Festivals & Events

Thai people love to to celebrate. Two of the most poppular annual celebrations are Songkran festival ( the water festival ) & Loy Krathong when candle-lit offerings are floated in the rivers, canals lakes & the sea. These are just a couple of idea that lend themselves as thems for fun-filled parties. & there are lots more. Each region of Thailand has its own distinctive festivals that will appeal to any incentive group. Parties & events can also be created to project the theme of your incentive programme. The choice is endless. So is our ability to stage the grandest spectacular show.

January

1st January: New Year's Day. s

To greet the New Year, a range of uniquely Thai traditional and cultural festivities are held in various parts of the country. As day breaks on the first day of the new year begins with the Buddhist merit-making ritual in the early hours of the morning and is followed by afternoon and evening merry-making and folk entertainment.

8th January: Children's Day

Children are considered as the most valuable resources of the nation. They are a powerful force in the development and stability of the nation. Normally, the age of children taking part in the celebrations should be less then 14 years old.

To prepare themselves to be the strength of the nation, children should be industrious in their study, make use of their time wisely, being disciplined, diligent, helpful to each other, unselfish, being aware of right and duty and responsible towards society. In addition, they should keep the country clean and conserve the natural environment and public property. If children are aware of their own future and of the nation by behaving in such a way, they will be called "Worthy Children" and the country will be prosperous.

At the same time, to stimulate children to be aware of their significant role in the country, the National Children's Day was held for the first time on the first Monday of October 1955 and continued until 1963. Then it was changed to the second Saturday of January as at this time the rainy season is over and it is a government holiday. This is still in practice today.

The government has set up an organising committee to co-ordinate with several agencies in both public and private sectors to organise the celebration simultaneously throughout the country. The objectives are to enable children to realise their importance, to be disciplined, being aware of right and duty, responsibility towards the society, be proud of their country, Religion and Monarchy, and believe in a democratic system having the King as the head of state.

Every year on this day, His Majesty the King gives an advice while the Supreme Patriarch gives a moral teaching. The Prime Minister also gives a slogan. This indicates that children are the most valuable resource of the nation. We often hear the saying that, "Children are the future of the nation, if the children are intelligent, the country will be prosperous." Therefore, children should ask themselves whether they are worthy children or not.

On this day, many interesting places such as the Dusit Zoo, the Army, Navy, and Airforce bases, Government House and Parliament House are opened for children to visit. Thus, all children look forward to National Children's Day.

16th January: Teacher's Day

In 1956 Prime Minister Field Marshal P. Pibulsongkram, who was the Honorary Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Teachers' Council at that time, addressed a gathering of teachers from throughout the country and suggested that as teachers were our benefactors and persons who gave light to our life they should have a day of their own so that their students would get an opportunity to pay respect to them. He continued, "On other auspicious days such as New Year's Day and the Songkran Festival we pay a tribute to both our living and dead relatives and make merit in dedication to their souls. Since our teachers play an important role next to our parents, I would like to propose the idea to this gathering and ask you to consider it in principle. I hope no one will object to this idea."

As a result of his remarks and the welcoming opinions expressed by the teachers through the media, which reported that a Teacher's Day should be held in order to remember their significance as the ones who make a great sacrifice and do good deeds for the benefit of the nation and the people as a whole. The Teachers' Council unanimously agreed to set up Teachers' Day in order to hold a ceremony to pay a tribute to the teachers, to promote unity among teachers and to promote better understanding between teachers and the general public.

Thus, on November 21, 1956, the Cabinet passed a resolution to announce January 16 of Every year as Teachers' Day and it was celebrated for the first time on January 16, 1957. The event has been held since then and is held nationwide. The highlights of the day include religious activities, a ceremony of paying respect to teachers and activities to strengthen unity among teachers.

To express our gratitude to the teachers, we wish them and their families happiness and a good health throughout their long life.

February

14th February: Valentine's Day

18th February: Chinese New Year's Day

The Chinese New Year's Day is said "WAN TRUT CHIN" in Thai language. Chinese New Year festivities last three days. The best places to enjoy Chinese New Year in Thailand are Bangkok's chinatown Yawaraj district and Nakhorn Sawan. Bangkok's Yawaraj district was founded in year 1783.

On the day before the Chinese New Year's Day, Thai Chinese people start to make offerings to gods, their ancestors, the God of Land and the God of Luck. Offerings include steamed duck, chicken, pork heads, fresh or canned fruit, chinese cakes (often with durian) and vegetarian food. Chinese flowers ("DOOK MAI CHIN") and golden paper are also offered. Placing a full chicken (representing prosperity and wholeness) behind mandarin oranges (representing wealth and good fortune) has a full symbolic signifiance when setting the diner table for ancestors and the household spirit.

The Chinese God of Wealth, Choi Sun, appears during the Chinese New Year festivities. He is spreading good luck and handing out red envelopes ("ANG PAO") as gifts.

The Lion dance is very popular during Chinese New Year festivities. The lion is a huge, multi coloured papier-mache head with a long multi colored train. Two people are inside the head moving the head and body with precision and ease following the background drum beat. The lion shows every emotion, from happiness and joy to the deepest sorrow.

It is lucky for the lion dance to visit personal home or business. Local businessman use cabbages or lettuce dangled outside shops to attract the lions to visit their premises. It is especially lucky if the lion decides to put the owner head in its mouth. Accompanying the lion dance procession, there are specially trained percussionists using drums. Their drums represent the lion's heartbeat and must be continuously played as the lions dance or move from one location to another. People thank the lions by giving a fee.

Following old Chinese traditions, some rules must be applied:

• The entire house should be cleaned before New Year's Day. On New Year's eve, all the brooms and brushes are put away. Sweeping and dusting isn't done for fear that good fortune will be swept away.
• At midnight doors and windows shall be opened to allow the old year to make exit.
• Anyone shall not borrow and lend anything on New Year's day.

23rd February: Magha Bucha Day

Magha Puja Day is one of the most important Buddhist celebrations which falls on the full moon day of the third lunar month (about last week of February or early of March).

This day marks the great four events that took place during Lord Buddha's lifetime, namely;

• 1250 Buddhist monks from different places came to pay homage to Lord Buddha at Valuwan Vihara in Rajgaha, the capital of Magaha State, each of his own initiative and without prior notification or appointment.
• all of them were the enlightened monks (or Arahantas)
• all of them had been individually ordained by Lord Buddha himself (Ehi Bhikkhu)
• They assembled on the full moon day of the third lunar month.

On the evening of that day, Lord Buddha gave the assembly a discourse "Ovadha Patimokha" laying down the principles of His Teachings summarised into three acts, i.e. to do good, to abstain from bad action and to purify the mind.

It was unclear as to when the Magha Puja Ceremony took place. However, in a guide book of ceremonies for the twelve months written by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), it is said that, "In the past, the Magha Puja was never performed, the ceremony has just been practised during the reign of King Mongkut (Rama IV)"

Having realized the significance of this day, King Rama IV ordered the royal Magha Puja Ceremony tobe performed in the Emerald Buddha Temple in 1851 and to be continued forever. Later the ceremony was widely accepted and performed throughout the kingdom. The day is declared as a public holiday so that people from all walks of life can go to the temple to make merit and perform other religious activities in the morning and to take part in the candlelit procession or "Wien Tien" in Thai in the evening.

At the same time, at this auspicious time, His Majesty the King will preside over the religious rites to mark the occasion at the Emerald Buddha Temple and will later lead hundreds of people in a candlelit procession held within the temple's compound.

In fact, the candlelit procession can be held at any time suitable to the public's convenience, either in the morning or in the evening. However, in Bangkok it will usually take place in the evening at about 8.00 p.m. and the procession will be led by Buddhist monks.

In general, most Buddhists are not aware of the Significance of this day. As a result, a number of people taking part in the ceremony may be less than on other days such as Visakha Puja or Asanha Puja Days. Even so Magha Puja Day carries an equal meaning to all Buddhists.

March

2nd-4th March: ASEAN Barred Ground Dove Festival

Thais have long believed that doves are creatures that bring good luck to those who rear them. They are also regarded as symbols of purity and peace. Those with qualities specified by ancient texts are believed to bestow great wealth and honour upon the owner. Given this belief, in former times, the rearing of zebra doves was a popular past-time among Thais. The practice was widespread throughout the lower southern provinces and neighbouring countries. A local dove-cooing contest has now evolved into an international event with participants from the neighbouring countries. The ASEAN Barred Ground Dove festival attracts dove-lovers from all over Thailand as well as from the neighbouring countries of Thailand, particularly from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Brunei, to the southern city of Yala. The major highlight is a dove-cooing competition involving more than 1,400 participants. Young prize doves and other local products are available on sale. Various sports contests are also held.

IMPORTANT
Event dates and programme details may be subject to change. Many of the festivals and events listed on Thailand's official calendar of annual events are traditional Buddhist or folk festivals, the date of which is either determined by the Buddhist lunar calendar and waxing and waning moon. These are not staged events. The festivals reflect the rhythm of life in rural Thai villages and local traditions as observed in times past. To ensure you have the most updated information, please reconfirm details prior to travel.

April

6th April: Chakri Day

13th-15th April: Songkran Day

Of all the feasts and festivals in Thailand, which are many, the Songkran Festival is the most striking, for it is widely observed not only in this country but also in Burma, Cambodia and the Lao State. Songkran is a Sanskrit word in Thai form which means the entry of the sun into any sign of the Zodiac. But the Songkran in this particular instance is when the sun enters the sign of Aries or the Ram. Its full name is Maha Songkran or Major Songkran to distinguish it from the other ones. But the people call it simply the Songkran for it is the only one they know and in which they take interest. It is their traditional New Year when they can enjoy their holidays to the full with no economic hindrance. Songkran is a fixable feast on the solar calender. It begins on the 13th April and ends on the 15th April, but occasionally in certain years on the 16th April. The Songkran is in fact the celebration of the vernal equinox similar to those of the Indian Holi Festival, the Chinese Ching Ming, and the Christian Festival of Easter. The beginning of spring when the sun crosses the equator is now on the 21st of March which is due to the precession of the equinox. The Songkran Festival is in a certain sense like April Fool's Day, when the maids of the village play pranks on any gallant who happens to pass by their way. He will be caught and bound by the united strength of the maids and they will daub him with blacking.

May

1st May: National Labour Day

Laboris the powerful necessity which produces the productions in the economic system. It could be presented to the progress of the economic in any countries. Thailand started to establish Labor Administration and the legislative act of labor in 1932.

Labor Administration
The main duties of Labor Administration are to develop labor, to control working environment, to encourage labor relations, to study or examine about the fact of work creation.
In 1934, Thai government established the Labor Division to hold the duty of employee's career and study about the exist of all employee. In 1956, the government had expand more activities about labor and announced to use the first legislative act in 1965. In the same year the Labor Department was established and announced the legislative act that control about labor allegation.
There are 3 labor unions in Thailand established for protecting the right of employee

• Employee Labor Council of Thailand Employee Council of Thailand
• Labor Council of Thailand

At present Labor Administration is hold with Labor Department of Ministry of Interior as the following duties :

• Helping unemployed to have work and control the quality of work. Giving advice for the employee to select the appropriate work with the appropriate skill. Developing employee's skill and supporting the employee who has the chance to continuing study. Protecting labor and the right of employee such as the working hour, holiday and other welfares.
• Making a labor relations.

To eulogize the labor of Thailand. The government has established May 1st of every year as the "Labor Day" like the most of Europe countries except America and Canada which established the first Monday of September of every year to be the "Labor Day". The objective of this day is to realize the employee's duty and responsibility. The government allows all employees skip work on this day.

5th May: Coronation Day

The coronation of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej took place on 5 May 1950. His Majesty is the ninth King of the Chakri Dynasty. On 5 May of every year, the Thai people rejoice and express their affection and loyalty to him by organizing a celebration on his coronation day.

Prior to the reign of King Rama IV (King Mongkut), there was no coronation ceremony in Thailand, there was only private ceremony held by high ranking officials to celebrate their Royal Regalia and positions in the 6th lunar month. A coronation, however, took place for the first time when King Rama IV was crowned on 15 May 1851. King Mongkut thought that the Coronation was an auspicious occasion but thought that it would be dificult to explain the meaning of the coronation day to his subjects in detail, he thus called this day as a "ceremony to commemorate the Royal Regalia" but was quite similar to that of a coronation. On that day (the 13th of the full moon in the 6th lunar month), following day monks were invited to have meal at the Dusit Maha Prasart Throne Hall in Grand Palace.

During the reign of the present king, the ceremony is performed for three days. The first day falls on 3 May in which the following ceremony will be performed; the king performs a merit-making ceremony at the Audience Hall of Amarindra in dedication to the deceased kings while Buddhist monks chant, give a sermon and perform a requiem on the royal ashes of the deceased kings. On 4 May, the Coronation Ceremonies begin with the proclamation of the Coronation Day read by the Chief of Brahmin priests followed by an evening chanting performed by Buddhist monks. Finally, 5 May is the actual date of the ceremony in which food is to be offered to monks and followed by a celebration of the Royal Regalia. At noon the Army and Navy fire a 21-gun salute in honour of the king. On this day, His Majesty the King also presents the royal decorations to the people who have made a valuable contribution to the country.

11th May: Royal Ploughing Ceremony

on 9th May of this year. King Bhumibol oversees the ancient Ploughing Ceremony to mark the beginning of the rice-planting season. This ceremony began in India, but it has been practiced in Thailand for hundreds of years. The ceremony is very important for Thai farmers, because it predicts how much rain will fall and how well the crops will grow. Thousands of farmers come to the Grand Palace to watch.

22nd May: Visakha Bucha

Visakha Bucha Day is a very important day in the Buddhist tradition, for it was on this day that Prince Siddhattha Gotama was born, 35 years later became the Buddha, and in another 45 years, passed away into total Nibbana (Parinibbana). In each case, these events took place on the full-moon day in the Wisakha month (usually in May). Visakha Bucha Day is a great Buddhist holiday. It falls on the 15th day of the waxing moon in the 6th lunar month, i.e. full moon day.

In Thailand, Visakha Bucha is celebrated throughout the country. On Visakha Bucha Day people put up religious flags outside their houses. They take part in ceremonies at temples and they make merit. They bring flowers, candles, and incense to pay respect to the Triple Gem, i.e. Buddha (the Great Teacher), the Dhamma (the Truth) and the Sangha (the community of followers). In the evening, people take part in candle-lit processions and walk around the main chapel of the temple three times. In the procession, each person carries flowers, three incense sticks and a lighted candle. There is another way of making merit. It is Bhavana or development of the mind. In English Bhavana is usually translated as meditation. Mental development means working from a base of morality (Sila), together with the development of concentration (Samadhi) and mindfulness (Sati). It was this kind of practice that enabled him to become a self-awakened Buddha. It enabled many of his noble disciples to become Arahants as well.

June

June: The Phi Ta Khon

Phi Ta Khon is a type of masked procession celebrated on the first day of a three-day Buddhist merit-making holiday known in Thai as "Boon Pra Wate". The annual festival takes place in *May, June or July at a small town of Dan Sai in the northeastern province of Loei.

Participants of the festival dress up like ghosts and monsters wearing huge masks made carved coconut-tree trunks, topped with a wicker-work sticky-rice steamer. The procession is marked by a lot of music and dancing.

The precise origin of the Phi Ta Khon is unclear. However, it can be traced back to a traditional Buddhist folklore. In the Buddha's next to last life, he was the beloved Prince Vessandorn. The prince was said to go on a long trip for such a long time that his subjects forgot him and even thought that he was already dead. When he suddenly returned, his people were overjoyed. They welcomed him back with a celebration so loud that it even awoke the dead who then joined in all the fun.

From that time onward the faithful came to commemorate the event with ceremonies, celebrations and the donning of ghostly spirit masks. The reasons behind all the events is probably due to the fact that it was held to evoke the annual rains from the heavens by farmers and to bless crops.

On the second day, the villagers dance their way to the temple and fire off the usual bamboo rockets to signal the end of the procession. The festival organisers also hold contests for the best masks, costumes and dancers, and brass plaques are awarded to the winners in each age group. The most popular is the dancing contest.

Then comes the last day of the event, the villagers then gather at the local temple, Wat Ponchai, to listen to the message of the thirteen sermons of the Lord Buddha recited by the local monks.

Then it is time for the revellers to put away their ghostly masks and costumes for another year. From now on, they must again return to the paddy fields to eke out their living through as their forefathers did.

July

21st July: Asaha Puja Day

There are two Buddhist holy days in July. Asaha Puja Day or Sangha Day and the beginning of Buddhist Lent, Wan Khao Punsa.

They are official holidays in Thailand and many people go to temples for special ceremonies. "Asaha" means the eighth lunar month and Asaha Puja means the ceremony in the eighth lunar month.

On the full moon day of the eighth lunar month, the Lord Buddha gave his first sermon and one of his followers became the first Buddhist monk. The followers of the Buddha are together called the Sangkha, and that is why Asaha Puja is called "Sangha Day".

During his first sermon, the Buddha talked about "The Middle Way", which means that we should try hard enough but not to hard. If we wish to be successful in Spiritual life, we should avoid the two extremes: 1. Trying too hard, such as not eating or not sleeping enough and 2. Not trying hard enough, such as eating and sleeping too much.

He also spoke about the Noble Eightfold Path. This path tells us 1. live in a way that does not harm ourselves or others, 2. to help ourselves and others and 3. to purify the mind. He said

• Do good:
• Avoid evil:
• And purify the mind.

He gave eight guidelines to help us to live i this way., and together they are called the Noble Eightfold Path. He advised people to speak and act and earn their living in good ways. He also advised them to practise meditation to purify their minds. Then they can get deep wisdom (Panya in Thai).

When people go to the temples on Asaha Puja Day and when they ordain as monks, novices or nuns, they try to live by the Noble Eightfold Path.

22st July: Buddist Lent

This day marks the commencement of the Buddhist Lent or Phansa during which monks must reside inside their temples to study and meditate. This is also the most auspicious time for Buddhist ordinations since it marks a period of renewed spiritual vigour.

August

12th August: The Queen's Birthday Celebration (Mother's Day)

Her Majesty Queen Sirikit's birthday on August 12 is a public holiday, celebrated nationwide as Mother's Day. Individual people and organizations raise flags and portraits of Her Majesty in Bangkok and all over the kingdom.

Born M.R. Sirikit Kitiyakara in 1932, Her Majesty the Queen has captured the hearts of the Thai people through her devotion to improving the welfare and well-being of her subjects. The Queen is perhaps best known for her efforts in reviving many of Thailand's folk arts and crafts. Her Majesty's SUPPORT Foundation (Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques) has expanded progressively since its establishment in 1976 to include craft shops in the city and popular tourist areas, and two Thai Folk Arts and Crafts Training Centers at Chitralada Villa and at Bangsai in Ayutthaya.

On Her Majesty's birthday, one of the best places to join in the celebrations is on Bangkok's Ratchadamnoen Avenue and the areas around the Grand Palace, which are festooned with colorful lights, flowers and portraits for this special occasion.

September

September: Long-boat Racing

Long-boat Racing is one of the traditional rites which marks the end of the Buddhist Rains Retreat. It mainly takes place in the 11 th or 12 th lunar months (around September or October). When the water level is at its highest. At this time,racing is held almost nationwide,notably in PhichitPhisanuloke, Nan , Angthong, Pathumthani, Surat Thani and Ayuttathaya etc

Traditionally,long-boat racing is held as an annual event by provices with a major waterway flowing through. It is not restricted to any particular region. At present,long-boat racing is considered as a national sport,its history can be traced back to Ayuthaya period some 600 years ago However ,boat racing in those days was justs only a mean to keep boat means physically and mentally fit for national defence.

Usually racing boats are made from dugout tree trunks and can accommodate up to 60 oarsmen sitting in a double row. The oarsmen usually dress in the same colour.The festival event draws several hundreds of local and foreign spectators who watch the race along both sides of the riverbank enthusiastically . At the end,trophies and prizes are given to the winning teams.

September: Sart Day

The Thai Sart Day refers to merit-making activities in the middle of the traditiional Thai year, and if counted by the lunar calendar, falls on the fifteenth day of the waning moon of the tenth lunar month (usually some time during September).

The word "Sart" is derived from the Indian language, Pali, and means "season", while in English it means "autumn". In fact, the season of Sart or the autumn is the time at which food crops begin to ripen. However, autumn takes place only in countries which are situated above the tropical zone, such as the countries in Northern Europe, China and the northern part of India. Thus, due to Thailand's geographical location in the tropics, the Thai Sart Day has no connection with the autumn or the ripening season at all. At this time of the year our rice has not yet ripened and only some fruits are mature enough to be eaten. Meanwhile, the countries which have the season of autumn will take this time to joyfully celebrate the occasion as their crops bear their first yield and a wide assortment of fruits and vegetables are in bountiful supply.

In ancient times, people of all races believed that the first harvest of rice, fruit and all other forms of food, including the first catch of fish or any other animal, should be offerd to the holy spirits which, they believed, were the creators of food crops and animals. As a result, by appeasing the spirits, in theory the people were protected from starvation. However, during years in which there were bad harvests or food shortages, they believed that this was caused by the indignation of the holy spirits who might have been angry with human actions. Therefore, the ancient people were very much afraid of these invisible beings and to please them, people made offerings and sacrifices in their honour.

Krayasat which means food for the Sart Rite is prepared from rice, bean, sesame and sugar cooked into a sticky paste and then wrapped with a banana leaf. After making Krayasart people would take it to the temple to be offered to the monks on Sart Day. At the temple, a raised-platform would be erected in a long line on the temple grounds and the monk's alms-bowls would be placed on it. People would then put Krayasart in the alms-bowls till they were full of Krayasart. Then the Krayasart would be transferred into a bamboobasket by the temple boys. At the same time, food and dessert would be separately offered to the monks at their lodging. At the end of the offering ceremony, people would perform a ceremony of pouring the water of dedication, in order to transfer merit to other beings, as people believed that if they did not offer Krayasart to monks, their dead relatives would have nothing to eat and thus they would be condemned as having no gratitude towards their benefactors. After finishing their meals, the monks would consume Krayasart as their dessert, since on that day people had noting to offer apart from ripe dainty bananas and Krayasart. Naturally Krayasart is very sweet, thus it is recommended to be eaten with bananas, especially dainty bananas. After making merit, people would exchange the remaining Krayasart among themselves. In so doing, they could have the opportunity to test Krayasart cooked by others. As a result, anyone whose Krayasart had an excellent taste would have his good name spread from mouth-to-mouth.

In those days, people prefered to prepare Krayasart by themselves and it was not available in the market. Thus, when one made something to eat, he would give it to his neighbours free. Above all, if someone had work which required a huge amount of labour, his neighbours would come forward to help at once. This brought about unity and strengthened friendship among local residents. Meanwhile, the focal point of the community was the Buddhist temple, which symbolised the Buddhist religion and acted as a major unifying element, especially during festivals and merit-making ceremonies. The temple was used as a place of learning, where people came to perform various activities and at the same time took an opportunity to wear new clothes to show off to their friends, as in those days, people had hardly any other chance to do so. Evidently, people's lives have always been associated with the temple which has served as the core of village unity. People in the past observedthe Sart Rite with much enthusiasm. Now, however, the rite seems to have lost much of its significance, especially in Bangkok. Nevertheless it is still one of the most valuable Buddhist festivals to be observed countrywide.

October

23rd October: Chulalongkorn Day

"Chulalongkorn Day" or "Piyamaharaj Day", which we say in Thai, is celebrated on 23rd October of every year. It is the day that our King Chulalongkorn, or King Rama V, died. He is one of our most important kings in the past. The most important thing he did is abolish slavery but he also did many other reforms in order to modernize the country.

King Chulalongkorn (Phra Chulachom Klao Chaoyuhua or RamaV) succeeded to the throne at the death of his father, King Mongkut (or Phra Chom Klao). He was born on September 20, 1853 the first son of Queen Ramphai Pamarapirom (Thepsirindra) and the 9th surviving son of King Mongkut. King Rama V ascended the Throne in 1868 at the age of 15, with Chao Phraya Sri Suriyawongse as Regent.

King Rama V's long reign of 42-years was a busy era of full-scale reform and the emergence of Thailand into the modern age. He learned the systems of Western Governments, made friends with major powers such as Britain, France, America and Russia and sent the royal children to be educated in the West. It seems he was prepared to learn from the West while at the same time, resisting domination by the major powers. Above all, he was the first Thai monarch who traveled widely: to neighboring countries in Asia and to Europe twice. Wherever he went, he was impressed by the hospitality and respect shown to him by the Royalty of the various countries.

The King's reforms, which involved almost every aspect of Thai life, included the abolition of slavery, the expansion of the communication system through the construction of railways, the establishment of post and telegraph services and the creation of a ministerial system in 1892. In addition, the King also established a variety of public utilities, particularly in the fields of health and education. Unfortunately, world events at that time did not allow him to proceed smoothly with his administrative reform as it coincided with the age of colonialism. The King, therefore, had to adapt his foreign policy to maintain a balance between the contending powers. He fostered friendly relations with all powers and avoided confrontation. In the last period of his reign, the country lost a lot of land to France. Thus, at the time of crisis, even though Thailand had to sacrifice some of her territories, she was able to keep her independence.

King Chulalongkorn wanted to make the people less subservient, thus, in 1873 after the coronation, he proclaimed that prostration in front of the king was to be abolished. Later, in 1905 he abolished slavery. This slave abolition was the most important royal contribution. The Slave Act was passed by King Rama V in 1905 to prohibit slave-trade. The King traveled extensively throughout the kingdom to personally investigate and share his subjects' conditions and aspirations, often known in Thai as "Prapasstion". It is very difficult to mention all of his numerous reforms. All the present-day ministries and departments owe their origin of his far-sighted concepts.

His death on October 23, 1910 was a great loss to the entire nation as he was one of the most honored and beloved kings who was often called "Somdej Phra Piyamaharaj". Moreover, Thai people also believed in the King's miraculous power of bringing good luck and prosperity to the person who pays respect to him. Thus, the King's picture is found in almost every house. Thai people from all walks of life lay wreaths at his equestrian statue at the Royal Plaza in Bangkok and his statues in the provinces.

October: Buffalo Racing in Chonburi

The jockey rides bareback astride the water buffalo's rump, slaps him with a switch and bumps along on his sprinting steed down a 130-meter (427-foot) strip. That's if the buffalo cooperates.

Other buffaloes, perhaps happier wallowing around muddy rice fields than stampeding down a race track, kick their hoofs in the dirt at the starting line or buck their riders before they reach the finish.

All the while, a joking announcer excitedly narrates the spectacle, poking fun at the lads who can't stay aboard their hurtling beasts.

Thousands of people Sunday flock to this entertainment in downtown Chonburi, 70 kilometers (44 miles) south of Bangkok, at the annual water buffalo festival.

The day's events, which also includes a buffalo beauty pageant, a Miss Farmer beauty contest and a comic buffalo costume contest, perfectly exemplified a favored Thai attitude to life - "sanuk," meaning fun.

Adul Boran, a 39-year-old water buffalo jockey, has been racing for 28 years for the good times associated with the unorthodox sport. "I don't get paid for it, but my friends and I get together three days a week to train with our buffaloes just for fun," he said.

The festival was started as a social event for farmers who gathered from around the country in Chonburi to trade their goods. "In the olden days, we used to race on farm buffaloes," said Bang Supapon, 75, who raced for 20 years until the 1970s. "It would teach them to work faster in the fields."

Later, farm work was mechanized, he said, but the buffalo-running tradition continued. Now the buffaloes don't have the extra burden of field labor. "We raise the buffaloes just to race them. They don't work at all," said Boonyeun Chamchap, as she stood under a tent with her five racing animals to shield them from the scorching sun.

"Our fastest one cost us 80,000 baht (US$1,800). We definitely don't get our money's worth, but we have a great time racing them," she said.

The day's grand prize is 5,000 baht (US$114), while runners-up win farm equipment.

Boonyeun, who also has buffaloes tilling the family sugar cane fields, said farm buffaloes are much bigger than the racers because of the strenuous work they must perform. "None of the buffaloes that race are farm buffaloes," she said. "Nowadays, farm buffaloes are in the beauty pageant."

October: Vegetarian Festival

This annual auapicious event is a most colorful and dramatic celebration which takes place during the first nine days of the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar. The 9-day event is usually in late September or early October.

The origin of the festival is unclear. However, it has been passed from generation to generation that it originated in the south-eastern part of China near Fujian Province. The festival was celebrated to make merit and save animals from being killed for food.

In Thailand, the most talked - about vegetarian festival is in Southern Province of Phuket where the auspicious ceremony is held in a grand celebration. During the 9-day period, the devout Chinese Buddhists dress in white attire, convert to vegetarians and observe the ten rules in order to purify their minds and bodies.

Besides a strict vegetarian diet and temple offering, some highlights of the 9-day event include incredible acts of self -mortification such as climbing knife - blade ladders, walking on hot coals, a ritual of bridge - crossing and a street - procession in which the mediums in a state of trance have their cheeks pierced and bodies spiked with various types of sharp objects.

The entire atmosphere is full of religious frenzy with the ear - spliting sound of firecrackers and lion dances. In the evening of the last day event, the main road of Phuket Town is turned into a path of din and smoke of firing crackers. All the local residents participate in the event. Visitors to Thailand should not miss an opportunity to visit Phuket during this auspicious event.

November

16th November: Loy Krathong

Loy Krathong Day is one of the most popular festivals of Thailand celebrated annually on the Full-Moon Day of the Twelfth Lunar Month. It takes place at a time when the weather is fine as the rainy season is over and there is a high water level all over the country.

"Loy" means "to float" and a "Krathong" is a lotus-shaped vessel made of banana leaves. The Krathong usually contains a candle, three joss-sticks, some flowers and coins.

In fact, the festival is of Brahmin origin in which people offer thanks to the Goddess of the water. Thus, by moonlight, people light the candles and joss-sticks, make a wish and launch their Krathongs on canals, rivers or even small ponds. It is believed that the Krathongs carry away sins and bad luck, and the wishes that have been made for the new year due to start. Indeed, it is the time to be joyful and happy as the sufferings are floated away.

The festival starts in the evening when there is a full moon in the sky. People of all walks of life carry their Krathongs to the nearby rivers. After lighting candles and joss-sticks and making a wish, they gently place the Krathongs on the water and let them drift away till they go out of sight.

A Beauty Queen Contest is an important part of the festival and for this occasion it is called "The Noppamas Queen Contest". Noppamas is a legendary figure from the Sukhothai period. Old documents refer to her as the chief royal consort of a Sukhothai Kng named "Lithai". Noppamas was said to have made the first decorated Krathong to float in the river on the occasion.

In Bangkok, major establishments such as leading hotels and amusement parks organise their Loy Krathong Festival and the Krathong contest as mojor annual function. For visitors to Thailand, the Loy Krathong Festival is an occasion not to be missed. the festival is listed in the tourist calendar. Everyone is invited to take part and share the joy and happiness.

December

5th December: The King's Birthday Celebrations (Father's Day)

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great was born on December 5, 1927 to Prince Mahidol of Songkhla and Mom Sangwan. His Majesty is the ninth King of the Chakri Dynasty and the longest-reigning monarch in the history of Thailand.

His Majesty the King is well recognised as the heart and soul of the Thai nation. He is held in the high esteem not only by his own subjects, but His Majesty also commands enormous respect from people in all parts of the world.

Everywhere he goes, people turn up to greet him in hundreds of thousands. The manner in which His Majesty conducts himself, giving his whole heart and attention to the people, immediately linked the living symbol of the nation to the people in a bond of matual understanding and personal affection.

The main concern of His Majesty is for the uplifting of the general well-being of the people. Evidence of this can be drawn from His Majesty the King's ceaseless efforts to visit his subjects in the rural areas. The aim of his Majesty's visits is to learn at first hand about the needs of his subjects.

To obtain such information, His Majesty has to travel many thousands of kilometers throughout the kingdom and, whenever possible, suggests ways to overcome the difficulties. These visits have led to the establishment of over 1,000 Royal and Royally-initiated projects. They are implemented by the relevant agencies of the government after having been given advice and assistance by His Majesty.

His Majesty is the first member of the Royal Family to be granted a patent for an invention. The registered patent is for one of His Majesty's "Chai Pattana Machines" - the Chai Pattana Aerator Model RX 2. The patent rights call it an "apparatus for water treatment", which is used for agricultural and industrial purposes and can be seen operating in many polluted waterways.

Buddhism is the national religion of Thailand and HisMajesty can stantly shows himself to be a convinced and dedicated disciple of the Lord Buddha. To follow the tradition of young Buddhist men to go into the monastery for a period of time, His Majesty entered the Buddhist monkhood at Wat Bovornnives on 22 October 1956. The Constitution of Thailand, however, does not prescribe the King to be only the Defender of the Buddhist Faith, but also to be the upholder of all Religions. He gives equal attention to the protection of al forms of worship and also to the problems of other religious communities inThailand.

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great came to the throne on June 9, 1946. The meaning of his name is "Strength of the Land, incomparable Power". Since that date he has reigned over the Kingdom of Thailand as a constitutional monarch. At the Coronation Ceremony on May 5, 1950, His Majesty the King pronounced the traditional Oath of Accession which stated: "We will riegn with righteousness for the benefit and happiness of the Siamese people". His Majesty's actions since then has thoroughly reflected those words and have always been directed towards increasing the welfare and prosperity of the Thai nation.

On his birthday, which is observed as a National Holiday, all his subjects rejoice in demonstrating once more their affection and loyalty to him. Religious rites are held, houses and buildings are decorated with flags, lights and his portraits. The whole nation prays to the Holy Triple Gem and all the sacred things in the universe to bless His Majesty with good health and happiness and the strength to carry on his onerous task.

10th December: Constitution Day

December 10 marks the Constitution Day which is held annually to commemorate the advent of the regime of Constitutional Monarchy in Thailand.

Previously, the government of Thailand was an absolute monarchy until June 24, 1932 there was a transition to constitutional monarchy led by a group of young intellectuals educated abroad and inspired by the concept of western democratic procedures. The group which was known as "People's Party or Khana Rasdr" was led by Luang Pradit Manudharm (Pridi Panomyong). To avoid bloodshed, King Rama VII graciously agreed to abolish absolute monarchy and handed over the country's first "Permanent" Constitution. In fact, King Rama VII (King Prajadhipok) had prepared, even before being asked, to hand over his powers to the people.

All Thai constitutions, however, recognise the King as Head of State, Head of the Armed Forces, Upholder of All Religions and sacred and inviolable in his person. His Majesty the King's sovereign power emanates from the people and is exercised in three ways, namely: legislative power through the National Assembly, executive power through the Cabinet and Judicial power through the law courts.

Even though the Revolution of 1932 brought an end to the centuries old absolute monarchy, the reverence of the Thai people towards their kings has not been diminished by this change.

Portraits of Thai kings are prominently displayed throughout the kingdom. On Constitution Day, the entire nation is greeted with festivity. The government offices, private buildings and most highrises are decorated with national flags and bunting and are brightly illuminated. On this day, all Thai citizens jointly express their gratitude to the king who graciously granted them an opportunity to take part in governing the country.