The
Khom Lois (hot air balloons) were a highlight of the night.
The historic site of Wiang Kum Kam was the extraordinary
venue for the recent Agavo Technologies Gala Dinner, organized by local
adventure specialist Track of the Tiger. Participants from all over Asia
were welcomed at the Grand Pagoda at the early evening, and walked the short
distance to the party site, appropriately set-up and illuminated by open
fires and hundreds of candles. The 86 managers and executives were first
treated to a Kad Mua (northern food market), and could enjoy a great variety
of delicacies such as deep fried curry corn cake, lemongrass shitake, Thai
herbal wraps, and Sai Uaa, (grilled spicy pork sausage), accompanied by Nam
Kek-Huay (Chrysanthemum drink), Nam Matoom (Bale fruit drink) or simple
fresh fruit juices.
After a short welcome by Agavo’s Senior Vice President
(Worldwide Sales and Marketing) Jeff Henderson, the guests were treated to a
more substantial buffet, accompanied by traditional dances and drums.
Upon
arrival, participants were treated to a local Kad Mua market.
The highlight of the even-ing was the Award presentation
to the most successful Agavo Partners in Asia, as well as the illuminations
and floating of the hot air balloons. An impressive evening for all
participants took home fond memories of the spectacular site Wiang Kum Kam.
This had been originally a settlement long before it
became King Mengrai’s capital around 1287-90. The buildings were
eventually buried, covered by silt after years of flooding, which might be
the reason why Mengrai moved his capital to Chiang Mai. In fact, the Ping
river originally flowed along the north side of the town, but at some point
during the Burmese occupation from the sixteenth to eighteenth centuries,
the river changed course and now flows along the west side of the site.
The change of course was apparently the final straw which caused the city
to be largely abandoned for 300 years. The area was restored as a historical
park during the 1980’s. Research concluded that this was the city of Wiang
Kum Kam, one of many fortified cities built by King Mengrai as he
consolidated his hold on the north.
No one
wanted to miss the opportunity to have their picture taken with the dancers.
Alinda
Chotinaruemol, health insurance representative from BUPA Health Insurance
Agency.