December

TAK BAT DOK MAI FESTIVAL Date 29 Decembe 2550 - ३० December 2550 Place Activities The Tak Bat Dok Mai floral offering merit-making ritual is unique to Saraburi province. This ritual stands out from the merit-making activities conducted in the other parts of Thailand because in addition to the offerings of cooked rice, food, incense, candles and other conventional sacred items, the Tak Bat Dok Mai ritual includes offerings of Dok Khao Phansa flowers that only come into bloom during the Buddhist Lent, hence the origin of its name. Some villagers call the flower Dok Yung Thong (golden peacock) or Dok Hong Thong (golden swan flower). The Dok Khao Phansa is a native species of forested hill-slopes, and is most commonly found in Saraburi province. A member of the Globba family, the flower is similar to galingale or turmeric and is just over 25 centimetres in height. The plant somewhat resembles the "krachai" or aromatic ginger with flowers in large white, yellow, yellowish-violet, or violet and blue sprays. The yellow flowers have smaller violet petals that give it a striking appearance. As the Dok Khao Phansa becomes an increasingly rare find these days, lotus, jasmine and rose have become acceptable alternatives for these floral offerings. The residents of Amphoe Phra Phutthabat have observed this tradition of making floral offerings since ancient times and it has now become a significant provincial event. The "Tak Bat Dok Mai" floral merit-making ceremony is performed at the Wat Phra Buddhabat Woramahaviharn - Shrine of the Holy Footprint, a highly revered ancestral place of worship and a national landmark, in the Phra Buddhabat District of Saraburi province. In the morning of the first day of the Buddhist Lent, residents of the community engage in merit-making activities by presenting offerings to the resident monks at the Wat Phra Buddhabat temple. Later in the morning, young couples venture out into the forested foothills to gather the Dok Khao Phansa flowers. Meanwhile in the district area, the candle procession and the "Tak Bat Dok Mai" procession head towards the temple courtyard. As a prelude to the floral merit-making ritual which takes place in the afternoon, a variety of traditional folk games and cultural performances are featured. Contests such as the long-drum dance, candle and Thai costume contests keep the audience entertained. In preparation for the "Tak Bat Dok Mai" merit-making ritual, Buddhist devotees line up along both sides of the street forming a long line that extends from the "mondop" or seven-tiered temple spire and trails back along the streets. This forms a passage along which hundreds of monks and novices file past to accept sacred offerings. The monks then ascend to the Shrine of the Holy Footprint where the offerings received are in turn presented as a tribute to the Lord Buddha. Once the ritual has been completed, the Buddhist devotees pour water over the feet of the monks and novices in the belief that in doing so, the sins of the worshippers are washed away. EVENT HIGHLIGHTS Merit making with steamed rice Processions of candles, Buddha images and long drums Merit making with flowers Information Contact information: TAT Central Region Office: Region 6 Tel: +66 (0) 3524 6076-7 Fax: +66 (0) 3524 6078 E-mail: tatyutya@tat.or.th. Date(s): December2007 Venue: World Trade Centre, Bangkok The Tourism Authority of Thailand has realized the importance of Thai food that becomes popular in the world. Therefore, TAT arranges the event for Thai-food lovers and foreign visitors. Thai Food exhibition and demonstration, cultural shows and concerts, beer gardens, food stalls. Date(s): 1 December 2003-31 January 2007 Venue: By the Mekong River, Ubon Ratchathani and Amnat Charoen Ubon Ratchathani is a major tourist destination in the Northeast of Thailand The province welcomes visitors to come and enjoy its beauty. Re-enactment of cave life, watch the sun go down at Pha Taem, Pha Laeng style dinner, a photo contest and other celebrations. Date(s): 29 November-6 December 2007 Venue: Phuket, Krabi, Phang-Nga The Regatta first took place in 1987, during the year celebrating His Majesty the King's 5th cycle, and has been held annually ever since. International participation in the regatta. For more information, please contact the Office of the Secretary Tel: 66 (0) 7627 3380 Date(s): 2 December 2007 Venue: The Royal Plaza, Bangkok This event is celebrated every year before the King's Birthday. Their Majesties the King and Queen preside over this impressive annual event, held in the Royal Plaza near the equestrian statue of King Chulalongkorn. Dressed in colourful uniforms, amid much pomp and ceremony, members of the elite Royal Guards swear allegiance to the King and march past members of the Royal Family. Date(s): 5 December 2007 Venue: Nationwide H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej was born on 5 December. The deep reverence felt by all Thais for their King is perhaps unique in the modern world, and his birthday provides an annual occassion for public expression. Government buildings, businesses, and homes all over the country are eleborately decorated and the area around the Grand Palace is spectacularly illuminated. Date(s): 7-10 December 2007 Venue: Phuket Following immediately on from the King's Cup Regatta, Phuket hosts Thailand's first International Boat Show. This exciting new show, set in the region's premier boating destination, has attracted exhibitors from around the world, and will include a minimum of 80 exhibitions in air-conditioned marquees at the waterside, with a further 30 on-water exhibits. The show will be open to exhibitors in all aspects of the marine industy. In addition to local boat builders and international manufacturers in the marine supplies and marine service industries, the 30 on-water exhibits will be an opportunity for visitors to inspect a variety of sleex pleasure craft-from fast sports sailing boats and leisurely catamarans made in Phuket, to superb luxury motor yachts from famous international manufacturers. For more information, please contact Mr.Andy Dowden-IMAGE asia Tel: 66 (0) 7628 2198 Fax: 66 (0) 7628 3059 Mobile: 66 (0) 1892 7670 E-mail: boatshow@image-asia.com and www.image-asia.com/boatshow.htm Date(s): 12-14 December 2007 Venue: Anusonsathan Yutthanawi Pier at Chang Island, Trat Chang Island is getting more popular at the present time. Its management has been supported by the Thai government. Fishing Contest, Student Environmental Awareness Competition, various government sector exhibitions, folk festival food sale, local souvenirs, tours of nearby vicinity. Date(s): 13-19 December 2007 Venue: Ayutthaya Ayutthaya, a former Thai Capital was the centre of trade, administration, and civilization for 417 years. The Capital was designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO on 13 December 1991. The Historical Park is home to many ruins and artefacts. Bangsai Arts and Crafts Centre of H.M. Queen Sirikit of Thailand is also close by.World Heritage Listing Exhibition, recreation of local market of yesteryear Ayutthaya Art and Culture Exhibition, stalls, and Ayutthaya Yot Ying Fa Light and Sound Show.In, Ayutthaya Art and Culture Exhibition, stalls, and Ayutthaya Yot Ying Fa of Light and Sound Show. Date(s): 25-31 December 2007 Venue: Chom Nan Chaloem Phra Kiat Park, Phitsanulok Phitsanulok is an important province in Thailand. It arranges many events and festivals each year. This time it comes with food celebrations. Food stalls, souvenirs, Export Product Fair, Thai Food and Dessert Demonstration, concerts and shows, street shows. Date(s): 31 December 2003-1 January 2007 Venue: Bangkok This event is arranged to celebrate the New Year at the same time with other places in the world. Miss Bangkok Friendship 2003 Pageant, Special Fireworks, Laser light show, Modern Local Art. Date(s): 30-31 December 2007 Venue: Hat Yai, Songkhla Hat Yai District is well-known among tourist as a major tourist destination in the south of Thailand. This time it organizes the event to celebrate the New Year with joy and fun. Art and Culture Show, Light and Sound Show, Fancy Dress Parade, Local Food Stalls.

November

Date(s): 1-2 November 2007 Venue: Bangsai Arts and Crafts Centre of H.M. Queen Sirikit of Thailand, Ayutthaya The Long Boat Race has had a long history in Thailand and has been noted as one of the royal ceremonies to be held in the 11th month in the Ayutthaya period. The atmosphere around the race itself is reflective of a relaxed and easygoing lifestyle since that time to the present day. The race itself has been revived in order to perpetuate what is seen as a cultural tradition worth preserving while increasing tourism through awareness. International Boat Race 22 rowers Thai Boat Race 22 rowers Long Boat Race 55 rowers Date(s): 5-9 November 2007 Venue: Phimai, Nakhon Ratchasima Phimai is a cultural and tourism town with many important sites including the Phimai Historical Park, Sai Ngam, and a National Museum. Local produce exhibition and sale, local culture demonstration and contests, Siamese cat competition (the Siamese cat originally came from Phimai), Phimaipura procession, Niramittrakam Nuealamnammun Wimaya Nattakan Light and Sound Show, agricultural show, King's Cup Long Boat Race. Date(s): 8 November 2007 Venue: Nationwide Loi Krathong is a tradition believed to have been influenced by the Indian Lantern or Diwali Festival, in which floats are made in worship of the three Brahmin Gods Bhrama, Vishnu, and Shiva. The belief was adapted to fit in with the Thai agrarian way of life, dependent upon the flow of water, changing it into a festival where one pay obeisance to Phra Mae Khongkha, the goddess of water. The practice became widespread nationally and internationally in due course, and has become synonymous with the Thai Culture. While each region will heave its own variations, the krathongs (floats) are normally shaped as a lotus from locally available materials. The floats are decorated with incense and candles allowed to float along with the flow of the river. Some would put in nail clippings and strands of hair into the krathong as well, in the belief that the sins of the past year would be washed away; some place coins in the krathong as a way of making merit; some wish for love. Once the krathongs are on their way there would normally be fireworks and other festivities to be enjoyed. Krathong Competition, and Nang Nopphamat Pageant, Loi Krathong, Games. Date(s): 1 November-15 December 2007 Venue: Doi Mae U-kho, Khun Yuam, Mae Hong Son The Mexican Sunflower is a yellow wild flower growing in the North of Thailand. It is also known as the Wild Sunflower or the Mountain Sunflower, growing in 2-5 metre wide bushes, with small brown hairy trunks and branches. It has large green leaves with jagged edges, whose base wraps around the stem, looking very much like miniatute sunflower. The flower is 14-15 cm in diameter with a concentration of dark yellow pollen in the middle, and has approximate 13-15 petals that are broad at the base tapering to the end. The flower blooms towards the end of October and can be seen until December. Once the flowers have withered, the seeds can be collected and its oil extracted to be used as insecticides and mosquito repellents. Ban Mae Ho in Mae Sariang, and Doi Mae U-kho in Khun Yuam, have the most sunflowers in bloom when in season, lighting up the pathways and mountains in a glorious yellow.The Festival has been organized in order to take advantage of a spectacular display that is linked closely to the cultures of the Tais and the hills tribe people. Mexican Sunflower Photo competition, Mountain Bike Riding Competition, local art and culture show, tourism exhibition, hire a tent and spend the night on the mountain, issuance of certificate of attendance. Date(s): November 2007 Venue: Bangsai Arts and Crafts Centre of H.M. Queen Sirikit of Thailand, Ayutthaya Loy Krathong is an important celebration for Thais and take place every 15th day of the waxing moon in the 12th month (the ides of December). Celebrations take place allover the country. The Loi Krathong Tam Prathip Festival harks back to a tradition from when Ayutthaya was once the capital. Nang Nopphamat Pageant, Nang Nopphamat Procession, Thai Food Fair, vocational product sale, floating market, fireworks and floating lanterns, long boat races. For more information, please contact the Bangsai Arts and Crafts Centre of H.M. Queen Sirikit of Thailand Tel: 66 (0) 3536 6090. Date(s): November 2007 Venue: Bang Thao Beach Thalang, Phuket The Triathlon was first held in 1994, providing international coverage for Phuket. A 1.8 km swim, 55 km cycle, and 12 km marathon Date(s): 4-8 November 2007 Venue: Chiang Mai Creating 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. Tho Phae Contest, Boat Race in the Ping River, Small and Large Krathong Contests, decorative lanterns on houses and wats, floating of lanterns, festivitiesFor more information, please contact the Chiang Mai Municipality Tel: 66 (0) 53612615. Date(s): 4-8 November 2007 Venue: Sukhothai The Loi Krathong tradition derives from old beliefs common to communities living along the banks of a river or waterway, where there is a need to worship and supplicate the Khongkha to avoid bad luck, to worship the gods in the brahmin tradition, or to revere the Buddha's foot print, etc. The celebrations are normally organized in the 12th month when the tide is high and the air is cool. The Phra Ratchaniphon Phra Ratchaphithi Sipsongduan and the texts of Thao Sichulalak refers to Nang Nopphamat aka Thao Sichulalak, King Ruang's principle consort, of the Sukhothai period, as being the first person to make a krathong in the form of a lotus. This form has long since been copied and handed down. There is also a reference, in the Sila Charuek, to a Candle Lighting and Playing with Fire Festival as a grand festival. Experts believe that this is similar to the candle lighting and playing with fire as is practiced in the Loi Krathong festival of the present day. Nang Nopphamat procession, exhibitions, lighting of lantern at the historical site, Loi Krathong and fireworks over all waterways, krathong competition, Sukhothai Light and Sound Presentation, cultural dances, festivities. Date(s): 7-15 November 2007 Venue: On the banks of the Ping River, Tak The locals of Tak believe that the Ping River is never prettier than where it passes Tak against a backdrop of sandy banks and mountains. The Loi Krathong Sai Festival is therefore organized on the banks to take advantage of this view. The krathongs that are floated here are unique in that they are made from coconut shells and filled with combustible material, lit up and then floated in single file. A contest for the King's Cup is held each year for the most interesting formations of the krathongs as they float by. Procession of the King's Cup, Krathong Pha Pa Nam contest, Krathong Sai Contest festivities. Date(s): 15-20 November 2007 Venue: Pattaya, Chon Buri Pattaya is a well-known resort town on the eastern shore of the Gulf of Thailand, and is blessed with magnificent scenery, from the islands dotting the vista and the beautiful beaches. The Carnival starts with a Pattaya Carnival float, with richly decorated floats being paraded down Pattaya beach road from the north to the south. There are generally 30 floats, beautifully or innovatively decked. At the end believe of the procession, the floats are left to be admired by those going to the carnival. There are also various exhibitions and demonstrations including an underwater archaeology exhibition showing off the artefacts found in the waters of Pattaya and the surrounding area, a model of shipping routes of days gone by, maps to indicate site of wrecks, types of ships, material used in their construction, the circumstances surrounding the wrecks. A shell exhibition show casing those found on the shores of Thailand, both in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, a fishing exhibition, how to fish like locals and how to use modern fishing equipments. Fishing exhibition-boats, baits, and details of fishing in the Gulf. Sail Boat and water sports exhibition. Gemstone Exhibition. There are also demonstrations of cotton weaving, motar making, raising mussels, straw weaving, making of khao lam nong mon, kok rug weaving and other by-products, fishnet knitting, and other fishing equipment. Water sports competition-Boat Racing, skiing, fishing, scooter, water boxing, windsurfing. Sports -Dirt bike race, car races. rt and cultural shows-dances from the various regions in Thailand. String Combo, Thai Music, Trae Wong, and local music. For more information, please contact the Pattaya City Tel: 66 (0) 38410200. Date(s): 15-16 November 2007 Venue: Sinarong Field, Surin Krapo, Tha Turn, and Na Nongphai in Chumphon Buri District in the north of Surin is home to Kuas or Suays who have long raised elephants to show at various fair and ceremonies. Ban Taklang in Krapo, 58 km from Surin proper, is also known as the Elephant Village, courtesy of its many inhabitants. On 19 November 1960, the District Officer of Tha Turn organized an elephant show on the grounds of the old airfield as a housewarming party for the new District Office buildings. This attracted interest from further a field and the festival became a permanent fixture. ActivitiesThe Elephant Round-up presents the bond between man and elephant in the culture and tradition of the people of Surin and is presented as follows- 1. Kuai-the daily life of the Phaen locals and the tradition of worshipping phi pakam. 2. Cha Khlong -elephants in their natural habitat. 3. From the forest to the house-herding the elephants (phon chang) and breaking them in. 4. Phra barami pok klao-re-enactment of the battle scenes of yesteryear depicting how a battle, led by a King, would have looked like. 5. Surin local customs-Traditional and cultural shows. 6. Chalong Phra-Celebrating with the elephants, seeing them playing and competing. 7. Farewell-Farewell by elephants and performers. Additionally, there will be exhibitions from the public and private sectors, Red Cross Fair, sale of local produce, festivities. Date(s): 24 November-7 December 2007 Venue: River Kwai Bridge, Tha Makham, Kanchanaburi Kanchanaburi is a strategic province in Central Thailand, rich in resources, tourist sites, nature, lifestyle and tradition, and archaeological and historical sites. During WWII the Japanese Army agreed with the Thai Government to construct a railway line from Nong Pladuk in Ratchaburi, past Kanchanaburi, to Tanpisusayat in Myanmar. This was to facilitate the tranSportation of weapons through to Myanmar and India. In building the bridged, the prisoners of war (from Britain, Holland, United States, Australia, New Zealand) and other Asian labourers were conscripted. The route cut through thick jungle and mountainous terrains, causing people to die like flies in the hundred thousands. It could almost be said that the number of sleepers on the track could easily represent the number of people who died building it. A bridge was built over the passing at the widest point of the Kwai River at Tha Makham. This hridge can be said to be the most expensive bridge to construct and was open for operation on 25 December 1945. Parts of it were bombed by the Allies. Light and Sound Show re-enacting the construction of the bridge and the Death Railway of WWII, floral parade, bands, Miss Peace Pageant, sale of various goods and specialties, exhibition, fairs. Date(s): 29 November-10 December 2007 Venue: Lawn in Front of City Hall, Khon Kaen The secondary cottage industry of the region has taken a big step and is now something of which the local are proud. The sericultural practices in the area are well developed, and Khon Kaen is one the finest silk producing areas in Thailand. The Phuk Siao tradition focuses on brotherly love between all, in good times and bad (khu siao). Khon Kaen Procession, Phuk Siao Ceremony, Phan Bai Si Competition, pageants, stalls, exhibitions, Pong Lang dance concert, local dances, festivities, phuk siao, and pha laeng dinner. For more information, please contact the Khon Kaen Provincial Office Tel: held 01 66 (0) 4323 6882. Date(s): 30 November 2007 Venue: Phra Prang Sam Vot and Phra Kan Shrine, Lop Buri The Phra Prang Sam Yot and Phra Kan Shrine is home to a large number of monkeys who are fed by the worshippers of Phra Kan, to the extent that the monkeys have become tame and familiar with humans. Giving the monkeys a banquet, Chinese style, with fruits, boiled eggs, thong yip, thong yot, foi thong, etc: cultural shows. Date(s): 1 November 2003-14 February 2007 Venue: Lop Buri and Saraburi Thida Thantawan Procession, sale of local produce and sunflower derivative products, sunflower exhibition, sunflower fields. Date(s): 30 November 2007 Venue: Sanam Chai Road near the Grand Palace, Bangkok The first Marathon in Thailand, Wing Roi Fa Chaloem Phra Kiat, was held on the 22 November 1987 on the Dao Khanong- Tha Ruea stretch of the Bangkok Expressway, during His Majesty the King's 5th cycle celebrations. 100,000 runners ran that first marathon. The King then decreed that a Bangkok marathon should be run, and this was then duly arranged on 27 November 1988, following year. The Marathon itself has become very popular with increasing participation in the 42.195 km Marathon and the 5-10 km mini-Marathons. The 15th Marathon will be held in special honour of the King's 75th Birthday land will involve floats from the various provinces. Marathon and mini-Marathon run from Sanam Chai Road. For more information, please contact the Running Association of Thailand Tel: 66 (0) 2280 7667-8.