May

Date(s): 2-6 May 2007 Venue: The grounds in front of Trat City Hall, Trat Trat has the ideal condition for the propagation of almost all tropical fruits grown in Thailand. Merit making, historical exhibitions, various competitions, various shows, public and private sector exhibitions, various entertainment. Date(s): 4-12 May 2007 Venue: The Agricultural Fruit Market at Taphong, Rayong Rayong has the ideal condition for the propagation of almost all tropical fruits grown in Thailand. Fruit Float Competition, Thida Chao Suan Pageant, Agricultural produce ceremony and by-product competition. For more information, please contact the Ranong Agricultural Office Tel: 66 (0) 3887 0401. Date(s): 8 May 2007 Venue: Sanam Luang, Bangkok The Royal Ploughing Ceremony is actually two ceremonies in one. The first, the Phra Ratchaphithi Phuetcha Mongkhon is a Buddhist ceremony to bless the plants. The second, the Charot Phra Nangkhan Kan is a brahmin ceremony to bless the plants. The ceremonies are carried out each year to bring good fortune to all plants, and to boost morale. This tradition was adopted during the reign of Rama IV. As noted in Rama V's book on the royal ceremonies of the twelves months, Phra Ratchaphithi Sipsong Duean. "Charot Phra Nangkhan used to only invoke brahmin rituals and in no way made use of buddhist rituals. However, Rama IV introduced the rites of the buddhist monks into the conduct of all royal ceremonies, of which the Charot I Phra Nangkhan is one. However, he set aside the buddhist ritual as a separate ceremony called Phuetcha Mongkhon" It is believed that the Phra Ratchaphithi Charot Phra Nangkhan Raek Na Khwan, commonly known as the Raek Na Khwan Ceremony, dates back to before the days of Sukhothai, although there is no citable source to confirm this. The ceremony is referred to in the Nang Nopphamat Book, which dates from the Sukhothai period. During the Ayutthaya period, the ceremony was of great importance as it was recorded in the laws of the land as a compulsory royal ceremony that must be conducted in the 6th month. On the first day of ploughing, the king bestows his sword and sceptre to the Phraya Raek Na Khwan as though conferring his powers; at the same time he takes a step back and does not most a tropical grant audiences, taking a reduced load. In the Rattanakosin period, the Phra Ratchaphithi Phuetcha Mongkhon ceremony was conducted by monks on the grounds of Sanam Luang. The brahmin Phra Ratchaphithi Charot Phra Nangkhan Raek Na Khwan was conducted at Thung Som Poi, outside the Royal Palace. Both were conducted on the same day and at the same time. The Phra Ratchaphithi Charot Phra Nangkhan Raek Na Khwan was temporarily suspended between 1936 and 1959, during the transition from a government system of absolute monarchy to that of a constitutional monarchy. The practice of the Phra Ratchaphithi Phuetcha Mongkhon continued to be conducted throughout this time. In 1960, Rama IX brought the two ceremonies together as they had been in ancient times. Date(s): 9-11 May 2007 Venue: Phaya Thaen Public Park, Yasothon This festival celebrates a Ratchaphithi tradition of shooting Bang Fais (rockets) into the sky by way of a prayer for plentiful rainfall, at the right time and at the right place. The purpose of the associated merit making is to venerate Buddha, perpetuate Buddhism, ask for rain, engender cohesion, show spirit, and to thank the spirits for their benevolence. From the I-san population's perspective, the Rocket Festival is an integral part of the veneration of Buddha on the anniversary of his Birth, Enlightenment, and Nirvana on Visakha Puja Day.The district of Yoshida, Sitama, Japan also participates in this festival as it which reflects their own practice of thanking the spirits for making the rain fall and giving an abundant yield. The Festival takes place over three days. On the first day, Suk Dip Day, each rocket team proceed with the rockets to pay homage to Chao Pu and Chao Pho lak Mueang. On the second day, the Hae Bang Fai Day (rocket procession day), offerings of food and cloths are made to monks at the Sala Kan Parian. The procession then proceeds to pay homage to the Mahesak lak Mueang, Chao Pho Pu Ta, and all the sacred spirits of the village. On firing day, offerings are made to monks in the morning, followed by a rocket procession around the temple hall in reverence of the guardian angels and sacred spirits. The rockets are then readied for firing. For more information, please contact the Yasothon Municipality Tel: 66 (0) 45711397. Date(s): 15 May 2007 Venue: Phuttha Monthon, Nakhon Pathom Visakha Puja Day is an important day in the Buddhist religion and falls on the 15th day of the waxing moon of the 6th month. Buddhists the world over celebrate Buddha's benevolence in sharing the fruit of his enlightenment to the world at large, in the hope of ending suffering in the world. On 14 December 1999, the United Nations designated the day as a day of global importance. Candle light procession. Observe the beauty of the main Buddha image Phra Si Sakkayathotsaphonlayan Prathan Phuttha Monthon Suthat For more information, please contact the Phuttha Monthon Office Tel: 66 (0) 24419801-3. Date(s): 24 May-1 June 2007 Venue: Thung Na Choei, Chanthaburi The festival has been organised to popularise Chantaburi’s various produce. Thida Chao Suan Beauty Peagent. Fruit Float competition, agriculture produce competition, agricultural exhibitions, free gemstone for all participants, a rally, a mini marathon, concerts, folk music, sale of agricultural produce. Date(s): 24 May-1 June 2007 Venue: Prachin Buri Thai food is very popular I moon of because of its tastes, intricacies involved in its preparation and decoration, and selection of nutritional ingredients. Food and Fruit Market-Stalls set up by eateries recommended by the Shell Chuan Chim (a popular food critique show) team, and various other sellers.