All the National festivals, trade fairs, trade shows, art exhibitions, music shows and other events for December 2014.
National festival & events
What: As in elsewhere on the planet, New Year’s Eve is one of the biggest celebrations in Thailand with New Year countdown parties all over the Kingdom and firework displays at midnight but especially in major tourist spots such as Bangkok, Pattaya, Samui, and Phuket.
When: December 31
Where: Nationwide
More info: 1672; 02 250 5500
What: The “Bua Tong Ban” or the “Blooming Mexican Sunflower Festival” is held in Mae Hong Son every year in celebration of the peak season of these beautiful lowers that grow abundantly in the area. A sight to behold!
When: December 1–12
Where: Mae Fah Luang District, Mae Hong Son
How much: Free entrance
More info: 02 250 5500
What: Each year, the world famous River Kwae Bridge—built by Allied prisoners-of-war during World War II—becomes the focal point of commemorative celebrations.
When: December 1–5
Where: River Kwai Bridge, Kanchanaburi
How much: Free entrance
More info: 02 250 5500
What: Following the successful Bangkok Restaurant Charity Week in 2013, Thailand’s leading chefs are again teaming up to create a new culinary event: Chim Bangkok 2014. Many of the country’s leading fine dining chefs are participating in the event, which features several gourmet-related activities, including wine dinners, gala dinners, as well as chef and sommelier competitions and workshops. The announcement of Bangkok’s Top Restaurants 2014, on December 17, highlights the event.
When: December 6–18
Where: Various restaurant and hotel locations around Bangkok
How much: Chim in the Garden dinner at THB 2,500; Chim Thai, The exquisite wine dinner experience with Asian’s leading Thai chefs at THB 5,000; Chim’s Young Chefs showcase at THB 5,000; and Chim Workshop at THB 5,000
More info: www.chimbangkok.com, www.eatigo.com, www.paysbuy.com, www.uber.com
What: Khon Kaen, one of the major centers of silk production in the kingdom, holds an annual fair to promote silk weaving and sericulture in conjunction with the Phuk Siao friendship ritual of the Northeast.
When: Until December 10
Where: Khon Kaen, Northeast Thailand
How much: Free entrance
More info: 02 250 5500
What: Known today as the greatest regatta in Asia, this annual event has become a much awaited sport and social event in Phuket.
When: Until December 6
Where: Phuket
How much: Free entrance
More info: 02 250 5500
What: The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is inviting tourists to take part in this year’s trekking season at Phu Soi Dao National Park, which ends in January. Phu Soi Dao National Park, covering areas both in Uttaradit and Phitsanulok provinces, is abundant with natural flora and fauna. With its highest peak situated at 2,102 meter above sea level, the mountain is considered the fifth highest in Thailand.
When: Until January 2015
Where: Phu Soi Dao National Park, Nampad district, Uttaradit
How much: Free
More info: 054 521 118; tatphrae@tat.or.th
What: The fourth annual International We Love the King Parade and Concert returns on December 3 this year. A mini-concert by the North Gate Jazz Band will start the festivities at JJ Market and there will be candlelight ceremony followed by dances, performances and fireworks at Tha Phae Gate starting at 5:30 p.m.
When: December 3
Where: Chiang Mai
How much: Free
More info: boong@livinginchiangmai.com
What: Constitution Day commemorates the establishment of Thailand’s first permanent constitution in 1932, and the change of Thailand’s political system to a constitutional monarchy.
When: December 10
Where: Nationwide
More info: 1672; 02 250 5500
Trade Fairs & Shows
What: Thailand’s biggest annual gift fair brings together over 850 manufacturers offering top-notch, export-quality products with irresistible deal.
When: December 12–21
Where: Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Rachada
How much: Free entrance
More info: www.thaibestbuys.com
What: More than 400 furniture entrepreneurs ware expected to join the biggest year-end furniture and houseware event in Thailand.
When: December 13–21
Where: Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Center, Bangna Trad Road
How much: Free entrance
More info: 02 731 1331
What: The season of gift-giving is on, and this event offers a variety of gift items to please both gift-givers and receivers especially exotic souvenirs and designer crafts from manufacturers all over Thailand.
When: Until December 7
Where: Impact Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi
More info: 02 512 0093–104 ext. 405; www.ditp.go.th
What: Let Thai artisans provide your gift-buying solutions and let their story add extra meaning to your choices! From Baby to Grandpa, there’s a quality handmade treasure for everyone from our 50 different artisan groups.
When: December 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: L Floor, Jasmine City Building, Sukhumvit Rd. (BTS Asoke/MRT Sukhumvit)
How much: Free entrance
More info: www.thaicraft.org, www.facebook.com/ThaiCraft.org
What: This automobile exhibition showcases the newest vehicle technology for the new century and related products.
When: Until December 10
Where: Impact Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi
How much: THB 100
More info: 02 641 8444; www.autoinfo.co.th/motorexpo
What: The grand year-end fair featuring every description of furniture and decor items offered at unbeatable prices.
When: Until December 7
Where: Zone C-Grd, C-2, Plaza, Atrium, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center Rachada (MRT Queen Sirikit National Convention Center station), Bangkok
How much: Free entrance
More info: www.unionpan.com
What: With over 80 booths scattered around an area of 1,800 square meters, the event is expected to have something for everyone, and to be visited by more than 50,000 consumers.
When: December 11–14
Where: Ballroom, Hall A, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Rachada
How much: Free entrance
More info: www.facebook.com/BonjourFrenchFair
Art & Culture
What: The works of famous international sculptors, painters, and craftsmen living in Thailand will be on display.
When: Daily from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., until February 29
Where: Oriental Arcade, Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, 48 Oriental Avenue, Bangkok
How much: Free entrance
More info: 02 659 9000
What: D&M Music Studio, in cooperation with Siam Ratchada Music School, presents the “ZHdK String Orchestra,” an internationally known string chamber orchestra from Zurich, Switzerland. The orchestra is composed of 16 different nationalities of musicians who reside in that European country. Maestro Rudolf Koelman leads the young, dynamic ensemble.
When: December 17 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Main Hall, Thailand Cultural Center (MRT Thailand Cultural Center)
How much: THB 1,500/1,000/500, available to book through Thai Tickets Major (02 262 3456)
More info: 02 245 7717–9; www.thaiticketmajor.com
What: A troupe of opera singers from Gwange-ju city in Korea, including Kim, Hea-mi (soprano), Kim, Jin-hee (soprano), Shin, Eun-jung (mezzo soprano), Cho, Hyo-jong (tenor), Kim, Baeck-Ho (tenor), Park, Byung-kuk (baritone) Lim, Hae-chul (bass), Na, Won-jin (pianist), Yang, Soo-yun (director), and Hur, Yeon-hee (assistant director) will star in this night at the opera.
When: December 9 at 7 p.m.
Where: Siam Ratchada Music Auditorium, Ratchadapisek Road in the ground floor of Fortune Town (MRT Rama 9 Station)
How much: THB 500/250, available at Robinson Piano, 5th floor, Siam Discovery Center
More info: 02 658 1080–1, 081 682 8000
Others
What: Chawadee Nualkhair is launching his book, which promises to be the definitive guide on the kingdom’s street food culture.
When: December 11
Where: Living Room and Bar, Ground Floor, Maduzi Hotel at the corner of Sukhumvit 16, Bangkok
More info: 08 1714 7080
What: Amari Boulevard Bangkok, on Sukhumvit Soi 5 in cooperation with the leading local OTOP providers, and local charitable organization and organic communities will be holding this outdoor community event aims to promote local Thai products and community work. Enjoy a fun and rewarding shopping experience this festive season.
When: December 22–24 from noon till 8 p.m.
Where: Amari Boulevard Hotel Bangkok, Soi 5
How much: Free entrance
More info: 02 255 2930; boulevard@amari.com
What: Asiatique collaborates with Chang, Mae Khong, EST, 7-Eleven, OPPO, Kasikorn Thai, and Ko-Kae to host the “Chang Presents ASIATIQUE Thailand Countdown 2015,” dubbed as the greatest countdown party this year. There will be a free concert featuring top stars such as Grand-Gun-Hun, Tu Pobtorn, Pop Pongkool, Lipta, Wan Thanakrit, Flure, and Room 39, along with a packed line-up of other hot stars. Marvel at the fireworks display from the middle of the Chao Phraya River and join the photo activity, “Capturing Good Times that Stay in Your Memory at Asiatique,” through Instagram by following “Asiatiquethailand” (using the hashtag #astcountdown2015 and #asiatiquethailand). The first 30 participants will qualify for a special prize to be announced Dec. 31 starting from 5 p.m. onwards at Asiatique Park.
When: December 31
Where: Asiatique The Riverfront
How much: Free entrance
More info: 02 108 4488; www.asiatiquethailand.com
