The water buffalo has always played a significant role in agriculture in Thailand.

In this yearly event, the creatures are seen in more unusual and entertaining ways than ploughing fields. They take part in buffalo races and contests pitting buffalo against man. Beauty pageants and various other fun-filled activities are part of the attractions presented.

Information:
TAT Central Office - Region 3
Tel: +66 (0) 3842 7667, (0) 3842 8750
Fax: +66 (0) 3842 9113
E-mail: tatchon@tat.or.th
Website: http://www.tat.or.th/festival

The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is an annual event held during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar. It is believed that the vegetarian festival and its accompanying sacred rituals bestow good fortune upon those who religiously observe this rite. During this time, local residents of Chinese ancestry strictly observe a 10-day vegetarian or vegan diet for the purposes of spiritual cleansing and merit-making. Sacred rituals are performed at various Chinese shrines and temples and aesthetic displays such as walking barefooted over hot coals and ascending ladders with bladed rungs are performed by entranced devotees known as "Ma Song".

Contact:
TAT Southern Office: Region 4
Tel: 0 7621 1036, 0 7621 2213
www.tat.or.th/festival

Activities To mark the end of Buddhist Lent or ‘Ok Pansa’, communities in Northeastern Thailand or ‘I-San’ stage an annual celebration consisting of a grand procession of meticulously-carved wax castles, long-boat races and festive celebrations. On the final day of the festival, which falls on the end of the Buddhist Lent, local residents make a trip to the temples to make merit. This ancient folk tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation.

Over the centuries, the tradition has evolved. Originally, ornate wax trees carved out of poles of beeswax were presented to temples along with other merit-making ritual offerings.

This festival was originally aimed at payings respect to the Lord Buddha. Then the competition of the illuminated boat processions was organised to add colour to the event. An invitation is delivered to the public and private sectors, including temples, to participate in the public and private sectors, including temples, to participate in the competition. The illuminated boats lined up in the middle of the Mekong River create an impressive scene for viewers.

Contact: TAT Northeastern Office : Region 4
Tel : 0 4251 3490-1
Nakhon Phanom Provincial Administration Office
Tel : 0 4251 1287, 0 4251 1574
Website : www.tat.or.th/festival

Enjoy the beautiful flora, to honour H.M. the Queen, featuring the plant that received H.M. the Queen’s name, the tropical plants, the 60 species which have been newly found as well as the high-price plant such as Bonsai, Impala Lily, and Croton etc. The National Flora Contest is organized, winning the Royal Trophy of HRH Princess Soamsavali Kitiyakara, the categories are:

1. A single orchid plus a garden decoration.
2. The 6 categories of Bonsai.
3. The 22 categories of Aglaonema.
4. The 10 categories of Frangipani.
5. The 8 categories of Impala Lily.
6. The 9 categories of Caladium.
7. The 7 categories of Croton.

At the close of the monsoon season, the thunderstorms that have lashed Bang Phlii become a flower shower, and a time for celebration. A barge moves slowly down the town’s waterway, Khlong Samrong. Worshippers along the banks loft lotuses into it, so many that they nearly engulf its principal passenger: a large Buddha image. The image, a replica of the Luang Pho To in the nearby monastery, is the focus of this, the Rap Bua ceremony. Its journey recreates one of almost mythical proportions two centuries ago. Thousands of Thais flock here each year at the end of the rainy season to honour it.

And to have fun. In Thailand, solemn rituals are generally leavened with … well, levity, as though to relieve the sombreness of the rite.

Folk dramas, sea boxing, his and her beauty contests, boat races, light-and-sound extravaganzas, food, and fairs are all an integral part of the rap bua festivities. Wat Bang Phlii, the main Buddhist monastery in a village of the same name, lies near the rivermouth town of Samut Prakan (Paknam), an hour south of Bangkok. Entering the monastery’s ordination hall, one encounters a large bronze, Sukhothai-style image that folk legend says miraculously came to rest here.

Information:
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
Website: http://www.tat.or.th/festival

Participate in the “Tak Bat Thevo” alms-giving activity in the morning of Ok Phansa Day (The End of Buddhist Lent), while in the evening see the procession for the Naga, cultural performances, as well as the amazing phenomenon of Naga fireballs at night. Witness also the long boat competition for Ok Phansa Day and taste delicious dishes along food streets.

Contact: TAT Northeastern Office : Region 5
Tel : 0 4232 5406-7
Nong Khai Provincial Administration Office
Tel : 0 4242 0323
Website : www.tat.or.th/festival

One of the World Tour of SWATCH FIVB Beach Volley World Tour and the current biggest match of Asia. Meet the world top 20 in the excited game on the white sandy beach of Phuket.

Contact: TAT Southern Office: Region 4
Tel. 0 7621 1036, 0 7621 2213
Events Promotion Division
Tel. 0 2250 5500 ext 3470
Website: www.tat.or.th/festival