To celebrate BK’s 7th anniversary, BK compiles seven top seven lists. By Nuttaporn Srisirirungsimakul, illustration by Manasya Sachorfah.

BK‘s Seven Steps

This magazine, 2001-present

1. March 2001
 BK Magazine is born. Then, a free bi-weekly magazine.

2. January 2006
 BK goes from bi-weekly to weekly.

3. June 2006
Konichiwa! The Big on Japan issue (Jun 9, 2006) makes a splash: you had to read it from back to front, Japanese-style.

4. June 2006
 Our first G-issue, Good to be Gay (Jun 23, 2006) celebrates all things gay.

5. June 2007
 We gather 40 of our favorite restaurants in the popular Top Tables issue (Jun 15, 2007).

6. November 2007
BK gets a facelift! The How Cheap is Your Love issue (Nov 2-8, 2007) inaugurates our cleaner, breezier layout and our new website, www.bkmagazine.com.

And our 7th step is NOW!

Seven Plagues

Fads we won’t miss

1. Green tea

In 2002, Tan Passakornnatee, then CEO of Oishi, introduced Japanese green tea to Thailand and, overnight, anything slightly affiliated with it was thought to have amazing health benefits. From flavored green tea, green tea milk, green tea shampoo, green tea chocolate, green tea toothpaste to green tea sanitary napkins, there was no escaping the substance—and the marketing.

2. Rotiboy

When it first landed in Bangkok, in 2005, endless queues formed at both the Siam Square and Silom shops, as watering mouths waited to bite into the sweet-smelling coffee buns. Taxi motorcyclists and garland vendors got paid simply to queue up and bring back the puffy balls of dough. Soon copycats (Papa Roti, Roti Mama...) joined Rotiboy; just in time for us to lose interest and move on.

3. Jigme

During the 2006 diamond jubilee of the King’s accession to the throne, Jigme Khesat Namgyel Wangchuck, then the Crown Prince of Bhutan (now king), caused a sensation and won himself a legion of female fans in Thailand. Pictures of “Prince Charming” made front-page news on every daily and gossip magazine, but women are fickle and new faces soon replaced the Bhutanese sensation.

4. Dek naew

When they surfaced, in 2004, these youngsters claimed that they frown on mainstream fads and hype. But as they all worship Moderndog, listen to Fat Radio and read a day magazine, they’ve become a trend themselves. From underground and “too cool,” to just another fad, dek naew are now a loose group including anyone wearing super skinny jeans and sporting messy hair.

5. Thai Rak Thai

Thai Rak Thai first came to power in 2001, won a second landslide victory in the 2005 elections, grabbing 375 out of 500 seats in the lower house—making it the first political party in Thai history to form a non-coalition government—and triumphed again in the invalidated 2006 election. Then came the tanks and the dissolution in 2007 on charges of corruption and fraudulent election practices. The TRT is now but a memory—unless you consider the People’s Power Party, it’s reincarnation. So, plague or godsend? Depends if you ask a taxi driver or a journalist in a city living magazine.

6. Jatukam

Unheard of decades ago, the Nakorn Sri Thammarat-based talismans, which originally cost around B29, rose to fame in 2007 and swiftly turned into a nationwide craze, not to mention a fashion statement we could have lived without. Prices skyrocketed past the million baht barrier and stories of miraculous survivals from stabbing, shooting and car crashes made front-page news (while the less unfortunate got killed in stampedes). Our favorite one: the Jatukam cookie released by Phra Phayom.

7. Bird flu

Back in 2004, the whole country was gripped by anxiety and uncertainty as the outbreak of bird flu rocked all of Southeast Asia. Deaths by bird flu were a regular fixture on the national media and people reacted by buying less chicken or eggs, causing the poultry prices to drop. The avian flu makes a regular comebacks in headlines, but now we know better than to give up a fluffy, perfectly cooked omelet just because someone died on a farm somewhere.

Lucky Seven

Try hard as you might, sometimes you need a bit of a luck to make it happen.

1. San Lak Muang (The City Pillar Shrine)

Super Powers: Rings out bad luck and rings in good fortune.
How: Go equipped with three incense sticks, a candle, three-colored cloths, a lotus and a garland.
Where: Lak Muang Rd., across Sanam Luang. Open daily 5:30am-7:30pm.

2. Wat Phra Kaew

Super Powers: Kaew means crystal, so praying at Wat Phra Kaew is believed to bring in wealth and fortune throughout the year.
How: Prepare a couple of incense sticks, candles and lotuses and pray to the Emerald Buddha.
Where: Na Phralan Rd., 02-224-3273. Open daily 8:30am-3:30pm.

3. Wat Pho

Super Powers: Brings peace and harmony to your life.
How: Make your way to the Viharn Phranorn, which houses the Reclining Buddha, along with nine sticks of incense, a couple of red candles and 11 gold leaves.
Where: Sanam Chai Rd., 02-222-7831, 02-225-9595, www.watpho.com. Open daily 8am-5pm.

4. Sarn Jao Por Seua

Super Powers: Grants power (become the next PM!) and prosperity. Can also make you pregnant (you’ll still need help from a guy, though).
How: Offer 18 incense sticks, a couple of red candles and a garland. Want a baby? Have the daddy go there and get a magic lion to keep at home. After the baby pops out, return and give thanks to the tiger god.
Where: 468 Tanao Rd. Open daily 6am-4pm.

5. Phra Tri Murati

Super Powers: A sanctuary for the lovesick and the heartbroken, the Brahman shrine is the place to pray for romance to come into your life.
How: The most efficient time to pray is 9:30pm on Thursday. Get yourself nine sticks of incense, two red candles and nine roses from a stall in front of the shrine; you’ll also receive an incantation.
Where: In front of Isetan department store, Ratchaprasong Rd.

6. Erawan Shrine

Super Powers: A one-stop destination, Erawan Shrine has long been home to Phra Phrom (the Hindu God Brahma), who is said to grant almost every wish you make.
How: Stab three joss sticks in an incense burner as you pray to the four faces of Brahma statue, for a total of 12 joss sticks. When your prayers are answered, revisit the shrine and return the favor by hiring a traditional dance troupe to perform.
Where: In front of the Grand Hyatt Erawan hotel, Ratchadamri-Ratchaprasong intersection.

7. Wat Chanasongkram

Super Powers: The name, which means “victory over battles,” says it all.
How: Pay homage to Buddha statue in the temple, as well as the sculpture of Phraya Seua, a brother of King Rama I who was designated a viceroy. Then go kick some ass.
Where: Chakkraphong Rd., 02-281-8244. 02-281-5056. Open daily 8am-4pm.

Seven Virtues

Be good!

1. Chastity
Who else can uphold chastity better than Rabiebrat Pongpanit? The vocal ex-senator is a chairman of the Happy Family Association (hotline 1761. www.happyfamily.in.th) which campaigns against pre-marital sex and encourages people to live a “one husband, one wife” lifestyle.

2. Temperance
Temperance is the practice of moderation. Hey, that sounds like HM the King’s sufficiency principles! Help The Chaipattana Foundation (www.chaipat.or.th) shape a self-sufficient future by transferring a donation to account number 067-2-00011-9, Siam Commercial Bank, Chitlada branch.

3. Charity
Want to help those in need, but don’t know where to start? Visit www.konjaidee.com. Started by the Naitonal Center for Giving and Volunteering (NCGV), the site includes numerous non-profit foundations and volunteering opportunities across the country for you to choose from and get involved.

4. Diligence
Your sweat and hard work can help build homes and hopes for many. Roll up your sleeves and join Habitat for Humanity Thailand (12/F, 253 Bldg., 253 Sukhumvit Soi 21, 02-664-0644, www.habitatthailand.org) help repair homes for the poor. Or sign up with the Tsunami Volunteer Center (26/10 Moo 7, Takuapa, Phang Nga, 076-485-541, www.tsunamivolunteer.net), which is commited to help natural disaster victims.

5. Patience
Work on your patience and give meditation a try. Many temples are hosting sessions for free. On Mon-Fri, Wat Pathumwanaram (Rama 1 Rd., 02-253-2315) holds meditating sessions at 7am, noon and 5pm. If weekends are more convenient for you, drop by Wat Indhara Wiharn (Wisutkasat Rd., 02-628-5550/-2) on Sunday 1-4pm.

6. Kindness
There are many ways to be kind. Why not be kind to nature? Sign up to be a volunteer with Green Peace (2/F, Thong Bldg., Sutthisarn Rd., 02-357-1921, www.greenpeace.org/seasia/th), a good oppurtunity to learn how to make your life greener and spread the environmental awareness.

7. Humility
Being in the presence of your elders, these living treasures of memory and experience, should make you humble. At Ban Bang Khae (813 Petchkhasem Rd., 02-455-1592, www.banbangkhae.go.th), you can help feed grandpas and grannies or join them during their morning exercise.

Seventh Art

Landmark films from 2001-2007

1. Fan Chan (2003)
With a simple and sincere story of first love and friendship, an ensemble cast of endearing child actors and a nostalgic mood, Fan Chan marked the directorial debut of no less than six young screenwriters/directors, who later moved on to produce their own films, such as Phuen Sanit, Seasons Change and Kao Kao.

2. Ong Bak (2003)
Directed by Prachya Pinkaew, this raw “no cables, no CG” action flick launched the career of Tony Jaa, who was instantly hailed internationally as the new king of martial arts cinema. With butt-kicking this good, really, who needs a plot?

3. Last Life in the Universe (2003)
Pen-Ek Rattanaruang’s fourth feature saw the arthouse director veer towards a more slow-paced story telling and wistful, contemplative moods. The trilingual Pan-Asian piece also marked the first collaboration between Pen-Ek and cinematographer Christopher Doyle.

4. Shutter (2004)
Banjong Pisanthanakul and Pakpoom Wongpoom delivered a scary surprise with their debut chiller that turned a page in Thai ghost films. Instead of the tired formula of slapstick and cheap scares, the duo director injected the film with well-executed psychological shivers and paranoia.

5. King Naresuan  (2007)
Directed by Chatrichalerm Yukol, the historical trilogy is the most expensive Thai film ever made, with an estimated budget of over 700 million baht spent on battles scenes, special effects and elaborate sets and costumes. The first part was released in January, 2007, followed by a second installment in February. Both topped the box office for weeks. The anticipated third part was initially planned to be released on December 5, 2007 to celebrate the King’s birthday, but is now pushed back to later this year.

6. Syndromes and a Century (2007)
When the Censorship Board demanded the removal of four “sensitive” scenes from Syndromes and a Century, Apichatpong Weerasethakul refused and decided to withdraw his award-winning feature from domestic circulation. This controversy led directors and film buffs to start an online petition to end censorship. As we write this, The Free Thai Cinema Movement (www.petitiononline.com) is collecting signatures 8,062 and counting.

7. Rak Heng Siam (2007)
The critics praised it as “groundbreaking” and “brilliantly conceived” (well, except for BK). The online community was abuzz with incessant streams of Rak Heng Siam posts. Its soundtrack topped the charts while the director’s cut version, screened exclusively at House, packed in a full house week after week. Lead actor Mario Maurer was hot, hot, hot!

Seven Deadly Sins

The City of Angels is the best place in the world to be bad.

1. Lust
Soi Cowboy, Patpong, Soi Twilight. It pains us to admit it, but Bangkok has a lot of “entertainment” to offer. If you lack a partner (or if she is threatening to cut it off and feed it to ducks should you stick it into a stranger), men can opt for a  Tenga (www.tenga.co.th). The canned pussy comes in various models from the “Deep Throat” to the “Double Cup.” As they say, “The future is in your hands.”

2. Gluttony
From roadside eats in Yaowarat to high-end options in Thonglor, Bangkok is one great city to eat till you burst. Visit www.bkmagazine.com/feature/100-dishes-die for our recent roundup of Bangkok’s 100 greatest dishes. Or try the Lunch Guide included in this issue. 

3. Greed
It’s easy to get greedy when surrounded by malls and ads encouraging you to shop, shop, shop. Wait for next week’s BK Magazine, our second 7-year anniversary issue, which will be loaded with FREE stuff. See, it’s good to be greedy.

4. Sloth
Why bike when you can Segway? Thailand Segway Tours (08-6890-5675, 08-1355-3391, www.thailandsegwaytours.com) provides scenic guided tours at Suan Rot Fai (B3,100/90 mins, including transportation and drinks) and the Ancient City in Samut Prakarn (B3,900/90 mins), which allows you to glide on the battery-powered, two-wheeled hybrid of a bicycle and a scooter.

5. Wrath
Unleash your anger at The Royal Thai Airforce Shooting (Phaholyothin Rd., Don Muang, 02-534-4563, www.arm.rtaf.mi.th. Open Tue-Sun 10:30am-6:30pm), where gun rentals coast B500 per session.

6. Envy
Don’t eye your best friend’s love one. Get your own date. MeetNLunch (www.meetnlunch.com) provides you with a professional matchmaking service. Just visit them online and the team will arrange a face-to-face interview, do a detailed background check, hook you up and give you some dating advice as well.

7. Pride
It’s good to be proud! If you think you are ready to get “out,” strut your stuff at the fabulous LGBT parade, the annual Bangkok Pride Festival (www.pridefestival.org).

Seven Wonders

Bangkok’s most striking landmarks

1. Suan Lum Night Bazaar
Tourists love it, and so do we. Closer, cooler, and less dusty than Chatuchak, Suan Lum (despite a lot of trinkets for clueless visitors) packs some really cool young designers who could never afford to have a shop in a mall. By God-knows-when, it will be shut down to make place for a mall which will sell exactly the same crap as every other mall in the world.
 
2. TCDC
Opened to great fanfare by our former PM, Square Face, the cultural and design centre was then decried by the military-appointed government as wasteful (particuarly the rent paid to Emporium and the salaries of its top echelons) and threatened with absorption and relocation. We haven’t done the math (to be honest) but we love TCDC and we’re glad to know it’s now safe again and in its original location.
 
3. Suvarnabhumi
Perhaps Thailand’s greatest heist, Suvarnabhumi introduced the famous, “commission not corruption” line. There was the runway cracks report, which led The Bangkok Post to fend off a libel lawsuit in August 2005. But the real highlight is the CTX allegations. Twenty-three high-ranking officials, including ex-prime minister Thaksin and former transport minister Suriya Jungrungreangkrit, were involved in the overpriced purchases of the CTX bomb scanners. Still, it sure beats Don Muang.

4. Pantip
Just as politicans debate the fairness of unlicensed drugs (which rip off pharmaceutical companies yet save thousands of lives), Pantip continues to sell pirate software and music without any sign of ever being threatened to mend its evil ways—and without saving any lives. We don’t mind paying for music or video games, but let’s face it, if it wasn’t for Pantip, none of us could afford professional software (like Adobe Photoshop or even Windows) on our home computers.

5. BTS/MRT
Yes, other cities have clean, efficient mass transportation. But in crazy messy Bangkok, these gleaming, functional objects of technology still strike us as miracles. The best part has yet to come: the extension of the current lines, the train to Suvarnabhumi, and the new lines.

6. Hilton Millenium Bangkok
Abandoned at 90% completion in the late 90’s, the Millenium Hilton’s carcass long stood as a symbol of Bangkok’s then ubiquitous concrete skeletons, the “ghost buildings.” The controversy, and even folk tales, surrounding the building met an anti-climactic end more than 10 years after construction began, as the Millenium Hilton opened (in May 2006), did not sink, did not crumble and is doing fine, thank you.

7. Democracy Monument
This monument could be just another boring tribute to some long gone era. But what it represents, democracy, is perhaps closer to today’s Bangkokian’s aspirations than any other landmark. A backdrop for PAD demonstrations, the monument then saw tanks roll in. Pictures of yellow-clad protesters were replaced in wire services with those of soldiers being offered flowers and food by relieved citizens. Soon after, the monument stood as a memento of what had been lost. Today, if you squint, on a clear night, you might see a giant neon question mark hovering above it.