Doing absolutely nothing turned out to be surprisingly popular. After its first event drew widespread attention online, “Do F***ing Nothing” is returning to Bangkok for a second round.
The free event will take place at the central amphitheatre in Benchakitti Park on 1 August from 17:00 to 18:00, inviting participants to put down their phones, stop talking and spend 30 minutes “Doing F*ing Nothing”
That means no books, music, scrolling or conversations. Participants can sit quietly, lie down, stare into space, daydream or meditate—provided their chosen form of nothing does not disturb other park visitors.
The event is open to anyone looking for a digital detox, a break from the constant noise of daily life or simply an excuse to sit silently in a park with a crowd of strangers.
Participants are encouraged to arrive 15–30 minutes early to find a comfortable spot before the countdown begins at 17:00.
Organisers stressed that the event is not a test of endurance, a meditation competition or a challenge to see who can look the most peaceful. Attendees are free to spend the half-hour however they like and may leave at any time.
Once the 30 minutes are over, participants can quietly disappear back into the city or join small discussion groups to compare notes on their experience of doing nothing.
Organisers suggest groups of three to five people discuss why they attended, what went through their minds and whether half an hour without a phone felt relaxing, uncomfortable or much longer than expected.
The second edition will also introduce a new “Sit Squad” initiative, encouraging participants to form smaller groups of five to 10 people and organise their own sessions at different times and locations instead of waiting for the next large gathering.
Those interested can register as members or volunteer to coordinate a group through a Google Sheet shared by the organisers.
Anyone can host a sitting-still event without seeking permission from the main organising team. Hosts can use the event’s OpenChat to announce meeting points, share details and invite others to join.
Participants should bring their own mats, camping chairs, umbrellas and drinks, while following park rules banning smoking, alcohol and littering.
Organisers also recommend preparing for Bangkok’s usual combination of heat, rain, crowds and travel delays, and advise anyone staying after dark to remain in well-lit areas where other people are present.
Following feedback from the first event, attendees and members of the media have also been asked to respect participants’ privacy when taking photographs or filming.
Those who do not wish to be photographed can wear a red ribbon on their arm or make a crossed-arms gesture. Photographers are asked to avoid capturing identifiable images without permission.
For everyone else, the instructions remain simple: arrive, sit down and, for once, do absolutely nothing.
