The 11 best things to do in Bangkok this April
There's more to this month than just Songkran and hot weather, as big rock acts make their way to town along with annual fairs and a slew of new art exhibitions.
10 years ago
Foster + Partners: The Art of Architecture (Apr 4-Jun 29)
Right up there with Zaha Hadid, Rem Koolhaas and Frank Gehry, the Pritzker-prize winner Norman Foster (30 St. Mary Axe, the Viaduc de Millau, HSBC Hong Kong building) is one of the biggest names in architecture. The Bangkok edition of the internationally touring exhibition will show off works inheriting Foster's architectural practices, focusing on the themes of infrastructure, high-rise, urban design, history and culture in the context of a sustainable agenda.
Conflicted Visions (Apr 2-27)
This politically-charged group exhibition at WTF Gallery shows Manit Sriwanichpoom’s photography work from his Obscene series alongside artworks by another six Thai artists: Prakit Kobkijwattana, Sutee Kunavichayanont, Pisitakun Kuntalang, Jakapan Vilasineekul, Miti Ruangkritya and an anonymous artist. Opening reception on Apr 2, 6pm
While some may plead for pretty boy Jared Leto, who has just won the Academy Awards’ Best Supporting Actor, to stick to his acting career, fans of 30 Seconds to Mars praise the band’s catchy 80s-influenced synth pop. Leto and his bandmates celebrate their fourth studio album Love, Lust, Faith and Dreams by performing in Thailand for the first time at BITEC.
Absolut Artelier: The Illuminated Garden (Apr 7-9)
Over four nights this exhibition-cum-party transforms the garden at The Jam Factory into a venue for a BBQ, designer flea market, an exhibition by illustrator Pomme Chan, music by Aparmentkhunpa feat. Ornaree, Part Time Musicians, Jonas Dept and udesweet DJs, plus visuals by Wisut Ponnimit and a special Bangkok Poetry Night (Apr 8).
Bangkok International Gift Fair 2014 & Bangkok International Houseware Fair (BIG+BIH) 2014 (Apr 19-23)
The big annual international trade fair returns with over one hundred booths of gifts and lifestyle products.
Post-rock masters Explosion in the Sky from Austin, Texas, perform brooding tracks like "Your Hand in Mine," "First Breath after Coma" and “Waking Up.”
Two art programs at Bangkok University (BUG) (from Apr 26)
Bangkok University Gallery simultaneously rolls out two art projects this month: the Emerging Thai Artist will see contemporary photographer Miti Ruangkritya exhibit a nostalgic series that explores a contextual change in Siem Reap, Cambodia, whereas the Asian Artist in Residency Program will be an exhibition by Malaysian artist Roslisham Ismail aka ISE, known for his peculiar fridge installation Secret Affair. The dual opening reception is on Apr 26, 6pm.
Bangkok University Gallery (BUG), 119 Rama 4 Rd., 02-350-3626. Tue-Sat 10am-7pm.
Bangkok International Student Film Festival (BISFF) 2014
Returning for the fifth time, the big student film festival selects from hundreds of submitted films from over 100 institutes worldwide, to be screened alongside workshops covering acting coaching and Folley sound production to storytelling and a film market. The festival takes place at Center for Cinematic and Digital Arts (CCDA, Bangkok University (Rangsit Campus), 9/1 Paholyothin Rd., 02-902-0250-99) and the Bangkok Art and Cultural Center (BACC, Rama 1 Rd., BTS National Stadium. More info at 092-2584420 and www.facebook.com/bangkokinternationalstudentfilmfestival. (The video is of last year's festival)
Tam Kai: Hunting the Chicken (Apr 4-6, 18-20, 7pm)
After touring the Netherlands, Pichet Klunchun Dance Company re-stages this contemporary dance performance that reinterprets this tale of a magical chicken. Reservations required at 083-863-7585 and 091-778-1876.
Songkran Festival
Get your splash on in style at these Songkran parties across town: choose from Asia's Biggest Gay Party gCircuit , a pool party with street artist Alex Face at W Songkran Pool Party, a rooftop poolside one at Get Wet Go Wild at amBar or a Songkran Foam Party 2014 at NARZ. Stay tuned to BK for more party announcements.
Advertisement
Latest News
(Photos) A$AP Rocky, Jay Park, Akon, Milli, and more kick off first night of Rolling Loud in Thailand
Old school hip-hop royalty rubbed shoulders with Asia’s up-and-comers.
Last minute festival change as Tyla pulls out of Rolling Loud one day before event
Organizer claims all other performers are confirmed.
There are more Thailand holidays next year, and here are the dry days you should know
More long weekends on your calendar next year.
