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What's On in Chiang Mai and Beyond

Until 31st: PANKRED PAINTING EXHIBITION

Until 31st: PANKRED PAINTING EXHIBITION The Pankred Group celebrates its 12th anniversary by hosting an exhibition of the works of Niwat Kosal, Teerayut Seuptim,

Srijai Kuntawang, and Kraisorn Prasert. Currently at 9 Art Gallery/Architect Studio in Chiang Rai. For more information, call 0-5371-9110.

5th Coronation Day - public holiday

5th Coronation Day - public holiday Sixtieth anniversary of the coronation of King Bhumibhol, the world's longest-reigning monarch. At night the streets and the buildings will display an array of lights and decorations. Pictures of the King are posted everywhere to show how greatly the citizens respect him.

6th - 8th: Star Balcony

6th - 8th: Star Balcony: astronomy display, Lamphun This activity held at a fantastic earth house in Baan Luk, Muang-nga, Lamphun invites everyone to lie down at "Star Balcony" and learn astronomy. Free admission. For more information, contact www.baandin.com or call 06-910-9107.

7th: The Dancers' Company

7th: The Dancers' Company Brigham Young University presents an unforgettable evening of awarded ballet performances led by creative artistic director Rebecca Wright Phillips, at Kad Theatre, Kad Suan Kaew at 7 p.m. Tickets are priced at 100, 400, 500, and 1,000 Baht. For more information, call Linda Buck 07 191 3807, or Shirley Penney 01 764 7987.

11th: Royal Ploughing Ceremony - Piti Raekna

11th: Royal Ploughing Ceremony - Piti Raekna Held at Sanam Luang, Bangkok, but seen everywhere on TV. The Royal Ploughing Day ceremony is a Brahmin ritual with a long pedigree, which underlines the importance of agriculture to the Thai economy, and also sways and predicts the main features of the agricultural season now commencing. View The Ploughing Ceremony for more information.

13th - 15th: Furniture Buil-Din

13th - 15th: Furniture Buil-Din Baandin.com is organizing a "Furniture Buil-din" workshop to teach any interested persons the art of making earth furniture. Free admission. For more information, contact www.baandin.com or call 06-910-9107.

13th- 19th: Contemporary Painting Exhibition

13th- 19th: Contemporary Painting Exhibition A contemporary painting exhibition features a collaboration of works by the artists of Wheel Group 3, including Kreangkri Vongpitirat, Jintana Piamsiri, Netikorn Chinyo and Den Warnjing. The exhibition will be organized at Galerie Panisa, 189 Mahidol Road. For more information, call 0-5320-2779.

14th - 30: Chiang Dao Photo Exhibition

14th - 30: Chiang Dao Photo Exhibition Exhibition by Smithi Thananithichote, ex-photo editor of Open Magazine, in collaboration with the Community Forest Support Group and the Support Chiang Dao Group, showcasing photographs from Chiang Dao Mountain, held at Khum Jao Bureerat, Lanna Architecture Center on Ratchadamnoen Road. For more information, call 0-9755-2707.

17th: Informal Northern Thai Group Lecture

17th: Informal Northern Thai Group Lecture Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sampan Singharajwarapan, CMU's renowned geologist, will give a presentation (in English) on the geology of Northern Thailand and its environs. The title and content have yet to be confirmed but Dr. Sampan has intimated that he will include topics such as dams built on fault lines and Chiang Mai Province's "Atlantis". Alliance Francaise 138 Charoen Prathet Road, 10 mins. walk from the Night Bazaar. 19.30, all welcome.

21st - 23rd: Visakha Puja Public Holiday

21st - 23rd: Visakha Puja Public Holiday On Saturday, the eve of Visakha Puja - the day Buddhists all over the country celebrate the anniversary of the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha - Chiang Mai celebrants meet at the Kruba Srivichai statue at the foot Doi Suthep, preparing for the long night-procession up to the Wat Phra That on the mountain overlooking the Northern Capital (for story see p.20). Wien-tien - candle-lit circumambulation - of most temples in the city takes place simultaneously. Visakha Puja itself is on Sunday, and Monday is the alternative Public Holiday. The parade will be organized by Chiang Mai University together with Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. For more info 053-295002.

End of May - early June, City Pillar (Sao Inthakhin) Ceremony

End of May - early June, City Pillar (Sao Inthakhin) Ceremony Held to invoke the blessings of peace, happiness and prosperity for the city and its people. Procession of auspicious Buddha image and other activities over a seven-day period centering on Wat Chedi Luang. More details TAT Northern Office Region One - 052-248604, 248607. One of the most important and popular ceremonies of the year in the Rose of the North. The date for this event has yet to be confirmed.