It was 3am on a Sunday, and exhaustion couldn’t dim the vibrant hues of tens of thousands who’d danced since noon at the annual Wonderfruit boutique festival. They thrummed with anticipation, a sea of faces formed like a neon dragon at the entrance of the festival’s Quarry stage where German DJ Helena Hauff was about to unleash a two-hour-long raw techno closing set that would send them off into the sunrise pulsing full of energy.

A security team attempted to hold back against the sea of humans before they overflowed the stage, even as a steady stream of people continued to exit the stage every waking minute while neon strobes and pulsating rhythms continued inside.

Three nights in, under the velvet sky, this was Wonderfruit at its peak.

“You can’t get in! It’s too packed right now,” one security staff told Coconuts. “There’s too many people down there, it’s too dangerous.”

Despite his futile attempts at warning the throngs of people still gathering, many attendees continued to wait to gain entry. Suddenly, about four guards clad in yellow jackets emerged from the stage signaling the crowd to make way. Another four guards or so ran from the security area nearby, each clutching flashlights as they hurriedly ran and began to escort an Asian couple who was just inside.

They began to carry the woman to the nearby medical station a few feet away while they threw a bucket full of ice at the man.

The swift response to aid attendees in trouble comes after the festival was criticized by those in attendance last year, who said that it had been ‘ill-equipped and negligent’. Attendees commented that medical personnel were unprepared to treat those with substance-related issues and were concerned at the lack of critical equipment at its medical facilities. Medical tents were also few and far between, preventing any urgent care from being undertaken.

Additionally, at least two people died at the festival held southeast of Bangkok in Chonburi province, in the vast sun-drenched fields of Siam Country Club.

Since ticket sales went live back in May, which came with a price hike, a number of people asked for more transparency regarding how attendance would be capped and what measures would be taken to improve the experience, especially in regard to transportation.

With Wonderfruit 2023 having finished its five-day run by Monday noon, was there anything the festival improved upon?

Clear visible signs

Last year, Coconuts reported that there were only seven water refilling stations across The Fields, but they were poorly lit and difficult to find. There were no apparent signs that would direct attendees where to find water.

Conversely, this year the organizers seemed to reflect upon that feedback. Water refilling stations were plenty this time around. Approximately 17 stations can be found throughout the festival this year. Each station was indicated by a bright blue water droplet sign to help attendees find the station at night with ease.

Each station included sinks to wash cups, refill faucets, and interestingly, electrical outlets where revelers can charge their phones. A welcome addition.

It wasn’t only the refill stations that had visible signage. Most importantly, there were an abundant number of medical stations indicated by bright crosses.

A total of nine medical stations can be found as opposed to last year’s meager four. Medical staff, the Iyara medic team, were seen sitting on standby at each station with ambulances parked. Some stations even included an inflatable pool for attendees to cool down.

Medical and water refill stations were now clearly marked and visible at this year’s Wonderfruit Festival. Photo: Nicky Tanskul / Coconuts

Resting spots and quick response

For this year, Wonderfruit placed strict security checks. Metal detectors are now in place at the entrance with eight queues. There were both male and female guards to conduct searches.

Security this time was very thorough. Similar to airport checks, many attendees were told to empty their bags. Guards thoroughly checked every pocket with their flashlights. All outside food and drink were disposed of.

Cigarette packs were sometimes emptied to check for illegal substances. One attendee was caught with substances. The guard confiscated the illegal items but did not take any action or arrest. The attendee was able to walk in after confiscation.

A Coconuts reporter on site witnessed a guard unwrapping gum and forcefully chucking it into the bin despite the attendees pleas.

Medical teams and guards patrolled the festival grounds throughout. As previously observed, they were able to rush with immediacy to anybody in need of medical attention.

Staff were quick to observe any dangerous action undertaken. People who were seen relaxing or sleeping on the open fields were routinely checked by staff to make sure they were okay and conscious.

“I see people actively going around checking on people resting in the area, lying down on beds. That’s definitely an improvement in access to medical care,” festivalgoer Tristan Singh, who attended Wonderfruit for the second time, told Coconuts.

The Solar Village stage, which in the past  included a modular wooden structure for attendees to climb up and relax, had been scaled down by half. Attendees were also no longer allowed to climb to the top like they could before.

Coconuts witnessed several instances where staff yelled at attendees who climbed the structure, before they were urged to go back down to prevent any accidents.

There were now clear resting spots in between stages where attendees could sit down and rest. IV drip stations are also near these resting spots, another welcome addition where attendees from last year said that there was a lack of basic medical equipment.

As previously mentioned, the Quarry stage saw massive droves of people attempting to enter on a very busy Saturday night. Security were vigilant in getting more people to get in out of fear that it could get overcrowded. Minor improvements were made at the entrance of the stage. In previous years, the stage was accessed by a sloping downhill path where people could potentially trip and fall. Now there were wooden stairs in place for people to walk easier.

Throughout the festival, signs were put up urging attendees to “wear good shoes” due to “uneven ground, rocks, debris, holes & ruts.”

On social media, the Wonderfruit Instagram page posted reminders for people to stay hydrated.

Wonderers waiting to go back home. Photo: Nicky Tanskul / Coconuts

Parking and the perils of going back home

Although the festival saw welcome improvements, ease of transportation took a dire backseat. At night, there was a big traffic jam that took up the narrow road leading to the festival grounds. Many attendees were seen dropping out of taxis, and decided to take motorcycle taxis nearby. Some decided to walk.

Whereas taking a Grab to the festival was easy enough with reasonable prices, going back home was definitely not a pleasant experience.

In the early morning hours and every sunrise, hordes of people gathered at the taxi zones in unorganized queues. No proper system was put in place for the taxis driving in to pick up festival goers.

Many taxi drivers from all over Pattaya were rushing to accommodate the innumerable amounts of people in need of a ride. Because of this, they were charging exorbitant prices.

On the first night, heading back to nearby accommodations cost around THB600-700. By the second and third nights, festival goers reportedly had to pay up to around THB1,200, and by sunrise, THB2,000.

That means attendees could potentially pay up to THB4,000 in total to leave the festival.

Several drivers cite that it was difficult for them to enter the festival grounds due to the long traffic jams clogging up the narrow road that led to the venue.

“Personally, I am sorry for charging this much, but we have to wait for hours to pick someone up,” one driver said. “It is already difficult for us to drive into the festival.”

An anonymous post made in the Wonderfruit Facebook group earlier this week voiced concerns with the taxi fees.

“Please address the issue with the local taxi services,” the anonymous post read. “They charged us between THB1000 to THB1500 for short, 15-minute trips, which seems excessive. Perhaps establishing a partnership with reliable transportation services at fixed rates could be a solution or simply blocking the taxi mafia and [allowing] Grab access to the fields.”

On a separate instance, a driver who’s been driving attendees every year to Wonderfruit attributed the disorganized queues to the event severing partnerships with Grab. Now regular taxis were left, enabling them to mark up prices.

“Previously, in the first year of Wonderfruit, the pricing depends on designated areas assigned by the app. Within Pattaya prices are at THB800, but once you cross the boundaries set by the app even for 500 meters, prices can jump up to THB2,500,” the driver said.

And what about those with a car? The festival now required commuters to fork over THB350 a day for a parking space.

Noise pollution

Wonderfruit saw the addition of new stages including the Japanese DJ-focused Catch 428 stage featuring the likes Yousuke Yukimatsu and Wata Igarashi, as well as Detroit pioneer DJ Stingray 313.

One minor complaint is the spacing between DJ stages. Sound bleeding between stages was quite apparent; at one stage, you could hear molam music on one side and hard-edged techno on the other.

Wonderfruit would probably need to think about expanding and spacing the stages especially as it continues to gain prominence . Again, it is a relatively minor complaint that can easily be remedied next year.

RelatedAfter deaths at Wonderfruit, attendees complain festival ‘ill-equipped and negligent’At least 2 revelers confirmed dead at Wonderfruit Festival

What do Bangkokians want? Well, this survey might answer that question, and it’s certainly going to be food for thought for Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt.

The survey, which was carried out by the Traffy Fondue complaints platform, featured 337,208 respondents. It showed that road-related problems were of the highest concern, chosen by  more than half of respondents (52.8 percent)

Following that were all the usual suspects, namely flooding (10.94 percent), zebra crossing safety (9.10 percent), PM2.5 and toxic pollutants in the air (8.59 percent), working CCTV cameras that cover wider visibility (5.60 percent), lack of green spaces (5.50 percent), high cost of living (4.28 percent), traffic jams (1.97 percent), polluted water (0.62 percent), and street vendors blocking footpaths and sidewalks (0.60 percent).

These numbers may reflect the city’s unpreparedness to accommodate the daily lives of its residents.

Chadchart, who assumed the gubernatorial role in May 2022, is quite popular in the city. In a May survey conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), Bangkokians said they were largely happy with the 57-year-old’s performance, citing his hard work and dedication to the job.

However, the survey found that 10 percent of Bangkokians were “dissatisfied” with his efforts on the first anniversary of his Bangkok tenure, and 14.8 percent were “somewhat dissatisfied”.

Queues will be cut short and departing to other countries made easier now that foreigners can use the automatic channels at Suvarnabhumi Airport’s immigration checkpoint.

On Friday, the upgrade for automatic channels for foreigners was set forth by Prime Minsiter Srettha Thavisin in an effort to speed up lines and help boost tourism.

“Passengers – all nationalities, holding e-Passport are now eligible to use the Immigration Auto Channel to leave Thailand at the International Departure, Passport Control, Suvarnabhumi Airport,” the announcement read.

Thai nationals have been using the automatic channels since 2012. Suvarnabhumi Airport has 16 automatic channels in total.

Srettha felt concerned that foreigners departing Thailand were taking too long at immigration, with immigration police taking up to 45 seconds to check each passport compared to an automatic channel’s average of 20 seconds.

The move was implemented after Srettha departed the country to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in the US. The PM then noticed lengthy lines for departing tourists at immigration checks.

The upgrade will allow around 12,000 passengers to depart from the airport per hour, compared to 5,000.

For now the upgrade is only available for departing passengers. Automatic passport check-in machines will be available for both departing and arriving passengers at both Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports by July next year.

In 2021, the model and reality star Kendall Jenner launched 818 Tequila, and it sold out in less than four hours—sweeping international awards including best reposado at the World Tequila Awards. Internationally shipped to the US, the UK, Canada, China, Dubai, and the Caribbean, now, Thailand is getting a taste.

Initially facing backlash for appropriating Mexican culture in their ad (just another Tuesday for the Kardashians), 818 brushed itself off from the dusty trails in which Jenner frolicked in braids and cowboy hat, complete with high quality and community-based production process.

The 818 spirit is made from 100% sourced agave in Jalisco, Mexico. Working closely with local jimadores, the ingredients are handpicked, cooked in traditional brick ovens, then aged in oak barrels.

Currently, the label carries four flavors: the light Tequila Blanco infused with tropical fruits, florals, and vanilla; the caramel-esque Tequila Reposado; the spice-heavy Tequila Anejo; and a harmonious blend of the aforementioned notes in Eight Reserve.

Bangkokians can find the coveted shots at Thonglor’s trendy hangs like the bauhaus-inspired Rim Shot Bar, tropical cocktail-inspired Thaipioka, and the brunch by day and bar by night Paper Plane Project.

Photo: 818 Tequila / website

Photo: Rim Shot / Facebook

This story originally appeared in BK Magazine.

For the second edition of Coconuts Bangkok’s guides for tourists in the Thai capital and beyond, we want to get you on track to explore the city like locals would: via the extensive inner-city railway service.

This time around, we’re deconstructing the new and fabulous MRT Pink Line to give you an idea of what you can expect to find and do in and around its 30 stations.

If you missed it, don’t forget to check out last week’s dos and don’ts for first-time tourists in Thailand.

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The MRT Pink Line launched just a few weeks ago, allowing people to commute from Khae Rai all the way to Min Buri. With more stations now available for convenience, and not to mention less traffic jams in places where the stations were constructed, I decided to see what’s worth highlighting if you’re feeling adventurous.

So I put on my best Lyle Lanley impression yet again, and got on the monorail.

This is the second skytrain line to launch this year after the Yellow Line (we also wrote a Yellow Line guide in the wake of its launch, so check that out if you’re still hankering to explore some more of the city).

Where? The MRT Pink Line starts from the Nonthaburi Civic Center station on Ratthanthibet road and stretches all the way to Min Buri. The line stretches over 34.5 kilometers and comprises 30 stations.

When and how? Trains run from 6am to 10pm. NOT MIDNIGHT like the BTS lines! Fares run from THB15 to THB45. However, the Pink Line is undergoing its trial run period which will end on Jan. 2, 2024. So, in the meantime, all rides aboard the Pink Line are free.

How often? A digital display showed trains arriving every 8-10 minutes or so.

How fast does it go? This genuine, bonafide and electrified ride feels as fast as an overhead BTS train. But you can hear its Bombardier Innovia Monorail 300’s IGBT inverters kick it up a notch, so be sure to hang on to something.

The stations

Nonthaburi Civic Center

At one end of the line, the Makut Rommayasaran Park is within walking distance. Come here for a 10 minute jog or walk along the vast greenery amid the polluted air.

Got any criminal matters to file within the area? The Nonthaburi Provincial Court lies on the other side of the park.

Esplanade’s Rattanathibet branch is one of the many, many malls you can shop around in this city. The mall is located right next to the station, so if you’re not bored hanging around at shopping centers with chums then come here for some quick eats and catch a movie or two in an all too familiar setting.

This station links up with the MRT Purple Line, which serves the north-western area of Bangkok that goes from Khlong Bang Phai in Nonthaburi and all the way to Bangkok’s Bang Sue district. So keep that in mind if you’re thinking of going further away from the Bangkok city center.

Khae Rai

The Central Chest Institute of Thailand is located south from Khae Rai station. This specialized hospital is great for patients in need of treating all sorts of cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases.

Sanambin Nam

Its not exactly within walking distance, but a 5-minute drive from the Sanambin Nam station can take you to the Bangkok Mental Health Hospital where its friendly staff offer treatment programs for depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, schizophrenia and more.

Samakkhi

Shop at the Pak Kret district flea market for all things cheap and second hand. The market is a 5-minute walk from the station.

Royal Irrigation Department

The Royal Irrigation department gets its own train station for convenience. Now that the Pink Line is complete, visit the Royal Irrigation Department Museum and take a gander at some of the ancient machinery used in dredging large rivers.

Yaek Pak Kret

Play some futsal at the nearby Hattrick Pak Kret soccer field. Walk further east and enjoy some Korean chicken at the secluded MONO+MONO or chill out with some coffee at the Canvas Cafe.

Pak Kret Bypass

Big C’s Chaeng Watthana 2 branch is located right next to the station. You can also head over to Weasel Coffee for a delightfully relaxing atmosphere.

Love badminton? The Skyville Badminton courts are nearby for you to hit some shuttlecocks with your mates.

Chaeng Watthana – Pak Kret 28

This station is located right in front of, you guessed it, another mall – the Central Changwattana department store. Shop to your heart’s content, even though we think there might be better things to explore other than a mall but we can’t tell you what to do.

Si Rat

Near Si Rat station, you can opt to stay in the nearby and best for value Koo Hotel from all the exploring you’ve been doing so far.

You may recently have heard that phat kraphao placed 3rd in a prestigious food travel guide, but if you’re looking for some more delectable local dishes, the family-run Mueang Thong Pork Knuckle Rice street food restaurant is highly recommended by many locals who love their pork knuckle dish.

Muang Thong Thani

Concert goers rejoice! Gone are the days where you’d have to suffer through the godawful traffic jams when taking taxis or shuttle buses to get to the biggest high-profile concerts in Thailand. The station will prove especially useful as you can now get to the area’s multiple venues, such as Impact Arena and Thunder Dome.

Foreigners can also benefit from this as the station provides easy access to the Immigration Bureau.

This station includes two mini stations on a separate platform – one leads to the aforementioned Impact Arena and the other to Lake Muang Thong Thani.

Chaeng Watthana 14

Here you can opt to go to yet another Big C branch, this one being the Chaengwathana 1 (Laksi) branch. You can also dine at local street food resto Kut Phochana Bistro, or enjoy some refreshing craft beers during this blazing winter season at Beer Home Bar & Gallery.

There’s also a nearby branch of the Manoon PetShop for those who love their puppers and kitties.

Government Complex

This station is home to a plethora of government offices and military bases including the special investigation department, consular affairs department, the administrative court, the central tax court, the Bangkok North Municipal Court, and the justice ministry. So no, not exactly for tourists.

However, nerdy tourists might be tempted to know that the Administrative Court houses the Administrative Court Museum on the second floor, where anybody can learn over 100 years worth of history behind Thailand’s judicial system.

National Telecom

Although not quite close to the station, commuters can marvel at the architecture of the National Telecom HQ.

Lak Si

Lak Si station is interchangeable with the SRT Dark Red Line as part of the Suburban Railway system.

You can also drink a couple of pints, enjoy some live band music, and play pool at the nearby Lynk Laksi bar.

Rajabhat Phranakhon

This station is located near the Phranakhon Rajabhat University. Not much here for tourists, I’m afraid.

Wat Phra Sri Mahathat

Take a tour and make alms at the big Wat Phra Sri Mahathat temple, recognizable by its large white pagoda.

Commuters living in the city center will most likely get to this station first as it is connected to the existing green BTS skytrain line of the same name.

So, if you need to head back to Siam via trains, this is the station you need to remember.

Ram Inthra 3

Go for a few rounds of golf at the Royal Thai Army Sports Center nearby with affordable prices, or watch some combat sports at the New Lumpinee Boxing Stadium.

If you happen to be a gamer and are looking for specs to play Baldur’s Gate 3, then head on over to the IHAVECPU store nearby for all your PC gaming needs.

You can also take a taxi to reach the privately-funded Peuan Deratchan Zoo where you can learn about 40 species of birds and reptiles.

Lat Pla Khao

Another Big C supermarket, Big C Extra Ram Inthra, is located right next to the station. If you want to shop and eat local, here’s another supermarket to venture through.

Vacharaphol

Thailand needs more green spaces, and the Vachara Phirom Park offers commuters another brilliant green space for biking and jogging. The public park also features a dog-friendly area where dog owners can run and play fetch with their canine companions.

Railway officials plan to interchange the Vacharaphol station with the planned BMA Grey Line with routes that run all the way from Vacharaphol to Thong Lor.

Outer Ring Road – Ram Inthra

Fashion Island, another big mall worthy of note, becomes easier to travel to via this station. Known as one of the biggest malls in the city, there’s a lot to marvel at its sheer size, whether by shopping through over its 500 retail stores, taking pictures of its historic amusement park, taking a walk through its European-inspired Grand Station area, or joining in skaters at the top of the Promenade Mall, an extension of Fashion Island.

Min Buri Market

Home cooked meals and fresh ingredients await at the very local Min Buri Market. Lots of vendors sell all kinds of food at very affordable prices. With the opening of the Min Buri Market station, commuters can now easily explore the spot. Be sure to get there early as most vendors close up shop around 6pm.

Min Buri

The station will serve as an interchange with the upcoming MRT Orange Line.

RelatedExplore much more Bangkok aboard the new Yellow Line monorail

People of Bangkok, get ready to ring in the new year with a bang at Topgolf Megacity.

This sprawling entertainment paradise isn’t just for golf enthusiasts – it’s your one-stop shop for a New Year’s Eve celebration that’ll have you dancing till late, savoring gourmet feasts, and watching the city explode in a symphony of fireworks.

Trust us, it’ll be a night you’ll be talking about well into 2024.

All-in-one fun

Get into the festivities at Topgolf’s high-tech bays, where you can gather your crew and unleash your inner Tiger Woods (or, if you’re a complete golf noob, there are coaches available to get you into the swing of things). You can play golf in a state-of-the-art facility, with interactive games, targets, and scoring systems (and not to mention special prizes for those who are lucky enough to get golden golf balls).

In between swings, enjoy a delectable food buffet, featuring a variety of dishes, from salads and snacks to mains and Thai delicacies. You can also savor some exclusive treats, such as de Claire oysters, cold cut selections, and grilled pork chops.

There are different packages to suit your budget and preference, starting at just THB1,200++ per person for a bay only, or starting at THB2,900++ for a bay inclusive of a food buffet. If you really want to level up, you can opt for the food buffet and free flow drinks package, starting from THB5,500++, which entitles you to their complete drinks selection.

The party never ends at Topgolf, but unlike other nights, they are going to crank it up to 11 especially for New Year’s Eve. From 8pm to 1am, you can enjoy five hours of non-stop music, live performances, and attractions. You can also join the ultimate countdown night celebration, with a dazzling fireworks display and a DJ spinning the hottest tracks. And don’t forget the mega prize lucky draw, worth a staggering THB500,000.

Of course, Topgolf hasn’t forgotten about the little ones. If you want to start the celebrations early, or if you have kids and teens in your group, then you should check out the venue’s daytime activities, which cater to every age group to ensure everyone has a blast. Teenagers can indulge in thrilling gameplay with Nintendo, F1 Racing simulators, and a pool table, while the Kids Zone, featuring balloon artists and engaging activities, will captivate the younger ones throughout the day.

Feast at Pink Giraffe

No golf, no party? Not quite. If you would rather immerse yourself in great food, great drinks, great company, and a stunning view of New Year’s Eve fireworks, Topgolf’s rooftop bar Pink Giraffe is the venue for you.

Pink Giraffe will be open from 5pm-1am offering a THB1,500++ package for those who want to relax and relish the culinary marvels of a fusion of Cali-Japanese dishes, in a cozy and elegant setting. Dig into a delightful buffet, featuring a vibrant salad bar, an alluring selection of hot snacks, a diverse array of sushi, and some irresistibly indulgent desserts.

The bar notably offers a stunning view of Topgolf’s illuminated outfield, creating a romantic and festive atmosphere. It’s a place where you can cherish every moment with your loved ones, whether it’s a tranquil evening with someone special, or a heartwarming gathering with family and friends.

Of course, patrons can also experience the dazzling showcase of the evening that is the countdown to 2024. Being on a rooftop gives the added bonus of an unobstructed view of the sparkling sky.

This New Year’s Eve, Topgolf Megacity isn’t throwing just any party – it’s going all out for the whole shebang. From exhilarating daytime activities to a dazzling countdown under the Bangkok sky, it’s a playground for every age and every mood. Gather your loved ones, book your New Year’s Eve package, and let the good times roll.

So, what are you waiting for? Come on over to Topgolf Megacity (located next to Mega Bangna) for some mega fun, and stay connected through their Facebook and Instagram. Paint the town (and the sky) red for New Year’s Eve at Topgolf Megacity.