At Sathorn cafe ‘Treppenhaus,’ the coffee comes with serious talk

Bangkok has a new cafe with not only cups of joe but also a space to discuss social issues.

Just a stone’s throw from the Goethe Institute, Treppenhaus is a new spot for politicians and the politically minded to grab coffee (THB55, all varieties) and exchange ideas on heated topics. 

“Coffee is the beginning of a gathering, a link to get people together. Then, we can start talking about everything that interests us,” owner Pitsanuwat “Tamm” Singchai said. “This is a safe space to discuss any social issues that you’re passionate about.” 

Upon completing his education in psychology and urban planning in Germany, Tamm opened a German language tutoring school and consultancy helping Thai students who want to study there. That funds the Treppenhaus project, which aims to promote change in his home country, Tamm said. 

Every first Sunday of the month is something dubbed “Sunday Council,” where Tamm invites politicians, NGO workers, and activists for a panel discussion on a variety of topics. One of the latest addressed domestic violence and included Paweena Hongsakul, president of Paweena Hongsakul Foundation for Children and Women. 

Every third Thursday hosts Pride at Work to gather the LGBTQ+ community to talk about their workplace hardships. In the future, there will be a weekly Women’s Day dedicated to social issues concerning women.

“I hope this will help create new political dynamics,” Tamm said. “I want to make politics for everyone to pick up, discuss, and find solutions together more creatively.”

Treppenhaus is located in Soi Ngam Duphli, about a 5-minute walk from MRT Lumphini.

This story originally appeared in BK.