September

Date(s): 6-7 September 2007 Venue: Nan River, Wat Tha Luang, Phichit Luang Pho Phet is the designated local Buddha image. In the annual worship of this image, a boat race is organised in the Nan River at Wat Tha Luang. The boats are divided into three categories- Large Long Boat, 41-55 rowers Medium Long Boat, 27-40 rowers Small Long Boat, no more than 26 rowers Boat parade at the opening ceremony, in all their glorious colours, boat race, local shows at Wat Tha Luang, festivities, and stalls. Date(s): 13-14 September 2007 Venue: Nan River, Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat Woramahawihan, Phitsanulok The Phitsanulok Long Boat came into being at Ban Tha Rong, Wat Phrik in Mueang District. There is an annual Offering of the Cloth to the Phra Phutthachinnarat Ceremony, after which a long boat race is held in the Nan River; a tradition that has been carried through to the present day. The race proper starts from 10.00 onwards with all participating boats richly decorated. There are also different processions such as the Ram Mang Khala procession, Khon Pa procession, etc. Prior to the race, an oblation is made to Mae Ya Nang Ruea. The winner is selected from winners of each round where all the losers are dropped and the measure of a winning vessel does not include decorations, just the boat proper. For more information, please contact the Phitsanulok Municipality Tel: 66 (0) 5523 1400-1414 ext: 117. Date(s): 16-21 September 2007 Venue: Suriyothai Military Camp 16, Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan Anantara Resort & Spa, Hua Hin, and the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre, with the support of the World Elephant Polo Association (WEPA) and TAT, organised the first King's Cup Elephant Polo Tournament in 2001. Elephant Polo is popular in Thailand and the Commonwealth and was first held by a Mogul King in India. In 1982, Jim Edward, an Englishman, and James McClark, a Scots, living in Switzerland, adapted the form of the game to that played today. The King's Cup Elephant Polo Tournament 2003, hosted by Anantara Resort & Spa Hua Hin, is the third edition of this great event in Thailand featuring teams from 10 nations competing for this coveted trophy. This sport is known as the Sport of Kings-the polo players use sticks up to 2 meters long in teams of three under rules developed by the World Elephant Polo Association. Elephant Painting, Elephant Orchestra and our Elephant Landspeed Record are all part of this family event. For more information, please contact Anantara Resort & Spa Hua Hin Tel: 66 (0) 3252 0250. Date(s): 24-28 September 2007 Venue: Wat Trai Phum, Phetchabun The Um Phra Dam Nam Festival is one that is dear to the locals of Phetchabun who hold Phra Phuttha Maha Thammaracha sacred. The image currently resides at Wat Trai Phum. Locals, and those in the vicinity, believe that to ensure seasonal rain, Phra Phuttha Maha Thammaracha must be paraded around town and back to Wat Trai Phum. The Governor of the Phetchabun would normally then carry the image into the river and walk into all four directions. Phra Phuttha Maha Thammaracha procession around town, the image is then set up for general worship at Wat Trai Phum. In the evening, there is an evening prayer, festivities, and games. Next morning, there is making merit on Sat Day, The Dam Nam Ceremony, with the Governor carrying the Buddha image through the river, and followed by a boat race.For more information, please contact the Phetchabun Public Relations Tel: 66 (0) 5672 1733. Date(s): 21-25 September 2007 Venue: Bang Nara River, Narathiwat Ko Lae Boat Race is a bonding tradition long observed by the locals. The boats are normally colourfully adorned with creatures from legends and fairy tales (Nagas, Hanuman, Lions). Once upon a time the boat would reach a length of 20-25 cubits and were made from Malabar Ironwood, and Lamphu. Long Kong Day Festival, Krachut Day Festival, Long Tail Boat Festival, Ko Lae Boat Race, Krong Hua Chuk Bird Cooing Contest, Zebra Dove Cooing Contest. For more information, please contact the Narathiwat Provincial Office Tel: 66 (0) 7351 1450. Date(s): 25-26 September 2007 Venue: Wat Kasattrathirat, Ayutthaya The Long Boat race has long been a tradition in Ayutthaya since its time as the country's capital. Then, it was the anointed festival for the 11th month and has been carried out to the present day. Long Boat Race, Cheerleading Contest. Date(s): 25 September-4 October 2007 Venue: Chinese Shrines, Phuket The two most famous vegetarian festivals in the South are held in Phuket and Trang. The Phuket variety is calLed Prapheni Kin Che. It is believed that the tradition came into Thailand with the Chinese immigrants. Believers gather together to help clean out the spirit shrine, aka Am; lighting incense sticks to prepare for the arrival of 9 angels. In the evening, there is a ceremony to Yok Ong Song Te and to request the presence of the 9 angels. Nine lanterns are also lit up and placed aloft a Ko Teng pole, symbolising the presence of the sacred through out the 9-day festival. Date(s): 28 September 2007 Venue: Yaowarat (China Town), Bangkok Yaowarat is Thailand's largest chinatown and is a food centre that can cater to all tastes. Food demonstration, Food sale, and Festivities.