January

Date(s): 1 December 2002-20 January 2003 Venue: At Ratchadamri Road-Ratchaprasong Square-Siam Square, Bangkok At this period of happiness for the time of Christmas and New Year, people who come to shop at shopping centres and malls will enjoy sale & service promotion for all products and accommodation including various entertainment such as Street of Art, New Year Gifts, Beer Garden, and musical performance. Date(s): 10-21 January 2003 Venue: Bangkok The Bangkok International Film Festival (BKKIFF) is a celebration of the world of filmmakers and artists from around the world. BK.KIFF provides an exciting opportunity for major studios and independent film companies to premiere and showcase their films in Asia, and build marketing and business opportunities across the continent. The Royal Thai Government and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) are pleased to present the Bangkok International Film Festival with the theme "Masters to Present". An exciting celebration of new and classic motion picture greatness from across the globe featuring special tributes & retrospectives, innovative conferences & workshops, and tremendous international media coverage. www.bkkinterfilm.com Date(s): 17-19 January 2003 Venue: Ban Bo Sang, San Kamphaeng, Chiang Mai Ban Bo Sang, the Umbrella Village, creating umbrellas unlike any other. The umbrellas are made from craft paper and Pha Phrae, enlivened by interesting colourful floral designs. The village has a constant stream of visitors; especially during the Festival, when the whole world seems to gather there. The umbrellas of Bo Sang have the distinction of winning the first prize in the souvenir category at a Tourism Conference in Los Angeles, USA-a further testimony to the global admiration of this local handicraft. Street Fair along both sides of the 1 kilometre long main street going down B0 Sang Village. Shops and houses are decorated in the Lanna Style utilizing the village’s main product, the umbrella, and local lanterns as props. Floats decorated with umbrellas and local produce. Various handicrafts. Khan Tok Dinner (Dinner served on a serving platter on a pedestal or legs, usually made of wood). For more information, please contact the Ton Pao Municipality Tel: 66 (0) 53338048. Date(s): 31 January-13 February 2003 Venue: Ratchaworadit Pier, Bangkok The River of King was held at the first time in 1999 to celebrate the Auspicious Occasion of His Majesty the King's 6th Cycle Birthday. Now, the show I is arranged to perform every year. Light and sound show including a magical show of illusion, large waterfall, and synchronised fountains. For more information, please contact Bureau of the Royal Household Tel: 66 (0) 2623 5500 ext. 1120-1122. Date(s): Year Round Venue: Wat Arun, Bangkok In recent years, both banks of the Chao Phraya River have seen major renovations to historical structures and the addition of spotlights, off-setting their elegant beauty at night. As a result of its acclaim as a royal temple of historical significance and beauty, dating over 200 years, Wat Arun has become a main tourist destination. In order to showcase its beauty, ongoing light and sound shows have been choreographed in the Nights at Wat Arun presentations. River cruise in the vicinity of the Wat Arun Pier. Light and sound show, retracing Thai history to the present day in Thai and English. The presentations are free of charge if viewed from the grounds of Wat Arun. A fee is I' applicable if watching the presentation from a hotel-operated boat. For more information, please contact The Riverside Company Limited Tel: 66 (0) 2434 0090-3. Date(s): Year Round Venue: Ayutthaya Historical Park, Ayutthaya Ayutthaya was the capital of Siam for 417 years under the rule of 33 kings. It was a composite of Tai culture, which has since evolved, serving as the foundation of modern Thailand and the current Thai way of life. In recognition of its historical significance, this historical site was placed on UNESCO's World Heritage list on 13 December 1991. Presentation of the night splendour of the Ayutthaya period architecture highlighted in the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Light and Sound Show, providing a glimpse at the culture and royal cuisine of the time Date(s): Year Round Venue: Sukhothai Historical Park, Sukhothai Sukhothai was Thailand's first capital, whose remarkable past is brought to life in the light and sound show. The park was placed on UNESCO's World Heritage list in December of 1991. Mang Khala dance and Khan Tok dinner service. Sukhothai Night Light and Sound Show. Date(s): Year Round Venue: Phimai Historical Park, Nakhon Ratchasima Nakhon Ratchasima, an important province to the Northeast of Thailand, used to be the home of an established Khmer Civilization, which has faded into history. The province is dotted with archaeological sites, artefacts, and remnants of a charming bygone culture. Today, Nakhon Ratchasima is Thailand's gateway to the Northeast. Guided tour of Khmer architecture within the Phimai Historical Park. Dinner amidst the ruins together with local dance show. Take a glimpse of the past with the Wimaya Nattakan Light and Sound Show, recounting the past glories of Phimai and the Khmer Culture. Date(s): Year Round Venue: Narai Palace, Lop Buri Lop Buri reached its historical peak during the reign of King Narai the Great, and is famed for its eco-tourism sites. It is also known for its Monkey Chinese Banquet. A guide will show you around the Narai Palace in the evening, relating significant historical events from Narai's reign. Listen to music surrounded by the ambiance of the palace; watch the Narai Palace Light and Sound Show. Catch a tram to watch spotlighted historical sights-including the Prang Sam Yot (Three Pointed Tower), Phra Kan Shrine, and Wat Phra Si Mahathat. Date(s): Year Round Venue: Tribes People Development and Welfare Centre, Chiang Rai At the northern most point in Thailand, Chiang Rai has a cultural tradition unlike those found elsewhere in Thailand and has been blessed with many attractions. The Golden Triangle, a small area in the vicinity of the common border shared by Thailand, Laos and Myanmar, is of world renown. Adding to Chiang Rai's charm is the ongoing ways of life and unique cultures of the tribes living in the area. Akha Light and Sound Show. Experience the lifestyle and charm of Akha, Lahu, Hmong, Yao, Leevo, and Pakoyo tribes people at the Lifestyle Exhibition Building. Enjoy mountain food amidst nature while being entertained by the light and sound show depicting the Akha way of life. Date(s): Year Round Venue: Wat Sa Kamphaengyai, Si Sa Ket Si Sa Ket, in the Northeast, has had a long history as evidenced by the numerous historical sites and artifacts that exist in the area, and the local cultural traditions. It also links the Khmer culture of a time gone-by to the present day, and is home to a great number of Lao, Yer, Khmer, and Soay people. As such, their way of life is different from that in other provinces in terms of culture, customs, traditions, and beliefs. Watch the Si Phao Thai (Four Thai Tribes) Si Sa Ket Dance from the Khmer, Soay, Lao, and Yer tribes while being served with refreshments or Pha Khao Laeng Learn about local traditions as expressed through silk products. Watch the Siwa Ratri of the Si Phuetthesuan Show.For more information, please contact the Uthumphon Phisai Educational Office Tel: 66 (0) 4569 1608. Date(s): Year Round Venue: Ban Nong Khao, Kanchanaburi Ban Nong Khao is a village dating back to the Ayutthaya period, where villagers still live the agrarian way of life, living in Thai style homes, surrounded by traditional cultures and customs. A visit to this village provides you with a unique opportunity to experience a culture that no longer exists.Local cultural activities, Ban Nong Khao Light and Sound Show.