FAIRS & SALES

BOOK FAIR (Queen Sirikit National Convention Center,

Ratchadaphisek Road, 10am-9pm, until tomorrow) Organised by the Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand (Pubat), the 46th National Book Fair & 16th Bangkok International Book Fair 2018 features over 400 Thai publishing houses and 16 foreign publishers, plus the release of around 350 new books. There are meet-and-greet sessions with popular authors as well as exhibitions and discussions under the theme “Read … Again”. As this year’s guest of honour, Taiwan brings 156 publishing companies to present a thousand original books in the international copyright book area, as well as cultural performances. Taiwanese authors/ illustrators Hsu Yu-jung and Ho Wen-yung will also give an afternoon discussion today. Visit pubat.or.th.

PET PLANET (Seacon Square, Srinakarin Road, 11am-8pm,

until tomorrow) The “Pet Planet: Animals From A-Z” features a total of 300 animals, many of them rarely seen. They are categorised into 26 species, each of which represents the English alphabet from A-Z. Call 02-721-8888.

DOG FUN FEST (Bluport Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan,

11am-8pm, until tomorrow) The “Bluport Dog Fun Fest” features celebrity dogs of various breeds engaged in many fun activities including a talent show today. Nopadol Duangkaew aka Thai Cesar Millan will share his dog training experience and techniques today at 4pm and a dog guru will offer tips on how to raise a dog to be healthy tomorrow at 4pm. Free health check-ups and flea and tick medication for dogs and DIY workshops are also available. Call 02-310-1904.

GRAND SONGKRAN (Royal Plaza of Dusit Palace and Sanam Suapa, Sri Ayutthaya Road, 2pm-9pm, until tomor

row) Graciously organised by HM King Rama X, the “Songkran Water Festival: Traditional Thai New Year Celebration” invites members of the public to worship and sprinkle water on two important Buddha statues for blessing. There are exhibitions on the history of Songkran and Songkran Goddess, a sand pagoda contest, a programme of cultural performances, a demonstration on Thai fragrance making and rarely-seen Thai dessert cooking. Available for sales are Thai foods and traditional Thai desserts. Visit prd.go.th.

SAKURA FEST (Isetan, CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Road,

11am-8pm, until April 11) Held to celebrate Isetan’s 26th anniversary, the “Sakura Festival” features special prices on “Only At Isetan” items, special dishes designed by Japanese restaurants for this event at the “Isetan Washoku Gallery” on the 5th floor, as well as sweet treats by Anri, Chez Recamier, Sunmoulin Royal and Sunmuan. Internationally recognised artist Tadaomi Shibuya will showcase his skills in a live painting session today and tomorrow on the 1st floor. Call 02-255-9898/9.

GREENERY MARKET (Siam Plaza, Siam Discovery, Rama I,

today and tomorrow, 10am-9pm) Held under the concept of “Eat Good, Live Green”, the “Greenery Market#6” features organic produce by local farmers including fresh fruit and vegetable, rice, seafood harvested from local neighbourhoods and other products such as dyed cloth. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own shopping bags to help reduce the use of plastic bags and containers. Visit greenery.org/ market.

BACK TO THE PAST (Seacon Bangkae, Phetkasem Road,

10am-9pm, until April 15) To celebrate the Thai New Year, Seacon Bangkae is holding the “Mon Rak Look Toong” fair that will take visitors back in time to witness the agrarian lifestyle in northeastern Thailand from 60 years ago. Based on the literary work of the same title with the fair penned by Rangsee Tassanapayak, the fair portrays more than 20 characters and important locations in a live museum style. There will also be a musical depicting the love story between the two protagonists every Friday to Sunday starting at noon. Call 02-454-7777.

SENSE OF THAI (Central Embassy, Phloenchit Road, 10am

10pm, until April 22) To mark the Thai New Year, “A Sense Of Thai 2018” portrays the unique charm of Thai culture through many activities. Visitors will see hundreds of floating lanterns, pour water on statues of Buddha for blessing, visit the Thai rice exhibition, witness regal accessories, shop for quality Thai products and indulge in traditional Thai cuisine. Come and experience the traditional Songkran atmosphere on April 13-16. The fair will also take place at Central Chidlom on April 12-15 where activities will include rare performances based on four farewell poetry of Thai literature — Nirat Muang Klaeng, Nirat Phra Bat, Nirat Pak

Tai and Nirat Hariphunchai. Call 02-119-7777 ext 2001.