Good news for fans of avant-garde Japanese dance. The 9th International Butoh Festival Thailand 2014 is now underway, with various activities running through Dec 21 at BACC. The first phase (now-Dec 7) is all about workshops. On Dec 6, Paul Ibey of Canada will be teaching you how to control emotions, while Valentin Tszin of Russia takes over the next day when participants get to stage their own performances.. 

 

Through Dec 21

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Alternative Grunge Wake Up!!!

End the year with some alternative and grunge, featuring cover bands The Drink Hang Drunk and The Layers, new indie group Mrs. Linda, rising stars Mattnimare and Brown Flying, and grunge queen Ornaree. You also get one asahi beer upon entry.

 

Dec 4

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If you're a fan of the Siam Gypsy Night Market in JJ Green, here's another opening of a new specialty indie venue modeled as a smaller version of Live House for you to celebrate the early weekend with a free bar from 7-9pm.

 

Dec 4 

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While you're already in JJ Green for the open bar, you can also enjoy some quality live music at the market by Jelly Rocket (check out their cover of Latch by Disclosure above), Part Time Musicians and Two Million Thanks, also kicking off at 7pm.

 

Dec 4 

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Electro Thursday is the new Friday - feat. DJ Jessie and Krit Morton

James Zabiela

 

Famous Korean paper sculpture artist Ho Yoon Shin presents an exhibition in celebration of the King's birthday. If you didn't catch the opening at Siam Paragon at the end of last month, you can head over to Artery Post-Modern Gallery where it'll be on show until the end of the year. 

 

Through Dec 31

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Here's a special artsy event at Hof Art Space in celebration of Father's day, featuring the work of leading local artists, plus a live sculpting, drawing and oil painting of the King in the evening. Bring your dad to the event for a free signed poster. And if you have some time to spare, check out our Phra Khanong neighborhood guide for what you can do in this up-and-coming area. 

 

Dec 5

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The latest round of khon performances, featuring the Battle of Indrajit: Nagabas from the Ramakian ends on Father's day, sponsored by the Arts and Craft Foundation of Her Majesty the Queen. Take note: the traffic gets crazy on the way to this popular show so set out early. B100 for students.

 

Dec 5

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For a more festive activity, this musical comedy kicks off this Friday, encouraging audience interaction in a  British pantomime tradition. Presented by the Bangkok Community Theatre. Christmas food available to celebrate the festive season early with your family. B550 for children under 13.

 

Dec 5-7, Dec 12-14

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Saturday (Dec 6)

This Saturday sees last of the regular craft fair this year, which looks to help promote local handmade products from over 50 artisan groups includes home décor, toys and other accessories. Find your perfect holiday gifts for a good cause. 

 

Dec 6

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Also another reason to head to Phra Khanong this weekend. Goja Gallery opens a new urban street art exhibition at 7pm by Cambodian artists Lisa Mam and Peap Tarr, playing on the themes of strength and power. 

 

Dec 6

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After a successful Happy Eating Festival last month, you can head to Royal Paragon Hall for another fair this Sunday where you can "shop, taste and chill," with celebrity shops with wares from over 400 local brands, food stalls, a fashion show and a concert by Thaitanium and Gene Kasidit. 

 

Dec 6

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This foodie event is so momentous we can’t even quite wrap our heads around what it’s going to be like. Chim gathers the very best chefs in Bangkok and has them cooking together at three major events taking place Dec 6-11. The first highlight, Chim in the Garden, takes place this Sunday and features acclaimed chefs such as David Thompson from Nahm, Jaikal Johari from Water Library, Nooror Somany Steppe from Blue Elephant, Ton Tassanakajohn from Le Du and Paolo Vitaletti from Appia. Book your slot now at www.chimbangkok.com.

 

Dec 6-11

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This Saturday you can have an evening of reggae, dance, jazz, hip-hop and metal music in this low-key establishment on the other side of the river, featuring live performances by Ras Muhamad, Dakta Dub, Until that Day, Bangkok Smoke Run featuring Tony Rankin and U-Key.

 

Dec 6

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For more experimental sounds, here's seven hours of seven experimental solo live performances, with a special guest performance by Dan Burman at Brownstone Studio. Fatty's Bar and Diner will also be there to provide burgers in celebration of the closing of Pongsakul Chalao's art exhibition "Sub Suk".

 

Dec 6

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Sunday (Dec 7) 

In honor of HM the King’s 87th birthday, and to celebrate there’s a host of classical performances. On Dec 7, rising Chinese cello star Jian Wang opens his concert at the Thailand Cultural Center with King Bhumibol’s “Lom Naw.”