok charge. But we calculate the price based on the cost plus just enough for us to survive as a business. So customers can enjoy our food at very reasonable prices.

How can we tell what’s authentic?
Flavor, to be honest. If you try our dish and fly to Paris, it’ll be the same taste and of course different from other restaurants here.

How about a short phrase that sums it all up?
Simple but chic with full Parisian flavor.

Dining Details

Try French flair in a cozy Thai atmosphere at Le Pré Grill. Open Mon-Sat 12-2:30pm and 6-10:30pm, 73/2 Lang Suan Soi 4 or Ton Son Soi 4, Pleonchit Rd., 02-253-5919. AE, MC, V

Life is complicated enough without having to think about where to tiao. So here we break it down for you—three choices, 10 moods. So if you wanna…

Rub Shoulders with International DJs
 

Essentials: Kickin’ sound system and hundreds of like-minded party people.
Best bits: The music. The mix.
Worst bits: Potato queens, “international” cover charges.
What to bring: Paper and a pen—for autographs and phone numbers.

Astra (Block C, Royal City Avenue, Rama 9 Rd., 09-497-8422, 02-622-2572. Open daily 6pm-2am. www.club-astra.com): Bangkok’s hottest nightclub, a cavernous hall unusually free of chairs so there’s plenty of space to dance.

Bed Supperclub (26 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-651-3537. Open daily 7:30pm-1am. www.bedsupperclub.com): The most sophisticated bar in town, famous for its hip-hop night.

Q Bar (34 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-252-3274. Open daily 8pm-1am.
www.qbarbangkok.com): Started the trend of international-standard venues; still attracts top DJs, both local and from abroad.

Smooch with Your Secret Boyfriend/Girlfriend
 

Essentials: Loud music, dim lighting and dark corners. A venue that shows you have great taste in music—trad jazz, blues and bossanova never go out of fashion.
Best bits: When the music gets too loud, you’re obliged to lean in a little closer to talk to your date. The house bands are well-known and well-appreciated, so while they’re playing, all eyes in the room will be on the performers, not you.
Worst bits: Your date won’t appreciate this stuff if (s)he’s the style-over-substance type. Sitting through superfluous solos.
What to bring: Breath freshener.

Brick Bar (1/F, 265 Buddy Lodge Bldg., Khao San Rd., Phranakorn, 02-629-4744. Open daily, 6pm-1am): Blues and jazz in the heart of backpacker central; lots of Thai musicians in the audience.

Brown Sugar (231/20 Sarasin Rd., 02-250-1826. Open daily 5pm-1am): Still going strong after all these years—and the only bar in this area with a decent selection of wine.

Saxophone (3/8 Victory Monument, Phayathai, 02-246-5472. Open daily 6pm-1am): Loud, proud, packed and the breeding ground for many of Thailand’s top performers.

Blow a Month’s Wages in One Night
 

Essentials: Elegant décor, comfy seats, a well-dressed crowd, white-gloved staff, and the best food and drinks money can buy.
Best bits: Beluga caviar, Remy Martin Louis XIII, Champagne cocktails.
Worst bits: The bill. Beluga caviar (B15,900), Remy Martin Louis XIII (B4,500/glass), Champagne cocktails (B1,300).
What to bring: Bags full of money, your platinum/titanium/black card.

87+ (Lobby Level, Conrad, All Seasons Place, 87 Wireless Rd., 02-690-9999. Open daily 9:30pm-2am. www.conradhotels.com): You’ll pay extra to sit in the VIP area, but it’s worth it to keep out the riff-raff.

Distil/Sirocco/Sky Bar (63-64/F, The Dome, State Tower, 1055/111 Silom Rd., 02-624-9555. Open daily 6pm-1am): It’s all about the view—and that caviar. How ‘bout a Coke? B290.

Sky Bar (51/F, Banyan Tree Bangkok, South Sathorn Rd., 02-679-1200. Open daily 5:30pm-1am): Quench that thirst with those Champagne cocktails or Johnnie Blue by the glass (B1,500).

Exercise Your Knee Joints
 

Essentials: Posh and modern, a packed dance floor, guys in baggy pants and sexy ladies in spaghetti straps—we love those hip-hop girls. Beyonce, Eminem, Black Eyed Peas.
Best bits: Suay-muay-ex ladies and homeboys livin’ large.
Worst bits: The song selection is same-same every day, everywhere.
What to bring: Tiger Balm, Counterpain.

Escudo (4-5/F, Dutchess Plaza, Soi Thonglor, 02-381-0865/-6. Open daily 7pm-2am): Hiso hip-hop for beautiful people.

Route 66 (29/33-40 Block B, Royal City Avenue, Rama 9 Rd., 01-916-2898. Open daily 8pm-2am. www.route66club.com): Packed to the rafters with kids dressing the part, even on school nights.

Slim (Block B, Royal City Avenue, Rama 9 Rd., 02-203-0377/-8. Open daily, 9pm-2am): Kid brother to Route, Slim is cheaper and younger.

Make Him/Her Your Valentine
 

Essentials: A view of the moon and stars, candles, lush greenery, not too loud.
Best bits: No need to feel embarrassed as everyone else is there for the same reason.
Worst bits: Mosquitoes.
What to bring: Roses, a ring, giant teddy bear, hankerchief (to wipe that sweat) and, maybe, condom(s).

Baan-Tak-R-Kard (Sriwara Rd., Town in Town, opposite Town in Town Hotel.) Open daily 6pm-12:30am): Laid-back and cheap, with plenty of space between tables and great live music.

To Die For (H1, 998 Soi Thonglor, 02-381-4714. Open Sun-Thu 11:30am-midnight, Fri-Sat 11:30am-1am): Posh patio is an escape from the ruckus of Thonglor.

Winter (199 Soi Promsri 2, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-392-2747/-8. Open daily 6pm-1am): A huge lawn for lounging and snacking.

Rent A Girlfriend

Essentials: Lots of good-looking, overly friendly girls. Elegant setting, entertaining shows and sexy dancers.
Best bits: No need to lift a finger (except maybe to poke something), as your date will pour your whisky and giggle at your dumb jokes.
Worst bits: Membership dues. No money, no honey. Too much makeup.
What to bring: Rolex, gold chains, man bag, Vertu.

Forte Century (31/4 Royal City Avenue, Rama 9 Rd., 02-203-0927. Open daily 8:30pm-2am): Conveniently located in the heart of Bangkok’s party zone for guys who can’t score the old-fashioned way.

The Piano (45 Ekamai, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-714-1543/-5. Open daily 7:30pm-1:30am): One of the original R-A-G venues, with an older crowd in for live music and ego-stroking.

Resort Square (42 Ekamai, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-714-2351/-2. Open daily 8pm-2am. www.resortsquare.com): Big and new complex attracts young executives and 20-somethings with Daddy’s money.

Release the Diva Within
 

Essentials: Tiny rooms with sofas, TV and microphones. Thousands of songs to choose from.
Best bits: Sing and dance without restraint.
Worst bits: Your friend who thinks she’s Mariah Carey.
What to bring: Strepsil, earplugs.

Big Echo (1/F, Kian Gwan Bldg., Wireless Rd., 02-627-3071/-5. Open daily 11am-1am): Lousy location, except for office workers in the area.

Iplusrooom (3/F, Olympia Thai Tower, Ratchadapisek Rd., 02-513-4774. Open daily 6pm-1am. www.iplusrooom.com): Bangkok’s most modern and stylish karaoke venue.

Urban (Narathiwat Rd., 02-675-4224. Open daily 6pm-1am): Busy with office workers who know enough to book in advance.

Drink with a Gorgeous Bartender
 

Essentials: Counter bar—the longer the better—with stunning bodies working behind it.
Best bits: Going out alone has never been this good.
Worst bits: Fighting other punters for that choice spot by the bar.
What to bring: Your namecard and a stack of crisp B100 notes,
you generous tipper, you.

Inch (55/49-60 Ratchadapisek Rd., 02-641-2963-/5. Open daily 7pm-2am. www.inchclub.com): Swedes with model looks behind the bar in this huge, new venue.

Diplomat (Lobby Level, Conrad, All Seasons Place, 87 Wireless Rd., 02-690-9999. Open Sun-Thu 10am-1am, Fri-Sat 10am-2am. www.conradhotels.com): Guest inter bartenders and servers in sexy outfits.

Syn Bar (Lobby Level, Nai Lert Park Bangkok, Wireless Rd., 02-253-0123. Open daily 5pm-1am): See for yourself if he really looks like David Beckham.

Experience Affordable Alfresco
 

Essentials: Cool breezes, views of the city, candles, light music, reasonable prices.
Best bits: Feeling on top of the world.
Worst bits: Rain.
What to bring: Mosquito repellant.

Mayompuri (22 Chakraphong Rd., 02-629-3883/-4. Open daily noon-1am): Fountains and trees on the rooftop, with a view of Ratchadamnoen.

Tofu (3-4/F, 297 Sarasin Rd., Lumpini, 02-254-8668): Simple and cozy fourth-floor bar.

Phranakorn Bar (58/2 Ratchadamnoen Klang Rd., 02-622-0282. Open daily 6pm-1am): Dek naew come here for the cheap drinks and Britpop.

Challenge the Government’s Early Closing Policy
 

Essentials: Hard-core dipsomaniacs who won’t stop ‘til they drop. Whisky in green tea or squeeze condiment bottles.
Best bits: Stay as long as you want.
Worst bits: Brawling boys, working girls, daylight.
What to bring: Bottle of “clean” pee, ID card, a cap and dark sunglasses (in case a Hot News camera crew shows up with the cops).

Thai Garden Pub & Restaurant (Soi Rambutri, Chakrapong Rd. Open daily till around 5am): Food on low tables, booze below.

X-Boom (Silom Soi 6, cover charge: B100. Open daily till around 5am): Boys-who-love-boys venue.

Baan Suan/Bali (Opposite Hollywood Ratchada, Ratchadapisek Soi 6. Open daily till whenever): Green tea and sauce are really popular here.

Skin Savior

JOYCE Body Firming Lotion (B380) contains pueraria mirifica extract, which is said to contain antioxidants that can help lighten your complexion and rejuvenate your skin. In addition, Joyce is enriched with aloe vera to moisturize sunburned skin; vitamin E to help prevent aging, to nourish skin and balance the moisture of your skin; and centella asiatica extract, which may increase skin flexibility and reduce skin marks. (Joyce call center: 02-333-3333)

Saving Grace

Another “firming” product is Philosophy’s Amazing Grace (B2,850). The milky lotion contains antioxidants to help restore moisture to your skin. Macadamia nut oil and olive oil are added to create softer and smoother skin. (Try M/F, Siam Paragon, 02-610-9000/-59)

Gingering Your Body

Known for using Thai herbs and spices in their skin care products, Erb offers a new item called Basic Body Care Spice & Shine Light Body Cream, (B590) a very light cream that absorbs quickly through your skin. The main ingredients include ginger, which helps stimulate blood circulation and contains antioxidant substances to help brighten your skin, and marigold, which helps improve the skin’s condition. If you have normal to oily skin, this is suitable for you. (Try 5/F, Central Chidlom, 02-655-7777)

24/7 Skincare

Body Expertise Nutri Soft 24 Hours by L’Oreal (B199) is designed to treat intensely dehydrated skin. Besides smelling great, it also contains “Demo-Nutrilium,” which glides on, is absorbed quickly and will supposedly seal in moisture for 24 hours. Applying this velvety lotion to your body daily will make sure your skin softer than silk. (Try G/F, Central Chidlom, 02-655-7777)

E is Key

The Body Shop’s Vitamin E Body Lotion (250ml., B450) contains wheat germ oil, which is rich in vitamin E and naturally prevents skin from wearing out with age. Vitamin E has antioxidant properties, which rescues the skin from pollution. This will moisturize both face and body. (Try 5/F, The Emporium, 02-664-8000)