In this final month before the New Year, wherever you look in Bangkok you’ll see joyous festivities with colorful lights. Come with Living ASEAN to six of them!
This garden of more than 15 acres bustles with fascinating activities under the brilliantly glowing light of more than a million bulbs. Here you’ll find a tunnel of many colors, a Christmas tree festooned with lights, models of the 12 constellations of the zodiac, and an indoor sound and light show featuring songs composed by H.M. Rama 9. Open to visitors free of charge Monday – Thursday from 6 to 10 PM, and Friday – Sunday 6 to 11 PM until January 6, 2018: Ratchadapisek Road Soi 8, opposite the Esplanade shopping center.
Thailand Illumination Festival 2017Thailand Illumination Festival 2017
Here a “3-D projection mapping” light show by the artist group “Limelight” paints a 60-story building with images depicting Bangkok ways of life, culture, and history. Shows from Dec. 14 – 31 2017 five times daily, at 7, 7:15, 7:30, 7:45, and 8PM. On New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31) there’s a special additional show for the 2018 countdown at 11:55 PM.
Beautiful Bangkok
LIGHT UP CHRISTMAS TREE CELEBRATION – Central World
CentralWorld Shopping Plaza has set up an amphitheater in front for a wondrously decorated “land of music” featuring world-famous Argentinian artist Javier Gonzales Burgos. The huge Christmas tree surrounded by statues including Santa, polar bears, and reindeer is a visual highlight.
LIGHT UP CHRISTMAS TREE CELEBRATIONLIGHT UP CHRISTMAS TREE CELEBRATIONLIGHT UP CHRISTMAS TREE CELEBRATION
Harry Potter: Christmas in the Wizarding World – Siam Paragon
The space fronting on Siam Paragon has become a magical country, giving muggles a not-to- be-missed photographic opportunity under the theme “Christmas in The Wizarding World,” put on by Warner Bros. Consumer Products and GES,
organizers of the international show “Harry Potter: The Exhibition” on its first visit to Thailand.
Harry Potter: Christmas in the Wizarding World
Let’s Celebrate 2018: The Holidays Bring Me Here – Central Embassy
A ten-meter Santa Claus, largest in Southeast Asia, rises majestically above Central Embassy shopping plaza, this year brilliant with more than a million Christmas lights. Here also is “Santa Playland,” designed to take everyone back to a fun-filled childhood atmosphere.
Let’s Celebrate 2018: The Holidays Bring Me HereLet’s Celebrate 2018: The Holidays Bring Me Here
Winter Wonderland the Grand Celebration – The Emquartier – EMPORIUM
The Emquartier – EMPORIUM has transformed the trade center to be a miraculous land of winter under the theme “Winter Wonderland: the Grand Celebration,” with a 12-meter white bear and an army of small white bears beaming smiles at all
passersby. There is also a light show with content changing each week.
Winter Wonderland the Grand CelebrationWinter Wonderland the Grand Celebration
The charm of original Chinese architecture and murals on 167-year-old walls have been preserved, and it’s already an everyday Bangkok tourist destination where locals relax and take pictures. Don’t forget to sample the delectable tastes and fantastic décor at these three dining and coffee-drinking establishments:
RONG SI
We start with a premium Chao Phraya riverside Thai restaurant at Wharf No. 41, the former site of a rice mill. Billed as “Rong Si seafood, intense Thai tastes in a modern Chinese atmosphere,” the original building was reinforced and preserved, with some worn-out components kept for décor: old roof tiles liven up the walls; a refurbished wooden banister serves as room divider.
Menu Suggestions
Stuffed lotus petals (miang kleep bua) with roasted tidbits – coconut, nuts, dried shrimp, etc. – and a unique and fresh dipping sauce.
Crab stew (lon pu yai): a true Thai taste featuring the very freshest crab catch
Stir-fried crab in curry sauce (pu phat phong karee): full-flavored, thick with fresh crab meat
Deep-fried snapper in fish sauce (pla kaphong thawt nam pla) with a fine hidden sweetness
From the drinks menu, iced black tangerine and honey yuzu
Pla kaphong thawt nam plaCrab stew (lon pu yai)honey yuzu
NAI HARNG
Nai Harng, a first-rate “street food” eatery, mixes old-fashioned with contemporary. The décor is full-on “Yaowarat” Chinese, with bright neon lights and the Chinese community of old Siam represented in murals and the open-kitchen design of the building itself. A grilled pork/river shrimp vendor cart out front emphasizes the street food theme.
Menu suggestions
The famous signature dish, “Nai Harng fried rice,” from Patara Fine Thai Cuisine, a Thai chain with branches worldwide
River shrimp baked in agar noodles (goong ob wun sen)
Papaya salad (som tam), an intense Thai taste served with crispy-skinned, succulent barbecued chicken and hot sticky rice
Healthy, colorful drinks made from organic butterfly-pea (anchan) flowers
Anchan iced coffee, iced anchan and lime, and sugarcane juice with grass jelly
River shrimp baked in agar noodlesNai Harng fried riceAnchan iced coffee and iced anchan and lime
PLEARNWAN PANICH
For a very special atmosphere plus drinks and sweets you’ll find nowhere else, we finish our tour at the Huo Chuan Laung Pier branch of Plearnwan Panich dessert shop, a restored wooden building connecting to an ancestral mausoleum. The flavor of this eye-catching retro-style café is based around antique Chinese-style furniture and ornamentation.
Menu suggestions
“Half-breed” (luk khrueng) coffee combines old-style Thai boran or oliang with international coffee beans for a mellow taste, sweetness added with cold fresh milk
Healthy dark iced sesame tofu coffee for the lactose-intolerant
Here’s a bamboo house with contemporary appeal immersed in nature. The home that’s also a medical clinic belongs to Dr. Nopharat Pitchanthuk and his wife Kanyapak Silawatanawongse. Without question, his interest in the natural therapeutic concept is expressed in the warm and welcoming ambience of the home office. The orthopedic doctor provides specialized care for the musculoskeletal system in the comfort of home amid the rustic charm of the countryside.
Dr. Nopharat and his wife Kanyapak are all smiles in front of their bamboo home and medical clinic.
Asked how all this was accomplished, the physician said: “Upon graduation from medical school, I taught medicine and operated a clinic in Bangkok for several years before coming out to Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima. At first, we opened a branch office in the city area just to get an idea about patient demands in the provinces.
The attractive two-story bamboo house is evidence of streamlined design that fits into the natural surroundings.Bamboo is the material of choice for traditional Thai style residential architecture. Here, a gable roof is pitched at an angle that drains storm water fast to prevent leaking.
“I was fortunate enough to receive help from a good, kind person senior to me. He wanted to help patients in the rural area gain access to medical care. So, he let us use a facility free of charge for the purpose of opening a clinic.
“After having done it for a while, we felt like we were overstaying the welcome. At the same time, we needed a facility that would be more relaxed and convenient for the patients – preferably a green space that’s well lighted, open and airy. I just didn’t want the patients to feel tense and unable to relax as was the case with a hospital visit in general.”
Dr. Nopharat said: “For a while, we went searching for a location that would suit our specific needs. In the end, we came to a parcel of land that Kanyapak’s mother had bought some 20 years back. It was an area of woodland filled with dense shrubbery and other plants,
“We had the area cleared to make room for a grassy lawn and new trees planted. The house was ready in time for a wedding ceremony to take place. Needless to say we have grown emotionally attached to it from day one. The new home and the medical clinic now provides medical care for people in the rural area.”
A hanging fixture directs light to specific points in the main hallway. Ample glass windows and overhead transoms allow plenty of natural light during the daytime.
Brickwork alternating with timber in shades of warm earth tones adorns the dining area adjoining the kitchen.
Why bamboo? The homeowner couple wanted their house in modern style to fuse into the pristine rural environment. Naturally, bamboo was the material of choice for it was easy to find the price reasonable.
Bamboo is also strong and can be used proportionally to the weight for which it’s intended. It’s fast growing and readily available as a building material. While it’s prone to be affected by moisture and insects, it can last a long time if well maintained.
High ceilings, big windows, and open floor plans combine to make the interior feel roomy, light and airy. There’s also a mezzanine that’s easily accessed from the living room.
[Left] A large awning window opens up to connect with the outdoors. / [Right] A sofa set in shades of indigo paired with earth tones on the walls and floor reduces a monotonous regularity in the interior living space.Different kinds of bamboo were chosen to suit different construction needs. Pai Tong (scientific name: Dendrocalamus), and Pai Sang Mon (Dendrocalamus Sericeus), two Tropical species of giant clumping bamboos common to Southeast Asia, were used for house posts and other load bearing structures.
Other parts, such as roofing, walls, and ceilings were built using smaller farmed bamboos. They were adapted to fit in with modern building materials for durability and the conveniences of modern living.
Where bamboo in brownish hues prove too much, whites come in handy to make the interior space look lightweight, spacious and airy.A semi-outdoor room on the second floor has a traditional Thai-style chaise lounge with triangle pillow.[Left] The roof comes in two layers to better protect the house from the elements. To blend with the environment, the top sheeting is made of asphalt shingles, while the underlayment is built of split bamboo paneling. / [Right] Giant bamboo poles, or Pai Tong (scientific name: Dendrocalamus) are chosen to give rafters and roof battens their strength and ability to shore up the weight.Selected to suit specific applications, bamboo poles are not painted or dyed. They undergo treatment procedures to increase durability, which include a thin coat of protective oils. Light color oils enhance the appearance that blends well with the natural environment.
Bamboo isn’t the only thing that contributes to the house’s rustic appeal. It’s the feel and functionality that go into making it unique.
At the same time, house-on-stilts design protects it from humidity, and makes it suitable to build on uneven ground common to this area. The bamboo floor at plinth height serves as engine that drives natural air circulation, which results in indoor thermal comfort.
The clinic interior features an open floor plan with large windows designed to connect to the outdoors. Large transom windows and the roof opens up to allow plenty of natural daylight, which translates into big savings on electricity.
Designed to soak up the view of surrounding landscapes, Dr. Nopharat’s office takes stress and anxiety out of everyday work life.
As for the upper covering, a gable roof with long eaves unique to traditional Thai-style architecture protects the home from the elements. Inside, vertical bamboo paneling alternating with horizontal split bamboo sheets gives a sense of perspective, while plenty of windows and overhead transoms allow natural light into the room.
In a nutshell, it’s sustainable design that harmonizes with the natural world, a work of architecture based on traditional knowledge and the concept of a sufficiency economy. The bottom line is life is all about balance.
A parlor provides relaxed seating and waiting areas for families accompanying the patients. Overhead, the roof opens up to allow natural light into the room and shuts when not needed.
Owner: Nopharat Pitchanthuk MD and Kanyapak Silawatanawongse
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MODERN STYLE IN A NEWLY RENOVATED HOUSEBRICK HOUSE FOR A TROPICAL CLIMATE
/ Story: foryeah! / English version: Peter Montalbano /
/ Photographs: Nantiya /
Codenamed Huamark 09, this four-story home wrapped inside the concrete block envelope belongs to architect Intanon Chantip, aka “Non” of the INchan Atelier, a Bangkok-based architectural practice. It’s a design experiment aimed at testing several theories that he’d arrived at through intense study and experience. The architect wanted his concrete block home to tell its own story through changes in the looks of construction materials. Precisely, all the years that pass by will leave their trace of time as the house ages. It will be interesting to see how the building materials perform in the course of time.
The concrete block home resembles four big boxes stacked one on top of the other. The fence that protects the first floor of the house is painted a cool-toned white that contrasts with bare walls on Levels 2, 3 and 4 intentionally left exposed to blend with other houses in the neighborhood.
Not that long ago, Non and his wife Tharisra Chantip, aka Ploy, bought this 80-square-wah property (320 square meters) in Hua Mark District on the outskirts of Bangkok. They had the old 30-year-old house demolished to make room for a new four-story concrete home integrating office, art studio and residential spaces to form a coherent whole.
The building external envelope is built of concrete blocks without plaster. It’s left uncovered on purpose so as to blend with everything else in the neighborhood. All together the usable space comes to 490 square meters.
Like everything else, the principal face of the house is intentionally of cement blocks, which collect dust and dirt as they change color with the seasons. Outer metal grating lets climbing vines grow naturally reaching for sunlight.
The homeowner couple divided the property into northern and southern sections. They raised the property slightly higher from ground level to put in a garden to the north, then a rectangular building to the south.
The building’s long side runs east-west to block prevailing winds and allow openings to control sunlight and breeze streaming into the home.
The house’s four-meter width is comparable to most row houses in the area. Each side has double walls that work simultaneously for ventilation and heat insulation. Door and window openings reinforce the concrete block house’s primary relationship to weather conditions, wind, and sun.
On the south side are fewer openings because of a staircase, while north and east sides have balconies and various service areas reaching around to the west side, which also has the double walls characteristic of the building’s overall design.
The four levels are divided according to function. The architects’ offices are primarily in two first floor rooms: a larger one with a long work table for working in teams and a smaller one that serves as meeting room and library.
The second floor is a private residential area, with a living room connecting to kitchen and dining area.
The third floor contains one bedroom for Non and Ploy and another for Non’s mother. The two are connected with a shared bathroom.
The fourth floor is a studio for creative work and enjoyment. It’s designed with a view to high flexibility of function in expectation of anticipated future changes as little members of the household gradually grow up.
Because happiness and joy is worth achieving, Noble Ambience Sukhumvit 42 is born with the quality of bringing delight. From every perspective, simple and clean form goes to work complementing functionality and culminates in a distinctive character. It’s a living embodiment of Lagom, the quality of balanced living “Not too little, not too much, just right.”
/// Thailand /// Story: Ektida N. /// Photography: Noble Development
Project Concept
The term Lagom [la-gom] redefines happiness from the Swedish perspective. It encapsulates all the essential characteristics in a succinct way, whereby features deemed unnecessary are reduced to achieve the perfect balance. The idea is manifested in what Noble Ambience is all about – simple and appropriate. Completeness in design is achieved without sacrificing the good qualities and functionality for modern living. It comes in handy as a happy home, a place to relax and unwind away from relentless hustle and bustle of city life.
Site Location – Not too little
Despite being in the city center, Noble Ambience sits embraced in the calm and quiet of a residential neighborhood. Travel to and from the site is convenient both by car and urban public transport. The right size project is situated near Digital Gateway and only about 350 meters from the BTS Ekkamai Station. Location being everything and everlasting, it makes travel to prime destinations along Sukhumvit and Ekkamai easy, fast, and convenient.
Exterior Design Concept – Not too much
Noble Ambience is an 8-story residential condominium project on Sukhumvit 42. The layout of the building is designed to embrace a verdant oasis that lies within. The condominium itself stands surrounded by green spaces and communities that have already been in existence, hence plenty of trees all about. Crisp, clean lines ensure the building fits in well with the rhythms and conditions in the environment. Tall, streamlined design reduces a feeling of being in confined spaces, resulting in a light and airy urban appeal without disturbing the charms of the surroundings.
Apart from a unique personality, a lot goes into creating green spaces for relaxation in the central courtyard. Where appropriate, larger than average balconies are put in at intervals to make room for green plants. Carefully thought out plans ensure they harmonize with the facades in both colors and textures, resulting in a perfect visual blend from every perspective.
For a pleasing visual blend where existing buildings are generally considered not too high, the project elects to use mainly earth tones, rich warm colors with a brownish hue, to slow down the pace of everyday urban lifestyle. This results in a more relaxing atmosphere. The overall effect is impressive, thanks to a swimming pool at the center that provides a welcome contrast with nearby tree lines in brownish colors. With a beautiful yard, every day is a happy day.
Interior Design Concept – Just right
Facilities
Step into an oasis of serenity and begin the journey to a simple lifestyle. That reason is enough for making Noble Ambience a cool and restful place. Experience true relaxation in the lobby done in Minimalistic style per the Lagom concept. Indulge in the simplicities of modern living the Swedish style. Glass windows that stand tall from the floor to the ceiling allow the verdant central courtyard to be seen in full view all day every day. Green design allows in plenty of health-giving natural light, and helps cut down on energy consumption.
It’s a good idea to work out while taking in panoramic views of the garden. The Glass House Gym is designed for you to do exactly that. The light and airy atmosphere is priceless and charming. Whilst there, experience the color that is changing hues at different times.
Amidst the Serene Courtyard, a swimming pool provides visual continuity all the way to the lobby.
One-bedroom type
The one-bedroom unit comes with all the functionality in the right proportion. The room space divider is there reduce the reliance on air conditioning, and limit it to where cooling is needed. There’s a kitchenette at the point of entry for easy offloading of grocery, thereby eliminating the need to disturb normal arrangements in other areas. Light fixtures are put in place according to needs in relation to furniture and other household appliances.
Two-bedroom type
The two-bedroom unit comes with an added dining area with all the functionality in position according to needs. Only lighter shades of colors are chosen to make it easy on the eyes and conducive to relaxation. Natural shades make the space look bigger and more airy. That’s why neutrals are the best palette for room design.
If your goal is happiness that comes from balance between work and relaxation, Nobel Ambience Sukhumvit 42 is the answer you have been looking for. Ensconced in the calm and quiet of a residential neighborhood, it is designed to accommodate modern lifestyle needs and go hand in hand with a hive of activity the city brings. In every sense of the word, happiness is all about balance.
Noble Ambience Sukhumvit 42 is only 350 meters from the BTS Ekkamai Station. Every unit comes fully furnished. Prices start at 3.59 million baht*. Register online for a 100,000-baht* discount now. Or drop in for a tour of demonstration units and make a reservation there from now until November 23, 2017. At Noble Remix Sales Office is located next to the BTS Thonglor Station (Exit 2). For more information, visit website at www.noblehome.com.
/ Story: Wuttikorn Suthiapa / English version: Peter Montalbano /
/ Photographs: Soopakorn Srisakul /
In house design, the phrase “limited space” raises worrisome questions for some. Here, though, homeowner Sarin Nilsonthi used modern Tropical design techniques and inner space connectivity to build large-house functionality and comfort into a compact house plan.
“I designed this house on one A4 sheet of paper,” said Sarin with a smile.
“Since it’s small, I tried to write down all the functionality we’d need on a single sheet of paper, and named the house ‘PSA,’ from ‘Paper Series A.’ I can still recall entertaining the idea of living in a small Tropical home with all necessary features and conveniences neatly fit into it.”
Overall, it’s a small house plan that takes account of the size and comparative relation to a whole. Like so, post and beam construction is done in somewhat unusual ways to create the right kind of space in each part.
“We didn’t set the beams and posts this way because we wanted to, but in order to set things up in the right way. Still, anyone living in this house will have to be the same height as my wife and I,” Sarin said smiling.
Upon our arrival, the first thing we saw was a massive steel panel which the homeowner left rusted on purpose to show a stylish authenticity of construction materials. The principal front that looks onto the street shields the second floor from heat while showing off the shipping-container design of the office area. Below is a carport paved with fine gravel reaching up to the house entrance.
The carport and relaxation area beneath the home office section.
Sarin intentionally kept the front yard fence low to create a clearly defined “inside the fence” area. There’s a gravel yard with benches and trees which actually becomes a part of the house itself. The house walls are rough concrete all around, and H-beams sunk into the yard support the office section, which is raised above a lower area where Sarin and his wife Pairin Boonpinid plan to open a café in the future.
This inner courtyard tree is integral to the design, adding shade and a refreshing atmosphere to the home.
Inside, on the lower floor, the living room, dining area and kitchen are all connected, each ceiling at a different level. For good ventilation and a sense of spaciousness, the living room has a double height ceiling. Nearby, the ceilings in the dining area and kitchen are set slightly lower, with electric lighting giving them each a unique identity.
The staircase has no railing, so is accessed from any direction; you can just walk down to sit and relax in the dining area, which is also used to store kitchen necessities: spices, condiments, even a refrigerator.
The living room with a double height ceiling and tall glass windows.
Openings in the exterior walls are perfectly arranged to let air and light in for a spacious feeling.
Going up the stairs and turning left brings us into the container-shaped office, the rusted outer wall reaching up to the third floor as protection against heat. The container surface is rainproof, with a layer of insulation between it and a plywood surface that gives an orderly look to the interior. There is also a houseguest bedroom on this floor that’s currently being used as a reading room, but planned as Air B&B tourist accommodation once the café opens.
The workroom opens to greenery on both sides. It includes storage space and a large table for work and meetings.
The entrance to the master bedroom is in the back, accessible via a corridor next to the kitchen; Sarin designed it as a separate building so as to remain private when the café/hostel section opens. It’s accessed without going through other sections of the house. Here the floor is raised up above the ground as protection against moisture damage, and there is a skylight above for indirect lighting.
This bedroom has an overhead storage space reachable by ladder. The closet for clothes is below with a bed directly on the floor to give more space, and a bare cement ceiling positioned to reflect light indirectly.
All the above features combine to give this compact house a comfortable, airy feeling, enhanced by imaginative placement of openings for breezes and natural light.
Sarin refers to the greenery and openness as creating “breathing space,” as rooms are all interconnected, airy, sunny, and in touch with the natural world. He likens this house to a well-tailored suit: the tailor has to measure, ask about the wearer’s taste, and plan everything to be comfortable and pleasing. A truly beautiful design!
The bedroom in the back rests on a slightly raised floor.
For the third time, Room x Living ASEAN Design Talk will be held to coincide with the 2017 Baan Lae Suan Fair from October 27 to November 5 at IMPACT Challenger Hall 3, Muang Thong Thani.
/// Thailand ///
Titled “A Talk with Design-Conscious People,” the event features a panel of six leading designers, who will touch upon their experience in design with care and responsibility for the environment. These are the people who are conscious of the extent of the problem we are facing right now.
We trust you will find this year’s discussion as inspiring as it is interesting, and would like to invite you to attend. Reserve a seat at: www.baanlaesuan.com/designtalk-register
Come October 26, 2017, the people from across the country will converge on Sanam Luang in a show of respect, appreciation, and gratitude for their most beloved monarch. Royal cremation in honor of the late His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej is scheduled to take place right here on the open field north of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Grand Palace.
/// Thailand /// Story: Samutcha Viraporn /// Photo: National Archives of Thailand, room magazine, Perapun Vichitkraivin
Flashback: An aerial shot of Sanam Luang taken by a foreign visitor, date unknown.
Fit for a king, the royal funeral ceremony took many months in the making. Detailed design and planning culminates in a superlatively crafted Royal Crematorium that stands embraced by beautiful pavilions at the center of Bangkok’s cultural landscape.
The architectural masterpiece will be the venue of a landmark event as the citizens traverse hundreds of miles to bid their beloved king a fond and final farewell. It will be touching moments for many Thais, hence a tremendous turnout is to be expected.
The Royal Crematorium in honor of the late His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Thong Sanam Luang, 2017 // Photo: room magazine
Formerly known as “Thung Phra Main,” which is Thai for Royal Cremation Ground, Sanam Luang is more than just an open public square. It’s a million memories in the lives of many citizens. Traditionally it’s here that kings and queens and high-ranking royalty were honored in the most appropriate of ceremonies at the end of life’s journey.
The like of which is happening on Thursday the 26th of October, when people turn out in full force to show their respect and utmost admiration for the late King Rama IX of the House of Chakri.
For the record, the field has undergone several name changes over time. As a royal funeral ground, it was appropriately called “Thung Phra Main” during the reigns of King Rama I and II. It became a productive rice paddy field in the period of King Rama III. Later it was King Rama IV, who renamed it “Thong Sanam Luang” – purportedly because the old name did not bode well for the future. The new identity caught on fast as it was required by law.
The Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Grand Palace as seen from Sanam Luang in 1925The Royal Crematorium celebrating King Rama V provides inspirations for the funeral ceremony in honor of the late H. M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej.Part of the procession transporting the relics of King Rama V in 1910A solemn procession transporting the relics of King Rama V from the crematorium
Tamarind trees gave Sanam Luang its unique character. The landscape was improved during the reign of King Rama V, who had multiple tamarind trees planted along the perimeter of the field upon his return from travel to Indonesia. It was said that he was inspired by the palaces of the sultans of Yogyakarta, and Surakarta at the time.
Military hardware on show at Sanam Luang in 1953Tamarind trees and rickshaws were usual sights around Sanam Luang in 1953.Municipality workers were out cutting grass over a large area.A 1953 shot of one of the further ends of Sanam Luang
A lot had happened since the centenary of Bangkok in 1882 and the subsequent celebration of King Rama V’s return from Europe. There were times when Sanam Luang was used for horse racing, golf courses, military hardware displays, flea markets, centenary celebrations, as well as R and R facilities for the general public. Not to mention outdoor spaces for picnicking, kite flying, and venues for political stump speeches. There were even times when the homeless were camping out and prostitutes accosting passers-by to offer service. One thing led to another, an attempt to revamp Sanam Luang went into effect in 2010. At one time the authority erected a perimeter fence around the field preventing public access.
A shot of Sanam Luang and Rajadamnoen Avenue from higher elevations taken in 1982Flashback: Leafy tamarind trees shaded the walkway against the sun for much of the day.Sanam Luang was home to a thriving flea market on weekends from 1958 to 1982. The retail industry was later relocated to a vacant lot on Pahonyothin Road, which later became known as Jatujak Market today.
Shop-houses on Na Phra Lan Road across the street from the Grand Place
A Thai-style pavilion erected as part of the Bangkok Bicentennial Celebrations in 1982Archways and public displays drew attention to the bicentennial celebrations in 1982.A building near Sanam Luang put on a display promoting the 1982 bicentennial celebrations.Rajadamnoen Avenue was aglow under street lamps in1982.The Royal Crematorium in honor of the late His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Thong Sanam Luang, 2017 // Photo: Perapun Vichitkraivin
After many months in the making, Sanam Luang (literally Royal Turf) was restored to its original glory and is now reserved for royal funeral ceremonies.
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STYLE 2017, the region’s most comprehensive lifestyle trade show, is happening now in Bangkok. Embracing the concept “Life+Style,” it is fast becoming a global marketplace attracting over 60,000 buyers and poised to transform Bangkok into a regional hub of the lifestyle industry.
/// Thailand /// Photography: Nantiya
STYLE is the region’s largest and most comprehensive lifestyle trade show, comprises three main events in one, namely: Bangkok International Fashion Fair and Bangkok International Leather Fair: BIFF&BIL, Bangkok International Gift Fair and Bangkok International Houseware Fair: BIG+BIH and Thailand International Furniture Fair: TIFF. The fair is hosted by The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) between October 17-21, 2017 at BITEC Bangna with local and international entrepreneurs across 2,000 sales booths and expected 2,000 million Baht worth of business transaction.
STYLE 2017 assists and caters to all needs of all parties with the offering of specialized services to accommodate both exhibitors and visitors. These include business matching services at Buyer Lounge assisted by interpreters of many languages such as English, Chinese and Japanese; DITP SERVICE CENTER that combines all DITP services in one spot and Logistic Consultancy on the ground to provide logistic solution and facilitate on-site goods transport
Besides, STYLE 2017 renders itself as a source of inspiration with 20 fascinating exhibitions as well as trend updates, design inspiration, fashion and lifestyle trends that can developed into business opportunities. Fashion buffs should not miss Trend Forum 2018, QURATED Fashion Incubation Project and other co-hosted exhibitions to inspire and offer designers and creators a platform to showcase their creativity and develop ideas to become tangible products. DITP also teams up with Chaipattana Foundation to host an exhibition in honor and remembrance of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej with workshop of funerary flower making made from vetiver grass for the royal cremation.
TALENT THAI 2017 and DESIGNERS’ ROOM 2017 display the collection of fashion and design products from 43 brands and 70 designers in the lifestyle design and fashion program.
STYLE is held between October 17-21 2017 (trade days : October 17-19,10am-6pm and public days: October 20-21 , 10am-9pm) at Hall 98-104, Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC).
It’s almost as if you were walking right into the pages of Baan Lae Suan Magazine itself! Bigger than ever, the 2017 Baan Lae Suan Fair fills the entire exhibition hall with presentations and sales of a huge variety of house and garden products. Expositions, activities, information, and updates on what’s trending now are grouped under the headings “Design,” “Living,” and “Outdoor Living.”
This year’s theme: “Remembering Our Guiding Light.”
This year’s theme is about interdependence. How do we live together in a relationship of mutual benefits? Through the ages mankind has found the answer in nature’s own secret: All things, living and non-living, need balance for sustainable existence. Balance in this sense doesn’t mean “equality,” but rather mutual fulfillment: if there’s a surplus on one side, use it to fill a deficit elsewhere. Keep things in the right balance, neither too hot nor too cold. Whether among people or generally in nature, a balanced interdependence results in beautiful growth and the memories that last forever. And we vow to never forget the one who sent a guiding light for us to follow.
These three words illustrate the concept of living together. Divide usable space, possessions, and wealth to create utility. Connect with others, become closer through mutual dependence. Find Abundance in living together. Demonstration homes are structured around mutually dependent living, with common dining, kitchen, and bathroom spaces, while at the same time each structure has its own relaxation and activity areas geared to individual lifestyles and preferences.
2. Garden Zone – by Baan Lae Suan Publishing
This zone is one of Baan Lae Suan Publishing’s biggest hits, returning this year under the theme “Backyard Garden.” Take delight in small garden spots, relaxing corners in a gazebo, and other examples of how to make full use of space around the house. Here organic agriculture fans can learn about soil care and growing vegetables, and participate in free workshops. Absolutely not to be missed! Follow up on activity schedules and find the workshops you’ve been waiting for at www.facebook.com/Baanlaesuanbooks
Garden Plants Competition
At this year’s biggest plants competition, you’ll find unique and hard-to-find species that will arouse curiosity and interest. The plant life from all regions comes together in a single place at the 2017 Baan Lae Suan Fair.
Interior decoration is the topic of exhibitions and workshops under the theme “My Home School,” an event featuring a series of flashbacks of happy childhood memories. There’s a fun spot set up for taking pictures, which children will love. Adults will find plenty of great ideas for home décor. It’s an opportunity to try their hand at creating something in the workshop area.
4. Room Pavilion Zone Multiple house design products in a super-cool atmosphere
Room Magazine returns with an exhibition called “Room Square,” a super-chic café with a menu created just for the Fair. Here you can also get inspirations for your own designs and décor at “Design Talk” seminars held in collaboration with LivingASEAN.com.
Hope to see you all at the 2017 Baan Lae Suan Fair, October 27 to November 5, IMPACT Challenger Hall, Muang Thong Thani. For more information, go to: http://www.baanlaesuan.com/fair2017/
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Shop-houses on Na Phra Lan Road across the street from the Grand Place
