The Tantipat family, led by Suwat Tantipat (4th from left), governor of Chiang Mai and his daughter, Orn-Usa Tantipat (3rd from left) held a birthday dinner for his wife Onnadda (5th from left). Amongst well-wishers at Le Grand Lanna Restaurant, Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi were Sun Suebsaeng (4th from right), managing director of Dhara Dhevi Hotel.

Hans Christensen, proprietor of The House, hosted a Christmas Reception for a number of concierges and executive floor managers from all major hotels in Chiang Mai. All were curious to have a close look at the latest fashion items and accessories.

Frank (7th left, 3rd row) and Vanita (6th left, 3rd row) Sethi, owners of Fashion King at the Galae Food Center, Night Bazaar, extended a very warm welcome to the athletes who joined the 5th Asian Soft Tennis on December 6.

Sumalee Lukuan, marketing manager of Chi Chang Computer invited people to name their new IT shop at the Major Cineplex, Airport Plaza. This competition is called “U Name It!”

A Bai Sri ceremony was held for Hawaiians Frank and Susan, who will be married before the end of the year. Frank and Susan were surprised by their friends with this traditional Thai ceremony, to bring them good luck, love, health and happiness.

Absolute Hair Studio conducted its “Tod Krathin” ceremony (Buddhist ceremony of presenting yellow robes to monks) at the Wat Pang Hai in Mae Rim district, Chiang Mai. Friends, Canadian exchange and Thai students from Chiang Mai University and customers joined in the ceremony to make merit. Absolute Hair also donated money to Wat Pang Hai’s Vihara construction project.

The Opera Society of Chiang Mai met at Dr Howard C. Graves’ residence for a pre-Christmas viewing of “The Damnation of Faust” by Hector Berlioz. This popular work, which was written in the mid-1840’s, based on Goethe’s Faust, was set to music by many composers, including Wagner, Schumann and Liszt.