All the fun of the fair
Having been well received by the general public for five decades, the Thai Red Cross Society and spouses of diplomats in Thailand are hosting a major charity event, the 51st Diplomatic Red Cross Bazaar.
This year, the concept is “Celebrating the 125th Anniversary of the Thai Red Cross Society and the Elegance of Giving”.
The event, which takes place on February 24-25 at Royal Paragon Hall, Siam Paragon, presents famous products of various countries, sold to raise funds to support the Red Cross Society.
HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, the society’s executive vice president, will preside at the opening ceremony and visit the booths and activities on February 24 at 8.30am.
“The bazaar this year has great support from diplomats and their spouses, as well as officers from various embassies,” says Janprapa Vichitcholchai, deputy director of the society’s fund-raising bureau.
“A total of 53 booths will be presented, offering high-quality products from their respective countries at a special price. Additionally, we have designed special trolley bags to reflect the society’s four pillars – Heal, Relieve, Give and Prevent.
“We also have designed other items for the 125th anniversary, such as bags with a tag, caps, shirts, umbrellas and key chains, and they will be available at this event. I would like to invite everyone to come and shop. The proceeds will be presented to Princess Sirindhorn to support the Thai Red Cross Society in helping the underprivileged.”
Olga Barskaya, chairperson of the organising committee and wife of the Russian ambassador, lists the items on sale at this year’s event.
“There are many interesting products, such as Russian nesting dolls – Matryoshka dolls – lacquered boxes, Russian Gzhel ceramics, Belgian crystal accessories, chocolates and cocoa powder, Norwegian salmon, Australian vitamins, bedding and duvet pillows, Moroccan argan oil, Mongolian cashmere shirts, scarves and shawls and leatherwear, Bhutanese jam, honey, mineral water and natural products, Brazilian sandals, gems and stones, Canadian frozen seafood and maple syrup, Portuguese egg tarts, Czech glassware and crystals, Myanmar tanaka, tea, coffee, rubies, jade, jewelry and cashew nuts, Swiss chocolates, cheese, ice cream and kitchenware, and Israeli dates and apricots.
“This year Turkey, a culture-rich country, will present ‘evil eye’ nazar ornaments made of glass. It is typically used to make necklaces and key chains. The eye-shaped blue amulet is believed to protect against the evil eye. Delicate Turkish rugs, ceramics, drawings, dried fruit, nuts and silverware will also be available again after three-year absence.”
One of the main attractions every year is the raffle draw. Tickets cost Bt50, available at the venue, and the prizes will be drawn on March 15 at the fund-raising bureau.
Learn more from the Thai Red Cross Society at (02) 251 1218, (02) 251 6994 or (02) 256 4289.
