What’s on for December 2015

11
What: As an expression of the unity of Thais and their love for His Majesty King Bhumibol, a special event is being held this month. The event aims not only to celebrate His Majesty and the happiness and health of his people but also to help uplift Thai cultural art. Participants from over 66 cites over the world have already signed up for the event.
Where: Starting route at the Royal Plaza
More info: Visit www.bikefordad2015.com

1-13
What: The ‘2nd Winter Vanda Orchids Festival’ celebrates the 60th birthday of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. The festival showcases the fascinating installation art of vanda orchids, among many other highlights.
Where: Museum of Floral Culture, Soi Samsen 28, Dusit, Bangkok
How much: Admission fee is THB 150 (adults); THB 75 (children and senior citizens).
More info: www.floralmuseum.com or call 02 669 3633

1-7
What: The annual event features a spectacular light-and-sound presentation depicting the historic moment when Kanchanaburi was attacked by Allied bombings at the River Kwai Bridge during WWII.
Where: River Kwai Bridge, Kanchanaburi
How much: Tickets at THB 300
More info: TAT Contact Center 1672 or Kanchanaburi Provincial Office at 034 511 778

5-31
What: From early December to early January, the Jim Thompson Farm in Nakhon Ratchasima will open its doors to visitors wishing to see its lovely fruit and flower plantations. Visits are allowed until Jan. 10, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Jim Thompson Farm, Nakhon Ratchasima
How much: THB 180 (adults); THB 135 (kids) on the weekdays; THB 220 (adults)and THB 180 (kids) on weekends. Available at www.thaiticketmajor.com/travel and at Jim Thompson stores in Bangkok.
More info: www.jimthompsonfarm.com

9-13
What: This five-day festival will feature the latest developments on the “party island” as well as trace its charming past through several activities including photo exhibition and competition, a painting show, and more.
Where: Phangan Royal Ship Memorial Museum, Thong Sala Pier, Koh Phangan
More info: 02 250 5500, ext. 4545-48; www.tatnews.org

1-18
What: In honor of H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 88th birthday, 88 life-sized brightly decorated elephant statues by famous celebrities and artists will be exhibited at three major locations throughout the city during the “Elephant Parade Bangkok 2015,” the world’s largest outdoor art exhibition and charity event.
Where: Siam Paragon (Dec. 1-18); Asiatique (Dec. 20 and Jan. 11); Lumpini Park (Jan. 18-29)
More info: 02 365 7677 or 094 642 9465, jularak_ch@anantara.com

31
What: As in other parts of the world, Thailand welcomes the incoming year with a big, festive countdown celebration complete with music and fireworks, especially in the major tourist destinations. In Bangkok, the biggest celebration is usually held at the CentralWorld in Ratchaprasong area.
Where: Bangkok, Pattaya, Hat Yai, Khon Kaen and other major cities.

31
What: Nikki Beach is hosting world-class entertainment on New Year’s Eve. The festivity begins with a gala buffet accompanied by VIP bottle services. Expect lots of music, surprises, and don’t miss out on the fireworks.
Where: Nikki Beach, Lipa Noi, Samui
More info: 077 914 500

2
What: A concert, in honor of HM the King’s 88th birthday, is being sponsored by Hitman Co., with international artist, John Di Martino as headliner. Di Martino — a composer, pianist, and producer – will be playing pieces composed by HM the King himself as well as accompany the European jazz diva, Malene Mortensen.
Where: Aksra Theatre king Power
How much: Tickets at THB 2,000
More info: Thaiticketmajor.com or TTM Call center 02-262-3456

6
What: An exclusive concert set in a private resort in Khao Yai that brings together music, food, drinks, art, and fashion in one cool setting.
Where: Rancho Charnvee Resort and Country Club, Khao Yai, Nakhon Ratchasima
How much: Early bird tickets at THB 1,200. “All-in access” tickets ar THB 2,400. Normal ticket price is THB 1,500 and THB 3,000 for “all-in-access.”
More info: Thaiticketmajor.com or TTM Call center 02-262-3456

8
What: To celebrate their 25th anniversary, the band will be bringing lots of memories to their fans in Bangkok.
Where: Royal Paragon Hall, Siam Paragon (BTS: Siam Square)
How much: THB 2,500-THB 4,500
More info: Thaiticketmajor.com or TTM Call center 02-262-3456

9
What: The best techno music festival in Bangkok returns with a formidable list of international DJs such as Axwell Λ Ingrosso, Jamie Jones, Claude VonStroke, Oliver Heldens, Armin van Buuren, and more. If you’re a partygoer or a techno music lover, visit their Facebook page to get rewards.
Where: Bangkok International Trade and Convention Center, Bangna-Trad Road (BTS: Bangna)
How much: THB 2,700- THB 4,600
More info: www.808festival.com

17-20
What: Thailand’s pioneering, sustainability focused and eco-friendly festival presents its second wave of lineup featuring world-class international live acts and DJs, who will be performing a range of genre, from hip-hop and electronic to alt-R&B, Thai folk, techno and circus arts, as well as a variety of regional Asian acts.
Where: The Fields at Siam Country, Pattaya
How much: THB 5,500
More info: www.wonderfruitfestival.com

11-12
What: Bangkok Hilarious, the oldest and first comedy collective in the city, organized Thailand’s first local comedy competition in 2014.This year they have stepped up their game a notch, by collaborating with Signal Flair to bring us “Stand-up Bangkok! — Thailand’s 1st Annual International Comedy Competition.” Twelve comedians from around the globe will compete for the title.
Where: Mojo’s Live Music Pub, 8 p.m.
More info: Email bangkokhilarious@outlook.com or visit www.bangkokhilarious.biz

26-27
What: Set in a resort mall, this jazz festival will provide audiences with enjoyable music, food, and drinks right by the ranges of Doi Suthep.
Where: Promenada Resort Mall
How much: 1-day pass at THB 750; THB 1,300 (2-day pass)
More info: chiangmaijazzfestival.com

31
What: Centara Watergate Pavilion Hotel Bangkok will be hosting the “Aof Pongsak LIVE in Concert” to welcome the New Year. Doors will open at 10:30 p.m. and the party will continue until 1 a.m.
Where: WALK Bar is on the 21st floor of Centara Watergate Pavilion Hotel Bangkok, Pratunam
How much: Tickets at THB 2,500
More info: 02 625 1234, ext. 4710 or email: cwb@chr.co.th or lalitpansr@chr.co.th

3
What: Catch the Arangham Dance Theatre group, led by Ms. Anita R. Ratnam, as they participate in the International Dance Festival 2015, which will fold up on Dec. 6. Dr. Ratnam, based in Chennai (Madras), is a highly respected performer, writer, speaker, arts entrepreneur, and culture mentor. Her distinguished career has witnessed over 1300 performances in 37 countries in the last 40 years.
When: 7 p.m.
Where: BACC, Phyathai Road (BTS: National Stadium)

1-5
What: River City Bangkok presents this exhibition for art and antique lovers. River City Bangkok is Asia’s premier arts, antiques, and cultured living shopping center.
Where: Events Room, 2nd Floor, River City Bangkok, Si Phaya Lane
How much: Free admission
More info: www.rivercitybangkok.co.th; www.facebook.com/RiverCityBangkok/

15-30
What: Czech artist Jiří Slíva’s solo show.
Where: 3rd floor, BACC, Phyathai Road
More info: 02 214 6630-8, ext. 528

2-3
What: For the December edition of the “Fine Dining Lovers Guest Chef Series” of Sanpellegrino, the guest chef will be Chef Tam Kwok Fung, master chef from Jade Dragon City of Dreams, Macau. Chef Tam will present the “Jade Dragon Finest Cantonese Cuisine 2015 Menu.” The series features chefs from top dining destination from around the world.
Where: The Peninsula Bangkok
More info: www.finedininglovers.com

12
What: For beer lovers, there’s nothing better than fine, fresh, brewed beer. Craft n Roll understands this and for the first time ever, in Thailand, they are holding their very own craft beer festival in Kanchanaburi, with more than 17 brands from all over the country for beer-lovers to sample. An acoustic live band will be playing right by the River Kwai to ensure an amazing atmosphere.
Where: Mida Resort, Kanchanaburi
How much: THB 1,500
More info: craftnroll.net

4-13
What: Enjoy fine wines and French champagne, fresh market produce, local and international chefs, waterfront restaurants, sumptuous meals and cool river breezes during this unique dining festival, which is part of an effort to revive tourism along the Chao Phraya River. Make your reservations online.
Where: Riverside hotels
How much: Special menus for 2, paired with wine from THB 1,888 to THB 4,888 net with French champagne
More info: www.bangkokriverexperience.com