FESTIVALS OF THAILAND

Its the time of the traditional Thai New Year and is an occasion for merrymaking all over Bangkok and other parts of the country. It's a time also for many religious ceremonies and public festivities. If you are out on the streets you are likely to get a plastic bag filled with water thrown at you, it's the middle of the hot season so it's a lot of fun, remember to dress casual.If you are staying in Bangkok head down to Sanam Luang, fronting the Grand Palace, where the revered Phra Buddha Sihing image is displayed and bathed by devotees, Or check out Winsutkasat, They hold The Miss Songkran beauty contest there, there is a lot of other entertainment and fun to be had as well including the water throwing.

OCTOBER: VEGETARIAN FESTIVAL.

Many years ago Chinese came to the area of Phuket to work in the tin mines.In 1825 a chinese theatre troupe came to Phuket to perform for the Chinese tin miners. They all fell ill and it was believed to be caused by a failure to pay due respects to the nine Emperors Gods of Taoism. They adopted a strict vegetarian diet to appease their deities. The chinese community there have adopted this and every year they restrict themselves to a vegetarian diet for 9 days. The festivalt has many processions, temple offerings and cultural performances and ends with walking on hot coal, climbing knife-blade ladders, self-piercing the skin and so on.
During October Phuket islanders of Chinese ancestry commit themselves to a vegetarian diet for nine days. The festival's first day features a parade of white-clothed devotees and several ascetic displays.

OCTOBER: THE KATHIN PERIOD BOAT RACES.

The Kathin period is the end of the rainy season and so it is the time for many a fair, Thais love their boat regattas and Nan, 790 kilometres north of Bangkok, is famous for it. Also there are good regattas at Surat Thani, Nakhon Phanom, Phichit and Pathumthani.

FULL MOON NOVEMBER: LOI KRATHONG.

Under the full moon of november the rivers of Thailand become awash with lotus-shaped banana leaf boats called Krathongs. A lit candle, incense, a flower and a coin is placed into the Krathong and set upon the waters to honour the water spirits and to cleanse oneself of the past years sins.

THIRD WEEKEND OF NOVEMBER: THE ELEPHANT ROUND UP FESTIVAL.

At Surin in northeast Thailand. Medieval war elephant parade re-enactment coupled with elephant hunts, folk dances and cultural performances. The elephants show their strength and gentleness in a display that is truly magnificent.

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER: THE RIVER KWAI BRIDGE WEEK .

At Kanchanaburi, in western Thailand. The famous world war 2 bridge is lit up. There are historical exhibitions and archaeological displays along with thrilling cultural performances and train rides on steam locommotives from W.W.2

DECEMBER 5: THE KING’S BIRTHDAY.

Thai people love their royal family, and on his birthday Bangkok is spectacularly decorated. In fact all over the country buildings and homes are illuminated and displayed in reverence to the king on his birthday, and best of all it's a national holiday.