WHAT'S ON

MUSIC & DANCE

Guitar recital

AUA auditorium, Chiang Mai

April 6 at 7:30pm

- Italian guitarist Prof Alessio Monti is giving a recital with the programme including Lobos' Prelude No. 1 and Prelude No. 4, Brouwer's La Espiral Eterna, Sor's Variations on Mozart's Theme and Monti's Aistesis, The Forest of Gokarnat, Satori, Camino El Alba and Holocaus.

- Tickets at 200 baht (100 baht for students) are available at the door. Call 081-025-9340.

AF musical

Royal Paragon Hall, Siam Paragon

Rama I Road

April 6-8 at 2pm and 7pm

- True Fantasia presents "AF The Musical - Ngoen, Ngoen, Ngoen", an adaptation of the famous film of 1965. Directed by theatre guru Suwandee Jakraworawut, the musical will feature a host of AF talents performing oldies like Buppaesunnivas, Peang Khum Deaw, Jong Ruk and Kruan.

- Tickets at 500, 1,000, 1,500, 2,000 and 2,500 baht can be purchased from Thaiticketmaster booths (tel 02-262-3456) and SF Cinemas. For more information, visit http://www.afthemusical.com.

Jazz tribute

Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit Hotel

Sukhumvit Road

April 8, 6pm-midnight

- The Living Room at Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit is hosting a tribute concert for Eldee Young, a prodigious musical talent known and loved by jazz fans across the globe. Joining the tribute are Eldee's son Tyree, Alice Day, Belinda Moody, Jeremy Monterio, Miguel de la Cerna, Shawn Kelley, Therdsak Wongvichien and more. Proceeds will go the the Eldee Young Memorial Fund.

- Tickets cost 1,000 baht including 2 drinks and snacks. Call 02-649-8353.

Violin and guitar

AUA auditorium, Ratchadamnoen Road

Chiang Mai

April 10 at 7:30pm

- Mahidol University's College of Music and Concerto Music School present "A Recital for Violin and Guitar" by guitarist Woratep Rattana-umpawan and violinist Charatmanat Lertsukon. The programme features Rodrigo's Tres Piezas Espanolas, Barrios's La Catedral, Paganini's Sonata Concertata MS 2 in A Major and Piazzolla's Histoire du Tango for Violin and Guitar.

- Free admission. Call 053-240-850 or 081-883-3740.

Piano recital

Prof Sangvien Indaravijaya auditorium

Stock Exchange of Thailand

Ratchadaphisek Road

April 19 at 7:30pm

- AMA Studio and the Office of the National Culture Commission present the 7th concert in the "Beethoven's 32" series of monthly recitals. The programme features Beethoven's Op 7 in E-Flat Major, Op 13 in C Minor, Op 79 in G Major and Op 98 An die ferne Geliebte. The performers include Krid Panyarachun, Intouch Ochaga, Tanita Amy Dejsiriudorn and Indhuon Srikaranonda.

- Tickets cost 500 baht (300 baht for students) and are available at AMA Studio (tel 02-712-9872/3) and Thailand Cultural Centre (tel 02-247-0028 ext 4119).

- AIRS & SALES Ice cream fun

Central Rarm Intra

Rarm Intra Road

Daily 11am-8pm, until April 8

- Central Plaza Rarm Intra is holding the "Central Plaza Ice Cream Festival 2007" featuring ice cream from famous shops under the theme "Blossom Ice Cream Fun Park". There are also fun-filled games, a magic show and an ice cream eating contest.

- Call 02-264-5555 ext 4115.

Paradise fair

Impact Exhibition Centre, Halls 1-4

Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi

Daily 11am-9pm, until April 8

- The "Thailand Paradise Fair" features several events under the same roof - Furniture Fair, My Home 2007, Fashion & Jewelry and Food Fair, Wedding Fair and Housing and Real Estate Fair.

- Call 02-314-0855, 02-719-0408.

International arts fest

Chiang Mai Arts and Culture Centre

Behind Three Kings Monument, Chiang Mai

8:30am-4:30pm Tue-Sun, until April 9

- The "Chiang Mai International Art and Culture Festival 2007" features performances by the College of Dramatic Arts and a Lanna puppet show as well as concerts by ETC, Joyful Lanna Performance and others. There will also be performances by Japan's Mainiji Academy and the Luang Phra Bang and Wiangchan puppet show from Laos. Highlights include a Lanna drumming competition and a larb muang cooking competition.

- Contact TAT Call Centre on 1672.

Songkran extravaganza

Bang Na Hall, B1 floor

Central City Bang Na

Bang Na-Trat Road

Daily 11am-8pm, until April 9

- The "Alangkarn Songkran Suvarnabhumi" fair highlights a showcase of the world's longest Thai fabric and biggest Thai musical instrument and a fashion show of Thai fabric outfits. Set in a throne hall-style atmosphere, the fair also features children's folk games and sales of local goods and foods, Thai fabrics, handiworks and scented water.

- Call 081-553-6797.

Books galore

Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre

Ratchadaphisek Road

Daily 10am-9pm, until April 10

- The Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand (Pubat) is organising the "35th National Book Fair & 5th Bangkok International Book Fair 2007". A wide range of books are on sale at discount and there are the "60 Women Contributing to 60 Years of Unesco" exhibition and a host of talks, seminars and discussions. Those with a passion for German literature are invited to a lecture by a group of Thai translators at the Meeting Room 1 on April 6 from 10am-noon.

- Call 02-954-9560/4 or visit http://www.bangkokibf.com.

Ocean fun

Siam Ocean World, B1 floor

Siam Paragon, Rama I Road

Daily at 11:30am, 2:30pm and 4pm, until May 13

- Siam Ocean World is holding the "Mermaid & Aquatoon Fest" featuring live shows of famous animated characters. The highlight is the "Live Magical Mermaid Show" - an excerpt from The Little Mermaid, featuring glittering underwater performances. Kids can get up close with sharks, seahorses, red bun crabs, octopus, moray eels, lion fish and penguins.

- Entrance fee is 690 baht (540 baht for children and 300 baht for Siam Ocean World members) per package. Call 02-687-2000.

Super miniatures

Northern Village Zone

Central Airport Plaza, Chiang Mai

April 6-22, daily 11am-8pm

- The "Khong Jew Aew Chiang Mai (Miniature Items Visit Chiang Mai)" fair features a showcase of miniature objects that portray Thai culture and traditions and the lifestyle of Thai people in ancient times. There are also demonstrations on how to create fruit, dessert and food miniatures.

- Call 02-264-5555 ext 4105.

Auspicious fair

- ountain area, 1st floor

Seacon Square, Srinakarin Road

April 11-16, daily 10:30am-9pm

- Members of the public are invited to the "Songkran Lan Boon" fair during which they will have a chance to bathe 9 Buddha statues from Nakhon Pathom and enjoy cultural performances, human puppets and sales of handiworks and foods.

- Call 02-721-8888 ext 321.

Water festival

River City shopping complex, Yota Road

April 12-15, daily 10:30am-8pm

- The "Joyful Songkran Festival" features a host of cultural activities such as a ceremony of pouring water on a Buddha statue, an exhibition on the historical water festival and water war. This is also a chance to see colourful Thai kites, ancient Thai toys, traditional performances and a demonstration of perfume making. Various shops in the complex also give special discounts.

- Call 02-237-0077/8 ext 620.

Gifts and houseware

Impact Challenger 2-3

Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi

April 17-20, daily 10am-6pm

April 21-22, daily 10am-9pm

- The Department of Export Promotion is organising the "Bangkok International Gift Fair and Bangkok International Houseware Fair (BIG + BIH 2007)" featuring a wide range of gifts, textiles, stationery, toys and games, artificial flowers and plants, handicrafts, household products and electrical appliances. The first 4 days are for traders only.

- Call 02-512-0093.

Otop world

Impact Exhibition Centre, Halls 1-3

Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi

April 17-20, daily 10am-6pm

April 21-22, daily 10am-9pm

- The "Otop to the World 2007" features a wide variety of high quality One Tambon One Product goods developed for European markets. The first 4 days are for traders only.

- Call 02-512-0093/104 ext 311, 519, or visit http://www.thaitradefair.com.

All about furniture

Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre

Ratchadaphisek Road

April 21-29, daily 10am-8pm

- All home-lovers are invited to the "Bangkok Furniture Show 2007" featuring a wide range of furniture, household equipment and decorative items at special prices.

- Call 02-731-1331.

Business fair

Impact Exhibition Centre, Halls 1-4

Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi

April 27-May 6, daily 10am-9pm

- Kantana Group is holding the 3rd "Sue Laew Ruay" fair. Visitors will learn about strategies for various kinds of business from 6 zones - Sue Laew Ruay (Fight for Rich), Turakij Roi Lan SMEs and Franchise (Hundred Millions Business), Roi Ran Kwam A-roi (Hundred Yummy Shops), Roi Reung Kreung Tang Toi (Hundred Accessories and Fashions), Roi Pad Idea (Hundred Ideas), and Roi Ros Bot La-korn (Hundred Plays).

- Call 02-274-2030 or visit http://www.kantana.co.th/entertainment/tvprogram/sulaewroy/news.html.

FILMS

Timeless movies

Pridi Banomyong Institute

Sukhumvit Road, Soi Thong Lo

April 8

- Pridi Banomyong Institute is featuring movies under the "Timeless Films" concept. The screenings include Sunflower at noon, Because of Winn-Dixie at 2:15pm and Oliver at 4pm.

- Free admission. Call 02-381-3860/1.

MEDITATION

Island retreat

- The International Meditation Club is holding 2 vipassana insight meditation programmes for those wishing to explore wisdom and live a happier, healthier life. The Mountain/Island retreat will be on Larn Island from April 13-15 and a workshop in Bangkok is scheduled for April 21-22. The programmes will be in conducted in English.

- Call 02-712-8965, 081-622-4507 or email info.thai@intlmedclub.org.

GET-TOGETHER

Swiss school

RIS Swiss Section School

Ramkhamhaeng Road

April 28, 8:15am-3pm

- RIS Swiss Section German-speaking school invites interested parents to its "Open Day" during which they will have a chance to attend the classes from kindergarten up to Grade 12. The school's new gym and the music room will be open in a festive ceremony at 11am, followed by lunch by the Old German Beerhouse. They will also meet teachers in the afternoon, while their children will enjoy games.

- Call 02-518-0340 or visit http://www.dssb.org.

LECTURES

Thai temples

Siam Society, Asoke Road

April 10 at 7:30pm

- Siam Society is holding a lecture entitled "Cosmological Symbolism and the Thai Temple: Image or Event?" by John Barry Bell, who has been researching the symbolic aspects of temples in the landscape.

- Donation fee is 150 baht (free for members and students). Call 02-661-6470/7.

King Naresuan

Siam Society, Asoke Road

April 19 at 7:30pm

- Siam Society is holding a lecture on "King Naresuan: Fact to Fiction". The talk will cover the way in which the story was constructed and re-constructed over the centuries. The lecture is conducted by Dr Sunait Chutintaranond, an historian from Chulalongkorn University and screenwriter and consultant for MC Chatri.

- Donation fee is 150 baht (free for members and students). Call 02-661-6470/7.

SEMINARS/WORKSHOPS

Classical singing

Bellavoce Music Studio, Phloen Chit Road

April 6 at 1pm

- Interested persons are invited to the "Key of Classical Singing" workshop conducted by Kim Jun Man, an operatic tenor from Italy, and baritone Vuthiphand Pongtanalert.

- The fee is 1,000 baht. Call 087-959-6966 or 089-788-7688.

Precocious puberty

Samitivej Hospital, Srinakarin Road

April 21, 9am-noon

- Interested parents are invited to a Thai seminar entitled "Limiting the Effect of Precocious Puberty". The speakers are Prof Emeritus Kitti Angsusingha and growth endocrinologist Preamrudee Poomthavorn, who will give information on premature maturation and advice on causes, symptoms and treatments.

- Free admission. Call 02-378-9000.

Ancient scripts

Siam Society, Asoke Road

April 21-22 and April 28-29

Daily 10am-4pm

- Siam Society is holding the "Study the Ancient Thai Scripts" workshop conducted by Acharn Term Meetem. Participants will learn about the Khom script used in Ayutthaya and the Tham alphabet used in Lanna and Lan Xang and learn to write some words in these remarkable characters.

- The fee is 1,200 baht. Call 02-661-6470/7 ext 204.

CLASSES/COURSES

Chinese for business

- The Technology Promotion Association (Thailand-Japan) is offering a Chinese language course for business people. The focus will be on conversation in finance, banking and general business terms. The 42-hour course will run every Wed and Fri from 1-3pm from April 27-July 31.

- Call 02-259-9160 or 02-258-0320 ext 1561.

Lama yoga

- Grand Mercure Fortune Hotel is offering a series of Lama yoga classes every Mon at 7-8pm and Thur at 6-7pm at Rim Suan Health Spa.

- The fee is 3,531 baht per month. Call 02-641-1500 ext 1219.

Aero boxing

- Amari Atrium Hotel's Clark Hatch Fitness Centre is offering Aero Boxing sessions for kids aged 8 to 12. Running every Sat-Sun from 11am-noon, the programme is a combination of shadow boxing and aerobics.

- The fee is 199 baht per session. Call 02-718-2000 ext 3981.

Chinese language

- The Oriental Hotel and the Centre Art & Language Academy are offering an informal Mandarin conversation course and a dim sum lunch at The Oriental Hotel's China House restaurant. Topics of conversation at each session will be recommended and monitored by instructors from Mainland China.

- The fee is 1,050 baht per person including a 3-course meal. Call 02-659-9000 or 02-664-8980/2.

VOLUNTEERS

Production crew wanted

- Caravan Theatre is looking for volunteers to work as production crew for Alice In Wonderland, which will be staged at Thammasat University's Sriburapha auditorium from June 1-3. Crew members wanted include stage manager, house manager, stage crew, makeup crew, costume helpers, props manager and a follow spot operator.

- Interested persons should call 085-158-0195 or email caravantheatrethailand@yahoo.com.

COOKERY

Genuine Thai cuisine

Dusit Resort Pattaya, Chon Buri

Every Wed, 10am-2pm

- Dusit Resort Pattaya is offering a series of Thai cooking classes for those wishing to learn to prepare genuine Thai cuisine. The hands-on classes will be taught in English. Rotating menus will include favourite Thai dishes such as tom yam gung, larb gai, gai phad med mamuang, yam woon sen and gaeng khieo wan gai.

- The fee is 3,500 baht per session, including the 'Thai Way of Life Cookbook'. Reservations should be made by Mon noon. Call 038-425-611/7 ext 2149/50.

Traditional Japanese

JW Marriott Hotel, Sukhumvit Soi 2

April 7, 8:50am-1:30pm

- Chef Aki from Tsu & Nami Japanese Restaurant is conducting "Aki's Real Traditional Japanese Cooking Class and Teppanyaki Workshop". Participants will learn how to prepare sake cocktail, sushi, soup, appetiser, teppanyaki and dessert.

- The fee is 1,900 baht. Places are limited. Call 02-656-7709.

Western with a twist

Siam City Hotel, Si Ayutthaya Road

April 21, 9am-noon

- Siam City Hotel's executive chief Viroj Cherdsaeng will demonstrate the versatility of Western cuisine during a cooking class entitled "Crossing Cultures: Western Cuisine with a Twist". Participants will learn about choice of ingredients, preparation techniques and the art of enticing presentations.

- The fee is 2,000 baht, including set lunch. Call 02-247-0123 ext 1921.

SPORTS

Charity walk

April 22 at 9pm

- Accor and Ecpat are holding the 4th charity "Walk for Children 2007" at Lumpini Park on Rama IV Road. The event is part of Accor's global effort to promote sustainable development and proceeds will go to Ecpat International and Ecpat Foundation in Bangkok and Chiang Rai.

- Tickets cost 500 for adults and 250 baht for children under 12, and are available at all Accor-managed hotels in Bangkok. Call 02-659-4535.

Ko Samui regatta

May 27-June 2

- The Yacht Racing Association of Thailand is holding the 6th "Koh Samui Regatta" - a week-long sailing extravaganza. The event comprises of a mixture of coastal passages and around the cans and culminates in a gala dinner and awards ceremony at the Central Samui Beach Resort.

- Call 02-622-0605/7 or visit http://www.samuiregatta.com.

SUMMER

CAMP Art for children

- The National Gallery is holding the "Summer Art Camp for Children" from April 27-May 12. The camp will cover workshops on sketching, water colouring, composition setting, Thai basic decorative drawing and cartoon drawing.

- Call 02-281-2224 or 02-282-2639.

CONTESTS

Little princess

- Windsor Suites Hotel is holding the "Songkran Little Princess" contest during which young girls aged 4-6 years, clad in Thai costumes, will be showing off their talents on stage. The contest takes place on April 7 from 10am-4:30pm. Prizes for the winner, 2nd runner-up, Miss Popular Votes and Miss Healthy Little Princess include scholarships, dining vouchers and gifts.

- For more information, please call 02-262-1234 ext 1224, 1226.

Bodybuilding

- Thai Bodybuilding Association is holding the 27th "HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Cup's Thailand Bodybuilding and Fitness Championship" at Chalerm Prakiat Hall in Chon Buri on April 14-15 starting at 7pm. About 200 male and female bodybuilders and fitness athletes are expected to compete in 15 different categories.

- For more information, please call 02-231-6158/9.

Aloha kids

- Central Plaza Rama II invites kids aged 5-12 to enter the "Aloha Summer in Korea: Galaxy Kiddy Vacation Contest" to vie for scholarships worth 20,000 baht. Apart from the hula dance show, visitors will enjoy performances by young pupils on April 29 from noon onwards.

- Applications should be made at the PR counter, 1st floor of Central Plaza Rama II by April 25. Call 02-264-5555 ext 4105.

Street basketball

- S' Club of Siam Centre is accepting applications for the "S' Club Super Hero Hoop Jam 2007" street basketball competition. Five categories are available - male aged under 15, under 19 and all ages, female aged under 17 and all ages. The game offers over 100,000 baht in prizes. The competition will take place on May 9-13 at Siam Discovery Centre's Discovery Plaza.

- Teams of 4 (including 1 substitute) should apply by April 30. The application fee is 1,000 baht. Call 02-658-0000 or 02-658-1041.

Radio playwriting

- The BBC-British Council invites interested writers to enter the "International Radio Playwriting Competition 2007". Two first prizes are for the best play by a writer with English as their first language, and for the best play by a writer with English as their second language. They will each receive 2,500 and a trip to London to see their play being recorded for broadcast on BBC World Service. Entries must be a radio play of about 60 minutes on any subject, and they must be original.

- Entries should be submitted by April 30. For application forms and more information, please visit http://www.bbcworldservice.com/competitions.

Wedding photos

- The Conrad Hotel and FujiFilm are holding a photo contest under the concept of "Our Charming Cultural Wedding". Couples are invited to send in wedding pictures which must be taken during the ceremony. Entries should be printed on 4 by 6 inch Fuji paper and a brief description should be written on the back. Prizes include cash, digital cameras, dining vouchers and hotel accommodation. The winning piece and runners-up will be posted during the Conrad Wedding Fair on May 12.

- The submission deadline is April 30. Call Conrad Hotel on 02-690-9999 or FujiFilm on 02-270-6000 ext 491.

Bangkok Post

Last Updated : Sunday April 08, 2007