Bangkok street artists have spent the last decade brightening up the streets of the capital with their colourful work. From the back lanes of Taled Noi to the paths that run along the Saen Saep Canal, the work is a mix of whimsical characters and reflections on society. Today we share a little about some of Bangkok’s best known street artists and give you some tips on where to find their work.

Bangkok has an exciting street art scene with internationally successful homegrown artists and several prominent global artists sharing work across the city. Before you head out to find some of the best street art in Bangkok, we thought it would be good to share a little about the top graffiti and street artists in Bangkok so you can identify their work. 

If you are a first-time visitor to Bangkok wandering the city hunting down street art is a great way to discover new areas that are off the tourist trail.

The Street Art Scene in Bangkok

The street art in Bangkok started to get noticed in the early 2010s. Things escalated in 2013 when Bangkok hosted a huge art festival called Bukruk Urban Arts. 

The Bukruk Urban Arts Festival was a significant event in the Asian street art scene. The 10-day festival marked a turning point for the public perception of street art in Bangkok.

Local and international artists were invited to create large-scale murals and installations throughout the city, particularly in areas like the riverside community of Charoenkrung and the bustling Pathumwan district along Phaya Thai Road .

Bukruk, which means “invasion” in Thai, lived up to its name by transforming the city’s walls into canvases for contemporary art.

The festival featured a diverse array of artistic styles, blending traditional Thai elements with global street art trends. It included not only mural painting but also exhibitions, live performances, workshops, and talks, providing a comprehensive cultural experience.

The event played a crucial role in legitimising street art in Bangkok, shifting its perception from vandalism to a respected form of urban art and expression.

A second festival was held in 2016, attracting more artists and doubling the number of large-scale murals in the city. Learn more about these festivals on the Warehouse 30 website. 

First let’s get to know some key local players…

Bangkok Street Artists

Alex Face (Patcharapol Tangruen)

You’ve probably spotted one of his signature characters, Mardi, a child in a rabbit suit, appearing somewhat disillusioned. This is the work of Patcharapol Tangruen, more popularly known as Alex Face.  

Alex is the best known Thai street artist. There are even some of his work on walls just 15 minutes from where I used to live in Sydney. 

Originally hailing from Bangkok, his insightful and thought-provoking pieces are often a commentary on the socio-political state of Thailand. His murals are easily recognisable and usually feature Mardi who is inspired by his daughter. 

Alex’s work can be found in the UK, USA, and even on the cover of Vogue Thailand!

The photo at the top of this page can be found at 186, 1 Charoen Krung Road, Bang Rak.

You can also find his work in Phuket, Ayutthaya, 

Mue Bon (Paitoon Jumee)

Paitoon Jumee, known in the art world as Mue Bon, is famous for his bird-themed murals. He draws inspiration from socio-political scenarios, conveying powerful messages through his distinctive and vibrant depictions of birds.

Spot his striking Pigeon 307 artwork in Ratchathewi district for a testament to his skill and creativity. 

You will find his work in Bangkok at Captain Bush Lane

Lolay (Thaweesak  Srithongdee)

Thaweesak “Lolay” Srithongdee has been a key figure in Bangkok’s street art scene for more than a decade. He graduated in 1996 from Silapakron University with a Master’s in Fine Art. 

Rooted in traditional Thai culture, his art uses bright, striking colours to bring walls to life with his creations, which often revolve around the theme of nature and spirituality.

Look out for his trademark stencils of mythical creatures and smiling children while wandering around the city. 

Along with his murals, he has produced a number of large-scale fiberglass sculptures, his versatility helping him win an artist residency at the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum in Japan. His works are also part of collections at the Singapore Art Museum. ​​

Find some of his work on Charoenkrung Soi 32.

Bonus TMC (Akkaraphon Monthathong)

His colourful work usually features animals as central characters. This wall is on Soi 32 in Charoenkrung.

See more of his work 

• On the wall of the Talakkia Boutique Hotel in Taled Noi
• Along the walls of the Ong Ang Canal.
• He was working this week at Bang Bua BTS as part of this month’s Design Week Festival 

Follow him on Instagram to see his latest work.

Rukkit Satapornvajana (Kuanhawate)

Rukkit Satapornvajana (Kuanhawate), born in 1978,  earned a bachelor’s degree in Art Education from Chulalongkorn University. He began painting on the streets in 2011, and is known for his use of stencils, vibrant colours, and geometric style.

His artwork can be found in various cities, including in Thailand, Seoul and Busan in Korea, New Delhi in India, Hong Kong, and Dubai.

He has also had a lot of commercial success collaborating with high-profile brands such as Nike, Casio G-Shock, Toyota, Tiger Beer, Smirnoff, Absolute Unique, and Siam Center just to name a few.

TRK (Teerayut Puechpen)

Born and bred in Bangkok, contemporary Thai artist Teerayut Puechpen, also known as TRK. 

He has also achieved commercial success and serves as the art director for the well-known skateboard brand Preduce. TRK was also commissioned by Netflix to create a large mural in Soi Ekkamai 8 for the promotion of the second season of “Stranger Things.”

Want more

Other Bangkok street arts you might to like to follow on Instagram include: Himbad, Bongo, Komkrit, Asin, Dark1, Chun Smith, mxrnies, Pakorn, panda Dew, Mr.Bows, Loboboy, and D.o.D,

International street artists work in Thailand

The Thai capital has attracted numerous artists from around the world, many to the Bukruk Festivals and all of them adding their personal touch to its magnificent urban canvas. Their works have greatly contributed to the vibrancy and dynamism of the city’s growing street art scene. 

I was pleased to find to of my favourites as I strolled around Chinatown and Bangrak.

Vhils (Alexandre Farto)

Vhils is a revolutionary street artist from Portugal who employs a distinct carving technique to create his compelling pieces.

His work, chiselled directly into the surfaces of buildings in Bangkok, portrays a deep-seated commentary on urban societies and the impact of development on human identities. 

His most notable piece in Bangkok is on the wall of the historic Portuguese Embassy in the city’s Creative District. This work not only showcased his distinctive carving method but also paid homage to the Thai-Portuguese relationship.

The design included faces and scenes from the local area, as well as elements reflective of Portuguese patterns. Additionally, his work revealed layers of bricks from the Ayutthaya period and newer concrete blocks, adding a historical dimension to his art.

ROA

A globally recognised artist from Belgium, ROA is famed for his monumental black and white paintings of animals, often native to the country he’s painting in.

In Bangkok, his work is a striking reminder of Thailand’s awe-inspiring elephants and their fight against extinction. You can view it from the deck of a ferry on the Chao Praya River or on a walk through Chinatown. 

Hotels for Street Art Lovers

If you have not decided where to stay in Bangkok yet, you might light to check out one of these hotels that are perfect for art lovers.

The Beat Hotel

Rating: 9.0 l Transport: BTS

The 54 room Beat Hotel is only a 4 minute walk to Phra Khanong BTS Station. Each room has been artfully decorated and furnished by some of Bangkok’s most beloved urban artists.

Where: 5 Sukhumvit 71 Road Beat Hotel Bangkok

Check current rates at the Beat Hotel

The Fig Lobby

Rating: 9.1 l Transport: Blue MRT

If you prefer a more central location then The Fig Lobby is a great choice. This is more than a hotel. It’s an artspace, an arts focussed community and more.

Located a ten-minute walk from Queen Sirikit BTS Station and Benjakitti Park with buses at the door. The Khlong Toei Market is just 4 minutes away.

Where: 55 Rimthangrotfaisaipaknam Road, Klong Toey, Khlong Toei

Check current rates at the FIG LOBBY

Summing up

Even though street art can be fleeting, many of the works above date back over 10 years. These artists have left a lasting impact on the people of Bangkok and its visitors. So, when you are in the city, take some time to explore these stunning pieces of street art on your own. Let the city’s lanes take you on a visual journey, and prepare to find art in the least expected places.