It started as a small time Christmas Bazaar at the Seacon Square, and now, 55 years later, the Young Women’s Christian Association event has grown to become a two-day fair at CentralWorld. Gill Barrington, wife of the New Zealand ambassador and chairperson, tells us why it’s proved so popular.

What is the YWCA International Bazaar 2008 all about?
The aim of the YWCA Bazaar is to offer as many international products in an exciting and friendly setting as possible. The funds raised will then be channeled into the ongoing YWCA projects which benefit needy women and children and look to raise their quality of life.

Who is involved in the YWCA?
Diplomatic representatives from over 40 embassies based in Bangkok. Many of the embassy booths will be run by the Ambassadors and their partners.

What are some of the highlight products that will be available at the bazaar?
Where to start! Belgium has products as diverse as bedding, carpets and chocolates; France will showcase wine and perfume; Denmark has a new product, a specially designed chair, as well as chocolates and Ecco shoes; the USA will have a vast range of products from snacks and candy to kitchen equipment and skincare products; New Zealand has ice cream, mussels and lamb; there are rugs from Bangladesh, coffee from Brazil and crystals from the Czech Republic.

How did you decide on what products should be on display?
Each embassy representative chooses the products that will best showcase their country. Products are also chosen if they are not already available in Thailand, or if they are available but can be sold at a specially reduced price for the Bazaar weekend. Many of the products are brought in especially for this event and, because the imported consignments are quite small, they sell out very quickly.

Are you going to hold any other activities during the two-day exhibition?
We will have recently launched an international cookbook, ‘Flavours of the World’ and we will be selling this and limited edition prints from the book at the bazaar.