Special Interests
Muai Thai
With feet, arms, fists and knees used in the fights, the unique martial art of "Muai Thai" has caught on in many countries. Boxers undergoing long periods of specialised training are immensely fit and strong although slight in build. It comes as no surprise when much larger men without the specialised training, feeling that they can easily win, find themselves on their backs in a few seconds when up against these steely-muscled fighters.
"Muai Thai" can be seen throughout the week at two major boxing stadiums, Lumphini (Tel. 0 2251 4303) on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday and at Ratchadamnoen (Tel. 0 2281 4205) on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. And at the Channel 7 Stadium (Tel.0 2272 0010) only on Saturdays.
Programmes generally feature eight bouts and commence around 6.00 p.m. Admission fees, apart from ringside seats, are reasonable.
Meditation
Meditation is one of the most popular aspects of Buddhism, practised by numerous Thais and laymen as a means of inspiring inner peace and well-being. The World Fellowship of Buddhists (WFB) located on Sukhumvit Road between Soi 22 and 24 is the most convenient and useful place to learn about Thai Buddhism and meditation practised in certain Bangkok temples.
- WFB meditation
Tel. 0 2661 1284-7 - Wat Mahadhatu
Tel. 0 2222 6011 - Association for the Science of Creative Intelligence
Sukhumvit Road, Soi 21
Tel. 0 2258 3257 - Young Buddhist Association of Thailand
Phetkasem Road
Tel. 0 2413 1706 - House of Dhamma
Lat Phrao Soi 15
Tel. 0 2511 0439
Entertainment
Thai and international cultural performances including symphonies, ballet, mime, modern dramas, jazz and pop concerts from world-famous artists are often staged in Bangkok. Details of current events are regularly advertised in Bangkok's major English-language newspapers.
- National Theatre (at Sanam Luang)
Tel. 0 2224 1342, 0 2225 8457-8, 0 2222 1352 - Thailand Cultural Center (on Ratchadaphisek Road)
Tel. 0 2247 0028 - Traditional Thai Puppet Theatre ( Suan Lum Night bazaar)
Tel.0 2252 9683-4 - Sala Chaloem Krung (on Charoenkrung Road)
Tel. 0 2225 8758 - Patravadi Theatre (near Wat Rakhang)
Tel. 0 2412 7287 - Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (on New Ratchadaphisek Road)
Tel. 0 2229 3000-9 - BEC TERO Hall (Suan Lum Night Bazaar)
Tel. 0 2252 9292 - Impact Arena, Exhibition and Convention Center (Muang Thong Thani)
Tel. 0 2504 5050
Traditional Thai Massage
This therapeutic and highly soothing form of massage purportedly evolved from Brahmin hermit ascetics some 2,500 years ago, who relieved the stress of extended periods of meditation by adopting certain postures. Today, those practised in the art can bring great relief, reduce muscle stress and bring a sense of well-being to the body.
The best-known school of Thai traditional massage is located in Wat Pho (Tel. 0 2221 2974, 0 2221 3686), where a two-week course is taught for anyone interested in mastering this unique and fascinating art. Major hotels and spas in Bangkok also provide Thai massage services.
Thai Cooking
Thai cuisine is rapidly increasing in popularity worldwide and there is an increasing interest in learning the art. Visitors wishing to learn how to cook Thai food can contact:
- Thai Cooking School at the Oriental Hotel
Tel. 0 2659 9000 - Modern Housewife Centre
Tel. 0 2279 2831-4 - The Landmark Hotel
Tel. 0 2253 4259 - UFM Food Centre
Tel. 0 2259 0620-30
Golfing Opportunities around Bangkok
Over the last two decades, there has been an explosion in golf course building, as more land has become available for exploitation. Today, Bangkok can boast many modern, professionally run courses, many of them designed by famous golfing names from Europe and America.
Golfing in Thailand is a golfer's dream. The courses are well designed, very cheap compared to their Western counterparts, and caddies are always available. During the week, they are far less crowded than courses in other countries. Most courses allow the casual visitors to play, whether they are members or not.
Here is a selection of the many courses available.
- Krung Thep Kritha Hua Mark, within city limits
Tel. 0 2379 4954, 0 2379 3732 - Natural Park Ramindra Golf Club
Tel. 0 2914 1930-39 Ext. 133,134 - Navatanee Golf Club, on outskirts of the city
Tel. 0 2376 1034-6 - Panya Park, skirting city limits
Tel. 0 2989 4200-23 - President Golf Club, within city limits
Tel. 0 2988 7555-63 - Thanont Golf View and Sports Club, within city limits
Tel. 0 2916 9100-4 - Unico Golf Club, within city limits
Tel. 0 2379 3752, 0 2379 3780
Cinemas
Thai, Western and Asian films with English subtitles are regularly screened at Bangkok's many cinemas. The cinemas are scrupulously clean and modern. A regular movie ticket costs around 100-120 baht. Details of current showings can be found in Bangkok's English-language press.
