Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy join Mickey in a high-energy opening that is a modern take on the film that started it all, “Steamboat Willie”. With some help from the audience, Mickey and pals venture through the various Disney worlds sharing meaningful moments from treasured tales spanning generations to determine what their favourite memory of all time is.

Tickets cost from Bt700 to Bt2,700 at Thai Ticket Major. Call (02) 262 3456 or visit http://www.ThaiTicketMajor.com.

Treat for the feet

World-renowned pedicurist Bastien Gonzalez will be at the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok tomorrow to introduce the “Ultimate Special Duo Exclusive Therapy”. He will work his magic on legs and feet in four sessions running from 10am to 7pm at Spa Studio. The price is Bt7,000-plus.

Make a reservation at (02) 659 9000.

Game for a laugh

Irish comedian Darren Matthews drops into the Comedy Club Bangkok tomorrow night in celebration of St Patrick’s Day and as part of his latest tour “Whisky And Ginger Male”.

He’ll be talking about the luck of the Irish through hilarious travel stories.

Tickets cost Bt500 in advance at ComedyClubBangkok.com and The Royal Oak Pub with a Shamrock special discount of 3 tickets at just Bt400 each and Bt700 on the door.

All the fun of the fair

The Thai Sikh International School (TSIS) is organising its second annual International Fun Fair this Saturday from 10am to 3pm at the facility’s Bangna Campus.

Fair organisers expect to welcome more than 1,000 people to join a variety of indoor and outdoor family activities and enjoy one of the biggest selections of international food ever seen at the junction of Bangkok and Samut Prakan.

The day will be filled with games, sports, culture, raffles, a fashion show and live entertainment.

For more info, call (02) 743 504952.

A taste of cultural soup

Rhythm and Roots  a creative cultural infusion of world traditions and art styles – is taking place at The Continent Hotel, Bangkok on Saturday starting at 7pm.

It features “Spanish Flamenco infused with Indian Traditional and Bollywood” choreography and dance by Indian artist Aarti Saikia, “Poet for the Night” by Aarti Saikia, “Persian Painting” by Arash Groyan, “Musical Notes” by German DJ Denis, and “Collective Art Canvas”.

Entry fee is Bt300 inclusive of welcome drink.

The Continent is on Sukhumvit Road right next to Terminal 21.

There were 120 high-level players representing 17 nationalities, including seven Thais.

The competition helps decide membership for the 2019 season. Only the winner of the 72-hole stroke-play tournament can play the full season, while players who finish second through 12th earn guaranteed starts in the first six events. Finishers 13 through 35 and ties earn conditional status through the first six events.

Tour organisers were thrilled with the opportunity to work with Laguna Golf Phuket in bringing a world-class PGA-affiliated event to the area and to see new talented players emerge.

“We’ve watched numerous players show up at the qualifying tournaments and a year or two later they’re playing on the Web.com Tour and PGA Tour,” said PGA Tour Series-China Executive Director Greg Carlson.

“It’s at the qualifiers where many of them are beginning their professional journeys, and we recognise the talent that has come through our tour during its first four years.

“This is also a new chapter in the history of the tour as we stage an event away from Greater China for the first time,” Carlson said. “Playing in Thailand will provide players with a new cultural experience, while playing a tournament on a world-class golf course in one of the great resort cities in Southeast Asia.”

Architect Paul Jansen revamped and upgraded Laguna Golf Phuket in 2014. It features lagoons, native watergrasses and mature woodland.

The last International Federation of PGA Tours event held at Laguna was the Asian Development Tour’s 2018 Singha Laguna Phuket Open.

The so-called “bodymap” paintings are self-representations of each painter. They were made starting with the drawing of a real-life outline of the artist’s body. Then memories, and hopes were painted onto the paper and the bodymap became a life-sized documentation of each refugees caught between past and future.

The paintings were produced during therapeutic art classes coordinated by artist Gerda Liebmann and conducted by artists and volunteers as a way to allow the refugees to share their stories and heal their emotions. Many of them are traumatised and depressed. They have experienced persecution and have been forced far away from home. Now they have to survive in the shadows of the bustling city of Bangkok, waiting for years in vulnerable and not always safe conditions with the hope of being relocated to a third country. Art helps them express their feelings and affirm their presence. As the project’s coordinator puts it: “Art is a therapeutic way to express oneself inside out”.

The artists represented are from Pakistan, Vietnam and Eritrea. The youngest is 17 years old and the oldest, Brief summaries of their stores hang besides each of the painted bodymaps.

To conclude and celebrate the exhibition on March 30 at 5pm a panel discussion will be held that focuses attention on mental health among refugees in Thailand (both urban and camp refugees) – an important, yet often neglected topic. The panel will discuss issues as well as approaches, especially creative approaches that are used to strengthen the resilience of refugees and other marginalised groups in coping with trauma and insecurity.

Topics are “Creating a Safe Space with Creative Processes” by Sangusanee “Cherry” Nawamarat, Thai art therapist; “Art as Therapy for Refugees” by Liebmann, an artist and facilitator of art classes for adult refugees and Inside Out project coordinator; and “Mental Health Issues among Refugees: Experiences and Approaches” by Cherry Soe Myn, supervisor and trainer of SEA Junction’s Common Elements Treatment Approach (CETA) counselling, Myanmar.

The exhibition and the panel are a continuation of the series “Displaced and Uprooted in Southeast Asia” in collaboration with TIFA Foundation. The series aims to give visibility to the fate of displaced persons, asylum seekers and refugees in the region and stimulate public discussion on inclusive policy and intervention responses to forced movements of people.

The event is free, but donations are most welcome to enable SEA Junction to continue its activities and keep events accessible to the public.

For information and reservations, call (097) 002 4140 or email: southeastasiajunction@gmail.com.

THE WATCHMAKING industry as the world knows it today has not only become increasingly competitive over the years but is also facing challenging market conditions. Even some of the forerunners can no longer fully rely on brand loyalty but are having to adapt, among them Patek Philippe, one of the oldest and longest standing watch companies that has pioneered countless pieces of technology since 1839.

During the Stern family’s leadership, Patek Philippe has grown to become one of the most highly regarded watch brands in the industry. Thierry Stern, president and the fourth generation of the family that has owned the company since 1932, recently visited Bangkok to attend the grand opening of the Patek Philippe flagship boutique at Iconsiam, Bangkok.

At the event, Stern was quick to congratulate Narun Thamavaranukup, managing director of PMT the Hour Glass, the brand’s partner in Thailand, for its superior boutique. He also reaffirmed the brand’s long-term commitment to Thailand.

The boutique’s architecture is, as one would expect, is driven by the pursuit of perfection. Collectors and enthusiasts are warmly welcomed on their arrival to explore a wide range of Patek Philippe timepieces in the watch gallery area with its custom-made large windows and counter displays. To the right of the atrium, clients are invited to discover a patrimony exhibition area that showcases Patek Philippe’s 180 years of historical milestones. Every detail of this exceptional boutique reflects the rich heritage of the brand, among them the emblematic Calatrava cross etched in the glass wall.

Under the leadership of brothers Jean and Charles Henri Stern, the brand has created some of its most iconic models. In 1932, they debuted the first Calatrava Ref 96. In 1968, they introduced the first Golden Ellipse Ref 3548. Then, in 1976, Patek Philippe launched the first Nautilus sport watch model. To commemorate the company’s 150th anniversary in 1989, the brand debuted the most complicated pocket watch ever – the Calibre 89 with 33 complications. This timepiece featured a minute repeater, perpetual calendar, and moon phases.

In October 2014, Patek Philippe presented its 175th anniversary collection, drawing the attention of all watch enthusiasts with the WorldTimer and its Moonphase Ref 5575G and Chiming Jump Hour Ref 5275P. But as stunning as these were, all eyes were drawn towards the collection’s crown jewel –the Grandmaster Chime Ref 5175R, the most complicated and most expensive Patek Philippe wristwatch ever.

                                                                    Thierry Stern, president 

To this day, Patek Philippe continues to thrive as a family business with its superior quality and commitment to innovation echoing the vision of the founders.

Thierry Stern joined the company in 1994. Two years later, he initiated the publication of the twice-a-year Patek Philippe Magazine and the “From One Generation to the Next” campaign, bringing a new international image to the brand and giving birth to the slogan “You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation”.

He kindly took time out from his busy Bangkok schedule to chat with The Nation. Excerpts:

HOW DO YOU SEE THE POTENTIAL OF THE LUXURY WATCH MARKET IN THAILAND?

The potential is quite big. There are always a lot of watch lovers and collectors. However, at the same time, the market is also difficult as we can see that many pieces come to Thailand through different channels, which is not easy to control. So we need to improve also the presence of Patek Philippe with our store and official partner. That unfortunately means a lack of pieces so here again production has to be improved so that customers can come here and buy without the need to go to Europe or elsewhere. Thailand’s collectors are passionate. They know all the references. We can also see also a new generation of watch enthusiasts. They like us and that’s fantastic.

HOW DOES THE BRAND APPROACH THE YOUNG CUSTOMERS?

Thanks to their parents, they know Patek and the quality it represents. They also enjoy the new collections – the Nautilus, the Aquanaut. Those types of pieces talk to them and they like wearing them. You need always to bring fresh new models and beautiful pieces. We need to propose a really wide collection of pieces. When we design the collection today, I prefer to think of the son or the daughter instead of the parents. I think if the younger generation likes the watch, the older one will sure to like it. The quality is the same or even better. The young generation is Internet savvy and that means they have a lot of information. They know how difficult it is to fabricate it. They ask tough questions. They are curious, I like that.

WHAT WILL YOU BRING THIS YEAR TO THE BASELWORLD WATCH FAIR?

Every year at BaselWorld, we try to come with 20-30 new models. Some of them are aimed specifically at the younger generation, some are more complicated, and, of course, there’s the matter of price. We need to be more open to the ladies and for them we have launched the new Twenty4 model. I see no difference between men’s and women’s watches, both are important. There is also a new demand for a complicated lady watch, which makes me very happy because the movement we have is very thin and that allows me to create the most beautiful complicated lady watches. So you will really see the whole mix in Basel. It reminds me of when we launched the Aquanaut, which targeted young customers but our collectors really liked it too and wanted to wear it on the weekends. That’s a bit tricky.

The Aquanaut collection

HOW ARE YOU DEALING WITH THE RECENT RUMOURS ABOUT A POSSIBLE SALE?

No, we are not for sale, that’s for sure. Every year it is the same – the rumours start before the BaselWorld. The press could have checked with me.

AS THE OLDEST FAMILY OWNED WATCH BUSINESS, CAN YOU SAY A LITTLE ABOUT THE ROOTS OF THE FAMILY VALUES THAT ARE INSTILLED IN THE BRAND’S HERITAGE?

Family values are not complicated, they’re just about loving doing what you do. That’s the most important and it’s what you pass on to your children. You just have to educate people, to show them the passion behind your work – that if you are willing to do something, you should do it well. At Patek Philippe, we always have this passion in mind. There is no way you can work at Patek if you do not love watches, for example. It could be very difficult, this is not something you just take from the book and learn. First, you have it inside you, which is part of your education. Then as a family, you have to accept the others. We all have different ideas but we aim for one thing, which is to make the finest watch in the world. Once you agree with that, I think those values are natural. When you come to Patek, you are not just there to make money but because you have the passion to make the finest watch in the world. If you do that, the money will come afterwards. That’s what I see in the group of watch industry. I respect our shareholders and I am well aware that they want to earn as much as possible from our watches. But I look more at the long term – what will happen when I am gone and my children take over. So I have to prepare the future for them. I’m just part of it for a few years. I just do my best for the next generations – to ensure that the family values are carried on.

FINALLY, HOW WOULD YOU COMPARE THE WATCH INDUSTRY NOWADAYS TO THAT OF THE PAST?

When I started, there were a lot of family-owned companies. There were a lot of people who really loved watches; they were there because they really enjoy the movements and the designs. Now with the big groups, they are professionals and all about marketing. It’s part of life; I cannot change it. But at Patek Philippe, I can keep up the level of passion – that’s my personal goal.

It features more than 30 art exhibits of dance, music, cuisine, handicrafts, and natural and cultural photography. The artwork has also been uploaded to Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Google Plus and Reddit. To see it, just log in to the above platforms and follow the “NO.1” homepage.

Yunnan is similar to a botanical garden, an ecological treasure of China, and a destination that sees tens of thousands of photographers visit each year to take pictures of the red earth, terraces, the sea of flowers, the tropical rainforest and the starry sky at close range.

Yunnan’s peacock dance, the Water-Splashing Festival of the Dai people and the Torch Festival of the Yi people are worldfamous. The ancient Yunnan music, “hulusi” (a flute made of cucurbit) and “sanxian” (a three-stringed plucked instrument) contribute ancient and mellifluous melodies to the world.

Delicacies like steam pot chicken, Pu’er tea, flower cakes and Yunnan Arabica coffee, enjoy a worldwide reputation. The handicrafts, such as oil-paper umbrellas, wind chimes, brocade, tiedyes, and embroidery, boast both rich diversity and dazzling beauty.

A hundred years ago, the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway opened the gateway to this mystery land. A hundred years later, the Belt and Road presents a new open Yunnan to the world.

Watch Yunnan on video at

Panida Palakvangasa Na Ayudhaya spent five years compiling this book from the notes of her father, Major Gen Chakrachai Supangkasen, a key member of the Free Thai Movement.

The book reveals unveils the underground resistance mission against Imperial Japan during World War II. Known as “Seri Thai”, the Free Thai Movement was an important source of military intelligence for the Allies in the region. The coffee-table book features Major Gen Jakchai’s notes about the Free Thai Movement’s “mission impossible” and is illustrated with rare black-and-white photographs of the men as they undertook their duties as well as an archived newspaper recording the mission.

The book is priced at Bt1,295 and available at River Books shop in Chakrabongse Palace near Museum Siam and at Asia Books.

Celebrating the release of the film of the same name, the “Captain Marvel Integrated Event” continues through March 17 at Paragon Cineplex, on the 5th floor of Siam Paragon.

In addition to a huge array of licensed merchandise from renowned brands and a host of exciting promotions, the event features a thrilling augmented reality experience that allows fans to unleash their inner super hero.

For over a decade, the Super Heroes of the Marvel Cinematic Universe have established themselves in the hearts of a global fan base. Set in the 1990s, Marvel Studios’ “Captain Marvel” is an all-new adventure that follows the journey of Carol Danvers as she becomes one of the universe’s most powerful heroes. While a galactic war between two alien races reaches Earth, Danvers finds herself and a small cadre of allies at the centre of the maelstrom.

Marvel fans will also be delighted by the engaging activities designed for everyone.

Special offers for licensed merchandise highlights include Captain Marvel gloves from Hasbro that pack a powerful photon blast to turn anyone to a superhero in the blink of an eye, plus a variety of action figures from its Legends Series. Hot Toys presents many designs of mini-sized Cosbaby Captain Marvel action figures, a 1/6TH Scale Collection Figure collection that has authentic and detailed likeness of Captain Marvel in the movie, and accessories including Goose the Cat.

FBT joins celebrations of Marvel fans by releasing a Captain Marvel collection of stretchy and comfortable apparel. Besides t-shirts in nine designs, the collection also features workout tank tops and matching pants, polo shirts and hooded sweatshirts.

PWS Collection pleases those who love the wearing comfort of cotton with a t-shirt collection inspired by Captain Marvel. The collection comes in five different colours and eight designs.

Cool Planet takes cool to another level with its unisex caps that come in various Captain Marvel designs.

Yazaki will conduct the Pro Musica Orchesra at the Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel on Thursday March 28 at 7.30pm and the SSMS Orchestra at the Mahisorn Hall at the Siam Commercial Bank Headquarters, Ratchayothin on Sunday April 7 at 5pm, according to a press release.

Maestro Yazaki is no stranger to classical music lovers in Thailand. He has conducted major symphony orchestras around the world and served as the music director of The Bangkok Symphony Orchestra for more than 10 years.

On March 28, Yazaki will lead the Pro Musica Orchestra with Tasana Nagavajara as violin soloist in a performance of ML Usni Pramoj’s Violin Concerto and works by composers Carl Nielsen from Denmark and Edvard Grieg from Norway, whose compositions “Petite Suite Op. 1” and “Holberg Suite” are remarkably musical.

Both North European composers chose to use their native accents and rhythms to blend with  mainstream classical music, which makes their works a colorful, unique sound in musical history.

ML Usni Pramoj’s  Violin Concerto, composed in 2006, was dedicated to Tasana Nagavajara. The Concerto was constructed in a contemporary Western classical music style but with personal oriental flavor by the composer, a process which displays a variety of emotions from the slow, sad sections to the faster-paced ones, containing syncopated jazz rhythms.

This Concerto has not been performed in public before. It is an opportunity not to be missed as this will be a world premiere event, according to the press statement.

On April 7, Maestro Yazaki will conduct SSMS Orchestra in a grand concert “The Hero” at Mahisorn Hall Siam Commercial Bank, Ratchayothin at 5pm. This concert will feature Beethoven’s Symphony No.3 (Eroica), the  Petite Symphonie for Winds by Charles Gounod and the Marimba Concerto by Emmanuel Sejourne.

The SSMS Orchestra is composed of young musicians who attend the annual residential Silpakorn Summer Music School. Every year, the SSMS aims to bring top music students together during their summer break. Young talent of different ages and from different backgrounds come to rehearse and work together and then make music under the tuition of distinguished faculty members for one week before performing the final concerts in Pattaya and Bangkok.

The Eroica Symphony (Heroic Symphony) is one of the Beethoven’s most celebrated works and is a large-scale composition that marked the beginning of Beethoven’s creative middle-period. Composed mainly in 1803–1804, the work is grounded in the classical symphonic tradition while also stretching boundaries of form, length, harmony, and perceived emotional and possibly cultural content. It has therefore widely been considered an important landmark in the transition between the Classical period and the Romantic era.

For more information and tickets reservation visit http://www.promusicabkk.com