Halloween’s creeping up and the city’s got spooky activities lined up for this haunting season on every major soi (full lineup here). But before you reach for the witch’s hat or vampire cape, here’s a thought: why not dress up as Bangkok itself – its beloved faces, its everyday heroes, its homegrown icons?
Bangkok has more personality in one street corner than most places have in their entire downtown. It’s colourful, unpredictable and iconic, so wear that energy on your sleeve, literally. Be the one at the party who thought outside the box, or in this case, outside Chatuchak’s costume stalls.
Here’s some inspo to get you started:
Tuk-tuk
Start strong with a local icon. Go DIY by grabbing a large cardboard box, paint it that unmistakable blue and red combo, strap it around your waist. Throw on a short-sleeved button-up (bonus points if it’s slightly faded) and you can optionally layer a vest over it to give that motorbike jacket energy. Khaki or dark blue work trousers keep it authentic. Maybe tuck a mini Bangkok map in your pocket. Finish with worn trainers or sandals and, really important, a neck towel for that ‘I’ve been driving all day’ effect.
What you need: Cardboard box, blue and red paint, short-sleeved button-up (any colour, faded preferred), dark vest, khaki or navy work trousers, folded map, neck towel.
If Thailand could win Best National Costume at Miss Universe 2015 with a tuk-tuk, we’re betting hard you’ll win best dressed at your Halloween party.
Nanno from Girl from Nowhere
Nanno’s unexpectedly became a global horror icon. She’s a Thai high schooler with mysterious powers who some say echoes Junji Ito’s Tomie, so short description: beautiful, manipulative and impossible to kill.
The costume itself is easy and can be elevated to sexy. Button up a white shirt, tuck it into a navy or black pleated mini skirt and commit to the bangs and short hair (thick, blunt bangs need to be straight across) – fake it with a wig if you’re not ready for the chop. White knee-high socks, black Mary Janes and you’re there. Add a small bow or ribbon at the collar if you want that Thai school uniform accuracy.
What you need: White button-up shirt, navy or black pleated mini skirt, blunt-bang bob wig (if needed), white knee-high socks, black Mary Jane shoes, optional bow.
The real work is in the attitude: slow, haunting eye contact. Stand still when everyone else is moving. Walk up to someone in line for drinks and say, with a sweet smile, ‘Sawasdee ka, I’m Nanno. New here at the school. Please take care of me.’ Goosebumps guaranteed.
Muay Thai fighter
This one’s been around the block, yeah. But you can still make it sexy, scary or both and call it yours. Wrap your hands in traditional white hand wraps (you can grab these from any sports store), tie on a mongkon headpiece (DIY it with rope and fabric if you need to) and get those satin Muay Thai shorts: red, blue or gold. Go shirtless or throw on a tiny tank top or sports bra, then add fake blood on your knuckles, lip, maybe a bruise under your eye for effect. Finish with ankle wraps.
What you need: White hand wraps, mongkon headpiece (buy or DIY with rope/fabric/ribbon), satin Muay Thai shorts, tank top or sports bra, fake blood, bruise make-up, ankle support wraps.
Fun fact: Thailand rocked this as their National Costume at Miss Universe 2021, so consider yourself in elite best-dressed territory.
Lisa the rockstar
We’re recreating BLACKPINK’s Lisa at her most untouchable in her Rockstar music video, filmed in Bangkok’s Chinatown. You know the one with the famous verse ‘BKK so pretty!’ To pull the look, you’ll need low-rise or baggy straight-leg jeans, a metallic or sequinned star-shaped bra top (craft stores sell iron-on stars if you want to DIY one onto a sports bra) and plenty of hair gel for that wet, slicked-back ponytail.
What you need: Baggy blue jeans (low-rise preferred), star-shaped crop top or metallic bra top with star appliqué, hair gel, silver chain necklaces and bracelets, bold black eyeliner, glossy lip gloss, silver or holographic accessories.
Pile on those silver chains, go wild with the silver jewellery, add sparkle wherever you can fit it. Platform boots or chunky trainers seal the deal.
Hong Thai inhaler
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We all know it, we all love it. The little green stick that fixes everything from headaches to heartbreak.
A cardboard tube (wrapping paper tube or poster tube) painted green with yellow accents works. Recreate the label with a marker: write ‘Hong Thai’ in bold letters and add the trademark details. Or wear all green clothing underneath (green dress, jumpsuit or matching set) and tie it together with a yellow belt or sash. Wear one on a chain as an accessory or fully commit and go as a giant inhaler (especially timely since the Hong Thai lady just went viral).
What you need: Large cardboard tube, green and yellow paint or paper, markers for label details, all-green outfit (dress, jumpsuit or separates), yellow belt or sash, actual Hong Thai inhaler as accessory or the whole fit.
Walk around offering to ‘help people breathe easier’. Instant conversation starter and everyone on Thai soil will get it.
Moo Deng the pygmy hippo
Pay tribute to Thailand’s most adorable celebrity. Dress head to toe in soft grey, so this one can be real comfortable (maybe even grey face paint if you’re feeling ambitious). Add rosy pink blush to your cheeks and go heavy with it.
What you need: Grey sweatshirt or hoodie, grey sweatpants or leggings, grey beanie or hood, rosy pink blush (lots of it), grey face paint (optional), small ears made from felt or craft foam.
The fits are easy to find now that she’s truly famous. Official merch from Khao Kheow Open Zoo includes hippo-patterned T-shirts, pyjamas, stickers and hats. Plus, the money supports the zoo and her friends, so it’s a win all round.
Premika from Killer Karaoke
This one’s niche, but it’s fun, especially if you love karaoke culture. Premika’s look is easy: white button-up shirt, navy or black mini-skirt, white knee-high socks, black Mary Janes (basically a school uniform). But necessary is the bright red wig with thick bangs and a fake microphone covered in blood splatters.
What you need: White button-up shirt, navy or black mini-skirt, white knee-high socks, black Mary Jane shoes, bright red wig with bangs, toy microphone, fake blood, pale make-up, dark under-eye circles.
The backstory makes it even better. Premika dies in her school uniform and her spirit gets trapped in a karaoke machine. When someone plugs it in years later, she wakes up and she’s pissed. The vengeful ghost is determined to find her killer, knowing only one clue: they’re a terrible singer. So she begins a deadly singing test. Anyone who sings off-key or scores below 80? Death.
It’s campy, it’s scary and if you can have an excuse to belt out a Thai classic mid-party, even better.
The Hangover Part II crew
Perfect for a trio. Go as the crew who lost everything in Bangkok and somehow lived to tell the tale.
Person one must go with a baby carrier with a stuffed monkey inside, Hawaiian shirt or casual button-up, cargo shorts, sunglasses and dishevelled hair.
Person two will be in a striped polo shirt (wrinkled), khaki shorts, confused expression and one missing shoe if you’re committed.
Person three wears a sleeveless tank top or ripped tee, fake face tattoo across the side of their face (use temporary tattoo paper or eyeliner), messy hair, sunglasses and a generally destroyed look.
What you need (collectively): Baby carrier, stuffed monkey, button-up shirts, striped polo, cargo shorts, sunglasses for everyone, temporary tattoo supplies or face paint, optional sweat stain effects (water spray bottle plus dirt) and expressions of pure confusion.
Add that universal ‘What happened last night?’ expression. Walk around asking random people if they’ve seen your friend Doug.