The annual summer event also celebrates the beloved goldfish, with more than 100 food outlets serving photogenic dishes bearings its likeness.

The district boasts 170 stores offering discounts on purchases to anyone wearing the yukata. Then it’s off to see the digital fireworks illuminating the buildings along festive street Nakadori and covering the pavement in shimmering blue virtual water.

Nakadori is lined with giant chochin – paper lanterns – bearing goldfish motifs. The sounds of bubbling streams and fireworks are designed to evoke a cool riverbank as revellers admire the real fireworks in the sky.

The Art Aquarium is meanwhile hosting another of its terrific exhibitions of aquatic art, this time by Hidetomo Kimura.

Find out more at https://mitsuishoppingpark.com.

“Our policy and philosophy is to create diamond jewellery suited to everyone, using the highest quality diamonds from the best diamond cutting areas in the world. We integrate innovative designs that are modern, multifunctional and suited to all occasions. The event is organised to show our infinite gratitude and appreciation to our customers,” said Unyarat Pornprakit, the firm’s chief executive.

“The Expo area is divided in eight spectacular zones and the highlight, the queen of the exhibition, is the gigantic “Fancy Intense Yellow”. This diamond has a size of 70.79 carats and is the biggest Fancy Yellow diamond in the world, found in a famous diamond mine in South Africa and cut in Belgium in ‘Excellent Excellent’ Grade,” she said.

Guests also learned about the newest and innovative stone setting process – the Micro Set Microscope Setting Technique – which enables professional stone setters to create stunning and uniform glittering diamond surfaces.

The highlight of the event was a dazzling fashion show, with big name models presenting a range of diamond sets to the sound of Nantida Kaewbuasai powerful vocals.

There are more than 125 branches of Jubilee Diamond in Thailand. Find out where they are at http://www.JubileeDiamond.co.th.

“True Little Monk: A Wisdom Training Programme for Novices” – the world’s first international dharma reality documentary programme – has proved something of success, with ten of thousands of viewers around the world tuning in to their televisions and computers to watch as the youngsters study under the watchful eye of Abbot Master Phrakhru Nikrotthammaphon (Luang Ta Anek Yasadinno) at Wat Pah Sai Ngam in Ubon Ratchathani province.

“Our purpose is to expand Buddhism to an international level to bring the Lord Buddha’s dharma to the hearts of people across the world, as well as to set good examples and inspire the public to practice dharma principles,” says Suphachai Chearavanont, chief executive officer of Charoen Pokphand Group and chairman of True Corporation’s executive committee.

“This is the first time a dharma reality documentary programme has been conducted in English so that viewers worldwide can learn dharma along with the 12 novices from Nepal, Kenya, New Zealand, Australia, the UK, France and China. Although the novices come from different cultures, they have quickly learnt to adapt to their new environment and, most importantly, are determined to be ordained. They know how to ask questions and find answers by themselves, which is a very important learning curve nowadays.”

“Youths have unlimited potential. If they embrace Buddhism’s ethics and virtues, they will gain the highest level of knowledge and that is regarded as a most valuable treasure. All through the four weeks, the novice monks will study and practise the Lord Buddha’s teachings under the concept ‘Compassion & Kindness’. They will ‘learn’ dharma by setting questions, practising and understanding dharma, ‘live’ by focusing on the present and practicsng dharma principles with endurance, ‘love’ by realising the truth of living together in harmony and supporting each other, and finally ‘let go’ of ego and selfishness to reach the goal of being a ‘giver’ with compassion,” he continues.

“The programme aims to cultivate ethics and virtues in these 12 novices so that they benefit from this knowledge in their daily lives as well as spread the Lord Buddha’s teachings to viewers across the world.”

Eight-year-old Kenyan Shane “DJ” Wafula and Thai-New Zealander Trevor Thara Rowley, also eight, are thrilled to be at the temple.

“I am glad to be ordained as a novice monk. I hope that being a novice will make me a better person. I have practised and prepared myself for this mission in many ways such as waking up early, mediating and eating less. Joining this dharma programme, I have made new friends from various countries. This is a good experience. I have learned and practised dharma by meditating and chanting. All the reverend monks have provided me with fruitful knowledge that I will share with my friends when I go home,” says novice DJ.

“This is my first time to be ordained as a novice monk. I want to be a novice because my brother was also ordained. I want to know what it’s like being a monk. I don’t really understand Buddhism, so I want to learn more about this religion. I was quite worried about eating, sleeping and shaving my hair so I practised eating less, sleeping on the floor and prepared my mind for having no hair. I miss my family but at the same time I am glad and excited to learn new things such as how to wear a monk’s robe. Being a novice monk enables me to learn new things,” adds novice Trevor.

“True Little Monk: A Wisdom Training Programme for Novices” screens around the clock on TrueVisions Reality TV channels 60 and 99 as well as TrueVisions Reality TV HD channels 119 and 333. It can also be watched via the TrueID app, and at Facebook and YouTube. The series ends on July 25.

“We will bring woven fabrics from all over the country to salute Her Majesty Queen Sirikit and to also preserve and support Thai handicrafts in line with royal aspirations,” said the club’s president Nayada Amatavanich.

“The event will also feature talks by many famous Thai Fabric designers, among them Thanit Phoomsawai, a well-known designer from the drama “Buppesanniwas”, Wasin Oonjanam costume designer of the drama “Nakaraj”, artists who have created and rewoven fabric patterns such as Terdsak Insaeng, Pairat Sararat, Jongjarun Manakam and Suriya Wongchai, as well as additional Thai fabric experts from different regions. And we will demonstrate how to wear a sarong in various forms.”

In partnership with Feature Co Ltd, the club will also unveil a precious publication on woven textiles in Thailand.

Sanjai Saiyai Phasin Club was established on December 5, 2017 with the objective of preserving and promoting Thai sarong and woven textiles in all regions. It currently has more than 17,000 members.

For more information, call (088) 693 0360

Since the first Korean wave washed over our shores more than a decade ago, Thai tourists have flocked to South Korea, exploring the filming locations of their favourite series and attending concerts by much-loved K-pop artists.

But the country has much more to offer than venues for hallyu worship including unique cuisine, handson culinary classes, and aesthetic culture.

That became obvious on a recent MICE familiarisation trip funded by the Korea Tourism Organisation, whose generosity offered me a wealth of interesting experiences.

Making a good first impression is incredibly important so my first visit is to one of the many hanbok rental shops at Bukchon Hanok Village near Gyeongbokgung Palace where I intend to kit myself out in traditional Korean dress.

I choose a blue traditional overcoat, a durumagi with wide sleeves and slip it on over a jeogori, a white traditional jacket, and loose-fitting trousers known as baji before completing the ensemble with a gat, a traditional black hat originally made of horsehair with a wide brim on a bamboo frame.

Clad in hanbok and my sunglasses, I walk the short distance to Gyeongbokgung, the largest of the five grand palaces in Seoul. Its name means “palace greatly blessed by Heaven” and refers to its location in the heart of Seoul surrounded by Mount Bugaksan and Mount Namsan.

Standing at the Gwanghwamun Gate, the first gate of the palace, I’m surprised to see other people, both Korean and foreigners, attired in hanbok. I later learn that it’s “Hanbok Day”, which the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism established to encourage Korean citizens to wear these traditional outfits. I join them to watch the sumunjang, the royal guard changing ceremony, which is held every day at 10am and again at 2pm.

Unfortunately I don’t have time to visit the entire palace so limit my excursion to Gangnyeongjeon Hall, the living quarters and resting area for King Taejo, the Geoncheonggung Residence, which was built by King Gojong so he could be politically independent of his father, Heungseon Daewongun, the Geunjeongjeon Hall, the main throne hall, and Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, which was used for entertaining foreign visitors.

The hot and humid weather convinces me to divest myself of my hanbok for a tour of the villages of Seochon and Bukchon, whose narrow alleys are lined with traditional hanok houses and it is with relief that I climb into a pedicab run by the Artee Riders Club, the first company to offer rickshaw tours.

My pedicab takes me along the road that runs parallel to Gyeongbokgung Palace then turns right into Seochon, an old historic area whose bane means the “village to the west”, which is home to traditional hanok homes as well as many shops, boutiques, cafes and restaurants. Reaching the end of the alley, we retreat to another cluster of traditional hanok homes in Bukchon Hanok Village or “northern village”, an area that is instantly recognisable for its appearance in many dramas including “Monster” and “Heirs”. My driver convinces me to walk uphill along the steep alley from where I can take photos of Seoul from in between the hanoks, most of which have been converted into cultural centres, guesthouses, restaurants and teahouses.

Moving from Seoul to Busan for the second part of my journey, I take the opportunity to sample hansik, traditional Korean cuisine centred on rice that has caught on around the world. It includes such familiar dishes as kimchi and bibimbap as well as Korean BBQ and the pop-culture inspired chimaek, which gets its name from chicken and maekju, the Korean word for beer. It is popular all around the country but I try it at Fingers and Chats in trendy Bay 101 of Marine City.

I also take part in Soollo Road, a themed tour that visits the taste and flavour of the city with Korean spirit, or sool, and food. I sample a mini jangeo kkotbap, a type of bibimbap featuring a bowl of rice mixed with grilled eel and assorted vegetables, and makgeolli, the popular Korean rice wine and even learn how to make a Korean beauty mask at Yeonyojae, a school of cultural fermentation.

Bibimbap is one of the all-time favourite meals of the Korean people and well known to most Thais. Its popularity has also grown internationally and it is usually served with a hot-stone bowl. Before eating, I slowly cook the ingredients and crisp the rice before adding gochujang, a popular Korean condiment made with red chillies.

Back in Seoul, I taste the true flavour of my host country at Korea House, a traditional building that introduces the culture and lifestyle of the country’s residents and allows the visitor to experience traditional architecture and a classical atmosphere. It is divided into a space for people to get acquainted with each other, a traditional theatre, and three annex buildings. Normally it’s the setting for historical TV dramas or weddings, but it’s also a hideaway for Korean boy band BTS to expand K-pop’s traditional sphere of influence.

Here, I try gujeolpan, one of the pre-eminent dishes of Joseon court cuisine, for the first time. Its name means “a plate with nine sections” – gu is the number nine, representing everything, fullness or perfection. Gujeolpan is characterised by the harmony between the five colours – yellow, white, black, blue and red – created by the natural colours of the ingredients. All the ingredients are designed to be wrapped with a thinly fried pancake made from flour and served with a dipping sauce made from either mustard or soy sauce with vinegar. It’s a popular dish to serve to important guests or at banquets, as it’s colourful and light in taste.

A Korean official of the OME Cooking Lab tells me there’s no better way to learn more about Korean traditional food and desserts than to have a go at making them myself. I opt to make gangjeong, a deep-fried rice puff coated with honey, nuts or seeds, and tteok, Korean rice cakes made of various grains, and bingsu, the shaved ice treat so popular with Thais.

Part of the one-day cooking class involves shopping for the ingredients at Yangnyeong and Gyeong dong, two local and traditional markets in Seoul. Fortunately, an OME official is waiting for me at Exit 2 of Jegidong station.

Yangnyeong is the nation’s largest oriental medicine market and I’m immediately struck by the unique fragrances of the Korean medicinal herbs especially several types of ginseng. Red ginseng is particularly popular, due to proven effectiveness in restoring energy, while Youngji mushrooms are known to prevent a range of adult diseases.

I round off my trip with a spa experience with Korean red ginseng treatment at Spa G. Red ginseng is known to help revitalise the mind and body, nourishing the skin and relaxing stressed muscles. I choose a red ginseng essential oil body treatment – an oil massage therapy that combines red ginseng essential oil and Swedish massage techniques – and leave the spa 60 minutes feeling completely refreshed.

Okada was deeply moved by the concept of “Silhouette of Desire” (”Rang Khong Pratthana”) Uthis’ latest novel and contacted the author to propose a stage adaptation.

Within Uthis’s novel lie hidden borderlines between the self and others, life and death, man and woman, past and present, one class and another class, the individual and the nation, the controller and the controlled, and desire and its object. In adapting the novel for the stage, Okada decided to put these borderlines on the stage by employing a theatrical methodology for superimposing them on the narrative and the actors’ bodies.

Eleven Thai actors, from novices to veterans, have been selected through auditions held in Bangkok. They are Jarunun Phantachat, Kemmachat Sersukchareonchai, Kwankaew Kongnisai, Pavinee Samakkabutr, Sasapin Siriwanij, Tapanan Tandulyawat, Teerawat Mulvilai and Witwisit Hiranyawongkul.

Yuya Tsukahara of contact Gonzo is the scenographer, Wichaya Artamat is assistant director, Kyoko Fujitani of FAIFAI is the costume designer while Pornpan Arayaveerasid takes charge of lighting and Masamitsu Araki of sound designer, and Takuya Matsumi handles videography and projections.

The artists taking part in this production are all emerging artists from both Thailand and Japan, living and working in the same age. Through their vision, this work definitely promises to expand the frontiers of theatre itself as a form of artistic expression.

“Pratthana – A Portrait of Possession” will be staged from August 22 – 26 at 7.30pm. An additional show takes place at 1.30pm on August 25 and will be followed by a talk.

Early bird tickets are priced at Bt500 (reservation and payment by July 31). Ticket prices are Bt700 and Bt400 for student. The price will rise to Bt750 and Bt450 for tickets bought at the door.

For reservation, please call (064) 679 6768 or email pratthanabkk@gmail.com.

For more information, visit http://pratthana.net and Facebook.com/pratthanabkk.

Makasi has a long history at the turntable. At 18, he was already making mix tapes for friends using two Walkmans. It wasn’t long before he started entrancing the dance crowds in Antwerp and today he spins around the world, sharing stages with Flo Rida, T Pain, Nicole Scherzinger, Wil.I.Am., 50 Cent, NeYo, A Trak, Martin Solveig, Afrojack, R3hab and Sebastian Ingrosso.

Book your table at (082) 308 3246.

An Italian with your rum

DJ Angemi from Italy is one of the DJs spinning at the Bacardi House Party at Demo in Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor) on Saturday.

Angemi is one of the fastest rising producers on the EDM scene. His professional career began in 2014 when he released his album track on Spinnin’ Records. He shot to fame with the viral diffusion of his “What If” videos where he managed to reproduce every EDM subgenre, showing people his impressive skills inside and outside the studio.

Find out more by calling (096) 387 4569.

They’ve got the moves

More than 100 performers are taking part in the khon (masked drama) production of “Kumphakan Throws A Mokkasak Spear” being staged at Museum Siam’s outdoor amphitheatre on July 21 starting at 6.30pm.

Admission is free. Find out more at (02) 225 2777 extension 407 or visit http://www.MuseumSiam.org.

Perfect pampering

Melt away those stress pains in your shoulders and lower back with the twohour signature Salt Pot Muscles Melter treatment available for the special price of Bt3,500 (net) per person at Spa Cenvaree of Centara Grand at Central Plaza Lat Phrao until December 30.

This treatment is based on an ancient Thai remedy, and uses a pot containing a blend of coarse salt and medicinal herbs that is heated and then used as a compress to release tension in the shoulders and lower back muscles.

Book your session by calling (02) 541 1234 extension 4292 and 4567 or email: spacenvareecglb@chr.co.th.

“Last Reel” unspools again

Film fans have a second chance to catch the Cambodian film “The Last Reel” tomorrow night at 7 at River City Forum’s second floor auditorium.

The much-awarded movie by the country’s first woman filmmaker, portrays contemporary and old Cambodia, both connected by the last reel of a film that escaped the genocide. It stars Dy Saveth.

For reservations, email rcbfilmclub@gmail.com

The shows take place from October 5 to 7 and again from October 9 to 14 at the Thunder Dome, Muang Thong Thani.

In 1999 and 2005, more than 100,000 Thai fans were left stunned at the jaw-dropping feats of the Guangzhou acrobats and this year promises to be even better as they perform stunning moves based on “The Legendary Swordsman” or “Dej Khamphee Thevada” as it’s known in Thai.

The story uses political satire and a hint of romance to recall the time China was going through drastic social changes under the Communist party. The novel has been adapted into a number of movies, TV series as well as cartoons.

As always, audiences will be left in awe at the phenomenal acrobatic performances as well as the elaborate costumes, stage sets and lighting.

There will be two performances daily, one at 2.30 and the second at 6.30pm. Tickets cost from Bt700 to Bt 1,500 and are already on sale at ThaiTicketMajor counters and online at http://www.ThaiTicketMajor.com.

“Little Miss Giggles” knows how to make you laugh and believes a smile is the best accessory; “Little Miss Lucky” is a magnet for good fortune and good vibes; and “Little Miss Multi” and “Little Miss Champion” can be mixed and matched for any mood or outfit.

A gentle touch

French skincare expert La Roche-Posay introduces its new Toleriane Caring Wash facial cleanser (Bt1,100 for 400 ml) which ensures a gentle and effective cleaning and make-up removal for even the most sensitive skins. Its natural origin of cocobetaine makes cleansing more efficient without drying or irritating the skin and cleans without drying or irritating the skin. It is enriched in glycerine and in niacinamide for moisturising after cleaning and is with fragrance free, soap free, and preservative free.

Fashions for every age

ICC International recently introduced its newest collections at “The Forgotten Show 2018” project. Models from the Face Thailand strutted gracefully and playfully along the catwalk showcasing looks from the latest collections of the company’s 18 renowned brands, namely Arrow, BSC Bag, BSC Lingerie, Daks, Elle Boutique, Elle Shoes, Excellency, Enfant, Easy Wear by St Andrews, Felix Buhler, Jean Louis Scherrer, Guy Laroche Bag, Guy de Guy Laroche, Itokin, Little Wacoal, Naturaliser, Wacoal, and Wacoal Blouse.

New buzz from Burt’s Bees

To make the skin look naturally retouched by nature, not a computer, Burt’s Bees, a leading natural personal care and skincare brand from the US, presents the latest skincare line designed for Asian skin. Formulated with natural ingredients to bring radiance and brightness to the skin, Burt’s Bees Brightening collection formulated with daisy extract, brings a brighter and more radiant look to every face, The range also contains Summer Snowflake to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, Tonka Bean Bioferment which brightens the skin and reduces lines, and Indian Gooseberry, which is rich in vitamin C and can reduce hyper-pigmentation for more even skin tone.

POPULAR with anyone whose work relies heavily on the Internet as well as with frequent travellers who value being able to work no matter where they find themselves, co-working spaces have become the offices of choice for start-ups and the self-employed.

Local supply has more or less kept up with demand but now two of the largest co-working operators from Singapore are attempting to change the way people feel about work with the launch of The Great Room and JustCo.

“The prediction is that by 2030 some 30 per cent of office space and commercial real estate will be devoted to co-working,” says Jaelle Ang, co-founder and chief executive of the Great Room.

“Thailand has just started and its co-working business currently stands at maybe two percent. That’s a long way to grow to 30 per cent, meaning there are a lot of opportunities. Singapore is just ahead at three per cent and the US is at five per cent. So it’s getting exciting. My expectation is that it will be very fast in Thailand and that’s why we’ve come here early with a very good partner and landlord.”

The Great Room takes inspiration from the world’s best offices, luxury hotels and business clubs and has put considerable effort into changing the way its members feel about work since its successful launch in June 2016. It now has spaces in three prime Singapore CBD locations and in Thailand occupies just under 2,800 square metres across two floors at the newly built Gaysorn Tower in the heart of downtown Bangkok.

Designed in collaboration with Michael Fiebrich Design, The Great Room at Gaysorn Tower is sophisticated and luxurious, boasting plenty of natural light as well as terrific views of Bangkok’s vibrant cityscape. There is space for private focused work and corporate entertaining settings, a variety of meeting rooms and communal nooks for what it calls “casual collisions for grown-ups”.

The business club and co-working space is structured by a layout made up of “streets” and intimate spaces. The atmosphere is warm and inviting and brings to life what The Great Room terms “the new corporate neutral”. The marble floor, made up of eight different types of stones, creates varying intensities and the curved timber walls, dark timber desks, fresh celadon hues and ambient lighting make it businesslike yet relaxing.

“The Great Room is the heart of the house, where members of the family spend time, It is very much part of your life, both to work and play. I think the co-working space will be something that Thais will take to and love,” Ang continues.

“A high level of technology infrastructure and design is very important in nurturing the creative spirit of start-ups. We always work with a hotel designer rather than a workplace designer because they understand the technical needs in the workplace and are able to combine this with comfort and energy.

“We have great brands and services from the hotel business, but we never use them in the office environment where we spent at least eight hours of our days,” says Ang, who has lived in Bangkok for the last eight years.

“This is how we started. We want to create the Four Seasons of co-working.”

The Great Room experience begins at the Drawing Room, where first impressions are formed, and rapport built with like-minded people. It is also the perfect backdrop for evening cocktails and large-scale chats. Gatherings of anything between six to 120 people can be accommodated in the various meeting spaces, namely the State Room, an elegant boardroom for 14, the Studio, which can take up to 50 people, and the Study for groups of four.

Hot desks and hot offices are available for members who like to work alone or with perhaps with one or two others.

Ang emphasises the importance of community networking, saying that the openness of the space encourages grabbing a coffee and chatting with other members.

“We believe that the lighting and even the floor tiles affect your mood, even if you don’t notice it, and make it easier to say hello. It facilitates those ‘casual collisions’. We enlarge on that by installing a coffee machine that isn’t automatic. Many fruitful conversations start at the coffee machine. It’s our job to design the perfect backdrop,” she says.

JustCo co-working space, which spans two floors and 3,150 sqm of AIA Sathorn Tower and will soon have another branch at Capital Tower in All Seasons Place on Wireless Road, has a totally different ambience. It boasts vibrant interiors along with quirky and playful elements. The design incorporates industrial furnishing and raw materials, communal tables and swing chairs, with pops of vivid colours highlighting the cosy corners.

Additional highlights include an in-house cafe for a morning jolt or a late afternoon pick-me up, a futsal and golf corner for members to relieve stress, quiet pods designed for personal space, as well as hot-desk areas, meeting studios, event spaces and more.

This co-working space aims to build up a community of the like-minded through various events and collaborations to connect businesses of all shapes and sizes.

“We have partnered with Sansiri to establish our presence in Bangkok, which is our first step into regional expansion,” explains its founder and chief executive Kong Wan Sing.

“Thailand is one of the key business hubs in the region and continues to show steady economic growth. Right now we have about 20 centres and by the end of 2020, we hope to have about 100 all across Asia.

“Local and international individuals and companies alike can now benefit from JustCo’s co-working space in Bangkok, allowing us to continue providing resources, networks and connectivity to our ever-growing community,” he enthuses.

Founded in 2015, JustCo is Singapore’s largest premium co-working space provider and aims to continually challenge and redefine collaborative working.

“Co-working space is very popular in Singapore and any good building has at least one co-working space provider,” he continues. “It’s already a mature industry compared to Thailand. I see Thailand’s co-working space market like that of Singapore three years ago. The main reasons for sharing are flexibility and cost. If you are alone or are starting a business with another person, finding an office is difficult so you end up working at home. Co-working is hassle-free and offers contracts of one month to as long as three years. And if you choose to set up your start-up here, you will be mingling with other creative people. We are also targeting multinational companies. One of our strategies is to host events that everybody can join and be inspired.”

Whether or not co-working spaces do live up to expectations and take up 30 per cent of all available office space by 2030, one thing is certain: work cohabitation does encourage cross-pollination of ideas and connections, bringing people together for meaningful collaborations and business opportunities.

SPACE TO DREAM

– The Great Room charges Bt950 for a day pass per person to Bt15,000 per month per person for Dedicated offices. See more at http://www.TheGreatRoomOffices.com

– JustCo locations start at Bt990 per day for JustDesk Basic to Bt6,900 per person per month for JustDesk Dedicated. See more at http://www.JustcoGlobal.com.