TAT hosts international drum festival to build role of Thailand as centre of music and culture

BANGKOK - The National Theatre in Bangkok will come alive with the exotic beat, rhythm and tempo of the world’s drums during a two-day International Drum Festival to be hosted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand between 5-6 July 2013.

Visitors, both locals and tourists, will have free admission to the numerous performances and demonstrations of dynamic drums by artistes and musicians from India, South Korea, Taiwan as well as Thailand.

The Festival will show how drums have been used for festivals, weddings, processions, ceremonies and other national, religious, cultural and state events.

Said TAT Governor Suraphon Svetasreni, “This is part of our effort to promote Asian and ASEAN social and cultural integration by highlighting the spectacular role and uses of drums in many aspects of life. It will also go a long way towards enhancing the role of Thailand as a centre of arts, music and culture. Visitors will be fascinated by how many different kinds of drums there are.”

The drums will include the Tabla from India, Lunba Cajon from Peru, Batucada from Brazil, Taiko drums from Japan, Djambe drums from Africa, and many more.

The performances will comprise two daily:

1. Inside the National Theatre (Performances at 1400 hrs and 1900 hrs)

2.Shows on Mini Stage (in front of National Theatre) (5 times per day, from 1600-200 hrs)

The grounds of the National Theatre will also be used for demonstrations of the historic and remarkable technique of drum-making, which is an art in itself.

Special food and beverage stalls are also being organised, with a focus on ASEAN delicacies such as Nasi Lemak, Laksa, Polvoron, Vietnamese Spring Roll, Fruit Salad Lao, etc.

Sourced: TravelDialyNews