Indie promoters Popscene follow up their busy 2014 by presenting the Danish punk rockers, riding high off their much-acclaimed latest album, Plowing into the Field of Love. Note: this is your big chance to show your appreciation for the hard work of Popscene’s Jimmy Livewire and co., as they may be taking an extended break after this gig. B600 (one drink). Jan 17, Lungsuan Live in the Castle, Kampheng Phet Soi 2, 02-507-4788

 

The mega-star pop crooner returns to our shores in support of his most recent album, 2014’s To Be Loved. Of course, the biggest shrieks from the crowd will be reserved for his mid-00s chart-toppers like “Home” and “I Just Haven’t Met You Yet,” which will see Bublé backed by a big band. Jan 24, 7:30pm. Impact Arena Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd., 02-833-4455

 

With a sound recalling an 80s teen movie, this Manchester synth-pop band ought to get the girls dancing. Tickets are a little steep, but it’s perhaps a small price to pay for the radio-friendly hooks, sex and excess being promised. Tickets B2,000-3,000, available at Thaiticketmajor. Jan 25, Centerpoint Studio, 9-11 Sukhumvit Soi 105 (Soi Lasalle). BTS Bearing

 

The gig promoters-turned-fashion designers Supersweet recently opened a concept store on Sukhumvit Soi 49 (see Avenue Landing, page 12). To celebrate, on Valentine’s Day, they’ll welcome bodacious Spanish girl rockers Deers. From Jan 15, spend over B1,000 at the Supersweet x Moumi store to receive an entry wristband. Feb 14, Grease, Piman 49, 46/12 Sukhumvit Soi 49. 02-662-6120. BTS Prom Phong

 

Last out here for Pattaya’s Silverlake Festival in 2012, the Californian nu-metal band-turned-sensitive soul boys, led by Brandon Boyd, promise to rock out like it’s 2000 all over again, ahead of a comeback album slated for later in the year. Tickets B1,500-3,000, available at Thaiticketmajor. Mar 11, Thunderdome Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd., 02-833-4455

 

Touring on the back of last year’s well-received album, Rave Tapes, the veteran Scottish post-rockers chase the sun in Bangkok again. If you’re not acquainted, expect a mix of delicate melodies, thunderous noise and jocular stage banter—better pack those earplugs. Tickets B1,500 available from Thaiticketmajor. Mar 13, Moonstar Studio, 701 Ladphrao Soi 80, 02-539-3881

 

Miss last month’s Wonderfruit festival? Here’s a more low-key option to look forward to, just out of town. The third instalment of the breezy folk fest from the people behind Stone Free Festival promises a folk-heavy lineup consisting of Into the Air, Zweed n’ Roll and Two Million Thanks, proving yet again that everything’s better on grass. B1,500 (B1,000 presale), including camping spot. Tickets available at www.fb.com/keeponthegrassmusicfestival. Jan 31, Phu-Uthai, Saraburi

 

Details are still sketchy at best, but internet rumors suggest the 90s boy band will be back on our shores in 2015. We’ll keep you posted.
 

Produced by one of Bangkok’s hottest film makers of recent years, Nawapol Thamrongrat- tanarit (36 and Mary is Happy, Mary is Happy), The Master is a documentary that focuses on the issue of piracy by telling the story of the legendary Mr. Van, a bootleg video vendor who sold arthouse flicks from around the world to Thai audiences. Currently, the film has a limited screening at House RCA, but it should get a proper run in cinemas later in 2015, and hopefully with English subtitles.
 

Following his slightly disappointing Paradoxoc- racy doco in 2012, Pen-Ek Ratanaruang returns with Samui Song, the story of a lady, played by Ploy Cherman (who worked with Pen-Ek on his classic Last Life in the Universe, 2003), whose husband becomes a cult devotee in the service of “the holy one,” played by Vithaya Pansringam (Only God Forgives). The film is currently in production and should hit cinemas later in 2015.
 

Nonzee Nimibutr, of 2499 Antapan Krong Muang (original version in 1997), Nang Nak (1999) and Ok Baytong (2003) fame, is also back with his latest production, The Two Kings. The film will follow an Elvis impersonator who was spotted at a transsexual cabaret club and asked to enter a competition in Las Vegas. The Thai-American production will be co-pro- duced by Henry Ko and Sandra Gaviria, and is expected to be in Bangkok cinemas sometime in 2015.
 

The Mahanakhon project will be completed in 2015, when the super-luxurious Ritz-Carlton Residence condos and a Marriot hotel designed by Ian Schrager (the man who introduced the world to “boutique” accommodation) open alongside the f&b ventures of The Cube. Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Rd. BTS Chong Nonsi

 

This project from The Mall Group (the folks who own Emporium) will see the entire Phrom Phong area completely redesigned under the “District Paragon will include a variety of uses, from retail and office spaces to residential areas. Word is it will also include EmQuartier, kind of like Emporium 2’s version of Groove, set to open in March, 2015. Opposite The Emporium, Sukhumvit Rd. BTS Phrom Phong

 

Located next to Central Embassy, this luxury hotel from Hyatt is sure to become a popular tourist spot. Specific details on what we can expect at the hotel are scarce. The only thing we know for certain is that it will have a rooftop bar overlooking downtown Bangkok. Opening date is to be confirmed. Ploenchit Rd. (next to Central Embassy) BTS Phloen Chit.

 

The Landmark Waterfront project will consist of a residential condo and hotel from Capella, as well as a luxury hotel from Jumeirah. Having two five-star hotels and a condo in one development may be a little excessive, though both Capella and Jumeirah are big names in the hotel scene, and we are interested to see what they’ll look like once completed. Charoenkrung Rd.

 

The long-awaited Indigo boutique hotel will finally open on Wireless Road this week, said to be incorporating lots of locally-inspired art pieces, like pictures of old Bangkok on the walls as well as pop-art style pillows bearing iconic scenes from around the city. Situated across from Lumphini Park, the 192-room hotel will have opening rates starting from B3,700 per night. 81 Wittayu (Wireless) Rd., 02-207-4999.

 

After the B335-million revamp to Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa, Minor Group is now focusing on its new hotel, Avani, right next to the riverside property. Unlike most new hotels being built around Bangkok, which seem to be very luxury-focused, this one has a more laid-back approach, more about convenience and lifestyle. The project includes a retail space in front with facilities like all-day dining restaurant and rooftop pool bar grill. We heard that it will have the biggest ballroom in Bangkok, too. Opening date is to be confirmed. 257/1-3 Charoennakorn Rd. (next to Anantara Bangkok Riverside)
 

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