Of rice and royalty

For students of Thai culture, one of the must-see events of the summer gets under way next week. To mark of His Majesty the King's 80th year, the Department of Foreign Trade of the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, and the Rice Exporters Association are staging the exhibition "The King and Thai Rice" on May 11 and 12 at Impact Convention Centre, Muang Thong Thani.

The exhibition focuses on the central role that Thai rice plays in the country's economy, culture and tradition, and the part His Majesty has played in that story.

On stepping through the entrance, which is modelled after the one at Chitralada Palace, visitors will be greeted by the sight of the largest model of a grain of jasmine rice in the world. This forms the introduction to the story of the cultivation of the Kingdom's staple crop told within, where models of  Thailand's ubiquitous paddy field will give visitors a glimpse into how rice is grown and harvested. Elsewhere, there are displays on the evolution of  milling, research and development and the changing rice trade.

In the From Paddy to Thai Kitchen zone, members of the public can learn the many different ways to cook jasmine rice that have developed since the early Rattanakosin period, then taste the results.

Over the two days, you will also be able to join the fun and informative "Thailand Rice Rally", with prizes on offer, and a lucky draw for many more goodies.

Talks from experts should give insights into the technological know-how that goes into the production of Thai rice, and the plans for its global promotion this year. In addition, the rice grains for the Royal Ploughing Ceremony, to be held at Sanam Luang on May 10, will be produced at Zone A.

The exhibition is being held at Halls 6 and 7, Impact Convention Centre, Muang Thong Thani on May 11 and 12. Admission is free, and the doors open at 9am. For more information, visit www.riceconvention.com.