Thai Visitor Reminded Of Amusements At Home

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28481, 10 January 1958, Page 2

Thai Visitor Reminded Of Amusements At Home

IBy CHIRIBHA ONRUANG of Thailand.!

Many theatres around Cathedral square sometimes make me think of the amusements in Thailand. Bangkok, like Christchurch, has more than 10 theatres, some of which are bigger than those in Christchurch. The cinema is a. popular amusement with the Bangkok population. We have American and European films and also our own Thai productions. But the people seem to like the American films better than others. Although Thailand is not an Englishspeaking country because English is taught in every secondary school, many people are able to follow the language quite well. If they do not understand they may read the Thai script under the films which can be found in every main theatre in Bangkok. The Thais sometimes use cinemas for the study of English. Theatres Different

The theatres in Bangkok are quite different from those in Christchurch. They have shows every day.. From Monday to Friday they have sessions five times a day, 2 p.m., 4,6, 8. and 10 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday they have an extra session from noon because many people usually spend their holidays in cinemas. The Thai people are interested in all kinds of films

The Thais also love songs, music and drama. Every big school, college and university has its orchestra. Some play modern music and some play Thai music. In summer, from the end of February to May, we have many open-air concerts. The best known is the Silapakorn orchestra, which sometimes provides a symphony concert The Silapakorn Theatre, in summer, also arranges the Thai Classical Drama, which has many forms. The ancient ones are called “Khon” (masked play), “Rabam” (dance in character), and “Lakhon” (operatic ballet). The people, however, like to go to “Lameru Ground” to see the flying kites and also to listen to the music. They sometimes have their meals at the bazaar there.

Thais, like New Zealanders, are fond of horse racing. It is held in Bangkok regularly on Satur-

day and Sunday at either of the two big local clubs, the Royal Bangkok Sports Club and the Royal Turf Club. In addition to horse-racing; the sports clubs also provide golf, tennis, swimming, squash and other, sports. The only other golf course in Bangkok belongs to the Dusit Club, but tennis courts are at almost every leading club in the city. Sports and games in general can be seen at the National Stadium, and boxing matches can be seen every Thursday and Sunday at the Rajadhmnoern Boxing Stadium. Thai boxing is popular among the Europeans as well as among Thais. Park* Popular

I also think of the Lumpini and Khao Din Park, which are very popular for the workers who need relaxation after the day's work. Every afternoon and evening when the Weather is fine crowds of men, women and children go there in smart dreses to take a stroll or have refreshments. Khao Din Park has a small-scale zoo with quite a number of monkeys, birds, a few crocodiles, tigers and bears and nearly ail kinds of tropical animals can be found. The children enjoy this park very much. Sometimes they ride on the small elephant through the park. By night .in Bangkok, we can enjoy good food and good music at places such as Hoi Phian Loa and Chez Eye. In winter many associations and clubs always provide dancing at Amporn or Lumpini Park Hall for raising money. Ten years ago very few knew how to dance, but the pastime has spread like wildfire and it is considered a social accomplishment to know how to dance. After dancing some go for supper to restaurants, some of which are open all night.'