Event&Festivals :

January

New Year's Day - January 1 -
Observed by many Thais as a day off work

Don Chedi Monument
in Suphanburi province. Commemorates the victory of HM Naresuan over Burmese invaders in 1592. A fair is with demonstrations of elephant back duels.

Febuary

Chiang Mai Flower Festival
When a variety of colorful flowers are in full bloom. Celebrations include a parade of decorated floats, displays of flowers and, of course, a beauty contest.

Makkha Buchaa Day
On the full moon of third lunar month. Commemorates the Buddha preaching to 1250 enlightened monks who came without prior summons.
Culminates in a candle lit procemenuon circling the main chapel of every temple.

Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park
Focuses on the areas historical and architectural importance. Features a sound and light show plus Thai clamenucal dance and drama.

March

Phanom Rung Historical Park Festival
This Angkor style temple complex in Buriram province sponsors a light and sound show at night. Last week of the month.

April

Chakri Day - April 6 -
Founding of the Chakri Dynasty, Rama I.

Songkran Festival - April 12-15 -
Thai traditional New Year. Thais pay homage to Buddha images. Younger sprinkle water on their elder hands in a show of respect.

May

Royal Ploughing Ceremony
An ancient Bhahmin festival marks the beginning of the rice planting season. The ceremony is said to forecast the abundance of the next rice crop.

Coronation Day - May 5 -
The King and Queen preside at a ceremony at the temple of the Emerald Buddha which commemorates their coronation in 1950.

Bun Bang Fai Festival or Rocket Festival
A rain making festival in the province of Yasothon. Villagers build large skyrockets of bamboo and fire them into the sky as a way of bringing for their rice fields.

June

Phi Ta Khon Festival
A rain making festival held in Loei where people dress in ghost masks and costumes.

July

Khao Phansa or Candle Festival
Beginning of the Buddhist rain retreat. Huge candles are carved and paraded in the streets.

Asalaha Puja Day
Commemorates the first sermon preached by the Buddha. For a period of three months, monks must remain in their temples and strictly observe their religious duties.

August

Birth Day of Her Majesty the Queen - August 12 -
Lighted portraits of Her Majesty the Queen are decorated with colorful flowers. Also known as "Mother's Day" in Thailand.

September

Phichit Boat Races
An annual rowing regatta which takes place on the Nan River.

October

Chulalongkorn Day - October 23 -
Commemorates the death of King Rama V.

Ok Pansa
Month ending the Buddhist rain retreat. Also the Kathin season when people make merit by presenting robes and other necemenuties to monks at various temple.

November

Loy Krathong
Pays homage to river spirits when people in across Thailand float "krathongs" made of banana leaves and flowers in rivers and canals. Sukhothai and Chiang Mai are notable venues for the holiday.

Elephant Roundup in Surin
Elephants in action with tugs of war logging skills demonstrations. Demonstrations of ancient warfare as well as parades.

River Kwai Bridge Week in Kanchanaburi
Features a light and sound performance on the bridge. The areas archaeology and history is featured with activities that include rides on vintage trains.

December

Trooping of the Colors - December 3 -
Pageant with contingents of all armed forces parading in full dress uniform at the Royal Plaza. Confirms their allegiance to the King and country.

Birth Day of His Majesty the King - December 5 -
Decorated and lighted portraits of His Majesty are placed around the country, also known as "Father's day".

Ayutthaya World Heritage
Site The ancient Siamese capital of Ayutthaya was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1991. The holiday celebrates its glorious past with historical exhibitions, cultural performances.

New Year's Eve - December 31 - C
elebrated as a public holiday in all parts of Thailand.