Welcoming the Thai New Year!

Even though Songkran is largely synonymous with water throwing, there
are other cultural activities during this traditional New Year period.
The following programmes are to give you some idea as to where you can
celebrate the festival. Choose one, or ones, that interest you most.

The Emporium shopping complex is hosting "Emporium Songkran Festival
2009" to celebrate the Thai New Year the Thai way by presenting
classical Thai performances and paintings by professional artists.

Activities scheduled to take place from Saturday to Wednesday, April
15 from 3 to 6:30pm include Thai classical and contemporary dances,
renditions of Thai music on instruments such as the ranat-ek (wooden
xylophone), sor (fiddle) and khim (a struck string instrument).

Paintings by Thai professional artists that portray the Thai way of
life, as well as the Songkran festival are on view until April 16.

The Emporium Songkran Festival 2009 takes place at the Motion Hall, G Floor.

Another place of interest is the River City shopping complex, which
will host a demonstration on making Thai desserts, traditional puppets
and masks beginning Saturday until Wednesday, April 15.

Those who visit the kite exhibition, which will be on display until
April 30, will receive a colourful kite as a souvenir after registering
at the Information Centre (1st Floor). Until stock lasts.

Admission as well as a shuttle boat service to River City from
Saphan Taksin BTS station, free of charge, is also available. Call
02-237-0077/8 ext 620 or visit http://www.rivercity.co.th.

At the same time, Siam Niramit will offer a host of Songkran
activities, including takraw (rattan ball game), traditional Songkran
folk-dancing with giant masks and long drums, as well as a spectacular
display of traditional kites from Monday, April 13 to 15. The theatre
will also have a special family-oriented promotion from Saturday to
April 19. Any group of visitors with at least one member aged 50 or
above will be entitled to a discount and pay only 850 baht (regular
price 999 baht) for the show. This includes dinner. Advance booking and
proof of age will be required for the discount. Call 02-649-9287 or
08-1317-5084.

Revellers who would like to sprinkle scented water on a replica Phra
Phuttha Sihing Buddha image should make their way to Siam Park City
from Sunday, April 12 to 15. There will also be several cultural
activities of that period on show. Admission is free for senior
citizens (aged 60 and above). Call 02-919-7200.

Seacon Square department store will decorate its first floor in
"Ayodhya" style from tomorrow to April 15. Visitors can sprinkle
scented water on replicas of Ayutthaya’s three important Buddha images
from Wat Phanan Choeng, Wat Yai Chaimongkol and Wat Mongkolbopit, as
well as partake in traditional Songkran games and shop for handicrafts.
Call 02-721-8888 ext 312, 313, 314, or visit
http://www.seaconsquare.com.

If you plan on getting out of town, then here is the perfect chance
to celebrate Songkran – Isan style. Entitled "Songkran Ban Hao Heet
Duen Ha", organised by Jim Thompson Farm in Nakhon Ratchasima, guests
will be offered an eco-tourism experience with the locals, and can
expect traditional activities such as water-throwing and pra tob pa tai
– Buddha image cleansing to bai sri su kwan – a blessing ceremony.

Folk dances and musical performances will keep visitors amused,
along with authentic Isan delicacies and local handicrafts. A selection
of fresh vegetables will also be for sale. Start the auspicious Thai
New Year at Jim Thompson Farm in Pak Thong Chai, Nakhon Ratchasima,
beginning on Sunday, April 12 until 15. The farm is open from 9am to
5pm. Call 02-762-2566, or 08-5660-7336, or email
farmtour@jimthompson.com, or visit http://www.jimthompson.com.