What’s On in Bangkok in January 2016

There is always something to do in Bangkok – hunt down the latest goings-on with our what’s-on guide. Know of another event taking place that you want to share? Let us know in the comments!

Bangkok Sweet Dreams graffiti exhibition: 08 January-03 February

In the first event of its kind, 34 Thai graffiti and street artists take over cosy Chomp café and restaurant in Bangkok’s old town of Banglamphu, one of our favourite spots to chow down on comforting international fare (there’s also a great selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes). You have over a month to catch the exhibition showcasing the group’s work, while from 8pm on the opening night you can expect a live graffiti show on Chomp’s walls, along with live music, a buffet, and drinks promotions. Samsen Soi 1 (Phra Athit or Thewet river boat piers); www.bit.ly/bangkoksweetdreams.

Lonely in Bangkok exhibition: 09 January-28 February

If you’ve ever found yourself as a Bangkok newbie struggling to adjust to life in this wonderfully crazy city, you’re sure to empathise with the work of photographer Jean-Sebastien Faure that’s on show at this exhibition hosted by the Kathmandu gallery in Silom. Depicting Faure’s own challenges in settling into Bangkok over the course of four years, the exhibition’s opening night party takes place on 09 January between 6.30 and 9.00pm. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 11am-7pm; Pan Road (BTS Chong Nonsi);www.kathmanduphotobkk.com.

Bangkok Planetarium: from 05 January

After extensive upgrades, the oldest planetarium in Thailand – which first opened in its current location back in 1964, but which has been closed since May 2015 – reopens on 05 January, and will be providing free entrance up until and including Children’s Day on 09 January. The venue, the full name of which is the National Science Centre for Education, has been kitted out with new technology to make even more of a show of its displays of stars and the universe, and there are shows on weekdays at 10am, 11am, 1pm and 2pm (reservations required for the 10am and 1pm shows), and on weekends at 11am, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. English-language shows are on Tuesdays at 10am, and also need to be booked in advance. Tuesday-Sunday, 928 Sukhumvit Road (BTS Ekkamai); www.facebook.com/bkkplanetarium.

Concert in the Park: weekly, until 21 February

The winter season means the return of free weekly concerts in Lumpini Park by the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra’s own musicians will be joined by guest vocalists as they belt out classic tunes, pop hits, movie soundtracks and famous Thai songs. It’s a celebration of the cool(er) weather and the great outdoors in one of Bangkok’s best pockets of green space. Bring along a picnic and settle in for the afternoon! Concerts run on Sundays from 5.30pm, weekly with the exception of 03 and 17 January. BTS Sala Daeng, or MRT Si Lom or Lumpini; www.bangkoksymphony.org.

Random Thainess: 19 January

Our regular evening of Thai cultural insights returns at Expique HQ; this month, we’ll have speakers talking about Thai kids’ snacks, the secrets of making the very best pad thai, and other random topics! Refreshments are provided and the event supports a different charity each month. 7-9.30pm; 300 baht on the door; Sathorn Soi 9 (BTS Chong Nonsi); www.facebook.com/random.thainess and www.randomtalks.org.

Elephant Parade Bangkok: until 29 January

No, not a real parade of elephants through Bangkok’s streets, but an open-air exhibition of brightly coloured elephant statues that have been painted by famous artists and celebrities – including by the late Nancy Chandler, known for her infallible maps of Bangkok – and which will then be auctioned off in aid of elephant conservation charities. You’ll find the Elephant Parade at the front of Siam Paragon until 18 December (BTS Siam), at Asiatique between 20 December and 11 January (BTS Saphan Taksin, or Sathorn river boat pier), and at Lumpini Park from 18 until 29 January (BTS Sala Daeng, or MRT Si Lom or Lumpini); www.bit.ly/elephantparadebkk.

Made By Legacy market: 09-10 January

There seems to be a vintage-themed market on every other weekend in Bangkok, and in January it’s the turn of the original Made By Legacy flea market to make its seventh appearance in the grounds of the State Railway of Thailand at Hualamphong station. Expect the usual mix of stalls hawking fashion, handicrafts, and plenty of food and drink. 1pm-10pm; MRT Hualamphong; www.facebook.com/madebylegacy. Other markets taking place this month include the Folk Ville Never Ending Market at the Capanaya Riverside in Rama 3, from 29 to 31 January; www.facebook.com/neverendingmarket.

How will you be spending your time in January in Bangkok? Let us know in the comments!

Photos by Chayanon Paymanont via Chomp; Kathmandu Gallery; Bangkok Planetarium; Bangkok Symphony Orchestra; Expique; Elephant Parade Bangkok; Made By Legacy.

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