In spring of this year, people around the world found themselves forcibly stuck at home. While restrictions in Thailand and many other countries have lifted, the threat of the unrelenting coronavirus pandemic still looms over our daily lives. As some semblance of normality begins to return, we ask six creative individuals from Bangkok to reflect on 2020 so far and — now that things are reopening — share their favourite city spots.
SNACK, 24, designer and creative director
What do you do?
I’m a designer for fashion label narcissism, Ncs studio and creative director for Winawore.
How would your friends sum you up?
Fashion and style.
And how do you explain culture in Bangkok?
TEMPLE.
What’s the hottest spot in Bangkok you recommend?
The Siam, Bangkok’s best nightlife area Thonglor and Wat Phra Kaew.
How is your life going so far in 2020?
It’s been the most challenging year.
What’s your plan for the weekend?
I want to travel around.
Ploi Horwang, 35, TV host and actress
How would your friends explain about you?
A funny person, always happy.
How do you explain your culture in Bangkok?
A melting pot of hot creative people with a pop art culture.
How is your life going so far in 2020?
Pretty lazy but I discovered that I enjoy staying at home.
What’s your plan for the weekend?
Chilling out with my friends, chit chat and probably going to nice bars later.
Vanida Pornnumchokchai a.k.a Bee, 28, model and entrepreneur
What do you do?
I model and own a nail salon and clothing store too.
How would your friends describe you?
Everyone sees me as a person who enjoys life. But at the same time, I am a serious person.
What artist do you listen to the most?
Korean hip-hop (Loco and Zico especially), Bring Me The Horizon and Hyukoh.
What’s the hottest spot in Bangkok you recommend?
Anywhere where we can skateboard.
How is your life being so far in 2020?
I’m focusing on my clothing store business, making it grow and be more stable.
What’s your plan for the weekend?
If I don’t spend time at home with my family, I’ll go meet my friends and shop together.
Benz, founder of FUXURY
How would your friends describe you?
They always say I’m mad or crazy.
And how do you explain the culture in Bangkok?
Now it’s like a new wave culture. Everyone does their own music, has their own lifestyle. It’s much more open than in the past.
What artist do you listen to the most?
1MILL.
What’s the hottest spot in Bangkok you recommend people check out?
I’d like to recommend Chatuchak Market and the Weekend Market are the best in BKK.
How’s your life going so far in 2020?
I’m quite broke compared to last year because I just opened my boutique, but my dream came true! In the past, I just bought stuff for myself, but now I have my own shop so I can buy and sell things I like, whether it’s vintage or selected.
What’s your plan for the weekend?
I’ll go to Weekend Market to shop and chill. I like to go out to new places and get inspired at night.
Sun, 22, stylist and creative director
What do you do?
I study visual communication, art and design. I’m also a stylist and creative director. My friend and I run a clothing label too.
How would your friends describe you?
Ohhh… they’d say that I’m crazy and funny.
And how do you explain the culture in Bangkok?
Bangkok is a prosperous, developed, very colourful city full of wonderful people.
Which artists do you listen to the most?
I like Rihanna, Blackpink and Umi.
How’s life treating you in 2020?
I think it’s been a year of problems and obstacles for everyone, whether with the pandemic or socio-political problems. I feel that I can learn and grow up to become a better person having gone through this. I am very lucky to have good friends to support me. When I make a mistake, they understand me and I learn from that error and try not to do it again. The more people I meet, the more I learn.
What’s your plan for the weekend?
I will go to my parents house in Hua Hin to relax and create new things to make my life colourful. Then I’ll spend some good time meeting friends and go to the beach together.
Chalam Thaweesak, 24, (with Kwanta Choonhavan)
What do you do?
I’m a learner.
How would your friends describe you?
Introverted.
How do you explain the culture in Bangkok?
A group of people who love themselves.
How’s life going so far in 2020?
It was ok until COVID-19. I have more time to learn guitar now though.
What’s your plan for the weekend?
Playing my guitar.