WHAT’ S ON: THIS WEEKEND AND BEYOND

MUSIC & DANCE Tribute concert

Tiffany’s Show Theatre, Pattaya Chon Buri

April 8 at 2pm Silpakorn University’s Faculty of Music presents “Remembering A Great King” concert featuring the SSMS Orchestra under the baton of internationally acclaimed conductor Hikotaro Yazaki. The programme will feature Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No.6 in B Minor, Op 74, Pathetique; Brahms’ Tragic Overture and Narongrit Dhamabutra’s Sinfonia Chakri.

The concert will repeat at Chulalongkorn University’s Auditorium in Bangkok on April 9 at 5pm.

Tickets cost 600 baht (300 baht for students) for the April 8 show (call 038421-700—5 or email res@tiffany-show. co.th) and 300 and 600 baht (100 baht for students) for the April 9 show from Thai Ticket Major booths (visit www.thaiticketmajor.com).

Twice to debut in Bangkok

Thunder Dome, Muang Thong Thani April 8 at 5pm Presented by Four One One Entertainment, “Twice 1st Tour ‘Twice Land’ — The Opening — In Bangkok” is the first concert in Thailand by South Korean girl group Twice. This is part of the first ever world tour by the nine-member group of three nationalities, which was formed in 2015 but has become a success, having swept more than 20 awards so far.

Tickets cost 1,800, 2,800, 3,500, 3,900, 4,800 and 5,500 baht from Thai Ticket Major booths (visit www.thaiticketmajor. com or call 02-262-3456).

FAIRS & SALES For bookworms

Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Ratchadaphisek Road Until April 9, 10am-9pm The 45th “National Book Fair” and 15th “Bangkok International Book Fair Exhibition” features almost 1,000 booths offering all kinds of books from 430 publishers. This is a rare chance to witness rarely-seen remembrance books published for the royal funerals of King Rama V, VI, VII and VIII and other royal family members. Joining the fairs as guest of honour, Finland also brings along a variety of Finnish books for showcase. Visit www.pubat.or.th or call 02-954-9560—4.

Food expo

In front of CentralWorld Ratchadamri Road Until April 9, 10am-10pm Held to promote the country’s food industry and tourism, the “World Food Expo 2017” features a troop of popular restaurants of street food, food truck, ancient Thai food and local Thai food, as well as innovative processed food from 200 leading manufacturers. There are also workshops and Thai cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs. Visit www.nfi.or.th or call 02-886-8088 ext 9206.

Science for kids

Alive Park Hall, ground Floor Future Park, Phahon Yothin Road Until April 9, 11am-8pm

Held in collaboration with National Science Museum, the “Science Park By NSM” is a demonstration of scientific activities that will widen the world of knowledge and imagination for kids. They will learn about the position of the constellations and stars and how to travel in the space; and get scientific hand-on experiences with international toys, games made with local wisdom, skill development scientific toys and games. There are also light exhibitions, skeleton park and other knowledgeable innovations.

Call 02-958-0011.

Lanna market

Seacon Bangkae, Phetkasem Road

Until April 9, 11am-8pm

The “Kad Mua Market Tour, The Lanna Way” fair features rarely-seen performances of Lanna dance and music, demonstrations on Lanna craftsmanship, authentic northern dishes and a variety of handicrafts, gifts and souvenirs from 70 shops.

Call 02-721-8888.

SONGKRAN CELEBRATION Sacred and fun

Siam Paragon, Rama I Road April 11-16, 10am-9pm The “Siam Paragon Songkran Wonderland 2017” festival features nine sacred ancient Buddha statues on loan from the Bangkok National Museum, the ritual of bathing of the Buddha, a daily demonstration on how to make nam ob (Thai perfume) and bu-nga (scented dry flowers), the food festival featuring many food trucks from 4pm-10pm and a mini concert by contemporary bands such as Kor Phai Ensemble, iHear Band, Sawasdee and The Paradise Bangkok Molam International from 5pm-8pm. Call 02-610-8000.

Sacred Songkran

Paradise Park, Srinakarin Road Until April 16, 10am-10pm The “Buddha Bhucha Maha Songkran” festival features replicas of nine nationally-revered Buddha statues, the largest fibreglass replicas of nine late monks believed enlightened, replicas of the Naga Lord Sisotho from Kham Chanot forest in Udon Thani and Thep Than Jai deity (Bobo Gyi) of Myanmar, as well as replicas of 12 Buddha relic pagodas representing the 12 zodiac signs. There are also a variety of traditional Thai cuisines and entertainment. Call 02-787-1000.

Wonder splash

Megabangna, Bang Na-Trat Road April 11-16, 10am-10pm Held under the “Fun with Thai Cultural Heritage, the “HP Presents Mega Songkran: Wonder Splash” festival features Buddha relics from India and Buddha images for visitors to pay respect to, as well as a lotus-floating ceremony and a display of sand sculptures replicating well-known places. There are also a giant water park, temple fair-style fun-filled games, traditional Thai desserts, special performances and a 4D tunnel colour bomb party in the evening of April 13-16.

Visit www.mega-bangna.com or call 02-105-1000.

Songkran fest

Terminal 21, Asok Road

April 11-19, 10am-9pm

The “Songkran Festival 2017” features the atmosphere of old markets dating back to the early Rattanakosin period. Visitors are invited to sprinkle water onto Buddha images and enjoy many cultural performances, including traditional Thai dance from the four regions on April 13 at 3pm and 6pm, a khon performance of Ramakien by Kornitsilp troupe on April 14-15 at 1pm and 5pm, a human puppet performance by Huachiew Chalermprakiet University’s Cultural Centre on April 16 at 3pm and 6pm, and a puppet theatre by Kham Nai troupe on April 17 at 3pm and 6pm.

Visit www.terminal21.co.th or call 02-108-0888.

Good old days

CentralPlaza Pinklao Boromratchonnanee Road

April 12-16, 11am-8pm

The “Wan Waan Na Phra Nakhon” fair will take visitors back in time to witness the charm of Phra Nakhon side of Bangkok during the good old days. The atmosphere of the old communities around Wang Burapha, Bang Lamphu, Ratchadamnoen, Charoen Krung and Yaowarat will be presented through an exhibition and many activities, including a puppet theatre show and a live performance of oldie music of the 70s.

Call 02-635-1111.

Wonder water land

UD Town shopping mall, Udon Thani April 12-16, noon-midnight

The “Pepsi Present Wonder Water Land @ UD Town” is a chance to bathe an emerald Buddha statue, indulge in a variety of food from 100 shops, enjoy water-splashing in a long water tunnel and dance non-stop with local and international DJs in an EDM concert.

Call 094-664-4146.

CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Road April 13-15, noon-9pm

The “M2F Presents Bangkok Songkran Festival 2017” features a foam party, fun rides at the Carnival Zone and a live concert by famous acts. The line-up includes Justin and Potato on April 13, Saran and Mild on April 14, and Prim and Aof Pongsak on April 15.

Visit th-th.facebook.com/M2FNews.

Fun fest

Future Park and Zpell

Phahon Yothin Road

April 13-15, 2pm-8pm

Besides a display of Buddha images from nine famous temples for visitors to sprinkle water onto, the “Zanook Fest” features a water park with cool rides and a mini concert by Tum Warawut on April 13, Jetsetter on April 14 and The Rube on April 15.

Call 02-958-0011.

Fun at an ancient city

Muang Boran, Samut Prakan

April 13-16, 9am-7pm

To celebrate the Songkran festival, the Ancient Siam (Muang Boran) invites everyone to come and pour water on sacred Buddha statues at 10 venues within the open-air museum, pay respect to the large replica of Luang Por Toh from Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, and enjoy water-splashing fun in a 100m-long water tunnel. There will be a market featuring a variety of food and beverage. At the same time, the Erawan Museum offers an opportunity to join a ceremony to house Buddha relics at the museum on April 13 from 9am-noon and pay respect to many deities for blessings.

Tickets cost 100 baht for Thai visitors (50 baht for children) to both museums. Visit www.ancientcitygroup.net or call 02-323-4094—9.

Water fest

Asiatique The Riverfront Charoen Krung Road

April 13-16 at 4pm

The “Water Festival 2017” features the bathing ritual of the Buddha statues, a loincloth exhibition, temple fair-style fun games and a mini concert by famous artists, including Lipta, Sixty Miles and Praew Kanitkul.

Visit www.asiatiquethailand.com.

FILM US documentary

FCCCT, Penthouse

Maneeya Centre, Phloenchit Road April 10 at 7pm

The Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand is screening The Wolfpack,

an American documentary about six bright teenagers who have spent their entire lives locked away from society in a Manhattan housing project and dream of escape into the beckoning world. Directed by Crystal Moselle, the film won many awards, including Sundance Film Festival 2015’s Grand Jury Prize and Edinburgh International Film Festival 2015’s Best Documentary Feature Film.

The fee is 150 baht (free for members). Call 02-652-0580.

EXHIBITION Photos of state visits

Crystal Court, M floor of Siam Paragon Rama I Road

Until April 9, 10am-10pm

The French Embassy in Thailand will organise the photography exhibition “State Visits, Diplomacy Of Friendship” to celebrate the 160th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Thailand and France and to pay homage to King Bhumibol and his attachment to promoting these relations. On display will be numerous photographs of the visit to France in 1897 of King Chulalongkorn, the state visit to France in 1960 of Their Majesties King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit and finally the state visit to Thailand of French President Jacques Chirac accompanied by his spouse Bernadette Chirac in 2006.

Call 02-657-5131 or 02-657-5133.

LECTURE Eclipse observation

Siam Society, Asok Road

April 20 at 7.30pm

Siam Society is holding a lecture on “Records Of Arthur Schuster’s Eclipse Observation Expedition From UK To Siam In 1875” conducted by Visanu Euarchukiati, an astronomy educator who wrote a book about astronomy during the reigns of King Rama V to King Rama VIII. He will touch on Schuster’s handwritten diary and his first draft of the official report he wrote after his travel to observe the solar eclipse in Siam during the reign of King Rama V.

Donation fee is 200 baht (free for members and students). Call 02-661-6470—3.

SCHOLARSHIPS Study in Italy

The Italian Government is offering scholarships for the academic year 2017/2018 to Thai nationals wishing to attend post-graduate and single courses, as well as conduct research, at any legally recognised Italian universities and higher education institutions. Courses typically last nine months, but may vary according to the calendar of courses. Beneficiaries will receive a monthly allowance of €900 (33,200 baht), but have to make their own travel and lodging arrangements. Foreign students receive medical coverage under Italy’s National Health Service.

Applications must be made via www. esteri.it/mae/it/ministero/servizi/stranieri/opportunita/borsestudio_stranieri. html by May 10. Call 02-250-4970 or email ufficioculturale.bangkok@esteri.it.

SPORTS Rider run

Lumpini Park, Rama IV Road

May 28 at 4am

Held to celebrate the Masked Rider Series’ 45 anniversary, the world premiere of Rider Run will be held under the theme “Rider Battle Run”. This is a battle between two teams of Rider’s fans from two generations. The Rider Team will be led by Rider Gaim, Rider Wizard and Rider Fourze while the Ai-ModDaeng Team will be spearheaded by Rider V1, Rider V3 and Rider Stronger. The race has three distances — a 2.5km family run, 5km and 10km. The first 45 runners of each category who can make it to the finish line will receive special prizes.

The fee is 900 baht for both 5km and 10km distances and 2,200 baht for the 2.5km family run. Registrations should be made by April 30. Visit shop.DEXclub. com/riderrun.

CONTESTS Underwater photo

Divers who love underwater photography are invited to enter the “Underwater World Photo Contest” to vie for prizes worth more than 200,000 baht. The contest has three categories — open macro (unrestricted camera model), open wide angle (unrestricted camera model) and compact (noninterchangeable camera). The contest is held as part of the 12th “Thailand Dive Expo 2017”, which will take place at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center on May 11-14.

Applications should be made by April 20. Visit www.thailanddiveexpo.com or call 02-203-4221—5.

Junior talent

Future Park invites youngsters with talent in singing, dancing or performing magic tricks to enter the “Future Park Junior Talent Award 2017” to vie for a trophy from HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and scholarships worth 100,000 baht. Eligible contestants should be between six and 15 and can enter as individuals or as teams of no more than five members.

Applications should be made by April 20. Call 02-936-6592—6 or 02-958-0011 ext 1042 and 1030.

Mobile photography

“What Would Joseph Conrad Say?” is the theme of a mobile photography competition held to commemorate the 160th birth anniversary of Joseph Conrad by the Polish Embassy and Chulalongkorn University’s Centre for European Studies and Department of English. Contestants are encouraged to imagine what the great novelist who visited Bangkok nearly 130 ago and penned a couple books about his experience would say about the city if he returned today. Each can submit no more than two photos captured using their mobile phones or tablets. The photos should be inspired by, or related to, Conrad’s life and work, and must be accompanied with a short caption of no more than 50 words. Each photo must be submitted in JPG or PNG and should not exceed 8M. The winner will receive souvenirs from Poland and a special afternoon tea for two at the Joseph Conrad’s Corner, the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Two more winners will be selected to receive exclusive prizes from the embassy.

Entries should be submitted via whatwillconradsay@gmail.com by April 21.