For over a century, the St. Regis brand has been an advocate of philanthropy, a legacy that dates to when The Astors, founders of the St. Regis New York, would celebrate the spirit of the holiday season by engaging their friends and guests to join them in the practice of benevolence through charitable gala events. Today, The St. Regis Bangkok has chosen to embrace its heritage and continue in the tradition of giving back to society when it holds the inaugural “St. Regis Charity Culinary Gala” on Feb. 27, at the hotel’s Astor Ballroom.
All proceeds from the evening will be in aid of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s SUPPORT Foundation (The Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques). Founded in 1976, and borne of the desire of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit to help the Thai people, SUPPORT Foundation aims to assist needy families by providing them with the means to earn a supplementary income through the revival and preservation of folk arts and crafts. This is in line with His Majesty the King’s royal initiative of a sufficiency economy, where all Thai citizens lead a life that is both self-reliant and sustainable.
The event will showcase the legacy of the St. Regis – transporting guests through time, from 1904 when the first St. Regis opened in New York to today, with the arrival of the St. Regis in Bangkok. Lavish décor and an elegant setting will set the scene as guests are treated to a gourmet extravaganza from five outstanding St. Regis chefs, four of whom will be flown in from St. Regis Hotels in Singapore, Beijing, Bali, and Doha to join the culinary team of The St. Regis Bangkok to prepare an international gourmet extravaganza for the night. The event will also feature world-class entertainment by internationally renowned artists. Highlight of the evening will be a charity auction where guests will be able to bid for a variety of exclusive items with a minimum value of Bt1-million, from fine crafted jewelry and one-off art pieces to a luxury holiday in one of the world’s most celebrated destinations.
The much anticipated white-tie event is priced at Bt500,000 per couple on the head table or Bt200,000 per table of 10. Sponsors include Diageo Moet Hennessy, Thai Airways, Lotus Arts de Vivre, Scavia, Audemars Piguet , and The Lanesborough, a St. Regis Hotel in London.
Where: Astor Ballroom, The St., Regis Bangkok, Rajdamri Road (BTS: Rajdamri)
Contact: Supansa.Choompoo-in@stregis.com or call 02-207-7701
Northern Thailand is abundant with flowering plants, including more than 3,000 species of orchids, which burst into full bloom toward the end of the local “winter.” This abundance is celebrated widely in the city of Chiang Mai, the kingdom’s second-largest city, which plays host to the annual “Chiang Mai Flower Festival” this month. The festival, as its name implies, is highlighted by parades that feature endless floral displays, local handicrafts sales, and beauty pageants. The festival attracts a big crowd from around the country and beyond. Where: Chiang Mai // Contact: TAT Chiang Mai
The “PTT Pattaya Women’s Open” is the professional tennis tournament for women, and one of the longest women tennis tournaments in the world. It was voted as “Tournament of the Year” in 2010 at the international series category. Many of the world’s top female tennis players join this exciting tournament every year and helps attract more visitors to Thailand. But the tournament not only focuses on attracting the world’s top tennis stars but also supports local Thai tennis players by offering them wild cards into the qualifying rounds and the main draw of the PTT Pattaya Open. Where: Pattaya // Contact: TAT and Pentangle Promotions at 02 311-3414/5, 02-311-3497, 038-427-667; and 038-428-750
The last month of the annual horticultural showcase which started last year. Organizers decorated an entire park with a variety of winter plants and flowers including tulips, lilies, carnations, begonias, petunias, blue Hawaii, dahlias, geraniums, hydrangeas and more, all grown by the Royal Project Foundation. Event activities include special exhibitions about the royal duties of His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen, and also of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of Thailand; various flower exhibitions; photographic opportunities; and a live concert, billed as “Music in the Garden” featuring popular Thai artists, hill tribe and local performers, shows from educational institutes, and special events on Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year’s Day. Where: Chiang Mai // Contact: TAT Chiang Mai at 053-248-604, 053-248-607, and 053-302-500
Throughout Phuket Town, during Chinese New Year you’ll see Chinese houses with their living rooms decorated with vases of flowers, platters of oranges and tangerines and a tray with eight varieties of dried sweet fruit. Entrances of many shops and houses are festooned with red banners and decorations to encourage luck and happiness during the coming year. Annual celebrations are organized by The Tourism Authority of Thailand Phuket office (TAT) and Phuket City at the public park next to the TAT office on Phuket Road with colorful shows including a dragon dance from China. Where: Phuket Town // Contact: TAT Phuket at 076-212-213
The event features art and cultural performances from local people, sports competition, Miss Dok Seaw contest, handicraft demonstrations, and more. Visitors will also experience a romantic atmosphere as the area is surrounded by fog and beautiful orchid trees that bloom abudantly in many areas. Where: Chiang Rai // Contact: TAT Chiang Rai at 053-717-433, 053-744-674/5
Three-and-a half years after its launch, the “Re-Earth Project” now attracts participating artists from many different countries including Thailand, UK, Belgium, Australia, and Scandinavia. The festival starts with daytime activities in the beach area accompanied by chilled out sets played by our deejays. Each evening culminates in live acts performing and then the deejays will take over again to keep the crowds moving until the sun rises. The ultimate goal with the festival and its local partners is to make Koh Samui the “Green Island” of Southeast Asia and the “Re-earth” festival a sustainable long-term event on the island.
Where: Koh Samui
The last year the “Phuket International Blues Rock Festival” was a great success and raised Bt101,000 for local charities; the Ban Bangtao School, and the Rotary Club of Patong Beach, mainly earmarked for the children’s education fund. The 2013 event is expected to be even bigger. Many different international bands are flying in for the occasion to join Phuket’s very own house bands and artists in the concert. Where: Laguna Phuket, Bangtao Beach // Contact: Andy Anderson at 086-682-2639
“Wat Chalong (or Chalong Temple) Fair 2013” is probably the biggest of all temple fairs on the island. It was started in 1933 by local farmers who lived near and around Wat Chalong. After a long period of hard work and when the harvest was complete, they would get together and create a kind of fun fair on the temple’s grounds. In later years, they set up the fair during the Chinese New Year to make sure that Thais with Chinese heritage would join in, too. Location: Wat Chalong on Chaofa West Road, Phuket
Ballooning Adventure Khao Yai is a two-hour drive north east of Bangkok and enjoys invigorating fresh cool, crisp mountain air all-year-round. Kirimaya – an idyllic 64-room resort that combines natural beauty with the chic elegance of contemporary living — is set in this 800 acres of lush greenery bordering a UNESCO world heritage rainforest and majestic mountains.This magical setting is perfect for an early morning hot air balloon flight – floating above the beautiful scenic area dotted with wineries. Each couple will be presented with a certificate souvenir of their balloon flight Price is 15,500 net per person. Package rates inclusive of luxurious accommodation, breakfast and complimentary Wi-fi are also available starting from Bt26,500 net for Plantation View. Where: Kirimaya Resort, Khao Yai // Contact: 02-257-0455/7 (Bangkok), 044-426-000 (Khao Yai); E-mail: reservation@kirimaya.com; www.kirimaya.com
After a highly successful “Rooftop Film Festival,” dusitD2 baraquda pattaya is holding what is billed as the first poolside film festival in Thailand – the “Pattaya French Film festival 2013.” A wide range of French cinematic delights are to be shown at the chic and casual poolside of the hotel every Friday and Saturday from 8 p.m. onwards throughout the month. Where: dusitD2 baraquda pattaya, Pattaya 2 Road, Pattaya // Contact: 038-769-999 or e-mail: d2pa@dusit.com
“Safe Place in the Future (?)” was first exhibited in 2009. The current version continues to coherently emphasize the artists’ interpretation of core issues about the concept of “Safe Place.” The event also includes a lecture series, discussions, and film events that are intended to broaden discussion and bridge dialogues between art and social issues. On view every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Where: Jim Thompson Art Center, 6 Soi Kasemsan 2,, Rama 1 Rd., Wang Mai, Pathumwan, Bangkok // Contact: 02-612-6741
Serindia Gallery presents this exhibition by German artist Ole Ukena during his time spent in Thailand. An eclectric mix of media ranging from sculpture, text, photography, drawing, collage and film. On view from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day, except Monday by appointment. Where: Serindia Gallery, OP Garden 4 , 6 Soi Charoen Krung 36 Unit 3101, 3201 Charoen Krung Road, Bangrak, Bangkok // Contact: 02-238-6410
Steven Simon’s series of works is based on research into the geometry in nature: structure, volume, space, etc. The very act of planting seeds, watching them grow into plants and observing how they develop. On views every day from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Where: Eat Me Restaurant, Soi Pipat 2 Convent Road, Bangkok // Contact: 02-630-4565
Dasada Gallery in Prachinburi is putting on a ‘Floral Coral’ flower festival showcasing stunning flower sculptures. The huge Dasada glasshouse has been transformed into an undersea world, featuring stunning floral arrangements of various kinds. Where: Dasada Flower Gallery, 179 M.12 T.Nurnhom, A.Meung, Prachinburi
Bangkok Community Theatre has announced their March dinner theatre production of Noel Coward’s “Blithe Spirit.” Directed by Mark Sobels, and performed at The British Club for six evenings on March 14, 15, 16, and 21, 22, and 23, “Blithe Spirit” is a classic Coward comedy: while working on a novel about the occult, Charles Condomine decides to invite an eccentric medium, Madame Arcati, to hold a séance at his house. When the ghost of Charles’ first wife, Elvira, is inadvertently summoned, Charles second wife, Ruth, is not well pleased. Magic and mayhem follow as Elvira makes herself at home! Tickets will be on sale late February at Bt1200 (including dinner). Seating is limited, so book early. Where: British Club Bangkok, Silom Road // Contact: 087-529-3188; Email: bct.th.org@gmail.com; www.bct-th.org
Tickets for the Pattaya Players’ first production in 2013, “The One Acts,” are now on sale. Ticket prices are Bt1,000 and include an all you can eat gourmet Indian buffet. There will be only two evenings of performances on March 1 and March 2 (dinner buffet opens at 6:30 p.m. and show begins at 7:30 p.m.) . The following three one act plays will be performed on the evening: “A Jolly Sinister Jape”directed By Wendy Khan; “Prince Charming’s Complaint,” directed By Doug Heron,” and “Oprah Made Me Do It!,” directed by Christopher T. Parsons. An online ticketing center has been set up at http://pattayaplayers-theoneacts.bpt.me and tickets for the performances can be purchased with a major credit card or Paypal account. Tickets will also be available for purchase in person (cash only) through all Board and Cast Members and at Indian By Nature Restaurant. Where: Indian By Nature Restaurant, 306/64-68, Château Dale Plaza, Thappraya Road, Jomtien, Pattaya // Contact: www.pattayaplayers.org or e-mail: pattayaplayers@gmail.com
The 14th year of the grand-scale fair, which embraces everything little angels and their mothers could possibly need and want. Where: Zone C-Grd, C-2, Queen Siriki National Convention Center, Rachada Road (MRT: QSNCC) // Contact: www.thailandbabybestbuy.com
A one-stop, one shop trade exhibition featuring a wide range of industrial products and service such as machinery, tools, material handling, pumps and valves, metal working, electrical equipment, etc. Visitors can expect a “Grand Sale Promotion from 30 to 70 percent of exhibited industrial products, better sourcing of new suppliers and join free conference and seminars by renowned experts and institutes to expand their business vision. Where: Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Center, Bangna (BTS: Bangna) // Contact: 02-967-9999; www.thailandindustrialfair.com
The 2013 edition of the trade event showcasing food machinery, equipment, supplies, various kinds of packaging equipment, packaging tools, storage systems, and other related stuff. There will be many topics of food conference/seminars, which visitors can not afford to miss for their technical and business knowledge. Where: Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Center, Bangna (BTS: Bangna) // Contact: 02-967-9999; www.thailandindustrialfair.com
The largest education fair on studying in India returns – again showcasing the strengths of the Indian education system. The finest boarding schools, universities,and colleges from all over India are participating. Where: Ballroom, Hall A, Queen Siriki National Convention Center, Rachada Road (MRT: QSNCC) // Contact: www.afairs.com
The cutting-edge mobile phone trade fair offering the state-of-the-art mobile phone innovations. Where: Plenary Hall 1-3, Zone C-2, Queen Siriki National Convention Center, Rachada Road (MRT: QSNCC) // Contact: www.thailandmobileexpo.com
The fair aims is to promote the travel industry and give travelers a chance to get hands on high-quality tourism products at special prices. Where: All areas, Queen Siriki National Convention Center, Rachada Road (MRT: QSNCC) // Contact: www.titf-ttaa.com
Thailand’s No. 1 Coffee, Tea and Drinks show, now in its 7th year, brings together importers/distributors/manufacturers of coffee, tea and drinks equipment and accessories from worldwide. Full range of products will be displayed, plus plentiful activities, including the 6th National Thailand Barista Championship and coffee workshops. Where: Hall 3-4, Impact Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi // Contact: 02-861-4013; www.thailandcoffee.net
The 7th edition offers an opportunity for investors from throughout the country to meet with franchise owners in more than 10 categories to discuss business potentials. A not-to-be missed show to meet franchise owners at one time. Where: Hall 3-4, Impact Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi // Contact: 02-861-4013; E-mail: info@kavinintertrade.co.th
More than 250 hotels, resorts and tour operators from all regions of Thailand are participating in this event. Good opportunities for bargain travel lovers to shop packages of special prices. Thurs– Sun: 10:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. Where: Hall 3-4, Impact Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi // Contact: 02-861-4013; www.thailandtravelshow.com
As Thailand’s first bicycle show, the event is the gathering of leading local and international brands of bicycles and accessories to cope with rising demands of newest technology of bicycles. Open Thursday thru Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Where: Hall 3-4, Impact Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi // Contact: 02-861-4013; www.thaibikeshow.com
The Thailand’s biggest travel fair features a comprehensive array of tourism service provider. Where: Queen Siriki National Convention Center, Rachada Road (MRT: QSNCC) // Contact: www.pkexhibition.com
This year’s ediition of the big sales event catering to babies and kids needs and wants. Where: Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Center, Bangna (BTS: Bangna) // Contact: 02-422-9999, ext. 4790; www.amarinbabykidsfair.com
This premier gems and jewelry exhibition showcases exquisite gems and jewelry from all around the world, from handcrafted to contemporary, traditional to urban jewelry, and precious and semi-precious stones. Entrance is Bt100. Open Feb. 26-28 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; March 1-2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for both trade and public visitors.
Where: Challenger 1-3, Impact Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi
Contact: 02-630 1390/7; E-mail: info@bangkokgemsfair.com; www.bangkokgemsfair.com
