As ever, the marathon features runs in five categories: a 42.195-km marathon limited to 700 runners, a 21.1-km half-marathon limited to 1,000 runners, a 10.5-km mini marathon limited to 1,800 runners, a 4-km fun run limited to 3,500 runners and a 4-km students fun run limited to 1,000 runners (500 less than last year).

The marathon starts at Jiranakorn Stadium at 3.30am, with the half-marathon beginning at 5.30am. The mini marathon starts at 6am and the 4km Fun run starts at 6.10am.

Rewards for runners range from a souvenir T-shirt, trophy, medal, goodie bag, finisher T-shirt, buff headwear, and certificate, depending on the category and finishing time.

Hat Yai is the gateway to Malaysia and Singapore and is the centre of trade, logistics, communication, transportation, and tourism of Songkhla province and the Asean region. The city is famous for seafood and lively nightlife, as well as shopping places including Kim Yong and Santisuk markets and Hat Yai City Square. The city’s international airport serves several flights per day, both domestic and regional connections.

Some categories are already full though places could still become available. Find out more and register at http://www.HatYaiMarathon.com.

The popular fundraiser has books in all genres, with prices starting at Bt20.

Since the library’s restoration is still taking place, the book sale will be held in the grounds of its neighbour, the British Club, with the latter providing food and drinks.

As usual, parking is only available in the Voravit Building on Surawong Road, near Naret Road, some 20 metres before the library entrance for Bt30 an hour.

Visitors are reminded not to park on the street in front of the library or risk getting their wheels locked.

And please bring your own bags as no plastic bags will be available. Paper bags will be on sale at Bt10 each. .

If you have any unwanted books to contribute to the sale, please drop them off at the library between 9.30am to 5pm any day except Mondays and national holidays, before the sale. Proceeds go towards the extensive restoration of the landmark building.

For more information, call (02) 233 1731.

Dim sum, barbecued meat combos, soups, vegetable dishes, rice and noodles are also on the menu. Free flow Chinese tea and Chrysanthemum tea are included in the Bt1,200-plus price per set. Find out more or book a table at (02) 200 9000 extension 2345.

Slow moves and high kicks

FMMA Bangkok offers classes in tai chi, qigong and wingchun throughout the week, teaching Thais and expats of all ages, shapes and sizes in a friendly “family” atmosphere. The programme also features regular trips out of Bangkok, giving students the chance to practise in natural surroundings and a relaxing atmosphere.

Eight classes cost Bt2,800, 12 classes Bt3,500 – with Bt700 going towards PAWS Bangkok to help cats. Kids and corporate class are also available. The studio is close to Huay Kwang MRT station.

Call (092) 683 5686, or visit https:// m.facebook.com/wingchunsukhumvit61/.

Pork – the sweet and the sour

Take a satisfying bite of pulled pork wrap combined with flame-grilled pineapple and topped with exciting Texas chilli sauce all this month at Deli by Conrad. Check it out at (02) 690 9999 extension 9222.

Rise and shine at Element

Guests can now tuck into their favourite breakfasts all-day, every day at Element restaurant at the Amara Bangkok Hotel. Choose from classic eggs Benedict, croque madame sandwich, huevos, rancheros, fish and chips, fresh quinoa fruit salad and crispy toasted waffles. Prices start at Bt220-plus. For more information, call (02) 021 8888 extension 5320.

Down on the farm

Siam Kubota invites university students aged 18 to 22 attending the faculties of agriculture, engineering and related fields to take part in the Kubota Smart Farmer Camp 2018 on the them “Kluk Din Fin Fer” (“Enjoy the soil”). The event, which is free and limited to 100 participants, will take place from June 5 to 9 at the Siam Kubota community enterprise in Udon Thani Province. To register, visit http://www.Facebook.com/kubotacamp, http://www.siamkubota.co.th, or add Line ID @kubotacamp2018 before May 20.

This is the fifth edition of the global charity, which has raised more than US$1.8 million (Bt56.7 million) for reconstructive surgery for patients suffering from facial deformities such cleft lips and palates.

“The Ritz-Carlton Community Footprints programme mobilises the resources and skills-based volunteer efforts by the ladies and gentlemen of Ritz-Carlton hotels around the world to make a difference in issues that are important to their communities,” explains Victor Clavell of Marriott International.

“With Smile Asia Week 2018, we are glad to once again share our skills and resources to help this very worthwhile cause, and at the same time inspire our customers to join us in our efforts to make the world a happier place.”

During the charity week, pastry chefs of The Ritz-Carlton hotels in Asia-Pacific create limited-edition cakes, which customers can order online at http://www.SmileAsia.org or buy at Ritz-Carlton hotels.

Based on popular local variations in each country, the options include Cold Raspberry Cheesecake, Valrhona Chocolate Banana, Cherry Chocolate, Cashew Caramel, Chocolate Smile and Valrhona Chocolate.

Smile Asia is a global alliance of independent charities with activities in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Timor-Leste, United States and Uzbekistan.

It deploys medical volunteers to offer surgical care to patients, especially children, living in remote and medically-inaccessible areas in the region to perform corrective and reconstructive surgeries which have the power to transform their lives for the better.

Find out more and how you can contribute at http://www.SmileAsia.org.

Now in its fifth year and with the winner taking home a royal trophy of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, the rally aims to strengthen relationships among Benz TTC customers and to thank them for their trust over the years.

The rally also offered an opportunity for the latest models of Mercedes Benz cars from TTC Pattanakarn showroom to shine.

Akkarin Tangthaweesit, chief executive of the dealership, told reporters that gross proceeds would be presented to HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn to support the Agriculture for School Lunch project.

“The Benz TTC Charity Rally 2018 not only brought together Benz TTC customers and offered them an enjoyable experience, but also gave back to the society. This year, we focused on creative CSR activities such as reading for the blind, for which TTC Motor joined the Blind Theatre Thailand to share the joy of reading with those who have visual disabilities. We also promoted environmental conservation by growing corals and restoring coral reefs.”

Nasha Jungkankul, one of the celebrities who joined the Benz TTC Charity Rally 2018, was happy to talk about the experience. “I am very glad to be a part of this rally. It was an exceptional experience because we had to multitask and get out of our comfort zone. And we all felt really happy to have a chance to read to the blind. It reminded me of when I was a child and used various tones of voice to make the story as fun as possible. It’s such a simple act but can bring incredible happiness to us and to those around us. It really inspires me to keep doing it. Another great activity was coral farming.”

Pasratada Vachratadaarpapak , another customer who’s been a part of the Benz TTC family for a long time, added: “This is a great activity because my family loves going to the sea and diving. It also taught us the correct way of coral farming and about marine ecosystem. I was impressed by this rally and what Benz TTC offers to its customers. I hope to see great activities like this again.”

The event venue at CentralWorld was temporarily transformed into a luxurious patisserie serving drinks and desserts made with Carnation Plus to guests and members of the media. The latest TVC featuring Nadech enjoying a Carnation Plus topping over his favourite sweets was shown and Nadech then appeared on the stage to reveal how delighted he was to become Carnation Plus’s presenter.

Karn Chitaravimol, managing director of F&N Dairies (Thailand), said the company was very proud to present a new product.

“It’s a new level of deliciousness that everyone must try. We have chosen superstar Nadech Kugimiya to be our new presenter, not least because his cheerful and friendly personality means everyone loves him. Nadech is the perfect choice for reflecting Carnation’s leading position in the market.”

To see the new television commercial, visit Facebook.com/carnationaroiclub.

Khunying Thungjai Itharut, the president of Siri Wattana Cheshire Foundation under Royal Patronage, says the organiser will bestow all proceeds to Debaratana Vejjanukula Hospital Commemorating Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirinthorn’s 60th Birthday Anniversary, formerly known as Mae Chaem Hospital and located in Chiang Mai’s Mae Chaem district.

This small hospital is located in the middle of a remote community making expansion impossible and thus unable to accommodate all patients in the area. Princess Sirindhorn graciously granted her personal money to construct a facility better suited to the patient caseload and set up the Debaratana Vejjanukula Foundation to support the hospital.

The charity event features a range of astrology readings. Daritka Praison, a specialist in tarot card readings, says: “Tarot has been a science of navigation since the Mesopotamia Civilisation. One deck of 78 tarot cards serves as the medium to tell the story through the subconscious. The oldest Tarot cards are the Cary-Yale Visconti deck, created in the 15th century.

Reality, she adds, is not a matter of enlightenment, creeds and rituals. Tarot is now used to analyse the personality and mind and top executives use the readings in conjunction with other management technique to increase the potential for successful management.

Sanchai Saithong uses date of birth, handprint, and physiognomy for his predictions. “The science of good fortune telling is to promote destiny. Do not worry that the horoscope will be bad. Our job is to advise on ways to solve the problems and promote better fortune. Based on the date of birth, we can predict when the person will have good and bad times so that they are alert in each moment of life. People who come for the prediction will be able to prepare themselves for each situation and should do good deeds,” he says.

Sin Sae Kho Sung Kim, Chinese Science astrologer, spent more than 10 years studying this method of astrology. The science, he says, will create self-development, as people can adjust their behaviour to enjoy better luck.

Other notable astrologers on hand include Katha Chinnabunchorn, Cholkanok Ditchulaka, Chart Wangso, Juthamard Na Song Khla, Rattanamanee Egyptmontra, Jane- the incense stick reader, Phisit Jirawanichpaisan, Supachai Anuthee, Sorarit Sahathanakritnont, Moddam Malila and Piyamard Prachyakriangkrai.

Tickets are Bt400 per session and can be purchased at the event. For more information, call (02) 251 6458.

2 st. regis

The sweet sound of jazz

The Nation

The St Regis Bangkok joins with acclaimed Thai violinist Dr Paye Srinarong to presents “Sips and Sounds”, a series of sophisticated music constellations from the masters to rising stars.

The St. Regis Bangkok hosts the events towards the end of every month featuring the St Regis Master Series, the St Regis Young Artist Series, and The St. Regis Rising Talents.

“The St. Regis Bangkok remains one of my favourite comfort zones anywhere. It is such a pleasure, to bring my passion and expertise in music, to this collaboration with this luxury Bangkok property. More importantly, together, we are looking forward to presenting a unique variety of music acts, from the little ones to the professionals, as we continue to prove Bangkok’s worth as a cultured city,” commented Srinarong.

This Friday (April 27), the St Regis Master Series will showcase the finest musical crafts by the best professionals in the business, from classical music to jazz and beyond. Running from 8 to 9pm at the St Regis Bar, the series features Thai jazz quartet Bemerkenswert Vier led by renowned saxophonist Polwit Opanant, together with the captivating vocals of Piranan, aka Kita The Voice.

Make your reservation at (02) 207 7777, e-mail fb.bangkok@stregis.com. Find out more at http://www.StRegisBangkok.com.

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.