About a thousand people from all walks of life turned up yesterday evening at the Jerudong Park Amphitheatre to witness "Alai Krathong" - a display of colourful, cultural dance and song performances from Brunei and Thailand.
Alai Krathong comes from the Brunei Malay Word ‘Alai‘ (meaning dance) and the popular Thai ‘Loy Krathong‘ (Festival).
The joint traditional show is held bi-annually after a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Brunei and Thailand to cooperate in the field of Information and Broadcasting.
Last night‘s programme was telecast live on RTB‘s Pilihan FM and World Services of Radio Thailand.
Present were the event‘s guests of honour Dato Paduka Hj Ismail Pg Hj Mohamed, Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister‘s Office, and Mr Phachern Khampoe, Public Relations Department‘s Deputy Director General as a representative of the Thai Permanent Secretary.
Prior to performances, Dato Paduka Hj Ismail and Mr Phachern Khampoe exchanged souvenirs. The show began with "Zapin Tari Melayu" by local singers Rosman and Sri Nazrina, as well as a Thai dance called "Kaek Sam Sae" by the A nongnat Dancers.
This was followed by the Royal Composition Segment, in which "Joget Berkasih Sayang" was performed by Haslinda and "Klai Kangwon" was sung by Nitaya.
The crowds also witnessed a variety of folk songs performed in the Cultural Segment from both countries, as well as some pop music and more in the Brunei Thai Integrated Segment.
In a show of unity, "Dang Mengalai", a Bruneian song, was performed by Thai artistes and "Ramwong Loy Krathong", a Thai song, was performed by local artistes for the finale. This year‘s Alai Krathong marked the third of its kind.
Source: www.brunei-online.com (23 Agustus 2007)
