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.