Pop Mart Thailand Is Hosting a Hirono Exhibit Until July 22
Bangkok/ Vibe/ Pop Culture

ICYDK: Pop Mart Thailand Is Hosting a Hirono Exhibit Until July 22

Hirono Exhibit TH Photo by Instagram/Pop Mart Thailand

If you love the Pop Mart blind boxes, specifically the Hirono ones, then you’ll love this news: Pop Mart Thailand is hosting the “Hirono Bangkok Art Exhibition And Event” with four major zones at CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Road until July 22!

The first zone has installation art with magnificent decorations that narrate the story, content, and connections between the Hirono and its creator, Lang. Meanwhile, the second zone offers a comprehensive selection of fashion and lifestyle products like T-shirts, shirts, sweaters, hoodies, pants, hats, socks, bags, phone cases, cushions, rugs, posters, paintings, and music boxes – adorned with Hirono characters of course!

Moving to the third zone, attendees can immerse themselves in “The Room Where He Belongs,” which features a special collection of paintings about the story of Hirono by Lang. In the last zone, you can explore special Hirono figures and art toys, including limited-edition pieces! You can even say high to the giant Hirono character that stands three meters tall in the area.

Drop by the exhibit today and bring your favorite Hirono toy for cute pics! Follow Pop Mart Thailand on Instagram for more information.

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Bangkok/ Vibe/ Happenings
Bangkok Music City 2025 Releases Artist Lineup
Bangkok music city 1 Photo by Bangkok Music City/Facebook

The leading music conference and showcase festival in Thailand, Bangkok Music City (BMC) is back, and it’s shaping up to be even better than last time, with Live Nation Tero, Fungjai, and NYLON Thailand leading the charge.

Bangkok Music City 2025 will take place over the weekend, on Mar. 1 and 2, 2025, and they have just dropped their lineup! This year will feature a whopping total of 58 artists, including some of Thailand’s biggest and brightest stars, and over 18 international acts — all coming together for an electrifying weekend in the Charoenkrung Creative District.

Slot machine
Instagram/Slot Machine

Out of the homegrown headliners, legendary Thai rock band Slot Machine is set to bring the energy. With seven studio albums and a career spanning 25 years under their belt, they have garnered international acclaim for their anthemic sound. The Thai rapper, singer, and all-around superstar, MILLI will also be gracing the stage, as well as KIKI, the indie trio behind the hit song “My World,” blending dreamy English lyrics with infectious melodies. Fresh off their latest album New Dawn No.01, they’re bringing their signature sound to the main stage.

MILLI
Instagram/MILLI

But that’s just the beginning. This year’s lineup spans across Asia, bringing in some of the region’s most exciting artists, everything from Korean math-rock to Mongolian shoegaze and Myanmar’s hardest-hitting metalcore. From South Korea, there is Jooyoung, Cotoba, Jacqui, Moher, and Dabda. Meanwhile, Myanmar will bring talents such as Against The Gravity, a metalcore band, while Hong Kong rapper and singer Achi will be gracing the stage with his melancholy beats.

With an eclectic mix of sounds and styles, Bangkok Music City 2025 is a must-see event. Get ready to soak up the vibes and good tunes (for free!)

Location: Charoenkrung Creative District, Charoenkrung Road, Bangrak, Bangkok, Thailand

For more information, visit Bangkok Music City on their website, or follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

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Bangkok/ Vibe/ Happenings
Visit Zito Hsu's New Solo Exhibition on Loss and Rediscovery
Zito hsu 3 Photo by Facebook/ River City Bangkok

Ever wondered how the things we lose—both big and small—shape who we are?

Taipei-based illustrator Zito Hsu dives into this emotional journey in her solo exhibition, titled “Sometimes I Lost, Sometimes I Found," running at River City Bangkok, until Feb. 23, 2025.

The idea for this exhibition began during Zito’s residency in Taiwan, where she started Lost & Found LAB.” She invited people to share their stories of items—not just everyday things like pens and umbrellas, but also deeply personal intangibles like lost friendships, freedom, or the carefree joy of childhood.

exhibition
Facebook/ River City Bangkok

These heartfelt submissions inspired Zito to create a collection of works that explore these themes, using a palette of light blue hues for her playful characters, who express a wide range of emotions. One of her key symbols, a cat’s milk tooth, represents transformation—a nod to her beloved pet cat, Choco, and the changes we go through in life.

The exhibition is split into zones, each offering a unique take on loss. In the "Cloud Memory Gate," you’ll find 12 thought-provoking sentences capturing shared feelings of loss. At the "Blue House – Lost & Found LAB," there’s a memory “tree hollow” where you can leave your own story of something you’ve lost.

Then there’s the "Walker" zone, which steps into the 3D world with wooden sculptures exploring modern social culture.

Finally, the "Audience Response Sharing" zone allows you to reflect on others’ experiences—and maybe even find some solace in their stories.

Lost and Found lab

"Sometimes I Lost, Sometimes I Found" is a powerful reminder that every loss, no matter how small, carries an emotional connection and can sometimes lead to surprising rediscovery, offering a chance to reflect, connect, and heal.

Location: RCB Galleria 2, 2F, River City Bangkok, 23 Soi Charoen Krung 24 Talard Noi, Sampantawong, Bangkok

Opening Hours: Daily from 10 AM to 8 PM

Admission is free. For more information, visit River City Bangkok on their website, or check them out on Instagram, Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter).

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Bangkok/ Vibe/ Pop Culture
MINISO Opens Flagship Store in Bangkok With Over 20 IP Collections
MINISO Opens Flagship Store in Bangkok With Over 20 IP Collections Photo by MINISO Thailand

Shop all things cute, popular, and everything in between, as beloved retailer and variety store chain MINISO has opened its new flagship store in Bangkok!

Located at the Asiatique the Riverfront, MINISO’s newest store houses over 20 Intellectual Property (IP) collections featuring well-known pop culture characters, including Harry Potter, Disney’s Stitch and Lotso, Sanrio’s Kuromi, and Hello Kitty, among many others.

Miniso Asiatique the Riverfront IP Collection Area
Courtesy of MINISO Thailand

Aside from adorable merchandise items, customers can also look forward to multiple immersive IP-themed experience zones, such as the Harry Potter-themed fireplace zone, giant displays featuring Winnie the Pooh characters, and a super-sized Lotso Bear area.

In celebration of its opening last Jan. 11, Thai actress Davika Hoorne joined the ribbon-cutting ceremony and explored the store’s newest offerings.

Davika Hoorne at Miniso's Grand Opening
Courtesy of MINISO Thailand

MINISO’s new store in Thailand is part of the brand’s ongoing expansion efforts in Southeast Asia. This includes the recent opening of its 1 Utama store in Malaysia, as well as the launch of its largest Singapore store last December in PLQ Mall.

“Through this store, we aim to provide Thai consumers with superior and diverse shopping options. At the same time, we aspire to lead the market with innovative IP collaborations and experiential designs, propelling the brand toward greater global achievements,” said MINISO Thailand’s CEO, Jun Wang, during the grand opening event.

Check out MINISO’s new store at Asiatique the Riverfront or follow them on Instagram for updates.

Location: MINISO, Asiatique the Riverfront, Wat Phraya Krai, Bang Kho Laem, Bangkok

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Bangkok/ Vibe/ Happenings
'A Conversation with the Sun' VR Experience to Debut at One Bangkok Forum
Untitled design 2025 01 08 T110718 356 Photo by Instagram/ BANGKOK CITYCITY GALLERY

Bangkok’s burgeoning art scene is taking a bold step forward with the debut of Apichatpong Weerasethakul’s latest immersive project, "A Conversation with the Sun," premiering at the One Bangkok Forum from Jan. 24 to Feb. 2, 2025.

The acclaimed Thai filmmaker — best known for his Cannes Film Festival Palme d'Or-winning film “Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives” — is renowned for pushing cinematic boundaries. Now he is entering a new realm, blending virtual reality, moving pictures, and performance art to create an introspective, sensory experience.

Presented as part of the 7th Bangkok Experimental Film Festival, “A Conversation with the Sun” invites viewers to explore the ephemeral nature of existence through light, memory, and the cycles of life.

A Conversation with the Sun at gallery
Instagram/ BANGKOK CITYCITY GALLERY

Supported by CHANEL, the project reflects the brand’s ongoing commitment to championing the arts and culture scene in Thailand by collaborating with visionary artists like Apichatpong and previously, Korakrit Arunanondchai.

"A Conversation with the Sun" encourages participants to step beyond the physical world, bringing together a powerhouse of artistic collaborators, making it a truly cross-disciplinary masterpiece.

Among them is Ryuichi Sakamoto, the legendary composer whose haunting soundscapes set the emotional tone for the piece. Joining him in the piece is the Japanese digital artist Katsuya Taniguchi, who crafts striking VR landscapes, merging shadow, light, and movement to elevate the experience into something both immersive and otherworldly.

Location: One Bangkok Forum, Wireless Road, Lumphini, Patumwan, Bangkok

For more information, visit One Bangkok on their website and Facebook.

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Bangkok/ Vibe/ Happenings
Ignite Your Imagination at the Naiin Book Fair
Untitled design 2025 01 06 T150014 977 Photo by Instagram/ naiinfanclub

Kick off the new year with a literary adventure at the Naiin Book Fair, Bangkok’s first major book event of 2025! Running from Jan. 24 to Feb. 2, 2025, this 10-day extravaganza will take over the fifth-floor hall of Samyan Mitrtown on Rama IV Road, transforming it into a cozy, storytelling haven inspired by the theme “Reading Recreation Around a Campfire.”

Hosted by Naiin Bookstore, a beloved destination for readers across Thailand, the event promises more than just great book deals. Expect a campfire storytelling experience led by celebrated authors, artists, and other likeminded readers. It’s the perfect way to bring stories to life — beyond the page and into the heart of the community.

From bestsellers to hidden gems, the fair will feature a wide selection of titles from top publishers at special discounted prices. Whether you’re looking to stock up on new reads or discover fresh voices, this is a must-visit for book lovers of all ages.

Conveniently located at Samyan Mitrtown, the fair is easily accessible by MRT, making it a breeze to swing by and dive into your next great read.

For more updates and details, visit Naiin on their website, or follow them on Instagram or Facebook.

Location: 5F, Samyan Mitrtown shopping mall, Rama IV Road, Pathum Wan

Opening Hours: from 10 AM to 9 PM

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Bangkok/ Vibe/ Pop Culture
Tips to Know if Your ‘Labubu’ is Authentic or Fake
Labubu 5 Photo by Facebook/POP MART

The Labubu craze is taking the world by storm – especially in Thailand. With their captivating charm and unique designs, these dolls have become must-have accessories, especially after Blackpink's Lisa flaunted her Labubu accessory and posted on Instagram.

They are flying off the shelves and dominating online marketplaces like never before. Yet, authenticity is a growing concern among fans and collectors. Before we delve into that, let's give a little background on the famous Labubu doll for those who may not be familiar.

Labubu The Monsters Pop Mart
Facebook/POP MART

What is Labubu?

Meet Labubu, the enchanting elf character that has taken Thailand by storm. This playful and fuzzy doll has captured the hearts of many, becoming a beloved icon in recent months. Labubu originates from "The Monsters," a captivating series created by Kasing Lung, an artist born in Hong Kong and raised in the Netherlands. Inspired by Nordic fairy tales, Lung masterfully designed characters that blend magic and mischief, bringing them to life in his art.

Since the launch of "The Monsters" story series in 2015, Lung has gained international acclaim, showcasing his work in exhibitions around the globe. Labubu stands out with its charming features: pointy ears, sharp teeth, fluffy fur, and a playful smile that radiates joy. Yes, if you’ve visited POP MART, chances are you’ve seen this charming character.

Why Did They Go Viral?

POP MART figures, such as the Skullpanda and Molly series, have always attracted attention so it wasn’t surprising that Labubu also reached a mainstream audience. Labubu gained some traction in Thailand last September 2023 during the launch of POP MART’s first Thai store at CentralWorld. However, the craze truly took off in April 2024 when Thai singer and Blackpink member Lisa posted an Instagram story featuring a giant Labubu plush toy from the "Macarons" series. This caused a frenzy, as the toy became a popular accessory among her fans.

Additionally, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) named Labubu as part of the "Amazing Thailand Experience Explorer," a campaign designed to engage both travelers and locals. This announcement came shortly after POP MART launched the world’s first Labubu-themed store at Mega Bangna, Southeast Asia’s largest shopping center. Additionally, as a result of celebrity endorsements, Labubu figures became ubiquitous in Bangkok, with Labubu keychains appearing everywhere.

Labubu The Monsters Pop Mart
Facebook/POP MART

What Makes It So Unique?

POP MART's USP lies in its exclusivity, featuring limited edition releases often created in collaboration with specific designers and brands. This approach gives fans a sense of owning something rare, making each item a valuable collector's piece to enhance their collection.

How to Purchase a Labubu?

To ensure you purchase an authentic Labubu, shop directly from POP MART’s official store or from trusted online reselling marketplaces.

A Labubu doll typically starts at THB500. Among the most popular items are the Labubu Plush Doll Pendant, priced at THB1,050. Additionally, there are always new collections being released, such as the New Year celebration series featuring Labubu plush door decorations worth THB550.

The product range also includes laptop bags, phone cases, and tote bags. Fans especially enjoy buying the “blind box or surprise toy,” which contains a random figure from The Monster series. You’ll discover which figure you receive only after opening the box.

Labubu The Monsters Pop Mart
Facebook/POP MART

How to Know if Your Labubu is Authentic or Fake?

Given its overwhelming popularity, the emergence of counterfeit items is a significant issue, making it difficult for collectors to distinguish genuine items and have confidence in their purchases. If you encounter an online listing with a suspiciously low price that either tempts you or raises concerns about being scammed, don’t fret.

Here are essential tips to help you easily identify the genuine plush pendant series you desire, ensuring your collection remains authentic and valuable.

1. Check the Packaging

Authentic Labubu packaging features a matte finish with a smooth texture, complemented by embossed details on the series name.

Pay close attention to the finer details on the packaging, particularly the trash can symbol located at the bottom of the back of the package. The arrow in this symbol should have rounded corners, while counterfeit versions often have square corners. Additionally, fake packaging typically has a glossy and uneven surface.

For verification, look for muted pastel colors, clear and precise printing on the box, and a holographic sticker with a QR code on the back.

2. Check the POP MART Logo

Be on the lookout for the hologram sticker featuring the “POP MART” logo located in the top right corner of the package.

The “POP MART” logo should be clearly printed with a three-dimensional effect, giving it a premium look. In contrast, a counterfeit logo may appear poorly printed, with distorted letters and a lack of depth.

3. Scan the QR Code

To verify the authenticity of POP MART products, scan the QR code on the hologram sticker. A genuine package will have a sharply printed QR code, while counterfeit packaging often features blurry or poorly processed QR codes that may not function correctly or redirect you to a fake website.

4. Examine the Face and Teeth

When examining Labubu's appearance, you'll notice that its face features a smooth, matte finish with sharp paint lines, glossy eyes, and airbrushed blush. In contrast, a fake Labubu would have unrefined features.

To verify authenticity, you can use a black light to check the paint on Labubu's nose. Authentic paint will react and glow under black light, while fake versions will show no reaction when exposed.

Another distinguishing feature is the number of teeth. Labubus have exactly nine teeth that may vary in shape or size, growing directly from the blue line, with clear gaps between each tooth. In fake versions, the teeth are poorly painted and have noticeable gaps.

5. Quality of Fur

A genuine Labubu features soft, fluffy fur with intricate stitching that seamlessly integrates into the vinyl doll. In contrast, counterfeit versions typically use cheap materials and rough fur.

Labubu The Monsters Pop Mart
Facebook/POP MART

6. The Feet

The left foot should have a POP MART logo printed on it, a hallmark of authenticity. Authentic versions consist of a soft, flexible material rather than a hard texture that is glued in one place.

7. Verification of Identity Card

Each Labubu doll or keychain comes with a proper identity card in pastel tones and is packed with a dark, clear logo. Don’t be deceived by imitations — low-quality prints are a telltale sign of fakes.

Grab an authentic Labubu from POP MART's official website here!

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Bangkok/ Vibe/ Happenings
NCT Dream’s 'Dream Vibe' Exhibition Lands at ICONSIAM
Untitled design 2025 01 03 T141402 896 Photo by Facebook/ICONSIAM

K-Pop fans in Bangkok, this one's for you! The stars of NCT Dream are taking over ICONSIAM with their first-ever “Dream Vibe” exhibition in Southeast Asia, running now until Feb. 2, 2025. If you've ever dreamed of stepping into the world of NCT Dream, this immersive experience is your backstage pass.

Set on the 7th floor of ICONSIAM, the exhibition dives into the group’s journey, friendships, and musical milestones. From nostalgic memories to exclusive content, every corner of this showcase is crafted to bring fans closer to NCT Dream.

Highlights of the exhibition include a stunning photo gallery documenting NCT Dream’s evolution from their rookie days to global fame, titled "Yo! Dream!"

Perfect for capturing fun snaps with friends, the section "We Go Up" channels the group's playful side in this interactive, basketball-inspired zone. Then there is "Life Is Still Going On," a beach-themed virtual space that invites fans to relax and vibe out.

Prepare to feel the waves of nostalgia in the "Drive" section, featuring childhood memorabilia, iconic outfits, and debut photos that’ll tug at your heartstrings.

NCT
Facebook/NCT DREAM

"Dear Dream" is another emotional highlight, sharing exclusive stories and interviews from the band, and giving fans rare insight into their journey.

And finally, don’t forget to stop by the "MD Zone," where you’ll find Bangkok-exclusive merchandise, like adorable Thai-inspired elephant-print pants and DIY keyrings, including those featuring NCT Dream!

Tickets for the exhibition are priced at THB400 for students (with valid ID) and THB500 for the general public. Grab yours at the entrance and get ready to soak in the dreamy vibes!

Location: 7F, ICONSIAM, 299 Charoen Nakhon Rd, Khlong Ton Sai, Khlong San, Bangkok

Opening Hours: Daily from 11 AM to 8 PM

For more information, visit ICONSIAM on their website, or follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

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