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 Thai
boxing is both a sport and means of self defense.
Contestants are allowed to use almost any part of their
body: feet, elbows, legs, knees, and shoulders, are
all weapons. The playing of traditional music during
bouts makes for even greater excitement. There are two
venues in Bangkok for this type of sport.
Ratchadamnoen Stadium
Tel: (02) 281-4205, Ratchadamnoen Nok Road, open
every Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 06.00 pm.,
Thursdays at 05.00 pm. and 09.00 pm., and Sundays, starting
at 04.00 pm. and 08.00 pm.
Lumphini Stadium
Tel: (02) 251-4303, Rama IV Road, every Tuesdays
and Fridays from 06.30 pm, Saturday afternoons 05.00-08.00
pm., Saturday nights from 8.30 pm
International
visitors who wish to learn Thai boxing can contact the
Muay Thai Institute, 336/932, Prachathipat, Thanyaburi,
Pathum Thani 12130, Tel: (02) 992-0096-9
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The races are held on Sunday from 12.30-6.00 p.m. at
two alternate turf clubs:
Royal Turf Club of Thailand,
on Phitsanulok Road, Tel: (02) 280-0020-9.
Royal Bangkok Sports Club,
on Henry Dunant Road, Tel: (02) 251-0181-6. |
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Shopping in Bangkok is not limited to one or two major streets.
There are many areas throughout Bangkok affording ample
choices and easy access. The principal shopping areas
in downtown Bangkok which boasts many specialist shops,
shopping plazas, and department stores include Silom,
Siam Square, Ratchadamn, Pratunam, Ploenchit, and Bang
Lamphu.
Recommended markets and shops which sell Thai handicrafts:
Chatuchak Weekend Market A large open public ground
on Phahonyothin Road. The market is a paradise for browsers
and bargain hunters alike. It operates only on weekends
during the day time.
Chitralada Shops, founded by the Support Foundation
of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, are situated in the
Grand Palace,
Vimanmek Mansion,
Bangkok International Airport,
and some leading hotels.
Narayana Phand Pavilion, located on Ratchadamri
Road, is a handicraft center selling items from all
parts of the country. |
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Siam Park City
Tel: (02) 919-7200-19 # 232
- Located
in suburban Min Buri on Sukhaphiban 2 Road, this water
amusement park contains a man-made sea with towering
slides. Satellite attractions include a children's playground,
aviaries, open zoo and botanical garden.
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It is open daily from 10.00 a.m.-6.00 p.m. Admission
fee is 490 Baht for adults and 300 Baht for children.
Dream World
Tel: (02) 533-1152, 533-1147, situated at km.7 of Rangsit-Ongkharak
Road, houses a European style plaza, miniature land
of major world legends, and exciting playing machines.
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It is open daily from 10.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m. On
holidays it is open until 7.00 pm.
Admission fee
is 450 Baht per person.
Indoor amusement parks
are also in some major leading department stores such
as:
- Future Park Bang
Khae, Phetkasem Road, Tel: (02) 454-8500
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The Mall Bang Khae, Phetkasem Road, Tel:
(02) 454-0061
- Seacon Square, Srinakarintara Road, Tel:
(02) 721-9444 Central City Bang Na, Km. 3 Bang Na-Trat
Road, Tel: (02) 361-0888
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Fashion Island, Km. 10 Raminthra Road,
Tel: (02) 947-5000 |
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 Details
of current programmes and events can generally be found
in Bangkok's major English-language newspapers, namely
Bangkok Post and The Nation.
The National Theater
is located on Na Phra That Road next to the National
Museum.
- Call (02) 224-1342
for a current program.
Thailand Cultural Center,
on Ratchadaphisek Road, is a fully integrated venue
for social education and cultural activities.
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Call (02) 247-0028 ext.109 for a current program.
Chalerm Krung Royal Theatre is located on Charoen
Krung Road (New Road) near the Old Siam Plaza. That
dramas and plays are usually held while Khon or Thai
musical dance drama is a special event that is staged
occasionally.
- Call (02) 2258757-8,
222-1325 for more information.
Patravadi Theatre, near Wat Rakhang, Thon Bun.
Renowned for its lavish productions, this outdoor theatre
has gained popularity through its modern adaptations
of classical Asian literature, with each play demonstrating
an ingenious blend of various theatrical techniques.
Showtime is on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
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Call (02) 412-7287-8 for a current program.
Bangkok Playhouse on Phetchabun Road. The theatre
hosts modern dramas.
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Call (02) 679-8548, 319-7641-4 for a current
program.
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Queen Sirikit National
Convention Center, 60 New Ratchadaphisek Road,
Khlong Toei, Bangkok.
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For more information, call (02) 229-3000-9 or
visit www.qsncc.co.th
Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Center, 8 Km. 1 Bang Na-Trat Road, Phrakhanong.
-For more information, call (02) 749-3939-60 or visit
www.bitec.net |
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Meditation is one of the most popular aspects of
Buddhism, practiced regularly by numerous Thais, and
laymen as a means of promoting inner peace and happiness.
The following are meditation centers which offer a class
in English for foreign visitors who wish to find out
more about Buddhism and Buddhist meditation.
The International Buddhist
Meditation Center, Wat Mahathat, Tha Phrachan, Tel: (02) 623-6326
The World Fellowship of Buddhists, 616 Sukhumvit Soi 24,
Tel. (02) 661-1284-7
Association for the Science of Creative Intelligence,
18th floor, Rajpark Building, Sukhumvit Soi 21, Tel: (02) 258-3257
Young Buddhist Association of Thailand, 58/8 Soi 54 (Soi Thipniyom 2), Phetkasem
Road, Phasi Charoen, Tel: (02) 413-1706
House of Dhamma,
26/9 Ladphrao Soi 15 (Soi Chomphon), Tel: (02) 511-0439
Thai Traditional Massage
This therapeutic and highly soothing form of
massage purportedly evolved from rishis (forest-dwelling Brahmin
hermit ascetics) who relieved the physical stress of
extended periods of meditation by adopting certain postures.
Wat Pho is the best known center for massages and massage
tuition. Call (02) 221-2974 for more information. |
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