INTERNATIONAL SONGKRAN

Local and international tourists are invited to enjoy the Songkran celebration during the "International Songkran Festival 2007" at Bangkok's famous downtown market Suan Lum Night Bazaar. It is scheduled for April 12-16 from midday to midnight.

The 5-day festival is organised by X-Zone Entertainment with the aim to promote the country's unique cultural heritage of the 4 different regions through a spectacular multilingual environment - Thai, English, Japanese and Chinese.

The highlights of the event include authentic Thai cultural and musical performances in a friendly and joyful Thai temple ground atmosphere. They are packed with songs, dance and fun games.

Both Thai and foreign tourists will be fascinated by some of the most charming traditions of the Songkran celebration, from regular fanfare to traditional customs such as the bathing of the Buddha statues for good blessings, the building of sand pagodas, khon performances recounting the famous ancient tale of the Ramakien, a demonstration of Thai cooking and handicrafts making and local games.

As for the musical and traditional dance numbers, fairgoers will be entertained with unique performances from the 4 regions of Thailand - central, northeastern, northern and southern.

Performance numbers from the central region include Lop Buri and Sukhothai dances, Songkran beauty dance, Banthoeng Bheri dance and Klong Yao classical folk dance.

Northeastern performances start with a duel of northeastern twin drums or kong seng followed by classical dances in honour of His Majesty the King - Vandani Bhumibol dance, Ae Dok Khoon dance, Tai Phuan dance, Mak Kob Khaeb northeastern castanet dance, Phi Ta Khon mask dance, Khaen Daen Lao dance and contemporary northeastern musical performances.

Performances from the northern region include the silk work dance, nail dance, parasol dance, a duel of northern timpani "The Victory Drum", Salor Sor Seung musical performance, candle dance, fan dance and bird of paradise dance.

Performances from the southern region include flexible Norah dance, Tari Kipas dance, cockfighting dance and many more.

There are also unique performances of Thai classical music - Thai alto xylophone by Khun In, along with other attractions, including Miss International Songkran Beauty Pageants, dance sessions, shopping spree of Thailand's famous Otop products, and a variety of delicious Thai dishes and sweets.

The fun games in temple fair style include the golden moment game, egg-carrying game, falling beauty game, star snatching game, target shooting game and dart game.

Other musical numbers by Siam Beat & Khun In, Todd Thongdee, Boy Thai Generation 2 band and famous southern artist Luang Kai are also in stock to help make the festival a real entertaining venue for the festive season right in the heart of Bangkok.

Entry fee to the "International Songkran Festival 2007" is 250 baht per person and ticket stubs also entitle you to a chance to win a special 3-day Bangkok-Chiang Mai package tour, round trip air-tickets to Phuket and first class accommodation at 5-star hotels around the country, worth over 1 million baht in total.

Tickets can be purchased from Thaiticketmaster booths (tel 02-262-3456); ticket booths at Chidlom, Nana, Asoke and Phrom Pong BTS stations; and the tourist centre next to Suan Lum Night Bazaar office. For group tickets and more information, call 02-305-6000 or visit http://www.intersongkran.com

Bangkok Post

Last Updated : Sunday April 08, 2007