A 2009 filed photo of Bangkok traffic. Photo : Bernard Spragg. NZ / Flickr
BANGKOK — Pay nothing while expanding your circle of friends with the first commercial carpooling service from Grab.
The popular taxi app launched its new GrabHitch service this week which lets drivers share their empty seats with commuters who want to travel similar routes. While drivers get some gas money, passengers get affordable travel at a fixed price of 50 baht, which drops to zero for now during launch.
“GrabHitch will help reduce density of people using public transportation, lessen traffic jams and lower costs for both passengers and car owners,” Vee Charunansiri of Grab Thailand told Prachachat.
To try the beta version, enter the same information as when calling a GrabTaxi, including pick-up and drop-off locations as well as the date and time. The application then will match you with a driver and coordinate to confirm. Fares can be paid by both credit card or cash without additional service fees.
Grab Thailand said all drivers will be verified and monitored for safety. Unlike its previous motorcycle taxi service which was sort-of shut down under legal threat, the company said it was confident the carpooling service did not breach any laws.
During the introductory period, customers can enter promo-code “GHFREE” for unlimited free rides until Dec. 28.
Car owners who become GrabHitch drivers before Dec. 27 will receive 100 baht for each passenger they pick up to share a ride.
Perhaps it’s the cooler weather getting people out more but with December begun and NYE coming, expect Bangkok’s nightlife to get into gear. This weekend alone offers a feast for hungry dancing feet: Drum ‘n Bass, dub, house and even some Muay Thai fighter DJs are just a few offerings.
Dub reggae nights in Bangkok are as rare as Naga sightings in the Mekong but this Friday get ready for Revibe a Dub featuring Kuranaka aka 1945 from Japan. He’ll be joined by Prince Fatty (UK) and our own Gapi Dub Kitchen. All three are legends in their own right. Kuranaka aka 1945 – besides his strange stage – has pioneered Dub Reggae in Japan and has a career spanning over two decades. Prince Fatty’s track “Nina‘s dance” was produced for Stussy’s 25 year anniversary campaign and received heavy air play from BBC Radio 1. Last but not least, Gapi Dub Kitchen is a side project of Gap T. Bone, frontman for legendary reggae ensemble T Bone.
Tickets are 350 baht at the door. Studio Lam is located in Soi Sukhumvit 51.
The UK’s most decorated B-boy Goldie arrives in Bangkok to play his first ever set since receiving his MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) As some may know his label Metalheadz has a back catalog with enough hit tunes to fill a bank vault, and he’s been a dominant force in the world of Drum ‘n Bass music since the ‘90s. Goldie’s set to take the crowd into the future Saturday at Glow, but make sure you get there early to get a spot on the dance floor before it gets packed.
Tickets are 600 baht at the door. Glow is located on Soi Sukhumvit 23.
“I do find being a DJ/producer a strange thing – it’s the only art form I know where it’s the norm to produce original work while at the same time being an expert on everybody else. It’s bizarre!” said UK House music producer Kevin Gorman aka Adesse Versions, who arrives to play his special blend of cut-n-past beats Saturday at Get a Room. The event hosted by Kiwi expat DJ and organizer Jaydubb will also feature yours truly on the decks. The event will take place in Silom’s Whiteline.
If there is anything us DJs love, it’s arguing about music. Mix this with alcohol and in some extreme cases folks come to blows. That’s the inspiration for organizers at Rumble in the Club, who realized they could tap into the potential of this to create a unique event with six of Bangkok’s best DJs battling it out Muay Thai style. Their first event in February was a success and the follow-up is set for Saturday.
The concept is simple: Give noob DJs five weeks of training then loose them into the ring to battle it out in three two-minute rounds. DJs on the fight card are Rory Roketto vs. Tekayu Harrington, Dan Buri vs. Matteo Lanna and Alex Fischer vs. Coran Maloney.
Tickets are 650 baht and sold at the door. VIP access is available for 1,000 baht. Live RCA is near the end of Royal City Avenue’s southward sweep.
Enjoy the weekend. Until next time, Dub be good to you.
Patrons in front of CentralFestival Pattaya in this May 15, 2015 file photo.
PATTAYA — An elderly French national fell to his death at Pattaya’s largest shopping mall Thursday night, according to police, who ruled it a suicide.
The 71-year-old man made the plunge at about 11:30pm from the sixth floor of CentralFestival Pattaya and landed on an escalator of the second floor, according to Col. Apichai Krobphet, chief of Pattaya police.
“It was a definitely suicide,” Apichai said, citing accounts of eyewitnesses who saw him deliberately jump.
The French Embassy has been contacted, the police colonel added. He said the man was in Thailand on a tourist visa.
It’s the second public suicide in a mall this week. On the evening of Nov. 25, a man plunged to his death at the Siam Paragon shopping mall in Bangkok in front of a crowd of horrified shoppers.
Another foreigner also attempted to do the same at CentralFestival Pattaya on Nov. 24, but police officers talked him down, Apichai said.
Standard Chartered Headquarters shown here in August in London, England. Photo: Cobaltblue25 / Wikimedia Commons
SINGAPORE — Singapore regulators have announced fines amounting to over $5.3 million for two banks that were found to have breached money laundering rules in dealings with an indebted Malaysian state fund.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore on Friday fined the local branch of Standard Chartered Bank, which is headquartered in London, 5.2 million Singapore dollars (USD $3.6 million) for “significant lapses” in customer due diligence measures and controls.
Regulators also fined the Singapore branch of private bank Coutts 2.4 million Singapore dollars (USD $1.7 million) for inadequate customer due diligence on “politically exposed persons.” Coutts is winding down its Singapore operations.
Singapore’s actions result from findings of a multinational probe into allegations that people close to Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak stole more than $1 billion from 1MDB, or 1Malaysia Development Bhd.
BANGKOK — American alt rock act Goo Goo Dolls will perform in Bangkok for the first time next year.
After more than three decades and 11 albums, Buffalo, New York, band Goo Goo Dolls are gearing up to tour internationally for their latest album “Boxes” and will come to Bangkok in February.
The band was brought to stardom with hits such as “Black Balloon,” “Slide” and “Iris,” which was on the soundtrack of 1988’s “City of Angels,” and stayed at No. 1 on the Billboard’s Hot 100 Airplay charts for 18 weeks.
Led by 50-year-old frontman John Rzeznik, Goo Goo Dolls will perform Feb. 13 at BCC Hall. Early-bird tickets will be available at 10am on Monday on Thaiticketmajor for 1,800 baht. After Dec. 25, the tickets will be on sale for 2,000 baht.
The concert hall is on the fifth floor of CentralPlaza Lardprao, which is near MRT Phahon Yothin.
BANGKOK — Set your palate to griddle and get ready for a carb coma this February.
That’s when International House of Pancakes, or IHOP, will open its first branch in Thailand at Siam Paragon, the American morning comfort food chain announced this week.
Along with munching on artery-enriching pancakes and waffles and French toast and other fare, fans of IHOP’s hearty breakfast dishes will be able to take cute photos of their signature Funny Face pancakes, those ones with the maraschino cherry eyes and whipped cream mouths.
IHOP was founded in 1958 in Southern California. Today the franchise chain has more than 1,600 branches in North America, the Middle East and the Philippines.
Here’s to hoping the lines won’t be too long. Until then, find out more at IHOP Thailand or check out some griddle porn posted on their Twitter:
Vietnam's Agriculture and Rural Development Vice Minister Ha Cong Tuan holds two confiscated rhino horns Nov. 12 in Hanoi, Vietnam. Photo: Tran Van Minh / Associated Press
HANOI — Vietnamese authorities have seized 529 kilograms (1,164 pounds) of ivory smuggled from Africa, after finding nearly 6 tons of ivory illegally shipped through the same port in the past two months.
Le Dinh Loi, deputy customs chief in southern Ho Chi Minh City, said the ivory seized Thursday at Cat Lai port had been hidden in timber in one container. The smugglers packed the ivory with wax and sealed it inside emptied-out timber, he said Friday.
The seizures came just two weeks after officials from more than 40 countries gathered in Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, to call for stepped-up efforts to fight illegal wildlife trade.
Vietnam, which bans hunting of its own dwindling elephant population, is one of the world’s major transit points and consumers of ivory and rhino horn.
Thousands of Indonesian Muslims gather Friday during a rally against Jakarta's minority Christian Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama who is being prosecuted for blasphemy, at the National Monument in Jakarta, Indonesia. Photo: Tatan Syuflana / Associated Press
JAKARTA — At least 200,000 conservative Muslims rallied in the Indonesian capital on Friday in the second major protest in a month against its minority Christian governor who is being prosecuted for alleged blasphemy.
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, who is a political ally of the Jakarta governor, Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama, and angered hard-liners by being out of the city during the first protest, unexpectedly went to the national monument to join Friday prayers with the sprawling crowd. He called for protesters to disperse peacefully. They cheered and then broke into chants calling for Ahok’s arrest, but later people were streaming peacefully out of the area into a main thoroughfare of the city.
Organizers had agreed to concentrate the protest around the vaulting monument to reduce disruptions but the area quickly overflowed. National Police spokesman Rikwanto, who goes by one name, said police estimated 200,000 people were on the streets. Police say 22,000 officers and 5,000 soldiers can be called on to ensure the demonstration stays orderly.
A protest Nov. 4 against Ahok, the first ethnic Chinese to be Jakarta governor and the first Christian in half a century, attracted about 100,000 people. After nightfall, it turned violent, with one death and dozens injured. Police want Friday’s protest to disperse in the early afternoon following prayers.
The crowds massed in the area of the national monument formed a sea of white that spilled into surrounding streets while gridlocked motorists sat on the sidewalks. Some held huge banners calling Ahok a blasphemer who should be jailed while others chanted and prayed. The blasphemy controversy erupted in September when a video circulated online in which Ahok criticized detractors who argued the Quran prohibits Muslims from having a non-Muslim leader.
Indonesian Muslims gather Friday during a rally against Jakarta’s minority Christian Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama who is being prosecuted for blasphemy, at the National Monument in Jakarta, Indonesia. Photo: Tatan Syuflana / Associated Press
It has challenged the image of Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim nation, as practicing a moderate form of Islam and has shaken the government of Jokowi, who accused unnamed political actors of trying to undermine him. The son of former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is vying against Ahok for Jakarta governor in elections set for February.
Separately, police said they had arrested eight people suspected of treason including Rahmawati, who is a younger sister of former President Megawati Sukarnoiputri, and a well-known musician turned politician Ahmad Dani. Two other people were arrested for alleged crimes under Indonesia’s law on electronic information and transactions.
Lisnawati Djohar, a resident of West Sumatra’s Padang city, said she flew to Jakarta with a dozen friends for the protest.
“I’ve been called to defend Islam,” she said. “As a Muslim, I feel guilty if I refuse a demand to defend my religion. I believe Ahok insulted the holy Quran and it’s hurt us.”
Rizieq Syihab, leader of the Islamic Defenders Front, a vigilante group that helped organize the demonstrations, gave a fiery speech to the protest in which he asserted Indonesia would be peaceful if there was no blasphemy and other problems such as gays.
Roads leading into the city were clogged in the early morning as white-robed protesters walked to the city center from corners of the sprawling metropolis.
Speaking on the main stage at the national monument, National Police Chief Gen. Tito Karnavian called for the protesters to support the legal process in the blasphemy case.
“We have worked to finalize the dossier and have handed over to the prosecutors. Therefore, I request support from all of you so that the legal process goes well,” he said as the crowd cheered “God is Great.”
The accusation of blasphemy has animated the political opponents of Ahok and Jokowi, including hard-liners who have used the issue to seize a national stage for their extreme agenda, which includes Shariah law.
Ahok’s blasphemy case took a step forward Thursday when it was formally accepted for trial. The offense is punishable by up to five years in prison.
Police say Ahok can’t leave the country during the case. However, hard-line Muslim groups continue to demand he be arrested.
BANGKOK — Those burnt out on watching the same franchise films in the same mall-top cinemas are in luck.
Whether on a rooftop under the stars, a breezy lawn or a nightlife hotspot with a drink in hand, cinephiles can now enjoy many different ways to get their movie on, especially with the arrival of cooler weather.
Get out of the corporate movie box and check out a dozen alternative cinema experiences popping up around town. And, yes, some of them allow you to bring in beer to enjoy the movie even more.
The Bangkok Open Air Cinema Club
Photo: Bangkok Open Air Cinema Club / Facebook
When it comes to watching films with a skyline backdrop, the Bangkok Open Air Cinema Club doesn’t disappoint. The venue, atop some converted shophouses in Soi Sukhumvit 49, hosts monthly shows on its 1.80-by-1-meter screen.
There’s only 40 seats and tickets, which are 300 baht, come with a drink and popcorn.
The Bangkok Open Air Cinema is located on the top of the Hive Bangkok, a five-story coworking space that can be reached by foot or motorbike from BTS Thong Lo exit No. 1.
Goethe Institut
Photo: Goethe-Institut Bangkok
Head to a cultural institution known to occasionally host outdoor screenings of German films, including Wim Wender’s works earlier this year.
During the cool season from December through February, The Goethe Institut will host its annual Open Air Cinema series on its lush garden grounds. The 11 selected German films include comedies, dramas and thrillers.
The cultural center’s campus is located in Soi Sathorn 1. It can be reached by motorcycle taxi or a 10-minute walk from MRT Lumphini exit No. 2.
Bangkok Screening Room
Photo: Bangkok Screening Room / Facebook
Miss the greats such as Hitchcock’s “Rear Window” or Audrey Hepburn in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s?” Here is the place to see them on a large screen.
Opened in September, the new alternative cinema has 52 cushioned seats. Unlike at most theaters in Bangkok, sit toward the middle or front for the best experience.
There are several series of films, so check the schedule online. Tickets are 300 baht for adults, 250 baht for students and 200 baht for children. Plan to come here often? Annual memberships for 1,100 baht are recommended.
The Bangkok Screening Room is open every day except Monday. It’s located above a 7-Eleven on Soi Saladaeng 1. Walk from MRT Lumphini exit No. 2 or BTS Sala Daeng exit No. 4.
Alliance Francaise
Photo: Alliance Francaise / Facebook
Like Goethe Institut’s German films, the French use their cultural venue to showcase their art and culture.
Every month or two, Alliance Francaise shows French films in its 200-seat theatre. Talks with directors or filmmakers often place after the screenings.
Alliance Francaise Bangkok is located on Wireless Road just a few minutes walk from exit No. 3 of MRT Lumphini.
Cinema Winehouse
Photo: Cinema Winehouse / Facebook
If looking for a place to enjoy a movie with a proper meal and glass of wine, Cinema Winehouse is the place.
Showing mostly mainstream movies such as “Mad Max: Fury Road” and “The Wolverine,” the bar and restaurant also serves international dishes such as steak, pasta and salad. All kinds of drinks from beer, wine and cider to tea are available as well.
If you head there for a movie, sit in the lounge upstairs, since the projector sits at the top. Cinema Winehouse is located on Soi Samsen 1.
The Friese-Greene Club
Photo: The Friese-Greene Club / Facebook
Although the private cinema owned by Paul Spurrier is relatively small with limited space and seating, it has a busy and compelling monthly programs are loaded with things to excite cinephiles. (November’s theme: Hitchcock, Woody Allen, European classics, 70s).
The seats are comfy if you can book one in advance online, but even better is sitting with friends to watch from the ground-floor bar area or on the second floor, which recreates a living room vibe for small groups.
The Friese-Greene Club is located in Soi Sukhumvit 22. It’s a 10-minute walk from BTS Phrom Phong.
Jam
Photo: Jam / Facebook
For what seems like 80 years and running, Jam Cine Club goes down every Wednesday at this bar-cafe-gallery space just off lower Sathorn Road. Screenings are free and in easy reach of the bar, which also serves pub food such as fish and chips and the signature Jamburger.
It also hosts a monthly cultural study session where documentaries are shown on a Sunday night and followed by casual discussion.
Jam is a five-minute walk from BTS Surasak exit No. 2 on Soi Charoen Rat 1.
I Hate Pigeons
I Hate Pigeons / Facebook
Oddly named dive bar I Hate Pigeons in conjunction with the Documentary Club has hosted non-fiction film screenings monthly since May.
While the bar is filled with a variety of craft beer, there is no proper kitchen. Guests can order snacks and food from the restaurant next door.
Come early and pick a seat downstairs or on the mezzanine. The projector hangs from the bar’s ceiling.
I Hate Pigeons sits in Soi Sribumphen, near Soi Sathorn 1, about a kilometer from MRT Lumphini.
The Bangkok Art and Culture Centre
As a home to contemporary art exhibitions, bookshops, and cafes, the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, or BACC, also hosts occasional screenings. Ongoing events include the self-explanatory Doc+Talk each month, and Cinema Diverse: Director’s Choice, which shows films selected by acclaimed Thai directors every two months.
The Bangkok Art and Culture Center is connected by skywalk to BTS National Stadium.
The Reading Room
Photo: The Reading Room / Facebook
This library with more than 1,000 contemporary art books occasionally hosts special screenings such as a recent tribute to late Japanese actress Setsuko Hara, a Czech Animation Weekend and a Thai indie shorts minifest called Wildtype Middleclass.
The Reading Room is located on Soi Silom 19. It’s open 1pm to 7pm, Wednesday through Sunday.
The Japan Foundation
A scene from “Moving” directed by Shinji Somai
See Japanese films every Friday evening at JF Theatre.
Promoting Japanese art and culture in Thailand, The Japan Foundation shows something Japanese at 6pm every Friday.
J-films fitting different themes show each month (“Father” is December). Most show in Japanese with Thai subtitles, sometimes they also have English subtitles. Check ahead to find out.
The Japan Foundation is located on Soi Sukhumvit 21. The nearest public transportation is BTS Asok and MRT Sukhumvit.
Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand
Photo: Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand – FCCT / Facebook
The longstanding journo club keeps it real by screening films related to current world issues every month. Many are award-winning and supported by embassies of the subject nations.
Panel discussions take place after the screenings, which are free for club members and usually 150 baht for non-members.
The Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand is located on the penthouse floor of the Maneeya Center, a building connected by skywalk to BTS Chit Lom.
From left, Chief Justice Weeraphol Tangsuwan, Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha, head of the interim parliament, Pornpetch Wichitcholchai and Regent Prem Tinsulanonda at front bow to the new king in a still video image.
BANGKOK — Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn completed his ascension to the throne as King Rama X of Thailand, the government announced Thursday night.
The new monarch succeeds his father King Bhumibol Adulyadej, aka Rama IX, who died Oct. 13 at 88. He will be known officially as His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun.
“I accept the invitation to fulfill the wish of His Majesty the Late King and for the benefit of all Thai people,” said His Majesty the King during the audience.
His Majesty King Vajiralongkorn, 64, has been the designated heir since 1972. He became the 10th king of the 234-year-old Chakri dynasty. The ascension is retroactive to Oct. 13.
The announcement was made after the new king accepted a ceremonial invitation to take the throne by the head of the interim parliament, Pornpetch Wichitcholchai, at Dusit Palace.
Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, Chief Justice Weeraphol Tangsuwan and Regent Prem Tinsulanonda also attended the audience with His Majesty the King.
The full name of the new king in Pali means “Vajiralongkorn Descended by Flesh and Blood of God Indra, Overlord of all Angels” – but Thais will mostly refer to him as Rama X.
The new king led the Buddhist rites marking the 50th day since his father’s death on Thursday at the Grand Palace which will continue through Friday.
He will be coronated after the cremation of King Bhumibol as soon as late next year.
