Chinese fashion brand Urban Revivo opens in Bangkok, eyes New York, London

Chinese fashion brand Urban Revivo opens in Bangkok, eyes New York, London

Chinese fast-fashion retailer Urban Revivo, which outperforms Zara and H&M on its home turf, had the official launch of its largest overseas store on Thursday in Bangkok as it continues an international push that also includes coming stores in London and New York. “We strive to become the world’s most influential fashion brand, whether in … Read more

Bangkok souvenir ideas as Renaissance Hotels’ R Finds promotes local artisans around world

Bangkok souvenir ideas as Renaissance Hotels’ R Finds promotes local artisans around world

It is a common scene at airports: tourists crowded around a gift shop a few minutes before their flight leaves, looking for last-minute souvenirs. The lucky ones might spot some local snacks and knick-knacks, but for the most part the souvenirs – keychains, magnets, T-shirts and stuffed animals – are likely to be uninspiring, not … Read more

First 3-Michelin-star Thai restaurant, Sorn in Bangkok hails ‘dream beyond imagination’

First 3-Michelin-star Thai restaurant, Sorn in Bangkok hails ‘dream beyond imagination’

Sorn in Bangkok has been crowned the world’s first three-Michelin-star Thai restaurant, as well as becoming Thailand’s first restaurant to earn that accolade. The award for the restaurant in the Thai capital’s Sukhumvit district, which serves southern Thai cuisine, was announced in Bangkok on November 28 at the unveiling of the 2025 Michelin Guide Thailand. … Read more

Igniv Bangkok chef showcases Thai ingredients in chocolate soufflé and chilli langoustine

Igniv Bangkok chef showcases Thai ingredients in chocolate soufflé and chilli langoustine

It was only after two apprenticeships and a stint working in a fine-dining kitchen that chef Arne Riehn found his calling as a baker, during an internship. “The baker in charge of the shop had to leave because his family member got sick. It was a one-man job, and the shop supplies everything from pickles … Read more

Is Thailand the next big LGBTQ wedding destination? Insiders think so

Is Thailand the next big LGBTQ wedding destination? Insiders think so

On September 24, Thailand celebrated the landmark passage of a marriage equality bill. The legislation, which goes into effect in January 2025, will solidify Thailand’s reputation as a progressive and inclusive destination. Wedding organisers and planners around the globe are already taking note, including Next Chapter LGBT, which has been helping Hong Kong LGBTQ couples … Read more

Southeast Asia is the new Singles’ Day battleground as lustre fades in China

Southeast Asia is the new Singles’ Day battleground as lustre fades in China

On the bustling streets of Bangkok, TikTok Shop’s Singles’ Day shopping campaign is hard to miss, as large LED screens flash promotions in endless loops. Promotions have been infiltrating people’s lives in other ways, as well. On the ride-hailing app Grab, TikTok Shop’s Double 11 logo appears prominently on the map interface. A promotional blitz … Read more

Is Jay Fai retiring? Bangkok’s Michelin-star street-food legend hints at plans to stop

Is Jay Fai retiring? Bangkok’s Michelin-star street-food legend hints at plans to stop

A Thai cook who became the first Bangkok street-food vendor to earn a coveted Michelin star has said she plans to retire, possibly as early as next year. Tourists from around the world wait in three-hour queues to sample Jay Fai’s legendary crabmeat omelette – always sizzled up by the owner herself over blazing coals, … Read more

IN FOCUS: Water, water everywhere – why Southeast Asia’s overbuilt capitals need new ways to survive

IN FOCUS: Water, water everywhere – why Southeast Asia’s overbuilt capitals need new ways to survive

The Thai government is pressing on with a broad agenda to manage water, with the ongoing protection of Bangkok – the country’s overwhelming economic powerhouse region – at its heart.  It has started to implement its “Chao Phraya 9 Plans”, which includes water management investments with an estimated cost of US$9.4 billion. That includes hydraulic … Read more

What are the ‘wow’ dishes at third Samsen Thai restaurant in Hong Kong? We find out

What are the ‘wow’ dishes at third Samsen Thai restaurant in Hong Kong? We find out

When Samsen first opened in Hong Kong, in Wan Chai in 2016, chef Adam Cliff became known as the Wagyu beef noodles guy. Then came the second Samsen in 2019, a larger space in a Sheung Wan side street, which was where Cliff could let his version of khao soi – a deep and richly … Read more

Pygmy hippo Moo Deng, the internet’s favourite meatball, may soon get her own patent

Pygmy hippo Moo Deng, the internet’s favourite meatball, may soon get her own patent

Only a month after Thailand’s adorable baby hippo Moo Deng was unveiled on Facebook, her fame became unstoppable both domestically and internationally.  Zookeeper Atthapon Nundee has been posting cute moments of the animals in his care for about five years. He never imagined Khao Kheow Open Zoo’s newborn pygmy hippo would become an internet megastar … Read more