MOODY X MAFIA: Icecream Cafe' X Toy N Art Gallery

"Ice Cream" and "Art Toys" seems like a well decent mix in theory doesn't it? Well, wonder no more as that has become a reality, with the launch of the MOODY X MAFIA: Icecream Cafe' X Toy N Art Gallery in Thailand! And upstairs is a budget hotel? #WIN

Here's a Q&A with Napat Phromphruk (Business Dev Director at Expertise Partner International (EPI) and Business Development at MAFIA Factory) to find out the ins-n-outs of the concept space;

TOYSREVIL: How did the gallery come about?

Napat Phromphruk:"The MODDY X MAFIA comes with 2 parts, Icecream Cafe' by MOODY Icecream and Toy Art Gallery by MAFIA FACTORY. The concept is a Toy Art Gallery where people can enjoy icecream and chill in a nice toy & art atmosphere.

We do believe that not so many people can enjoy (and) browse Art pieces in ordinary Gallery, as it is too boring for many who have to spend their time to go specificity to the gallery among bad traffic and see some few great art pieces and (go) back home with nothing to buy back.

So, our MODDY X MAFIA is located in the heart of Bangkok, walk less than 5 min from MRT Petchburi Station, and also the same time from the Asoke Pier. People can try nice icecream with many good various flavors and also check our special Toy & Art pieces which can buy back with good condition."

TOYSREVIL: Dream come true, as far as I am concerned! A whole lot of concept-spaces do not last as long as there always is a F&B angle to take care of - food to be cooked and coffee to be brewed etc … "Ice Cream" seems perfect! LOL … What is the main purpose for the space/gallery?

Napat Phromphruk: "MOODY X MAFIA is one of MAFIA FACTORY's strategic plan to make the complete supply chain for any Toy Art lovers related not only in Thailand, but also among all another Asian countries.

We have 3 segments for this Toy & Art Gallery:

1. The MAFIA display showcase - as we have our own Toy & Art for sale, and also our artist & designer friends from all over the world. Then this part will be good for display and sell ours and their works with low GP arrangement cost. So, it could be nice if people can browse here and buy some cool art pieces direct from Artist & Designers back in special price.

2. The MAFIA Mini Exhibition - we plan to have a rotation windows display to be a mini exhibition for any artist/designer. The special art pieces for sale beside the exhibition will be prepared by the same artist/designer to complete the atmosphere of the exclusive memorable event.

3. The MAFIA Activities - this is the most fun part as we will organize many exclusive activities beside another parts such as;

- some exclusive tableware with an exclusive package while buying icecream in an event period.
- Toy Art Flea Market in the same location.
- Happening Arts and Live Performance.

Note that the upstairs of MOODY X MAFIA is a mini hotel, with best budget. Then we can imagine artist/designer stay here and work on some project with us along the year."

TOYSREVIL: Budget Hotel FTW! What are the plans for the future? Any upcoming events folks can look forward to?

Napat Phromphruk: "The Future of MODDY X MAFIA could be fun, we can see many artist/designer come and join us, as MAFIA FACTORY has its own plastic factory (this factory is also be an auto parts factory). We are now starting to produce Art Toy for International Artist/designer. We do believe that our factory is good enough for any plastic production.

The first event for MOODY X MAFIA could be the Grand Opening in this coming June, which will update via FB:CEPlanet soon."

(Artists who had visited the cafe include Peap Tarr x Lisa Mam,
Chip7, and Chun Woei from Malaysia)
TOYSREVIL: Who runs the cafe? And how can people get there?

Napat Phromphruk: "The Toy & Art Gallery is MAFIA FACTORY's responsibility, while the Icecream Cafe' belongs to MOODY ICE CREAM as our Specialist partner.

The address is at 255 Room No.104, Asok Montri Rd., Klongtoey, Wattana, Bangkok, Thailand 10110 (where)"

TOYSREVIL: Can anyone exhibit there? Or is it curated? How can folks overseas get involved with the space?

Napat Phromphruk: "Yes, We always welcome good partners and friends. Everyone can work with us in anyway, just send their information and what they want to work with us to mafiafactory@hotmail.com or inbox to FB:mafiafactory"

(ll images and more via CEPlanet)