CHA-AM

Phetchaburi, locally known by Thais as Muang Phetch, is located 160 kilometers south of Bangkok. One of Thailands central region provinces, Phetchaburi is situated on the western shore of the Gulf of Thailand with an overall area of approximately 6,225 square kilometers. Its terrains throughout the western border, where Tanaosri Range lies as a natural border between Thailand and Myanmar, are mountainous dense jungles. In the east, there is an 80-kilometer long coastline towards the Gulf of Thailand.

A very old city which used to be an important royal fort town, Phetchaburi had been given several names such as, Phripphri, Phripphli or Phetchaphli. Some historians have gone as far as to say that Phetchaburi could have been named in Indian style, as the Indian influence in those days day was strong. Others put forward the idea that the name Phetchaburi might have originated from Maenam Phetch the most important river of the town.

Whatever the assumptions are, the fact that Phetchaburi is an ancient city with a very long history is undeniable. This has been proven by many archaeological findings which could be dated back to the Dvaravati Period.

During Sukhothai and Ayutthaya Kingdoms, Phetchaburi was a strategic royal fort in the west. Only a lineage of Kings had the rights to rule this historical city. That is why Phetchaburi has been called by some scholars as the "Living Ayutthaya" as the town shares many similar things to the City of Ayutthaya. The prosperity of the Ayutthaya Kingdom can be seen and appreciated in Phetchaburi's wealth of fine old temples.

In the Rattanakosin Era, Phetchaburi has changed its character to a town of charming beauty, with peaceful seaside resorts and superb natural reserves. The three Kings of the Rattanakosin Period, King Rama IV, V, and VI established their retreats here. They built the three palaces namely Phranakhonkhiri, Phraramrajanivet, Phrarajnivesmarugadayawan in Phetchaburi thus, Phetchaburi is also known as Muang Sam Wang (the city of the three Palaces). The province is also well known for its splendid historical park, ancient temples, wonderful beaches and caves, as well as a great variety of local and fresh seafood. Phetchaburi also has a popular resort town, Cha-am which is the premier beach resort in the province.

The majority of the local residents are engaged in agricultural activities including rice farming, upland crop farming, fruit farming, palm sugar production, animal husbandry and sea and fresh water fisheries.

There are three important Maenam in Phetchaburi including "Maenam Phetchaburi with an overall length of 227 kilometers, "Maenam Bang Kloy", with an overall length of 44 kilometers, and "Maenam Bang Tabun", with an overall length of 18 kilometers.

Ranong

Ranong is the first southern province on the western coast, located 568 kilometres from Bangkok. It is known for the long rainy period, which lasts for 8 months each year. Ranong occupies an area of 3,298 square kilometres and is bordered by Myanmar and the Indian Ocean to the west. Within its compact area, Ranong contains various natural attractions and is blessed with hot springs and unspoiled mangrove forests.A mountainous and heavily forested province, Ranong is best known as a fishing and trading port. It was settled by the Hokkian Chinese, and their strong influence is evident in the town. Ranong town is a gateway to Myanmar, with colourful longboats ferrying produce and people across the narrow divide that separates the two countries. The traffic is even heavier these days since a casino opened at Victoria Point. The famous hot springs are just outside of town, where an arboretum and various first-class hotels cater to visitors eager to benefit from the medicinal properties of the mineral waters.

Phang-nga

The province of Phang-nga is located some 788 kilometres from Bangkok. It covers an area of 4,170 square kilometres. Phang-nga is a province with two characters - land and sea - and packed with national parks that guard magnificent scenery with immensely different attractions.
Most famous is Ao Phang-nga National Park, a geological wonder filled with islets, sunken caverns and startling rock formations rising sheer out of the sea. The bay is extremely sheltered ideal for expeditions of sea canoes to explore the many fascinating caverns with their own eco-systems.Phang-nga's andaman coast offers parks of a different kind. The island groups of Surin and Similan are renowned for their beautiful unspoilt beaches and spectacular underwater scenery, attracting divers from around the world. Khao Lak is a coastal park full of birds, mammals and scenic waterfalls, with a number of hotel developments after Tsunami disaster in December 2004.

Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai, the northernmost province of Thailand is about 785 kilometers north of Bangkok. Situated on the Kok River basin, Chiang Rai covers an area of approximately 11,678 square meters with an average elevation of 580 meters above sea level. The province, which is located within the renowned Golden Triangle area where Myanmar, Laos and Thailand converge, is also known as the gateway to Myanmar, Laos and Southern China.

Chiang Rai, which was founded in 1262 by King Meng Rai,was the first capital of the Lanna Thai Kingdom (Kingdom of a million rice fields), which was later conquered by Burma. It was not until 1786 that Chiang Rai became a Thai territory and was proclaimed a province during the reign of King Rama VI in 1910.

Today, Chiang Rai is a travelers paradise endowed with abundant natural tourist attractions and antiquities; the province itself is evidence of past civilization. Attractions range from magnificent mountain scenery, ruins of ancient settlements, historic sites, Buddhist shrines and ethnic villages as the province is also home to several hill tribes who maintain fascinating lifestyles. For those interested in the natural side of Chiang Rai, jungle trekking is recommended along various trails.

Chiang Rai which tends to be a little more 'laid back' now competes with Chiang Mai as a tourist attraction and is fast becoming a popular escape for tourists wanting to get away from the troubles they left behind.

Chiang Mai

Experiencing the merging of the past into the present in Chiang Mai where locals are proud of the city's 700-year history. Its rich traditional heritage and unique culture is a perfect foundation for the development of the city. Chiang Mai is one of the few places in Thailand where it is possible to find in the heart of the city centuries-old chedis and temples next to modern convenience stores and boutique hotels. The original city layout still exists as a neat square surrounded by a moat with vestiges of the fortified wall and its four main gates offering prime access to the old town.

For years, tourists have mistaken Chiang Mai as the northern junction and the base from which they can explore other provinces. The phrase "a day in Chiang Mai is enough to see things around" was common. Today, tourists are surprised by the fact that there is always something new to discover Chiang Mai. Intriguing diversity among ethnic tribes coupled with breathtaking scenery makes Chiang Mai one of Asia's most attractive tourist destinations. Two weeks in Chiang Mai may not be long enough for serious travelers.

The old city of Chiang Mai with its fascinating indigenous cultural identity such as diverse dialects, cuisine, architecture, traditional values, festivals, handicrafts and classical dances is a prime location in its own right. In addition, the presence of hill tribes and their wealth of unique cultures enhance Chiang Mai's distinctive diversity.

Chiang Mai is also blessed with pristine natural resources of mountains (dois), waterfalls, and other nature-based tourist attractions. At the same time, Chiang Mai residents are warm, gracious and congenial providing authentic hospitality making visits memorable and meaningful. Moreover, visitors from all walks of life can collect handicrafts of silk, silver and wood produced locally as timeless souvenirs. Chiang Mai is a place where both backpackers and luxury tourists can enjoy themselves to the fullest.

The Past
Chiang Mai literally means new city and has retained the name despite having celebrated its 700th anniversary in 1996. King Meng Rai founded the city as the capital of the Lanna (A Million Rice Fields) Kingdom on Thursday, 12th April 1296 during the same period of time as the establishment of the Sukhothai Kingdom. King Meng Rai the Great conferred with his friends, King Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai and King Ngam Muang of Phayao before choosing the site where the capital of the Lanna Kingdom was to be founded.

From then, Chiang Mai not only became the capital and cultural core of the Lanna Kingdom, it was also the centre of Buddhism in northern Thailand. King Meng Rai himself was very religious and founded many of the city's temples, which are still important today.
At the height of its power, the Lanna Kingdom extended its territory far into Burma and Laos, and southwards to Kamphaeng Phet a province above Sukhothai.

The Burmese conquered the Lanna Kingdom in 1556 ending the dynasty founded by King Meng Rai that lasted over 250 years. As Burma had occupied Chiang Mai for nearly 200 years, Burmese architectural influences are visible in many temples. At the end of the 18th century, King Taksin the Great regrouped the Thais in the south and finally drove the Burmese out with the help of King Kawila of Lampang thereby regaining Thai independence from Burma. Chiang Mai was then governed by a succession of princes who ruled the north as a Siamese protectorate under the Chakri dynasty. In the late 19th century, King Rama V appointed a high commissioner in Chiang Mai and it was only in 1939 that Chiang Mai finally came under the direct control of the central government in Bangkok the same time the country was renamed Thailand.

In the past, Chiang Mai was only accessible by river and elephants. More convenient access was achieved only when the railway line was completed in the late 1920's. Moreover, the first motor vehicle driven directly from Bangkok arrived in Chiang Mai in 1932. Such isolation was more favorable to Chiang Mai as it helped to nurture and preserve the unique Lanna culture.When we look at Chiang Mai today, it is the economic, cultural and communications hub of northern Thailand complete with excellent infrastructure, good roads, by passes and road tunnels, and reliable communications infrastructure.

The Setting
Chiang Mai, with an altitude of approximately 310 meters above sea level, is situated approximately 700 kilometers from Bangkok on the Mae Ping River basin. Surrounded by high mountain ranges, the city covers an area of approximately 20,107 square kilometers and is the country's second largest province. Chiang Mai borders Myanmar on the north, Lamphun and Tak Provinces on the south, Chiang Rai, Lampang and Lamphun Provinces on the east and Mae Hong Son Province on the west. The terrain is mainly comprised of jungles and mountains, which are home to the hill tribes. In addition, wildlife and exotic flora may be found in the national parks.

Most of Chiang Mai's mountains are oriented from north to south. Together they create a multitude of streams and tributaries including Mae Chaem, Mae Ngat and Mae Klang. One of Chiang Mai's distinctive features is Doi Inthanon, Thailands highest peak, which is 2,575 meters above sea level. In addition, the province boasts flat, fertile valleys, which spread along the banks of the largest and most important river in Chiang Mai Mae Nam Ping (Ping River) which originates from the Chiang Dao mountain range.

SONGKRAN IN THE 4 REGIONS OF THAILAND(South)

APRIL 12 - 15, 2007
MIDNIGHT SONGKRAN FESTIVAL IN HAT YAI
Along Nipat Uthit Road 2 and 3, Hat Yai district

Highlights and Activities
Miss Songkran procession
Folk sports and games
International Miss Songkran beauty contest
Stage drama and stage performances
Ponglang Sa-on
Midnight Songkran Celebrations and water-splashing

Contact information:
TAT Southern Office: Region 1 (in Hat Yai)
Tel: +66 (0) 7424 3747, (0) 7423 8518

APRIL 11 – 15, 2007
NAKHON SI THAMMARAT GRAND SONGKRAN
At the Phra Isuan-Phra Narai Hall, Ratchadamnern Road
Wat Sema Muang temple
Suan Sridhammasokraj, Nakhon Si Thammarat city centre,
Nakhon Si Thammarat province

Highlights and Activities
Merit-making in the morning at Sanam Na Muang and Wat Phra That Voramahaviharn temple. Offerings are presented to Buddhist monks.
Bathing ritual of the Phra Buddha Sihing Buddha image
Miss Songkran Procession
Nang Kradan Procession
Mini Light-and-Sound presentation
A demonstration of the ‘swing ceremony’ to welcome Phra Isuan
Tales of Likor
Cultural and folk performances
Shopping for local food and desserts

Nakhon Si Thammarat has been a centre for Buddhism and culture in Southern Thailand since ancient times. The province is dotted with many architectural treasures, some centuries old, a testament to its long history. The Phra Boromathat Nakhon Si Thammarat, the main wat or temple, houses the presiding Buddha image known as the Phra Buddha Singh.
For hundreds of years, it has been the tradition to pour lustral water onto this image during the fifth month of the Thai calendar. The present-day Songkran Festival has evolved from this practice. A procession escorting the Phra Singh Buddha image from the Provincial Hall to Tung Tha Lat; the Phra Singh Buddha image is bathed with lustral waters. Respect is show to elderly folk by pouring lustral waters over their hands.

Contact information:
TAT Southern Office: Region 2 (in Nakhon Si Thammarat)
Tel: +66 (0) 7534 6515, (0) 7534 6516
Fax: +66 (0) 7534 6517


APRIL 13, 2007
SONGKRAN WATER FESTIVAL ON THE BEACH
Patong Beach, Phuket

Celebrate the Songkran Thai New Year by the beach.

Highlights and Activities
Procession of the Phra Buddha Sihing image
Songkran parade
Little Miss Songkran beauty contest
Water-splashing by the beach

Contact information:
TAT Southern Office – Region 4
Tel: +66 (0) 7621 1036, (0) 7621 2213, (0) 7621 7138
Fax: +66 (0) 7621 3852

SONGKRAN IN THE 4 REGIONS OF THAILAND(NorthEast)

APRIL 8 - 15, 2007
I-SAN GRAND SONGKRAN: DOK KHUN-SIANG KHAEN FESTIVAL &
STICKY RICE WALKING STREET (Thanon Khao Neow), KHON KAEN PROVINCE
At Bueng Kaen Nakhon Cultural Centre and
Si Chan Road (also known as Khao Neow Road)

Highlights and Activities
Procession of floral floats
I-San food contest
Cultural performances
Traditional palaeng I-san style set dinner
Miss Songkran beauty queen contest
Sales of local products made by the various sub-districts (tambon) of Khon Kaen under the One Tambon One Product (OTOP) campaign
Water-splashing

As part of the traditional Songkran Thai new year merit-making ceremonies in Khon Kaen province, the locals perform bathing rituals to pay homage to revered Buddha images and shrines, present merit-making offerings to monks and pay respect to elders by pouring lustral water over their hands in a bathing ritual. The rest of the Grand Songkran holidays are filled with festive fun with hours of friendly water-splashing, Miss Songkran beauty pageants and a variety of uptempo traditional Northeastern folk entertainment.

Contact information:
TAT Northeastern Office: Region 3
Tel: +66 (0) 4324 4498, (0) 4324 4499
Fax: +66 (0) 4324 4497


APRIL 13 - 15, 2007
NONG KHAI THAI-LAO GRAND SONGKRAN FESTIVAL
IN NONG KHAI PROVINCE
At Wat Pho Chai temple and Hat Chomani beach near the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge that spans the Mekong River

Highlights and Activities
Procession of Luang Phor Phra Sai from Wat Pho Chai
Buddha images bathing rituals
Thai-Lao Songkran celebrations
The "bai sri soo kwan" ritual to bring good luck and ward off evil
The sprinkling of lustral water to seek the blessing of elders
Sand-stupa building contests
Local cultural performances
Miss Songkran Beauty Queen Contests on both banks of the Mekong River
Miss Songkran Beauty Queen Procession
Boat races, folk sports, beach sports, activities and contests along the banks of the river
Stalls offering souvenirs and local products made in Nong Khai
Nong Khai Souvenir Contest

With the neighbouring country of Lao PDR on the opposite bank of the Mekong River, Songkran celebrations in the northeastern province of Nong Khai is a combined Thai-Lao Songkran festival, with rituals, cultural performances, folk games and cuisine, reflecting a shared heritage.
The procession of the Luang Pho Sai Buddha image is a long-standing tradition which is still being observed till this day.

Contact information:
TAT Northeastern Office - Region 5 (Udon Thani)
Tel: +66 (0) 4232 5406, (0) 4232 5407
Fax: +66 (0) 4232 5408


APRIL 13 - 15, 2007
NAKHON PHANOM GRAND SONGKRAN FESTIVAL
Hat Sai Tong Sikotrabun, Nakhon Phanom city centre
Wat Phra That Phanom Voramaviharn stupa, Renu Nakhon district

Highlights and Activities
Buddhist bathing rituals are performed in accordance with ancient customs and traditions. Scented lustral water is sprinkled over sacred sites such as the 2,000-year old Phra That Phanom stupa – the most sacred and ancient monument of the Northeast and the landmark of Nakhon Phanom, holy footprints of Lord Buddha, temples, Buddha images as well as monks in a gesture of reverence. Religious rituals include the building of sand stupas and the tying of sacred string around the Phra That Phanom stupa. Folk games and traditional I-san folk performances create a colourful festive ambience.

Contact information:
TAT Northeastern Office – Region 4
Tel: +66 (0) 4251 3490 – 1
Fax: +66 (0) 4251 3492

SONGKRAN IN THE 4 REGIONS OF THAILAND(North)

APRIL 2007
SONGRKAN THAI NEW YEAR IN CHIANG MAI
Featuring Lanna Thai New Year celebrations and festivities at temples, the city gates and around the city moat throughout the northern capital of Chiang Mai,

Highlights and Activities
Phra Buddha Sihing procession
Buddha images bathing ritual
Merit-making activities and presentation of offerings to Buddhist monks
The release of fish and birds in observance of ancient Buddhist merit-making customs
‘Rod nam dum hua’ bathing rituals as a gesture of respect to elderly relatives and other respected individuals
Lanna Thai cultural performances and folk games
Sand-stupa building contest
Songkran water-splashing

One of the best places to experience Songkran is in Chiang Mai, where it is celebrated on a grand scale with a flavour uniquely and entirely its own, attracting visitors from far and wide.
This year, Songkran Thai New Year festivities scheduled for April 11-15, will be held at temples, in the vicinity of the city’s gates and around the city moat.

Devout Buddhists visit the temple for merit-making and to listen to sermons. Lustral water is sprinkled on sacred Buddha images, such as the Phra Buddha Sihing image, and also poured over the hands of monks in a gesture of reverence. Donations are also made to the temple. Enjoy traditional Thai cultural performances held in the temple ground.


One of the highlights of the festival is the 'Songkran Beauty Queen Procession' that takes place on Songkran Day itself - April 13. Meanwhile, many other events leading up to the main attraction are spread over several days and it is here that the visitor gets to see various aspects of Chiang Mai, first hand, — its culture, cuisine, arts and crafts, as well as the friendly people.

Contact information:
TAT Northern Office - Region 1
Tel: +66 (0) 5324 8604, (0) 5324 8607, (0) 5324 1466
Fax: +66 (0) 5324 8605

SONGKRAN IN THE 4 REGIONS OF THAILAND(Middle)

APRIL 13, 2007
SONGKRAN FESTIVAL IN THE ANCIENT CAPITAL OF AYUTTHAYA

April 13, the Songkran celebrations will be held at various sites around the island city of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya – the ancient capital of Ayutthaya.

Songkran or Thai New Year festivities will feature ancient customs and traditions of Songkran that have been observed through the centuries.

Highlights and Activities
Merit-making activities at nine sacred temples
Offerings are presented to Buddhist monks on the morning of April 13
Bathing ritual of Buddha images at temples throughout Ayutthaya
The release of fish and birds in observance of ancient Buddhist merit-making customs
The building of sand stupas and other merit-making activities
Scented lustral water is poured over the hands of elders and individuals held in high esteem in a gesture of respect
Grand Songkran Procession
Miss Songkran beauty contest
Miss Songkran Parade
Water-splashing

Contact information:
TAT Central Region Office - Region 6
Tel: +66 (0) 3524 6076, (0) 3524 6077

APRIL 15 – 17, 2007
RATCHABURI LAO SONGKRAN FESTIVAL
At Wat Ban Singh, Tambon Ban Singh sub-district, Amphoe Potharam district,
Ratchaburi province

Several communities in Ratchaburi province are home to descendants of Lao Wiang ethnic origin who continue to perform rituals and ceremonies to celebrate Songkran in accordance with ancient traditions and customs.

Highlights and Activities
The day after New Year’s Day, community residents participate in a floral procession to present floral offerings to temples
Bathing ritual of Buddha images at temples
Merit-making activities
Scented lustral water is poured over monks in a bathing ritual
Ancestor worship rituals are performed.
Scented lustral water is poured over the hands of elders and individuals held in high esteem in a gesture of respect
Folk games and sports
Pad Thai stir-friend noodles prepared in a giant wok
Thai boxing
Miss Lao Wiang Songkran parade and beauty contest
Musical concerts (free admission)

Contact information:
TAT Central Region Office – Region 2
Areas of responsibility: Petchaburi (Cha-am), Ratchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan
Tel: +66 (0) 3247 1005, (0) 3247 1502
Fax: +66 (0) 3247 1502

APRIL 20 - 22, 2007
SONGKRAN FESTIVAL AND THAI RAMAN FLAG CEREMONY IN PHRA PRADAENG, SAMUT PRAKARN PROVINCE

Highlights and Activities
Songkran traditions of the Ramen community: The Thai Raman Flag Ceremony and traditional Raman games such as 'saba', a pitch and toss game played with beans
Miss Songkran Beauty Queen (Paklat) Parade and Contest
Floral floats parade
Procession of Raman maidens
Raman dances
Boat races
Bathing ritual of Buddha images at temples
The release of fish and birds in observance of ancient Buddhist merit-making customs
Paying respect to elders and respected individuals
The Phra Pradaeng Songkran Festival differs from others in that it is held a little later than in most other locales. The Songkran rituals and celebrations here are held on the Sunday that follows after Songkran Day on April 13. Hence in 2007, the festival falls on April 20– 22.
Ancient traditions are still being observed and is a source of pride passed on to future generations.
THAI-RAMAN FLAG CEREMONY
Each village makes its own centipede flag, which is carried in a ceremonial flag procession along the road to be draped on the swan pillars at various temples. The flag, the symbol of the Thai-Raman people, is of Buddhist significance and incorporates spirit of unity.
SABA
A demonstration of traditional Raman games such as saba, a pitch and toss game played with beans. Various indigenous games of Thai-Raman origin being staged in designated villages from 08.30 to midnight during the festival period.

In Bonsaba, a traditional Raman games, young Raman lads and lasses engage in a lively dialogue, accompanied by song and dance. This is a quaint custom, which is now rarely witnessed.

ORIGINS OF THE PHRA PRADAENG SONGKRAN FESTIVAL
The Phra Pradaeng Songkran Festival, formerly known as the 'Pak Lat Songkran Festival', was similar to Songkran celebrated in the other regions of the country, with the notable addition of a colourful and elaborate Songkran procession staged by the Mon, or Raman, residents of Phra Pradaeng.

The highlight of the festival is a grand procession of floral floats carrying beautiful maidens dressed in a traditional Mon, or Raman, costume. Each holds a fish bowl in one hand and a bird cage in the other. Other maidens, accompanied by men dressed in traditional Raman costume of sarong and round-necked shirt and sash (the costume is called "choot loy chai"), walk in front of the 'Songkran beauty queen'. The fish and birds are released as an act of merit to ward off bad luck and bring prosperity.

Each year the Phra Pradaeng Songkran parade features between 10 to 20 processions. Each procession is made up of a Songkran vehicle decorated with beautiful flowers. The vehicle of the lead procession transports the incumbent Miss Songkran surrounded by her entourage. She is seated and holds a replica of the severed head of the Lord Tao Maha Songkran. The procession also includes a file of graceful girls dressed in traditional Thai-Raman costumes. Some of them hold a fishbowl; others hold a birdcage and the remainder walk ahead of the Songkran vehicle. They in turn are flanked by Raman youths dressed in Choot Loy Chai costumes, consisting of a sarong, round-necked shirt and scarf which is worn with the tails dangling behind. The men's job is to ensure that everything goes smoothly.

The procession of the Tao Maha Songkran "head" is a unique aspect of the Phra Padaeng Songkran celebrations. According to ancient beliefs, there was once a kind and benevolent god who cared greatly for mankind. His name was Tao Maha Songkran. He had seven daughters, each one a goddess representing a day of the week. The annual Miss Songkran winner is seen holding the head of Lord Tao Maha Songkran, (also known as Tao Mahapraphrom) - a gesture believed to bring good fortune to mankind.

Noted for the continued preservation of ancient customs and traditions, the Songkran festival at Phra Pradaeng is no less of an attraction and draws local and overseas tourists alike.

Contact information:
Phra Pradaeng Municipality
Please contact the Education Section
Tel: +66 (0) 463 4841 Ext. 129-130

APRIL 2007
CHON BURI BANG SAEN SONGKRAN SAND-STUPA BUILDING FESTIVAL
On the beach in Bang Saen, Siracha district, Chon Buri province



The Songkran celebrations in the Saensuk district Chon Buri province are of particular interest as the festivities reflect the local culture and environment. With no shortage of sand to build sand-stupas, the stupa building contest is a predominant element of the Songkran festivities in Chon Buri.
Residents of the each of the villages in the district gather together to take part in community Buddhist merit-making. Monks are invited to conduct merit-making ceremonies and rituals, whilst local residents present merit-making offerings and sprinkle scented lustral water on Buddha images in a Songkran Thai New Year bathing ritual.
Families pay respect to elderly relatives and other
respected individuals by pouring scented lustral water
over the hands.


Festival highlights include the 'Kong Kao' religious ritual, rarely seen folk games and traditional Thai sports, cockfighting - a popular local sport, the Siracha Miss Songkran beauty pageant and Siracha Songkran Parade.

Contact information:
TAT Central Region Office: Region 3
Tel: +66 (0) 3842 7667, (0) 3842 8750
Fax: +66 (0) 3842 9113

APRIL 18 - 19, 2007
‘WAN LAI’ SONGKRAN CUSTOMS IN PATTAYA, CHON BURI
At Wat Chaimongkon, South Pattaya; Pattaya beach and other sites around Pattaya

Except the building of sand stupas on the beach and the local landscape, Songkran Thai New Year rituals and celebrations in Pattaya are similar to those performed in other parts of the country.

Highlights and Activities
The building of sand stupas
Bathing ritual of Buddha images at temples
Scented lustral water is poured over the hands of elders and individuals held in high esteem in a gesture of respect
Traditional Songkran Parade
Cultural presentations and performances
Miss Songkran beauty contest
Water-splashing

Contact information:
TAT Central Region Office: Region 3
Tel: +66 (0) 3842 7667, (0) 3842 8750
Fax: +66 (0) 3842 9113


APRIL 19 - 21, 2007
SI MAHARAJA SONGKRAN FESTIVAL IN CHON BURI PROVINCE
At Koh Loi Park, Sriracha district, Chon Buri province

Highlights and Activities
The observance of the ‘kong kao’ religious ritual and other customs related to the celebration of the Thai New Year
Bathing ritual of Buddha images at temples
Procession of Buddha images
The building of sand stupas
Light-and-sound presentation
Thai cultural performances and folk games
Sales of local food and desserts
Miss Songkran beauty contest
Water-splashing

Contact information:
TAT Central Region Office: Region 3
Tel: +66 (0) 3842 7667, (0) 3842 8750
Fax: +66 (0) 3842 9113

SARANROM CULTURAL PARK

Free Admission

An Exhibition in Honour of His Majesty the King
The exhibition showcases thousands of projects initiated by His Majesty the King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand for the benefit of the Thai people throughout his 60 years on the throne.

Cultural Shows from Five Regions
Cultural shows from the five regions include Thai traditional folk dances, Manorah performances, shadow puppet plays, northeastern-style basket dances, performances of Thai traditional masked dances or khon, and plays by artists from around the country.
Performances are staged simultaneously twice a day.
15.00 – 15.30 hrs and 18.00 – 20.30 hrs



Merry Folk Music
Enjoy a vast selection of colourful folk music bands such as the northeastern-style Sing Saderd folk singers, the Mongserng rock group, the southern band Pran Preu and alto xylophonist Narongrit Tosa-nga. Many national artists and famous stars from each province will take to the stage, presenting impressive performances daily.
Performances are staged simultaneously twice a day.
15.00 – 15.30 hrs and 18.00 – 20.30 hrs

Grand Light-and-Sound performances
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday/ 19.00 – 20.00 hrs
These combine the performing arts with multimedia effects, musical fountains, flying angels and laser displays. With the support of more than 50 performers, the show is intended to express national loyalty for His Majesty the King through five stories about five special occasions.

Learn about Thai Folk Wisdom
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will stage demonstrations on how to create products based on Thai folk wisdom. Visitors are welcome to observe the demonstrations and learn about useful techniques free of charge.

Demonstrations are held twice a day.
15.00 – 17.30 hrs
18.00 – 20.30 hrs

Contact information:
Cultural Park for Tourism Project
Bangkok Tourism Division, Culture, Sports and Tourism Department
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration
Tel: 0 2225 7612-4
Fax: 0 2225 7615-6
Web site: http://www.saranrom.net/,www.bangkoktourist.com


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.

Contact:
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Email: info@tat.or.th
Website: www.tat.or.th
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 (120 automatic lines)
Fax: +66 (0) 2250 5511 (two automatic lines)

FOR EVENT INFORMATION,
please call 1672.

Address:
1600 Petchaburi Road, Makkasan, Rajatevee
Bangkok 10400
Thailand

Chiang Mai International Art and Culture Festival 2007

Various stage performances will be seen throughout the nine days. There will be music by the Royal Thai Navy’s Band and Rudklao Amratisha. Dance performances will come from different regions with cultural shows from Japan and Lao PDR. Lanna’s puppet shows will be presented. There will also be music by the ETC Band, together with invited artists: Wiyada Komarakun na Nakhon, Jennifer Kim, Koh Mr. Saxman, and Ford Sopchai Kraiyoonsen. You will enjoy dancesport with the Suntaraporn Band, as well as visit art pavilions and the art market around the Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Centre.

During the Festival, Lanna traditions which have long been passed down will also be held in Chiang Mai, such as Poi Sang Long (ordination of novices) at Wat Pa Pao, Thai Lanna royal drum competition at the ground of the Three Kings Monument, Lap Mueang (spicy meat salad) Fair, and Pi Mai Mueang (New Year Festival) at Lanna Wisdom School.

Activities including art pavilions, an art market, workshops, Lanna’s puppet making, and graphic arts from the Mekong Arts and Cultural Project, will be held around the Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Centre from 16.00 – 22.00 hrs.

The stage performances at the ground of the Three Kings Monument are scheduled from 18.00 – 22.00 hrs. as follows:-

1 April 2007 - Opening Ceremony.
- The Royal Thai Navy’s Band and Rudklao Amratisha.
2 April 2007 - Northern-styled dance from the Chiang Mai Dramatic Arts College.
3 April 2007 - Traditional Thai dance from the Suphan Buri Dramatic Arts College.
4 April 2007 - Isan-styled dance from the Roi Et Dramatic Arts College.
5 April 2007 - Southern-styled dance from the Phatthalung Dramatic Arts College.
6 April 2007 - Cultural performance by the ‘Meinichi Academic’ from Japan.
- Cultural performance from Luang Prabang, Lao PDR.
- Cultural performance from China, Myanmar, and Vietnam, and northern folk
songsby a group of international students from Chiang Mai University.
7 April 2007 - Lanna’s puppet show by Hobby Hut Puppet Troupe , and Krabong Lao puppet
show from Vientiane, Lao PDR.
- The ETC Band and invited artists: Wiyada Komarakun na Nakhon, Jennifer Kim,
Koh Mr. Saxman, and Ford Sopchai Kraiyoonsen.
8 April 2007 - Lanna’s puppet show by Hobby Hut Puppet Troupe , and Krabong Lao puppet
show from Vientiane, Lao PDR.
- Entertainment performances by Lanna folk artists such as Khru Aet Phanuthat
Aphichanathong and the comic group of Chai Chuanchim, Kao Tuam and Withun
Chaiphrom.
9 April 2007 - Music by the Suntaraporn Band.
- The Suntaraporn Band.
- The Chiang Mai Ballroom Dance Club.

For more information, contact
the Events Promotion Division,
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)
at Tel. 0 2250 5500 ext. 3475-8, or TAT Call Centre 1672.

http://www.chiangmaiart2007.com/