Thailand’s famous tuk-tuk is all set to break a record in overland travel thanks to two 27 year old Britons who are taking turns to drive the motorised rickshaw from Bangkok to their hometown of Brighton in England.
Psychology student Jo Huxster and former television crew member Antonia Bolingbroke-Kent left the British ambassador’s residence in Bangkok last Sunday and are now turning heads in Laos as they make their way through the countryside in their shocking pink vehicle.
Huxster and Bolingbroke-Kent will drive for three months to raise 50,000 Pounds  (Bt3.57 million) for the UK mental health charity Mind.
“We’ve already got 3,000 Pounds from Elton John,� reveals Bolingbroke-Kent.
Huxster’s trip in a tuk-tuk four years ago inspired the idea for the overland trip across Asia and Europe.
“I came to Bangkok with my family. The driver let me sit up front and allowed me to drive for a short distance. It was quite an experience.�
“The Thai tuk-tuk is the best. Unlike other motor-rickshaws, the Thai tuk-tuk is tough and fun to ride.�
The two Britons say their journey will cover 19,000 kilometres, further than the last two overland trips by tuk-tuk to Germany and France by other drivers.
“After Laos is China,� says Bolingbroke-Kent “We will travel through Chengdu, Xian following the old Silk Road.�
However, the girls won’t be travelling through the old “hippie� trail from Afghanistan to Iran to Turkey, avoiding getting in trouble with bandits.
“We will approach Europe from Central Asia.�
The Thai tuk-tuk may be fun to ride but the roads in China and Central Asia will prove a tough test for the chic pink vehicle.
“It’s been specially modified for the ride,� reveals Sawong Sonpheung, the tuk-tuk maker who built the vehicle.
“The wheels are specially made in order to prevent Jo and Antonia from a flat tyre experience. The suspension is also modified to cope with tough terrain.�
The girls are schedule to arrive home in Brighton around August and will drive around to raising more money for Mind before giving serious thought about what to do with the pink tuk-tuk.
Like-minded travellers can donate money and stay in touch with the girls through their website http://www.tuktotravel.co.uk/.
Source from “The Nation” June 2006.
June 7th, 2006
Winnie the Pooh and his gang are returning to take Thai children on a special adventure in “Disney Live! Winnie the Pooh” at the BEC-Tero Hall, Suan Lum Night Bazaar during June 20-25 2006. The show runs daily at 7pm, plus 3 more shows at 10am, 1pm and 4pm on the weekend.”Disney Live! Winnie the Pooh” brings the characters of the Hundred Acre Wood to life in a charming story of friendship. This all-new touring stage production features the honey-loving Winnie and his friends - brave Piglet, joyful Tigger, tricky Rabbit, whining Eeyore, naughty Roo, know-it-all Owl and hot-tempered Kanga - who embark on a journey of fun and surprise as they plan a party for the bear’s 80th birthday.
From the moment the towering trees part on the stage, revealing the depth and beauty of Winnie the Pooh’s world, the audience is immersed in an enchanting interactive theatrical experience where they actively participate throughout the story by helping Rabbit with the party preparations, bouncing along with Tigger and searching for a “little smackeral of honey” with Pooh.
Each of the memorable character’s personalities shine on stage, as all the friends work together to plan a surprise birthday party for Pooh. Keeping Pooh distracted from remembering that it is his birthday, Piglet accompanies the bear on his ongoing quest for honey, and along the way they get caught up in the adventures that unfold and take viewers through an imaginative musical journey.
Narrating the tale is Tracie, the storyteller who guides the audience through the show with the help of her 3 amusing and eager Honey Helpers. The trio provides constant humour and hijinks as they help change scenes, interact with the audience and follow Tracie’s direction throughout the story.
State-of-the-art digital projection transforms the stage into a magical world the audience will instantly recognise. For the first time, Feld Entertainment has worked with Disney animators to create stage backgrounds inspired directly by Disney’s films and the classic Winnie the Pooh tales.
Hundred Acre Wood comes to life with blowing leaves, fluttering butterflies and changing seasons. Each scene unfolds with nostalgic beauty, life-sized props, amazing sound and light effects and the intimate atmosphere.
The show also features new arrangements of songs such as Winnie the Pooh, Rumbly in My Tumbly, The Whoop-De-Dooper Bounce and other favourites. From simple dance steps and memorable songs to high-energy bouncing and audience singalongs, everything comes together on the stage to create this new production.
All shows of “Disney Live! Winnie the Pooh” are in Thai, except 4 shows on June 21-22 at 7pm, June 24 at 10am and June 25 at 7pm which will have an English soundtrack.
Tickets cost 600, 900 and 1,200 baht and can be purchased from Thaiticketmaster booths on the 27th floor of Maleenont Tower; Central Chidlom, Lat Phrao, Pin Klao and Bang Na branches; Future Park Rangsit; and Big C Ramkhamhaeng. Call 02-242-3456 or visit http://www.thaiticketmaster.com/
Source from “Bangkok Post” June 2006.
June 7th, 2006
