Interested members of the public are invited to witness the legacy of Thai craftsmanship during "Miracle of the Arts of the Kingdom" which will kick off Friday and run every weekend from 10am to 7pm until Aug 28, at the Arts of the Kingdom Museum in Bang Pa-in, Ayutthaya.
A collaboration between the Queen Sirikit Institute and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the fair marks the 90th birthday anniversary of HM Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother who plays a major role in promoting Thai arts and crafts.
Held under the theme "Continue the Craftsmanship of Siam", the event will present the uniqueness and glory of ancient Thai handicrafts through classic yet elegant and gorgeous works. This will inspire tourists looking for Thai royal and local experiences.
The event will feature many activities including an outdoor khon masked dance by the Support Foundation, rarely-seen cultural performances such as a Thai small puppet show by Joe Louis Theatre, and a Thai sword fighting show by Buddhaisawan School.
Highlights will be demonstrations by the artisans of Queen Sirikit Institute. Visitors will see them working on thom thong (golden nielloware), inlaid work, embroidery, bamboo basketry, yan lipao basketry and hand-woven prae wa silk.
There will also be workshops teaching how to make a potpourri and screen print a cloth bag; a cooking demonstration and sales of royal dishes by the Royal Traditional Thai Crafts School for Women; as well as a stage show by famous artists in the evening.
The line-up includes Sornram Nampetch (tomorrow), Keng Tachaya (Saturday), Thee Chaiyadej (Sunday), Sumeth Ong-ard (Aug 20), Kong Saharat (Aug 21), Kan Tasana (Aug 27) and Tree Chainarong (Aug 28).
There will be a guided tour around the museum three times a day at 10.30am, 1.30pm and 2.30pm. There is no admission fee only tomorrow. After that, the fee is 150 baht (half price for students and seniors aged 60 and above).
Free shuttle buses will be available for Bangkok commuters from the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the headquarters of the Tourism Authority of Thailand on Phetchaburi Tat Mai Road to the museum as well as from Central Ayutthaya to the museum.
Visit facebook.com/ThailandFestival or call 1672.
