WHAT’S ON:
THIS WEEK AND BEYOND
MUSIC & DANCE
Latin music Prince Mahidol Hall Mahidol University, Salaya campus Dec 18 at 7pm and Dec 19 at 4pm The “Latin American Music Night” concert features pieces that rarely appear on orchestral programmes but are engaging and alive with Latin rhythms and colours performed by the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Claude Villaret, with Cuban violinist Roberto Valdes as guest soloist.
Tickets cost 300 and 500 baht (100 baht for students) from Thai Ticket Major (visit www.thaiticketmajor.com). Visit www. thailandphil.com.
New rockers take to stage Fortune Street, Fortune Town Bldg Ratchadaphisek Road Dec 19, noon to 10pm The “Rokz Magazine 2015” music event features two stages for live performances by more than 30 new rock groups. More than 35 shops of musical instruments will exhibit their wares. Leading rocker Jeerasak Parnpoom will also give a concert at 7pm.
There is no admission fee. Visit www. facebook.com/rokzfanclub.
Chamber concert Siam Ratchada Auditorium ground floor of Fortune Town Bldg Ratchadaphisek Road Dec 19 at 5pm The Artist Ensemble of Bangkok will give a classical concert featuring one of the most renowned chamber music pieces by Schubert, String Quintet in C Major. The ensemble comprises four members from the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra — Siripong Tiptan (violin), Omporn Kowintha (violin), Miti Wisuthumporn (viola) and Yukihisa Nakagawa (cello) — and Ekachai Maskulart, a Thai cellist based in Basel, Switzerland.
Tickets at the door cost 800 baht (400 baht for students). Advanced tickets cost 600 baht (300 baht for students). Email vcyukky@gmail.com or SMS to 081-346-3599.
Christmas carol at beach resort Hyatt Regency Hua Hin Prachuap Khiri Khan Dec 19 at 7pm The Choir of Gonville and Caius College, one of the UK’s leading collegiate choirs from the University of Cambridge will perform during the “Christmas Carol: Journey Through The Ages” concert. Their one-and-a-half-hour rendition will feature popular classic Christmas carol pieces as well as German and Scandinavian songs.
Tickets cost 1,500 baht including pre-dinner. Email huahin.regency@hyatt. com or call 032-521-234.
Sci-fi concert GMM Live House, 8th floor CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Road Dec 19-20 at 7pm The “Star Theque GTH 11 Light Years” concert features many sci-fi special shows with more than 50 actors and actresses set to perform including Sunny Suwanmethanon, Ter Chantavit, Peak Pattarasaya, Ploy Chermarn, Mario Maurer and Mai Davika. Participating bands will be Paradox and Slot Machine.
Tickets cost 700, 1,000, 1,500, 2,000, 3,000, 3,500 and 5,000 baht from Thai Ticket Major (visit www.thaiticketmajor. com).
Music in the park Chaophya Hospital Boromratchonnanee Road Dec 26 at 5pm The 10th “Chaophya Music in the Park” concert will feature famous songstresses Thitima “Ann” Pathumthip and Mariam B5 and one of the country’s leading band, ETC.
There is no admission fee. For reservations, call 02-433-5666 or 02-433-8222.
Music in the vineyard The Winery, Silverlake vineyard Pattaya, Chon Buri Dec 26 at 6pm The “Silverlake Presents Silverlake Unplugged 2015” concert will feature famous acts — Scrubb, Greasy Cafe, La-ong Fong and Singto Numchok — taking turns to perform non-stop for six hours.
Tickets cost 1,200 baht from Counter Service at 7-Eleven (visit www.allticketthailand.com) or call 02-711-7788.
DC countdown Oasis Outdoor Arena and Creative Market, Jaturatid Road, near RCA Dec 31, 8pm to 2am Organised by Bangkok-based DC Entertainment, the “Show DC Countdown to 2016” features dance concerts by Asia’s superstars and singers, cover dance shows, exclusive hi-touch activities to meet and greet with the pop stars including South Korean heartthrob Rain and the boy band Beast. Famous DJs including DJ Schedule 1 and DJ Ji-yong will show off their styles of music mixing and scratching and Thailand’s rising stars, Platong Thanyanan Thongsrithanawong from The Voice Thailand 2015 and DJ Nui from EFM will also perform.
Tickets cost 1,000, 1,500, 2,500 and 5,000 baht from Thai Ticket Major (www. thaiticketmajor.com).
THEATRE
Rakugo show Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit Hotel Sukhumvit Road Dec 20, 1pm to 3pm Yoshimoto Entertainment (Thailand) presents a rakugo show performed by veteran rakugo storyteller Katsura Bunshi. This is his second performance in the Kingdom and he will present a new comical story in the traditional Japanese sit-down comedy in which he will use only a fan and a handkerchief as props and portray all the characters through facial expressions, different tones of voice and sign language.
Tickets cost 1,600 and 2,000 baht from Club Thailand Cafe (call 02-662-1191). Email info@yoshimoto.co.th.
FAIRS & SALES
French fair Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, Ratchadaphisek Road Until Dec 20, 10am to 8pm Set in a French-style open market, the “Bonjour French Fair 2015: Viva Europa” features 90 booths of top-quality products from France, Italy and Germany at special prices. Items include cosmetics, spa products, perfumes, home décor items, coffee machines, wines, freshly cooked French food, fruit juices, cheeses, sausages, and organic products for kids. Every purchase of 2,000 baht, shoppers will have a chance to win a pair of roundtrip air tickets to Paris from Air France and many other prizes.
Visit www.facebook.com/BonjourFrenchFair or call 02-650-9613/4.
X’mas playbox Amarin Plaza, Phloenchit Road Until Jan 8, 11am to 8pm The “Amarin X’Mas Playbox 2015” features fashion and lifestyle products from reputable brands and over 50 of the hippest food trucks serving their best dishes in an American cafe atmosphere. Special activities include a live street art performance by local artists TRK and Rukkit today and a mini concert by Mild on Dec 25 and The Parkinson on Dec 31 at 7pm.
Call 02-650-4704.
Organic fest Sampran Riverside Hotel Nakhon Pathom Dec 18-20, 9am to 5pm Organised by Bliss Foundation, the 2nd “Bliss Festival” features fresh organic produce and products direct from farmers from the Sampran Model, many organic-farming related workshops, fun games, entertainment and educational talks. Those interested in organic farming will learn more about it while interested enterprises can come for ideas or find new business partners.
There is no admission fee. Visit www. sampranmodel.com or call 081-854-0880.
EXHIBITIONS
Lighting fest EmQuartier, Sukhumvit Road Until Jan 3, 11am to 9pm Held to celebrate His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 88th birthday, “The EM District Presents Bangkok Illumination 2015” is the country’s first international lighting festival which displays 36 distinctive light installations by Thai and international artists. Many of the pieces are also exhibited outdoors in Benjasiri Park and along Sukhumvit Road from Soi 24-31. There is also a 3D mapping projection on the facades of the Emporium and EmQuartier daily at 7pm and 7.30pm.
Call 02-259-8345 or 02-269-1000 ext 1084.
Doraemon comic world CentralPlaza Westgate Bang Yai, Nonthaburi Until Jan 10, 10am to 9pm The “Comic 45th Anniversary Doraemon Comic World” fair features a gigantic comic book and figurines of Doraemon and his friends, replicas of the gadgets from his magic pocket, licensed products and limited edition collectibles, a live show and the first and only Doraemon Cafe. The fair is open for two sessions a day from 12.30pm to 3.30pm and 4.30pm to 8.30pm on weekdays and 11am to 3.30pm and 4pm to 8.30pm on weekends and holidays.
Tickets cost 250 baht (200 for children) per session on weekdays and 300 baht (250 baht for children) per session on weekends. Tickets for a family of two adults and one child is 600 baht on weekdays and 750 baht on weekends. Visit www.doraemoncomicworld.com.
Czech illustraions Curves Wall, 4th and 5th floor Bangkok Art and Culture Centre Pathumwan intersection Until Jan 17, 10am to 9pm Tue-Sun Held in collaboration with the Embassy of the Czech Republic, “The Magic World of Czech Illustrators for Children” exhibition features 90 illustrations of Czech children’s books created by 20 Czech artists during the last 100 years, many of which won prestigious prizes at international exhibitions and children’s book fairs. Soft toy characters from the books and illustrations are also displayed alongside screenings of five different Czech animated cartoons.
Call 02-214-6630—8 ext 528.
FILMS
Outdoor cinema Goethe Institute, Sathon Soi 1 Until Feb 19, every Tue at 7.30pm The “German Open Air Cinema 2015/16” provides special insight into the current movie culture of German-speaking countries and recent works of various film directors. All films are in German with English subtitles.
Call 02-108-8231/2.
GET-TOGETHERS
Drink and dance Korean Cultural Centre Sukhumvit Road Dec 18 at 6pm The “K-Lover’s Night” party features famous Thai artists including TimeThai at 7pm, Bie KPN at 8.30pm and Mark Prin at 9pm. There will also be a DJ stage, K-pop cover dance and other fun activities. Korean cocktails and mocktails will be served.
There is no admission fee but seats are limited. Call 02-651-0165—8.
Dhamma in the park Suan Mingmongkol Mittrapab Road, Saraburi Dec 19, 8am to 7am Siam City Cement is holding the “Dhamma in the Park” event featuring a merit making ceremony and almsgiving at 7am and a dhamma session with Mae Chee Sansanee Sthirasuta, a Buddhist nun, at 9am. There is also an afternoon market offering affordable local products amid beautiful music.
There is no admission fee. Visit www. siamcitycement.com or www.facebook. com/INSEEGroup.
Meet the author TK Park, 8th floor, Zone D CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Road Dec 19 at 2pm The “TK Reading Club” activity will meet author Pongsakorn Chindawatana, who penned many novels which have been turned into hit TV dramas. He will be sharing his views about the legendary history-based novel Si Paen Din (Four Reigns) penned by the late former premier Kukrit Pramoj.
There is no admission fee. Visit www. tkpark.or.th. Night of cassette tapes Thong Lor Art Space, Sukhumvit Soi 55 Dec 19, 4pm to 10pm Hipsters who love cassette tapes are invited to the “Cassette Tapes Night Party” where they will listen to their favourite music from old cassette tapes. There will also be movies screened from videotapes, live unplugged music and sales of trendy items in a box-style flea market.
Tickets cost 99 baht including a drink coupon. Visit www.facebook. com/events/542736902549939 or call 095-924-4555.
Fun on the streets Siam Square, Rama I Road Dec 19-20, noon to 10pm
Held in collaboration with Workpoint Entertainment, the “Siam Street World Competition 2015” will feature thrilling and breathtaking street shows performed by over 50 street performers from France, Canada, America, Japan, Korea and Thailand. The highlights include a Chinese pole act by the duo William and Heloise, an acrobatic show by the Syopyo Mujo Broathers and juggling by Tempei.
There is no admission fee. Visit www. facebook.com/Siamstreetfest.
Special celebration Zpell at Future Park, Srinakarin Road Until Dec 31, 11am to 8pm The “Sense of Celebration” campaign features many delightful activities under the “Never Regular Celebration” concept including a snowland, a racing game contest, an e-magazine of Thai animations Pang Pond and Noo Hin, a display of the first edition of Khai Hua Roh comic book and a meet and greet with popular artists.
Call 02-958-0011.
Floral paradise Dasada Gallery, Khao Yai, Prachin Buri Until Feb 14, 9am to 6pm Mon-Thu 9am to 7pm Fri-Sun The “Art In Heart” flower show features over 50,000 phalaenopsis orchids, a dark room exhibit of flowers featuring floral mapping and interactive displays, a heart-shaped rainbow tunnel, a dancing fountain, a night garden and many other activities.
Entry fee is 250 baht (150 baht for children). Visit www.facebook.com/dasadaflower or call 061-404-5000.
CHARITY
Superhero cookies for kids Shangri-La Hotel invites guests to join the “Superhero Charity Christmas Tree 2015” held to raise funds for disadvantaged children at the CCF Foundation under the royal patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. They can simply purchase the Superhero Mask gingerbread cookies and receive a card on which they may write their best wishes for the children and hang them onto the tree located in the main lobby. The cookies are created by the hotel’s executive pastry chef Reinolf Moessl and are priced at 500 baht per set of two pieces, until Dec 31.
Call 02-236-7777 ext 6861/2.
TALK
Learn from a forest monk Rojana Dhamma Center Sukhumvit Soi 23 Dec 21, 6.30pm to 8.30pm Ajahn Pasanno, one of the world’s most senior western Buddhist monks, will give a dharma talk in English. He ordained as a Buddhist monk in the then remote forests in the Northeast of Thailand in 1974, becoming abbot after his 9th year. Currently he abides in California as abbot of the large Abhayagiri Forest Monastery. He was instrumental in establishing Buddhism in the west, setting up a number of monasteries and of introducing a community for female monastics. This time he will share his experiences of what one learns living as a non-practising monk for over 40 years.
There is no admission fee. Visit www. littlebang.org.
CLASS
Train our minds Bangkok Shambhala Centre Vanissa Building, Soi Chidlom Dec 19, 5.30pm to 7.30pm Bangkok Shambhala Meditation Group is holding a meditation class especially for beginners conducted by a certified Shambhala meditation instructor with more than 20 years experience. The drop-in class will provide necessary information and an introduction to the technique of an accessible and powerful practice, which can help them find peace within themselves while developing a strong and flexible mind.
There is no admission fee but donations are welcome. Visit www.shambhala.or.th.
TOURS/TRIPS
Farm tour
Until Jan 10, 9am to 5pm The “Jim Thompson Farm Tour 2015: Mang Moon Boon Khao” features five popular attractions in a farmland of 600 rai with activities including an exhibition portraying the cultural connection between rice and Isan way of life, a demonstration of the silk making processes and shopping for top-quality gifts and souvenirs. The farm is located in Pak Thong Chai, Nakhon Ratchasima.
Tickets at the door ranges from 180 to 280 baht (135-220 for children) depending on the tour date. Pre-visit tickets at special prices are also available. Visit www. jimthompsonfarm.com or call 02-7622566 or 085-660-7336.
Museum and historic house
Jan 9 Siam Society is holding a study trip to visit two interesting museums and a historic house of architectural significance located in Bangkok. Led by Euayporn Kerdchouay, the trip will stop at the Bangkok Insurance Museum, one of the city’s best private museums which displays more than one thousand art objects, mostly potteries and ceramics and some of ancient bronze artefacts. The next stop is Phya Si Thammathirat Residence whose design reflects the Western influence as well as an artistic, creative and nature-loving personality of this civil servant. The last stop is Suan Pakkad Palace Museum, formerly the home of the late Princess Chumbot of Nagara Svarga.
The fee is 2,350 baht (2,050 baht for members). Seats are limited. For booking, call 02-661-6470—3 ext 504 or 506 (from Tuesday to Saturday).
Chiang Mai
Jan 16-17 Siam Society is holding a special trip to Chiang Mai to visit private homes and architectural gems led by national artist Chulathat Kitibutr who is also a wellknown architect and Lanna scholar and Vithi Phanichphant from Chiang Mai University. The iterinary includes visits to the Lanna Traditional House Museum, some Lanna-style houses designed by Chulathat, Wat Ton Kwaen in Hang Dong district and Darapirom Palace Museum in Mae Rim.
The fee is 18,500 baht (17,500 baht for members). Call 02-661-6470—3.
Kanchanaburi
Jan 23-24 Siam Society is holding a study trip to Kanchanaburi province to visit the Muang Sing Historical Park, Phra Buddha Metta Pracha Thai Trai Lokanat Gandhara Anusorn which is the largest bronze Buddha image in Thailand housed at Wat Thipsukhontharam and the Three Pagodas Pass located at the Thailand-Myanmar border. Participants will spend one night at the Felix River Kwai Resort near the Bridge on the River Kwai in Kanchanaburi town.
The fee is 9,500 baht (7,500 baht for members). Call 02-661-6470—7.
India
Jan 30-Feb 8 Siam Society is holding a cultural trip to Odhisa (Orissa), also known as ‘The Soul of India’. The land is filled with awe-inspiring monuments, thousands of master craftsmen and artists, numerous wildlife sanctuaries and stunning natural landscapes. Highlights of the trip will include the Sun Temple in Konark, the Jain caves in Udayagiri and Khandagiri, the ikat village Naupatna, ancient Hindu and Buddhist sanctuaries in Puri and Bhubaneswar, the acclaimed Museum of Tribal Artefacts and a leisurely boat ride on the scenic Chilika Lake.
The fee is 111,500 baht (108,500 baht for members). Call 02-661-6470—3.
CONTESTS
Swan boat race Held in collaboration with the Rowing and the Canoeing Association of Thailand, the “Thailand International Swan Boat Race 2015” features 16 international teams from 10 countries competing for royal trophies and cash prizes worth two million baht. Each team comprises 22 paddlers and will compete in a four-lane race course for 500m. It will take place on Chao Phraya River at Suan Luang Rama VIII Park, near Rama VIII Bridge, on Dec 19-20 from 9am to 5pm.
There is no admission fee. Visit www. thaifest.org.
Dog show The “Seacon Bangkae Dog Show 2015 presents Dr LuvCare Toy Dog Championship Dog Show” sees 100 dogs of all breeds competing for eight trophies with judges from Norway, Singapore, Korea, Ireland, Australia and Thailand. The championship runs daily from 10.30am until Dec 20 at Seacon Bangkae, Phetkasem Road. Visitors are also invited to enter their dogs to the “Fancy Dogs and Trainers” and “Adorable Dogs” contests on Dec 19-20 at 2pm. There is a daily dog show performed by large dogs and sales of a wide variety of pet products.
Call 02-721-8888.
Robot battle Members of the public are invited to witness the tournament day of the “Seacon War of Steel” competition where 16 successful teams will compete in oneon-one battles on Dec 19 from 3pm to 5.30pm. Eight teams will proceed to the semi-final and final rounds on Dec 20, also from 3pm to 5.30pm. The winning team will receive a trophy from Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and a cash prize worth 300,000 baht. Seacon Square is on Srinakarin Road.
There is no admission fee. call 02-721-8888.
Searching for dedicated givers Tea The Cha (Thailand) is looking for 10 people who have dedicated themselves to helping others without seeking personal gains to receive a gift of appreciation which includes a gift hamper and 10,000 baht in cash. This is part of the “Say Hai (give)” project which invites members of the public to submit up to three names of their role models with some brief information about each of the individuals and to also send a short video clip (less than 60 minutes) to the project’s facebook page, www.facebook.com/We.Say.Hai by Dec 20. The list of 10 dedicated people selected to win the gift will be announced on Dec 21 and those who submit their names will also receive a gift hamper as a souvenir.
Visit www.facebook.com/We.Say.Hai or email sayhi@srithepgroup.com.
VDO documentary The Center for Southeast Asian Studies is accepting short documentaries from young filmmakers of Southeast Asian nations and Japan for its “Visual Documentary” project. Submissions of up to 30 minutes can be on any topic that touches on the theme “Human Flows: Movement In Southeast Asia”. Themes can include economic migration, movement between countries in the region, pilgrimages, migration due to political crisis or environmental degradation, cultural influences and borderless journeys/ wanderings.
The submission deadline is Dec 20. Visit sea-sh.cseas.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en/vdp2015.
Online photo contest AIA Thailand is holding “My Dad, My Real Hero”, an online photo contest, open to everyone to post photos of themselves and their fathers, along with a caption of no more than two lines. The first three best captioned photos will be awarded a package tour to Japan, Korea and Hong Kong. The top five photos with the highest votes will also win a three-day accommodation at the Anantara Hua Hin Resort. There are also prizes for voters.
Registration should be made by Dec 31. Visit campaigns.aia.co.th/ realherophotocontest.
Lamp design The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) and the Illuminating Engineering Association of Thailand invites students from across the country to enter the “Modern Lamp Design” to vie for a trophy and cash prizes worth more than 300,000 baht. They can enter as teams of no more than three people and come up with their designs of free-standing LED lamps for indoor use. Each team can submit only one entry.
The submission deadline is Jan 8. For application and more information, visit www.ledexpothailand.com, email pongsirid@impact.co.th or call 02-833-5348.