The Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with Siam Paragon, is organising "Praepastra Boromarajininath" to commemorate Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother's birthday anniversary on 12 August 2024. The event is taking place from 12–18 August 2024, at Parc Paragon, M Floor, Siam Paragon, and features a variety of activities, including an exhibition on Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother’s dedication to preserving Thai art and craft. It also showcases traditional Thai costumes, Thai cultural performances such as youth Khon performances, folk performances, fashion shows highlighting contemporary Thai fabrics, and the sale of Thai cultural products (CPOT). Visitors will also have the opportunity to shop for creative Thai crafts at the ICONCRAFT pop-up, located on the 1st floor of Siam Paragon, from 10–31 August 2024.
Highlights of the event include an exhibition in honour of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, celebrating "National Thai Textile Day," and a display of traditional Thai costumes that the Department of Cultural Promotion under the Ministry of Culture is proposing to be listed as UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. The event also features cultural and musical performances, including a traditional Thai dance with performers wearing costumes initiated by Her Majesty and a special stage performance showcasing national textile wisdom that has earned global recognition. Additionally, there are a children's Khon performance and a special singing performance by national artist Suda Chuenban.
Visitors will also enjoy a performance by the Isan Pong Lang On Son Band from Sri Kra Nuan Witthayakhom School, the winner of the 2023 Pong Lang Band Competition organised by the Department of Physical Education. Additionally, there will be a music performance by the Public Relations Department, a puppet show by Rajabhat Phranakhon University, and singing by Phing Phing from The Golden Song television singing contest. Other highlights include performances by Tao Phusit and Pat Power Pat, a performance by the winning band from the Ching Cha Sawan Thai folk song competition, Yothinburana School from Bangkok, and a puppet show by Joe Louis Thai Puppet Theatre.
Moreover, the event features a special performance titled “Contemporary Art in Honour of Her Majesty The Queen Mother” by the Office of Contemporary Art and Culture. This performance includes a contemporary music showcase in honour of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, presented by a network of contemporary artists from various educational institutions, Silpathorn artists, and invited artists. Additionally, there will be a fashion show of contemporary Thai clothing.
The event also features demonstrations of arts and culture, including the creation of traditional Thai desserts such as Khanom Alua and coconut milk jelly shaped like garlands and jasmine flowers, Khanom Bua Hima, flower-inspired Khanom Chan, Khanom Chor Muang, and Chor Phaka Krong. Additionally, there are embroidery demonstrations, showcasing the making of coin purses, fish-shaped keychains, embroidered absorbent pillows with the absorbing and deodorising effects of tea leaves, fabric bags, fabric keychains, and flower keychains from fabrics. Visitors can also witness the crafting of garlands from petal-shaped fabrics and purchase Thai cultural products (CPOT) from 30 communities.
To promote Thai handmade arts and crafts and support the preservation and sustainable development of national cultural heritage, Siam Paragon has launched the ICONCRAFT pop-up exhibition area. This space features creative works by Thai artisans, including hand-woven fabrics with intricate patterns exclusive to ICONCRAFT, cloth bags, meticulously crafted Thai clothes, and various souvenirs. Highlights include Mother's Day garlands made from dyed bamboo, dolls, scented bags for mothers, and pomegranate-scented balm, all ideal for heartfelt gifts during the Mother's Day festival. The sale of these products will take place from 10–31 August in front of the glass elevator on the 1st floor of Siam Paragon.
Thai and international visitors are invited to join the "Praepastra Boromarajininath" event and its activities to honour Her Majesty the Queen Mother, free of charge. Attendees can also shop for craft products made by Thai artisans. For more information, visit the Ministry of Culture's website at www.m-culture.go.th, contact the Cultural Hotline at 1765, and visit the Siam Paragon Facebook page.
