Inside the retro romance of Jay and Ple Spencer

Picture this, dusky pink walls, curving bronze shelves, rattan panels and a playlist that swings between disco and dreamy lounge jazz. We're perched on a velvet banquette at Dusit Thani's new 1970 Bar, and it genuinely feels like we've stepped back into the golden age of glamour. It's here, amid cocktails and unrivalled city views, that we meet Jay and Jareyadee 'Ple' Spencer, founders of Woof Pack Projects, long-time creative forces in Bangkok, and one of the city's most quietly iconic couples.
'I think the 1970s were a time of beautifully decorated spaces,' Jay says, sipping a dirty martini. 'This bar feels like a private penthouse imagined by someone with great taste. André Fu nailed it – it's intimate, nice and private.'
Ple agrees, though her eye goes straight to the skyline. 'I love the view,' she smiles. 'You're surrounded by towers in the city, and suddenly there's green. It feels calm. Dusit has always had this iconic presence – it's part of the neighbourhood. Coming here feels like visiting a friend's apartment: it's cosy, it's comforting.'
If the pair were actually living in the '70s? 'I'd be in the same field, just different aesthetics,' Jay muses. 'I've always been surrounded by art and design, so I'd still be doing this – maybe just trading skinny jeans for bell bottoms.'
Ple lights up. 'I'd be running a production house,' she says without missing a beat. 'I actually wanted to be an architect, then switched to advertising. I was obsessed with the idea of having a full-service creative company. My dad told me it'd be expensive. I said I didn't care – I just wanted to do it.'
A film of their own: cult classics, and a little madness
The vibe of 1970 Bar has them dreaming of film scenes, too. 'Pulp Fiction,' Ple declares, 'is my all-time favourite. The mood, the tone, the soundtrack… and Quentin Tarantino is delightfully mad in every way. The way Uma Thurman and John Travolta dance at Jack Rabbit Slim's? Iconic. You have to be that intense to be iconic.'
Jay chuckles. 'Mine 'would probably be a horror film. Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho, The Birds, something offbeat and a little disturbing.'
The everyday and the endless
Despite the cinematic style and public-facing lives, Jay and Ple are remarkably down-to-earth. They met while working at TCDC and now juggle running Woof Pack Projects, raising two young kids, and still somehow making time for themselves, and each other.
'We're similar in some ways and completely different in others,' Jay says. 'When one of us is down, the other steps up. That's why it works. We understand each other. A relationship teaches you patience, and awareness. And having kids? That changes everything – it's a constant journey.'
He laughs, glancing at Ple. 'Whenever there's a problem, she runs away.'
'Are you mad? That's nonsense,' Ple shoots back with a grin.
'She legs it and leaves me behind,' Jay teases.
Then, more seriously, he adds, 'We just carry different kinds of stress. We have different ways of working, different levels of patience, and ways of dealing with things.'
Ple nods. 'There's no filter when you've been together this long. We're each other's closest person, so we constantly have to adjust. I'm very honest and clear. I think that helps. But it's also about patience, supporting each other and knowing when to step back.'
When things get hectic – exhibitions, filming, school runs – they still make space for time together. 'Even if we're just sitting side by side, not talking,' Ple says, 'we need those moments. It doesn't have to be romantic, just real.'
Jay adds, 'We'll do date nights, travel together if we can. You always have to make time. Even just three to four hours to eat, sleep, be with each other, that's what keeps things going.'
As for who's the more restless one?
'Jay's the 'let's do one more thing' type,' Ple grins. 'He never stops.'
Jay laughs.
'I've never said 'let's take a break' in my life.'
Ple chimes in, 'We were both like that before, but these days – with work, kids, dogs – I'm more likely to be the one saying, 'Let's pause.''
Where it all comes together
Despite the intensity, they both light up when talking about Woof Pack Projects. Tucked just off Saladaeng, it's become a landmark for creative events, exhibitions, and formerly independent cinema. Now, it also houses the Time Out Thailand office. But more than that – it's theirs.
'Saladaeng is where we started our journey,' says Jay. 'After our first project in Sukhumvit, we moved to Woof Pack. We were one of the first in this area. It holds a special place in our lives.'
Ple adds, 'It's our story from day one. We've done so many shows there, and people associate the space with us. We've helped shape the creative neighbourhood around it and we're still going.'
Even with all the appearances at glittering events, they're selective about their social calendar. 'The line between work and life is blurry,' Jay admits. 'You don't always stay the whole night. Balance is key.'
And what kind of legacy do they hope to leave for their kids?
Jay's answer is simple, 'That we were present. We weren't just busy with work – we showed up for them, made time for them. That's what I want them to remember.'
Ple hopes they'll understand something deeper.
'My dad always said, 'The value of a person is in their work.' I want the kids to see that. Both Jay and I give 100 percent to what we do. It's in our DNA.'
As the night winds down and the lights at 1970 Bar dim a little, you get the sense that Jay and Ple don't just live creatively – they live deliberately. In a city that's always rushing forward, they've built a life filled with care, connection and just enough retro sparkle to keep things fun.
And yes, Ple was right. Jay did order the dirty martini. She stuck with a glass of red wine. Some things never change.
Photographer: STYLEdeJATE @styledejate
Art Director: PK Vanasirikul @peeekks
Senior designer: Methita Trakulpoonsub @methitaa
Project manager: Sirinart Panyasricharoen @tibabit
Writer: Sarunrat Ardpruksa @toeysarunrat
Video: Phithiphon Mueadthaisong @temptm_
Video Editor: Weerawich Thitipatwarrachai @102_14b
Photos: STYLEdeJATE @styledejate
Assistant photographer: @Fernnrr.279
Stylist: Mathimon Intharasuwan @chubbyz_gt
Hair stylist: Jarukit Chathong @reduce_frizz
Makeup artist: Kantapong Chansamlee @katangiswho @whoiskatang
Lighting: Stoppie Pumipat
Concept: @laurieosborne

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