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Thailand Events Calendar.
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
Chiang Mai
Bosang Umbrella Fair
& Sankampaeng Handicrafts Festival
17-19 Jan
This lively event celebrates the bright colours and intricate
designs of Bo Sang's renowned hand made umbrellas. The fair features contests,
exhibitions, stalls selling handicrafts and the crowning of Miss Sang.
Nakhon Sawan
Dragon & Lion Parade
20 Jan - 10 Feb
Witness lions, dragons and ancient deities parade alongside
marching bands as the Chinese community of this provincial capital honour
their ancestral Golden Dragon deity for his benevolence
Suphan Buri
Don Chedi Memorial Fair
22-31 Jan
An elephant duel in 1592 won by King Naresuan the Great
of Ayutthaya liberated the Thai kingdom. Todya, historical exhibitions
outdoor entertainment and a lively fair commemorate this momentous event.
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
Loy Kratong festival
  
 
 
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