Buddhists have long observed the tradition of the candle procession, during Buddhist Lent, in reverence of the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. Once upon a time, candles used to be rolled the length of the circumference of ones head and used during Lent, and were offered to the monks together with oil, other offering, and bathing cloths. As time passed the intricacies in design evolved and improved into those that are seen today.

Receiving the Royal Lent Candle, Candle Beauty Pageant, Candle Competition, Pha Khao Laeng style dinner, alms giving, Lent Candle Procession-those taking part in the procession being dressed in local dress, Local dances-Ram Tang Wai, Ram Klong Vao, Fon Phu Thai, Soeng Sa Wing.

For more information, please contact the Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Office Tel: 66 (0) 4525 4827.

According to legend, Phimphisan, king of Ratchakhrue received 8 handfuls of jasmine from Malakan, everyday. In return, Malakan was appropriately awarded. One day, while picking jasmine, Malakan saw the Buddha with his disciples going about their alms round. He also noted the 6-coloured aura (black, peat, crimson, Otard, bright red, praphatson) emanating from the Buddha.

On seeing the aura, Malakan was filled with faith in the Buddha, and, not fearing the consequences of not having the requisite jasmine for Phimphisan, proceded to throw two handfuls into the Buddha's path. On the strength of his belief, the flowers circumvented Buddha's head three times and hovered in a sheet above Buddha's right hand. He threw another two handfuls, and the flowers once again circumvented the Buddha's head, this time coming to rest in a hover behind him. The last two handfuls came to rest above the Buddha's left hand. All the flower tips pointed towards the Buddha himself.

Filled with rapture, Malakan paid his respects to the Buddha and developed a five-tiered aura, to the amazement of those around him. Those seeing the miracle then proceeded to follow the progress of the Buddha.

On learning of the Buddha's approach from Malakan's wife, who was asking for a divorce from the latter lest she be punished alongside him for his lapse, King Phimphisan rushed forth to pay his respects to the Buddha, and followed him in all his faith. He also granted Malakan 8 each of elephants, horses, slaves, jewellery, thousands of kasapana, and maidens of good household with dowry, and houses. As a result of throwing the jasmines in the Buddha's path in worship instead of alms giving, Malakan was able to live peacefully thereafter.

The legend has given rise to the tradition of Tak Bat Dok Mai to this day.

The Festival is divided into three parts –

In the morning we have traditional folk shows on the grounds of Wat Phra Phutthabat including concerts, Klong Yao competition, Krabi Krabong, Takro, etc. In some years there may also be an orchid contest and a flower-arranging contest.

In the afternoon, the offering, Ram Thoet Thoeng Klong Yao, and agricultural produces processions move from Wat Phra Phutthabat School to Wat Phra Phutthabat.

During the Tak Bat Ook Mai ceremony, the attendees flock to both sides of the path leading up to the spire in the North, each readying flowers to be offered to the monks. The monks are preceded by a Klong Yao procession that allows the gatherers the opportunity to offer the flowers to the monks as they move towards the spire.

The crowd would then move to the Southern side of the spire connected to the Study Hall with bowls of water filled with bullet wood or jasmine flowers for washing the monks' feet. The flower offerings are taken by the monks to the Roi Phra Phutthabat, in worship. They then walk down in single file. Those gathered then use the leftover water in the bowls to cleanse their feet before entering the Study Hall to continue in their worship, in this instance, inviting positive criticism by others.

Pattaya is Thailand’s most well-known tourist destination, with many facilities both on land and at sea.

Three categories

Samui is a beautiful Island in the south of Thailand. It always welcomes domestic and international visitors. Local art and culture show, local  sports-old style boat race, bazaar, Thai and local food festival, Miss Samui Festival Pageant, Coconut Dehusking Contest, Coconut Grating Contest, Monkey Climbing Contest, etc.

Mountain bike riding has become a popular sport, with riding clubs popping up in the various provinces, and local and international competitions being held. Mountain Bike Riding Competition at the Second Field.

Throughout Thailand, public buildings and homes are decorated in honour of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit on the occasion of her birthday. The most splendid are to be seen in Bangkok, particularly along Ratchadamnoen Avenue and in the area around the Grand Palace, where government offices and streets are garlanded with coloured lights. Today, H.M. the Queen's Birthday is also recognized as Mother's Day.

Songkhla is the economic, social, political, administrative, education, and transportation hub of the South.

The Marathon is open to all and is divided into 4 categories

Fitness Run 3 km.

For more information, please contact the Songkhla Provincial Office Tel: 66 (0) 7431 3206, 66(0) 7431 2046

Date(s): 6-7 September 2003  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 2003 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 2003 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 2003 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 2003 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 2003 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 2003 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 2003 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.

The Long Boat race has long been a tradition in Thailand reflecting the carefree lifestyle and cohesion of Thais to the present day. After Ok Phansa, the villages near the riverbanks get together to celebrate their camaraderie.

The Wax Castle Procession is one of many long standing Hit Duan Sip Et Festival in reverence of the Phrathat Choengchum carried out every ok phansa, non more awesome than that held in Sakon Nakhon. It is believed that the tradition dates back to the time of Phrachao Suwan Phingkhan, who had requested that a wax tree be built on ok phansa day and carried to the Wat. The tradition continues today.

Alms Giving, procession competition, Wax Castle competition, Miss Wax Castle Pageant, Long Boat Race, and other Festivities.

For more information, please contact the Sakon Nakhon Municipality Tel: 66 (0) 4271 3280-1.

The Illuminated Boat Festival is a tradition carried out by the people in the I-san region on the 15th day of the waxing moon to the 1st day of the waning moon in the 11th month. The festival can be seen in Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Nong Khai, and Ubon Ratchathani. The occasion is especially important in Nakhon Phanom where the villagers divide up into khums taking the names of the nearby wats. Thus, if they live near Wat Klang, they would call themselves Khum Wat Klang. Each khum would compete with each other in the suang huea (boat race), wax castle competition, and the Illuminated Boat Procession.

The Ruea Fai (or huea fai in the local dialect) is a 10-12 metre banana tree trunk or bamboo boat filled with sweet, khao tom phat or offerings. The boat is surrounded by flowers, incense sticks, candles, lanterns, khi tai, to light up the boat before it is let out into the river. The act of letting the boat into the river is called kan lai ruea fai or poi huea fai.

Kan lai ruea fai is carried out for the same reasons as for the Loi Krathong Festival, but differs in that it is celebrated 1 month ahead.

Specifically, kan lai ruea fai is linked to the local belief in, and worship of, the Buddha's foot imprint on the sandy beaches of Namthamahanathi River, the Buddhist trinity (Buddha, Thamma, Sangha), reverence of Phra Mae Khongkha, and reverence of the Phaya Naga.

All these beliefs have melded together nicely in the celebrations, and as the river view on the 15th day of the waxing moon of the 11th month is particularly beautiful the locals chose to revive this tradition on this day.

The festival as it is known today was revived in 1983 when the various sectors of the community were asked to fabricate ruea fais from buoyant material in the shape of a boat longer than 12 metres in the shape of a swan (hong), naga (nak), garuda (khrut), or any other shape pleasing to the eye. There were 52 entries and when seen together on the Mekong, the boats made for a lovely sight to be admired by all.

The seven tribes Phrathat Phanom worship dance, Illuminated Boat Festival, ruea fai competition, Pha Khao Laeng style dinner, local art and culture exhibition, concerts, games, festivities, boat race (the Mekong is known for its rapid flow making it difficult for the participants).

For more information, please contact the Nakhon Phanom Municipality Tel: 66 (0) 42511535.

The Thewo Alms Giving tradition is mentioned in the Buddhist Theworohana Sut that recounts the Buddha's return from the second level heaven (there are 6 in all), after delivering a sermon to his mother, into Sangkatnakhon on the 1st night of the waning moon in the 11th month. The locals had gathered together to give alms to the Buddha.

Uthai Thani has similar religious sites and a similar topography as that of the legendary town. Together with other Buddhist activities, the sight of 300 monks coming down from the top of Mount Sakaekang is really something to be seen.

Light, sound, and aroma show of the Buddha's life. Uthai Thani Specialties Exhibition, revival of central style dining in Kin samrap khao wan chom tamnan phuttha prawat, Alms giving to 500 monks on ok phansa day, and procession of floats telling the story of the Buddha's life.

For more information, please contact the Uthai Thani Provincial Office of a swan Tel: 66 (0) 56511063.

This is a tradition of the people of Bang Phli comprising of Thais, Laotians and Ramans. While the Thais and Laotians were able to make their way further a field, the Ramans failed in their endeavours and decided to return home to Pak Lat (Phra Pradaeng). At dawn, on the 14th day of the waxing moon in the 11th month, prior to their journey home, they picked some lotus for worshiping Phra Khatha Ph an in Pak Lat, and entreated their Thai friends to pick the lotus every year, on that same day, so that they could come up the river to collect them. Thence a tradition was born and carried through until the present day.

Luang Pho To procession, Row boat race, sea boxing, lotus salver competition, snakeskin gourami (fish) competition, traditional Thai food festival, games.

For more information, please contact the Bang Phli Municipality Tel: 66 (0) 2337 3086, 66 (0) 2337 3497.

The Chak Phra tradition is carried out both on land and in the water. The day prior to the Chak Phra ceremony, the Wat and locals gather together to ready the boats, floats and various decorative items, placing Buddha images on the various butsabok, boats, and floats, after they have given alms to the monks (the khao tom mat is a must). On ok phansa day, the boats and floats (with Buddha images in them) are pulled from the wat to the festivities, with the beating of the phon drum preceding, announcing that the Phra have been pulled.

Phum Pha Pa Contest, Phanom Phra Boat Procession, Phanom Phra Car, local cultural shows, long boat race.

For more information, please contact the Surat Thani Municipality Tel: 66 (0) 7727 2513, 66 (0) 7728 2614.

Once upon a time, the farmers would bring their produce (bananas, coconuts, present day. banana leaves, and sticky rice) to town for sale during the end of Buddhist Lent, when the town folks would be getting ready for merit making activities, including the making of khao tom hang. The farmers would then return home with goods in the buffalo cart that they had brought with them. The buffalo carts were generally parked at the wats and the buffalos were walked from time to time. This then developed into a race from place to place. As time went by, decorations were put on the buffaloes to cheer them up. These would include putting socks on their horns, decorating the harnesses and whips, and head decorations. The buffalo riders were also increasingly adorned. Thence the tradition. Although the buffaloes no longer carry goods, they have become a good excuse for people to get together each year.

Buffalo Procession, Buffalo Dressing Contest, Buffalo Run, Nong Nang Ban Na Beauty Pageant, stalls.

For more information, please contact the Chon Buri Municipality Tel: 66 (0) 38276321.

A real amazing experience is waiting for you to see at Nong Khai Province. Every year, on the night when the Buddhist Lent is ended, the various size of fires sprinting above the water surface.

The Legend of Naga Fireball Festival or Bang Fai Phaya Nak (Naga) Light and Sound Show, Floating of the Illuminated Boat in worship of the Phaya Nak, against the stream, art and culture show, boat race near Phon Phisai, naga worship dance, watch the bang fai phaya nak phenomenon on the Mekong in Nong Khai.

The Chum phon boat race is an exciting event to watch as victory is only gained through seamless teamwork of the rowers. The steersman and the helmsman play vital rolls in snatching the winning flag and steering the boat  straight, respectively. If the steersman misses the winning flag (climbing the a 3.5 metre stern), falls into the water, or if the boat capsizes before the tail has cleared the finishing line, the team forfeits its win. The trick in winning is not the speed of the rowers but the skill of the steersman in climbing sufficiently up the stern to gain a height advantage in snatching the flag. A tie is called if boats come in neck to neck with all other conditions met.

The excitement in watching the proceedings, the skills of the boats men, and the camaraderie of the people in the locale all mix together into a tradition that has been fully revived and worth seeing.

Buddha procession, Long Boat Race-unique in that one must climb the stern to capture the winning flag, a parade of the King's Shield and Cup, a water parade, procession competitions, and other festivities.

For more information, please contact the Lang Suan Educational Office Ruea, Tel: 66 (0) 7754 1222. 

The racing boat in Nan are distinct from those in other provinces in that it is made from a single log hewn down into a slimline style, and can carry 30-58 people. A naga head is carved into the stem post of the boat with its tail snatching  appearing in the stern. The body is colourfully decorated with a mixture of her paint and gold leaves. It is believed that the naga brings seasonal rain, making the Nan River delta fertile.

The boat race itself is a tradition from olden days and is celebrated over 2 periods-during and after Buddhist Lent. The first period, the opening of the field, is known as the tan kuai lottery festival. Closing the field, in the second week after lent, sees 40-50 boats in competition for the King's Cup, granted in lield and Cup, 1983.

King's Cup Boat Race, boat contest, Ti Khong Long Nan Ti Pan Khaeng Ruea, cheer leading contest, sale of local food and products.

For more information, please contact the Nan MuniciPalit Tel: 66 (0) 5477 7626, 66 (0) 5477 4502.

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

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.

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. 

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.

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.

The Triathlon was first held in 1994, providing international coverage for Phuket. A 1.8 km swim, 55 km cycle, and 12 km marathon

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, festivities

For more information, please contact the Chiang Mai Municipality Tel: 66 (0) 53612615.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Activities

The 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.

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.

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.

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.

Thida Thantawan Procession, sale of local produce and sunflower derivative products, sunflower exhibition, sunflower fields.

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.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has realized the importance of Thai food that becomes popular in the world. Therefore, TAT arranges the event for Thai-food lovers and foreign visitors.

Thai Food exhibition and demonstration, cultural shows and concerts, beer gardens, food stalls.

Ubon Ratchathani is a major tourist destination in the Northeast of Thailand The province welcomes visitors to come and enjoy its beauty.

Re-enactment of cave life, watch the sun go down at Pha Taem, Pha Laeng style dinner, a photo contest and other celebrations.

The Regatta first took place in 1987, during the year celebrating His Majesty the King's 5th cycle, and has been held annually ever since.

International participation in the regatta. For more information, please contact the Office of the Secretary Tel: 66 (0) 7627 3380

This event is celebrated every year before the King's Birthday. 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 colourful 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. King Bhumibol Adulyadej was born on 5 December. The deep reverence felt by all Thais for their King is perhaps unique in the modern world, and his birthday provides an annual occassion for public expression. Government buildings, businesses, and homes all over the country are eleborately decorated and the area around the Grand Palace is spectacularly illuminated.

Following immediately on from the King's Cup Regatta, Phuket hosts Thailand's first International Boat Show. This exciting new show, set in the region's premier boating destination, has attracted exhibitors from around the world, and will include a minimum of  80 exhibitions in air-conditioned marquees at the waterside, with a further 30 on-water exhibits.

The show will be open to exhibitors in all aspects of the marine industy. In addition to local boat builders and international manufacturers in the marine supplies and marine service industries, the 30 on-water exhibits will be an opportunity for visitors to inspect a variety of sleex pleasure craft-from fast sports sailing boats and leisurely catamarans made in Phuket, to superb luxury motor yachts from famous international manufacturers.

For more information, please contact Mr.Andy Dowden-IMAGE asia Tel: 66 (0) 7628 2198 Fax: 66 (0) 7628 3059 Mobile: 66 (0) 1892 7670  E-mail: boatshow@image-asia.com and www.image-asia.com/boatshow.htm

Chang Island is getting more popular at the present time. Its management has been supported by the Thai government. Fishing Contest, Student Environmental Awareness Competition, various government sector exhibitions, folk festival food sale, local souvenirs, tours of nearby vicinity.

Ayutthaya, a former Thai Capital was the centre of trade, administration, and civilization for 417 years. The Capital was designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO on 13 December 1991. The Historical Park is home to many ruins and artefacts. Bangsai Arts and Crafts Centre of H.M. Queen Sirikit of Thailand is also close by.

World Heritage Listing Exhibition, recreation of local market of yesteryear Ayutthaya Art and Culture Exhibition, stalls, and Ayutthaya Yot Ying Fa Light and Sound Show.

In, Ayutthaya Art and Culture Exhibition, stalls, and Ayutthaya Yot Ying Fa of Light and Sound Show.

Phitsanulok is an important province in Thailand. It arranges many events and festivals each year. This time it comes with food celebrations.

Food stalls, souvenirs, Export Product Fair, Thai Food and Dessert Demonstration, concerts and shows, street shows.

This event is arranged to celebrate the New Year at the same time with other places in the world. Miss Bangkok Friendship 2003 Pageant, Special Fireworks, Laser light show, Modern Local Art.

Hat Yai District is well-known among tourist as a major tourist destination in the south of Thailand. This time it organizes the event to celebrate the New Year with joy and fun.

Art and Culture Show, Light and Sound Show, Fancy Dress Parade, Local Food Stalls.