A brand strategist, exec consultant and coach by day, come nightfall (and weekends) debonair Duke Theerathada can be found hot-footing it around Bangkok’s best bars, restaurants and art spots for his own pleasure, and by extension for LUXE. Find out more about Duke at theerathada.com and read on for three of his recent additions to the LUXE City Guide Bangkok.
Maison Close
An anonymous facade belies an intoxicating, albeit confronting mix of 80s Japanese erotica, hypnotic videos, lurid photos and bondage that would make the Marquis of Sade blush. Yes, Maison Close is out there, but a seedy BKK sauce spot this is not – the fetish of flesh is complemented with top-notch pours and a superb crew of inked-up n’ liberally-punctured bartenders. That said, it’s not for the faint of heart.
397/399 Charoenkrung 45
Naoh at ChangChui
Channel your Mad Max fantasies at this retrofitted Lockheed TriStar. Perched slap-bang in the middle of ChangChui night market and kitted out with life-size taxidermy and all-manner of Domesday eclecetera. Kookiness aside, the Thai by way of Bondi young guns at the pans are pushing food – and you – out of the comfort zone. Go.
460/8 Sirindhorn Road, Bang Phlat
Cactus
Tropical Big Mango riffs on Cali cool at Cactus, a chic, laidback deck sheltering Sathorn’s stylistas from the chaos outside. Craft tails courtesy of maestro Joseph Boroski lubricate as you watch a sunset that’s so close, you could steal it from the sky. No food, but you can order deli plates from Gallic bistro Cagette downstairs. A proper bar with a neighbourhood vibe. 15 Soi Yen Akat, Sathorn.
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