Distractions to keep your mind off the conflict

Though the demonstration this past week has been peaceful, we cannot deny that the protest is affecting the lives of Bangkok residents. Though some organisers have rescheduled, their events, others are sticking to their schedule. The Bangkok International Fashion Week, which was going to be held outside Siam Paragon from March 18 to 21, has been put off until late April. The organisers spent more than Bt40 million for the four events and hoped to generate Bt500 million. Dozens of local designers, who got their spring-summer collections ready, have lost business opportunities. On Wednesday, Swarovski and Triumph cancelled the presentation of their latest collections, with the latter losing Bt1 million from the cancellation.

Though the protest so far has been fairly peaceful, apart from the symbolic blood curse, many cultural-event organisers are keeping a close eye on the situation. Still, some believe that the "show must go on" and are not delaying concerts featuring international artists. Last weekend, Terminal Xtra stuck with its plan to hold the Bangkok International Jazz Festival despite the protest reaching a climax on Sunday.

After all, the organiser had lost several millions of baht two years ago when the yellow shirts closed down the Suvarnabhumi Airport.

On Wednesday, Kool and the Gang also had a sold-out show in Siam Paragon, while the Pattaya International Music Fest - featuring more than 100 musicians - will continue as scheduled this weekend. The festival is meant to boost the confidence of tourists after the beach resort city suffered badly from the political confrontation last April, when Asean leaders had to be flown out. Co-hosted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Bt40-million festival aims to attract more than 500,000 people and generate at least Bt500 million.

Tomorrow, legendary crooner Tom Jones, accompanied by his 10-piece band, will return to the City of Angels and put on a show at Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani - a site far away from the rally. The concert is organised by BEC-Tero Entertainment, which has been losing millions of baht because international artists keep cancelling shows due to Thailand's uncertain political situation. This time though, BEC-Tero is more confident about the situation and is also going ahead with its "Disney on Ice" show from March 26 to 31 at Impact Arena. The 80-member troupe will be flying into Bangkok next week.

Meanwhile, a group of leading designers is already in Bangkok for Creativities Unfold's annual symposium, the theme for which this year is "Play: From Passion to Business". The event, hosted by Thailand Creative and Design Centre, is taking place at Scala Theatre in Siam Square today and tomorrow. This event brings together creative entrepreneurs, who will show how passion, creativity and just doing what you love can be used to make millions.

Though the red shirts are making life in Bangkok a little difficult, we can all hope that the problem will be resolved soon and that no third, fourth or fifth hand will cause any violence this week. So, if the chaos depresses you, find some time to listen to leading designers talk about success. Visit www.CreativitiesUnfold.com for details.

Another enjoyable distraction this weekend could be the "Trans-Cool Tokyo" exhibition at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, which runs until March 26. The show includes paintings, sculpture, installations and video art from Tokyo's Museum of Modern Art. Visit www.Bacc.org.th for more.

Nearby is the Jim Thompson House, which is hosting a multi-million-baht exhibition called "The Tropics - Views from the Middle of the Globe", displaying rare treasures from 16th century along with contemporary video installations until June 13. Visit www.JimThompsonHouse.org.

However, here's a word of warning: get an update on news before leaving home, and remember, everyone is allowed to voice their political opinions but violence is certainly not allowed.

Also, keep praying for a peaceful ending.