Kaset Fair 2010

The much-awaited Kaset Fair organized by Kasetsart University started last 29 Jan and will end on 6 Feb. This is held annually during this period. I am amazed at the magnitude of this fair. One would think that it is just a university event, featuring only university outputs and such. However, through the years, it has really grown into a major national event, wherein not only the KU community gets to showcase their work, but also those from outside the university, from north to south, and from different sectors. They get to show research outputs, beta and marketable products, innovations, and many other interesting stuff. Various items are being exhibited, such as plants, animals, dry goods, machinery, prototypes, food stuff, household items, clothing, etc. There are also many activities organized by the different faculties, such as competitions (drawing, aquarium decorating, fighting fish, dog, eating, etc.), shows, and technical conferences.

There are just lots of activities. I haven't even completely moved around the fair area which is scattered over the whole campus, indoor and outdoor. There are also various Thai food, desserts and seasoning on offer and one can taste them first before buying. Walking through just one row of food stalls would make one feel full as there are lots of food and snacks to try (chim-chim).



I have not finished looking at all the stalls and displays as there are just lots of things to see. At night there are also some activities but I could not give details on them as I have not visited at night. But I know from previous years that it continues to be busy even at night. Especially as it is a lot more cooler than during the day.

Looking at the lovely plants and flowers I wish I have a garden at home. They all look so nice, and to have all these greenery and colors at home is so tempting. However, a small thought would ask me who will take care of them when we are away on travel. The same thought comes when I look at the ornamental fishes and the cute puppies.


There are also some products from other parts of Thailand and somehow looking at them and interacting with people gives one a glimpse of Thai culture. So for those who still have not come to the Kaset Fair, why not drop by Kasetsart University today or tomorrow (last day). Bring enough to indulge in shopping for Thai stuff, food, khanom, etc.

Do you fancy any of these?

A few weeks ago we went to the Agricultural Fair at Kasetsart University Kampangsaen Campus, Nakhon Pathom. Key was so excited to show me around as he was part of the organizing group for his faculty. It was kind of nice to be with people and to see many nice things, such as orchids, fish and other aquatic animals, vegetables, and many varieties of plants. It took us about 2 hours to get there as we stopped along the way for breakfast. We had a Thai style breakfast at one of the popular local restaurants. What I had was so different from the ones I usually have in the office.

The orchids were so pretty and I was quite tempted to buy a few but then I was thinking that what happens after the flowers are gone? Although some have bulbs ready to bloom but I do not have the skill and time to take care of them. I remember buying them before and after a few months I had to give them away to friends who are better at taking care of orchids. So I resisted the temptation despite the fact that the colors were so attractive.

Of course we spent more time at the Fisheries booth. The main attraction was the whale shark made from fiberglass material. They had to transport this from the Fisheries Museum in Bangkhen-Bangkok campus where it is normally displayed. Nearly every visitor wanted to take photo of the shark as well as to pose with it. I also did the same as hey, I've never seen the real one. Gotta go to Donsol, Sorsogon for that where they have a Whale Shark Ecotourism Program. I had to wait for my turn, of course as there was a small queue forming. There were other samples of fish and aquatic organisms which were preserved from the real ones.

At the fair, after moving around the booths we went to see the food stalls. They were selling all kinds of food stuff. Some familiar ones and some not so familiar ones. Do you fancy any of these crispy creatures for your snack? Maybe down it with some ice cold pop soda? This is a delicacy here and now they are being packed in cans so anyone can take them anywhere. I did not dare to try to eat them. Would you? Or have you tried them before?