Bangkok celebrates 240th anniversary with cultural activities

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From The Thaiger

Starting today, 20 locations around Bangkok will transform into cultural learning centres to celebrate the city’s 240th anniversary. Attendees are invited to learn more about Thailand’s unique history and culture through activities and performances held from April 20 – 24 around the city. The events are intended to demonstrate the kingdom’s “soft power,” promote cultural tourism and instil pride among both Thais and foreigners in the country.

The Thai government said the celebrations will commemorate Bangkok’s founding on April 21 1782 as well as commemorate King Rama I, the founder of the Chakri dynasty, and all monarchs of the Rattanakosin Era.

A free shuttle service between venues will be provided by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority. Attendees can call 1348 hotline to confirm pickup and drop off locations.

No exact times of activities have been released, so you are welcome to turn up to venues from April 20 – 24 and see what’s going on.

The festivities are split into nine zones…

Zone 1) National Museum Bangkok and National Theatre. Zone 1 will feature lights and sounds, exhibitions, a cultural products bazaar and cuisines.

Zone 2) Santichaiprakarn Park. Zone 2 will feature cultural performances, a cultural products showcase and local cultural markets.

Zone 3) Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall. Zone 3 will feature a cultural exhibition.

Zone 4) Ratchadamnoen Contemporary Art Centre. Zone 4 will feature art and cultural showcases by youth artists, photography exhibitions and an exhibition entitled “ASEAN Communities in Rattanakosin: From Past to Present.”

Zone 5) Wat Prayurawongsawas Waraviharn. Zone 5 will feature a local food showcase and cultural performances.

Zone 6) Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre. Zone 6 will feature cultural performances.

Zone 7) Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimonmangkhalaram Rajwaramahwaiharn. Zone 7 will feature merit-making ceremonies dedicated to previous Chakri kings.

Zone 8 ) The Bangkok City Pillar Shrine. Zone 8 will feature a sacrificial offering ceremony.

Zone 9) The Grand Palace. Zone 9 invites attendees to pay homage to the Buddha images and explore the Grand Palace.

The venues holding activities are…

National Museum Bangkok, Bangkok City Pillar Shrine, Siam Museum, Santichai Parakan Park, Police Museum Parutsakwan Palace, Wat Bowonniwet Vihara, Wat Chanasongkram Ratchawormahawiharn, The Grand Palace, Defence Hall Museum, Wat Prayurawongsawas Warawihan, Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre, Wat Saket Ratchawormahawiharn (The Golden Mount), Wat Ratchanatdaram, Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall, Rachadamnoen Contemporary Art Centre, Wat Suthat Thep Waram, Wat Ratchabophit, Wat Ratchapradit Sathitmahasimaram, Coin Museum Thailand and Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimonmungklaram (Wat Pho).