The birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, also regarded as “Father’s Day” in Thailand is considered one of the most important Thai holidays. Buildings and homes throughout the country are adorned with portraits of H.M. the King and flags, and the streets are decorated with fairy lights, predominantly around Ratchadamnoen Road and the Grand Palace. The day starts with an alms-giving ceremony in the morning, followed by a festival of music and cultural performances at Sanam Luang. In the evening, the whole nation joins in the Candle Lighting Ceremony and witnesses a spectacular fireworks display.
Where: Bangkok and Nationwide
The Pattaya Players’ third-annual Christmas Pantomime production of “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” will offer free admittance to the show as a “thank you” for all the support and dedication audience members have shown during the last five years of its existence. Therefore, tickets are not necessary. Some venues are offering food and drink specials and should be contacted directly for reservations, however those venues with no menu option will not accept advance reservations. Seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis, so you are encouraged to arrive early! The laugh-a-minute, physical comedy is a retelling of the old favorite fairy tale with a traditional British Panto twist. The audience is encouraged to join in the fun and the acting is over the top with jokes suitable for all ages! Where:
Saturday, Dec. 1 – Royal Garden Plaza Mall, Second Road @ 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. www.royalgardenplaza.co.th;
Sunday, Dec. 2 – White Horse Tavern at Eastern Grand Palace Hotel @ 2 p.m;
Thursday, Dec. 6th — Le Cafe Royale, Pattayaland @ 8:30 p.m. www.caferoyale-pattaya.com;
Friday, Dec. 7– Indian By Nature Restaurant, Jomtien @ 8:30 p.m. www.indian-by-nature.com;
Contact: Christopher T. Parsons at pattayaplayers@gmail.com www.pattayaplayers.org
Kanchanaburi province celebrates the 30th anniversary of the “River Kwai Bridge Festival” and the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II with a variety of entertaining activities including a light-and-sound show, and a “street show.”
Where: River Kwai Bridge, Kanchanaburi
Contact: Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Kanchanaburi Office at 034 511-200, E-mail: tatkan@tat.or.th
Ayutthaya, officially called “Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya,” was the capital of Siam – as Thailand was then called — for 417 years. Its long period of prosperity can still be reflected in the magnificent ruins at Ayutthaya Historical Park, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, because of its extensive collection of ruins and records indicating the historical and cultural wealth of Ayutthaya. This fair, held annually to celebrate this status, features light-and-sound shows of its glorious years, exhibitions, cultural performances, and beauty pageant contests.
Where: Ayutthaya Historical Park, Ayutthaya
Every year, Phuket hosts what is now known as the greatest regatta in Asia, “The Phuket King’s Cup Regatta.” The regatta, which started in 1987, is usually held from end November to the first week of December. Besides the boat races, the event program is filled with social, entertainment and networking activities.
Where: Phuket
A festival dedicated to the pleasures of kite flying. See kite competitions in various categories, a grand kite procession, and sales of local (Isan) products.
Where: Buriram
A public holiday in Thailand, the significance of which goes back to 1932 and a time of great upheaval in Thailand, which resulted in the end of the absolute monarchy.
Where: Throughout Thailand
Fresh from sealing the MotoGP world championship Jorge Lorenzo is joining the growing list of motor sport legends heading to the Race Of Champions in Bangkok this month. The end-of-season contest, which is being staged for the 25th consecutive year, brings together the world’s greatest drivers from motor sport’s main disciplines – including Formula 1, world rally, touring cars, Le Mans, MotoGP, Indycar and the X-Games – and sets them free to battle head-to-head in identical machinery. Drivers pair up for the ROC Nations Cup, this year scheduled for Saturday Dec. 15, before the individual Race Of Champions on Sunday Dec. 16 December. Tickets are now on sale.
Where: Rajamangala Stadium
Contact: www.raceofchampions.com
Not officially a holiday in Thailand, but a good reason to give and receive presents, to hold parties, and have lots of fun. Department stores hold big sales, decorations are lavish, and many organize fun activities to enhance the spirit of the season. Many restaurants and pubs, especially in touristic areas and major hotels, will offer traditional Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners.
Where: Throughout Thailand
New Year is celebrated pretty much the same way elsewhere with a slight local twist, and with much the same fervor but most especially where many foreign visitors converge such as Bangkok, Pattaya, Samui, and Phuket.
Where: Throughout Thailand
Tickets are Bt2,000 / Bt3,000 / Bt4,000 / Bt5,000 / Bt6,000, Showtime: 8:30 p.m. Tickets available at Thaiticketmajor.com
Where: Arena, Impact Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi
Contact: 02-262-3838; www.thaiticketmajor.com
Tickets are Bt2,000 / Bt3,000 / Bt4,000 / Bt5,000 / Bt6,000, Showtime: 8:30 p.m. Tickets available at Thaiticketmajor.com
Where: Arena, Impact Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi
Contact: 02-262-3838; www.thaiticketmajor.com
An exhibition by Myanmar artists, on display every day until Dec. 15. More details at http://bangkok.angloinfo.com
Where: Thavibu Gallery, Silom Galleria Building, 3rd Fl, Suite 308, 919/1 Silom Rd, Silom
Contact: 02-266-545
“Sukhumvit Fair” features exquisite international cuisine; spectacular stage performances by students, teachers and well-known Thai celebrities; fun children’s games and prizes; an exclusive shopping arena; a fabulous raffle draw; cartoon mascots; a kiddies’ land and play zone; and live music and band. Partial proceeds generated will be forwarded to local charities in Bangkok. The fair will be held 3-10 p.m. Admission is free.
Where: The American School of Bangkok, Sukhumvit Soi 49
An International Photo Equipment Exhibition with the most Advance Technologies in the World of Digital Photography organized by Photo Business Association www.photofairthailand.com
Where: Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Center (BITEC) Bangna, Bangkok
Contact: 02 803-7570/1
Jim Thompson is synonymous to high quality Thai silk, and in fact is called the “Father of Thai silk.” He did not only encourage the high quality production of Thai silk but helped spread its merits around the world. Jim has long gone but his legacy lives on. Enjoy the sales of different Thai silk products as well as cotton fabrics and accessories.
Where: Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Center (BITEC) Bangna, Bangkok
Contact: 02 632 8100, (Jim Thompson); 02 749 3939 (BITEC); www.bitec.net
The special event showcases the silk products from Northeastern provinces of Thailand.
Where: Zone C-Grd, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), Rachada Road (MRT: QSNCC)
Contact: www.cddkorat.com
Sales of furniture and houseware, electronic appliances, wedding studio, business-related to hotel and travel offers, health and spa products, and fashion and jewelry. Event organized by World Fair Exhibitions.
Where: Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Center (BITEC) Bangna, Bangkok
Contact: 02 731-1313
An exceptional and unique event to shop for all kinds of French products with the very special prices offered such as wines, food cosmetics, fashion, leather goods, stationery and more.
Where: Ballroom, Hall A, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), Rachada Road (MRT: QSNCC)
Contact: www.facebook.com/BonjourFrenchFair
Thai products have been making their way around the world thanks to the relatively high standards and quality of the goods and products produced here today. This event is Thailand’s biggest annual gift fair brings together over 850 manufacturers offering top-notch, export-quality products with irresistible deal.
Where: All areas, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), Rachada Road (MRT: QSNCC)
Contact: www.thaibestbuys.com
“One Tambon, One Product” (OTOP) products from all over the country will be showcased. Otop products range from handicrafts and clothing items to food, vegetables, and organic personal care products Open to the public from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Challenger 1-3, Hall 1-6m Impact Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi
Contact: The organizer, Community Development Department, Ministry of Interior
To kick off this year’s festive program,join the grand Lion Bear Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony together with the children of Ban Kaow Chi Chan School. In addition to Christmas Carols performed by the children from the Pattaya Orphanage, a Visit from Santa Claus, Egg Nogg and Other Christmas treats. You can also contribute to the “Baht for a Better Life” Lion Bear Christmas tree project by purchasing a tree for vourself. All proceeds will go to charity, Event is from 7 to 8 p.m. Entrance: free.
Where: Ocean Tower Lobby , Amari Orchid Pattaya
