Christopher Wise
Talking shops
As shoppers return to high streets, what can they expect to find? We take the pulse of the world’s retailers.
Future in stores
Thailand’s Central Group is reviving traditional European department stores. The conglomerate’s CEO, Tos Chirathivat, talks about his vision for retail as Asia reopens and what the future holds for physical stores.
Refined palette
Swiss chef Andreas Caminada is a connoisseur of fine art as well as food. We sample the works hanging on his restaurants’ walls.
All Thai-ed up
From deli chains to department stores, wealthy Thai business owners are buying foreign companies to expand their empires and increase profits. We find out what’s next on their shopping lists.
Grand central
One of Asian retail’s biggest hitters, family firm Central Group has strong ambitions abroad. With its portfolio of European department stores, it is confounding critics and reviving historic shopping destinations.
Urban growth
Urban spaces are becoming wilder thanks to innovative greening schemes. We visit projects from Bangkok to Geneva, where private initiatives are creating public parks and improving quality of life for all.
Garden city
EmQuartier is the centrepiece of Bangkok’s new luxury retail district. Its visionary CEO tells Monocle why it’s more like a movie blockbuster than a traditional shopping mall.
Fresh beat
J-pop and K-pop, step aside: Thailand’s indie scene is taking to the stage with a new wave of young bands doing their own thing – and doing it well.
Chef Kittichai
The son of a greengrocer who sold food on the streets as a child is now one of the world’s top Thai chefs. Ian Kittichai shares his ‘last meal’.
Cinema Paradise
When it comes to a Friday night out at the movies, we’ll be booking our seats in Bangkok, Singapore and Tokyo. Now pass the Peranakan menu and a blanket.
