Colourful show of Thai culture

To promote Thailand’s cultural heritage, Siam Paragon invites local and foreign tourists to join many craft and cultural activities during the “Siam Golden Land Of Smile” event, which is running every Friday to Sunday from noon to 7pm until Nov 25.

Held in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture’s Department of Cultural Promotion, the event is aimed at offering an insight into the country’s colourful culture and unique craftsmanship through a variety of hands-on workshops and demonstrations.

Participants will learn to weave miniature wickerwork using spiny bamboo, a natural hard material known for its bright green colour and flexibility, conducted by handicraft masters from the Support Arts and Crafts International Centre of Thailand.

Visitors will have an opportunity to learn how to make puang malai or floral garlands with a crochet technique, carve nang talung or shadow puppets, make khon masks, which are regarded as the most comprehensive of all fields of arts, paint batik and make umbrellas from bamboo and sa paper.

There are also traditional Thai music performances including fon malai, fon sao mai, sri wichai and pong lang dances.

The workshops will be held in front of the tourist lounge on the ground floor as well as at the hallway leading to the Siam Kempinski Hotel while the performances will be staged at the Jewel zone, M floor of Siam Paragon, Rama I.

There is no admission fee. Call 02-610-8000.