Coming to the aid of the soon-to-weds are The St Regis Bangkok and Centara Grand, both of which are holding wedding fairs over the next few weeks – the St Regis hosting an open house on April 28 from 10am to 7pm and Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld going all out with a “Wedding Showcase 2018 – A Romance to Remember” on May 12 and 13.

As ever, The St Regis Bangkok brings together all of the elements that make for a perfect wedding and the most desirable and exciting wedding parties. Couples will have access to private and personalised consultation sessions with wedding experts in the hotel’s venues Rajdamri I & II.

There, they can preview and experience a range of services and attractive offers, and receive limited-release benefits for same-day bookings. Visitors to the wedding open house can check out highlights in food, decor and after-party arrangements, with attractive discounts. For example, same day bookings win the couple a discounted price of Bt20,000 net on decor, and Bt15,000 net per station for food, while the after-party package is discounted to Bt20,000 net until midnight, inclusive of soft drinks for up to 100 people.

Couples can also take advantage of complimentary offers on corkage charge, and a complimentary serving of an unlimited custom-designed signature welcome drink at the wedding reception. For all discounts and complimentary offers, guests should enquire as to terms and conditions at the time of booking.

Further enticing offers include a complimentary F&B voucher at Decanter (valued at Bt3,000) and 20-per-cent discount on any spa treatment from the a la carte menu at Elemis Spa. The first 10 couples with Krungsri Credit Cards and who pay a deposit of more than Bt200,000 net will receive a Clarins Gift Set, while the top spender gets a honeymoon package of a three-night stay in a Reserve Pavilion at Phulay Bay in Krabi, inclusive of breakfast and limousine round trip transfers.

Find out more at (02) 207 7777, e-mail events.bangkok@stregis.com or visit http://www.stregisbangkok.com.

Centara’s annual “Wedding Showcase 2018 – A Romance to Remember”, meanwhile, allows couples to handpick everything and anything they want to make the wedding glamorous and memorable, with lots of inspiration, guidance and advice coming from the hotel’s team of wedding specialists.

They will be on standby to offer ideas on themes, dresses, entertainment, catering – plus all the finer details like arranging for photographers, flowers, invitation cards, guest souvenirs and lots of other little perks to make the wedding stand out from the rest.

This year’s showcase will also be offering the chance to win some exciting prizes for all couples booking their wedding through the event. The lucky draw includes some luxurious honeymoon packages such as a stay at a Centara resort in Maldives, Krabi and Hua Hin as well as a dining voucher for Red Sky restaurant here in Bangkok.

To reach the Wedding Showcase 2018, head straight up to the 23rd floor of Centara Grand at CentralWorld (World Ballroom).

For more information, call (02) 100 1234 extension 6746 or email: kalyapornro@chr.co.th.

A special guest is new generation artist, Tan Kositpipat, son of National Artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, who has designed the sand pagodas,

“Chino Port is honoured to participate in the Water Festival 2018 and have prepared a range of traditional activities including Jasmine Tunnel with holy water from the Dhevaphisek ceremony of Somdej Phra Wannarat, a bathing rite activity with Khlongsan’s long worshipped Buddha Som Prathana from Phichayayatikaram Woravihara Temple or Wat Phichaiyat, and a tasting of a rare for khao chae,” says Rujiraporn Wanglee, an executive with Lhong 1919,

“The festival also celebrates the long-standing Thai-Chinese bonds.”

“This is a very challenging request but also an honour as the sand pagoda is directly related to Buddhism through its association with the belief in karma. Through the sand pagodas, we give the temple back the sand and earth that stuck to our shoes as we walked out while also making holy offering to the Buddha. This concept inspired the design of the four-metre tall, three-metre wide sand pagoda. It’s based on the idea of several grains of sand holding together similar to Thai people from all cultures bonding harmoniously on the same land. The pagoda tops also differ from era to era for example, the Sukhothai, Ayutthaya and Thonburi kingdoms, which convey their beautiful stories,” says artist Tan.

Children from Khlong San district are welcome to paint on the framed canvas, which will be displayed throughout the Songkran Festival.

Live band Symphony Swing provides the music after sundown.

Pullman Bangkok Hotel G’s 25 Degrees Burgers, Wine & Liquor Bar will hold a “Songkran Contender” competition at its own “‘muay talay”‘ (sea boxing) arena at the front of the restaurant from April 13-15 starting at 4pm. Afterwards, head inside for some of the best burgers in town. Call (02) 352 4192.

Over at the Landmark meanwhile, the Atrium is offering its famous Songkran buffet on lobby floor on April 13-14 with a seafood extravaganza of King crab, oysters, New Zealand mussels, mud crab, blue crab and tiger prawns, plus delicious roasted wagyu beef, New Zealand lamb, Gammon ham and a live Japanese station. It’s priced at Bt2,500 net per person for both brunch and dinner and adds to the value by including a “Come 4 Pay 2” promotion.

Upstairs at Sui Sian Chinese Restaurant, there’s an all-you-can-eat Cantonese dim sum treats prepared by chef Lo Wai Ming from China. On the menu are fried rice Yang Chow, as well as unlimited Peking duck, suckling pig, crispy pork belly, drunken chicken, jelly fish and selection of desserts. It costs Bt850-plus and is available from 11am to 3pm.

For reservations, please call (02) 254 0404 extension 7777 or e-mail: fb@landmarkbangkok.com.

Anantara Riverside Bangkok’s Riverside Terrace is pulling out all the stops to dish up festive feasts at its Songkran gala dinner buffet from April 13 to 15 from 6 to 10pm.

Feast on seafood, BBQ delights and a Khao Chae Songkran special. Enjoy a traditional Buddha bathing ceremony, contemporary Thai dance show and splashing water gun fun.

Trader Vic’s holds a Songkran Family Sunday Brunch on April 15 from 11.30am to 3pm.

For reservations, call (02) 476 0022 extension 1416 or email riversidedining@anantara.com.

Suan Bua Restaurant, Centara Grand at Central Plaza Lat Phrao Bangkok, unveils the secret of Khao Chae, a traditional Thai dish that celebrates the taste of summer. The seasonal menu will be available throughout this month..

Khao Chae is a cooling dish of rice in jasmine water served with condiments that include sweet shredded pork, sweet shredded beef, sweet fish, marinated shrimp stuffed with sweet pepper and egg, deep-fried shallot stuffed with salmon and Thai herbs, fried shredded turnip with palm sugar. All these irresistible condiments come in small portions and are served on a plate decorated with carved vegetables.

Additional side dishes include fermented fish, prawn in coconut milk and Thai herbs and bitter orange peel salad with chicken, pork and prawns cooked in traditional style.

Book a table at (02) 541 1234 extension 4151.

Conrad Bangkok’s Cafe@2 arranges a delicious buffet feast featuring both Western and Asian culinary delicacies from April 11 to 15 between 11.30am and 2.30pm.

It includes sumptuous seafood, gourmet grills and authentic Thai cuisine, as well as Alaskan king crab, river prawn, lobster, freshly-shucked oysters on ice, live station grills offering beef, chicken and sea bass cooked precisely the way you like it, Italian pizza and pasta with gourmet sauces, various Asian dishes including delicious wok-fried crab curry, expertly crafted sushi and sashimi, and a board of succulent seasonal fruits and tantalising desserts.

It’s priced at Bt1,750-plus per person and Bt875-plus for children. Reserve a place at (02) 690 9299.

Dusit Thani Bangkok presents Khao Chae as parts of its buffet lunch from now until April 20. It’s priced at Bt1,250-plus.

Call (02) 200 9000 extension 2345, e-mail: dtbkdining@dusit.com.

The five winning teams beat 16 other finalists at the Summit’s inaugural Regional Social Innovation Challenge, held in Bangkok at the end of last month.

Launched in 2017 by UNDP with support from the Citi Foundation, Youth Co:Lab is a regional programme that aims to tackle social and unemployment challenges by harnessing youth’s leadership, entrepreneurship and innovation. The programme is part of Citi and Citi Foundation’s Pathways to Progress initiative to prepare urban youth to thrive in today’s economy.

More than 30 young people representing 21 finalist teams from nine countries battled it out at the Challenge following two days of dialogue, capacity-building and mentoring to prepare them for their final pitches. Finalists were grouped into two categories: 11 in the Start Up track and 10 in the Scale Up track. Two winners were selected from each group and a fifth team was named the most popular having been voted as a favourite on the Youth Co:Lab Facebook page during the course of the event.

Two winners from Start-up Track category are from the Philippines. LawKo is a social media chatbot that aims to bridge the knowledge gap between a legal system shrouded with complicated terms and processes and a general public that needs to understand the law. It is designed to be a one-stop shop to address questions about legal and government processes.

The other winner is Arooga Health that aims to provide users with convenient access to trusted care providers for their emotional and mental wellness. The start-up is currently applying for incubator programmes in the Philippines and is aiming to launch a pilot of its platform within a private company for use by its employees.

“We are really excited. This gives us validation that even at the regional level, issues on mental health are really something to look at and innovations that address these issues are really important as well,” said Samantha Sanchez, co-founder of Arooga Health.

In the Scale-up Track category, Phinix from the Philippines was the winner. Phinix is a textile recycling centre that collects textile waste and transforms it into higher value products such as footwear, fashion accessories and lifestyle pieces. It is a fashion social enterprise that aims for the triple bottom line – planet, people, and profit.

The other winner is Hands On from China that utilises 3-D printing technology to produce affordable prosthetics for children and young amputees in China. Over the past year, the social enterprise has made more than 50 robotic hands for beneficiaries in 14 provinces.

“I don’t believe you need a reason to do something meaningful to help those with disabilities. All of us need to work together so that no one is left behind and to achieve the SDGs,” said Hanyao Gu, co-founder of Hands On.

Blue Hearts from Maldives grabbed the Popular Award. Amassing more than 900 Likes on Facebook, Blue Hearts is an online platform designed to provide young people in Maldives access to psychological care by connecting them to psychology graduates who are also seeking work experience. The graduate volunteers will be supervised by registered professionals. Once formally launched, the platform will also be used to raise awareness about mental health and wellness.

Pitching their enterprises to a panel of esteemed judges, the finalists were evaluated based on a number of criteria, which included contribution to relevant Sustainable Development Goal, viability and potential to scale social enterprise models, team capability and innovation including potential to pioneer impactful change.

The winning teams will be given the opportunity to participate in a youth entrepreneurship forum in China in August.

The Regional Social Innovation Challenge, part of the inaugural Asia Pacific Youth Co:Lab Summit marks the first year of partnership between UNDP and the Citi Foundation. The programme has reached out to more than 1,700 young people and led to the launch and further development of over 140 social enterprises across a total of 11 countries. These countries include Thailand, the Philippines, China, the Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Pakistan and Vietnam.

Building on these milestones, the scope of the Youth Co:Lab programme will be widened to include 16 countries over this year and next.

For ongoing updates on the programme, follow #YouthCoLab and visit YouthCoLab.org and the Youth Co:Lab page on Facebook.

The documentary explores the life of Vann Molyvann, an architect whose work came to represent a new identity for a country emerging from independence, and whose incredible story encompasses Cambodia’s turbulent journey as a modern nation.

In Cambodia’s post-independence period Molyvann was at the centre of a renaissance, developing a distinctive architectural style, New Khmer Architecture, that completely changed the face of Cambodia. Then in 1970, at his creative peak, Cambodia’s political landscape disintegrated, forcing him to flee as the Khmer Rouge plunged the country into civil war. Finally returning in the 1990s, Molyvann found a different country from the one he left. Marginalised from public life, many of his works had been destroyed or neglected. The film follows Molyvann in the final year of his life as he reflects on the country he’s put so much of himself into.

At the heart of the documentary is Molyvann’s lifelong engagement with the identity of the Khmer people, and his attempt to create a unique architectural style that gives modern expression to that identity.

After the film, its director Rompre – a Canadian filmmaker based in Phnom Penh and Toronto – will present a few ideas for active discussion from Molyvann’s “Palm Upward” approach.

“The Man Who Built Cambodia” is Rompre’s first narrative documentary, built on nearly a decade of experience writing and directing in broadcast journalism and humanitarian filmmaking. A multi-disciplinarian at heart, he studied law and international development, and worked as a radio producer, before starting his career as a filmmaker. At the heart of his work is a drive to foster mutual understanding through storytelling.

The Siam Society’s members and their spouses and children, and all students showing valid student ID cards get in for free of charge. Non-members pay Bt200.

Find out more by calling (02) 661 6470-3 or email info@siam-society.org.

The regatta, which is known for providing international standard race management and close and competitive racing across all classes and is now in its 14th edition, attracts a diverse range of boats from optimists and dinghies to one-design Platus, IRC yachts and multihulls. Sailors also vary in age and skills. ranging from youngsters to past Olympians and regional champions, sailing pros and weekend sailors.

This year, Top of the Gulf has 12 classes, including keelboats, multihulls, one-design Platus (competing for the Coronation Cup), beach catamarans, dinghies, Optimists (competing for the Thailand Optimist National Championships), and an IOM Class RC Yachts. The organiser may add a Class 0 for TP52 yachts should entry numbers be sufficient.

New features include same end time for all classes to allow attendance of the final night’s Gala Dinner; results for the keelboat and multihull classes posted to the official website immediately after completion of the race, and a new menu at The Sailor’s Bar.

Find out more at http://www.TopOfTheGulfregatta.com.

The programme has been dubbed “Grand Songkran Celebrations” and is part of Amazing Thailand’s “Open to the New Shades” marketing concept.

“Songkran is one of Thailand’s most important festivals. It is a time when families celebrate with centuries-old traditions, returning to their family homes for three to five days of making merit and water splashing ceremonies, which evokes sins being washed away with scented water.

“The main activity is pouring this scented water on sacred Buddha images of local temples in a ritual called Song Nam Phra. Lustral water used to clean Buddhist statues has been regarded as a form of spiritual cleansing since ancient times. It is collected and then gently dripped over the hands of senior family members for luck in a ritual called Rot Nam Dam Hua,” TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn said during a recent press conference.

The 12 major destinations are Samut Prakan, Ayutthaya, Suphan Buri, Chon Buri, Sukhothai, Chiang Mai, Lampang, Nakhon Phanom, Nong Khai, Khon Kaen, Phuket, and Songkhla. Festivities and event dates varying, with some starting as early as April 7 and running until April 20.

The five emerging secondary destinations are Sing Buri, Chanthaburi, Kamphaeng Phet, Kalasin, and Nakhon Si Thammarat, all of which continue with nostalgic time-honoured rituals that get underway between April 11 and 17.

In Sing Buri, the celebration is centred on the ancient Ban Bang Rachan, an important settlement during the Ayutthaya period. Chanthaburi’s Wat Tapon Noi and Wat Kwien Hak annually hold a unique procession of decorated ox-carts parading sacred cloth of the Buddha to warn off bad luck.

In Kamphaeng Phet, where retro-traditions for Songkran are held along the Ping River, there is another Buddha image wrapping procession. The Phrae Wa silk city and dinosaur excavation sites in Kalasin are prominently featured as time-honoured symbols of the Songkran tradition.

In Nakhon Si Thammarat, the religious element of the celebrations takes on a distinctly Hindu feel, with Brahmin ceremonies and rituals as well as the must-attend Nang Dan parade.

For more details of Songkran activities in various locations throughout Thailand, call the TAT Contact Centre 1672 or visit the TAT Contact Centre website.

Sacchi is recognised as one of the most interesting harpists in the international panorama. Convincing, communicative and original, she always manages to reveal new aspects of her instrument, enriching it with her energy and expressiveness. The project #Darklight researches how the harp sound can be elaborated in different ways and united to pre-recorded audio material, soundscapes and original sampling.

A native of Como, she was inspired to play the harp by Annie Challan’s recordings and enrolled at Como Conservatory. She continued her studies in Germany, USA and Canada with Alice Giles, Alice Chalifoux and Judy Loman.

Between 1998 and 2012, Sacchi performed more than 600 concerts in Europe, North and South America, and Asia in concert halls and festivals. Her CDs have sold thousands of copies, entering the top positions of the Classical Chart. In 2014 she recorded a concert by Manuel De Sica with Filarmonica Toscanini, published by CD Brilliant Classics, while in 2016 she presented a concert dedicated to her by Claudia Montero (Grammy winner in 2014 and 2016).

Sacchi not only plays classical music, but also loves to experience electronic music, composing also for theatre and cinema. Moreover, she has written several articles appeared on specialised harp journals and regularly gives master classes in Europe, the United States and Canada.

Organised by the Embassy of Italy, the concert is organised within the framework of the Italian Festival in Thailand, which comprises more than 60 cultural events taking place in Bangkok throughout the year. Now at its 13th consecutive edition, the festival covers 299 days with classical music, opera, jazz, seminars, cinema, dance, promotion of Made in Italy and a lot more. This year marks the 150th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Italy and Thailand.

Admission to all events is free but registration is required at http://www.EventBrite.com.

A mobile exposition will travel across the country offering parents guidance on three critical elements to nurturing care – appropriate and nutritious food, play and stimulation, and love and protection.

A first for Southeast Asia, the campaign is an example of the power of partnership for good. Building on Central Group’s solid relationships with its customers and national presence, the travelling exhibition will give parents, caregivers, family members, business owners and other decision makers the opportunity to learn more about early childhood and to have fun in the process.

“The expo is highly engaging and provides visitors with critical information, based on recent neuroscience, on how babies’ brains develop and what they need to develop to their full potential,” says Central Group chairman Suthichai Chirathivat.

Unicef Thailand representative Thomas Davin says the first six years of a child’s life are critical. Brain cells can make up to 1,000 new connections every second – faster than at any other time in a child’s life.

“This period presents a unique window of opportunity to lay a strong foundation for a child’s lifelong development, health and happiness,” Davin says. “A lack of nurturing care or protection from stress and violence, inadequate nutrition, or too little stimulation and learning can impede the development of the brain, with life-long negative consequences.”

At the campaign launch, singer-songwriter Trai “Boy” Bhumirat – designated the #EatPlayLove campaign hero – performed a song specially written for the project titled “Every Day I Love You”. It encourages parents and caretakers to provide their children with the best possible start in life.

High-profile supporters on hand included Unicef Thailand Goodwill Ambassador Anand Panyarachun, and Friends of Unicef Vanessa Race and Pachara Chirathiwat, who urged that every child in Thailand have equal opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.

According to a 2016 survey by the National Statistical Office with support from Unicef, one child in 10 under age five is physically stunted due to poor nutrition over an extended period of time.

Parental engagement with young children was found to be low, especially among fathers, with only one in three dads “fully engaged” with their children’s activities that promote learning and development.

Almost eight in 10 children ages one to 14 had been subjected to physical or psychological abuse.

The mobile exposition rolled out of Central Plaza Lat Phrao and will be on the road for nine months, through mid-November.

Look for it at Central Plaza Nakhon Rachasima, Central Westgate, Central Festival Samui, Central Festival Chiang Mai, Central Plaza Khon Kaen, Central Plaza Bangna, Central Festival Pattaya, Central Festival Eastville and Central World.

Find out more at http://www.Unicef.or.th/eatplaylove and see the “Every Day I Love You” video at http://www.YouTube.com/unicefthailand.

Rightly recognised for its mastery of materials, Swiss watchmaker Rado recently showed off its revolutionary designs by joining with local designer Kwankao Svetavimala for the “Rado x Kwankao” fashion show at Gaysorn Urban Resort.

Korn Narongdej, Jareyadee and Jay Spencer, Chanadda and Pimpisa Chirathivat, Anne Thongprasom, Rasri Balenciaga, Pitchanart Sakhakorn, Sheranut Yusananda and other Alisters turned out for the show and exhibition, which included a showcase of the signature Rado high tech ceramic and a presentation of the history of the brand.

Kwankao designed 40 outfits to pair with such iconic watches as the HyperChrome, DiaMaster, True collection and Centrix.

The partnership with Kwankao followed on from Rado’s successful collaboration with six international designers in creating a series of limited edition watches at the end of last year.

Matthias Breschan, president of Rado, noted that this was the first time the brand had organised a full fashion show. “We are delighted with our decision to collaborate with one of Thailand’s best-known designers, Kwankao Svetavimala, who has so much in common with us. Beyond the trendy style and the non-stop creativity, both of us always select best materials and pay close attention to every single detail to produce the best results. I hope this event will create more awareness of our upcoming collections among young generation customers.”

Kwankao added that she has long been a fan of Rado’s craftsmanship.

“I participated in all aspects of this fashion show starting from the concept and setting to the organising of the exhibition. I was also inspired by Rado in designing my spring-summer collection. Since the brand started by making watches for sailors, I chose the anchor as one of my main elements for the collection,” she said.

Feathers also figured prominently in a nod to the lightness of the timepieces that makes them so comfortable to wear.

“The roses give off a spirit of relaxation, romance and gentleness without fragility and the pearls and shells were added both to the costume and the jewelled accessories as portray an ocean adventure,” she explained.

“Moreover, this special collection perfectly reflects the true desires and emotions of today’s modern ladies, who are independent, confident, stylish, simple and chic. The main colour of the collection is the navy blue with tones carefully chosen to enhance the contrast.”