23/02/12 Welcome to Nicky's newsletter.

NEW SITE OPEN!

WHOO HOO! After too long a wait, we have finally finished work on Nicky’s final website. www.NickysGayPhuket.com has been completed and PLEASE go along and have a look at it! There’s a special section on Phuket Pride as well as the usual directory listings, a completely new map of the Paradise Complex, and all our usual features. We’re working in conjunction with a nice man at Backstage Purple, who has supplied a lot of the information for the area. Thanks!

So now the Nicky’s sites are complete. We’ve covered Pattaya, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui and Phuket, with a page on other venues we know about in the rest of Thailand.

I hope these sites prove useful to you

Should you not want to receive any further updates please simply reply with the word "Unsubscribe." Please make sure you let us know the email you received this newsletter at - we can not unsubscribe if you reply from a different email.

S & W

Click here for Bangkok - Pattaya - Rest of Thailand - And finally ...


FEATURED PARTY

 

HAPPY PLACE SPECIAL EVENTS

Wednesday 22 February

Thursday 22 March

Boys Spin! We have recently introduced the renowned Jello Shot which is popular in the USA bars. This Jello Shot is made from a mixture of Jello and alcohol. Purchase 2 Jello Shots for any boy for only 100 Baht total and he gets to spin! Boy can win various tips. 20, 30, 40 50 and 100 Baht! Bottles of Alcohol! and much more!

Happy Hour from 8.30 to 9.30. All beers, soft drinks, hot drinks and regular mixed drinks only 99 Baht!!


BANGKOK

NEWS, OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS

HEADLINE NEWS FROM THE LAST COUPLE OF WEEKS

18/02/12 There's a new gogo bar in Soi Wall Street, just off Surawong, opposite Soi Twilight. Called Heartbeat, it is not going to have a show, just good sexy dancers. Drinks and offs are cheap here compared to the rest of Bangkok. Pop in and see what you think.


13/02/12 It had been reported to us that Night Boys in the back of Soi Anuman Ratchathon (off Soi Thantawan, off Surawong) had moved. We’ve been the area and can confirm it’s no longer where it was, but it does appear to have gone. We can’t find the new location. if anyone can tell us where it is, we’d love to visit and put it back on the map!


09/02/12 Fan Club Massage in Soi Convent, Bangkok has just issued its latest newsletter. They are now boasting two VIP rooms with flat screen TVs and DVD players. They also have what they call their “Secret Salon” where you can make an appointment with their hair stylist, Nub. They have added some new boys and now claim to have over 60. This surely makes it a place to try out?


ONGOING EVENTS

(Many of the dates for the Cultural events are supplied courtesy of Jack Gittings -
http://sites.google.com/site/bkkmacaldetails/)


NOW – Saturday 25 February (Saturdays) – Manco li cani

 

Saturdays - Manco li cani (Not Even Dogs) Cabaret – The Italian and European taste of comedy in Thailand 7:30 PM each Saturday, All Soul Chamber Theatre, 302/1-2 Srinakarindra 24 Rd – 300 Baht


NOW – Sunday 26 February – German Film Week

 

The Goethe Institute presents a new German film each evening with English subtitles 7 PM, Paragon Cineplex, 5th Floor Siam Paragon — Free For more information and a schedule please visit http://www.goethe.de/ins/th/ban/en8754235v.htm or email info@bangkok.goethe.org


NOW – Tuesday 28 February (Tuesdays) – German Open Air Cinema

Every Tuesday at 7.30 pm – When it is possible to enjoy the cool evenings in Bangkok, it is time for the annual German Open Air Cinema season, which brings you the best movies from German speaking countries. The festival has become quite a highlight for cinema lovers, not only due to the unique setting in the peaceful garden of the Goethe Institute, but also because of the high quality programme of renowned contemporary German films shown in German with English subtitles. Admission is free. For more information please call 02-287-0942-4 or email pr@bangkok.goethe.org. For a schedule of the films please visit German Open Air Cinema.


NOW - Monday 26 March (Mondays) – Sing for Life

Every Monday - Sing for Life, “Summer Serenade”, A singing course for older adults with teachers Eugene Eustaquio and Christopher Rojanakit. 6:30-8 PM Mondays, PlayAct Academy, 891/1 Siam Motors Building, 12th Floor – 5300 Baht


NOW – Thursday 29 March – French Thai Cultural Festival

 

The French Embassy in Thailand is organizing LA FETE from February 2nd to March 29th, 2012 for the 8th time in the past 9 years.

About 20 different cultural and artistic events will be presented over a period of 9 weeks. Some of these events are Thai, but they are mostly French; they cover many fields of creativity: modern circus, classical music, rock, DJ, contemporary dance, hip-hop, visual theatre, photography, cinema, fashion, etc, and some of them will only be shown once or twice.

This year, LA FETE will celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Alliance francaise de Bangkok, founded in 1912, co-organizer of the Festival. Bangkok remains central in “LA FETE”, but events will also be hosted by 6 other Thai cities.

LA FETE has become a popular appointment in Bangkok and is eagerly awaited each year. It is well known for its inventive programming and its many free events. In 2011, over 300,000 people attended at least one event or more; the 2012 edition promises to be just as full of discoveries and emotions.

For more details see – www.lafete-bangkok.com


Every Sunday from now to 29 April (not over Songkran) – Park Concerts

If you enjoyed going to the Sala Bhirom Bhakdi in Lumpini Park for the BSO concerts, the series continues through April – Sundays at 5:30 PM.

19 February – Maythawat Shubsanyakorn and Tewan Novel Jazz
26 February – Boy Thai Band New Generation
4 March – Suan Plu Chorus
11 March – Surachai Junthimatorn of Karawan
18 March – Krungthep Thai Classical
25 March – Thai Youth Orchestra
1 April – Pongsit Kumpee
22 April – Contemporary Band
29 April – Folk Dances from 4 Corners of Thailand and Khon


EVENTS NEXT WEEK

Wednesday 22 February – The Music Box

 

The Thailand Philharmonic Choir performs 18 French songs from the Renaissance to the present 7:30 PM, Siam Society Soi Asoke — 300, 200 Members, Students Free


Thursday 23 February – Jupiter 2002

 


Thursday 23 – Sunday 26 February – Nunsense

 

Presented by the Bangkok Community Theatre 8 PM 23-25, 3 PM 25-26, British Club Silom Soi 18 – 800 Baht, pre-show buffet available for 400 Baht


Friday 24 February – Filipino Art Songs

 

A Night of Filipino Art Songs The Bangkok Music Society presents soprano Arlynne Lupas-Tecson and Tenor Eugene Eustaquio 8 PM, Play Act Academy, 12th Fl Siam Motors Bldg Rama I – 200, 150 Students


Saturday 25 February – An Organ Concert

 

Kittiporn Tantrarungroj plays Bach, Boellman and more 7 PM, Bangkok Adventist Hospital Church at Pitsanuloke Road — Donations for the new organ fund


Saturday 25 – Sunday 26 February – Pray for Japan and Thailand

 

“Pray for Japan and Thailand” Charity Concert Series Vol 4 Two more concerts to support the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan and the floods in Thailand

25th -5 PM 500B, 26th 3 PM 300B Pridi Banomyong Theatre Sukhumvit Soi 55 Music for strings and piano by Bach, Mozart, Granados, Brahms and more


Saturday 25 February – Babylon Sauna

 

Foam Party


Sunday 26 February – all-Mozart Concert

 

The TSSO Orchestra Plays an all-Mozart Concert D&M Music Studio presents conductor Jang Woo Park, violinist Jirajet Jesdachet and pianist Amandine Habib 7 PM, Wattana Church, Sukhumvit Soi 19 — 500, 250 Students


Thursday 1 March – BCT Club Night

 

A playreading/workshop of Tristan Verran’s new play “Look After You” 7 PM, British Club Silom Soi 18 — 100 Baht non-members or join BCT

 


Friday 2 (19:00) Saturday 3 (16:00) March – TPO Concert

 

2 & 3 March – James M. Stephenson: “Rextreme Concerto” – Igor Stravinsky: Firebird Suite (1919) – Dmitri Kabalevsky: Overture “Colas Breugnon”

For more TPO concerts see here

 


Click here for Bangkok - Pattaya - Rest of Thailand - And finally ...

PATTAYA

NEWS, OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS

HEADLINE NEWS FROM THE LAST COUPLE OF WEEKS

21/02/12 It’s obviously massage opening season. There’s a new one called Lusy Massage in the small sub-soi leading from Soi V.C. by Sunee Plaza to Yensabai Condo. Our reviewer has been there and you can read what he says here.


19/02/12 We're still none the wiser as to why they closed, but Splash Bar in Pattayaland Soi 1 had its shutters up tonight. They assure us they are going to be back open again tomorrow. We wish them luck again! (They are indeed open - 20/2, but their show has gone. Read what we say here.)


19/02/12 There's a new video gone on YouTube for Jack's Party at Happy Place. If you've never seen the B-Boys dance, this is a clip of their show. But it's far better to call in the bar and see the real thing. They're on every night (apart from Mondays) at Happy Place as part of the 10.30 show. CLICK HERE FOR THE VIDEO! - http://youtu.be/cL2SbWHbTbg


16/02/12 The Little Mango Internet has been converted into a lovely cafe. You can now sit in the air-conditioned atmosphere and drink teas, freshly squeezed juices and a variety of soft drinks. All this while you access the internet! Pop down and say Hi to Ken and the lads.


15/12/02 Due to problems, Banana Bar in Sunee Plaza has closed. We do not know what’s going to happen to the site. As soon as we do we will let you know too!


14/02/12 Yaya Bar in Sunee Plaza is happy to announce two new waiters. They wanted us to pass the news on to you! Mai is 23 years old and Chantaburi. Klao is 24 years old and comes from Korat. (Click on the thumbnail left to see the larger picture of the two lads). Why not pop in and say Hi to the new boys?


14/02/12 The new French restaurant in Sunee Plaza, Le Marina, has opened tonight. Our reviewer popped his head in the door and liked what he saw. Check out what he said here.


13/02/12 There’s a new gay guesthouse in Jomtien. It’s in the small soi that joins Thappraya Road with the gay beach road – the one with Chok Dee and D.D. Inn. This guesthouse is called Good Buddies Inn and is friendly and welcoming. You can read what we thought about it here. It’s only got 4 rooms, so if you’re thinking of booking, do it now!


08/02/12 I’m delighted to say that after one of the longest closed periods and periods of refurbishment in history, Colonial Bar in Soi V.C. Pattaya is open. They now have their license and opened on Friday (10th) with a soft start and will have a grand opening party on Friday (17th). Nice to see the place back open after all this time and look forward to fun and games in there!


EVENTS NEXT WEEK

Wednesday 22 February - Happy Place


Friday 24 February – Mor Lam

 

3rd Road, Pattaya, starts around 21.00


Friday 24 February – The Dave Man Club


Tuesday 28 February - Pattaya Players

-- Open Auditions for 'Play On!' by Rick Abbot --

Pattaya Players (Home of Pattaya's Professional Amateurs) is proud to announce their upcoming audition for 'Play On!' by Rick Abbot.  There are 10 parts for adult males and females of varying ages.  This comical farce is about a group of actors attempting to put on a play in the midst of continuous re-writes. Act I is a rehearsal of the dreadful show, Act II is the near disastrous dress rehearsal, and the final act is the actual performance in which anything that can go wrong does, like when the authoress decides to give a speech on the state of the modern theatre during the curtain call. You will be treated to a madcap climax to a thoroughly hilarious romp.

Auditions will be held at The Eastern Grand Palace Hotel at 6:30 PM on Tuesday, February 28, 2012.  All interested parties both talent-wise and back stage should plan on attending.  The performances will take place on June 15-16, 2012 in The Eastern Grand Palace Hotel.  The director of the show is also currently searching for an "Assistant Director/Stage Manager" to help out with production rehearsals and general show support.  If you are interested, please also plan on attending during the night of the audition.  For further details of audition requirements, please email pattayaplayers@gmail.com.

Character Descriptions (please note that casting ages are flexible):

Aggie Manville – a stage manager and prompter – any age
Geraldine/Gerry Dunbar – a director – over 30 years old
Louise/Louie Perry – an overworked sound, light, and sound technician – any age
Phyllis/Phil Montague – a somewhat eccentric novice playwright – between 42 and 57
Henry Benish (Lord Dudley) – Leading man – mid 50’s
Polly Benish (Lady Margaret) – A “diva” somewhat concerned and teased about her weight – mid 50’s
Marla “Smitty” Smith (Doris the maid) – pretty but awkward – quite young
Saul Watson (Dr. Rex Forbes – the villain) – 45-50 years old
Billy Carewe (Stephen Sellers) – future leading man – looks 25-35
Violet Imbry (Diana Lassiter- an Ingénue) – looks 25-35

The Pattaya Players continue to look for corporate and private sponsors to help offset their current set-up costs.  Please consider joining 2012 current sponsors: AA Insurance Brokers, Bangkok Pattaya Hospital, The Cavanaugh Community Center, Indian By Nature, LCIT, Yorkies, Spectrum Audio, Ltd., St. Andrews International School, Steps & Rhythm Dance Academy, The Venue Cabaret, Pattaya Mail and Pattaya People Radio in helping the Pattaya Players to continue being the premier creative arts organization in Pattaya! For directions to the auditionand more information, please e-mail pattayaplayers@gmail.com.


Saturday 3 March – Ganymede

Announcing GANYMEDE’s benefit for TAKE CARE!! 3 March 2012

GANYMEDE RESORT AND SPA, located in the center of Jomtien Complex, will host a fundraiser for the benefit of TAKE CARE!! on Saturday, 3 March 2012 beginning at 9 pm. Events during the evening will feature new and exciting entertainment that will surely capture your interest and delight your eyes.

All of our friends, business venue owners, and members of the community are invited to make donations for Lucky Draw prizes. Items for Lucky Draw prizes might include vouchers for meals, free overnight stays in guest houses or hotels, bar tabs, bottles of liquor, other items, or simply, cash donations to TAKE CARE!!. All contributors will be publicly recognized at the event. (Requests for anonymity will be honored, as well.)

To make a donation for this event or for more information, you can email us at takecarepattaya@hotmail.com. Our web site is: http://www.takecarepattaya.com

TAKE CARE!!, a volunteer organization, has been promoting safe sex, and distributing safer sex packs, free of charge, to venues throughout Pattaya for over six years.



Thursday 22 March

 

 


Click here for Bangkok - Pattaya - Rest of Thailand - And Finally ...

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/

 

 

Click here for Bangkok - Pattaya - Rest of Thailand - And Finally ...


And Finally ...

From our friends at Pattaya Hotmale, Countdown to Phuket Pride 2012 !!

When Bangkok´s Songkran 6 festivities are over for 2012 (April 13th - 15th) make sure you are ready for another of Thailand´s major gay festivals...PHUKET PRIDE which literally "hits the streets" from April 23rd through to April 28th.

Each consectutive year after the festival's humble beginnings in the year 2000, it has seen greater numbers of local Phuket residents and international gay visitors attending, with 2011 boasting a figure of almost 10,000.

Events for this years festival include Mr. Gay Phuket competition, a Pool Party, Gay Day Cruise to Racha Island, Beach Volleyball tournament plus the big stage show party on the final weekend. More events will be announced over the coming weeks so please keep a close eye on the Phuket Pride official website for details, or click on Nicky's Gay Phuket, which has a complete section devoted to the Pride event.

You can read their full story here and see all the sexy pictures!

Thanks for reading this and see you next week.

S & W

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