Events in Thailand from Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Phuket, Surin, Chiang Mai, Lopburi and more. Keep your eyes on this calendar if you are out and about.
Dr. Rajan Sankaran will be in Bangkok next month to give a series of talks. One of the world’s leading practitioners, teachers, and authors in Homeopathy, Dr. Sankaran brings with him more than 30 years of experience in practice and teaching. He has contributed to the evolution of the practice of homoeopathy while maintaining the foundational grounds. This talk is expected to be an eye-opener. Homeopathy is a holistic form of alternative and complimentary medicine that is gaining popularity all around the world. Homeopathic treatment intends to treat the whole person rather than just symptoms. It works on the idea that the body and mind are so solidly connected that long-term treatment needs an understanding of the patient’s disposition and constitution. Dr. Sankaran’s colleague Dr. Sudhir Baldota will accompany him on this trip.
Where: FCCT, Maneeya Bldg (BTS: Chidlom) on Nov 5;
Bumrungrad Hospital Wellness Center at 11:30 a.m. on Nov. 6;
at the India-Thai Chamber of Commerce on evening of Nov. 6;
and Soroptimist International Club of Bangkok luncheon at Grand Hyatt Erawan (Rajdamri Road) on Nov. 7
Contact: Asha Sehgal at 081-837-6179; e-mail at ashasehgal@thesehgalgroup.com
One of the world’s most popular rock bands in the 70s, who gave us a string of many musical hits, perform live in Bangkok in their latest world concert tour. Tickets are Bt5,000, Bt4,500, Bt3,500, Bt2,500, and Bt1,500 (sit/stand), available at Thaiticketmajor.com. Show starts at 8 p.m.
Where: Hall 1, Impact Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi
Contact: 02-262-3456
Global travelers seeking to add another masterpiece event their list of lifetime experiences should pencil Nov. 9 into their calendars and be in Bangkok to watch the majestic Royal Barge Procession along the Chao Phraya river, The River of Kings. One of the grandest spectacles in Thailand and indeed, the world, the Royal Barge Procession is an ancient tradition that was revived by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1959. This breathtaking water-borne procession is reserved for nationally auspicious occasions and has been held only 16 times during His Majesty’s reign. The main procession will be held between 3 and 4 p.m. on Nov. 9 full dress rehearsals by the Royal Thai Navy will also be held on Nov. 2 and 6 at 3 p.m. Tickets are available at the website listed below for those wishing to watch the procession in comfort from the Royal Thai Navy pavilion. Alternately, the procession can be viewed from various public spots along the river. Price of ticket is Bt1,500
Where: Tassana Pirom Yard, Naval Assembly, Royal Thai Navy, Bangkok
Contact: 02-970-2544/ 5
As the full moon of the 12th lunar month (Nov. 28 this year) lights up the night sky throughout the kingdom, hundreds of thousands of ornately decorated krathong (traditional banana leaf floats) are set adrift in rivers and waterways around the kingdom in a spellbinding ritual called “Loy Krathong.” This ‘festival of lights” is one of the kingdom’s oldest and best-preserved traditions.
Where: Throughout Thailand
An annual festival held for more than a century, the traditional longboat races draw thousands of visitors from all over. This event is further enhanced by a light-and-sound presentation at Prasat Hin Phimai, several local art and cultural performances, various fun-filled competitions, and sales of local products and exhibitions.
Where: Nakhon Ratchasima
One of the most exciting Thai spectacles takes place again this month in Surin, known as the province of elephants in the country’s northeast.Surin folks are wellknown for their skills in rounding up, training, and taming wild elephants. Every year, more than 100 elephants take part in the festival, displaying their grace, strength and intelligence in games of soccer, log-carrying and tug-of-war, and the highlight of the festival, a dramatic mock battle. The festival tour also takes you to the old capital of Siam, Ayutthaya, and allows you to spend a day at an elephant center learning how to become an elephant mahout.
Where: Surin
The festival is held during the full moon of 12th lunar month. The tradition has been practiced over a thousand years, when locals build beautifully decorated boats to be floated onto the river. It is believed that floating the boat is a way to dedicate or offer alms to the dead or deposit merit for themselves in the next life.
Where: Lampang
Thailand has always been famous for its lustrous silk. One of the major centers of silk production, Khon Kaen is the venue of a fair this month aiming to promote silk weaving and sericulture. This event is held in conjunction with the Phuk Siao friendship ritual of the Northeast. Colorful street processions and typical Isan cultural shows as well as exhibits on the silk industry add to the fun of the fair.
Where: Khon Kaen
Each year in late November to early December, the world famous River Kwae Bridge built by Allied prisoners-of-war during World War II, becomes the focal point of celebrations. Event highlights include historical and archaeological exhibits, a carnival, folk and cultural performances, rides on World War II vintage trains, and a spectacular light and sound presentation re-enacting the bridge’s World War II legacy.
Where: Kanchanaburi
Yi Peng is an annual festival in the northern capital of Chiang Mai in November preceding Loy Krathong by one day. The word “Yi Peng” is the northern Thai term referring to the full moon of the 12th lunar month in the Buddhist calendar. Where: Chiang Mai
The “Lopburi Monkey Festival” is held annually on the last weekend of November when buffet of scrumptious fruits and sweets, ice cream, and more are offered to the Macaque monkeys as a way of thanking them for the prosperity they bring to the town.
Where: Lopburi
Buatong Ban or Blooming Mexican Sunflower Festival is held in November, affording people the opportunity to see the sunflower fields, waterfalls and mist at Ban Hua Mae Kham, Amphoe Mae Fa Luang. There are also hill tribe performances.
Where: Mae Hong Son
A three-day team fishing event with top team honors going to the team that tallies the most points during the tournament. The tournament also gives prizes to the team that catches the largest fish (by weight) in each eligible species. Registration will be on Nov. 21 from 6 p.m. onwards at the Tamarind Bar & Grill, Chalong. The final evening and prize-giving party will also be held on Nov. 24 at the same venue. A special Release Trophy will be awarded to the team releasing the most billfish.
Where: Chalong Bay, Phuket
Contact: Uwe Schittek at 076-282-036
Selected art works that cover seven decades showcase one of the largest exhibitions on Thai art in history. Open daily except Mondays 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Free admission.
Where: Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BTS: National Stadium) opposite MBK Shopping Center, Pathumwan, Bangkok
Contact: 02-214-6630/1
Social satire in mixed media and site-specific art installation by Pornpraseart Yamazaki. Open daily except Sundays and Mondays, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: La Lanta Fine Art (BTS: Phrom Phong), 245/14 Sukhumvit 31 Rd, Bangkok
The Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel, in conjunction with Chairit Srisa-ngasomboon and APDA Group Co., Ltd., presents this art exhibition, which honors the 84th birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol of Thailand and aims to raise funds for charitable purposes. Part of proceeds will be go to the TAPASA Foundation (Phra-da-bos school project). On view 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Where: Reception Lounge, Lobby Level, The Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel, Sukhumvit 22
Contact: 02-261 -300, ext. 5938
This special exhibition presents some of Chris Coles’ most recent large-format acrylic paintings of various scenes and some of the people who populate the Bangkok Night.
Where: Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand (FCCT). Penthouse, Maneeya Center (BTS: Chidlom), 518/5 Ploenchit Rd
Contact: 02-652-0580
Exhibition of old and new Thai art Open daily except Mondays 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Free admission.
Where: Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, opposite the MBK Shopping Center (BTS: National Stadium), Pathumwan , Bangkok
Contact: 02 214 6630/1
Exhibition by Srijai Kuntawang, Opas Chomchuen, Opas Chomchuen, Somsak Phromchak, Ammarin Kuntawong curated by Somporn Rodboon. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Where: Ardel Gallery of Modern Art. 99/45 Belle Ville, (Moo 18) Boromrachachonanee Rd (Km 10.5), Salathammasob, Taveewattana, Taling Chan District
Contact:02-422-2092
The show highlights products and services in food, health, beauty and fashion. Enjoy activities, and meet and exchange information with gurus from different sections. Open 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Where: Challenger 1, Impact Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi
Contact: 02-422-9999, ext. 4197
An exposition showcasing home and garden featuring interesting activities such as home design contest gardening contest florist contest and plant competition for all enthusiasts. Open from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Challenger 1-3, Impact Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi
Contact: 02-422-9999 ext. 4120, 4132 – 4135, 4189, 4200
David Foster returns to Bangkok after a successful concert last year with his friends such as Chaka Khan and many others. Show starts at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are Bt5,000, Bt4,000, Bt3,000, Bt2,000, and Bt1,000. Tickets available at Thaiticketmajor.com.
Where: Arena, Impact Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi
Contact: 02-262-3456
The hotel and equipment exhibition is all-in-one expo that cover of Thailand and international manufacturer, suppliers as tool, equipment, furniture, technology equipment, food and beverage, healthy and beauty business that use in hotel, restaurant, café, bar, resort, spa. This exhibition can support and improve capability of your business, and provides opportunity of business such as matchmaking, finding business partners, and making business relationship.
Where: Hall 3, Impact Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi
Contact: www.thehotelexpo.com
The leading exhibition and conference in Asia for personal care ingredients, organized by Reed Tradex.
Where: Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Center (BITEC), Bangna-Trad Road
Contact: 02-686-7299; www.in-cosmeticsasia.com
The Greatest International Photo Equipment Exhibition with the most Advance Technologies in the World of Digital Photographic.
Where: BITEC, Bangna-Trad Road
Contact: 02-803-7570/1; www.photofairthailand.com
Time 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Where: Hall 1-5, Impact Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi
Contact: Department of Export Promotion at 02-507-7759/61
Siam brings to life pop-up stores offering top brands at Discovery Plaza, Siam Discovery, inside Siam Discovery, and inside Siam Paragon Shopping Center. Purchases of Bt10,000 or more will entitle buyers to a free one-year subscription of 2 Magazine.
Where: Siam Discovery, and Siam paragon (BTS: Siam Square)
This year’s balloon festival in Chiang Mai promises to be spectacular. The theme will be “Glow Night,” and visitors are encouraged to wear or carry the illuminated accessories as part of the event. There will be music, food, soft drinks, ice cream, hot dogs, games, lightshow, mass launching of hot air balloon, free tethered balloon ride for visitors, and many other activties.
Where: Gymkhana Club, Chiang Mai
