James Chambers
Why the ubiquitous Toyota Alphard may soon have competition
The stories you should be paying attention to – and the ones you might have missed.
At the front
What’s on Monocle’s agenda for September, Algeria’s election and the Asian Nato.
How Thailand’s backpacker island is remaining authentic in the spotlight
The Thai island of Koh Samui is shedding its reputation as backpacker bait with a growing roster of seemly hotels, restaurants and bars – all without compromising its laidback lifestyle.
Business agenda: The case for democratising aviation and the magazine business in Manila
How democratising aviation could help the industry spread its wings. Plus: mags in Manila.
My life as a vending machine
Currently serving 250,000 drinks a day, Tao Bin has become a staple in Thai malls, hospitals and offices since the brand launched in 2021. The machines boast freshly ground coffee, fizzy lemonades, protein shakes and…
A celebration of Buccellati, a conversation with Heath Ceramics and new briefings
How to live: The Broader View Go the distanceTyler Brûlé on why taking a step back can give you deeper, more insightful perspectives. As we finalise our May edition and ink hits paper at our…
The agenda opener: Updates from our correspondents and a conversation with Chris Black
And ecological risk in the South Atlantic caused by unregulated trawlers.
A Bangkok food emporium’s recipe for success
Food shopping comes with a twist thanks to Gourmet Market’s fresh take on the supermarket experience.
Home bodies
We meet the figures revitalising a 1980s mall, renovating homes with the environment in mind and lifting a San Francisco landmark to new heights.
The Opener
Monocle has a network of correspondents in cities around the world. Our brief updates here include news on an unexpected discovery in London, Bangkok’s marijuana U-turn and an arty theme park in LA.
