Rolling on the river

A woman of substance

Her name was Thongmon, and her story bridges the divide between the Ayutthaya and Bangkok eras in Thai history. Thaw Songkandan was a Mon noblewoman, who escaped the Burmese destruction of Pegu in the 1750s, married a prince of the Ban Phlu Luang dynasty at Ayutthaya and then got caught up in the 1767 holocaust. She was given refuge by King Taksin at Thonburi and ended up serving as guardian of the royal treasury in the Thonburi Grand Palace. You can learn more about this remarkable lady at a lecture being given by Dr Edward Van Roy, a visiting fellow at the Institute of Asian Studies, Chulalongkorn University, at the Siam Society on September 3 starting at 7.30.

Nonmembers pay B200. Call (02) 661 6470 or email info@siamsociety.org.

Rolling on the river

Go to extremes in Nakhon Nayok next weekend. The central province is hosting a kayak competition on August 22 and 23 and the two-day race promises lots of thrills, as kayakers roll and flip over the artificial rapids on Nakhon Nayok River. The competition is open to challengers in both the Under18 and Open categories. Foreign paddlers are also welcomed. Nakhon Nayok is about 90minutes drive from Bangkok. Call (037) 312 282.

Get arty with crafts

Bamboo baskets, hand-woven silk, wood and buffalo-horn carvings and hilltribe embroidery are among the handicrafts that you'll fine at the ThaiCraft Fair being held at the Jasmine Building, Bangkok on August 29. The event, which runs from 10am to 2pm, sees local artisans from more than 60 villages showcasing their wares and demonstrating their skills. Kids can learn too at the Crafts for Fun corner.

Jasmine Building is on Sukhumvit Soi 23, a short walk from BTS Asoke/MRT Sukhumvit stations. Call (02) 676 063 or visit www.ThaiCraft.org.

Working up a sweat

Sweat in the world's "finest sun" on September 19 at adventure race, the Koh Samui Trophy. Open to competitors in two divisions (adventure and extreme), teams of two will race in four disciplines - running, cycling, kayaking and swimming. This year, more than 150 teams from around the world are expected to take part in the event, which starts and finishes on the magnificent Bophut beach in front of the Ibis Hotel.

Visit www.KohSamuiTrophy.com or email info@activeasia.com.