THE WEEK AHEAD
MONDAY
The Bangkok National Museum has lent nine ancient and sacred Buddha images to Siam Paragon — where the public is invited to sprinkle water on them, as well as learn (hands on) the history of Songkran and its food, from 10am through 9pm.
And then … sorry, but Songkran is over and the salt mines reopen tomorrow morning.
Jack Ma will be here today, so don’t splash him! Otherwise he may decide not to tell us about Alibaba Group’s investment plans for the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) project.
If you just noticed (or cared) that there were no passenger boats on Klong Saen Saeb for the past few days, you can go back today. The Family Transport Company gave all employees three days off for Songkran.
TUESDAY
This is the seventh and final Dangerous Day on the world’s bloodiest highways. You may now resume your normal driving, drink-driving, etc — until Dec 27, when there will be a crackdown. Here’s how it works. If there are fewer deaths than last year (390), it will be because of the terrific, visionary government programmes. If it is higher, it will be your lot’s fault for not following the rules. The first China-Japan trade talks since 2010 begin today in Tokyo, undoubtedly because of the threat of a brewing US-instigated, China-respondent trade war. Following on last week’s airline strike in Germany, Air France staff are going on strike, today and tomorrow, to press for higher wages.
The Pulitzer Prizes will be announced this morning for alleged best journalism, music, literature and drama.
WEDNESDAY
All eyes on Thong Pha Phum district police station in Kanchanaburi, where construction tycoon Premchai Karnasuta is likely to press for more charges to be dropped in the Case of the Poached Black Leopard.
Brighton host Spurs in Premier League play at 1.45 this morning. Tomorrow, same time, it is Bournemouth vs Man United, while on Friday, Burnley face Chelsea.
You want change and reform? Here’s change and reform. The first public cinema in Saudi Arabia since 1983 will open and show Black Panther to an audience of men and women. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has shown his reform chops, so the question now is: Can he survive the storm he has brought?
THURSDAY
A shareholders’ meeting of Sakol Energy Plc (SKE) will vote today on whether to spend 790 million baht on a biomass power plant in Phrae province. The iffy plan is to sell the electricity to the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA). It’s the first such important move since the Ministry of Energy said it didn’t really need to buy any alternative energy for now, thanks.
A long weekend of the annual Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank begins this evening in Washington. Bank of Thailand governor Veerathai Santiprabhob will be there.
Campaigning in the effectively failed socialist state ends today as Venezuela prepares to head to the polls next month. No country beginning with the letter “T”, however, seems to be mature or advanced enough to be allowed to hold an election.
FRIDAY
Three young men are scheduled to arrive at Government House today after walking from Chiang Mai, to protest to the general prime minister about clear-cutting part of the base of Doi Suthep.
The second annual Thailand International Latin Festival isn’t about speaking dead languages. It’s a three-day salsa-tango type of party at the Rembrandt Hotel. Plenty of details at goo.gl/ofgpfU. Mormon church leaders including president Russell M Nelson flies in from Salt Lake City for a one-day visit with some of the congregation of the Church of Latter Day Saints.
Phuket Bike Week (it started earlier at Patong district) moves to the main town today and tomorrow.
SATURDAY
The country’s most famous watch model begins a tour of the Pentagon and various US military camps today, at the invitation of Defence Secretary Jim “Mad Dog” Mattis. Happy birthday, Queen Elizabeth II, 92 years old today. England FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley begin tonight at 11.15, with Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur. Tomorrow at 9pm, Chelsea face Southampton in the other semi-final.
There are no televised Premier League matches today, but Arsenal host West Ham tomorrow at 7.30pm, followed by Manchester City vs Swansea and West Brom vs Liverpool, both at 10.30.