Festivals in Thailand - December

:: King’s Cup Regattadiv

When:	1st week December 2011
Where:	Throughout Thailand

Asia’s most popular yachting regatta, attracting hundreds of boats for racing around Phuket and for serious evening partying by crews and enthusiasts.

:: HM The King’s Birthday

When:	5 December 2011
Where:	Throughout Thailand

This national holiday is celebrated everywhere, by all Thais, with acts of homage to their beloved monarch. In Bangkok, at sunset, people line the central streets with lit candles as a gesture of respect and solidarity. Many buildings are decorated with lights and displays of tribute featuring pictures of The King.

:: Constitution Day

When:	10 December 2011
Where:	Throughout Thailand

Observed in celebration of the nation’s original transformation, in 1932, from an absolute, to constitutional monarchy.

:: Christmas

When:	24-25 December 2011
Where:	Throughout Thailand

Not officially a holiday in Thailand, but a good reason to give and receive presents and to hold parties, enjoyed by everyone. Department stores hold big sales and decorations are lavish.

:: Isan Grand Kite Festival

When:	31 December 2011 - 1 January 2012
Where:	Burirum

After harvesting the crop at the beginning of December, the Grand Kite Festival is held. Every village will create kites and bring them to the competition. The contestants’ kites must have wings at least 2.5 meters wide. The winning kite is the best decorated one with good sound of the flight and the movement of the flight. There are kite parade, beauty pageant with the candidates from all over the region as well as local product stalls.

:: New Year

When:	31 December 2011 - 1 January 2012
Where:	Throughout Thailand

This national holiday honours King Chulalongkorn, Rama V, one of Thailand’s most revered monarchs, who died in 1910. Ceremonies and presentations of floral wreaths are held at his statues.

Festivals in Thailand - November

:: Loi Krathoong

When:	10 November 2011
Where:	Throughout Thailand

Perhaps the most charming and unique of Thailand’s traditional festivals. On this full moon night, celebrants, especially romantic couples, gather beside rivers and lakes throughout the country, to launch tiny floats, containing flowers, candles and incense, in an act symbolising the forgiveness of past misdeeds and a gesture of wish fulfilment.

:: Surin Elephant Roundup

When:	15-16 November 2011
Where:	Surin

Now a great favourite with locals and foreigners who travel to this eastern town to see hundreds of elephants racing, in ancient battle re-enactments, even playing football. There are displays of how wild elephants are captured and trained, with opportunities for rides.

:: Bangkok Marathon

When:	20 November 2011
Where:	Bangkok

Full, half and quarter marathons attract thousands of runners from around the world.

:: Long Sapao Chao Wiang Lakorn, Lampang Floating Festival

When:	November 2011
Where:	Lampang

The festival is held during the full moon of 12th lunar month. The tradition has been practiced over a thousand years. The boats are built and beautifully decorated to be floated into the river. It is believed that floating the boat is a way to dedicate or offer the alms to the dead or deposit the merit for themselves in the next life.

:: Sukhothai Loi Krathong and Candle Festival

When:	November 2011
Where:	Sukhothai

Originated in Sukhothai 700 years ago, Loi Krathong or floating festival has been practiced during the full moon of 12th lunar month of every year. The festival is held at Sukhothai Historical Park. The highlights are displayed of lighted candles and fireworks, light & sound presentation, the float procession of Krathongs. There are also krathong design contest, Noppamart beauty pageant, Sukhothai arts and cultural performances.

:: Blooming Mexican Sunflower Festival

When:	20 November 2011
Where:	Mae Hong Son

Welcome cool season amidst the Mexican Sunflower fields that brighten up Doi Mae Ukor, Mae Hong Son. Due to the mountainous landscape of the province, it is the home to hilltribe people whose various traditions and cultures are preserved by the government. Visitors can visit the tribes and locals’ cultural exhibition, performances, games and sports.

:: River Kwai Bridge Festival

When:	November - December 2011
Where:	Kanchanaburi

In remembrance of River Kwai Bridge and the construction of the Death Railway and the Hellfire Pass built by Allied prisoners-of-war during World War II, the festival features fireworks display over the bridge. The event highlights include historical and archeological exhibitions, folk and cultural performances as well as local product stalls.

:: Standard Chartered Bangkok Marathon

When:	November 2011
Where:	Bangkok

Standard Chartered Bangkok Marathon is one of the world standard athletic sports. The start and finish line is at Sanam Chai Rd., in front of the Grand Palace. The competition is divided into marathon (42 km), half marathon (21 km), mini-marathon (10 km) and micro-marathon (5 km).

:: Monkey Buffet Festival

When:	November 2011
Where:	Lopburi

Being the attraction where over 300 macaque monkeys abode, Phra Kan Shrine, the buffet with a variety of food are set up for the monkeys to enjoy. The event was initiated in 1989 and has become popular amongst the tourists.

:: Phimai Festival

When:	November 2011
Where:	Nakhon Ratchasima

Full, half and quarter marathons attract thousands of runners from around the world.

Festivals in Thailand - October

:: Chulalongkorn Day

When:	23 October 2011 (Holiday on 24th)
Where:	Throughout Thailand

This national holiday honours King Chulalongkorn, Rama V, one of Thailand’s most revered monarchs, who died in 1910. Ceremonies and presentations of floral wreaths are held at his statues.

:: Harvest Festivals

When:	October 2011
Where:	Throughout Thailand

When the main rice crop has been harvested, it is time for traditional celebrations in many parts of Thailand. There are temple fairs, with processions and beauty competitions, even buffalo racing, while long-boat racing attracts huge crowds in many river locations.

:: Bathing Buddha Ceremony

When:	October 2011
Where:	Petchabun

The ceremony is held on 15th day of the waning moon in the 10th lunar month. Maha Thammaracha Buddha image is brought in a procession around the town by the residents led by Governor of the province and then to the Pa Sak River in front of Trai Phum Temple where the ceremony is held. The Governor submerges the Buddha image by facing into 4 directions. The ceremony is believed to bring prosperity and peace to the city.

:: Lotus Throwing Festival

When:	October 2011
Where:	Samut Prakan

Held at the end of the Buddhist Lent in Bang Phli, Samut Prakan, the ceremony starts at 06.00 am. with the boat procession carrying Luangpho To Buddha image along the canal. A thousand of residents and those who worships on both sides of the canal throw lotus flower onto the boat. Each village in the district sends 3 boats to join the ceremony. At the end of the ceremony, the fun starts with row boat racing, tank boat racing, boat tug-of-war competition and steamed sticky rice with banana eating competition.

:: Sakon Nakhon Wax Castle Festival

When:	October 2011
Where:	Sakon Nakhon

The festival is marked the end of Buddhist Lent and is complemented by Princess’s Cup Royal long-boat race. Isan people believe that high merits can be gained by offering beewax to the monks to use to light at night and to make candles. Originally, only beewax was offered. Then the tradition has developed into a big ceremony after times. Beewax nowadays is used to build intricately carved castles and brought in a procession and competition. There are local cultural performances and local music performances which reflect the lively and fun nature of Isan people.

:: The Illuminated Boat Procession

When:	October 2011
Where:	Nakhon Phanom

The illuminated boat tradition is a worship of the Buddha and it is also a symbol of casting away all the misfortune, grief and misery. Traditionally, the residents build the boats with banana trunks and bamboo sticks to make magnificent forms and structures of the boat. Within, it contains flower, incense sticks, candles and assortment of offerings. When the night falls, the owners of the boats set alight the boat with the lanterns and float along the river. Contemporarily, the boats are adorned with light bulbs, fireworks and pyrotechniques.

:: Buffalo Racing

When:	October 2011
Where:	Chonburi

This unique buffalo races is held annually only in Chonburi province. Farmers decorate their buffaloes colourfully with flower garlands, colourful clothes, ornaments and are brought to parade in the festival and in the race. The farmers will have to manage the buffaloes to speed against the others. Apart from the race which brings fun and excitement to the audience, there is also beauty pageant for best decorated and healthiest buffaloes as well as for ladies.

:: Chak Phra Festival

When:	October 2011
Where:	Surat Thani

Held at the end of Buddhist Lent by Tapi Dam, near Wang Tai Hotel, the tradition is unique to Surat Thani province and refers to the procession of decorated cars and boats carried Buddha image marching on land and in the water. Complementing the fun to the festival, long-boat race draws the residents and tourists to the river bank. There are also boat decoration competition, exhibition and local product stalls.

Festivals in Thailand - September

:: Sart Thai Kluay Khai Kamphaeng Festival

When:	September 2010
Where:	Kamphaengphet

To preserve this long cultural heritage of the province, the festival features Kluay khai or Pisang Mas banana of which exceptionally tastes the best when it comes from this province and often eaten with Kraya Sart, a Thai dessert made of peanut, sesame, green rice, popped rice and palm sugar. Held every 10th lunar month, the festival includes Buddhist alms giving ceremony, Kraya Sart making demonstration, desserts made from Kluay Khai demonstration, local product stalls, concert and other entertainment.
:: Uttaradit Sweet Langsat and Souvenir Fair

When:	September 2010
Where:	Uttaradit

Langsat from Uttaradit is the best of all those from other regions. This is a beautiful chance to taste the fruit as well as shop for local products. Performances and local games and sports are displayed. One-day langsat orchard tours is also organised but if one would like to learn more of the culture of the province, homestay accommodation can be arranged.

:: Chiang Rai Pomelo Festival

When:	September 2010
Where:	Chiang Rai

Pomelo is more than just a fruit. At pomelo festival in Chiang Rai, different products made from pomelo await to be discovered. Apart from its juicy and refreshing quality, Wiang Kaen residents present the different methods of cooking and preserving it such as pomelo vinegar, pomelo sweets. Every part of the fruit is transformed into useful products such as dish washing liquid, shower gel, incense sticks. Stage performance, beauty pageant, local and tribal cultural show and local games and sports can be enjoyed in the festival.

:: 10th Lunar Month Merit-Making

When:	September 2010
Where:	Nakhon Si Thammarat

10th Lunar Month merit-making custom is held to pay respect to late ancestors. It is believed that they are let free from hell during the waning moon and return to the hell afterwards. Therefore, the relatives make merits to be dedicated to them. There are cultural performances, exhibition, local products (OTOP) and competitions during the festival.

:: Narathiwat Gor Boat Racing

When:	September 2010
Where:	Narathiwat

The boat race takes place on Bangnara River, Mueang, Narathiwat. Gor boat is fishing boat painted with colourful stories or portraits of animals in Hindu literature, Ramayana or folklore characters such as naga, lion, monkey, mermaid, garuda. Batik, products made from sedge and indigenous langsat are good souvenir to bring back home.

:: Barbequed Pork Fair

When:	September 2010
Where:	Trang

Trang Chamber of Commerce holds this event annually in September at Thammarin Intersection. Restaurants set up their booths and showcase their best grilled pork. This event has become well-known countrywide due to its deliciousness and variety of the recipes. Thai folk music, dance performances and other entertainment are a part of the fair.

Festivals in Thailand - August

:: HM The Queen’s Birthday (Mother’s Day)

When:	12 August 2011
Where:	Throughout Thailand

A national holiday to celebrate the birthday of Thailand’s beloved Queen, and a day to pay respects to all mothers. Public buildings are decorated, and children offer gifts to mothers and grandmothers.

:: Bhumibol Dam International Mountain Bike Championship

When:	August 2011
Where:	Tak

Surrounded by the mountainous landscape, Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand and Tourism Authority of Thailand holds a mountain bike competition in Bhumibol Dam area. The competition ranges from 10 – 60 km. Amateur and professional mountain bikers enjoy the scenery of Thailand’s largest dam.
Created to promote an interest in outdoor sports and ecotourism at both national and international levels, the event also include mountain bike tour around the dam, mountain bike shops, local products, ecotourism and global warming reduction activities by students and folk music performance by student in the evening.

:: Chainat Pomelo Fair

When:	August 2011
Where:	Chainat

At the end of August to the beginning of September every year, luscious pomelos of Chainat come to display. Chainat grows different types of pomela and the best type of all is Khao Taeng Gwa. There is also pomelo competition, exhibition as well as pomelo growers’ shops selling the fruits and the plants. The fair is held in front of the City Hall of the province.

:: Surat Thani Rambutan Fair (Rong Rean Rambutan)

When:	August 2011
Where:	Surat Thani

Rong Rean rambutan which is indigenous in this province has made this province proud of its delicious taste. It is dubbed the best type of rambutan. Within the fair, there are rambutan competition, rambutan eating competition, agricultural exhibition, beauty pageant, local product (OTOP) stalls, mountain bike competition and fruit orchard tour. The fair is held annually at the bank of Chawang Canal, Na Sarn, Surat Thani to welcome the fruit harvesting season and tourism season.

:: Songkhla International Glorify Marathon

When:	August 2011
Where:	Songkhla

Stay healthy while enjoying fresh air and oceanic view from both side of the running route. The marathon is divided into a full marathon (42 km), half marathon (21 km), mini-half marathon (10 km), wheelchair marathon. Fill the fun to the run with Fun Run (4 km) and Family Run. The marathon route starts from Gen. Prem Tinsulanonda Historical Park towards Tinsulanonda Bridge which is the longest bridge in Thailand.

Festivals in Thailand - June

:: Flower Alms and Buddhist Lent Candle Offering Festival

When:	July 2011
Where:	Saraburi

Traditionally, after the food giving activity, Buddhists will go to pick up the local yellow flower, Mauve Dancing Lady which grow on the mountain ridge and bloom only in rainy season. On the Buddhist Lent day, the residents will give the flowers to the monks who will bring them to pay respect to the Buddha’s footprint situated in the temple. As a part of the festival, there are booths of local products, agricultural product, cultural parades, cultural performances and exhibition.

:: Buddhist Lent Candle Procession

When:	July 2011
Where:	Suphanburi

The residents offer the candles to the monk to use during Buddhist Lent. The highlight is the procession of the candles that have been finely carved by 10 districts in the province. They are displayed at Wat Pha Lay Lai Temple. There are also cultural performances.

:: Ongkarak Flower Fair

When:	July 2011
Where:	Nakhon Nayok

The fair is held at Santi Thammarat Temple, Klong 15, Mai Dak Mai Pradab Village, Ongkarak, Nakhon Nayok. There are plant and flower competitions such as plant, flower, vine plant and rare plants exhibition.

:: Gaeng Hin Pheung Rafting Festival

When:	July 2011
Where:	Khao Yai National Park, Nadee, Prachinburi

Rafting on Gaeng Hin Pheung can be done as far as 2.5 km at 6 rapids. There are rafting competition, Pétanque competition, traditional dance performances, OTOP products booths, religious ceremony and candle wax parade, singing and musical performances.

:: Buddhist Lent’s Candle Procession International Wax Sculpture

When:	July 2011
Where:	Thung Si Mueng, Mueang, Ubon Ratchathani

As a part of Asalha Puja and the Buddhist Lent ceremony, the festival features more than 60 pieces of candle work, His Majesty the King’s royal candle and the international candle-carving competition from various countries, performance from grand symphonic band, grand Thai classic theatrical Khon (play) performance as well as beauty pageant.

:: Buddhist Lent’s Candle Procession

When:	July 2011
Where:	City Hall, Nakhon Ratchasima

Following the religious tradition of Buddhist Lent, the candle festival is held every year. Candle carving competition, candle procession, light & sound presentation, local product stalls, local food fair take place at the City Hall on Thao Suranari Rd.

:: Pattaya International Marathon

When:	July 2011
Where:	Pattaya, Chonburi

Pattaya in coordination with TAT and Athletic Association of Thailand organise this international event annually. It has received increasing response from public. More than 1,500 international participants and more than 8,000 Thai were expected to join the marathon. The event features a full marathon (42 km), a half-marathon (21 km), a quarter marathon (10 km) and a wheel chair marathon (42 km).

Festivals in Thailand - June

:: Hua Hin Jazz Festival

When:	17-19 June 2011
Where:	Hua Hin Beach, Prajuabkirikhan

A true celebration of international jazz, traditional and modern, mostly presented on the resort’s superb beach. Located on the western coast of the Gulf of Thailand and only 220 km from Bangkok, Hua Hin, can be accessed by car and by train, a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

:: Phi Ta Khon

When:	June 2011
Where:	Loei

A unique festival of Dan Sai in Loei province, Phi Ta Khon or ghost festival is believed to be a celebration of the return of the Buddha-to-be, Prince Vessandorn after leaving the village on a very long journey. People in the village were celebrating so loud that awoke the dead to join the celebration.
On the first and second day of this 3-day festival, people in the village are dressed in ghostly attire with ragged and colourful clothes and colourfully painted masks made from local bamboo rice cooker. The full version of the procession is on the second day which the residents sing and dance throughout the village. The last day is Buddhist ceremony in the temple.

:: Siam Tulip Festival

When:	June 2011
Where:	Chaiyaphum

June, as a part of the early rainy season, is the only time in a year that Siam Tulip is in bloom. The field of Pa Hin Ngam National Park and surroundings are stunningly covered with pinkish-purple flowers. As a part of the festival, there are mountain bike competition, exhibition, rock climbing and visit the viewpoint at Sai Thong National Park in the same province.

:: Petchabun Bun Bangfai Rocket Festival

When:	June 2011
Where:	Petchabun

The festival is celebrated in order to appease the God of rain for the rainfall and it is also a way to preserve the local tradition of the northeastern region. Rocket competition, rocket parade and rocket firing competition are also a part of the festival.

:: Sisaket Rambutan – Durian Festival

When:	June 2011
Where:	Sisaket

At Sisaket City Hall and Samtarom Agricultural Garden, the festival calls all fruit lovers to experience the delectable tastes of the fruits grown in the province. The festival include fruit fair, fruit eating competition, papaya salad competition, animal competitions, silk reeling competition, music and singing competition.

:: Soonthorn Phu Fair

Soonthorn Phu fair is held to commemorate one of the greatest poets of Siam, Soonthorn Phu. The fair exhibits his life and his work. Poetry competition, competition of decorated car illustrating his literature, school academic competitions and other entertainment.

Festivals in Thailand - May

:: Coronation Day

When:	5 May 2011
Where:	Throughout Thailand

A public holiday marking the coronation of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

:: Royal Ploughing Ceremony

When:	11 May 2011
Where:	Throughout Thailand

Observing the official beginning of the rice planting season, this traditional ceremony takes place in front of Bangkok’s Grand Palace, under royal patronage. A team of oxen draw a plough with symbolic rituals performed to bless the new crop.

:: Visaka Bucha Day

When:	17 May 2011
Where:	Throughout Thailand

An important religious festival, recalling the birth, enlightenment and passing of Lord Buddha. Around every temple and monastery worshippers form candle-lit processions after sunset.

:: Lychee Fair

When:	May 2011
Where:	Chiang Rai

The festival is dedicated to the province’s tasty lychees. The fair offers a great opportunity to taste and buy this fruit at reasonable price. Adding the colours to the festival, there are beauty contest, agricultural exhibition as well as lychee competition.

:: Prachin Buri Agricultural Fair

When:	May – June 2011
Where:	Prachin Buri

Held at King Rama V statue in front of Prachin Buri City Hall, the fair features fruit and plant market as well as agricultural organisation’ products, agricultural processed products, agricultural product competition including bamboo shoot, giant fruits and vegetables. Boiling-vegetable dance competition adds fun to the fair.

:: Yasothon Bun Bangfai Rocket Festival

When:	May 2011
Where:	Yasothon

The purpose of the festival is to fire the rocket into the sky in order to worship the god of rain and appease for the rains for the coming cropping season. The residents will build and decorate rockets containing gun powder. There are competitions for the most beautiful rocket and for the rocket that stays longest in the sky after the launch. Traditionally, the builders of the rocket that fail in launching are thrown in the mud. The festival is held at Phaya Tan Park.

:: Funky Fruit Festival

When:	May 2011
Where:	Rayong

Rayong is known as a fruit paradise due to a variety of fruits grown in the province. The festival, held during the harvesting season, offers an array of fruits on sales at reasonable prices, a fruit car parade, beauty pageant, cultural performance, fun competitions such as fruit eating competition.

:: Salak Festival

When:	May 2011
Where:	Trat

Trat is also a province that grows a variety of fruits. The highlight of this fruit festival is salak but it is not the only fruit to be representing in this fair. Other fruits such as rambutan, durian, mangosteen and pineapple also take part. Activities within the fair include fruit parade, exhibition from state and private organisations, beauty pageant, fruit orchard tour and fruit market. Irrelevant to the fruit but indigenous to the region, there is Thai Ridgeback dog competition and fighting cock competition.

:: Chantaburi Fruit Festival

One of the fruit heavens, Chantaburi holds the fruit festival to share the sumptuous array of fruits it has to the world. The festival, held at Sam Liam Thung Na Choei field, features fruit decorated car competition, beauty pageant, various fruit competitions such as rambutan, durian, mangosteen, salak and santol. There are also gemstone booths as well as stalls from other agricultural groups. Thai Ridgeback dog competition is also a part of the festival.

History of SongKran (Festival)

Deriving from the Sansakrit language, the word “Songkran“ means to pass or to move into. In this context, the meaning implies to the passing and the moving of the sun, the moon and the other planets into one of the zodiacal orbit. And the Grand Songkran Festival which falls on the Aries indicates the new era of the Thai New Year. Owing to the ancient Indian belief, the Grand Songkran Festival is most appropriate to be the Thai New Year due to the timing of the best season which is known as the spring of India which comes right after the cold season of winter. Also, there are other aspects supporting this belief such as the blooming flowers, the fresh atmosphere of the nature and the livelihood of all the living creatures.

With the great influence from the Indians, the Songkran Festival portrays the typical ways of life of the Thais which involve the agricultural aspects. Free from their regular routine work, the Thai citizens will find time to perform their annual rites of showing respect to their ancestors. The highlight of the festival will include the younger Thais paying respect to their elders by sprinkling their hands with scented water. And in order to welcome the New Year, the celebration will include the delighted colourful local entertainment which, in fact, suitably unite the mutual relationship between members of the family, the society, the nature and surrounding. Therefore, this Songkran Festival has proved to be the most important and grandest festival of the year. Moreover, our neighbouring countries such as Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos have also organised this type of festival.

Since the old days during the Sukhothai period, the Songkran Festival had been practised both in the royal court palace and among the ordinary citizens. However, the size of the celebration had not been as elaborated as of today. Back in those days, civil servants and other government officials would pay homage to the king, and would drink the oath of allegiance to the king or the government, while the king would provide annual salary to all officials. Later on in Ayutthaya period, the festival had been expanded by including the bathing of the Buddha image. Also, the festivities would include the forming of sand pagodas and entertaining celebrations. In the Rattanakosin period, the rituals had been conducted in the similar pattern as those during the Ayutthaya period.

= About Songkran =
Songkran Festival, April 12-15, is the traditional Thai New Year. This is the time for Thais to pay homage to Buddha images, clean their houses, and sprinkle water on their elders in a show of respect. Anyone who ventures out on the streets is likely to get a thorough dousing of water, all in good fun, but also quite welcome at the peak of the hot season.
The festivities at school started with a small sketch to show the students the real meaning behind Songkran. In the picture to the left, a "daughter" is sprinkling water over the hands of her "parents" in order to show respect.
Afterwards, the students lined up to pay respects to the Buddha image and then to the teachers by pouring rose scented water over their hands.
Even the teachers took part in the ceremony. During Songkran, all of the offices and schools were closed and people celebrated for almost a week in some places. Many of our students went out on the back of pick-up trucks armed with buckets of water and water guns. Others stationed themselves on strategic intersections in order to douse motorcyclists or any motorist with their windows wound down. No-one complained about getting wet as April is very hot.

Songkran Festival

Festivals in Thailand - April

:: Chakri Day

When:	6 April 2011
Where:	Throughout Thailand

A public holiday commemorating the founding of the Chakri Royal Dynasty by King Rama I, in 1782. Traditional ceremonies are held around statues of all past Chakri kings.

:: Songkran Festival (Thai New Year)

When:	13-17 April 2011
Where:	Throughout Thailand

The hottest month in Thailand is perfect timing for this festival, when water, lots of it, is sprinkled on Buddha images and thrown around by everyone, in a symbolic act of blessing to bring good luck for the coming year. If you are taking photos, be sure to have a waterproof bag for your camera, but it is all good-natured fun, with traditional music and dance, games and other festivities held throughout Thailand.

:: Poi San Long Procession

When:	April 2011
Where:	Mae Hong Son

Poi Sang Long is a ceremony practiced amongst Tai Yai people to ordain boys into Buddhist novices in order to study Buddhist doctrines. On the first day, the boys’ s hair is shaved except for the eyebrows, beautified by colourful clothes, makeup and flowers and brought to pay respect and apologise the elderly for any wrongdoings they might have done. On the second day, they are carried on the horse back or a person’s shoulders in a procession along the street accompanied by people in the village. The third day, they are again brought in a procession along the street to the temple to start the ordainment.

:: Cantaloupe Festival

When:	April 2011
Where:	Sakaeo

In front of the Aranyaprathet Train Station, the festival features different types of cantaloupe such as Sun Lady, Jade Dew, Honey World, Greenette, agricultural exhibitions, cantaloupe salad competition and other competitions.

:: Phum Pone Castle Traditional Event

When:	April 2011
Where:	Surin

There are the castle worshipping ceremony, Thai boxing competition, silk fashion show, light & sound show of the triangle love legend and a mini-concert. The event aims to promote the tradition and historical site Phum Pone Castle located Dom, Sankha, Surin, the oldest stone castle in Thailand.

:: The Underwater of Chumphon

When:	April 2011
Where:	Chumporn

To maintain the marine environment sustainably, the activities on this festival include letting newly bred aquatic animals into the sea, diving to clean the sea, treasure hunting games, tourism entrepreneur fair. The event is held on Thung Wua Laen Beach, Sa Phlee, Pathiew, Chumphorn.

:: Phra Nakhon Khiri Fair

When:	April 2011
Where:	Phetchaburi

An inauguration is the ceremony to worship the city pillar shrine and King Rama IV, V and VI. There are also tram city tour with the guide telling stories about the town as well as performances from The Fine Arts Department, parades, Red Cross fair, cow racing, travel photography competition and many more. The fair is held at Khao Wang and around Mueang District surrounding.

Festivals in Thailand - March

:: Pattaya International Music Festival

When:	March 2011
Where:	Pattya Beach, Chonburi

A full programme of concerts, featuring international and local musicians, at this popular beach resort.

:: Maha Jessadabodin Cultural River Fair

When:	March – April 2011
Where:	Nonthaburi

Held at Chaloem Prakiat Waraviharn Temple and Golden Jubilee Commemoration Park, Bang Si Muang, Muang, Nonthaburi, the fair features music performance, films, traditional games, Thai opera, local products (OTOP) and other entertainment.

:: International Kite Festival

When:	March 2011
Where:	Petchaburi

See the sky adorned with a variety of shapes and vivid colours of more than 100 kites from 23 countries around the world. There are also Thai kite exhibition, acrobatic performance, satellite kite from Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency, radio-control small plane, parachute performance and many more.

:: Phanom Rung Ascending Traditional Ceremony

When:	March - April 2011
Where:	Burirum

Set on the rim of an extinct volcano, Phanom Rung is the Khmer stone temple complex, the work of articulate architecture, art and religious belief. Witness the splash of sunlight during the sunset that can be seen accurately through 15 doors of the castle which makes the distinct to the festival. This phenomenon happens at 06.30 pm. during 2 – 4 April 2010, only 4 times a year. There are also a rally in the morning and a procession of the sacred deities and light & sound show in the evening, folk music performance, drawing demonstration, mini marathon competition, traditional market, local products (OTOP).

:: Thao Suranari’s Victory Celebration

When:	March - April 2011
Where:	Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat)

Procession and dances are performed in order to celebrate the victory of Thao Suranari or Ya Mo, the Lady who successfully plotted to harass the Laotian troop during their captivation in 1826. There are also torch running, fireworks display at 4 City Gates, food fair, Korat traditional dresses, Korat in the Past exhibition, light & sound presentation under the theme the history of Korat at Suranri Stadium.

:: Trat Independence Day

When:	March 2011
Where:	Trat

The event is held at the Provincial Town Hall to mark the day the province returned to Thai sovereignty after French occupation by the diplomatic discussion between King Rama V and France. In the event, historical play is performed. Local product stalls, exhibitions from state and private organization, folk games and sports show, music performance and other stage performances.

Festivals in Thailand - February

:: Chiang Mai Flower Festival

When:	1st week February 2011
Where:	Chiang Mai

The festival is held in Nong Buak Hat Park, at the foot of Nawarat Bridge and Khuang Pratu Tha Pae area. The highlight of the festival is the car parade of which each car is colourfully decorated with flowers at their best to win the competition. The street along the parade is decorated with plants and flowers, an ideal for photo hunters. Flower exhibition, beauty pageant, local product stalls are included in the festival as well as music performance to entertain the audience.

:: Chinese New Year

When:	3 February 2011
Where:	Bangkok

Marking the beginning of the Chinese Lunar New Year, this is celebrated in all Chinese homes with gifts and feasting, while dragon dancers and noisy fire crackers enliven the streets of Chinese districts. Celebrations over several days are particularly lively in Bangkok’s Chinatown, with processions and bands. However, many Chinese-owned shops and businesses are closed during the festival.

:: Trang Underwater Wedding Festival

When:	14 February 2011
Where:	Trang

Hundreds of brides and grooms from many countries come to South Thailand for this unique event, with traditional Thai wedding ceremonies, lavish processions and beach parties, plus an underwater declaration of marriage vows at Koh Kradan.

:: Makha Bucha Day

When:	18 February 2011
Where:	Throughout Thailand

An important Buddhist lunar festival and public holiday, observed nation-wide. During the full moon evening, Thai people join candle-lit processions around temples, to celebrate the time when the Lord Buddha gave a sermon to 1,250 enlightened devotees. Foreign visitors are welcome to participate.

:: Pink Blossoms of Chompoo Phu Kha in Full Bloom

When:	February – March 2011
Where:	Nan

During the month of February and March, the Chompoo Phu Kha (scientific name: Bretschneidera sinensis Hemsl), one of the world’s rare and endangered plant is in its full bloom in Nan province. Held in front of the Pua District Office, the festival is held aiming to sustain and promote the local customs and traditions of ancient Eastern Lanna civilisation as well as tourism in Nan.

:: Chinese New Year in Trang

When:	February 2011
Where:	Trang

On Ratcha Damnoen Rd., Trang’s Chinese New Year is convivially celebrated with the festival including kid pageant, China Girl pageant, lion dance, Thai folk dance, other performances on stage as well as food stalls along the street.

:: Suphanburi Food and Culture Fair

When:	February 2011
Where:	Suphanburi

Held in the west side of Nane Khaew Street, Suphanburi Municipal, the fair aims to promote buying and selling hygienic food as well as tourism in the province. There are also souvenir stalls, food, desserts, seasonal fruit, local products (OTOP), mini-concert, traditional games and food competition.

Festivals in Thailand - January

:: New Year’s Day

When:	1 January 2011
Where:	Throughout Thailand

The start of the international calendar, marked in Thailand as a public holiday, with lavish parties, is just one of three New Years observed with enthusiasm by Thai people.

:: Bor Sang Umbrella and Sankampaeng Handicraft Festival

When:	January 2011
Where:	Chiang Mai

This 3-day fair stretches 1 km long, starting from the entrance to the end of the village. The houses and shops along the road are colourfully decorated in Lanna style and the illuminated with handmade lanterns. Umbrellas are craftily painted and brought to adorn the houses. There is a car parade displaying decorated umbrellas, handicraft competition, handicraft stalls, Kon Tok dinner, beauty pageant, traditional performances and other forms of entertainment.

:: Chrysanthemum in Bloom Festival

When:	January 2011
Where:	Nakorn Ratchasima

Witness the beauty of colourful chrysanthemums in bloom and experience the refreshing temperate climate during the cool season in front of Office of Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Thai Samakkee, Wang Nam Khoew, Nakorn Ratchasima

:: Boon Khoon Lan

When:	January 2011
Where:	Amnat Charoen

In January every year, after harvesting the rice, farmers will gather all crops in the rice ground. To show gratitude to the rice and deity is Mother Posop who provides food to people, Buddhist ceremonies to revere the rice grain are held in the evening and the morning of the following day. Then there will be blessing ceremony and the local ceremony.

:: Unseen in Trang

When:	January 2011
Where:	Trang

The fair is held to help promote tourism in the province through the exhibition of tourism entrepreneurs, local products (One Tambon One Product or OTOP), local food products, exhibition of attractions, sports, recreation, Thai traditional performance, Trang’s cultural performances as well as locals’ activities of the residents.

:: Orchid Festival at Ancient City

When:	December 2010 - January 2011
Where:	Samut Prakan

The festival is held at Suan Krai Thong, Ancient City in Samut Prakan. Various types of orchid and decorative plants are displayed. There is also competition for the most in traditional Thai dresses.

:: Phimai Historical Park Fair & Mini Light and Sound Presentation

When:	January - April 2011
Where:	Nakhon Ratchasima

Guests are welcomed in blessing ceremony by Phimai residents. Experience the Khmer’s invaluable architecture, dine the local cuisine amidst the historical ambience while watching traditional Thai performances and mini-light and sound performance which is originated from the pictures engraved on the temple which is delivered through traditional dances. Ancient Thai boxing dance and Phimai Pura dance telling story about the prosperous period of Phimai in the past and Khmer civilization are performed. There is also parade of the Buddha.