Celebration of the 234th Year of Rattanakosin City and ASEAN Cultural Expo

The Thai Ministry of Culture joined hands with various agencies in organizing a cultural festival to celebrate the 234 years of Rattanakosin, coinciding with the ASEAN Cultural Expo 2016.

The event, titled "The 234th Year of Rattanakosin City under Royal Benevolence,” takes place from 20 to 24 April 2016 at Sanam Luang ceremonial ground and its vicinity in Bangkok.

Culture Minister Vira Rojpojchanarat said that most activities, as part of this event, would be organized at Sanam Luang, the National Theater, and the Bangkok National Museum. Some activities would take place in the Siam Square area.

The festival in commemoration of the 234 years of Rattanakosin features an exhibition on the history of Rattanakosin, cultural performances from all parts of Thailand, religious activities, Thai folk games, concerts, a bazaar of Thai cultural products, and sightseeing around Rattanakosin Island.

As for the ASEAN Cultural Expo 2016, it aims to promote ASEAN cultural diversity and create better understanding about the cultural similarities and differences between and among ASEAN member countries. The ASEAN Cultural Expo comprises nine activities, namely ASEAN Plus Ramayana; ASEAN Legacy to Contemporary Fashion; ASEAN Arts and Crafts; ASEAN Wonders: Contemporary History of ASEAN; ASEAN Kitchen: A Taste of ASEAN; ASEAN Kites; Bangkok ASEAN Film Festival 2016 and ASEAN Classic Film; the exhibition "Roots of ASEAN's Culture;” and a seminar, "Common Identity in ASEAN Literatures.”

The history of Rattanakosin dates back to the year 1782, when King Rama I established Bangkok as the capital. Since its founding as the capital city, Bangkok has grown to become an important political, social, and economic center of Southeast Asia. It abounds in cultural and historical sites reflecting the country’s long history and unique culture.

The city was first concentrated along the east side of the Chao Phraya River. In the Fifth Reign, King Chulalongkorn opened the vista of the city beyond the original city walls, when he had Dusit Palace built, linking it to the Royal Palace by Ratchadamnoen Road, which transformed Bangkok in every aspect, leading to the modernization of the city.

Besides touring historical and cultural sites, tourists can also spend an enjoyable time walking around Rattanakosin Island, the heart of the original city. Foreign visitors and the local Thai people can also admire the distinctive beauty of Thai culture and learn about its great history at various places in this city, which has been voted as the best tourism city in Asia for several consecutive years.
Mời quý độc giả theo dõi VOV.VN trên