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Seeing Avantgardey, BNK48, Lil League, and more at Japan Expo Thailand 2026

Date: February 7, 2026

I landed in Bangkok on February 4… sick. I was sick when I landed in Phuket on January 29 and I could not enjoy that time with my friends — but I will blog about Phuket later. I didn’t go out much for the first two days in Bangkok. On February 8 (a Saturday), I was on my way to the Big C opposite CentralWorld when I noticed a concert happening at CentralWorld mall.

JapanExpo Thailand outdoor stage Centralworld
Curious, I walked over to check it out
Japan Expo Thailand lineup
Turns out, the 11th edition of JapanExpo Thailand was happening!

And I can’t believe I missed One or Eight! 🙁 I was listening to their latest single “Tokyo Drift” the last few days and I could have seen them perform it live — for free(!) — had I known about JapanExpo happening! Another act I ended up missing was Sho Kiryuin from Golden Bomber. I kept thinking to myself “where have I heard the name Golden Bomber before?“. Only after returning back to India did I remember their awesome track “Dance My Generation” (funny music video by the way).

It wasn’t the whole group that performed so I don’t know if missing Sho Kiryuin was a big deal or not.

Oh well, I made a note of who all were performing on February 8, the last day of Japan Expo Thailand 2026, and told myself I would try to see more acts. Then I went inside CentralWorld mall.

Say La performs Centralworld Bangkok
An idol girl group called Say La were performing on the indoor Taiyo stage
Say La Japanese idol girl group Bangkok
Say La are what in the K-pop world is referred to as a nugu group (meaning: not very popular… yet)
Say La Japanese idol girl group Thailand
But I’m going to do my part and promote them a little: http://www.say-la.jp/

In fact, Japan Expo Thailand featured so many artists — many small — and a few big names, both Thai and Japanese.

Continue reading “Seeing Avantgardey, BNK48, Lil League, and more at Japan Expo Thailand 2026” »
Flying over Andaman islands BKK to BLR

Leaving Bangkok, Oman Air Lounge at BKK, and flying over Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Date: January 22, 2023

I woke up earlier than usual because I had to get to the airport by 10AM for my 1PM IndiGo flight back to Bangalore.

Retro39 hotel room view Bangkok
It was time to check out of Retro39
Mochi ring banana flavoured donut Bangkok
I had bought this banana cream doughnut from the Lawson convenience store downstairs

I didn’t eat much of a breakfast as I had plans to eat at an airport lounge before my flight.

Phrom Phong area apartments
I liked the area I stayed at this time. I might come back to this side, near Phrom Phong BTS station.
Inside Toyota Corolla Cross Bangkok
I booked a Grab taxi to take me to Suvarnabhumi airport
Toyota Corolla Cross Bangkok airport
It was a Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid — a popular crossover here. I really like its simple design!
Suvarnabhumi airport departures new terminal Bangkok Thailand
My flight was with IndiGo Airlines, whose counters were at the far right end of the terminal
VAT refund counter Suvarnabhumi airport
The VAT refund counter for tourists is here — right opposite the IndiGo counters

Remember, you need to show the filled out VAT refund form from the shop you purchased the goods, show the inspector the purchased goods at the VAT refund counter, and then get the papers stamped from here before you pass through security. The actual cash refund you get in hand is from another counter after immigration and security.

Continue reading “Leaving Bangkok, Oman Air Lounge at BKK, and flying over Andaman & Nicobar Islands” »
Mixt Chatuchak mall Bangkok

Thailand: Jatujak Weekend Market and Mixt Chatuchak Mall

Date: January 21, 2023

I spent yesterday roaming through Khao San Road, checked out popular toy plazas, and ended the night at Bangkok’s Chinatown.

Binggrae melon milk drink BTS edition
I bought Binggrae melon-flavoured milk the night before. It’s some BTS edition. The musk melon flavour was actually quite yum!

Everytime I visit Bangkok and it’s a weekend, I try to visit Asia’s largest street market — Chatuchak weekend market.

Mo Chit BTS station Bangkok
I took the BTS to Mo Chit station

I visited Chatuchak market for the first time during my very first visit to Thailand back in 2009. This is probably my fifth or sixth time coming here — it’s like a ritual whenever I am in Bangkok 🙂

Getting to Chatuchak weekend market Bangkok
Why?

Because this place is awesome — it has something for everyone!

Pad Thai JJ weekend market
So many food stalls selling everything from Pad Thai…
Shawarma kebab stall weekend market Bangkok
…to shawarmas. And everything in between!
Second hand book stall Jatujak weekend stall
From second-hand books…
Street musicians weekend market Bangkok
… to street musicians
Continue reading “Thailand: Jatujak Weekend Market and Mixt Chatuchak Mall” »