10 April, 2008

To celebrate the Songkran Festival, The Anglo-Thai Society and Asia House presented: A Talk and Thai Classical Dance and Music

This event was held on Thursday 10th April 2008, 6.45pm - 8.30pm at Asia House, 63 New Cavendish Street, W1G 7LP (Tel: 020 7307 5454). The event was a great success and it is hoped that a similar event can be organised next year too!
The 13th of April marks the beginning of the Thai New Year, and the celebration of the Songkran Festival. While many people associate Songkran with the splashing and throwing of water at each other, few know of the true meaning of this celebration.
Narisa Chakrabhongse, former Vice-Chair of the Anglo-Thai Society, Editor of River Books, and a regular speaker at the Asia House, gave an informal talk on the history of the Songkran Festival, its influence on Thai culture, and the way of life of its people, young & old.

This event was an opportunity to invite members and friends to join us in celebration of this year's Songkran Festivities and find out the real social and cultural roots of this great celebration. After the talk, there was a short demonstration of Thai musical instruments, followed by a performance of Thai Classical Dance, by The Thai Dance Academy. Guests were able to join in the traditional ceremony of Song Nam Pra.