The Bangkok Hit List: 06-12 November 2012

OUTDOORS: Concert in the Park

After being forced to abandon the end of its popular Concert in the Park series at the start of 2014 due to the political protests in Lumpini Park, the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra now returns with guest vocalists for an extended run. Celebrate the arrival of the cool season and kick back with friends and a picnic at the park’s Sala Bhirom Bhakdi. Starting on 09 November, sessions run every Sunday from 5.30pm through until 01 February; things kick off with performances from a range of genres, including the musical Les Misérables.
Lumpini Park (MRT Lumpini/BTS Sala Daeng); www.bangkoksymphony.org

CULTURE: River Festival

Just in time for Loy Krathong, Bangkok celebrates and promotes its waterside heritage with the River Festival until Thursday. Special events and activities will give a new twist to Asiatique outdoor shopping mall and four riverside temples including Wat Prayoon and Wat Kalaya, while two complimentary shuttle boat routes will make it easy to zip between the highlights each evening.
Boats leave from Asiatique and Yod Phiman market in Pak Khlong Talat

CINEMA: So Be It (A-Wang)

This documentary on contemporary Buddhist life gets an extended run at House RCA cinema until Wednesday. Featured at the Busan International Film Festival, So Be It depicts William and Bundit, two Thai boys who become novice monks for very different reasons. Variety Magazine calls it a ‘gentle, fascinating’ take on ‘the central role of Buddhism in Thai society’.
3rd Floor, RCA Plaza, 31/8 Phetchaburi Road, Rama 9 (MRT Phetchaburi); www.houserama.com

Tha Tian: Where Bangkok City Was Born - photo by Museum Siam

CULTURE: Tha Tian: Where Bangkok City Was Born

In a spin on more conventional exhibitions, Museum Siam brings the old city’s Tha Tian neighbourhood to life with the help of a smartphone application. Starting at Museum Siam and exploring either on foot or on a free bicycle, you can discover the history of this culture-rich part of Bangkok by pointing your phone at sights along the way – the starting point for the stories of the area’s past and conversations with the locals who now live and work there. The free exhibition continues until 01 February.
Museum Siam, Sanam Chai Road (Tha Tien pier); www.museumsiam.com; 10am-6pm, closed Mondays

Traditional Isaan Art

CULTURE: Traditional Isaan Art Exhibition at Bangkok Art & Culture Centre

This collection by Songrit Muaiprom takes inspiration from the story and design of renowned international works, and uses it to depict the simple and traditional lifestyle of Thailand’s northeast region. Runs until 28 November.
939 Rama 1 Road (direct access from BTS National Stadium); www.bacc.or.th; 10am-9pm, closed Mondays

Time Exhibition

CULTURE: Time Exhibition at Numthong Gallery

A collection of paintings and drawings curated to reflect the Numthong Gallery’s values, including the reflection of social conditions through the medium of art, marks its eighteenth anniversary and runs until 15 November.
72/3 Soi Ari 5, Phahonyothin Road (BTS Ari); www.gallerynumthong.com; 11am-6pm, closed Sundays

What’s missing from the list? Where are you spending your week? Let us know in the comments!

The World & His Tuk Tuk

The Bangkok Hit List: 06-12 November 2014