Thailand’s New Year Countdown celebrations

Thais know how to party. Some might say at the drop of a hat. A party brings out the best in national identity – a broad genuine Thai smile.  So should we be surprised that Thailand is a favoured venue to celebrate New Year? This is the land of smiles and “sanook”.

Whether the countdown is in Bangkok, Phuket or a far northern destination, the celebrations will carry the hallmarks of fun and genuine hospitality that make the country such a rewarding destination to visit.

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya World Heritage Fair
Date : 12 - 21 December 2009
Venue : Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Histirical Park, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya was once the glorious capital of Thailand. It was also a centre of trade and government, and possessed a long period of prosperity. Be amazed by the light-and-sound show, the exhibitions on Ayutthaya as a World Heritage Site, as well as the cultural performances. Having fun shopping for a variety of OTOP product is another activity.

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Laguna Phuket Triathlon 2009
Date : Sunday, 6 December 2009
Venue : The upscale Laguna Phuket Resort occupies 600 acres of tropical beachfront parkland on the northwest coast of Phuket island in Southern Thailand.

The competition among the “iron men” from Thailand and international countries includes swimming, cycling and marathon racing. Also, there are activities to encourage the participants to experience the adventure routes along Phuket’s tourist attractions.

H.M. the King’s Birthday
Date : 5 December 2009
Venue : Nationwide                    

On 5 December 2009, His Majesty the King will celebrate his 82^nd birthday anniversary. His Majesty has therefore announced that this special event be known as “the Celebrations on the Auspicious Occasion of His Majesty the King 82^nd Birthday Anniversary 5th December 2009″

An alms-giving ceremony in the morning is followed by a huge festival of music and culture at Sanam Luang in Bangkok to celebrate His Majesty the King’s birthday. You can also appreciate the beauty of the decorations along Ratchadamnoen Avenue.

Surin Elephant Roundup
Date : November 14 – 25 , 2009
Venue : Surin Province

Enjoyable Elephant Talent Shows [More than 250 elephants performing] At Surin Elephant Show Stadium

he visitors have an opportunity to go sight-seeing around the town by riding the elephant.

Ticket price : 1,000, 500, 300 and 40 Baht Respectively.
Please reserve the tickets in advance (Specificially 1,000 and 500 Baht)
Download Ticket Booking Form www.surin.go.th

For more information
http://www.surin.go.th/elephant_52/index.htm

Surin Provincial Governor’s Office, Surin Province Tel. 0 4451 2039
Tourism Authority of Thailand, Surin Office Tel. 0 4454 8152

Bang Sai Loi Krathong Tam Prathip Festival
Date : 1 - 2 November 2009
Venue : Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre under the Royal patronage of H.M.Queen Sirikit, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

Relive the glorious past of Ayutthaya on this atmospheric night. Enjoy the traditional procession of beauty queens from all 4 regions and experience the relaxing surroundings of a floating market demonstration.

Contact:
- TAT Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Tel : 66 (0) 3524 6076-7
- Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre, Tel : 66 (0) 3536 6090-2

Loi Krathong Sai Festival
Date : 1 – 2 November 2009
Venue : Banks of Ping River,Tak

Highlights :
An exceptional opportunity for you to experience the atmosphere of joining the Krathong Sai  (floating coconut-shell krathong in line) contest, in order to win His Majesty the King’s trophy.  Other remarkable activities will include  the floating lanterns of the Royal Family, the procession of the Royal Krathong and lantern, the illumination of Krathong Sai, light and sound presentation, fireworks, water curtain presentation in “The Legend of Krathong Sai”, the longest Krathong Sai, local cultural shows, food and OTOP products.

Tour of Mekong

Here’s a fun introduction to a fascinating way to travel in Thailand.

Previously called the Mekong Challenge, organisers renamed this annual bike ride “Tour of the Mekong,” in 2008.
Whatever the name, it is a testament to the growing popularity of recreational cycling in Thailand and this year’s event splits into two distinct routes that have already attracted a record turnout.

Tourism Authority of Thailand’s office in Chiang Rai organises the event with the Bike Club of Thailand assisting with the logistics.

Yi Peng Festival
Date : 27 October - 2 November 2009
Venue : Tha Phae Gate, banks of Ping River, Chiang Mai Municipal Office, Chiang Mai

HIghlights :
An amazing procession of hanging lanterns, Krathong design contest, Miss Yi Peng beauty contest, light and sound presentation in Ping River, the ancient Thai Lanna Krathong activities, local cultural performances, and local handicrafts market in Lanna style.

Contact : ChaingMai Hotel

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Phuket Vegetarian Festival
Date : 17 – 26 October 2009
Venue : Various Chinese shrines, Mueang District, Phuket

The Thai-Chinese in Phuket have long passed on the vegetarian festival to purify mind and soul by refraining from meat consumption and meditating. Symbolising the presence of the deities throughout the festival are 9 lanterns lit up and placed aloft on Ko Teng poles. On the 6th day of the festival, there will be religious processions and incredible displays of face-and-body piercing. On the last day, there will be a “Koi Han” ceremony to exorcize ill fortune and a farewell ceremony for the deities at night.
Contact:
TAT Phuket, Tel : 66 (0) 7621 1036, 66 (0) 7621 2213
Website : www.tourismthailand.org