Many of Thailand's annual events are determined by the lunar
calendar, so dates change from year to year, this is particularly
true of religious holidays. However, most larger shops no longer
close for public holidays, although smaller retail outlets and
family shops close for Chinese New Year and Songkran. Provinces
have their own local festivals to celebrate harvests of seasonal
crops.
January
2003
Chiang Mai Winter Fair
Beauty pageants, boxing competitions, stalls selling a range
of locally made goods and very loud music make this an exciting,
if unsophisticated, event.
The River of Kings Festival
Now In its fourth year, "The River of Kings Festival"
presents a spectacular light-and-sound extravaganza in a grand
theatrical production with a cast of more than 700 actors and
actresses and two live elephants, depicting the history of Thailand
(January 31- February 9, 2003 at Ratchaworadit Pier, Bangkok)
February
Chiang Mai Flower Festival
Beauty contests, handicraft sales, flower displays and a parade
of sumptuously decorated floats take to the streets as Chiang
Mai residents celebrate flower power.
Bangkok China Town Festival 2003
The area around Yaowarat road, known as "Chinatown"
in Bangkok, comes alive to celebrate Chinese New Year festival.
The one-kilometre stretch of road will be decorated with flowers
and Chinese lantern. Activities include the Golden Dragon Light
and Sound Presentation, the International Dragon and Lion Parade,
Chinese Food Stalls and Chinese Opera and cultural events.
(Dates vary according to the lunar calendar - normally around
February 1-2)
March
Asean Barred Ground Dove Festival
Dove-lovers from across Thailand, and neighboring countries congregate
at Khwan Muang Park, in Yala Province, to display their prize
doves and take part in the dove-cooing competition, which usually
involves more than 1,400 participants.
April
Songkran Festival Nationwide.
The traditional Thai New Year usually falls around the 13-17th.
Local people to pay homage to Buddha images, clean their homes,
and sprinkle water on their elders in a show of respect. This
has developed in recent years into open water warfare, with everything
from hoses to ten gallon tubs used to guarantee a thorough soaking
of the target. This is particularly popular in the tourist areas
of Khao San Road, Bangkok, and Chiang Mai. The latter also holds
colourful parades and religious ceremonies.
Pattaya Festival
Usually a week after the Songkran festivities in Bangkok, this
is a riotous celebration with parades, floats, beauty contests,
food festivals, and a spectacular fireworks display.
May
Royal Ploughing Ceremony
Presided over by the King and Queen at Sanam Luang in Bangkok,
this ancient Brahmin festival marks the beginning of the rice-planting
season. Predictions are made about weather and harvests for the
coming year on the basis of which of the selected foods the sacred
cows choose.
Visakha Bucha - Nationwide.
Marked by night-time processions of worshippers around almost
every temple in the kingdom, this festival celebrates the birth,
enlightenment and passing of Lord Buddha.
Yasothon Rocket Festival
Villagers from the poor northeastern province of Yasothon
compete with each other to make the biggest, most explosive bamboo
rockets during this annual rainmaking festival. Prizes are awarded
for the rocket that reaches the highest trajectory.
June
Thailand Grand Sales (June 1- July 31, 2003) at participating
shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, tourist sites nationwide)
when a wide range of products are available at discount prices.
During this grand sales festival, participating shopping malls
and outlets will join hands in organizing special weeks of clothes,
accessories, Thai handicrafts, Thai silks, electrical appliances,
sports products, brand name products and local textiles. Hotels,
restaurants, amusement parks, tour operators and car rentals will
also offer discounts during this period.
July
Candle Festival
Coinciding with Asalaha Bucha, this festival sees the streets
of Ubon Ratchathani filled with processions of huge, beautifully
carved beeswax candles, some of them several metres tall, that
are to be presented to local temples. (July 13-14, 2003 at
Tung Sri Muang, Muang District, Ubon Ratchathani Province)
August
Birthday of Her Majesty the Queen - Nationwide.
Also marking Mother's Day in Thailand, the 12th of August see
the towns and villages of the country festively decorated with
lights and portraits of the Queen.
International Marathon at Songkla
This international marathon is open to runners of all nationalities.
The race will be divided into 5 categories: 42.195 kms marathon,
21.1 kms half-marathon, 10.5 kms mini half-marathon, 3 kms jog
for health and 42.195 kms wheelchair race.
August 25, 2003, from Muang District to Singha Nakorn District,
Songkla Province
International Mountain Bike Rally
Tak Province will host the local and international races of the
mountain bikes, biking tour through the nature and the forest
plantation as part of the scheme to honor HRH. August 9-10,
2003 at Bhumibhol Dam, Tak Province
September
Phuket Vegetarian Festival
This ten day Chinese festival in Phuket has become
world-famous for the gory pictures of people impaling their faces
and bodies with everything from swords, spears and even fish.
Apparently unable to feel pain and in a trance-like state, these
people of Chinese ancestry parade in the streets with the various
arrays of sharp objects still protruding from their flesh. A little
less gory are the beauty pageants, fairs and food stalls that
line the streets of Phuket town. (September 25-October 5, 2003
Phuket Town)
Phichit Boat Races
Though boat races take place in several towns along the Mekong
River in September, the spectacular annual rowing regatta in Phichit
takes place on the Nan River, which runs through the provincial
capital. Low-slung wooden boats rowed with great gusto to the
hearty cheers of spectators make this an exciting day at the races.
(September 6-7, 2003 along the Nan River, Tha Luang Pier, Muang
District, Pichit Province)
October
Wax Castle Festival
The end of Buddhist Lent is marked by the people in the northeast
of Thailand with the creation of miniature beeswax Buddhist temples
and shrines. These "wax castles" help them to gain merit, which
will determine their future rebirth. Sakon Nakhon has one
of the most spectacular festivals with a grand wax procession,
boat races and traditional northeastern cultural performances.
Chon Buri Buffalo Races
A chance for buffalos to do more than just plough fields as
they compete in races and contests pitting the strength of man
against that of his faithful farm animal.
Illuminated Boat Procession Festival
The festival reflects the culture of illuminated boat procession
(‘Loy Kratong’ Festival of the northeastern region),
illuminated boat procession contest, alms giving and boat races
along the Mekong River. (October 4-11, 2003 at the Mekong River,
Muang District, Nakan Phanom Province)
November
Loy Krathong - Nationwide
River spirits are placated for another year with gifts of Krathongs
floated on rivers, canals and lakes on the night of the full moon.
Made of banana leaves, and decorated with incense and candles,
thousands of these beautiful boats light up the night. The most
beautiful sights are at the Bang Sai Arts & Crafts Centre near
Ayutthaya, and in the ruins of Sukhothai, the first Thai capital,
where the festival is supposed to have originated.
Surin Elephant Roundup
With tug-o-wars, demonstrations of logging skills, ancient warfare
parades, and even games of football, the elephants of Surin
entertain the crowds of visitors to this north eastern town.
River Kwai Bridge Week
The River Kwai bridge, in Kanchanaburi, is the setting
for this week-long festival featuring spectacular sound and light
performances on the bridge, archaeological and historical exhibitions,
and vintage train rides. (November 21 to December)
Phimai Festival
Spectacular light and sound presentation under the theme of 'Vimainatthakarn'
- an depicts the glorious era of Khmer. Interpretation service
is available in English, French and Japanese. Cultural shows by
a Thai classical dance group, local Thai classical dancing, and
an historical exhibition. Also Buddha image processions, Thailand's
King's cup final round long-tailed boat race and a bike tour.
(November 5-7, 2003 at Phimai Historical Park, Phimai District,
Nakornratchasima Province)
December
Birthday of His Majesty the King - Nationwide
Flags, lights and portraits of His Majesty the King adorn the
streets and building of every town and village on the 5th and
the occasion is marked by a huge and spectacular fireworks display
near the Grand Palace.
Phuket King's Cup Regatta
Southeast Asia's leading regatta, held in the waters off the island
of Phuket and starting on the first Saturday of the month.
Competitors come from around the world to take part in this annual
event. 29th Novmeber - 6th December 2003
Festival Highlights -
Songkran Festival - April
Probably
the best known of the Thai festivals. This simple and fun filled
festival celebrates the Thai New Year. The exact date varies according
to the solar calendar, but usually occurs around the 13th-15th
April when the planets are positioned so that the days and nights
are equal.
Thais celebrate by visiting the temple to make merit, honour
their relatives and "spring clean" their houses before
entering the streets. Then the fun begins with water thrown over
everyone passing by. The days of the traditional gentle pouring
over the hands as a blessing have long since gone; replaced by
water pistols and and buckets, but it's all very good natured
and lots of fun. A great way to meet both locals and other travellers.
Festival
Highlights - Loy Krathong - November
The
most beautiful of the Thai festivals, when all waterways, canals,
rivers, coastal areas are illuminated by thousands of candles
placed on floating kratongs. Held on full moon night each November,
Wan Loy Kratong, in total contrast to Songkran, it's a very gentle
festival.
The Kratongs or boats, created from the trunk of a banana tree
and decorated with flowers candles and incense, are made in advance,
ready to float upon the water. Prayers are said so that the krathong
will float away, taking all bad spirits, bad luck and sins along
with it. Many hotels in throughout the country often host a special
evening so that guests can join in.
