Brand of the year: Krispy Kreme
Forget designer fashions. The trendiest accessory to be rocking these days is a big box of Krispy Kreme donuts. Thailand’s first outlet of the U.S. doughnut brand is still attracting line-ups at Siam Paragon, despite opening way back in September when a 34-year-old queued for two days and two nights to be the first in line to win a year’s worth of free donuts. During the first few weeks, Bangkokians lined up for three hours plus to get their Krispy Kreme fix. These days, the average queuing time is around one hour. But even though this city is renowned for being quick to love unconditionally, dedicatedly, unquestionably and irrationally, look out KK, our desire fades. Anyone want a box of Daddy Dough donuts? Didn’t think so.
Most worshipped rock band of the year:
Bodyslam Despite Thai rock band Bodyslam being around for years, it was this year that they really cemented their status as one of the greatest Thai bands of all time. Bodyslam's November event at Rajamangala Stadium, “BodySlam Live in Kram,” was the biggest concert of the year with 65,000 fans jumping, singing and screaming to hits old and new. One factor that has no doubt contributed to the success of the band’s latest album is Thai brand CHAPS’ latest ad campaign starring lead singer Toon BodySlam. Photos of the shirtless rock star in skinny jeans made girls around the city gain appreciation for good old-fashioned rock n' roll.
Must-have technology: iPhone 4
Forget iPads. It was the iPhone 4 that had Bangkokians calling up their local iStudio shop every hour to find out when it would hit shelves. When the iPhone 4 finally landed in Bangkok in September, with all its added features including a long-anticipated flash for photography, the first lot sold out in less than 24 hours. It still remains the most sought after gadget for Bangkokians. Sorry BlackBerry, we don't need BB Messenger when WhatsApp is there to do the trick.
Most-fantasized about actor: Ananda Everingham Half-Australian, half-Lao hearthrob actor Ananda Everingham starred in two major movies this year.
Starting with the more successful of the two, he flashed his spandex-covered six-pack in the action superhero flick "Red Eagle," which got high marks from critics and did well at the box office. Meanwhile, tragedy "Eternity" (Chua Fah Din Salai) created a huge buzz for its nudity, though in the end it didn't attract a significant number of viewers. (And why should it? Most of the nude shots were available for viewing online before the film even hit theaters.) Nonetheless, his unique but handsome face is still adored by thousands, while his acting skills and dedication to the craft ensure he remains Thailand's most sought after actor.
Singer with the most screaming fans: Nichkhun Bangkok's love affair with all things South Korean continued in 2010. Sweet faced Nichkhun was easily the top pop idol of the year, a young Thai man who managed to join wildly popular South Korean boy band 2PM. (Read more about him here.) In addition to winning our award for singer with the most screaming fans, Nichhun also deserves the prize for Thai singer with the most advertising campaigns this year.
Most talked about movie: "Kuan Muen Ho"
Thai rom-com "Hello Stranger," about two people that meet up in South Korea and fall in love over the Songkran holiday, brought in over 100 million baht at the box office this year. The movie was on the lips of everybody under the age of 25, elevating the film's lead actress Nuengthida Sophon from obscurity to superstardom overnight. Though Thailand has seen more than its fair share of cliched romantic "boy meets girl" comedies they don't seem to be getting old. Particularly when, as in the case of "Hello Stranger," they're inspired by South Korean culture.
Fashion trend we hope goes away: Nerd chic We have no idea how this happened but as in many parts of the world, 2010 was the year that being near-sighted became cool in Bangkok. Unfortunately, the "hottest" look of the year in this city had to be those awful thick black frames with clear lenses. Or even lens-less if you weren't blessed with bad eyes but still wanted to keep up with the trend. Add messy hair, buttoned-up shirts, pleated skirts or high-waisted pants and you've got the geek sheik look mastered.
Sports fan favorite: Thai Premier League Forget the English Premier League. After years of decay and a severe lack of interest, Thailand's very own Premier League is on its way up, with 2010 bringing in a whole new fan base. Stadiums are filled, fans yell and sing and players are finally getting paid what they deserve. We've even got some foreign imports playing. This is one trend we hope sticks around permanently, for the sake of Bangkok's sports fans.