All you need to know about Bangkok’s latest offerings.

By Ashima Sethi

NEW BOOK STORE (image featured above)

Years ago, stationery hot spot B2S expanded to create Think Space, a bookstore-cum-café concept that opened its doors inside of Central Eastville. However, last month marked the opening of their most exciting branch yet inside of Central Chidlom. Located on the sixth floor, this Think Space outpost is the perfect place for creatives to browse and social media fans to get plenty of snaps. Boasting mirrored ceilings, tunnels made of bookshelves, colourful pastel seating, and curved walkways, the store definitely stands out compared to the traditional bookstores we’ve all become familiar with. Not just style without substance, the store also stocks an impressive selection of items, from books and stationery to art supplies, lifestyle products, and tech goods.
www.b2s.co.th/thinkspace

NEW COFFEE SHOP

Starbucks has unveiled its very first Starbucks Reserve inside of ICONSIAM, covering a staggering 1,260sqm area complete with 350 seats, 80 of which are outdoor with river views. As the city is now home to almost 500 Starbucks outposts, the biggest difference between their coffeehouses and their ‘reserves’ is that in addition to serving signature items and light bites, the branch will also boast a bar with a mixologist. Officially named the Starbucks Reserve Chao Phraya Riverfront, it will also be the first to sell the aromatic Muan Jai coffee blend from the North of Thailand and it will feature a Teava Bar for customers who aren’t particularly fond of coffee. Thailand is the fifth country that has introduced a Starbucks Reserve following the likes of the U.S., China, Japan, and Taiwan. 
www.starbucks.co.th

NEW GROCERY STORE

There’s no doubt that Bangkok now has plenty of vegetarian and vegan-friendly goods on sale but between shopping at Tops, Villa Market and Gourmet Market, finding exactly what you want can be a little tricky. However, as of last month, pioneers of the plant-based movement Root the Future have collaborated with Dear Tummy and ICONSIAM to launch The Vegan Basket, the city’s biggest selection of plant-based groceries. Located on the ground floor of the riverside mall with over 200 local specialty vegan products, the grocery will also be selling fresh fruits and vegetables. And if you’re not sure what to buy from plant-based proteins to organic goods, you can opt for one of the grocery’s beginner ‘Vegan Baskets’ that comprise of a well-balanced selection of items that you can order online and then collect in-store.
Facebook: @rootthefuture

NEW BRANCH

Steps with Theera is an equality-focused social enterprise that supports people with disabilities, helping them attain qualifications for sustainable employment. It’s estimated that inThailand, over two million people are registered with disabilities but less than a quarter of them are employed. Steps’ mission is to change this. Their original branch was in Ekamai Soi 10 but they’ve now joined forces with theCOMMONS, transforming the space into the first inclusive community mall in Thailand. As with Steps’ other branches, graduates and trainees from their centres will be employed there, giving them valuable work experience and access to a welcoming community. So the next time you find yourself at theCOMMONS, you know where
to grab your coffee!
www.steps withtheera.com