Life along the river
Bangkokians are being offered the opportunity to connect with riverside communities this weekend through the “Bangkok River Fair (From Being Strangers to Neighbours)” taking place on Saturday (August 5) at Pipit Bang Lamphu Museum.
From Rama VII Bridge through to Samut Prakan province, a 57-kilometre-long stretch of the Chao Phraya River meanders through Bangkok and charts a storied history that dates back 200 years to the Krung Thonburi era. The fair aims to reconnect people to this heritage like never before.
The event gets underway at 11 with a talk about the history of eight riverside communities and will be followed by a traditional Thai music performance. Visitors can enjoy arts & crafts workshops and cooking demonstrations including the preparation of Khao Tom Nam Woon by the Sam Phraya Community and banana trunk carving by the Wat Mai Community.
A panel discussion on Sustainable Development for the Chao Phraya River will explore solutions for the Chao Phraya River through the eyes of the riverside community, with directly affected communities discussing the consequences that the construction of a 57-kilometer roadway over the river will have upon them and their history.
Well-known artists will showcase works portraying the history and importance of each unique community.
Visitors are invited to show their support for the survival of the riverside community through the #MyChaoPhraya initiative by drawing “my dream Chao Phraya” on a huge canvas. The work will be exhibited in prominent locations around Bangkok, and will hopefully encourage other citizens of Bangkok to unite in illustrating their desired Chao Phraya.
Find out more at www.BangkokRiverFair.com.
