Sony’s GTKXB90 can bring true energy to your party with Extra Bass beats and party lights. Incredible Infinity Mirror lighting takes visual effects to the next level, and a rechargeable battery lets you hold parties anywhere for up to 16 hours. It can handle an LDAC high-resolution Bluetooth connection. The suggested retail price is Bt11,990.

Mate 10’s a marvel

The Huawei Mate 10 Pro features Huawei’s Kirin 970 octacore processor and AI technology and a Leica dual-camera system. The AI helps the main camera easily achieve real-time recognition of scenes and bokeh effects. The six-inch 18:9 OLED display has 2,160×1080 pixels. You get 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. Expect to pay Bt27,900.

Never a dull moment

The Marshall Monitor Bluetooth combines Hi-FI prowess and Bluetooth aptX technology to give you 30-plus hours of exceptional audio quality on a single charge. The Monitor Bluetooth’s ergonomic overear construction delivers superior noise isolation without the bulk, staying light on your ears through hours of listening. It retails for Bt8,990.

Go “Beyond Max’

The Beyond Max is a smartphone from Thai firm PTE Intergroup with a dual-camera system for the rear camera, eight and two megapixels. The 5.2-inch IPS display has a resolution of 1,280×720 pixels. You have 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage, the gadget running on Android 7.0. With a 2,400mAh battery, it’s selling for Bt3,790.

Keep up with the Beats

The Beats Studio3 Wireless maintains the sleek design of its forerunners but also offers redesigned acoustic components and an upgraded manufacturing process for premium ergonomic comfort and optimal noise isolation. The integrated Apple W1 chip provides the easiest onestep Bluetooth connection to an iPhone via proximity pairing. It’s in stores for Bt12,500.

A Bluetooth speaker system with a stylish vertical design and big sounds and good bass for enjoying music at home or at parties, the LG Sound Tower FJ1 comes with a wooden stand and a bass port located near the floor. Looking sleek in black, the speaker tower is about 960 millimetres tall and, it must be said, adds a certain panache to a room.

Two woofers flank the tweeters inside while the subwoofer is hidden on the side near the bass port at the bottom.

In another useful design component, the FJ1 has a slot on its top for placing your smartphone that is Bluetooth-linked to the speaker. Since you can recharge your smartphone with a USB port provided at its right side, the provided channel is very useful for placing your phone when you are recharging it.

Apart from streaming music from your smartphone or tablet computer via Bluetooth, you can also listen to FM stereo and play music files from your USB drive on the FJ1. It comes with a 3.5mm stereo jackin and AUXin for connecting to the selected music source, such as a portable MP3 player or a CD player.

The tuner function supports 87.5 to 108.0 MHz as well as alarm and sleep functions, allowing you to use it to wake you up in the morning with an FM broadcast and to turn itself off after you fall asleep at night.

The FJ1 is very loud as it has 100 watts of output power – 25 watts for stereo channels and 50 watts for the sub woofer.

Each of the music channels uses one 1.5-inch tweeter and one 4-inch woofer. The system uses one 5.25-inch subwoofer with bass port design to enhance the bass output.

The speaker system is good for party and dance music as its midrange and high sounds are outstanding and the bass level is good though not floor shaking one.

The FJ1 can be connected to two Bluetooth devices at once so you and your friends can take turns controlling it during a party without one of you disconnecting first.

The FJ1 comes with six equaliser settings of Standard, Pop, Classic, Rock, Jazz, and Bass Blast based on music taste. The choice of your EQ setting is displayed on its LED panel.

I tested the system by playing dance and EDM streamed from my JOOX account on my smartphone along with the music files stored on my USB. It had no problem supporting my choice of folder, and even briefly displayed the name of the folder its the LED panel.

The remote control made it intuitive to operate the speaker system too.

LG Sound Tower FJ1 has a suggested retail price of Bt5,990.

KEY SPECS

– Output power: 25 wattsx2, plus 50 watts for subwoofer

– Functions: Tuner, USB, AUX, Portablein, Bluetoothl

– Tuner: FM 87.5108.0 MHz

– Speakers: 2×1.5inch tweeter, 2x4inch woofer, 1×5.25inch subwoofer

– Speaker impedance: 4  ohms

– Dimensions: 142x960x153mm (WxHxD)

It’s all explained in the exhibition “Spaces within Space: A Vision of Co-Living Generation”, continuing through Sunday at Woof Pack Bangkok on Salaldaeng Soi 1 off Rama IV Road.

AP and Fabrica, the Benetton Group’s communication-research centre, are pursuing new ways of thinking in the way interiors are designed. Innovation in layout and design, they believe, can in turn improve the way people behave towards and work with one another.

The Space Scholarship combines AP’s expertise in creating living spaces with Fabrica’s creative-thinking approach and will result in condominium units specially designed for the scholarship winners.

Scholarships are “awarded” in square metres in a condominium managed by AP. The idea is to connect the lives of seven students from the provinces who have good study records but are short on fund and lack a place to live. Forced to move to Bangkok to pursue their university studies, they can now take advantage of this programme.

The condominiums are both near universities – Aspire Rattanathibet 2 and Aspire Sathorn-Taksin.

“For this project, AP aims to present the design of co-living of the future via a study and discovery of spaces hidden within space – what our team calls ‘the third space’ – and how we look at space in every dimension,” says AP (Thailand) marketing chief Sappasit Foongfaungchaveng.

“We have the expertise in designing quality living space, especially life in a condominium, where every square inch is so valuable so you have to make the best use of it.

“We’ve combined our expertise with that of Fabrica, whose conceptual strength is in the connection of cultural differences to bring about work that hits the right note with people around the world. We’ve worked together to create a living space for seven students from different provinces to live together happily.

“AP attaches great importance to the design and construction of the room for the scholarship recipients,” Sappasit says. “That’s why our Design Lab chose to work with a world-class design studio like Fabrica, which is a hub for a new generation of thinkers and designers. The design director of the Treviso-based studio is Sam Baron, a famous personality in the international design community. He’s an idol for young designers and is recognised as one of the decade’s greatest designers. He helped us discover and make the best use of every square inch of the third space from the design overlapping which is also made to look beautiful and carries a strong identity.”

“I admire AP for creating such a good social project like the Space Scholarship,” Baron says. “In my opinion this project will help improve the quality of life for youngsters in Thai society. The challenge was that you’ve got to design living spaces in a condominium for students to live together. These kids didn’t know each other before. They’re from different provinces, backgrounds and cultures.

“We designed a room for four male kids and another room for three female kids. One design philosophy at Fabrica is the blending of cultural differences into one. One of the strengths allowing Fabrica to create work that resonates around the world is that we have young thinkers and designers of different races. They came together to create design work that clearly understands and reflects cultural value.”

Learn more at http://www.APThai.com/spacescholarship.

Featuring the world’s only suspended dinner table, 22 guests are fixed securely in German TUV-approved safety harnesses, enjoying a four-course gourmet dinner prepared by Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit and accompanied by incredible city views above the Emporium and Dinosaur Planet – straight off BTS Phrom Phong.

Guests will be seated around a large dinner table with the entire Dinner In The Sky system suspended by a 200-tonne European telescopic boom crane. The experience promises front row seats to the most astonishing views the city has to offer, either at sunset or late on into the night sky. Free Uber riders to and from the experience are also arranged.

“Thailand has always been recognised as a leader in Asia for dining options of all kinds. But Dinner In The Sky is Thailand’s first high-end dinner table to be suspended and served at this altitude. This innovation encourages guests to take their eating experience to new heights,” said Friso Poldervaart of Dinner In The Sky Thailand.

Dinner In The Sky has operations in more than 45 countries including France, USA, Holland, Colombia, China, Macau, Denmark, Finland, Japan, Sweden, Taiwan, and Portugal.

“We have a catering team on site headed by executive chef Gaetano Palumbo who has designed a menu that perfectly complements the extraordinary high-altitude experience on first take-off,” added Robert Wittebrood, executive assistant manager of Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit.

Dinner in the Sky is designed according to German safety standard DIN 4112 regarding flying structures specifications, and has surpassed world-leading German TUV-accredited standards. Based in Kuala Lumpur, DITS ASIA chose Thailand to become the second Southeast Asian country after Malaysia in 2015.

Seats are sold online at http://www.Dinnerinthesky.co.th for Bt4,990 on weekdays and Bt5,390 on weekends, inclusive of the four-course meal. There will be two flight sessions per day; sunset at 6pm and city lights at 7.30pm. The flight duration is 60 minutes.

Thai fashion brand Poem presents the elegant art installation on the concept of “It’s Snowing Diamonds” featuring Poem couture bejewelled with crystals while natural and organic products brand Panpuri sets up a dashing Christmas tree adorned with 204 pieces of the exquisite peafowl signature glass.

“The Christmas tree is symbolic of happiness. The celebration illustrates love and warm. So, lighting the Christmas tree is the true beginning of the holiday celebration and also the start of the happy and noteworthy moment,” said Vorravit Siripark, founder and chief executive officer of Panpuri.

Montblanc has a Christmas decoration under the concept of “Circus”, inspired by the ambition and imagination of PT Barnum, American showman who founded the circus in the 19th century with his legendary “Greatest Show on Earth”.

Fashion brand Lonely Two-Legged Creature by noted architect Duangrit Bunnag invented an Christmas installation dubbed “The moment of getting together”, inspired by the story of clothes and special drinks he designed for his boutique-cum-cafe to welcome the festive season.

Japanese eyewear brand Owndays presents ab installation that mimics Polaroid frames adorned with various Christmas characters, while 1823 Tea Lounge by Ronnefeldt brings a new meaning to Christmas tree with its Christmas Tea made from its iconic tea tins.

Other renowned brands such as Thann, Maxmara, Eric Kayser, Starbucks and Bric’s are also celebrating Christmas with their own stylish installations all over the Gaysorn Village. Visitors can join “Make a wish” activity and have a chance to win special prizes sponsored by the above 11 of fashion and lifestyle brands.

Shoppers can discover new ideas for heart-warming gifts for loved ones at the Gaysorn Creative Gift Fair on the second floor, where more than 20 shops will showcase their special products.

And with Christmas the time for sharing, visitors can also join “Gaysorn Spirit of Giving”. From now on, every time you come to shop or and dine at the Gaysorn Village, bring along items you no longer want such as shoes, bags, shirts, accessories, sports equipment, electric appliances. These items will be on sale with the money used for 150 education scholarships for the disadvantaged children from Pankan Society project by the Yuvabadhana Foundation.

And don’t leave before tasting the tempting signature dishes from the many food trucks parked outdoors.

The Harnn for Her collection is raising money for Pink Park Village, a non-profit holistic-care centre being established by the Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer Foundation.

Held in a pouch tied with a pink ribbon, the collection costs Bt2,340 and includes Rose & Geranium Rice Bran Oil Soap, Oriental Rose Shower Gel, Body Balm, and Hand Balm.

The nourishing Oriental Rose collection is infused with rice-bran oil, shea butter, seaweed extracts, the co-enzyme Q10 and oil from the Asian rose.

The collection is available at Harnn stores and http://www.Harnn.com.

The idea for the fund-raiser came from the touching story of a Harnn employee who was diagnosed with breast cancer.

On her journey through treatment and recovery, she came across the Pink Park project and had the opportunity to meet Dr Kris Chatamra, chairman of the Breast Cancer Foundation and founder of the village.

He explained that countless Thai women in urgent need of care simply cannot afford the help they need. The revelation prompted the folks at Harnn to seek a means of offering support.

Pink Park Village is being established on 121 rai in Nong Chok on the outskirts of Bangkok.

It will not only provide holistic treatment but also the physical and mental support that can be essential to recovery, all within a harmonious environment.

The site will feature a hospice, convalescence facilities, diagnostic and training centres, day care and a rehabilitation home.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women in Thailand, claiming 12 lives a day on average. One in every 10 women stands a chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer.

More worrying is the fact that half of the patients in Thailand are unable to pay for regular check-ups, let alone treatment, even as studies show that early diagnosis can boost the chances of fighting off breast cancer to 98 per cent.

Find out more at http://www.QSCBFoundation.org.

Tuck into authentic Chinese food at the Ambassador Hotel Bangkok’s Chinese restaurant Hong Teh where dishes of the month include Baked Scallops with XO Sauce and Vermicelli in a Clay Pot. Prices start at Bt350 per dish and the restaurant is open daily from noon to 9pm. Book your table at (02) 254 0444 extension 1562 or email at fbmbkk@amtel.co.th.

A taste of Greece

Greek specialities are under the spotlight all this month at Oasis at Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya. The delicacies include crispy fresh Greek salad (Bt280), beeftaki (Bt300-plus), ground beef served with Greek herbs and potatoes, kebabs of chicken (Bt250-plus), beef (Bt300-plus) and lamb (Bt320-plus), and a Greek-style burger of lamb and beef (Bt350), with feta cheese and tzatziki sauce. Oasis has both indoor and outdoor seating, and is open from 6am to 11pm. Book your table at |(038) 714 981.

Scarlett’s hot lady

Winner of “Top Chef Thailand” Chef Tam or Chudaree Debhakam will be the special guest chef at Scarlett Wine Bar & Restaurant from Thursday to Monday. The first female chef to guest at the restaurant, Tam will collaborate with Scarlett’s talented team in the creation of seven irresistible a-la-carte menu items including chicken liver mousse with spiced tamarind and grilled sourdough and enticing cured seabream with local citrus and lemongrass oil. |For reservations, call (02) 352 4000, |(096) 860 7990 or email scarlettbkk@randblab.com.

Beer Belly goes pop

Thai pop outfit 25 Hours take the stage on November 29 at Beer Belly and will be playing such hits as “Mai Koey”, “Fah Pen Jai” and “Rue Doo Kal” off their latest album, “Night Heaven” Admission is free. Beer Belly is part |of 72 Courtyard at the Phetchaburi end of |Soi Thonglor. Book your seat at (02) 392 7770 |or check out http://www.facebook.com/ events/1498028086910354.

Four hands in the kitchen

Domenico Francone, executive chef at Tuscany’s Castello Banfi, whose Sala dei Grappoli restaurant was named one of Italy’s best 100 restaurants earlier this year at the prestigious Chef Awards, will join Ciao Terrazza’s new Chef de Cuisine Marcello Scognamiglio for a series of exclusive “Four Hands” dinners at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok from tomorrow through Saturday. Prices start at Bt2,500-plus per person. Reserve a table at (02) 659 9000 ext.7390 or email mobkk-restaurants@mohg.com

After a major refurbishment, the library is all ready to reopen and is turning its grounds into a weekend marketplace for readers, offering thousands of fiction, non-fiction, and large-format books in English, plus a selection of other languages, donated by Neilson Hays Library supporters. Prices start at only Bt20.

The event also helps reduce plastic waste by inviting customers to bring their own bag and provides a Bt10 paper bag for anyone wanting extra. The neighbourhood British Club will also serve a choice of delectable food and drinks at the event, and parking is only available in the Voravit Building (Surawong Road, near Naret Road, approximately 20 metres before library entrance) at the fee of Bt30 per hour.

Those wanting to contribute to the sale can drop off books at the library between 9.30am to 5pm. Proceeds will go towards the extensive restoration of its landmark building.

Find more details at (02) 233 1731 or email admin@neilsonhayslibrary.com.

“The Mall Group is presenting a special campaign to ring in the Year of the Dog 2018 by inviting artists Phannapast “Yoon” Taychamaythakool, Yozanun “Suntur” Wutigonsombutkul, and Thaweesak “Lolay” Srithongdee to create cool creative art installations. The three have designed dogs for The Mall Ngamwongwan, Tha Phra, Bang Kae, Bang Kapi, Korat and Bluport Hua Hin for this special occasion,” said Voralak Tulaphorn, chief marketing officer.

“There are also limited edition gifts for purchase and a special promotion offering three lucky people the chance to win a trip on the maiden voyage of the Symphony of the Seas on the 7-day Western Mediterranean route with air tickets worth over a million baht.”

Phannapast, who was selected by Gucci for the Gucci Fairy Tale Wonder Factory 2017 project, has created outdoor art installations on a 400sqm space in front of The Mall Bang Kae and The Mall Tha Phra that will be on show from November 25 to January 2.

“This collection is titled ‘A Trip to the Moon’, and it talks about my childhood memories of The Mall Bang Kae. ‘A Trip to the Moon’ is about a poodle’s trip to the moon, and on this journey, he encounters many fun experiences and good memories, making new friends along the way. This art installation features a caravan of animals, brightly coloured in a cabaret style. It’s inspired by my own childhood – I visited the amusement park at The Mall Bangkae and it was a great place. I was inspired by the changing colors of the sky, climbing up the beanstalk, and riding the merry-go-round.”

Yozanun, a famous illustrator known globally thanks to his exhibition “Picnic with Suntur” at Time Square, Hong Kong, said: “With this collection, I want to pass on happiness and smiles to The Mall customers through my Gift Factory. This factory produces happiness and I tell the story through adorable dog characters which bring joy and happiness to The Mall. They are great friends for every moment. These dogs are cute, friendly and upbeat, illustrated through signature lines that reflect my simple character.”

The Gift Factory also invites The Mall customers to spread the joy to their loved ones instantly via one-of-a-kind e-cards designed by themselves at the “Joy of Giving E-card” near the gigantic Christmas tree at Lifestyle A zone, G floor, The Mall Bang Kapi as well as at the Ngamwongwan and Korat branches.

Thaweesak, meanwhile, who is known for his portrayal of humans and has joined such international events such as Project “Tout a` Fait Thai” 2006 in Paris and “Show Me Thai “ at Museum of Contemporary Art, Tokyo, 2007, talked about his creation for Bluport Hua Hin, which will be on show from December 2.

“I live in Hua Hin and I have a deep connection with this place, so I created this art using my imagination of being on the beach. I was inspired by various elements of this seaside city – the beaches, the sky, the sun, the clouds, the wind, and the sound of the waves. My work is titled Wave Bok, with a dog character in blue, whose long ears flow in the wind. It is a cheerful dog who goes “bok bok” as he plays. He’s half-sitting, 2.2 m in height and 4.5 m in length. He’s ready to welcome everyone and bring a smile to Hua Hin visitors and locals.”

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/themallshoppingcenter,www.facebook.com/themallkorat and www.facebook.com/BluportHuaHinOfficial.

The book, “50 Thailand’s Signature Tastes by ML Parson Svasti”, presents Thailand’s top 50 eateries, guaranteed by food guru ML Parson, with special privileges for Krungsri Signature and Krungsri Exclusive Signature cardholders.

At the launch event at Sri Trat Restaurant on Sukhumvit Soi 33, Parson shared his fun stories about his quests for delicious food in Thailand. He was joined by honorable guests and celebrities who love travelling and dining, among them Dan Hetrakul, Praedao Panichsamai, Siripaka Karnasuta and Pirachai Bencharongkul.

“The company launched the first Up Taste book in 2016. The 2016 version collected special privileges offered by 50 premium Japanese restaurants both in Bangkok and Japan, and was well-received by our members. To continue offering the best dining experience this year, we have created Up Taste Vol. 2 suggesting 50 top eateries in Thailand which serve great food, have a nice atmosphere, and are well located in major provinces throughout the country. The highlight of the book is the real experience of ML Parson, a food guru who has actually been to these places. The eateries mentioned in the book also offer special privileges with up to 30-percent discounts,” said Chaiyapol.

The book will be sent to 8,000 Krungsri Exclusive Signature and Krungsri Signature card members who are top spenders in the dining category. The e-book version is also available for download at www.krungsricard.com/th/up-taste.