Songkran Celebrations In London

[Rinrada]

Event for anyone who might be interested in a more culteral event London..next Thursday...

get to wear my new suit. .

ASIAN FESTIVAL

Songkran Celebration

Introduction by Narisa Chakrabhongse

Thursday 10 Apr, 2008 6:45 PM - 8:30 PM

Location: Asia House

Doors 6.30pm

Asia House and the Anglo-Thai Society present an evening of talks, performance and authentic Thai food in celebration of the Songkran Festival.

13th April marks the Thai New Year and the celebration of Songkran festivities. While many people associate Songkran with the activity of people splashing and throwing water at each other, few know the true meaning of this celebration. Narisa Chakrabhongse, former Vice-Chair of the Anglo-Thai Society, Editor of River Books, and a regular speaker at Asia House, will give an informal talk and brief introduction to the history of the Songkran Festival and its influence on Thai culture and way of life.

Members and friends are invited to join us in celebration of this year’s Songkran festivities with this talk followed by a short demonstration of Thai musical instruments and performances of Thai classical dance, by The Thai Dance Academy. The evening will close with the traditional ceremony of “Song Nam Pra.” Ticket price includes refreshments and authentic Thai food.

Asia House members and concs £15,

Non-members £18

ASIA HOUSE: The venue

‘The building’s interior is Adamesque, with filigree plasterwork, classical paintings and elaborate marble chimneypieces’

Our headquarters at 63 New Cavendish Street is a splendid Grade II* listed building, originally planned by Robert and James Adam on the Duke of Portland’s Marylebone Estate in the 1770s.

By 1775, however, the Adams’ attention had turned to the creation of Portland Place, and neo-classical architect John Johnson took over the site, erecting the magnificent townhouse that has now been redeveloped as Asia House

Organisations that have used Asia House as a venue for their events include BP, Benoy, Boston Consulting Group, British Council, BSI, Macmillan Publishing and Shangri La Hotels. ...and much more....

http://www.asiahouse.org/net/Events.aspx

[Spee]

Event for anyone who might be interested in a more culteral event London..next Thursday...

get to wear my new suit. .

ASIAN FESTIVAL

Songkran Celebration

Introduction by Narisa Chakrabhongse

Thursday 10 Apr, 2008 6:45 PM - 8:30 PM

Location: Asia House

Doors 6.30pm

Asia House and the Anglo-Thai Society present an evening of talks, performance and authentic Thai food in celebration of the Songkran Festival.

13th April marks the Thai New Year and the celebration of Songkran festivities. While many people associate Songkran with the activity of people splashing and throwing water at each other, few know the true meaning of this celebration. Narisa Chakrabhongse, former Vice-Chair of the Anglo-Thai Society, Editor of River Books, and a regular speaker at Asia House, will give an informal talk and brief introduction to the history of the Songkran Festival and its influence on Thai culture and way of life.

Members and friends are invited to join us in celebration of this year’s Songkran festivities with this talk followed by a short demonstration of Thai musical instruments and performances of Thai classical dance, by The Thai Dance Academy. The evening will close with the traditional ceremony of “Song Nam Pra.” Ticket price includes refreshments and authentic Thai food.

Asia House members and concs £15,

Non-members £18

ASIA HOUSE: The venue

‘The building’s interior is Adamesque, with filigree plasterwork, classical paintings and elaborate marble chimneypieces’

Our headquarters at 63 New Cavendish Street is a splendid Grade II* listed building, originally planned by Robert and James Adam on the Duke of Portland’s Marylebone Estate in the 1770s.

By 1775, however, the Adams’ attention had turned to the creation of Portland Place, and neo-classical architect John Johnson took over the site, erecting the magnificent townhouse that has now been redeveloped as Asia House

Organisations that have used Asia House as a venue for their events include BP, Benoy, Boston Consulting Group, British Council, BSI, Macmillan Publishing and Shangri La Hotels. ...and much more....

http://www.asiahouse.org/net/Events.aspx

Cool beans! Thanks for the heads-up, T.

Hope to see you there.

Can you confirm that the dress code is jacket & tie? Or smart casual? Or something else?

[seonai]

Sounds lovely Rin, does it start at 6pm then? I have to come up from Brighton. What do you think to someone slightly incapacitated, cant walk well and needing a seat every five minutes on the train and bus?

[sweetchariot]

Just make sure you ask them to use warm water for throwing!

[Spee]

For what it's worth ....

I called Asia House a short time ago to inquire about the dress code. The gentleman who answered said there was no dress code that he knew of. I'm thinking about wearing just smart-casual. Could anyone else chime in if you have heard something else? Don't like to be under or over dressed in a roomful of people that I've never met. I think I'm going to come in with a couple chaps from work who also have Thai partners and were looking for something to do. Cheers!

[Rinrada]

Bit more info on whats happening in London......roll on Thursday night ...

got me schoosh gun......O No I havnt....

Happy SK to all on the big day.....

The Anglo-Thai Society

The Anglo-Thai Society (ATS) was founded in 1962 to foster the close and friendly relations that have existed between Great Britain and Thailand for over 125 years. Today, the Society has over three hundred individual and corporate members.

Lectures, receptions, visits to places of interest are organised by the Society and provide regular opportunities for members to meet.

Two very popular annual events are the Summer Reception, held in early June at the House of Lords (kindly sponsored by Lord Geddes), and the Winter Reception in November, held at the Oriental Club.

WEATHER IN LONDON AND BANGKOK SHOW

The Society maintains close contact with the Royal Thai Embassy in London, and with Samaggi Samagom, and the Thai students association in the UK. Work also continues to be done in the areas of charity and education.

http://www.anglothaisociety.org.uk/ats/new...apName/wicket-0

[richardb]

Any of you guys going to the big Wimbledon festival at the Wat on Sunday.

Richard

[AaBbCcDd]

How long has this been going on, It's the first I've heard off it.

[Rinrada]

Years...

[Bagwan]

The Anglo-Thai Society (ATS) was founded in 1962 to foster the close and friendly relations that have existed between Great Britain and Thailand for over 125 years. Today, the Society has over three hundred individual and corporate members.

So the declaration of war in 1941 didn't happen then? So Rama V didn't work his bits off to keep the colonial powers (which included the UK) out of Siam? Thailand is farang friendly? Reality check needed methinks. This has as much currency as the Entente Cordiale - which may be likened to husband and wife holding hands to prevent fisticuffs breaking out.

[BigSnake]

Event for anyone who might be interested in a more culteral event London..next Thursday...

get to wear my new suit. .

ASIAN FESTIVAL

Songkran Celebration

Introduction by Narisa Chakrabhongse

Thursday 10 Apr, 2008 6:45 PM - 8:30 PM

Location: Asia House

Doors 6.30pm

Asia House and the Anglo-Thai Society present an evening of talks, performance and authentic Thai food in celebration of the Songkran Festival.

13th April marks the Thai New Year and the celebration of Songkran festivities. While many people associate Songkran with the activity of people splashing and throwing water at each other, few know the true meaning of this celebration. Narisa Chakrabhongse, former Vice-Chair of the Anglo-Thai Society, Editor of River Books, and a regular speaker at Asia House, will give an informal talk and brief introduction to the history of the Songkran Festival and its influence on Thai culture and way of life.

Members and friends are invited to join us in celebration of this year’s Songkran festivities with this talk followed by a short demonstration of Thai musical instruments and performances of Thai classical dance, by The Thai Dance Academy. The evening will close with the traditional ceremony of “Song Nam Pra.” Ticket price includes refreshments and authentic Thai food.

Asia House members and concs £15,

Non-members £18

ASIA HOUSE: The venue

‘The building’s interior is Adamesque, with filigree plasterwork, classical paintings and elaborate marble chimneypieces’

Our headquarters at 63 New Cavendish Street is a splendid Grade II* listed building, originally planned by Robert and James Adam on the Duke of Portland’s Marylebone Estate in the 1770s.

By 1775, however, the Adams’ attention had turned to the creation of Portland Place, and neo-classical architect John Johnson took over the site, erecting the magnificent townhouse that has now been redeveloped as Asia House

Organisations that have used Asia House as a venue for their events include BP, Benoy, Boston Consulting Group, British Council, BSI, Macmillan Publishing and Shangri La Hotels. ...and much more....

http://www.asiahouse.org/net/Events.aspx

Sound likes a very good Ceremony/program, could be very enjoyable, however I would stay clear of and water tossing, could be dangerous to your health. Enough said.

[BigSnake]

Event for anyone who might be interested in a more culteral event London..next Thursday...

get to wear my new suit. .

ASIAN FESTIVAL

Songkran Celebration

Introduction by Narisa Chakrabhongse

Thursday 10 Apr, 2008 6:45 PM - 8:30 PM

Location: Asia House

Doors 6.30pm

Asia House and the Anglo-Thai Society present an evening of talks, performance and authentic Thai food in celebration of the Songkran Festival.

13th April marks the Thai New Year and the celebration of Songkran festivities. While many people associate Songkran with the activity of people splashing and throwing water at each other, few know the true meaning of this celebration. Narisa Chakrabhongse, former Vice-Chair of the Anglo-Thai Society, Editor of River Books, and a regular speaker at Asia House, will give an informal talk and brief introduction to the history of the Songkran Festival and its influence on Thai culture and way of life.

Members and friends are invited to join us in celebration of this year’s Songkran festivities with this talk followed by a short demonstration of Thai musical instruments and performances of Thai classical dance, by The Thai Dance Academy. The evening will close with the traditional ceremony of “Song Nam Pra.” Ticket price includes refreshments and authentic Thai food.

Asia House members and concs £15,

Non-members £18

ASIA HOUSE: The venue

‘The building’s interior is Adamesque, with filigree plasterwork, classical paintings and elaborate marble chimneypieces’

Our headquarters at 63 New Cavendish Street is a splendid Grade II* listed building, originally planned by Robert and James Adam on the Duke of Portland’s Marylebone Estate in the 1770s.

By 1775, however, the Adams’ attention had turned to the creation of Portland Place, and neo-classical architect John Johnson took over the site, erecting the magnificent townhouse that has now been redeveloped as Asia House

Organisations that have used Asia House as a venue for their events include BP, Benoy, Boston Consulting Group, British Council, BSI, Macmillan Publishing and Shangri La Hotels. ...and much more....

http://www.asiahouse.org/net/Events.aspx

Sound likes a good ceremony/program. Could be very enjoyable. However I would advise not to play any water tossing, it might be dangerous to your Health. enough said.

[Ping]

Bagwan there are differing viewpoints on the alliance with Japan and the behind-the-scenes work by the Seri Thai movement. (It was Thailand at that time - although briefly changed back to Siam after the war.) It was a complex and delicate situation. Many Thais, including those in influential positions, were opposed to the alliance and worked actively to subvert the Japanese. With respect, I think your views on the politics of the day come across as too generalised and overstated.

[richardb]

How long has this been going on, It's the first I've heard off it.

Here are some links

http://www.buddhapadipa.org/0/803E25F8F816...025714700309F7D

and some suai mak mak dancers from last year

Richard

[Rinrada]

ASIAN FESTIVAL

Songkran Celebration

Introduction by Narisa Chakrabhongse

Thursday 10 Apr, 2008 6:45 PM - 8:30 PM

Location: Asia House

Doors 6.30pm

Just got back and very happy to say it was a great night......wonderfull traditional music & dance,conviv ambience and delightfull company,scrummy food and of course the wine flowed like water........

well done and a credit to Asia House and Anglo Thai Soc....

whit more dae ye want ...luvly jub.....

[Bagwan]

Bagwan there are differing viewpoints on the alliance with Japan and the behind-the-scenes work by the Seri Thai movement. (It was Thailand at that time - although briefly changed back to Siam after the war.) It was a complex and delicate situation. Many Thais, including those in influential positions, were opposed to the alliance and worked actively to subvert the Japanese. With respect, I think your views on the politics of the day come across as too generalised and overstated.

Maybe you are right, but to state that Thailand and the UK have enjoyed close and friendly relations for 125 years is also OTT.

[Rinrada]

Whether you consider it good,bad or indifferent it still represents what could be considered and is recognised to have signaledthe beginning of a move that resulted in ....." close and friendly relations etc...."

or maybe it was just another little barrow boy exercise.. anyway.....

the Bowring Treaty

The Bowring Treaty is the name given to an agreement signed on April 18, 1855 between the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Siam that liberalized foreign trade in Siam.

The Treaty was signed by King Mongkut of Siam and Sir John Bowring, Governor of Hong Kong and Britain's envoy.

A previous treaty had been signed between Siam and the United Kingdom in 1826, and the new treaty elaborated and liberalized trade rules and regulations by creating a new system of imports and exports.

The treaty allowed free trade by foreigners in Bangkok, as foreign trade had previously been subject to heavy royal taxes and also allowed for the establishment of a British consulate in Bangkok and guaranteed its full extraterritorial powers, allowing Englishmen to own land in Siam.

The regulations in short are/were:

British subjects were placed under consular jurisdiction. Thus, for the first time, Siam granted extraterritoriality to foreign aliens.

British subjects were given the right to trade freely in all seaports, and to reside permanently in Bangkok. They were to be allowed to buy and rent property in the environs of Bangkok; namely, in the area more than four mile from city walls but less than twenty four hours’ journey from the city (calculated at the speed of native boats). British subjects were also to be allowed to travel freely in the interior with passes provided by the consul.

Measurement duties were abolished and import and export duties fixed.

The import duty was fixed at 3 percent for all articles, with two exceptions: opium was to be free of duty, but it had to be sold to the opium farmer; and bullion was to be free of duty.

Articles of export were to be taxed just once, whether the tax was called an inland tax, a transit duty, or an export duty.

British merchants were to be allowed to buy and sell directly with individual Siamese without interference from any third person.

The Siamese government reserved the right to prohibit the export of salt, rice, and fish whenever these articles were deemed to be scarce.

Officially a Treaty of Friendship and Commerce, it was nonetheless claimed to be an unequal bilateral contract as Siam was not in a position to negotiate, considering that Britain had demonstrated its military might during the First Opium War with China, thereby discouraging any attempts to prevent Western trade.

Siam's fears were only consolidated by the fact that negotiations that had occurred five years earlier between Sir James Brooke, the White Rajah of Sarawak and British envoy, and Siam's King Jessadabodindra had failed, and had led to Brooke threatening Siam with Britain's Gunboat Policy.

The treaty eventually led other foreign powers to sign their own bilateral treaty, based on the rules set by the Bowring Treaty.

However, the treaty also ensured that foreign powers would not intervene in Siam's internal affairs and allowed for Siam to remain independent.

The Bowring Treaty is now credited for having led to the economic development of Bangkok, as it created a framework in which multilateral trade could operate freely in Southeast Asia, notably between China, Singapore and Siam....and is considered a bastion of what is now modern day Thailand.

.......and jolly gooood show Wot.........do pass the biscuits ...old chap...

[katana]

A couple of pics I came across of the Songkran celebrations at Wat Buddapadipa, Wimbledon, today.

[Neilreports]

Bagwan there are differing viewpoints on the alliance with Japan and the behind-the-scenes work by the Seri Thai movement. (It was Thailand at that time - although briefly changed back to Siam after the war.) It was a complex and delicate situation. Many Thais, including those in influential positions, were opposed to the alliance and worked actively to subvert the Japanese. With respect, I think your views on the politics of the day come across as too generalised and overstated.

Maybe you are right, but to state that Thailand and the UK have enjoyed close and friendly relations for 125 years is also OTT.

Please read what you are commenting on because he didn't say for 125 years UK and Thai have had close and friendly relations, he said "It was a complex and delicate situation. Many Thais, including those in influential positions, were opposed to the alliance and worked actively to subvert the Japanese. With respect, I think your views on the politics of the day come across as too generalised and overstated." And if you look at the history of UK over the last 125 years and still continuing what have we got to be pround of??

[endure]

It might be an idea if you read the date of the post you're replying to. It's a year old.

[barrybike]

It might be an idea if you read the date of the post you're replying to. It's a year old.

makes no differance its an annual event

[MysteryPlane]

Competion here, spot the BG.

[sanook2me]

It might be an idea if you read the date of the post you're replying to. It's a year old.