This list just keeps getting bigger every single year, and there are more that are likely to be included, like Melt Livehouse, as soon as they really get going. There’s a bit of a gulf on the Bangkok live music scene—and no small amount of controversy. Some prefer the smooth tunes and expertly mixed cocktails of a high end jazz bar, some like to get down and dirty with real local acts in Lat Phrao. Whatever your poison, these are the ones you should check out this year. 

The annual BAD Awards are Bangkok’s biggest homegrown nightlife awards, and were made possible by sponsors Apt 101, GulpBkk, Bootleggers, Giffard, Freedom World, Komos, Suntree Brewing, Flow Inter, and OG Kratom.

Crimson Room

From the team behind Rabbit Hole, Crimson Room features a steady stream of live acts every night at a bar as well known for its cocktails as its tunes—complete with an art deco interior and a romantic vibe. Slathered in a 20’s-style Gatsby-like vibe, here you’ll find music centered on talented crooners, artists, and musicians playing smooth, relatable songs. But don’t be fooled; this spot can party.
 

Finalist: Jam

Changing owners in 2024, Jam is one of the most loved live music venues, in part because it doesn’t take itself too seriously. Seating is scarce at the downstairs floor, but this isn’t exactly a sitting and chilling sort of place. Sure, they’ve got metal and DJs and dancing, but you’ll also find Bangkok’s local and experimental acts playing to a crowd of regulars. You never know what you’re going to get here—from masked singers to karaoke on the toilet.
 

Finalist: Blueprint Livehouse

Opening in 2023, Blueprint Livehouse has fast become the place Bangkok looks for innovative live music. Under blue lights, this is the place where popular local acts are born and where niche international acts come to make a splash. Found on the second floor of Flow House, this Khlong Toei space is just as likely to play shoegaze or metal, a one-stage venue that packs in the local fans and bands.
 

Finalist: Buddha & Pals

A chill, well designed space that is equal parts cafe, restaurant, bar, and live music venue. While you’re likely to stop by for a little brunch and coffee during the daylight hours, at night the focus turns to the live tunes. With a focus on jazz, the cocktails here are carefully crafted (though pricey) and the seating faces the live bands that play Tuesday through Sunday.
 

Finalist: Smalls

Smalls is an institution. Jazz, blues, rock—it’s a space everyone in Bangkok goes at least once and regulars can’t escape. The bar from David Jacobson, which grabbed a spot on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 51-100 in 2022, is a bit of a maze of corners and nooks to hide away. Unlike a lot of other live music venues in Bangkok, this spot boasts excellent cocktails and good food. 

Speakerbox

Speakerbox is back! Aaaand it’s closed again. But, don’t worry, the Bangkok live music staple, which was closed for 2024 but came roaring back for a soft open only to close again. But, don’t worry, this spot will be back very soon. The old Speakerbox crew were amazed by the new space, just a few meters away from the old one, which is much bigger and livelier, cementing this spot’s cache as one of the best spots in town for live music. They weren’ eligible for the BAD Awards this year, but they’ll be the one to beat next year. 

Noise House Lat Phrao

This is one for the proper local music fans. It may be small, it may be a little bit from midtown, but this spot makes it into BK’s roundup most weeks because they’re bringing the cool local acts we want to see and creating a space for the homegrown live music scene to thrive. Whether you’re into shoegaze, metal, or hip-hop, a lot of great bands will be born here, and this is where you go to see them first. 

Rock Pub

This bar does what it says on the sign. Now, they’ve moved from their previous spot but are still the darling live music venue of the Ari and Sanam Pao crowd. It’s still fun. It’s still bringing fun acts. And it’s still loud. This is a standup and sit down live music venue that brings Bangkok’s rockers out of the woodwork. If you haven’t played the Rock Pub, are you really even a Bangkok rock band?

Immortal Bar 

This one's for you metalheads. And, no, this spot doesn’t just put on the same local bands over and over again for the regular crowd. They’re bringing in punk and metal acts from around the globe to their small stage, and this spot can get rowdy. Keep up to date with their acts on social media, because you never quite know who will be at this Khaosan headbangers’ ball. 

Studio Lam

This space has turned from a regular into an institution. Everyone knows Studio Lam, the Thonglor must-go for city music lovers. One night, you’ll pop in for trap and house, and the next night will be jazz, the next folk and rock. Sure, the tourists know where this spot is, but it’s no worse off for it. Grab a yadong cocktail and chill. 

Decommune

This spot packs them in every week—and how. Another spot where you’re just as likely to bounce to a DJ or a live band, this space still has underground cred but they’re more and more popular every year. Local and international acts play for this crowd of very young, very lively music lovers. Keep an eye out for their themes like British night and Japanese City Pop Fest. 

Black Cabin

New and improved over the last year, Black Cabin has serious live music cred to pair with their well above average cocktails. This is more of a sit down and enjoy the tunes sort of spot than a dancing affair, but the design, the vibes, and the crowd are all on point, and they’re playing good tunes every night (except when they’re closed on Mondays)—not just on the weekends. 

Fatty’s Bar and Diner

As well as being the BAD Award winner for Best Dive Bar, this is the best spot in Din Daeng to see local acts by the tiny stage by the door. Cheap beer, good wings, and acts for the local and expat crowds with big Wisconsin vibes. And, we say this every time, don’t miss the wings. 

Mr.FOX Live House

It’s big, it’s loud, and it’s always fresh. More of a live music venue than a bar, locals know this place for acts they want to see. While you are liable to hear a number of different styles—from cowboy tunes to covers—we know this is the spot to go for regular, wild rock music from local acts we love like HardBoy. 

House of Tri

An intimate, low-key venue for live music. You can sit in the performance area or chill just outside with a cheap beer. This space has been coming up in the world for the last two years, and it’s more and more becoming a space for people who love songwriting and chill, easy local acts.