KAWS: Holiday Thailand Makes a Stop in Sanam Luang

Thailand wins big at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival!

Thai Black Comedy-Fantasy film “A Useful Ghost” has won the Grand Prix award at Critics’ Week of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. This marks the first time a Thai film has won the prestigious award in the festival’s parallel section. 

Directed and written by Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke in his directorial debut, the film follows the story of a ghost wife who possesses a vacuum cleaner to live with her husband. “A Useful Ghost” stars Davika Hoorne and Witsarut Himmarat. 

The Grand Prix prize for “A Useful Ghost” comes 15 years after Thailand won its first Palme d’Or through Apitchatpong Weerasethakul’s “Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives” in 2010. 

The film was co-produced by Momo Film Co. (Singapore), Haut Les Mains (France), and other production companies from Germany and Thailand. The project was supported by the Singapore Film Commission (SFC) and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). 

“A Useful Ghost” is also the second Southeast Asian film to win the prize, following Malay horror film “Tiger Stripes” in 2023. 

The Critics’ Week is the section of the annual Cannes Film Festival where new filmmakers and talents are discovered and supported. Some famous directors whose first and second feature films debuted at the Critics’ Week include Guillermo del Toro, Wong Kar-wai, and Andrea Arnold. 

The Cannes Film Festival’s Main Awards Ceremony will happen on May 24, 2025, where 19 films are in the running for the prestigious Palme d’Or. “Anora,” directed by Sean Baker, won the Palme d’Or award last year. 

Watch the trailer for “A Useful Ghost” here. 

Step into the quirky world of 'The Bootleg Show “An Exploration of Originals and Alterations," a mind-bending solo exhibition by Thai-Hong Kong artist Mrkreme, now running at MOCA Bangkok until June 29, 2025.

This is not your typical art show. Driven by the question, "What does it mean to be original?" get ready to be immersed in an interactive experience that'll spark ideas on imperfection, reinterpretation, and transformation — core themes of the show. 

The adventure kicks off with a massive furry monster Mushkin, standing 30 mushrooms tall (measured by MOCA), welcoming you into a world where the bizarre reigns supreme. Mushkin is the star of this show – a whimsical art toy concept gone wonderfully awry. What started as a simple prototype that went wrong morphed into a deeper examination of originality. 

But that’s just the beginning, each room holds more surprises in Mrkreme’s signature pop-surrealist style. Mrkreme uses clay in his works, the very material that sparked his art toy journey, alongside trippy acrylic paintings, to bring his vision to life. 

The fun, interactive elements of the exhibition make it a must-visit. Mrkreme challenges you to become a co-creator by sketching Mushkin from memory. Your drawings will then be reimagined and transformed into new artworks in a fusion of paintings, sculptures, and even video installations.

Get lost in the weirdness and let your creativity flow at the one-of-a-kind "The Bootleg Show."

Adult tickets are priced at THB180, Students (with ID) at THB100, and there is free entry for kids under 100 cm. You can purchase these tickets here.

For more information, visit MOCA BANGKOK on their website, Instagram, and Facebook. 

Location: Atrium and Temporary Exhibition Rooms 1, 2, and 3 (G Floor), MOCA BANGKOK, 499 Kamphaengphet 6 Road, Ladyao, Chatuchak

Opening Hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, from 10 AM to 6 PM (Closed on Mondays)

Get ready to raise your flags and see every corner of Bangkok painted in every color of the rainbow this May 30 to June 30, 2025, for the Bangkok Pride Festival 2025! With this year’s theme, “The Celebration: Right to Love,” Bangkok Pride Festival 2025 is set to be a phenomenally vibrant celebration of diversity, equality, and inclusion. 

This month-long event is organized by a powerful partnership across different sectors, with the Siam Piwat Group collaborating with Bangkok Pride, Drag Bangkok, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), the Creative Industry and Soft Power Institute (CSPI), the Creative Economy Agency (CEA), and the United Nations in Thailand, together with more than 70 government agencies and private companies. 

Through this partnership, Bangkok is slated to become Asia’s Pride capital, further boosting the country’s tourism appeal and global position to bid for World Pride 2030. 

Bangkok Pride Festival 2025 – Celebrating the Right to Love in Glitz, Glamour, and Pride

Bangkok Pride Festival 2025 has five main events lined up for this year: 

May 30 to June 1, 2025: Bangkok Pride Forum 2025

This forum is a safe space for the exchange of knowledge, experience, and innovation. The forum covers six themes: Economy and Business, Medicine, Technology, Environment, Human Rights, and Education. 

The forum will be held from May 30 to June 1, 2025, across four venues: G Floor, Siam Center, 4/F, SCBX Next Tech, Siam Paragon, Hall 3, Lido Connect, and LG Floor Ampitheater, Siam Square One.  

Learn more about the forum here. 

May 30 to June 1, 2025: Drag Bangkok Festival 2025

A spectacular celebration of drag excellence, fierce performances, and wild parties will be presented at the Parc Paragon, Siam Paragon. The event will also feature ITNW’s powerhouse set and a flash mob tribute to a global icon!

May 31, 2025: Bangkok Pride Awards 2025

On May 31, 2025, Bangkok Pride will be holding its first “Bangkok Pride Awards 2025,” honoring those who uplift and bring lasting impact to the LGBTQIAN+ community in Thailand. 

People can start voting for their favorite content creators, actors, series/dramas, films, singers, drag stars, and more from May 1 to 25, 2025. You can cast your votes here.

The Awards Night will be held at the Siam Pavalai at Siam Paragon. 

June 1, 2025: Bangkok Pride Parade 2025 – Born This Way 

No Pride Month in any country is ever complete without their iconic pride parades — Bangkok included. 

On June 1, 2025, Bangkok’s biggest Pride celebration will be taking over Bangkok’s Pride District and Rama I Road for a colorful runway filled with love, unity, and self-expression! Under the theme “Born this Way,” the parade will be starting from the National Stadium, passing by Siam Discovery, Siam Center, Siam Paragon, and will be ending at the CentralwOrld Pride Stage. 

The parade will also feature a 200-meter-long Pride flag, with an expected number of more than 300,000 participants. You can register to join the parade here. 

June 27, 2025: Bangkok Pride Party

Slated to be the ultimate party for Thailand’s LGBTQIAN+ community, come join in the vibrant, high-energy celebration of the community! More details will be revealed soon. 

Also from May 30 to June 30, 2025, Siam Piwat’s iconic shopping centers – Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery, ICONSIAM, and ICS – will serve as the festival’s epicenters. You can read all about that here.

For more information, follow Bangkok Pride on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram. You can check out their website here. 

The Thai entertainment industry and Thai films will be showcased at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival 2025 this May 15, 2025. 

The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) of the Ministry of Commerce, has organized “Thai Night” at the Cannes Film Festival 2025, which will highlight Thai films and the Thai entertainment industry. “Thai Night” also aims elevate the image of the Thai film industry worldwide and strengthen international networks. 

The opening ceremony of “Thai Night” was officiated by Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi. 

Held annually for over 14 years since 2011, “Thai Night” has served as a key platform in highlighting the strength and influence of Thailand’s entertainment industry. It fosters collaboration between Thai entrepreneurs and international buyers and investors, helping promote long-term growth and sustainability in the sector. 

Most importantly, it is a valuable opportunity to present Thailand’s rich culture and soft power on a global stage. Additionally, the event features the “Thai Pavilion,” where representatives from Thailand’s film industry participated in business matching with global partners. The pavilion is located at Booth 22.01, Palais -1, at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès de Cannes, and is open from May 13 to 21, 2025. 

Another highlight of “Thai Night” is the presentation of Thai cuisine under the “Thai Select” certification, which guarantees the authenticity and quality of traditional Thai flavors. These dishes will be served at “Thai Night” as part of a reception for international guests, celebrating the unique identity of Thai food.

“The Thai film industry is growing rapidly, as reflected in its increasing production capabilities, entries into international film festivals, and rising interest from global markets,” said the Director-General of DITP, Ms. Sunata Kangvalkulkjj. “Thai Night serves as a platform to showcase the pride and quality of Thai films, and to propel Thailand’s soft power through the film industry. It presents the charm of Thai culture, creativity, and identity to a global audience, while opening doors for business networking with international partners to support the sustainable growth of Thailand’s film industry.” 

For more information, follow Thailand – Where Films Come Alive on Facebook. You may also follow the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) on Facebook and Instagram. 

Chinatown’s chic new hangout spot is here! Wacoal Yaowarat Space, launched by contemporary lingerie brand Wacoal, boldly reimagines a historic building into a vibrant fusion of fashion, art, and café culture. 

Nestled between Yaowarat Soi 11 and Soi Mangkon, this four-story concept store breathes new life into the district's rich cultural heritage. Awash in Wacoal’s signature soft pink hues, the space is a modern-day Instagrammer’s dream. 

On the ground floor, you’ll find an exclusive lingerie boutique offering everything from signature collections to limited-edition loungewear, T-shirts, and pants. It's also the only place to snag Wacoal’s one-of-a-kind branded merch, including cozy nano blankets, sleek scarves, stylish water bottles, and more.

Head up to the second floor to explore the Art Zone, a vibrant gallery which spotlights emerging local talent on rotation every four months. 

The debut exhibition features the eye-catching PPYY collection, a creative collaboration with Milly X Mercy.

Cups Café takes over the third and fourth floors of the space with a sleek modern aesthetic, cozy corners, and that just-right ambiance for lingering over a cup of Wacoal Blend—a special roast curated for the space. 

Take it all in from the rooftop, where sweeping views of Yaowarat offer a fresh perspective on one of Bangkok’s most iconic neighborhoods. It's the perfect check-in spot for social media-worthy snaps.

For more information, visit Wacoal Thailand on their website, Instagram, Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter). 

Location: 350 352 Yaowarat Road, Chakkrawat, Khet Samphanthawong, Bangkok  

Prolific Korean actor Lee Jun-hyuk is about to greet fans on his first Asia Tour, titled “2025 Lee Jun-hyuk Let Me In," starting in Bangkok this year! 

Thai fans can expect to greet him on Sunday, May. 4, 2025 at Phenix Grand Ballroom. This is Lee Jun-hyuk's first time embarking on a fan meeting tour and fans are anticipating the Lee's interactions with the public and stories about his experiences and his craft.

Lee will grace Bangkok first, followed by stops in Manila, Tokyo, Taipei, and Seoul, organized by LINE UP Entertainment.

Best known for his role as the morally dubious prosecutor in Seo Dong-jae in the TV series Stranger (2017–2020) and his breakout role as Yu Eun-ho in Netflix's romantic drama series Love Scout, Lee has been active in the film and television world for approximately 18 years and steadily climbing up the ranks of stardom.

His other memorable works include Naked Fireman (2017), Designated Survivor: 60 Days (2019), 365: Repeat the Year (2020), Dark Hole (2021), Vigilante (2023), and Love Scout (2025), if you want to brush up on your Lee Jun-hyuk fandom before he visits your city! 

Tickets are on sale now! The prices for the fan meeting are THB2900 for Platform seats, THB4500 for Middle Seats, THB4900 for Balcony Seats and THB6500 for Front-Row seats. They can be purchased here.

For more information, visit LINE UP Entertainment on their Instagram, Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter), or follow Lee Jun-hyuk on Instagram.

Location: 5F, Phenix Grand Ballroom, 604/3 Phetchaburi Rd, Thanon Phetchaburi, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400