Archive for November, 2008
His Majestic The King’s Birthday Celebration
An important public holiday is held on 5 December to celebrate the birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world’s longest reigning monarch. Known in Thai as ‘Wan Chalerm’, the occasion is marked by an outpouring of love and reverence by Thai people throughout the kingdom and around the world.
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, or King Rama IX, ascended the throne on 9 June 1946. The King has won a special place in the hearts of the Thai people through his combination of devotion to the welfare and development of his people, and a keen understanding and awareness of political and social issues. As an institution, His Majesty has provided a firm foundation for the country to weather the trials and turmoil that have beset the region since the end of World War II. Today, His Majesty continues to play a central role in a wide spectrum of national and social development schemes.
On 5 December, buildings and homes all over the country are elaborately adorned with flags, portraits of His Majesty and bunting, predominantly in the color yellow. Around the Grand Palace and Ratchadamnoen Avenue areas of Bangkok, thousands of vividly colored marigolds decorate the streets.
On the evening of the holiday itself, the streets around Ratchadamnoen and Sanam Luang are closed to traffic and thousands of people take to the streets. Spectacular fireworks displays are held and the atmosphere is joyous and festive.
The best way to enjoy the atmosphere is to take a bus to the Rattanakosin area, and just stroll along the crowded but traffic-free streets for a truly memorable experience.
Tens of thousands of people in yellow shirts and waving yellow flags packed the streets around the Grand Palace in Bangkok where Bhumibol made a rare public appearance from the balcony of his ceremonial Throne Hall only the sixth such appearance in his 61-year reign.
Bangkok Theatre Festival 2008
For seven consecutive years in November, theatre artists gather at Santichaiprakarn Park to attend Bangkok Theatre Festival, held to provide spaces for theatre people to create, show, and see, and show the potential of Thai artists. This year alike, Bangkok Theatre Festival 2008 will be showing numerous theatricals from local artists. Over 100 stage plays will be performed under the theme “Theatre Sparks Life”. The theme reflects the power of theatre in creating sparks in life in four dimensions; body, mind, society, and soul. Through the core elements of theatre, the actors and the story of the plays can create a spark in the lives of the audience member.
With the cooperation from Thai Health Promotion Foundation, Bangkok Theartre Network, Banglampu Community, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and partners, Bangkok Theatre Festival 2008 will be held on November 22 – December 14, 2008. There will be performances on Saturday and Sunday at 16.00-22.00. Plays are free of charge at Santi Chaiprakarn Park on Phra Athit Road. While at Various theatres around Bangkok, there will be performances at reasonable prices. The venues are Naked Masks Theatre at Phayathai, Makhampom Studio at Sapan Khwai, Crescentmoon Space at Thonglor, and Lido Multiplex at Siam Square.
Thailand International Airport
Thailand Major Events
Chinese New Year Festival
January or February
This is the most important event on the Chinese calendar. The Chinese new Year is not on the same day as the western New Year. The Chinese New Year is consistent with the Chinese lunar Month. It falls on the twelfth lunar month. Or according to the Chinese calendar, it falls on the first, second and third waxing moon of the second lunar moon month. These dates are equivalent to approximately the month of January of February. At present, the Thai-Chinese descendants have got together to create a new legend for China Town as “The biggest Celebration of Chinese New Year – China Town a place that never sleeps”. During this grand festival, the whole of Yaowarat road will be closed and many stores and food stands will crowd the road. This is the opportunity for many Thais and foreigners to gather and walk to taste all the authentic Chinese food. And last but not least, are the grandiose and colorful Chinese lion and dragon processions.
Bangkok Songkran Festival
April 12-14
The Traditional Thai New Year is an occasion for merriment all over the city, but most notably at Sanam Luang, near the Grand palace, where the revered Phra Phuttha Sihing image is displayed and bathed by devotees. In the Wisutkasat area, a Miss Songkran beauty contest is held and accompanied by merit-making and entertainment. Khao San Road, Bang Lamphu area is also one of the high-spots in the city to experience the water-throwing activities between locals and tourists.
Royal Ploughing Ceremony
May
An ancient Brahman ritual, conducted at Sanam Luang, in which farmers believe, is able to forecast the abundance of the next rice crop. The event is a result of ceremonies that are conducted by Phraya Raek Na, portrayed by a hight-ranking official from the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives who wears colorful traditional costumes. This ceremony was re-introduced in 1960 by H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej and is considered the official commencement of the rice-growing season.
H.M. The Queen’s Birthday Celebration
August 12
To display their loyalty and to hour Her Majesty Queen Sirikit on the occasion of her royal birthday, the Thai people decorate their houses and public buildings. Around Bangkok, Ratchadamnoen Avenue, the area around the Grand Palace and other well-known locations are bedecked with colored lights and magnificent adornments.
Trooping of the Colors
December
Their majesties the King and Queen preside over this impressive annual event, held in the Royal Plaza near the equestrian statue of King Chulalongkorn. Dressed in colorful uniforms, amid much pomp and ceremony, members of the elite Royal Guards swear allegiance to the King and march past members of the Royal Family.
H.M. The King’s Birthday Celebrations
December 5
H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world’s longest reigning monarch is well beloved and deeply respected by all Thais old and young. The occasion of his royal birthday provides his loyal subjects the opportunity to express their reverence for him. All over the country, buildings and homes are elaborated and the area around the Grand Palace is spectacularly illuminated.
Where to Celebrate Loi Krathong Festival 2008
Loi Krathong & Candle Festival
November 10-12, 2008 At Sukhothai Historical Park,
Sukhothai It is believed that the Loi Krathong Festival originated in Sukhothai, the first Thai capital. It is therefore appropriate that this captivating event is held on the full-moon night of the twelfth lunar month amid the breathtaking ruin of this glorious ancient city. Activities include Krathong floating, a fireworks display, cultural performances and a amazing light and sound show.
Northern Lantern Festival & Yi Peng Loi Krathong
November 11-13, 2008 Chiang Mai Municipality Office and citywide, Chiang Mai
Creating a memorizing 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. Traditionl floats (Krathongs) are also set adrift on the Pin River. In addition, there are various other forms of fun and a glamorous beauty pageant.
Tak Loi Krathong Sai
November 8-12, 2008 Tak Municipality Office, Tak
Loi Krathong, the elegantly beautiful annual Festival of Light, is held on the full moon in November. In Tak, Thai event is celebrated in a rather unique manner whereby local people thread together their krathongs which are launched simultaneously and appear as lighted necklaces on the Ping River.
Celebrate the magic of Loy Krathong at Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa
Gather your friends and family around you to celebrate this year’s Loy Krathong festival in style at Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa. This spectacular event to honor the river goddess Phra Mae Kongkah is a favorite with Thai people as well as people from around the around.
Loy Krathong Dinner at Coco’s Café, Novetel Lotus Bangkok
Novotal Lotus Hotel invites you to celebrate “Loy Krathong Festival” Dinner on Wednessday 12th November. Celebrate “Loy Krathong” – The Full Moon Festival in The traditional way at Coco’s Café just for Baht 625++ per person. For more information please contact 0 2610 0111 ext. 4900
With a prime location along the Chao Phraya River, these is nowhere better to experience the grandeur of Loy Krathong than at Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok. Be enchanted by the magic of the moonlight and the charm of the River of Kings. For more information please contact 0 2236 9952
Nai Lert Park Bangkok, A Raffles International Hotel invites you to celebrate the authentic Thai traditional Loy Krathong Festival on Wednesday, 12th November 2008, from 6.30 pm onwards. This special event takes place at the hotel’s pool area, where many great spectacular show. For more information please contact 0 2253 0123 ext. 8056
Celebrate Loy Krathong at the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers
Loy Krathong festival is celebrated all nationwide but the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers is the place to go if you want to escape unbelievable crowd around the Chao Phraya River. Celebrate Thailand’s most beautiful festival in an Ayutthaya theme on Wednesday 12th, November 2008 For more information please contact 0 2266 9214
Float Away with Loy Krathong at The Millennium Hilton Bangkok
Mark this year’s Loy Krathong festival with your friends and loved ones in spectacular surroundings. Throughout the Millennium Hilton Bangkok’s stunning dining and entertainment venues, they promise you a night to remember. For more information please contact 0 2442 2000
