Overview of open-air bonsai display

In December 2009 I attended the 3^rd Asia Pacific Bonsai Friendship Federation convention in Bangkok, Thailand.

The show was held in the Kings Park in Bangkok; a park that was developed by the Thai people and donated to the royal family. The park was the site of the 4 day convention. Five hundred or so fabulous bonsai were set on pedestals in the open air in the central glade of the park.

The exhibit was opened officially with a visit by her majesty the Royal Princess. We were honored to be seated on the dais with so many dignitaries.

Hundreds of registrants were on hand to enjoy the exhibits of nearly 500 trees. In addition a large sales area surrounded the exhibit and tantalized visitors with vast numbers of rare and exotic plants and supplies.

The show included bonsai demonstrations by the following bonsai teachers: Chase Rosade of the USA, Lim Keow Wah of Singapore, Robert Stevens of Indonesia, and Yen Zi Jing of Taiwan, Ruppa and Sujay Shah of India and Pedro Morales from Puerto Rico.

Montri Suksermongchai as President of the Thai Bonsai Association was responsible for the affairs of the meeting and it truly was a well coordinated and magnificent display of bonsai art.

In addition convention activities included visits to the floating market, a dinner river cruise, visits to private bonsai gardens, and a tour of the flower and bonsai market.

I think that the convention set a high bar for future conventions not only in terms of quality of bonsai but also the warmth and hospitality of the Thai people.

Thanks again to Montri, The Thai Bonsai Association and its members for a very memorable event.

Ficus microcarpa, on display

Fukien tea on exhibit

Ficus benjamina cascade, root-over-rock

Tamarind in unusual raft style

Ficus virens root-over-rock

Ficus cascade

Visit to the floating market

Temple of the Dawn at night

Ficus benjamina group planting

Small bonsai on exhibit