Thailand Cultural Centre
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Thailand Cultural Centre (Thai ศูนย์วัฒนธรรมแห่งประเทศไทย, or Thailand Cultural Center) is a performing-arts venue in Bangkok, Thailand.
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[edit] History
Built with a grant from Japan, the Thailand Cultural Centre opened on October 9, 1987 as part of celebrations for King Bhumibol's 60th birthday.
[edit] Facilities
The venue consists of two auditoriums and one outdoor stage and is used for various live performances all year round. The Main Hall is a 2,000-seat auditorium, and is used for stage presentations, concerts and conferences. The Small Hall is a 500-seat multi-purpose auditorium, which is integrated with a 1,000-seat outdoor amphitheater. The Social Education and Exhibition Building accommodates a cultural library and the Thai Life Permanent Exhibition. There is also the Japanese Pavilion and the Thai Pavilion.
[edit] Location
The venue is located on Ratchadaphisek Road, close to the junction with Tiam Ruammitr Road, in Huai Khwang district.
[edit] Metro station
The Bangkok Metro has a station called Thailand Cultural Centre. The name is misleading, because the actual venue is a 20-minute walk away, rather than being directly adjacent.
On January 17, 2005 two trains collided at this station, injuring approximately 200 people. Although computer glitches were initially blamed, two subway system employees were later charged for the accident.
The station has been designed to be an interchange providing future connection with the Orange Line. The Orange Line is planned to run from Bang Kapi to Bang Bamru and cut perpendicularly with the Blue Line at Thailand Cultural Centre station.
A multi-story "park and ride" facility is available at the station.
[edit] Nearby attractions
- Carrefour hypermarket
- Esplanade Cineplex – A five-story shopping mall and entertainment complex, anchored by a 13-screen multiplex cinema operated by Major Cineplex. It opened in December 2006.
- JUSCO Department Store
- Robinson Department Store
- Siam Naramit – A Thai traditional dance theater and cultural theme park.
