This month marks the auspicious occasion of the 72nd birthday of HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and a vibrant array of activities have been arranged for everyone to enjoy in Bangkok.
Besides a series of grand processions and pageantries across the city to provide a glimpse into the Kingdom's storied past, both Siam Paragon and Iconsiam are showcasing mesmerising floral installations by internationally-acclaimed Thai floral artist Sakul Intakul until July 31.
"Butbanchali Maleenoparat Chalermprachon" at Siam Paragon's The Jewel incorporates a stunning blend of Thai flowers and auspicious gemstones, reflecting both Thai heritage and modern aesthetics.
The installation features 46 yellow star blooms meticulously crafted using fabric in the intricate traditional Thai banana leaf art technique. Each pollen is shaped like a buckle from traditional Thai costumes and is adorned with fabrics in the colours of auspicious gemstones.
Inspired by traditional Thai floral pendants, "Maleesiri Srinawarat Sakkan" at Iconsiam incorporates ancient techniques of Thai floral craftsmanship, such as flower petal sewing, floral netting and floral tassels. Nine auspicious gemstones, or nophakao, are featured as decorations in the centre of the large round compositions of each piece.
A floral installation by Sakul Intakul. (Photo courtesy of Siam Paragon)
Set to dazzle visitors on the evening of July 24 at Iconsiam's River Park will be a spectacular water and light show featuring a vibrant portrayal of Thai culture and reverence for the King. Then, everyone is invited to an alms-giving ceremony to offer food to 73 monks on the morning of July 26.
Back at Siam Paragon, prepare to get immersed in the Kingdom's cultural richness in a khon performance of the Ramayana epic, traditional dances of the four regions, Thai boxing and a grand khon performance of "Prosperity Rattanakosin", as well as a series of cultural shows presented by 12 embassies. They will be staged between July 26 and July 29.
At Benjasiri Park, meanwhile, there will be a spectacular show titled "Floating Arts & Fountain In Celebration Of HM The King's 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary", daily at 7pm and 7.30pm, from today until July 28.
Presented by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration in collaboration with EmDistrict, the water screen projection will feature HM's portraits, a biography, royal duties and the first royal command. The show is enhanced with a cutting-edge light and sound system. Special for tonight, the show will be accompanied by Celebration Suite, a royal jazz composition exclusively created for this occasion by Pathorn Srikaranonda, a jazz musician who dedicated over 30 years of musical services to King Rama IX.
Finally, everyone is invited to join a candle-lighting ceremony for auspicious blessings to the King on July 28 at 7.19pm and then enjoy instrumental musical offerings by Pathorn Srikaranonda Quintet.
Alternatively, join a similar ceremony at Iconsiam River Park and Onesiam skywalk interchange by Siam Discovery.
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