In honor of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s speech about Thai orchids and elephant conservation, Siam Paragon is holding the “7th Siam Paragon Royal Orchid Paradise” this month. The event – dubbed as the largest orchid exhibition in Thailand – features several displays highlighted by a special orchid arrangement, a giant elephant made with Rhynchostylis orchids at the botanical space on the M floor. The public can join or enjoy an orchid competition and other funfilled activities. Orchids and gardening tools will be on sale. Admission is free.
Where: Siam Paragon, Siam Square (BTS: Siam Square) // Contact: 02-310-2145
National Events and Festivals
Phuket International Marathon
Each year about 4,000 runners battle a tough course and the heat during the “Phuket International Marathon.” The race has great support from the local community who turn out en masse to cheer on the runners from around the world. The inaugural marathon was held in 2006 as part of Phuket’s bid to recover after the devastating December 2004 tsunami disaster.
Where: Along the beaches of Phuket // Contact: 02-236-2931/2
Every year in late June, the works of acclaimed Thai poet Sunthon Phu are celebrated in the village of Ban Kram.
Where: Sunthon Phu Memorial Park, Rayong // Contact: 038-671-157
Visitors to Thailand are encouraged to enjoy the festivities, including a decorated fruit contest and procession, Miss Fruit Gardener contest, and fruit-eating competition. An OTOP booth will be selling a variety of durian products that are the specialties of the province.
Where: Chanthaburi // Contact: 038-655-420/1
This two-month festival, called the “Blooming Krachiao Flower Festival, “celebrates the dok krachiao flower, which blooms at this time of the year. The flowers grow in abundance in Pa Hin Ngam National Park, which hosts this annual festival. Known as the ‘Siam Tulip,’ the sight of these pinkish-purple flowers in bloom is a wonderful spectacle.
Where: Chaiyaphum Pa Hin Ngam National Park Ban Rai // Contact: 044-213-030
Wedding Fairs
Phuket Baba Wedding 2013: June
Phuket invites couples from all over the world to come and get married in the lavish, traditional Peranakan style this month. The “Phuket Baba Wedding 2013,” aims to showcase and conserve Peranakan culture, its rituals, traditional costumes and authentic local Baba cuisine. “Baba” or “Peranakan” are terms used to refer to the descendents of the late 19th century Chinese immigrants, who settled in Phuket around 200 years ago.
A Baba wedding is traditionally used as a statement of the wealth and social standing of the family, and was regarded as one of the most important ceremonies in Baba life. The “Phuket Baba Wedding 2013” package is priced at Bt39,900 per couple, and includes accommodation for three nights, a pre-wedding invigorating spa treatment at Sukko Spa & Resort on June 22, the “Pang Tae” traditional Peranakan wedding ceremony at Hongsyok House, and a gastronomical wedding feast and cultural entertainment in the elegant historic Sino-Portuguese mansion of the Blue Elephant Cooking School & Restaurant Phuket on June 23, accumulating with a photo session around Phuket’s major attractions, a seafood lunch and fun at “Splash Jungle Water Park Phuket” on June 24. The event is organized by the Thai Peranakan Association in cooperation with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Phuket City, and the Blue Elephant Cooking School & Restaurant Phuket.
Where: Phuket // Contact: 081-691-1955; www.phuketbaba.com
Conrad Bangkok will hold the “Conrad Wedding Fair 2013“ at 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on June 8 at the hotel’s ballroom. Participants will be advised on new wedding trends and ideas as well as receive expert guidance from Conrad Bangkok’s experienced wedding team including well-known wedding partners to ensure future brides and groom-to-be have the perfect plan for a memorable wedding at the luxurious hotel. Highlights of the event include the showcase of bridal make-up and hairstyling by Kamon Chatsen, one of the top make-up artists in Thailand, flair bartending, ice sculpting, and cake decorating by the Executive Pastry Chef of Conrad Bangkok as well as diamond buying tips from a gemologist. Guests who book their weddings at the fair will have a chance to win attractive prizes including a luxurious two-night stay at Conrad and Hilton properties worldwide and vouchers from participating vendors. Terms and Conditions apply.
Where: Ballroom, Conrad Bangkok, All Seasons Place, 87 Wireless Rd (BTS: Ploenchit) // Contact: call 02-690-9999 or e-mail wedding@conradbangkok.com
Eastin Hotel Makkasan Bangkok’s exclusive “Spice Up Your Love Wedding Fair” brings together a handpicked selection of the finest wedding studios, diamond and jewelry galleries, wedding dressmakers, souvenir and wedding invitation card boutiques, digital blessing books, bridal shoes and accessories all ready and willing to ensure your wedding is an unforgettable and perfectly organized occasion. The highlight will be a wedding fashion shows featuring an exclusive Summer Wedding concept presented by Teerak Wedding Studio. Open 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 8th Floor, Eastin Ballroom, Eastin Hotel Makkasan Bangkok, Makkasan // Contact: 02-651-7600, ext. 8505.
Thailand’s biggest and most comprehensive wedding fair is being organized by NEO this month.
Where: Plenary Hall 1-3, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), New Rachada (MRT: QSNCC) // Contact: 02-229-3000; www.thaiweddingfair.com
Dubbed as the “Wedding Show of the Year,’ this trade show showcases everything related to wedding: wedding studios, wedding gowns, invitation cards, and premium spa service, hotel and catering services. Open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Hall 5-8, Impact Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi // Contact: World Fair Co., Ltd. at 02-731-1331
Arts & Culture
‘Portraits of R.C.A’: 1st-30th
Photographer Ralf Tooten, in cooperation with artist and curator Wasinburee Supanichvoraprch and the city of Ratchaburi, will display air portraits of hundreds of workers from the province of Ratchaburi in this exhibition, billed as “Ratchaburi Construction workers Air portraits (RCA).” This sequel is also a shift of the series to a specific region and place, considering not only the photos taken but also in the presentation. As the workers will be visible in various public places, a completely new perception is created. They attempt to make the exhibition visible for everyone including those who do not visit it intentionally.
Where: Outside the Tao Hong Tai: d Kunst Gallery, 323 Woradej Rd., Ampur Mueang, Ratchaburi and other public places around town
This is the second solo exhibition of young aspiring artist-photographer Charit Pusiri, who presents a new series of photographs that re-live historical events that made Thailand rich in history. Charit captures the expression and intrepidity of his Thai forebears and transfer them onto his photographs, leaving the question of our value, whether we, living as safely as it can be, have done any good for the country.
Where: ARDEL Gallery of Modern Art // Contact: 02-422-2092
Kwanchai Sinpru has his roots in northeastern folklore and expresses them in a unique contemporary way that is capturing, simple and straightforward.
Where: Galerie N // Contact: 02-252-1592
Presentation of the concept of the human body, expressed through Figurative Symbolism by using an image instead an original display.
Where: Jamjuree Art Gallery // Contact: 02-218-3709
The Sukosol and Thailand Guitar Society are again presenting Southeast Asia’s finest assembly of international guitar players, makers, and enthusiasts. Now in its seventh year, the event is considered the biggest in the region. This year’s agenda includes master classes, guitar exhibits, competitions and concerts by acclaimed world-class musicians from around the globe, including Marco Tamayo (Cuba), Admir Doci (Albania), Ekachai Jearakul (Thailand), Monching Carpio (Philippines), and Shinobu Sugawara (Japan). A varied program sees four days of activities. Concert tickets are Bt600 (adults) and Bt400 (students). Observers of master classes and competitions will pay Bt200.
Where: Rattanakosin Lounge, The Sukosol Bangkok, Sri Ayutthaya Road (BTS: Phaya Thai) // Contact: 02-2470-123, ext. 1912
Get ready to laugh as the Pattaya Players bring you their latest comical full-length play, “Divorce Sale,” written by Linda Stockham and directed by Christopher T. Parsons. “Divorce Sale” features a soon-to-be divorcee who holds a non-conventional garage sale with help from her neighborhood friends. In the process, their marriages get the comic once-over. While one couple deals with suspicions of infidelity, another couple seems to have the perfect union for an unlikely pair — but their friends have yet to learn the story behind it all. Add to that, a nutty mother-in-law who is convinced her late husband has come back as a plant, a tell-it-like-it-is medium with a raucous seance and you have a hilarious and brutally honest take on the flip-side of marital bliss!
Where: Eastern Grand Palace Hotel, Pattaya // Contact: Pattaya Players at 038-332-715
Kids 6-12 will be given an opportunity to explore a different art inspiration and technique designed to bring out the best in them. Workshops run Mondays to Fridays with regular Saturday workshops continuing as usual. The scheduled classes will be “Imaginative Drawing” (Mondays), “Scapes” (Tuesdays), “Looking at Great Artists” (Wednesdays), “Bangkok Life” (Thursdays), and “Observational Drawing” (Fridays). Cost is Bt1,200 per day or Bt5,000 for five days. Classes are held 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. Adult classes also available. Workshops will run until Aug. 9
Where: Attic Studios // Contact: 02-662-0224, Email:info@attic-studios.com, Website: www.attic-studios.com
Trade Fairs & Shows
Pet Expo Thailand 2013: 1st-2nd
Last two days for the trade fair devoted to pets. Pet lovers can expect a myriad showcase of pet-related products, services, and activities.
Where: Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), New Rachada (MRT: QSNCC) // Contact: 02 229 3000 or visit www.petexpothailand.net
The annual “TTF 2013” includes many activities to promote the preservation of Thai culture, traditions and local lifestyle along with stage performances and demonstration of local art, craft and food of the four provinces in Thailand. Visiting TTF would be a good opportunity to discover Amazing Thailand’s destinations as well as the wide range of tourism products and activities nationwide. Open: 10 a.m.- 9 p.m.
Where: Challenger 1-3, Impact Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi // Contact: Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) at 02-250-5500
TTM+ (Thailand Travel Mart 2013 Plus) has achieved worldwide recognition for showcasing Thailand’s renowned tourism products as well as its important position as the gateway to the natural, cultural, and historic treasures of the Greater Mekong Sub-region. Open: 9 a.m.- 9 p.m.
Where: Hall 5-6, Impact Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi // Contact: Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) at 02-250-5500
Where: Hall 5-8, Impact Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi // Contact: World Fair Co., Ltd. at 02-731-1331
The “Fashion & Jewelry fair 2013” is an exhibition that offers a glimpse of the amazing range, diversity, and quality of clothes and jewelry currently available in Thailand. Open 11 a.m.- 9 p.m.
Where: Hall 5-8, Impact Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi // Contact: World Fair Co., Ltd. at 02-731-1331
The highly popular trade fair for IT and Cutting-Edge Innovation. It will display all the cutting-edge IT products from the leading brands plus lots of edutainment activities.
Where: Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), New Rachada (MRT: QSNCC) // Contact: www.commartthailand.com
A grand-scale trade fair featuring over 900 booths offering over 1,000 top-quality products by the Saha Group.
Where: All areas, QSNCC, New Rachada (MRT: QSNCC) // Contact: 02 229 3000 or visit www.sahaexport.com
A total of 26 executive chefs from 25 leading hotels in Thailand and Thai Airways International will cook up another grand feast at the “2013 Bangkok Chefs Charity Gala Dinner” scheduled for July 17 at 6 p.m. at the Royal Ballroom of Mandarin Oriental Bangkok. Once again Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will be presiding. Nuntiya and Patcharin Hame-ung-gull, general managers of Gourmet One, initiated the annual gastronomic fete in 2009. Taking advantage of their contacts and connections, the two sisters came up with this fundraiser idea to give back to society and at the same time to showcase the quality, creativity and distinct style of Bangkok’s foremost food & beverage professionals.
This is the fifth year of the chef’s charity. Part of the proceeds this year will again benefit Border Patrol Police Schools under the Patronage of Her Royal Highness; and the remaining funds to go toward improvements in the livelihood and education of underprivileged children in the remote Amphur Omkoy in Chiang Mai. Siam Winery is supporting the event for the fourth time in a row, this time offering a host of premium and award-winning wines to pair with each beautiful and tasty dish.
The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok sommelier team has selected international wines from the company’s World of Wines portfolio in addition to the locally produced and bottled Monsoon Valley Wines. Among them are familiar names such as Nicolas Feuillatte, Mud House, Winzer Krems, Gran Reserva, Chateau Cavalier, Chateau de Goelane, and Tempus Two. Tickets are at Bt12,500 net per seat (for tables of 10).
For more information or to book seats, call Khun Nuntiya at 081 732 1018.
Kasemkij Hotels, in cooperation with Image Asia Events, is title sponsor of the “Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek 2013,” one of the region’s top regattas. Now in its 10th year, the event will be held at Kasemkij Hotels’ Phuket properties – Cape Panwa Hotel and Kantary Bay Hotel. Online registration is now open. For more information and to book accommodation at special rates visit www.phuketraceweek.com
