|
Chiang Mai, Phuket, Samui, and more
NEWS, OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS
HEADLINE NEWS FROM THE LAST COUPLE OF WEEKS
20/02/12 Rainbow Scuba on Koh Samui has just published their updated list of tours and events. There's a lot to do and see if you're into diving. Check them all out on their web page here.

19/02/12 Pern's Restaurant has just opened a new website. You can look at it here www.pernsfood.com As well as all the expected stuff (where they are, their menu and wine list etc), they have an interesting section on Burma and some of the things they do to support the people there. Pop over to the site and have a look - but don't forget to come back now!
17/02/12 We've just been told about a gay friendly resort in Cha Am - Baan Talay Samran. Situated between Hau Hin and Bangkok, this is one worth putting on the list. It's not new, just new to us. Read what we said here.
17/02/12 See Man Pub is the name of a new place in Chiang Mai. Our friends at Chiang Mai Gay News reported it and we’re happy to pass it on to you. Read what they said here.
11/02/12 This week saw the grand opening party for RAM+ Coffee and Bar A daytime coffee shop which becomes a bar by night. Their smart and modern premises are fully air conditioned and located down by the river in front of River House Massage. RAM+ is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for coffee and bakery, after that it becomes a full service bar with a range of drinks and Cocktails. They have very friendly staff too. The Grand Opening was well attended by the good,the great and a few old dames from the Chiang Mai Gay scene. The also had a great selection of handsome young men there. Information kindly supplied by our friends at http://www.gayinchiangmai.com/News/2012/ram-coffee-and-bar/ - check the link for some really nice pictures!
ONGOING EVENTS
(Many of the Chiang Mai dates are supplied courtesy of Steve Yarnold Most of the 'Rest of Thailand Festivals are from thaifestivalblogs.com- Thanks)
NOW – Saturday 25 February – Hua Hin Fringe Festival

Hua Hin has its own Fringe Festival, featuring artists and performances from all over the world. Produced under the guidance of artistic director Khun Patravadi Mejudhon, it is supported by the Office of Contemporary Arts and Culture at the Thai Ministry of Culture. For a schedule and information please visit www.vichuahin.com. Reservations are available online or call 032 827 814-5.
Saturday, 25th February 2012: Pichet Klunchun and Myself, Jérôme Bel and Pichet Klunchun (France, Thailand)
Chainat Straw Bird Festival: February 2012

Rice-fields predominate the landscape of Chainat Province where rice is a major commercial crop grown. Hay, a by-product of rice cultivation, is available in great abundance. This has led to an initiative by the villagers to creatively transform this agricultural by-product into a craft and an economic asset.
Hay from the fields is used to make bird-shaped hay stacks known as the "Hoon Fang". Colourful, in various shapes and forms and true to life, these hay structures, the key attraction of the Chainat Hoon Fang Straw Bird Fair are so extraordinary, they have become the province's most popular attraction. To produce a top quality, intricate piece of handicraft from the hay, the farmers also grade the hay which is then crafted into miniature straw birds. The miniature straw birds have become a popular item among tourists as a souvenir of their visit to Chainat.
The Chainat Straw-Bird Festival features a variety of activities such as Straw-Bird Contests, "Young Talent" Contests, village handicraft competitions, a Light-And-Sound show, special performances, sales of products under the "One Village. One Product" theme, and exhibits by the state sector.
For all the information see http://www.thaifestivalblogs.com/festivals-of-thailand/chainat-straw-bird-festival.html
NOW – Sunday 11 March – off the Wall
ART EXHIBITION “OFF THE WALL” Paintings by BUCKLEE BELL Baan Tuek Art Center 12-14 Tapae Rd. Chiang Mai, Thailand Opening Reception: February 10, 2012, 6 PM Gallery Hours: Tues.-Sun. 3 PM-8 PM Facebook: baantuekartcenter
Royal Flora Ratchaphruek Fair: NOW – 14 Mar 2012 (Delayed), Chiang Mai

The Royal Flora Ratchaphruek Fair is aimed to mark and celebrate the three auspicious occasions – HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 84th birthday anniversary in 2011, Queen Sirikit’s 80th birthday anniversary and Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn’s 60 birthday anniversary in 2012. Activities are divided into three parts, which are exhibitions about agriculture and the royal agricultural projects, national and international agricultural conferences, and the plant contests.
For full information see http://www.thaifestivalblogs.com/festivals-of-thailand/royal-flora-ratchaphruek-fair.html
NOW - Monday 30 April - Hat Yai Lantern Festival

Venue: Hat Yai Municipality Park, Songkhla Province
The lantern festival in Hat Yai is divided into 7 categories: Amazing Small World, Amazing Floating Lantern, Amazing Animal Planet, Amazing Lantern of the East, Amazing Chinese Lantern, Amazing Bird Paradise and Amazing Sculpture Lantern. The exhibits are both Thai and international. There are also cultural performances. For more details see http://www.thaifestivalblogs.com/festivals-of-thailand/hat-yai-lantern-festival.html
EVENTS NEXT WEEK
Thursday 23 – Sunday 26 February – Phuket International Blues Rock Festival

Our 2012 headliner, Chris Thomas King, first came to our attention with the movie ‘O Brother Where Art Thou’ in 2001 where he found crossover fame as a blues musician and actor in the Coen brothers movie. Of all the songs on the movie’s Grammy-winning soundtrack, King’s ‘Hard Time Killing Floor Blues’ was the only one recorded live during filming. The soundtrack reached number one on the billboard charts and has sold over ten million copies. King’s performance here is perhaps the most famous such authentic blues performance of all times. This will be his second time in Thailand, we saw him at Koh Samui Music Festival 2005.
Latest News on Phuket Blues: The 2012 Festival is under planning and will take place over the last weekend in February as in the past. In addition to Chris Thomas King, the line-up will once again by truly global with artists originating from USA, Europe, Asia and Australia. Returning by popular demand are:
Rich Harper (USA) AkashA (Malaysia) John Meyer’s Blues Express (Australia) From Ireland comes Girl Rocker Grainne Duffy. The highly accomplished Duffy and her band will be the first Irish contribution to the Festival, as we add yet another country to our list of international performers. Australia will contribute with a second act, Jack Derwin, and another first, from Canada we welcome Moscow Fish. The local blues scene will be represented by Colin Hill Band with Jimmy Fame and PJae Stanley as well as The Rockin’ Angels with Mojo Perry. There are still more to come, and program details will be up shortly.
The Festival main events February 24/25 will be held at Laguna Phuket.
The Festival is a Charity Event with funds donated to Patong Beach Rotary Club’s children’s education fund.
Come back for more news as it develops! http://www.phuketbluesfestival.com/
Thursday 23 February - Skal International, Chiang Mai
Skal International Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand would like to invite its members and their guests to enjoy meeting together on Thursday 23rd of February 2012 at new brand hotel, 137 Pillars House, Chiang Mai. Find more information of the hotel at www.137pillarshouse.com 6:30 - 7:30 pm join cocktail time with Skalleagues and friends followed by getting club information and announcement from Skal committee and enjoy special Western set menu from 7:45 pm onward. As usual a dinner fee for member is Baht 600 and for guest is Baht 800, a surcharge or Baht 300 for those who would like to drink wine with their dinners. for reservations contact "Naphat Nutsati" <gm@tamarindvillage.com>
Friday 24 February - Team Club Martini, Chiang Mai
UNDERGROUND HOUSE PARTY Fresh off her World Tour, get up close and in your face with DJ Nakadia. After more than a year since her last appearance in Chiang Mai, Asia’s top female DJ returns for a night where it’s all about the music. **** If the dance floor gets too hot, you can cool off and jump in the pool at any time! **IMPORTANT UPDATE**: The CNX Underground House Party w/ DJ Nakadia has moved location. It will now be held in the underground party room at Tara Bar along the river. The party is now from 7:30 PM to 1:00 AM (same date) and you get a free shot if you come before 9:00 PM. Please help us spread the word that this party has moved and tell your friends. Thank you and see you on Friday, February 24!
Friday 24 February - Thailand To Japan

Japan To Thailand Concert. Music Selections from Nodame Canbabile. Raising Funds for Japan Tsunami and Thailand Flood. The Chiangmai Youth Philharmonic Band and Symphony Orchestra Foundation. The College of Music, Payap University present "Nodame Concert". February 24, 2012 at 7:30PM Kad Theatre floor 5th Kad Suan Keaw. Tickets: 500, 400, 300, 100 (Students only). 053-224 444*19008 or 084-043 9821. duriyasilp2@gmail.com
Friday 24 February - Paradise Complex, Phuket

Pink & Pink Party
For more parties see - www.facebook.com/GayPatong
Saturday 25 February – An Honor Recital

Duriyasilp The College of Music, Payap University
presents
An HONOR Recital
Saturday, February 25, 2012 at 7:30 PM - CRK Recital Hall, Payap University - Kaew Nawarat Campus
“ Listen to some of best music students of the College of Music, PYU perform the Music of famous composers featured variety of ensemble and solo works”
Donations Appreciated
Saturday 25 February – Solo Show, Chiang Mai
A Woman’s Dream of the Night Sky at Sangdee Gallery Sirimongkalajarn soi 5, Chiang Mai by Lisa Moses’ Solo Show
Saturday 25 February - Run For Relief, Chiang Mai
8th Annual Run For Relief. Saturday, February 25, 2012. For a million villagers in Burma, running is not a choice. The event will include a 100 meter dash for small children and a 5k run/walk including the popular Flip Flop division. Villagers often have to run wearing only flip flops. See if you can do the same. Free pair to those who try. Location: Huay Tung Tao Lake, Chiang Mai. When: Registration 7am, Run 8am, Dash 9am. Cost: 200 Baht for race, 200 Baht for T-shirt. Organized by Christians Concerned for Burma.run4relief@gmail.com or call Courtney 0853-464404
Saturday 25 – Sunday 26 February – King Rama II Memorial Fair

King Rama II, the second king of the Rattanakosin period, was known as “Ek Akkharakhattiyasinlapin,” or the Great Artist. Hailed as a ruler who contributed much to his country through his outstanding work in culture, in 1968, King Rama II was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Person. Organised by Samut Songkhram Province, the King Rama II Memorial Park Foundation and TAT every year, the King Rama II Memorial Fair is held at Samut Songkhram Province in his honour.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
* Live Khon performance by artists and young artists from the Fine Arts Department. * Puppet shadow play by local artists * Cooking demonstration of main dishes and desserts from Thai literature * Contests of Bon plants, color plants and agricultural produce * Local products, souvenirs, and gifts for sale
For all the details see http://www.thaifestivalblogs.com/festivals/king-rama-ii-memorial-fair.html
Sunday 26 February – Wednesday 7 March – Kalasin Prae Wa Silk Festival

Venue : Rim Pao Hotel, Amphoe Muang Kalasin
The intricate and colourful designs of Prae Wa – the ‘queen of silks’ makes this fabric, the most exquisite and most famous of all of the handicrafts of Kalasin Province. The fabric is woven by the ‘Phu Thai’ settlers, descendants of Vietnamese immigrants from Meung Taeng.
The annual Kalasin Prae Wa Silk Festival, the largest cultural festival of Kalasin Province, opens with a grand ceremony, followed by a spectacular procession.
For festive fun and entertainment, the silk festival also features a variety of contests and competitions. These range from: A contest of the finest Prae Wa silk The decoration of shops using Prae Wa
A Prae Wa Costumes Contest A Musical and Ballroom Dance contest A Song and Dance contest A “Pong Lang” folk entertainment contest
Another key element of the Silk Festival is The Best of Kalasin fair. Visitors to the fair are able to shop for a wide-range of local products and merchandise, especially Prae Wa silk, ready-to-wear clothes in Prae Wa silk, as well as gems.
Other activities and highlights include – a fashion show with honorary models gracing the catwalk; a traditional Thai stage drama or “lakhon” featuring the tale of “Muang Fa Daet Song Yang”, an ancient town dating back over 1,000 years; and a Red Cross Ball.
For more information see http://www.thaihoteldeals.com/guide/Festival-Event-The-Annual-Kalasin-Prae-Wa-Silk-Festival-2012_USD_P.html
and http://www.tatnews.org/events/events/2012/feb/5804.asp
Thursday 1 – Saturday 31 March – Cooing Competition

ASIAN BARRED GROUND DOVE COOING COMPETITION
Yala Province, Southern Thailand
Thais have long believed that doves are creatures that bring good luck to those who rear them. They are also regarded as symbols of purity and peace. Those with qualities specified by ancient texts are believed to bestow great wealth and honour upon the owner. Given this belief, in former times, the rearing of zebra doves was a popular past-time among Thais. The practice was widespread throughout the lower southern provinces and neighbouring countries. A local dove-cooing contest has now evolved into an international event with participants from the neighbouring countries.
For all the information see http://www.thaihoteldeals.com/guide/Festival-Event-Asian-Barred-Ground-Dove-Cooing-Competition-2012_USD_P.html and http://www.tatnews.org/events/events/2012/mar2012.asp
March (Exact date unknown) – Damnoen Saduak Fair

SWEET GRAPE & ‘BEST OF DAMNOEN SADUAK’ FAIR
March 2012
Wat Chotikaram Pier, Amphoe Damnoen Saduak district, Ratchaburi province
FAIR HIGHLIGHTS
A colourful boat procession Sweet Grape Contest Fruit Contest Food Contests Delicious Kuay Teow Reua boat noodles Kuay Teow Reua boat-noodles eating competition Miss Sweet Grape beauty contest Folk sports Sales of OTOP products
Damnoen Saduak district is home to Thailand’s world-famous floating market. The colourful spectacle of its bustling floating market with myriad paddle boats, laden with produce from nearby orchards and plantations or offering other merchangise, is perhaps one of the world’s most photographed sights. Described as the ‘land of fruit and Thai life by the riverside’, Ratchaburi province is situated in fertile agricultural heartland. Its rural landscape is characterised by lowland plains dotted with vegetable plots, plantations and fruit orchards nurtured by the Mae Klong River and numerous other tributaries, natural and man-made irrigation canals and waterways.
Blessed with ideal conditions for crop cultivation, the area is famous for its sweet White Malaga dessert grapes, mango, fresh young coconut and sweet orange. Grapes were introduced into the kingdom some seventy years ago and several varieties are grown. The White Malaga variety are oval-shaped, yellowish-green in colour with a distinctly sweet taste.
The Sweet Grape & Best of Damnoen Saduak Fair presents an excellent opportunity to shop for good buys, particularly fresh agricultural products and native products from each of the sub-districts (tambon) of Ratchaburi participating in the One Tambon One Product — OTOP programme being promoted by the Thai government.
Following the visit to the fair, take a leisurely cruise along the waterways of Damnoen Saduak. Retrace the historic journeys made by King Rama IV and King Rama V. During his reign, King Rama IV had a 32-km long canal dredged at Damnoen Saduak. The canal connects the Mae Klong River and the Tacheen River.
Archaeological evidence found in the province suggests that in times past, given the region’s proximity to the Thai-Burmese border, the town of Ratchaburi was a commercial port and popular meeting point for traders.
Ratchaburi province is also home to several ethnic tribes, who despite their varied beliefs and way of life, live together in peace and harmony. The province presents a rich and varied cultural landscape, much of which has been preserved and can still be seen today.
Ratchaburi — ‘land of fruit and Thai life by the riverside’ offers history, culture, way of life, beautiful handicrafts and natural splendour in the form of caves, streams, forests and mountains. It is without a doubt a colourful destination to explore.
For all the details see http://www.thaihoteldeals.com/guide/Festival-Event-Sweet-Grape-Best-Of-Damnoen-Saduak-Fair-2012_USD_P.html and http://www.tatnews.org/events/events/2012/march/5808.asp
Saturday 3 March – Boy Zone, Koh Samui

|
Pride comes to Phuket – April 23 to 28, 2012.
Phuket Loves You (PLU) Club is the organization selected to produce this year’s pride celebration.
Click the buttons below for information!

The official Phuket Pride website is www.phuket-pride.org please check out the latest information there.

The Executive Committee comprised of Ken Miller – Chair – General Manager of CC Bloom’s Hotel, a gay friendly hotel, and former Executive Director of Honolulu Gay Community Center and Pride organizer, Reiner Buechel – Co-Chair – architecture consultant and Co-founder of the Cologne Gay Pride, John Bowell – Treasurer – co-owner of the Sundowners Group who has an extensive background in accounting systems and Sompol Sitthyiwetoh “Vickky” – Secretary – producer of Phuket Pride – 2010 and 2011.
The goal for this year’s pride celebration is to create a stronger sense of community within the Thai and Farang communities in Phuket which is why this year’s theme, chosen by the Phuket Pride committee, is “Join our Family” ” เข้ามาเป็นส่วนหนึ่งของครอบครัวเรา. “
This year’s Pride logo, created by Baz Anthony Hammer, represents our island paradise: the rainbow colors represent the various LGBT communities on Phuket. Each leaf is connected to the heart of our community. The large and small circles represent the small and large LGBT community groups on Phuket. Our goal, through this logo, is to show how we are all interconnected and how by working to strengthen the relationship that binds us together; we are able to address the inequalities that we experience on a daily basis.
Given this direction, the Phuket Pride Committee, will focus on increasing awareness of HIV/AIDs and STD in the LGBT communities and the services provided for those affected. PLU Club is committed to create a positive change for our Phuket community by pledging to donate a percentage of its profits from its Pride Celebration to selective organization(s) that work towards achieving PLU Club’s goals.
For all the details see their website here – http://www.phuket-pride.org/

|
|