“Baby.” “One Time.” “Never Say Never.” “As Long As You Love Me.” Love poems to all the believers from the one and only, young and sparkling superstar in his first Bangkok concert. The 19-year-old musical miracle will make a one-day stop in the City of Angels, and start his Asian leg of “Believe Tour 2013.” One reason it took Bieber this long to reach Krung Thep is that the teenage tenor has been busy, too. By January’s debut of Believe Acoustic, Bieber has become the first-ever artist to earn five No. 1 albums before his 19th birthday. Together he has sold over 15 million records worldwide — the same as if almost all the inhabitants of Bangkok bought his album, twice. So what is the message of the young multimillionaire to his fans? “My message is you can do anything if you just put your mind to it. I grew up below the poverty line; I didn’t have as much as other people did. I think it made me stronger as a person it built my character. Now I have a 4.0 grade point average, and I want to go to college and just become a better person.” For all, young and old who believe in him, the tickets are priced at Bt2,500-Bt6,500 at all ThaiTicketMajor outlets or www.thaiticketmajor.com
Where: IMPACT, Challenger Hall 3, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Road, Nonthaburi // Contact: 02-262-3838
National Events & Festivals
Moon Festival/Mid-Autumn Festival: September
The Chinese “Mid-Autumn Festival” is celebrated every year usually in September or early October. This time marks the end of harvesting season, and implies cordial worship to the lunar deities. Thus the festival bears three-closely knit, fundamental meanings to the Chinese culture: gathering, thanksgiving, and praying. In Bangkok, as in various other Chinatown locations around the globe, the festival is mostly apparent in its tremendously sweet and eccentrically flavored mooncakes. The festival is not just interesting for the mooncakes, though. There are also other activities such as mooncake cooking demonstrations, musical performances, and exhibitions in Chinatown. The visitors can watch dragon dances performed by locals, burn incense in Chinese temples, light up some lanterns, or simply adore the moon. Most major Bangkok hotels are marking the event with special promotions and mooncake festivals.
Where: Chinatown, Bangkok
The “Adidas King Of The Road Thailand 2013 (KOYR)” is an international running competition held in a unique environment: at Suvarnabhumi Airport. The race route is alongside the runway, giving runners some stunning views of the lights illuminating the runway and terminal, against the morning sunrise. The historic running championship will be held across Southeast Asia — in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Singapore. The overall distance of the KOTR across the five countries is 84km (the equivalent of 2 marathons).
Where: Suvarnabhumi Airport // More information: www.adidaskingoftheroad.com
Held on the Nan River in the North, “Phichit Long Boat Races” are among the oldest competitions in Thailand. This year, 40 long-rowing boats compete in various categories; 41-55 paddlers, 31-40 paddlers and boats with less than 30 paddlers. The two-day competition is accompanied by a colorful fair and cultural shows. Vendors sell local food, such as the local specialty Khao Mao Thot (fried shredded rice) and fruit; guavas, pomelos, tamarinds, and others.
Where: Nan River, in front of Wat Tha Luang Temple, Phichit // Contact: 056-611-378
The annual tennis tournament will see Andy Murray, US Open champion and World #2 for the fourth time, wishing to repeat the success he had in winning the event in 2011. Fighting for the crown and a US$631,500 prize will be Tomas Berdych, World #6, and defending Thailand Open champion Richard Gasquet, World #9, among others. Tickets are sold through ThaiTicketMajor outlets, starting at just Bt300.
Where: IMPACT Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd., Bangkok // Contact: 02-262-3838
A program of great magnitude featuring over 20 performances spread over five weeks with more than a thousand artists on the stage each year. The festival is entering its 15th year, and will feature opera and ballet, as well as classical, jazz, rock, pop music and dance. Some of the shows of this year are: Chick Corea, The 10 Tenors with Orchestra, Inaki Urlezaga Ballet Concierto, and Les Contes d´Hoffmann by Helikon Opera.
Where: Thailand Cultural Center, Ratchadapisek Rd, Huay Kwang, Bangkok (MRT: TCC) // Contact: 02-247-0028 or www.bangkokfestivals.com/venue
Arts & Culture
The Labyrinth of My Mind: 1st-15th
Kamol Tamseewan, an emerging Thai artist explores the intricate nature of the human mind through this solo exhibition. He conveys his emotions, thoughts, and physical and spiritual experiences through a unique brush technique, fragmented lines, and his semi-abstract style. The unfinished lines highlight the fragility of the whole, as the mind breaks into joy, happiness, regret, and anger. The conclusions are subjective and relativist. The inner observations are inseparably intermitted with the constantly changing, increasingly complex surrounding.
Where: Koi Art Gallery Bangkok, 43/12 Soi Sukhumvit 31, Sawadee Rd, Bangkok // Contact: 02-662-3218
“Under Construction” is a mixed-media exhibition comprised of paintings, multimedia projections, and installations influenced by New York-based artist Eiji Sumi´s obsession with construction sites. Sumi experiments with lighting installations and mixed-media artworks, which interact with his paintings, and liberate them from the confines of their frames. Swedish sound designer Niklas Möller, also NY-based, has collaborated with Sumi especially for this exhibition, and created a soundtrack for Sumi´s works.
Where: WTF Gallery, #7, Sukhumvit 51 (BTS: Thonglor) // Contact: 02-662-6246
Danish trance producer Daniel Kandi is on a hectic tour, and squeezes one night in Bangkok in between Ibiza and Manila. Armin Van Buuren, the famous Dutch trance DJ who has selected his songs such as “Sagittarius” into Universal Religion Chapter 5 (2011) has repeatedly praised Kandi’s tracks. Trance Music Lovers (TLT) organizes the uplifting event, where some prominent Thai DJs Jonnie B and Hype Viper line up before Kandi. Tickets: Bt550 (including one drink).
Where: LED, RCA Block C, Rama 9 Rd., Bangkok // Contact: 087-715-9290 or 089-170-7903
Kamonchanok Panuwed´s ceramic creations are designed to motivate the viewers to stick to their ambitions, and achieve their personal goals. The ceramic artist won the Best Award in Industrial Ceramics Design at the “16th National Ceramics Exhibition of Thailand” this year.
Where: Studio Miu Art Thailand, 283/39 Soi Thonglor 13 (Sukhumvit 55), Bangkok // Contact: 02-712-7878
While The Nutcracker is definitely one of Tchaikovsky´s most famous compositions, it is also one of the world’s most beloved ballets. What would be better than to see it performed by 26 Olympic, World, European and National Championship skaters, with more than 250 competition medals in their sleeves? The Imperial Ice Stars, a theatrical ice skating company brings the brilliance to Bangkok, and stirs the viewers with songs, dances, acrobatics, fire and magic. Ticket price: Bt700-Bt3,000.
Where: Thailand Cultural Centre, 14 Thiamruammitr Road, Huay Khwang, Bangkok // Contact: 02-247-0028
M theater presents “Vavoon 2013,” a play that is adapted from the best-selling novel of the same name by Vachara Vaewuthinand. Through this contemporary piece, the author tells a story of the recent times when the he was studying at the Faculty of Architecture at Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok. Show only at 2 p.m. on Sat-Sun.
Where: M Theater, 2884/2 New Petchaburi Rd., Bangkok // Contact: 08-0260-0771/6
Veteran of Thai alternative rock music, Blackhead performs all major hits from their 20 years in the music scene in a one-night-only show in Bangkok. Newer hits, such as “Suay Jing (Perfectly Beautiful)” from the latest album “White Line” will also be in the list. Anon Saisaengchan, best known as Pu Blackhead said: “We have paid careful attention on every detail of the show, including new stage techniques, to make sure it is indeed what our fans, old and new, have been expecting for so long.” Supporting artists are Hugo, Mild, and DJ Run. Tickets: Bt1,600-Bt2,000.
Where: Moonstar Studio, 701 Lad Phrao Soi 80 (Lad Phrao), Bangkok // Contact: 02-539-3881
The longest running play in history, with over 25,000 performances in the West End in London since 1952, it is only now that “The Mousetrap” makes its debut in Bangkok. Behind the theatrical production is Eleven Live, a fresh name in Bangkok theatre scene, but perhaps familiar to some for their recent play Phantom of the Opera. They breathe life into the grand old piece of theatre history, and from their perspective, interpret this legendary play set in the 1950s guesthouse and its curious visitors in England. It is a murder mystery, and characteristically to Christie´s style, leaves room for the viewers to deduct the murderer before the ghastly truth comes out in the end. Tickets Bt2,000-Bt4,000.
Where: Aksra Theatre King Power, King Power Complex 8/1 Rangnam Road, Phya Thai, Bangkok (BTS: Victory Monument) // Contact: Thaiticketmajor outlets and Aksra Theatre King Power at 02-205-8888
“Let’s OPEN & SHARE together for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community.” That is the motto of BAAF this year. The cultural festival has reached its second stage at the start of September, and ASEAN Art and Culture workshops will take place in BACC until the end of October. With major organizers behind the event, such as Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, BACC, Thai Beverage Public Company Limited and True Corporation, this festival will serve as a platform for ASEAN art and cultural dialogue, and offer networking opportunities and resources for sustained development in the region. For participants, this means seminars, talks, workshops, exhibitions, showcases and activities.
Where: Bangkok Art & Culture Center (BACC), 999/9 Rama 1, Bangkok (BTS: National Stadium) // Contact: 02 214 6638/519
Bhikkhuni Santussika, a U.S.-born Buddhist nun will be leading a spiritual talk about Transcending Five Fears, in keeping with Buddha´s teachings in the Aṅguttara Nikāya. The questions she asks are: “Have you ever been afraid of losing your livelihood? Or disrepute?” If you yarn for the answers, join the free session at Indus Indian Restaurant, on Saturday Sept 14, at 9:30a.m. Silent meditation, Q&A, and food offering to the ordained Sangha follows the reception.
After lunch the guests are welcome to see Bhikkhuni Santussika off to Dhamma oasis of Mae Chee Sansanee called Sathira Dhammasatarn in Minburi, about one hour´s drive from Bangkok. The event is free, except if peckish for nutrition to the body too, which Indus´ brunch menu should nourish. There is no need to book in advance.
Where: Indus Restaurant, 71, Sukhumvit Soi 26, Klong Toei (BTS: Phrom Phong) // Contact: 02-258-4900, 02-661-5279
Trade Fairs & Shows
Thailand International Logistics Fair 2013 (TILOG 2013): 4th-7thAsean’s biggest and most comprehensive logistics trade fair, TILOG has a slogan: “One Stop Shopping.” Accordingly, tens of thousands of domestic and international business owners participate, and offer or seek the most innovative logistics solutions and technology in the region. These solutions are not only the traditional logistics products and services from Thailand and beyond, but also the latest innovation logistics software and IT professionals, as well as the beneficial knowledge available to be gathered from the 10 exciting logistics seminars.
Where: BITEC 88 Bangna-Trad Road (Km.1), Bangna, Bangkok // Contact: Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) at 02-507-8386/9
Food & Hotel Thailand (FHT) is a major international food and hospitality trade show, gathering 271 participants from 27 countries. Baristas, bartenders, restaurateurs, spa specialists, hotel chief engineers, and others; these are some of the participating highly skilled professionals. The 21st show will present premium food and hospitality products and services, international industry events, conference and networking opportunities under one roof.
Where: BITEC, 88 Bangna-Trad Road (Km.1), Bangna, Bangkok // Contact: Bangkok Exhibition Services Ltd (BES) at 02-615-1255/111
The bi-annual Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair is a superb opportunity to see the latest international collections, find couture designers and producers, and shop duty-free. Moreover, the venue comes alive with multimedia presentations, dazzling fashion shows, and design awards. The fair has also reached international fame and prestige. Over 1,500 exhibitors from over 35 countries such as UK, Italy, Russia, USA, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Israel participated in the last BGJF, together mounting into numbers of 35,000 international delegates and visitors.
Where: IMPACT, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Road, Nonthaburi // Contact: 02-630-1390 or e-mail: info@bangkokgemsfair.com
Fi Asia is a lucrative gateway for many local and international food producers to promote their company and products to the 11,000+ visitors, professional in the global food industry. The fair is especially relevant now as the market is aspiring. ASEAN region is fast becoming a major player in the future of food industry with high quality ingredients and a growing consumer market, of more than 560 million potential customers.
Where: BITEC, 88 Bangna-Trad Road (Km.1), Bangna, Bangkok // Contact: UBM Asia (Thailand) Co Ltd at 02-642-6911/8
The event highlights the business opportunities posed by the fast moving economies in Southeast Asia, such as Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand; and wider key markets such as Japan and South Korea. The international exhibition showcases machinery, technology and materials in production of white-ware, heavy clay and advanced ceramics.
Where: BITEC, 88 Bangna-Trad Road (Km.1), Bangna, Bangkok // Contact: Asian Exhibitions Services Ltd. at 02-207-2412
Shopping for electric and home products couldn’t be easier. HomeWorks Expo, one fair under one roof is open for all house renovators or anybody looking for practical and up-to-date technology for their everyday chores.
Where: BITEC, 88 Bangna-Trad Road (Km.1), Bangna, Bangkok // Contact: CRC Power Retail Co., Ltd. at 02-101-7916
Others
DJ Boot Camp at W Retreat Koh Samui: 24th-29thW Retreat Koh Samui is hosting in September a week-long DJ boot camp and a final party for the winners of the 2013 W Hotels & burn studios DJ Lab, the third edition of one of the world’s best DJ search. The 2013 W Hotels & burn studios DJ Lab will be held Sept. 24-29.
Some the world’s best DJs will be designing training sessions, including W Hotels’ global music director Michaelangelo L’Acqua, DJ White Shadow (whose instrumental works including Lady Gaga’s latest album,) James Lavelle, and Andy Caldwell. They will also be spinning at Koh Samui’s biggest-ever, “W Music Happening” on Sept. 27, from 9 pm. until late at WOOBAR®. The event is open to the public. Entry fee is Bt500.
Where: W Retreat Koh Samui // Contact: 077-915-999 or email to bf.wkohsamui@whotels.com
In September, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok will host “The Beatles 50th Anniversary” Charity Concert for UNICEF at BarSu as part of its initiative for “UNICEF Fund Raising Events 2013.” The concert will feature music from The Betters, a local Beatles tribute band, who are generously donating their time and talents for the benefit of the UNICEF appeal. With an outstanding reputation for recreating the original look and sound of the world’s most popular band, The Betters will delight the audience with an unforgettable set of the Fab Four’s most popular numbers.
The band has been performing The Beatles hits since 1999 and has played at prestigious venues across Thailand as well as in Vietnam and Brunei. They have also been interviewed by Reuters and appeared on CNN and BBC World. At the special concert, there’ll also be music during the intermission performed by female vocalist and guitarist, Aika. The “The Beatles 50th Anniversary” Charity Concert for UNICEF will be held at BarSu from 5-8:30 p.m. on Sept. 29. Tickets are just Bt1,500 net including two standard drinks and delicious finger food.
For more information, contact: 02-649-8368, email dining.sgs@luxurycollection.com
