January :
Bo Sang Umbrella Fair & San Kamphaeng Handicrafts Fair
January 19- 21 Bo Sang village,San
Kamphaeng District near Chiang Mai has become renowned
for its exquisitely painted paper umbrellas, which are
sought after by visitors from all over the world. An
annual fair, held on the main street, celebrates the
traditional art of umbrella making and painting, as well
as features contests, exhibitions, sales of handicrafts,
and a Miss Bo Sang beauty pageant. Come and see this
festival for yourself. Advance reservations are
necessary.
:
Phra Nakhon Khiri Fair February 6-
14
Phra Nakhon Khiri and around area, Phetchaburi Phra Nakhon Khiri
(City on the Mount), a hill on which are located several religious
structures and a nineteenth-century palace, overlooks the city of
Phetchaburi, some two hours drive southwest of Bangkok. A light &
sound presentation celebrating local history is one of the
attractions of the popular fair.
:
Sweet Grape Week Fair March 23-31
Damnoen Saduak District, Ratchaburi. This area known for its famous
floating market comes alive with a fair featuring some typical and
unusual activities, These include a Thai cooking competition, a
"sea-boxing" competition, boating competitions, as well as local
product sales.
:
Songkran Festival April 12-15
Nationwide The traditional Thai New Year is an occasion for
celebration throughout the country. This occasion is marked with
religious ceremonies as well as public festivities. Water throwing
among the people in a spirit of fun and goodwill is the main
activity of this festival. Throughout the city, Chiang Mai
To really enjoy Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year, to its
fullest, one should travel to Chiang Mai where there is a variety of
religious and fun-related activities conducted along with parades
and a Miss Songkran beauty competition.
:
Royal Ploughing Ceremony May 16
Sanam Luang, BangkokAn ancient Brahman ritual, conducted at Sanam
Luang, in which farmers believe is able to forecast the abundance of
the next rice crop. The event is a result of a series of ceremonies
that are conducted by Phraya Raek Na, portrayed by a high-ranking
official from the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives who wears
colourful traditional costumes. This ceremony was re-introduced in
1960 by H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej and is considered the official
commencement of the rice-growing season.
:
Phi Ta Khon Festival June 23-24
Amphoe Dan Sai, Loei With origins from a well-known Buddhist tale,
the colourful and vibrant Phi Ta Khon procession features young men
who dress up as spirits to accompany a scared Buddha image and taunt
villagers. Monks relate the tale of Lord Buddha's last great
incarnation before attaining Enlightenment. Included are
competitions of masked dances and processions. Everyone is welcome
to participate.
:
Candle Festival July
Thung Sri Muang Park, Ubon Ratchathani Khao Phansa, or the Buddhist
Lent, is the time when all Buddhist monks must stay in their
temples. In Ubon Ratchathani, a unique festival that highlights the
talented skills of local artisans as well as displays of religious
devotion is held each year. Elaborately carved beeswax candles of
various sizes and shapes are exhibited in high-spirited processions
around the city before being presented to local temples.
:
Rambutan Fair
August Around co/op ,
Surat Thani Surat Thani is known for its luscious rambutans that
grow throughout this province. Each year, a fair is held to
highlight this fruit that includes exhibitions of local products and
floats adorned with rambutans, as well as many other exhilarating
fun-filled activities.
H.M. The Queen's Birthday Celebration
August 12 Nationwide To display their loyalty and to
honour Her Majesty Queen Sirikit on the occasion of her royal
birthday, the Thai people decorate their houses and public
buildings. Around Bangkok, Ratchadamnoen Avenue, the area around the
Grand Palace and other well-known locations are bedecked with
coloured lights and magnificent adornments.
:
Phichit Anuual Boat Races September
1 - 2
Nan River in front of Wat Tha Luang, Phichit Boat racing has been a
part of Thai culture for centuries, and regattas are held in various
parts of the country. This annual event takes place on the Nan
River, Phichit, one of the most naturally panoramic parts of
Thailand. The event features boats competing against each other with
great fervour and excitement of the cheers of the spectators.
:
Phuket Vegetarian Festival October
Amphoe Kathu,Amphoe Muang & Amphoe Thalang,Phuket) It is not known
for certain when the first Vegetarian Festival was held in Phuket.
It is assumed that the custom started in the period of Thalang
Governor Jerm in 1825 when a number of Chinese came to work in tin
mines in Ban Get Hoe in Phuket. Legend has it that a Chinese drama
troupe turned vegetarian in the belief that by doing so malaria
prevalent on the island at the time could be driven away. Followers
must abstain from meat, alcohol and sex for nine days and night as a
homage to the Nine Emperor Gods (The Star Deities). The Chinese
community then sent an emissary to South China to learn more about
vegetarian rites.
During the festival which normally falls on the first nine days of
the ninth Chinese lunar month, thousands of participants turn
completely vegetarian to purify both body and mind in order to
attend ceremonies. Aesthetic displays are performed by participants
which include piercing the body and face with sharp objects and
walking barefooted on hot charcoal, all in the belief that good
health and peaceful mind will be attained.
:
Northern Lantern Festival & Yipeng Loi Krathong
October 31 - November 1 Chiang Mai Municipality
Office and citywide, Chiang MaiCreating a mesmerizing sight, an
unusual ritual of this northern capital's Loi Krathong Festival is
the launching of Lanna-style hot air balloons, which is considered
by locals to rid them of their troubles. Traditional floats
(Krathongs) are also set adrift on the Ping River. In addition,
there are various other forms of fun and a glamorous beauty pageant.
:
H.M.The King's Birthday Celebrations
December 5 NationwideH.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej,
the world's longest reigning monarch. is well beloved and deeply
respected by all Thais old and young. The occasion of his royal
birthday provides his loyal subjects the opportunity to express
their reverence for him. All over the country. buildings and homes
are elaborately decorated and the area around the Grand Palace is
spectacularly illuminated.
River Kwae Bridge, Kanchanaburi Each year in late November to early
December, the world famous River Kwae Bridge, which was built by
Allied prisoners-of-war during World War II , becomes the focal
point of celebrations. Highlights include historical and
archaeological exhibitions, a carnival, folk and cultural
performances, rides on World War II vintage trains, and a
spectacular light and sound presentation re-enacting the bridge's
World War II history.