Festivals in Thailand

Thai Calendar

In 1940, Thailand moved its New Year's Day from April 13th to January 1st. The old New Year is still a holiday called Songkran. Years are counted as the Buddhist era (B.E.) which started 543 years earlier than the Christian, era, therefore 2002 AD is the year 2545 BE.

Makha Bucha Day

End of February/beginning of March, depending on the moon. This commemorates the day when 1250 of Buddha's disciples gathered spontaneously to hear him preach. Buddhists visit the Wats and make merit by such acts as releasing caged birds. In the evening the celebrations culminate in a candle lit procession around the main temple building.

Chakri Day 6th April

Commemorates the founding of the Chakri Dynasty, of which the present King Bhumipon is the 9th King. Portraits of the King and Queen are prominently displayed and decked with tributes of flowers.

Songkran 13-15th April

Songkran�is the traditional�Thai New Year�which begins on the 13th�of April and continues for three days or more in certain areas of�Thailand. The 1st�day of the festival, April the 13th�is named "Maha Songkran Day" or the day to mark the end of the old year. April the 14th��is named " Wan Nao" and the 15th�is named " Wan Thaloeng Sok" which means the new year begins.

This is a time for families to come together and celebrate the festival.�Bangkok�becomes a much quieter place at this time as many of its residents leave the city to be with their families in the rural areas of Thailand.

In Thai, Songkran means "change place" or "move" as it is the day when the suns position in the zodiac changes.

Songkran is also known as the "Water Festival". Water plays an important role as it is ceremoniously used to anoint people at this time of year. Traditionally�Thai people�would pour a little scented water on the hands of their parents and grandparents as a mark of respect and furthermore, to wash away bad luck. However, today the festival has transformed into a good natured water fight. The young people of Thailand patrol the streets and soak anyone they come across with the use of water pistols and guns or any vessel available. It is common to see families in the back of pick-up trucks driving around and throwing water on all they encounter. It is also common practice to apply a mixture of talcum powder and water onto the faces of passers by.�

National Labour Day - 1st May

This holiday follows the lead of many western countries, whose workers now celebrate Labour Day.�

Coronation Day - 5th May

This celebrates the coronation of the present King Bhumipon, Rama IX. Tributes are paid at shrines and portraits of His Majesty.

Royal Ploughing Ceremony

This is an ancient Brahman ceremony, held under Royal patronage in Bangkok during May, which celebrates the beginning of the rice planting season.

Visakha Bucha Day - Full moon of the 6th Lunar Month.

This celebrates the birth, death and enlightenment of Buddha, and is therefore the most sacred day on the Buddhist calendar.

Asalaha Bucha Day - Mid July

This is the day before the start of Buddhist Lent. Many young men, who are about to become monks hold parties on this day.

Buddhist Lent - Mid July

This marks the start of Khao Pansa, period similar to the Christian Lent. During the period monks do not travel to other monasteries, their religious duties are strictly observed, and the novice monks receive their training in the teachings of Buddha.

H.M. Queen's Birthday - 12th August

Tributes are paid to Her Majesty, and donations are made to the many charitable organisations that are patronised by the Queen.

Chulalongkorn Day - 23rd October

This commemorates the death of King Chulalongkorn, Rama V, who reigned between 1868 and 1910. He is renowned for his achievements in the fields of education, modernisation and progressive thinking.

Loy Krathong - Full Moon 12th Lunar month, November

The festival is believed to date back to the Sukhothai period, but its exact significance is uncertain. Krathongs or lotus flowers made of natural materials, containing a candle, incense sticks, a coin or two and beautifully decorated with flowers are launched into the sea, or any convenient stretch of water, as a thanksgiving to the water spirits, and a cleansing of sins.

H.M. King's Birthday - 5th December

People demonstrate their respect for King with flags, displays and other tributes.

Constitution Day - 10th December

This marks the day in 1932, when the monarchy became constitutional, at the very beginning of democracy on Thailand.

New Year's Eve - 31st December

The end of the year, a world-wide event when everybody celebrates.��

Other Events in Thailand�

New Years Day Jan 1st

In Thailand there are three New Year's days. The Western, on Jan 1st, the Chinese New Year on the first day of the First Lunar month, usually in February and the Thai New Year marked by the Songkran festival in April. Thais usually exchange gifts on January 1st.

Phra Buddha Baht Fair

The Phra Buddha Baht Fair held at the temple of the Holy Footprint at Saraburi, 236Km north of Bangkok, from 31st January to 1st February. There are many activities including music and outdoor drama.

Bosang Umbrella Fair

Held in Chiang Mai during January, it features colourful paper umbrellas and other local handicrafts.

Chinese New Year

The first day of the first Chinese Lunar month, usually taking place in February. Businesses close for 3-4 days giving families time to get together and worship at one of the Chinese Buddhist temples. There may also be public celebrations with acrobats, Lion Dance and firecrackers. The latter are believed to frighten away "foreign devils".

Flower Carnival

Held in Chiang Mai during February it features parades and colourful floats exhibiting the local flora.

Bangkok International film Festival

This festival also held in February sees the screenings of many new and old movies. The event also sees many award ceremonies and gala parties held after the festival. The festival is held in Bangkok.

Pattaya Music Festival

This festival is held on the beach of Pattaya and usually goes on for three days. The festival sees the recitals of many renowned singers and opera singers with the accompaniment of various kinds of music like Jazz, Pop and other types.

Pattaya Music Festival

This festival is held on the beach of Pattaya and usually goes on for three days. The festival sees the recitals of many renowned singers and opera singers with the accompaniment of various kinds of music like Jazz, Pop and other types.

Pattaya Festival

Held during the second week of April in Pattaya on Thailand's Eastern Seaboard. It features processions, floral displays, and other special events plus a spectacular fireworks display.

Fruit Fair

A festival is held in Rayong during May and another in Chantaburi during June. They feature locally grown fruit such as rambutan, durian, and jack fruit.

Hua Hin Jazz Festival

This event held in June sees the show being held on open air stages and many jazz singers from all over the world come to participate in the event.

Phi Ta Khoon Festival

This is an event based on the famous Buddhist tale and sees many young men thronging the streets wearing grotesque and funny masks of ghosts - June.

Candle Festival

Held in Ubon Ratchatani on Khao Pansa Day. Candles carved from bees wax are paraded through the streets.

Buffalo Races

Held in Chonburi (80Km east of Bangkok) during October.

River Kwai Bridge Week

A week long series of historical exhibitions, light and sound shows, and vintage train rides held in Kanchanaburi during the last week of October.

Annual Elephant Roundup

Held during the third week of November at Surin in North East Thailand.

Trouping of the Colour - 3rd December

Their Majesties the King and Queen preside over this annual event which is held in the Royal Plaza, Bangkok.�

Phuket King's Regatta Cup

The event takes place annually and is a very popular event in Asia's Yachting circuit with the event being the chief highlight in the calendar. The event sees many activities like sports and cruises and Yacht Classes. The event is the region's most important sailing event and goes on to attract many people.�The King's Cup Regatta�first began in 1987 to celebrate the 60th birthday of the monarch. There are many parties during the Regatta at Kata Beach with crowds and other people of the Royal Family.��The Regatta is held under The Royal family of the monarch, The Regatta organizing committee and the province of Phuket. The King's Cup Regatta sees the coming together of the best yachtsmen in the world with their boats, a wonderful sight to see. The race begins on December 2 and continues till December 9.After the Regatta people gather and have a truly memorable experience partying and watching musical shows with fireworks displays.� The highlight of the event is however the Candle Lighting Ceremony held every year in the Boathouse on Kata Beach to celebrate the birthday of the monarch. The Thais sing national anthems.�