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Wan Lai Festival
The heat intensifies once the month of April comes in Thailand.
People of old ages were wise enough to initiate the Songkran festival
to cool themselves off from the heat and celebrate it as the Thai
New Year. In the central region, the festival is usually held on
the 13th, l4th and 15th of April while in the East there is a difference
as the water throwing activities commence on the l6th or 17th, 18th
or 19th known as "Wan Lai" (Flowing Day).
Pattaya City holds its Wan Lai festival annually on April 19th with
activities such as water pouring for the elders, processions and
the fun of dowsing and another with water, a time for Thais and
foreigners alike.
Pattaya Festival
Pattaya Festival is usually held in the mid of April to promote
tourism and Pattaya's reputation. Floral floats are paraded along
the streets. Miss Pattaya Beauty contest is held together with traditional
aquatic sports competitions and construction of sand castles. A
spectacular fireworks display takes place on the beach and fire
crackers are also set off. Simultaneously, arts and cultural performances,
exhibitions and souvenirs for sale are available too.
Chonburi Buffalo Races
Chonburi Buffalo Races are held in Chonburi October every year.
The water buffalo is one of the mainstays in the life of a Thai
farmer but in this annual event it is more amusing than ploughing
the local fields such as buffalo races and contests pitting buffalo
and man. Beauty contests make an addition to the fun which attracts
the crowd from nearby seaside resorts.
Ancestral Spirits Ceremony Festival
It is held at Sri Racha District. It is based on an old custom of
the people from Chonburi only practiced now in Sri Racha District.
It is held every year between April 19 - 21 on the grounds in front
of Tambon Sri Racha Municipal Office and on Ko Loy Sri Racha. Activities
comprise a parade by the elderly group and personnel from different
government agencies dressed in traditional folk costume, ceremonies
for the appeasement of the spirits, demonstration of Kong Khao or
rice piling, folk games, demonstration and sales of local cuisine
and delicacies.
Koh Pra Sai Wan Lai Festival at Bangsaen
Based on an ancient tradition practiced by generations of Tambon
Saensuk residents, formerly called the Wan Lai Merit-Making Ceremony.
Villagers from various places gather to make merit for the Thai
New Year (Songkran). Monks from every temple in Tambon Saensuk congregate
to perform religious rites which start with merit-making and food-offering
and the bathing of Buddha images. These are followed by other activities
such as building sand stupas, water-throwing, games and folk sports.
Boon Klang Ban and Phanatnikhom Basketware Festival
A festival that dates back several years ago usually takes place
during the 3rd to the 6th month of the Thai Lunar Calendar. An elder
or respected villager determines a day for merit-making and the
ridding of ill luck for the well-being of the people. The religious
ceremonies are followed by the sharing of meals and performances
of folk games.
 Loy
Krathong (Light festival)
Thailand's waterways rivers, klongs, even hotel swimming pools will
be ablaze with dazing lights on the evening of Nov. 14, when the
Kingdom celebrates "Loy Krathong" one of the year's most-awaited
festivals. The annual festival, also celebrated in other neighbouring
countries, is held on the full moon day of the 12th lunar month.
Thais place great importance in this event and while the best celebrations
are said to be held in Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Sukhothai and Chiangmai,
the event and while the best celebrations are said to be held in
Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Sukhothai and Chiangmai, the event is marked
with great funfair all over the Kingdom.
The New Year's Day
The International New Year Day has been adopted. On the first of
January, people offer food to monks at the temple or at a particular
site designated by government offices of private organizations.
In Bangkok, the Phramaane ground and the lawn in front of the district
offices are popular places.
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