WHAT’S ON: THIS WEEK AND BEYOND
Music journey Prince Mahidol Hall, Mahidol University Salaya campus, Phutthamonthon Sai 4 Jan 16 at 7pm and Jan 17 at 4pm
Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of guest conductor Jeffery Meyer will perform the “Afternoon of a Faun” concert. The programme features Debussy’s Prelude To The Afternoon Of A Faun, Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring, and Narong Prangcharoen’s Illuminating Journey, Pubbanimitta, Namaskar and New Horizons.
Tickets cost 300 and 500 baht (100 baht for students up to bachelor’s degree) from Thai Ticket Major booths (visit www. thaiticketmajor.com or call 02-262-3456). There’s a Salaya Link shuttle bus service from Bangwa BTS station. Visit www. music.mahidol.ac.th/salayalink.
Voices of the future Chom Dong Villa, Hua Hin Prachuap Khiri Khan Jan 17 at 6.30pm
The 14th “Winter Journey” concert features an evening of songs and operatic arias and ensembles performed by participants of the Winter Journey 2015 Music Camp. The camp, now in its 14th year, draws participants from the best voice students in Thailand and the region. Several alumni have gone on to successful international careers in Europe and the US. The concert will be held in Bangkok at the Pridi Banomyong Institute’s auditorium on Soi Thong Lor on Jan 20 at 7pm.
Tickets for the Hua Hin concert cost 1,800 baht including a picnic buffet staring from 4pm. Call 085-071-8800. Tickets for the Bangkok show cost 300 baht (200 baht for students). Call 084-916-8118.
Chamber music Siam Ratchada Auditorium Fortune Town Bldg Ratchadaphisek Road Jan 18 at 3pm
The “Chamber Music Concert: From Mozart to Milhaud” features works by Milhaud, Bruch, Beethoven and Mozart. Performers are Mayumi Nagai (clarinet), Mi Yeon Song (violin), Rieko Nishijima (viola), Hyunjoo Shin (cello) and Satomi Nishikawa (piano).
Tickets cost 500 baht (300 baht for students) from Tokyodo Books at the Emporium. Call 081-315-5120.
A reverse countdown of death Sodsai Pantoomkomol Centre for Dramatic Arts, Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Bldg, Chulalongkorn University Jan 20 at 7.30pm
French dance company A.lter S.essio is staging EXTension(-), an audio-visual performance of contemporary dance featuring a body’s extraction, the reverse narrative of its alienation and its burial. The group comprises artistic director Fabrice Planquette and choreographer/ performer Yum Keiko Takayama. They will give a lively discussion after the show and also a multi-disciplinary workshop called “Ascensio” during Jan 21-25 from 1pm to 6pm.
Tickets cost 600 baht (300 for students and 400 baht for artists and audiences under 27). Visit www.ShowBooking.com or call 02-218-4802 or 081-559-7252. There is no admission fee to the workshop but pre-registration should be made by emailing DramaArtsChula1971@gmail. com.
Avenged Sevenfold returns Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani Nonthaburi Jan 20 at 8.30pm
Presented by Singha Corporation and BEC-Tero Entertainment, the “Avenged Sevenfold World Tour 2015 in Bangkok” will see the American heavy metal band rock Bangkok stage as part of their Asian tour. The third visit will promote their six album, Hail To The King, which topped the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart upon its release in August 2013.
Tickets cost 1,500, 2,500 and 2,700 baht from Thai Ticket Major booths (visit www. thaiticketmajor.com or call 02-262-3838).
Piano recital Siam Ratchada Auditorium, Fortune Town Bldg, Ratchadaphisek Road Jan 23 at 7.30pm
Presented by D&M Music Studio and Yamaha Ratchadapisek Music School, the “Two Piano Recital” features Benjamin Kim from the US and Andreas Donat from Austria in a programme which includes works by Schubert, Chopin and Ravel. Both pianists won top prizes from many international competitions.
Tickets cost 600 baht (300 baht for students) from Robinson Piano Showroom at Siam Discovery (tel 02-658-1080/1). Call 081-682-8000.
Bublé is back Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani Nonthaburi Jan 24 at 7.30pm
Canadian superstar Michael Bublé will be back to croon his Thai fans with songs from his new albums, To Be Loved, and all other hits. He will also be singing songs from his favourite artists such as Frank Sinatra, Bee Gees, the Jackson 5 and Elvis Presley. They will be rearranged and delivered in the classic Buble style. The four-time Grammy Awards winning crooner had his Bangkok debut nine years ago where Thai fans were impressed by his deep sultry voice and amazing skills as the consummate entertainer.
Tickets cost 2,000, 3,000, 5,000 and 6,500 baht from Thai Ticket Major booths (visit www.thaiticketmajor.com).
Polish piano concert
Thailand Cultural Centre Ratchadaphisek Road Jan 27 at 8pm
Bangkok Symphony Orchestra Foundation opens the “Great Artists of the World 2015” concert series with a Bangkok debut recital by Polish piano phenomenon Krystian Zimerman who will be performing Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 1 in D Minor. He will be joined by Canadian conductor Charles Olivieri-Munroe who will lead Bangkok Symphony Orchestra through Beethoven’s heroic Symphony No. 5 in C Minor.
Tickets cost 800, 1,000, 1,600, 2,400, 3,200 and 4,000 baht from Thai Ticket Major booths (visit www.thaiticketmajor. com). For more information, visit www. bangkoksymphony.org or call 02-2556617/8 or 02-254-4954.
THEATRE
Solo performance Thong Lor Art Space, Sukhumvit Soi 55 Jan 22-Feb 9 at 8pm (except Tue-Wed)
B-Floor Theatre is bringing back Bang La Merd, a solo performance by award-winning performer and director Ornanong Thaisriwong. It is a small scale performance with a big subject matter, addressing people’s freedom of expression. It premiered in 2012 and won the ‘Best Original Script’ award from the International Association of Theater Critics Thailand (IACT). The new version is different from the original in terms of both content and form to suit current situations in society.
Tickets cost 500 baht. For reservation, call 095-542-4555 or 095-924-4555.
FAIRS & SALES
Plant seeds fair Choncharoen Farm Muang, Kanchanaburi Until Jan 18, 8am to 5pm
Held for the eighth year, the “Chiatai Fair 2015: Miracle of the Plant Seeds” features a variety of indigenous vegetables, rare species and commercial vegetables; a showcase of vegetable gardens in various designs; and sales of quality agricultural products. Visitors will also learn about how to plant vegetables for consumption and commercial purposes.
There is no admission fee. Visit www. chiataigroup.com or call 02-639-4000 or 02-023-4993.
Crafts of Siam Fashion Hall and Lifestyle Hall Siam Paragon, Rama I Road Until Jan 18, 10am to 9pm
Organised by the Support Arts and Crafts International Centre of Thailand (Sacict), the 6th “Identity of Siam” fair gathers the largest number of innovative craft masterpieces made of gold by seven high-class master artisans, as well as craftworks by other recognised masters and various handicraft products from 50 shops under Sacicts. Items include woven fabrics, batik, silverware, gold plates, home décor items and apparels. There are also art and culture performances on stage daily.
Visit www.sacict.or.th or call 02-1870295 or 086-504-6487.
Tourism fest Lumpini Park, Rama IV Road Until Jan 18, 4pm to 10pm (noon to 10pm on Sat-Sun)
Organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the “Thailand Tourism Festival 2015” is packed with many activities including five regional tourism villages that portray the way of life of Thai people, popular tourist destinations, traditional festivities, culture performances, a variety of local delicacies and souvenirs. There are also concerts by famous artists and booths offering outstanding products of communities from Bangkok’s 50 districts.
Visit www.tourismthailand.org or call 1672.
Best Otop products Seacon Bangkae, Phetkasem Road Until Jan 19, 10.30am to 9pm
The “Best Otop Products from Thon Buri’s 7 Districts Expo” will feature 70 shops offering outstanding products from communities in Phasi Charoen, Bang Khae, Bang Bon, Bang Khunthian, Nong Khaem, Rat Burana and Thung Khru. Items include handicrafts, herbal products, benjarong porcelain, agricultural products and consumer goods. Entertainment includes Thai folk and traditional music, somtam cooking dance and demonstrations on flower garland making and flower and fruit basket arrangement. There is also daily short occupational training starting at noon.
Call 02-721-888 ext 313/4.
For super kids Future Park, Phahon Yothin Road Until Jan 19, 11am to 7pm
The “Future Park Super Kids” fair allows children to meet and greet their favourite superheroes on Jan 10 before they will perform the “Iron Man Action Show” at 11am, 2pm and 5pm. Another highlight is “Pang Pond Dance Show” on Jan 9 and Jan 11 also at 11am, 2pm and 5pm. There are also daily screenings of favourite cartoons and art workshops.
Call 02-958-0011.
Organic fair Future Park, Phahon Yothin Road Until Jan 19, 11am to 9pm
The “Organic Agricultural Products” fair feature reasonable prices on outstanding goods from Chachoengsao, Samut Prakan, Prachin Buri, Nakhon Nayok and Sa Kaeo. Items include Nam Dok Mai mango, Khao Tang Kwa pomelo, organic rice and vegetables, sunflower sprouts, straw mushrooms, and processed foods.
Call 02-958-0011. The “Namprik Festival” features more than 20 recipes of spicy chili paste from famous shops as well as the newly created recipes from the Royal Project — nam prik pla rak chong, nam prik ang kang and nam prik doi. A variety of side dishes are available. There will also be a nam prik eating contest joined by chilieating champion Kiat Pang-ut at The Mall Bang Kapi on Jan 17-18 at 3pm.
Call 02-310-1316 or 02-310-1021.
Chic and lofty Seacon Square, Srinakarin Road Jan 16-25, 11am to 9pm
The “Chic My Style: Loft Style” fair features creative and handmade products made from natural materials under the “Rough, Raw, Cool” concept from 90 shops. Items include trendy accessories, art objects, fashion denim, home decorations, tin toys, vintage bags and many more.
Call 02-721-8888.
EXHIBITIONS
Japanese crafts Exhibition Hall, Office of Art and Culture, Chulalongkorn University, Phaya Thai Road Jan 16-Feb 27, 9am to 5pm on weekdays
Held to mark the March 11 anniversary of the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami, the “Beautiful Handicrafts of Tohoku, Japan” exhibition displays 70 works of various genres traditionally crafted by high level techniques nurtured in the Tohoku region. Items include ceramics, lacquer ware, textiles, metalwork, wood and bamboo crafts.
Visit www.jfbkk.or.th or call 02-260-8560—4.
Our Father’s rice Thai Bank Museum SCB Head Office, Ratchadaphisek Road Until Jan 30, 9.30am to 5pm Mon-Fri
Held to mark HM’s the King’s 87th birthday, the “Father of the Nation’s Rice” exhibition recounts HM’s benevolence in seeking practical approaches to solving soil and water problems to benefit Thai farmers’ rice growing. It also features projects under his royal initiatives that have created additional value for rice and boosted the sustainability of the nation’s agricultural system.
Call 02-544-3858. Organised by BEC-Tero and Thaicom Plc, the “Nasa: A Human Adventure” exhibition features Nasa’s human space flight projects from Mercury and Gemini to Apollo and Space Shuttle, as well as space innovations through a display of more than 400 objects — many of which were used in real space operations. Thaicom also presents Thailand’s state-of-the-art space technology and a satellite launching simulator to show how Thaicom satellites are launched to the orbits. There are also exciting rides, sale of space souvenirs and a space cafe offering space cuisine.
Tickets cost 400 baht (250 baht for children) on weekdays and 500 baht (350 baht for children) on weekends and holidays, from Thai Ticket Major booths (visit www.thaiticketmajor.com or call 02-262-3838).
FILMS
Polish movies SF World Cinema, 7th floor CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Road Jan 18-22
Organised by the Polish Film Institute and Embassy of Poland in Thailand, the “Polish Film Festival” features six new films of various genres from history to contemporary drama. The line-up includes Pawel Pawlikowski’s Ida, Andrzej Wajda’s Walesa: Man of Hope, Jacek Bromski’s One Way Ticket To The Moon, Katarzyna Jungowska’s Fanciful, Lukasz Palkowski’s Gods, and Maciej Pieprzyca’s Life Feels Good. All films have English and Thai subtitles.
Tickets cost 120 bath. Visit www.sfcinemacity.com or call 02-268-8888.
AUDITION For a delightful play Bistro 33 restaurant Sukhumvit Soi 33 Feb 8
Bangkok Community Theatre is holding open auditions for English-speaking adults of any nationality aged 16 years and up are interested in performing in the mid-May production of Jack And The Beanstalk. The play requires a small cast of adults ready to jump in and interact with the children in the audience plus a small production team. Casting is flexible and most roles can be played by adult actors/actresses of any age.
Visit www.bangkokcommunitytheatre. com, email bonniez@sala.net or call 081-869-1104.
CONFERENCE
Mobile game conference Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit Hotel Sukhumvit Road Jan 23, 9am to 5.30pm
Organised by the Global Mobile Game Confederation (GMGC), the “Mobile Game Asia 2015 Bangkok” will feature keynote speakers and panelists from the region including notable companies such as Facebook, Google, iDreamSky, Xurpas, TouchTen Games and PayPal. Topics include publishing strategy, mobile game monetisation and investment, and region-specific panel discussions such as payment options and mobile game localisation in Southeast Asia.
Tickets cost US$25. For more information, visit mobilegameasia.eventdove.com.
GET-TOGETHERS
Winter picnic KIS International School Kesinee Ville, Pracha Uthit Road Jan 17, 9.30am to 12.30pm
All families with young children are invited to the “KIS’s Winter Wonderland Picnic” which will feature arts, crafts, a scavenger hunt, entertainment, food and drinks and snow cones. There will be activities ideal for kids from two to six years.
Entry fee is 300 baht per family. There is free van running to and from MRT Thailand Cultural Centre Station (Exit 2). Email robert@kis.ac.th or call 02-2743444 ext 4125.
Knowledge fest Royal Paragon Hall Siam Paragon, Rama I Road Jan 17-19, 11am to 9pm
Organised by the Office of Knowledge Management and Development (OKMD), the “T(ha)ime Machine: When Global trends turn back to Thai wisdom” festival features an exhibition, a symposium and workshops by prominent thinkers and successful entrepreneurs from food, health and property development sectors. They will unfold Thai wisdom and discuss how it can contribute in developing products and services that meet consumer requirements and accelerate business success.
There is no admission fee. Visit www. okmd.or.th or call 02-105-6519.
LECTURES/TALK
Dialogue with Nobel laureates Sutham Areekul Auditorium, Kasetsart University, Phahon Yothin Road Jan 19 and Jan 26 at 2pm
The 5th Asean series of “Bridges — Dialogues Towards A Culture of Peace” will start with a talk on “Science: Humanity’s universal bridge” conducted by Prof Brian Schmidt, a 2011 Nobel laureate in Physics at the Australian National University’s Mount Stromlo Observatory on Jan 19. He is known for his research in using supernova as cosmological probes. On Jan 26, Japanese chemist Prof Ei-ichi Negishi will give a talk on the topic of “The power of metal catalysis transition for a prosperous and sustainable 21st century”.
There is no admission fee. Email fscisph@ku.ac.th or call 02-562-5555 ext 1111.
Mahayana Buddhism Siam Society, Asok Road Jan 22 at 7.30pm
Siam Society is holding a talk on “Dvaravati’s Mahayana Buddhist Conception of Royalty” conducted by Kathy Ku Cheng Mei. She uses Mahayana Buddhist texts and Dvaravati Buddhist sculptures to prove that the Buddhism promoted in Dvaravati belonged to the conception of Mahayana Buddhist kingship founded by Nagarjuna.
Donation fee is 200 baht (free for members and children). Call 02-661-6470—7.
WORKSHOPS
Watercolour painting Louise Truslow’s studio Nang Linchi Road Jan 17, 9.30am to 4.30pm
Bangkok-based British painter Louise Truslow is conducting a one-day watercolour workshop suitable for beginners and those wishing to refresh their skills. Participants will learn to choose materials, select and mix colours and other basic techniques. The artist will also give a painting demonstration.
The fee is 2,500 baht including lunch and refreshments. Email louise@louisetruslow.com.
Herbal remedy for kids Chao Phya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital Prachin Buri, Every Sat-Sun, until Feb 1 8.30am to 4pm
The Public Healthcare Knowledge Centre at Thai Medical at Abhaibhubejhr Hospital is holding a series of workshops on how to use herbs as medicines for children. Learn how to use herbs to cure rashes and skin allergies, boost appetite and nourish skinny kids on Jan 17-18. The last two weekends of the month will focus on how to use herbs to treat toothache and tooth decay and how to concoct a tonic to relieve stomachaches and abdominal bloating. All activities are conducted in Thai.
To register, call 037-211-0888 ext 3333 or 087-582-0597.
Connect with self Prem Yog & Prana Center Sukhumvit Soi 26 Jan 21, 11am to noon
“Connect with yourself” is a powerful workshop to enable participants to connect with their inner self and balance their chakras. These subtle energy centres in the human body link the lower material systems with the higher more subtle planes. When they are balanced through the power of yoga they enable a person to reach their fullest potential.
The fee is 500 baht. Visit www.premyogprana.com or call 085-019-6143.
Belly dance Rumpuree Asoke, Jasmine City Bldg Sukhumvit Soi 23 Jan 22-23, 6.30pm to 9pm Jan 25, 1pm to 8pm
Organised by Rumpuree dance studio, “Raks Siam Oriental” is the country’s first international belly dance festival which features five different master dance workshops conducted by bellydance master Nourhan Sharif from New York. She will also perform during the gala dinner night which presents more than 20 shows featuring 30 belly dance artists from 10 countries. The event will take place at Hilton Hotel’s Grand Ballroom, Sukhumvit Soi 24, on Jan 24 from 6pm to 10pm.
Tickets for the workshops cost 2,400 and 3,000 baht and tickets for the gala dinner is 1,800 baht. The full festival pass is 15,000 baht. Visit www.rumpuree.com or call 081-4630-6684 or 081-439-0200.
CLASS
Chen style Tai Chi
Chen Tai Chi Thailand will start the Tai Chi certificate class for beginners on Jan 24 and it will run every weekend for six weeks at Chen Tai Chi School, 4th floor of Piyavan Tower on Phahon Yothin Road. All the foundations of Tai Chi will be taught in both Thai and English and the class is certified.
Visit www.chentaichithailand.com or call 086-014-4050.
SPORTS
Polo tournament Thai Polo & Equestrian Club Pattaya, Chon Buri Jan 17, noon to 6pm
The “BMW-B Grimm Thai Polo Open 2015” will feature four polo teams from Thailand, Argentina, Malaysia and China to vie for a trophy from HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. Guests will enjoy shopping for brand name products and fun games at sponsors’ tents, pony rides for kids and kids fancy dress on horseback and live music before the match which will start at 3pm. The tournament will close with a cocktail party and a fireworks display.
Tickets cost 1,000 baht. Email thaipoloclub@lbg.co.th or call 02-650-3055.
Run for a good cause Rama VIII Bridge Feb 1 at 6am
Brother Commercial (Thailand) is holding the “Brother Run & Share” mini marathon to raise funds for the Wishing Well Foundation to help cancer patients. The race has two distances — a 10.5km mini marathon and a 3km fun run and the route will be along Rama VIII Road to the elevated road parallel to Boromratchachonanee Road.
Registration fee is 300 baht including a commemorative shirt and a medal. Visit www.shutterrunning.com or call 089-925-1161.