Bangkok to celebrate 231st anniversary

Published : Apr 19, 2013 - 09:34 Updated : Apr 19, 2013 - 09:34

Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city, is celebrating its 231st anniversary with a series of cultural events during April 20-22.

The celebration provides knowledge and relates the history of the Rattanakosin Kingdom since its establishment in 1782. Various activities will be held in Bangkok’s Rattanakosin Island area as well as at important sites in the vicinity including the City Pillar Shrine.

Culture Minister Mr. Sonthaya Kunplome,together with Permanent Secretary Mrs. Prisna Pongtadsirikul, Deputy Permanent Secretary Dr. Apinan Posayanont, Mr. Sahawat Naenna, Director-General of the Fine Arts Department and the ministry`s management team hold a press conference to announce "Culture-led Thailand" celebrating the anniversary of the Rattanakosin Kingdom. The ministry invites Thais and foreigners to look back on the cultural heritage of the Rattanakosin Kingdom during the event, which will be held from April 20-22 between 9am and 9pm.

The organisers are the Thai Ministry of Culture in association with the Crown Property Bureau, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and the Culture Council Association of Thailand.

The event area includes the grounds in front of Thammasat University where 10 crafts from the Fine Arts Department will be demonstrated and outside and inside Phra Nakhon National Museum, which is hosting the exhibitions “Mahanakorn Amorn Rattanakosin 2325 to the Present” and “Rattanakosin Celebration Flag”.

Other activities include the Thai Fabric Caravan, demonstrations of traditional Thai massage, a traditional market and the sale of Thai food and desserts. Recipes will also be available.

Folk games, one of the activities in Culture-led Thailand

In front of Phutthaisawan Museum is the Sangkheet Sala stage where Khon, music and Thai entertainment will be performed from 6.30pm to 8.30 pm.

Visitors will be able to enter the Fine Arts Department and admire the Thawon Watthu Building founded in the reign of King Rama V, the Hall of Sculpture, Silpa Bhirasri Hall of Frames and Damrong Rajanuphap. The temples surrounding Rattanakosin Island will also welcome visitors wishing to pay respect during the event. Sightseeing tours will be offered along Sanamchai, Rajini, Phra Athit and Na Phra That roads in Rattanakosin Island along with a magnificent parade of Thai culture.

Outdoor movies will be screened every night at Santi Chaiprakarn Park and the Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall as well as the Siam Museum will offer free admission.

The Lak Muang Shrine Religious Ceremony will be held on Sunday 21 April 2013 at 7am. More than 400 people including representatives of five religions, the War Veterans organisation of Thailand, communities from the 50 Bangkok districts as well as various organisations will walk in a procession from Phra Nakhon National Museum, passing Thammasat University, the Fine Arts Department and the Grand Palace before ending at Lak Muang Shrine.

The Culture Ministry invites Thais and foreigners to absorb the cultural traditions of the Rattanakosin Kingdom from April 20-22, 2013 between 9am and 9pm and enjoy the sights, taste the cuisine and shop in a relaxing atmosphere. In addition to gaining knowledge, visitors will understand the importance of this 231st anniversary of Rattanakosin Kingdom. The Rattanakosin Island Tour will be available 3 times a day. For more information, please call the Culture Ministry’s Hot Line 1765 (free) or log on to www.m-culture.go.th. (ANN)