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What is the Ploenchit Fair?
The Ploenchit Fair is quite simply Bangkok’s Big Day Out. Arguably the biggest Fair in Asia, it has been part of the social scene in Thailand since the first Fair was held in The British Embassy in 1957.
Everybody comes to the Ploenchit Fair – the theme is a traditional British fairground and it is a day to meet all your friends, pick up some fabulous bargains, sample great international cuisine, exhaust the children with a variety of fun fair games and rides, or just knock back some champagne, cold beer or even Pimms while enjoying great bands who perform throughout the afternoon on the main stage.
When is it?
The Fair this year will be on Saturday 25th November 2023
Where is the Fair being held?
This year the Fair will take place in the grounds of the Bangkok Patana School
What will I find at the Ploenchit Fair?
There’s something for everyone at the Fair – games, rides and competitions for the kids and adults including a Shooting Gallery, Bungee Jump, Water Roller Ball, Hands Spin Boats, Giant Slide, Golf, Coconut Shy, Grand Raffle to name but a few. The main stage hosts a variety of excellent bands and performers through out the day while a genuinely mind boggling array of food and drink is available from some of the best bars and restaurants in Bangkok.
Get all your Christmas shopping done early at Petticoat Lane Bazaar where some 70 vendors sell beautiful handicrafts, home wares, clothes and accessories, books, jewellry and everything else you never knew you needed. Tesco and Boots, our high street giants have gift-sets, hampers and special prices for you.
Why is it called the Ploenchit Fair?
Prior to 2001 the Fair had been held in the gardens to the British Embassy for over four decades on Ploenchit Road. The Fair is held in such high affection and the name has become so well known that it has stuck despite several subsequent relocations.
Is it only the British Community who helps or goes to the Fair?
Definitely not! You fill find almost every nationality represented among the stallholders and visitors to the Fair. Whilst the Fair may have started as a way for the British Community to express their appreciation to their Thai hosts and share a traditional bit of British fun, they are now enthusiastically joined by many nations.
Who runs the Ploenchit Fair?
The fair is planned, organized and managed by the BCTFN along with an army of over 2000 volunteers. Many organisations assist the BCTFN hugely including private and public companies, businesses and the British Embassy.
What does the BCTFN stand for?
BCTFN stands for the British Community in Thailand Foundation for the Needy. The organization has evolved from humble beginnings in 1946 as the simply titled ‘Charity Fair’, through to the 1950’s when it became established as the United Kingdom Committee for Thai Charities (UKCTC) under the auspices of the British Embassy and in 1999 when the UKCTC became a fully authorized and recognized Thai Charity Foundation. The name changed to reflect Thai law which requires the name of the charitable foundation to clearly reflect the purpose of the charity.
What happens to the money that the Fair raises?
The BCTFN disburses funds to a wide range of projects. Since the year 2000 alone, the Fair has raised over 70 million baht which has benefited a diverse range of organisations. In recent years, priority has been given to self-help projects that benefit and enable a community to become self-sustaining. Assistance has also been given in the provision of basic necessities and equipment to improve healthcare, nutrition, education, agricultural projects and the disabled throughout Thailand. Donations are never made in cash. Once a project is approved, building plans, estimates and invoices etc will be met by the BCTFN and payment made directly to contractors and suppliers