Born as Mom Rajawongse Sirikit Kittiyakara, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit turns 81 years on Aug. 12. Her Majesty was born to Mom Luang (M.L.) Bua Saritwongsain and H.R.H. Prince Nakkhatra Manggala Kittiyakara Krommamuen Chandaburi Suranath in 1932. She started her education at Rajini School, and then moved onto secondary school at St. Francis Xavier Convent School. Her father was in the Thai Diplomatic Corps and his posts took the family to London, Copenhagen, and Paris.
The iconic European capital became very important to Mom Rajawongse because of a certain student from Lausanne, Switzerland, who often traveled to the Thai Embassy in Paris for a change of scenery. He was no one else than H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand. The couple fell in love and announced their engagement at the King’s Villa Wattana in Lausanne on July 19, 1949. Their marriage followed in April 28, 1950 in the Srapatum Palace, just a week before the King Bhumibol´s coronation.
After that the Queen has stood on her husband´s side and delighted her nation with her radiant character, offering relentless inspiration. She has followed her King on all his overseas assignments. Her own aspirations show in Royal Project Foundations, which support arts and provide self-help programs in rural Thailand. The foundation offers for example funds for Thai village women to start their own enterprises in weaving, candle making, or herbal medicine, and consequently helps them to make a sufficient living.
Her Majesty’s birthday is a national holiday in Thailand with nationwide festivities. Loyal royalists wear pink, wave Thai flags, and chant, “Long Live the Queen!” around the Royal Palace in Bangkok. Nearby Thanon Rachadamnoen is illuminated, and heavy candle-holding crowds are expected in Sanam Luang Park. The evening finishes with fireworks, lit in Bangkok and in major cities around Thailand.
As Her Majesty is considered to be the “Mother of All Thais,” her birthday is also celebrated as Mother´s Day. Accordingly, children buy flowers to give to their mothers and give alms to the monks on behalf of them.
Where: Nationwide, especially near the Royal Palace in Rattanakosin
National Events & Festivals
Dok Krachiao Blooming Festival 2013: 1st-31st
Chaiyaphum province celebrates the blooming season of “dok krachiao,” the beautiful Siam tulips this month, which makes the local landscape more stunning. National parks in the area host beautiful historical rock gardens, waterfalls, and viewpoints for visitors to explore. Tavelers can also enjoy the cultural performances and buy local produce.
Where: Pa Hin Ngam National Park, Amphoe Thep Sathit, Chaiyaphum // Contact: TAT Nakhon Ratchasima at 04-421-366
Arts & Culture
Cross-Stitch: 2nd Aug-1st Sep
This trans-conceptual exhibition presents works of young artists but from the perspective of former generations. BACC website says: “Cross_Stitch” is the experimental exhibition to ask questions, to reexamine viewpoints pertaining to methods and reasons that are projected to artists in their early age.”
Where: Bangkok Art and Culture Center (BACC), 939 Rama 1 Rd. Wang Mai, Bangkok // Contact: 02-214-6630
A collection of more than 30 landscapes, nudes, and portraits by Chahn Sutarapong, a Thai artist who had his first exhibition at the library back in 1986.
Where: Neilson Hays Library, Suriwongse Road, Suriyawong, Bangrak, Bangkok // Contact: 02-233-1731
Artistic Nipon may be making his living fixing air conditioners in Tak, but his other crafts are much more ravishing. This is his first solo photo exhibition. The objects of his camera lens are children, presented in luminous intensity of black and white.
Where: Kathmandu Photo Gallery, 87 (near Indian Temple), Pan, off Silom Road Rd., Bangkok // Contact: 02-234-6700
The festival, now in its 10th year, presents 100 new creative projects by young graduates from 16 institutes across the country. These are graduates of visual communication design, industrial design, multimedia, fashion, jewelry, film, photography and architecture, who have worked with the same theme “Create/Make/Earn” for this show. The festival aims to provide a platform for new graduates to demonstrate innovative ideas that can develop into businesses.
Where: Thailand Creative & Design Center (TCDC), 6th floor, The Emporium, Bangkok (BTS: Phrom Phong) // Contact: 02-664-8448/213/4
Amornthep Jaidee, an emergent artist based in Thailand and Canada, has re-created H Project Space as a surreal bedroom, probing ideas of sexuality, desire, and identity.
Where: H Gallery, 201 Soi 12, Sathon Rd., Thung Maha Mek, Sathon, Bangkok // Contact: 085-021-5508
Contemporary dance master Pichet Klunchun takes the audience through profound traditions relating to Thai identity and culture in his almost two-hour-long solo show.
Where: 100 Tonson Gallery, Soi Tonson, Ploenchit Road, Bangkok // Contact: 02-684-1527
The “17th Thai Short Film and Video Festival” features more than 50 Thai and international films, competition invites filmmakers around the world to send their productions, in any genre, but as a rule all under 30 minutes in length except for documentaries.
Where: Bangkok Art and Culture Center (BACC) // Contact: 02-800-2716
ML Usni Pramoj, Tasana Nagavajara, Siripong Tiptan, Kittikhun Sodprasert, and Pongsathorn Suraphap will perform “Pro Musica Quartet” with a recital of Antonin Dvorak’s “String Quintet Op.77,” Gioachino Rossini’s “Sonata for strings No.1 in G major,” and more. The concert will start at 5 p.m. Ticket is priced at Bt500; Bt100 for students.
Where: Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok, Rajdamri Road (BTS: Rajdamri) // Contact: sufm.ticket@gmail.com
The highly popular charitable event, “King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament,” now in its 12 year, will be held Hua Hin and promises to have more nail-biting action both on and off the field. The event, organized by the Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas group, has gone from a small two-day event in 2001 to one of Thailand’s major and internationally best-loved events. Last year’s tournament featured 12 teams encompassing over 40 players, including German royals, Prince Carl-Eugen Oettingen-Wallerstein, his wife Princess Anna, the New Zealand All-Blacks rugby team and Thailand’s famous transgender cabaret team Miss Tiffany’s. More importantly, it has to date raised over US$600,000 to help Thailand elephants.
Where: Hua Hin // Contact: www.anantaraelephantpolo.com
Trade Fairs & Shows
Amazing Thailand Grand Sale Fair 2013: 1st-4th
In the last days of this shopping fair, the public can buy premium-quality brand name products and services with 10-80% discounts. Participating retailers are department stores, shopping malls, King Power Duty Free, jewelry shops, spa and massage parlors, as well as leading airlines and travel agencies.
Where: Queen Sirikit National Convention Center // Contact: 02-203-4231/4
The exhibition celebrates the 130 anniversary of Thai postal service, and the first Thai stamp. More than 2,400 collector stamps, worth up to Bt 1-billion are expected in the show. These historical stamps come from private collections by H.R.H. Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, sales booths of postal administrations and dealers from Thailand and various countries around the world.
Where: Royal Paragon Hall 1-3, Siam Paragon shopping mall (BTS: Siam) // Contact: 02-831-3025
Pattaya’s largest and best convention facility, Pattaya Exhibition And Convention Hall (PEACH), returns again in August. The 7th edition of Thailand’s biggest hospitality art competition and showcase, a three-day event, is expected to attract a huge number of participants from the hospitality industry including hoteliers, restaurateurs, and food business entrepreneurs.
Where: PEACH, Pattaya Exhibition And Convention Hall, Royal Cliff Beach Resort, 353 Phra Tamnak Road, Pattaya // Contact: 038-250-421; e-mail: mice@royalcliff.com
On Her Majesty´s birthday, N.C.C. Management and Development Co.Ltd., the manager of Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Thailand Tobacco Monopoly and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration arrange a half marathon, with many categories of walk and run competitions. The aim is to promote health consciousness trough exercising. The funds will be given to the Queen Sirikit Center for Breast Cancer, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, and Thai Red Cross Society.
Where: Queen Sirikit National Convention Center and Benjakitti Park // Contact: 02-229-300
The 2nd Edition of the international exhibition and conference with a comprehensive approach on the entire value chain from pre-harvest to post-harvest of sugar, rice and maize.
Where: Hall 3-6, IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi // Contact: 02-833-5347
The fair promotes the travel industry and gives agents and travelers a chance to get their hands on quality products from flight tickets to hotel packages and spa treatments, all at special prices.
Where: Queen Sirikit National Convention Center // Contact: 02-214-6175/78
WCAP is an opportunity for Asian psychiatrists to exchange their views and share their experiences on mental health services in Asia. The theme for this year’s is: “Asian Collaboration for the Betterment of Mental Health.”
Where: Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao // Contact: Asian Federation of Psychiatric Associations (AFPA), e-mail: info@wcap2013.com
Over 40 leading home building companies, including construction material suppliers, home-related equipment, financial institutions, and real estate media will participate in this fair and offer their services to professional and non-professional homebuilders.
Where: Queen Sirikit National Convention Center // Contact: 02-570-0153
Next door to the Home Builder fair, this grand-scale expo wraps up ready-to-live-in options for investors and private homebuyers. A wide array of premium-quality housing, condominium, non-performing asset (NPA) properties, and second-hand homes are available.
Where: Queen Sirikit National Convention Center // Contact: 02-941-0155
Mac Exhibition Management Co., Ltd. organizes a grand-scale event, which features a comprehensive range of health and beauty products and services. These are leading Thai and imported brands, including cosmetics, perfumes, skincare, hair-care, massage/spa/slimming services, fitness equipment, health & beauty dental clinics, and many others. An excellent opportunity for related entrepreneurs to find partners, dealers and customers.
Where: Queen Sirikit National Convention Center // Contact: Mac Exhibition Management Co., Ltd.
A premier event for all involved in the printing and packaging sectors in Asia. Exhibits showcase technology, products and solutions serving the entire supply chain from pre-press to digital printing, print finishing, converting technology and packaging machinery. Moreover, the event hosts seminars and networking activities.
Where: Bangkok International Trade Exhibition Center (BITEC) // Contact: Messe Dusseldorf Asia at (65) 6332 9620
The Bangkok Charity Week 2013, organized by Thailand Restaurant News, will be held this month to showcase Bangkok’s potential as Asia and world’s leading city for lifestyle and culinary delights. Besides gourmet activities and exclusive dinner events, the event will present awards to Bangkok’s Top 20 Best Chefs for 2013.
Where: Bangkok // Contact: 02-991-3031, ext.103; 084-298-2565; e-mail: n_roojum@yahoo.com and trnclub@yahoo.com
Excitement is building around this year’s “14th World Gourmet Festival” to be held at The Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok. Already confirmed are leading chefs and influential winemakers, and as the festival approaches, the list is set to grow.
Since its inception, the WGF has grown to priminence to feature an extraordinary line-up of some of the best chefs, winemakers, and food experts from across the globe, all together under one roof for a week-long celebration of outstanding cuisine and superb wines.
Currently confirmed to participate are: Chef Markus Arnold, from MA Pop-Up Restaurnt, Bern, Switzerland; Chef Jerome Bonnet, from Restaurant Daniel, Paris; Chef Roger van Damme, Her Bebaar, Antwerp, Belgium; Ned Goodwin, master of wine, Japan; Chef Hirohisa Koyama, from Aoyagi, Tokyo, Japan; Chef MIguel Luffam, from L’AND, ALentejo, Portugal; Chef Vito Mollica, from Il Palagio, Four Seasons Hotel, Firenze, Florence, Italy; Chef Paco Perez, from Mirror Restaurant, barcelona, Spain; and Chef Davaid Rshgeber, Restaurant L”Assiette, Paris, France. Latest updates will be available at www.worldgourmetfestivalbangkok.com
Where: Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok, Rajdamri Road (BTS: Rajdamri) // Contact: 02-126-8866
Others
Mother's Day Offer: 11th-12thFamilies can celebrate a memorable moment on Mother’s Day with special meals at Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok’s restaurants including NEXT2 Café, Angelini and The Garden Gallery or avail a “Super Mom Weekend Stay Package” at Bt4,500 net per night, or pampering at CHI, The Spa.
Family members can treat their mom at the following dining venues: NEXT2 Café — “Mother’s Day Jazz Brunch,” featuring the smooth live jazz performances, and international buffet highlighting seafood dishes and free-flowing beverages. Children will have a chance to express their love for mom with a garland-making activity and receive a sweet family photo with compliments from the hotel. The “Mother’s Day Jazz Brunch: costs Bt2,288 net per person, with 50 percent discount for mothers.
Angelini — Chef Omar Ugoletti creates an unforgettable set menu and signature à la carte dishes for lunch and dinner for the whole family to enjoy. 50% discount on a set menu for mothers. Bt1,688++ per person for a 3-course set menu, Bt1,888 ++ per person for a 4-course set menu.
The Garden Gallery — Shang Palace’s Hong Kong chef and his team will create Cantonese specialties for lunch and dinner.
Where: Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok, New Road, bangrak, bangkok (BTS: Saphan Taksin) // Contact: 02-369-952 or 02- 236-7777, ext. 6205-6; e-mail restaurants.slbk@shangri-la.com
Royal Cliff’s 2nd Annual HM Queen Sirikit Birthday Opera!
We are excited to announce “Music of Love and Devotion- An Evening of Opera and Musical Favourites” the 2nd annual HM Queen Sirikit Birthday Opera at the Royal Cliff. On Monday August 12th 2013 at 18.30 hrs in the Grand Hotel’s Head of State Chamber, Bangkok Opera will grace the stage with their inspiring voices and amaze us all with their talent.
The musical evening will feature Mr. Stefan Sanchez, Artistic Director of Grand Opera (Thailand) and European Chamber Opera and talented young Thai artists. The ensemble will delight us with an enchanting selection from renowned composers like Mozart, Offenbach, Lehar, Purcell, Handel and many more beloved favourites.
This Royal Cliff Mother’s Day tradition is an artistic and proud cultural testament to HRM’s auspicious celebration day. Join us for an evening of Love & Devotion and enjoy Culture on the Cliff!
For more information or reservations please visit www.royalcliff.com | Guest Relations 038 250 421 ext. 2007/2037
Tickets Prices: 700 THB, 500 THB (Royal Cliff Guests), 300 THB (Students with valid I.D)
