For detailed information about upcoming events in the Bangkok area, contact the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Phone 250-5500. http://www.tourismthailand.org.

If you call Bangkok numbers listed in this calendar from outside Thailand, you must first dial your country's international access code, then Thailand's country code, 66, and Bangkok's city code, 2. Some of the events listed here take place outside Bangkok, but they are accessible by car, air or other public transportation. Those phone numbers are listed with their respective city codes.

Information in this calendar is subject to change and should be confirmed.

August, 2008

12 Aug-Queen's Birthday. Public holiday. Along Ratchadamnoen Avenue and around the Grand Palace in Bangkok, buildings are decorated in celebration of Queen Surikit's birthday. For information, call the Tourism Authority of Thailand at 250-5500.

Throughout August—Theater. Dhamma Theatre Company presents short plays, performances, lectures and workshops based on Buddhist teachings every Sunday. Patravadi Theatre, Arun Amarin Road. For information, call 412-7287. http://www.patravaditheatre.com. Continues through late December

Throughout August—Grand Thailand Sale. More than 900 stores and businesses throughout the country give 10%-80% discounts on merchandise. Bangkok hosts the Grand Sale Grand Service Fair in early July, featuring a variety of products, from brand-name clothing to Thai handicrafts, as well as tourism exhibits and cultural demonstrations. Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. For information, call 2229-3191, or the Tourism Authority of Thailand at 250-5500. Concludes 31 Aug

September, 2008

Throughout September—Theater. Dhamma Theatre Company presents short plays, performances, lectures and workshops based on Buddhist teachings every Sunday. Patravadi Theatre, Arun Amarin Road. For information, call 412-7287. http://www.patravaditheatre.com. Continues through late December

October, 2008

23 Oct—Chulalongkorn Day. Public holiday honoring King Rama V, who saved Thailand from invasion during his reign (1868-1910). His monument near the old National Parliament Building is decked with pink roses, and visitors may tour nearby Vimanmek, his golden teak palace. For information, call the Tourism Authority of Thailand at 250-5500.

24-31 Oct—Siam Flora Festival. Hundreds of different species of plants and flowers are on display. MCC Hall at the Bangkae Mall, Bangkok. For information, call 2310-1549. http://www.tat.or.th/festival.

Throughout October—Theater. Dhamma Theatre Company presents short plays, performances, lectures and workshops based on Buddhist teachings every Sunday. Patravadi Theatre, Arun Amarin Road. For information, call 412-7287. http://www.patravaditheatre.com. Continues through late December

November, 2008

30 Nov—River Kwai Bridge Week Fair. A large sound-and-light show commemorates the World War II event at the River Kwai Bridge, made famous by the 1957 movie Bridge on the River Kwai. Concerts by Thai pop-music artists, a beauty pageant, boxing, folk dancing and other cultural displays. Kanchanaburi (80 mi/129 km northwest of Bangkok) is accessible by train or a two-and-a-half-hour car trip. For information and tickets, call the Central Region 1 office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand at 03-451-1200. Continues through 5 Dec

Early-Late November—Concert. The choir performs throughout the year, in addition to supporting the Bangkok Opera. Performances take place in the Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Road. For information, call 02-661-4688. http://www.orpheuschoir.com. Continues through late April 2009

Mid-Late November—Opera. The Bangkok Opera performs classic works regularly at the Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Road, and other venues. For information and tickets, call 254-4787. For tickets, call Thai Ticketmaster at 204-9999. http://www.bangkokopera.com. Continues through mid May 2009

Late November—Loi Krathong Festival (Festival of Lights). Loi Krathong (floating leaf cup) marks the full moon after the autumn rice harvest. Banana-leaf boats are filled with offerings of flowers, incense, candles and coins, and launched to honor the river deity who will wash away the sins of the past year. Fireworks, a procession of lighted barges, street fairs, cultural performances, dancing and traditional, classical and international music in Bangkok and throughout the country. Chao Phraya River, Maharat Road, Ratanakosin. For information, call the Tourism Authority of Thailand at 250-5500. http://www.loikrathong.net.

Late November—Bangkok International Marathon. More than 20,000 people participate in the full, wheelchair and minimarathons, and the 5K Fun Walk & Run. All routes begin and end at Sanam Chai Road in the front of the Royal Grand Palace and pass by many of the city's historical and cultural sites. For information, call 2776-6701 or 276-3605. http://www.thailandmarathon.org.

Throughout November—Theater. Dhamma Theatre Company presents short plays, performances, lectures and workshops based on Buddhist teachings every Sunday. Patravadi Theatre, Arun Amarin Road. For information, call 412-7287. http://www.patravaditheatre.com. Continues through late December

December, 2008

1-5 Dec—River Kwai Bridge Week Fair. A large sound-and-light show commemorates the World War II event at the River Kwai Bridge, made famous by the 1957 movie Bridge on the River Kwai. Concerts by Thai pop-music artists, a beauty pageant, boxing, folk dancing and other cultural displays. Kanchanaburi (80 mi/129 km northwest of Bangkok) is accessible by train or a two-and-a-half-hour car trip. For information and tickets, call the Central Region 1 office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand at 03-451-1200. Concludes 5 Dec

3 Dec-Trooping of the Colors. Colorful ceremony staged in the Royal Plaza by the Royal Guards, who renew their allegiance to the king and the royal family in conjunction with the royal birthday celebrations. At Royal Square. For information, call 250-5500.

5 Dec-King's Birthday. Public holiday. An especially festive observance in honor of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej's birthday. The vicinity of the Grand Palace is grandly illuminated. For information, call 2424-0004.

9 Dec-Constitution Day. Public holiday.

13-17 Dec—Bangkok Jazz Festival. Many well-known international jazz musicians perform at the Bangkok Jazz Festival. Sanam Suea Pa, Dusit District, Bangkok. http://www.bangkokjazzfestival.com.

31 Dec-New Year's Eve. Public holiday. Bangkok welcomes the new year with major celebrations throughout the city, including a lively countdown party at the Rachaprasong intersection in front of Central World Plaza and a televised countdown at National Stadium, Rama I Road. Also an array of gift giveaways, shows, parades and entertainment featuring drummers, athletes and international music artists. Revelers also enjoy a fireworks show, movie screenings, concerts and more on the Rama VIII Bridge across the Chao Phya River and a traditional celebration at Sanam Luang on Ratchadamnoen Nai Avenue. For information, call 2211-4155, or the Tourism Authority of Thailand at 250-5500. http://www.thailandgrandfestival.com.

Mid-Late December—Ayutthaya World Heritage Celebrations. Ayutthaya, an ancient Siamese capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrates its past with traditional cultural displays. A sound-and-light show is presented among the city's ruins, along with the re-creation of an ancient market. 55 mi/85 km north of Bangkok. For information, call the Thailand Tourism Authority at 250-5500.

Throughout December—Theater. Dhamma Theatre Company presents short plays, performances, lectures and workshops based on Buddhist teachings every Sunday. Patravadi Theatre, Arun Amarin Road. For information, call 412-7287. http://www.patravaditheatre.com. Concludes late December

Throughout December—Opera. The Bangkok Opera performs classic works regularly at the Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Road, and other venues. For information and tickets, call 254-4787. For tickets, call Thai Ticketmaster at 204-9999. http://www.bangkokopera.com. Continues through mid May 2009

Throughout December—Concert. The choir performs throughout the year, in addition to supporting the Bangkok Opera. Performances take place in the Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Road. For information, call 02-661-4688. http://www.orpheuschoir.com. Continues through late April 2009

January, 2009

1 Jan-New Year's Day. Public holiday. New Year's celebrations generally occur around Sanam Luang in Bangkok. For information, call the Tourism Authority of Thailand at 250-5500.

17, 18, 24, 25, 31 Jan—Bangkok Fringe Festival. This performing-arts festival features Thai and international choreographers, and theater and dance companies. Patravadi Theatre, Arun Amarin Road. For information and tickets, call 412-7287. http://www.patravaditheatre.com.

Early-Late January—Concert. The Bangkok Symphony Orchestra performs concerts at the Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Road. Phone 247-0028 or 247-0013. http://www.bangkoksymphony.org. Continues through late May

Early-Late January—Dance. Performances and workshops of classical and modern Thai dance held each Saturday. Dining also available. Patravadi Theatre restaurant, Arun Amarin Road. Free admission. For information, call 412-7287. http://www.patravaditheatre.com. Continues through late March

Throughout January—Concert. The choir performs throughout the year, in addition to supporting the Bangkok Opera. Performances take place in the Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Road. For information, call 02-661-4688. http://www.orpheuschoir.com. Continues through late April

Throughout January—Opera. The Bangkok Opera performs classic works regularly at the Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Road, and other venues. For information and tickets, call 254-4787. For tickets, call Thai Ticketmaster at 204-9999. http://www.bangkokopera.com. Continues through mid May

February, 2009

1 Feb—Bangkok Fringe Festival. This performing-arts festival features Thai and international choreographers, and theater and dance companies. Patravadi Theatre, Arun Amarin Road. For information and tickets, call 412-7287. http://www.patravaditheatre.com.

Throughout February—Opera. The Bangkok Opera performs classic works regularly at the Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Road, and other venues. For information and tickets, call 254-4787. For tickets, call Thai Ticketmaster at 204-9999. http://www.bangkokopera.com. Continues through mid May

Throughout February—Concert. The choir performs throughout the year, in addition to supporting the Bangkok Opera. Performances take place in the Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Road. For information, call 02-661-4688. http://www.orpheuschoir.com. Continues through late April

Throughout February—Concert. The Bangkok Symphony Orchestra performs concerts at the Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Road. Phone 247-0028 or 247-0013. http://www.bangkoksymphony.org. Continues through late May

Throughout February—Dance. Performances and workshops of classical and modern Thai dance held each Saturday. Dining also available. Patravadi Theatre restaurant, Arun Amarin Road. Free admission. For information, call 412-7287. http://www.patravaditheatre.com. Continues through late March

March, 2009

Throughout March—Concert. The Bangkok Symphony Orchestra performs concerts at the Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Road. Phone 247-0028 or 247-0013. http://www.bangkoksymphony.org. Continues through late May

Throughout March—Opera. The Bangkok Opera performs classic works regularly at the Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Road, and other venues. For information and tickets, call 254-4787. For tickets, call Thai Ticketmaster at 204-9999. http://www.bangkokopera.com. Continues through mid May

Throughout March—Concert. The choir performs throughout the year, in addition to supporting the Bangkok Opera. Performances take place in the Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Road. For information, call 02-661-4688. http://www.orpheuschoir.com. Continues through late April

Throughout March—Dance. Performances and workshops of classical and modern Thai dance held each Saturday. Dining also available. Patravadi Theatre restaurant, Arun Amarin Road. Free admission. For information, call 412-7287. http://www.patravaditheatre.com. Concludes late March

April, 2009

6 Apr-Chakri Day. Public holiday that commemorates Rama I, founder of the Chakri dynasty, which still rules the country.

Throughout April—Concert. The Bangkok Symphony Orchestra performs concerts at the Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Road. Phone 247-0028 or 247-0013. http://www.bangkoksymphony.org. Continues through late May

Throughout April—Concert. The choir performs throughout the year, in addition to supporting the Bangkok Opera. Performances take place in the Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Road. For information, call 02-661-4688. http://www.orpheuschoir.com. Concludes late April

Throughout April—Opera. The Bangkok Opera performs classic works regularly at the Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Road, and other venues. For information and tickets, call 254-4787. For tickets, call Thai Ticketmaster at 204-9999. http://www.bangkokopera.com. Continues through mid May

May, 2009

5 May-Coronation Day. Public holiday observing the anniversary of the coronation of His Royal Highness King Bhumibol, Thailand's longest-reigning monarch. Ceremonies occur around Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha).

Early-Mid May—Opera. The Bangkok Opera performs classic works regularly at the Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Road, and other venues. For information and tickets, call 254-4787. For tickets, call Thai Ticketmaster at 204-9999. http://www.bangkokopera.com. Concludes mid May

Throughout May—Concert. The Bangkok Symphony Orchestra performs concerts at the Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Road. Phone 247-0028 or 247-0013. http://www.bangkoksymphony.org. Concludes late May

July, 2009

1 Jul-Mid Year Day. Public holiday.