Sneak peek: BEAM is back bigger, better and louder

Bangkok’s nightlife scene is known for its ever-changing landscape, where venues come and go in quick succession. But among the fleeting, a few iconic spaces stand the test of time, with BEAM standing tall as it reopens its long-awaited doors this weekend.

After closing for renovations in early 2024, BEAM has undergone a significant transformation, including (but definitely not limited to) a state-of-the-art sound system designed by the acclaimed engineers behind London institutions like fabric and Ministry of Sound (something we’ll hear about later), but they’re not pulling any punches with this behemoth of a system.

While BEAM takes centre stage in this evolution, it’s not the only highlight.

Under the 72 Courtyard umbrella, the space now boasts exciting additions; a 1900s-menu-inspired wine and cocktail bar, delectable cuisine, and they’re spoiling us with a whole second club Katsu, previously "BEAM Lounge" of the OG BEAM which now stands alone with an open-format schedule.

BEAM is returning with the same energy that made it a cornerstone of the city’s scene, back like it never left, with a stacked opening month of madness already behind them. The reopening line-ups have been a statement, featuring legends like DJ EZ, Helena Hauff, Palms Trax and FS GREEN all taking the reigns in December and January, alongside Bangkok’s own local heavyweights, setting a new benchmark for Thailand’s club culture.

We had a word with the BEAM dream team behind these spaces ahead of the grand opening for an exclusive look behind the curtains.

Do tell us; how does this redesign stack up against the BEAM we knew last year?

This redesign is all about making the club smaller in a bigger way. Cleaning up loose parts, like sweeping dispersed light into a tighter focus, tighter sound—a more intentional experience overall.


Are you keeping the signature BEAM vibe intact, or is this a complete reimagining for the new location—musically and beyond?

It’s still BEAM; this is just the next part of our evolution.


Your other space BEAMCUBE has set a high bar with its curation. How will the programming at BEAM and your other spaces differ from your other celebrated venue?

BEAM is not about any specific curation, we’re open and flexible. It’s about the place, this venue is what makes us BEAM. We’re looking to be diverse in our music, with all aspects of dance music. In just one month we have bass, drum’n’bass, hip-hop, house, techno, UKG and more. There are so many communities out there in Bangkok, and we want to give everyone a chance to enjoy BEAM, keeping diversity as a consistency in the venue.

BEAMbar will be more techy, minimal and groovy, as the perfect start to anyone's night. Feral will lean more into the listening bar style, with more selectors playing soul, r’n’b, jazz with some label or artist focuses.

Katsu, on the other hand, is going to be more easy listening, fun and lighthearted sets, ranging across house, r’n’b, and hip hop. We’ve been noted as a hip-hop club before, so with Katsu, we’re leaning into that label.

Care to drop us an exclusive sneak peek? Got any insider info to tease us with?

We have new lighting inspired by the work of James Turrell. It’s colour-based compared to a standard club light setting, with panels creating soft dispersions of light. We’ve used bio textiles throughout the venue from the Danish studio, Natural Materials Studio, including in these light panels.


Rumour has it you're trying to offer a new sound experience for Bangkok on the dancefloor. What can we expect?

It's an extremely powerful, very warm hi-fi sounding system. This TPI is fatter, warmer. If you like BEAMCUBE’s sound system, this is three times the audio experience. Designed by the sound guy who did Fabric London, Ministry of Sound – he’s worked on all of BEAM’s sound and lighting systems. He said: “It’s all killer, no filler”.


What are the standout specs of the soundsystem in the new space?

A custom TPI Totem sound system standing three metres tall, with custom design drivers and technology created just for our dancefloor (Which by the way is working again—the floor vibrations are back!).

BEAM and Katsu were once under the same umbrella. Why the split, and how do the two spaces now stand apart?

The soundsystem at Katsu leverages the original BEAM system reimagined—it’s quite a fierce system. Contrasting to the warmer sound upstairs, Katsu will be a bit more punchy.


Bangkok’s scene seems to be constantly shifting. How do you envision is evolving as you reopen your doors, and what's new this time around?

People here are probably ready for whatever at this point—it’s not really about them or what they like, but whether they like who we are, or have become.

On our side; we’ve adjusted our drinks menu to include clean, easy drinking options including some non-alcoholic selections. On top of our elevated sound experience, we’re still offering the same combo of comfort and curation that nowhere else seems to be able to mix and match.

What can you tell us about the rest of 72 Courtyard? We hear there are some new spaces and projects you’re bringing to the table!

Yes, Feral! A new weekday wine and cocktail bar and weekend brunch spot, with a killer sound system by Master Sounds (same folks as TPI).

We have an extensive wine list here that we plan on rotating through frequently to keep the curation exciting, a mix of natural and conventional wines.

The cocktail program here is spunky too; we’re utilising early 1900s recipes with a feral twist. We also have a cocktail list dedicated to coffee-based drinks, available in a non-alcoholic version as well.

The music programming here will see DJs two nights a week, with other nights featuring long-play record playlists that are curated to a theme every month. We hope to build up a diverse record collection through this, but also showcase the warmth of these recordings through our Master Sounds speakers.


Thonglor is a hub for Bangkok nightlife of all kinds. Was there a specific need or vision driving the decision to bring a new club to this area?

We’ve always had two floors, and previously had them branded out separately (Dalmation, and BEAM Lounge) and we’re reverting back to it to help create some clear distinctions between the levels.

We’re not bringing a new club to Thonglor, we have always been here and will continue to be here.

BEAM will have its official three-day reopening celebrations on January 17-19. Kicking off the festivities will be Helena Hauff accompanied by Mae Happyair and Krit Morton—an event in collaboration with Mixmag Asia.

Purchase your passes to the event via Mixmag Asia Tickets here.

Henry Cooper is a Writer at Mixmag Asia. Follow him on Instagram.

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