Festivals and events in Thailand from July to December 2009

JULY 2009

AMAZING THAILAND GRAND SALE 2009
Date: June 1 – August 31, 2009
Venue: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket, and Hat Yai

The Amazing Thailand Grand Sale, Thailand’s annual three-month shopping extravaganza offers world-class shopping, a diverse selection of quality products and services, special discounts of 10 – 70 percent and promotional offers being extended by leading department stores, shopping complexes, King Power Duty Free shops, airlines, hotels, spas, golf courses, online travel agencies, hospitals, jewelry shops, and participating retail outlets along designated “Shopping Streets” in Bangkok and at special events held in the popular tourist destinations of Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin, and Hat Yai.

The “Shopping Streets” provide a convenient opportunity to spot great buys in an exotic range of unique crafts and cottage industry products, including exquisitely hand-crafted decorative items for home and living, as well as fashion accessories, available in the traditional, as well as contemporary design.

In addition to discount offers of up to 70 percent from participating establishments, check out the special promotions offered by retail and service outlets displaying the “Thailand Grand Sale” decal. These include free gifts, vouchers, and lucky draw prizes.

To take advantage of special discounts, promotional offers, and other privileges from June 1 through to August 31, simply look out for the “Amazing Thailand Grand Sale” decal on display at participating outlets.

5 REGION THAI TRAVEL FEST
Date: May – September, 2009
The Tourism Authority of Thailand’s newly-launched “5 Region Thai Travel Fest” features a series of five regional travel fairs targeting Thai consumers in the various regions of Thailand.

Designed to promote the cross-selling of Thai tourism products and services, “5 Region Thai Travel Fest” brings together a great diversity of regional highlights and unique selling points for each of the destinations.

Each of the regional travel fairs will highlight travel destinations and attractions, and feature colorful presentations of culture, traditions, and way of life, as well as live demonstrations of folk art and craft, regional cuisine, and opportunities to savor local delicacies. Unique signature products and village crafts from each of the sub-districts (tambon) of each of the 76 provinces of Thailand presented under the OTOP – One Tambon, One Product theme will also be showcased.

May 1 – 3, 2009
Colors of the East
Along the Pattaya beachfront in Chon Buri province

July 17 – 19, 2009
Colors of I-San
At Thung Sri Muang in Ubon Ratchathani

August 21 – 23, 2009
Colors of the South
At Thung Ta Laat in Nakhon Si Thammarat

July 31 – August 2, 2009
Colors of the North
At the Rajabhat Pibun Songkhram University in Phitsanulok

September 18 – 20, 2009
Colors of the Central Region
At the Bang Sai Folk Arts and Crafts Training Centre in Ayutthaya

HALAL FOOD HILAL TOWN
Date: July 2009
Venue: Khok Chana Phama area, Thalang District, Phuket

The island resort of Phuket is hosting Halal Food Hilal Town Fair to highlight the island’s readiness in catering to the special dietary needs of visitors who observe halal and raise awareness of Phuket as a travel and tourism destination for visitors residing in the neighboring countries of ASEAN as well as countries in the Middle East, particularly during the green season. Halal Food Hilal Town Fair will also strengthen good relations between Buddhists and Muslim communities.

Halal Food Hilal Town Fair also raises the visibility and awareness of Thalang district in Phuket. The fair will feature a light-and-sound presentation, presentations of art and culture, stage shows and live demonstrations that reflect traditions the culture and traditions of Muslim communities. More than 70 booths will be selling Halal food and staging other activities.

HALAL FOOD

The Arabic word Halal means lawful. In the Holy Quran, Allah commands Muslims and all of mankind to consume Halal food. The following are examples of halal food — milk (from cows, sheep, camels, and goats), honey, fish, plants that are not intoxicant, fresh or naturally frozen vegetables, fresh or dried fruits, legumes and nuts like peanuts, cashew nuts, hazel nuts, walnuts, and grains such as wheat, rice, rye, barley, and oat. In order to be suitable for consumption, other meat must be Zabihah, from livestock slaughtered according to Islamic rites.

Halal Tips: www.eat-halal.com/halaltips.shtml

HUA HIN REGATTA 2009
Date: July 30, 2009 to August 3, 2009
Venue: Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan

At the close of the month, July 30, sailors gather for the annual Hua Hin Regatta 2008 that will test their skills over three days of competition. The coveted trophies are the Royal Vega Rudder trophy of His Majesty the King, Super Mod National Championship trophy from HM the King, OK Dinghy National Championship trophy from HM the Queen, and Princess Cup for Optimist Championship of the late HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana.

Hua Hin is considered the traditional home for the country’s sailing community, due to HM the King’s keen interest in the sport. A Southeast Asia Games winner in the sailing category, HM the King built his own racing dinghy and helped to establish the Super Mod class and is an enthusiastic patron of sailing resulting in this annual regatta being held in his honor off the coast of Hua Hin in sight of the palace.

AUGUST 2009

HOME DECORATION FAIR 2009
Date: August 8 – 16, 2009
Venue: Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok

The furniture fair for persons interested in house decoration, persons having new house construction, architects, interior designers, and other interested people.

Tel: +66 (0) 2 731 1331
Website: www.homedecorationfair.com/

WEDDING FAIR 2009 BY NEO
Date: May 28 – 31, 2009
Venue: Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok

“Wedding Fair 2009 by NEO” shows you how to transform a glamorous bride into a gorgeous princess in the blink of an eye, and will take on the theme of “You are My Princess.”

Thailand’s biggest and most complete wedding fair will bring together everyone from prestigious hotels to well-known wedding dress and accessory makers and from photo studios to the most dreamy honeymoon destinations. All highlighted events include Talk of the Town wedding dress, the 8th Thailand Wedding Designer Awards 2009, and Wedding Make-up and & Hair Workshop, plus a string of fun-filled activities at the “How about your baby?” zone and lots of games, plus chances to win fabulous prizes for every 3,000-baht spent on the day.

www.thaiweddingfair.com/

THAILAND BABY & KIDS BEST BUY 2009
Date: August 27 – 30, 2009
Venue: Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok

Enjoy an exceptional opportunity to shop for your kids at the 6th Thailand Baby & Kids Best Buy 2009 – the grand-scale trade fair for everything newborn babies to 12-year-olds could possibly require.

The event brings together over 300 leading producers of brand-name items offering up to 80 percent discounts and lots of special promotions. All this plus an international crawling competition and many more fun activities will be offered.

Tel: +66 (0) 2 689 2993
Website: www.thailandbabybestbuy.com

THE 8TH HUA HIN/CHA-AM GOLF FESTIVAL 2009
The festival for golf lovers
Date: August 1 – September 30, 2009
Venue: At the heavenly seaside resorts of Hua Hin/Cha-am, Thailand

The Tourism Authority of Thailand Phetchaburi Office, together with the Phetchaburi- Prachuap Khiri Khan Golf Course Association, invites all golf lovers to join in the fun during the Hua Hin/Cha-am Golf Festival throughout August and September 2009.

Promotional offers include:

– An offer to play golf at the Springfield Village Golf and Spa throughout August for only 800 baht — the lowest green fees of the year.

– Invitations to apply to compete in organized tournaments every Sunday for just Baht 1,200 (fees include caddy and dinner), with lots of lucky prizes. The player achieving a hole-in-one at designated holes will win a car on the last day of the festival.

– Prizes presented for the ‘longest drive’ contests.

– An opportunity to browse and shop for a wide range of specially-discounted golf products with a 10-30 percent reduction on Pro Shop products at all courses.

Further information can be obtained from TAT Phetchaburi on +66 (0) 3247 1005 – 6 during office hours or from any of the following 7 participating golf courses.

GOLF COURSES

The Imperial Lake View Hotel and Golf Club
Tel: +66 (0) 3245 6233 – 40
Fax: +66 (0) 3245 6244
Email: [email protected]

Springfield Village Golf and Spa
Tel: +66 (0) 3270 9222
Fax: +66 (0) 3270 9233
Email: [email protected]

The Majestic Creek Golf and Resort
Tel: +66 (0) 3261 9168 – 70, Fax: +66 (0) 3260 2784

Palm Hills Golf Resort and Country club
Tel: +66 (0) 3244 2460 – 1, Fax: +66 (0) 3244 2463
Email: [email protected]

Kaeng Krachan Golf and Country Club
Tel: +66 (0) 3242 2145
Fax: +66 (0) 3242 2146
Email: [email protected]

Royal Hua Hin Golf Course
Tel: +66 (0) 3251 2475, (0) 3253 1070
Fax: +66 (0) 3251 3038
Email: [email protected]

For additional information, please contact:
TAT Phetchaburi Office
Tel: +66 (0) 3247 1005 – 6
Fax: +66 (0) 3247 1502
Email: [email protected]

Sawang Resort and Golf Club
Tel: +66 (0) 3256 2555 – 7
Fax: +66 (0) 3256 2558

H.M. THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
Date: August 12, 2009
Venue: Nationwide

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

Contact:
Tourism Authority of Thailand
TAT Call Centre 1672
August 12 Celebrations Organizing Committee
Tel: 0 2356 0051-2
Website: www.belovedqueen.com

SEPTEMBER 2009

5th HEALTH CUISINE & BEAUTY FESTIVAL
Date: September 2-6, 2009
Venue: Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok

The grand fair for all health enthusiasts organized by Health & Cuisine, Cheewajit and Shape Magazine under the aegis of Amarin Printing & Publishing PLC.

Tel: +66 (0) 2 422 9999 ext 4350, 4551-5
Website: www.healthandcuisine.com/Activity/HCBF5/default.html

21ST THAILAND INTERNATIONAL SWAN BOAT RACES AND LONG BOAT RACE CHAMPIONSHIP THAILAND
Date: September 12 – 13, 2009
Venue: On the Chao Phraya River
At the Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
Admission is free

International boat races have been widely promoted in Asia, Europe, the Americas, Australia, and other parts of the world. The races are seen to be important vehicles in promoting cultural exchange and strengthening friendly ties between countries and are actively supported by the participating countries. Boat teams from Thailand have competed in several international boat events since 1985.

Recognizing the importance of preserving Thailand’s river-based cultural traditions, the Tourism Authority of Thailand initiated the kingdom’s first long-boat race contest in 1986. Since 1988, a series of long-boat race contests have been held on the local and national level. With the growing popularity of the event, in September 1999, the first international boat race was held on the Chao Phraya River near the Rama IX Bridge in Bangkok. Since then, it has become an annual international event drawing the participation of boat teams from around the world.

The international long-boat races have also evolved into an important vehicle for the preservation of Thai culture and traditions and the promotion of tourism to Thailand. There’s more to these boat-races than just the thrill of the race itself. The event is as much a colorful spectacle to experience.

THE THAILAND INTERNATIONAL SWAN BOAT RACES AND LONG BOAT RACE CHAMPIONSHIP THAILAND

The 2009 Thailand International Swan Boat Races and Long Boat Race Championships Thailand will be held on September 12-13, 2009 on the section of the Chao Phraya River at the Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province.

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF DANCE AND MUSIC
Date: September – October, 2009
Venue: Thailand Cultural Center, Bangkok

Designed to position Bangkok as a cultural center for world-class performing arts in Asia, the capital will be hosting the International Festival of Dance and Music for the ninth consecutive time this September.

Each year, the star-studded festival presents an impressive program of world-class dance and musical performances bringing together the finest international artists and dancers from countries around the world like Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Russia, and France, as well as celebrated Thai artists and performers, many of whom have gained international fame.

Contact information:
Thailand Cultural Centre
Ratchadapisek Road, Huay Kwang,
Bangkok 10310
Tel: +66 (0) 2247 0028
Fax: +66 (0) 2245 7747
Email: [email protected] www.bangkokfestivals.com/

FISH-FLOCK-SHELLFISH FESTIVAL 2009
Date: September 27 to October 6, 2009
Venue: At the Viewing Terrace, Cha-am Beach, Phetchaburi Province

The district authorities of Cha-am, with the support of the local traders’ society and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), will be hosting the Fish-Flock-Shellfish Festival 2009 from September 27 to October 6.

The festival promises to be a seafood lover’s delight, with a range of beachfront food stalls offering a tantalizing assortment of delicious dishes featuring a variety of fresh shellfish, fish, and seafood, prepared by chefs from more than 50 leading hotels and restaurants in Cha-am between 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm.

Contemplate catching fresh squid after dark when they venture close to the surface of the water in search of food. Squid are attracted by light so to lure the squid to the fishing vessel, the craft is decorated with bright green lights.

For the adventure seeker, a squid-fishing trip is one of the festival highlights. No prior experience is needed; just learn by example. The local fishermen will show you the ropes.

The trips will depart from 18:00 onwards. Participants set out from the shore in small fishing boats, in parties of 7-10 persons per boat, to board a larger squid-fishing vessel anchored out at sea. A fee of 200 Baht per hour per person includes squid-fishing equipment and bait.

Additionally, nature lovers can join bird-watching expeditions to various sites within 10 to 15 km of Cha-am Beach.

Festival activities and entertainment features sales of local products under the “One Village One Product” (OTOP) theme and much more.

Besides tasting a wide variety of good quality fresh seafood at very reasonable prices, experience a great variety of interesting activities on one of Thailand’s most famous beaches.

44TH BANGKOK GEMS AND JEWELRY FAIR 2009 (GEMS)
Date: September 15-19, 2009
Venue: Impact Challenger 1-3, Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi

For more than two decades, Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair has continued to establish itself as a professional trade event of choice. Thailand has had a reputation for its craftsmanship and the ability in applying an ancient traditional with modern technology to achieve perfection in the production of impressive jewelry and jewels this easily proves Thailand status to be The World’s Gems & Jewelry Hub. Indeed, the best place to explore the good part of Thailand’s distinctiveness is at the bi-annual Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair. Yet it is a superb location to see the latest and unique collections, find couture designers and producers in a venue alive with multimedia presentations, dazzling fashion shows, design awards, and other special events.

For more information, please visit: www.bangkokgemsfair.com/

OCTOBER 2009

KIDS OF THE WORLD 2009
Date: October 1-5, 2009
Venue: Impact Arena, Hall 5-6, Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi

“The largest learning playground in Thailand” – The event features educational fun and many kid-related activities. A great event for a family day out with your kids coming to touch, feel, and experience with edutainment themes, such as dinosaur adventure, sports zone, cheerleading contest, fun land, and many more. Over 400,000 attendees are welcome by exhibitors with an assortment of toys, stationery, back to school products, games, hobbies, gifts, apparel, schools, tutor institutes, medical products, travel service, hotel and accommodation service, and insurance. All are available at once on a grand scale. It is the event you can’t miss!

www.kidoftheworld.net/?p=home&lang=en

CHON BURI BUFFALO RACES
Date: October 4, 2009
Venue: At the City Hall, Chon Buri

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 plowing 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.

LOI KRATHONG – FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Date and Venue: In Bangkok, October 29 – November 2, 2009
Nationwide: October 29 – November 2, 2009

As the full moon of the twelfth lunar month (usually in mid-November) lights up the night sky, throughout the Thai kingdom, hundreds of thousands of ornately-decorated krathong or traditional banana leaf floats are set adrift in rivers and waterways in a spell-binding ritual called “Loi Krathong” – the “festival of lights.” This is one of the kingdom’s oldest and best-preserved traditions.
The Loi Krathong tradition we know of today has evolved from the royal rituals of the early Rattanakosin period in which several types of lanterns were set afloat in the Chao Phraya River and its waterways.

LOI KRATHONG SAI ON THE PING RIVER – NIGHT OF A THOUSAND FLOATING LANTERNS

In Tak province, the banana-leaf floats are replaced by coconut shells which are threaded together and launched simultaneously so they appear as long chains of hundreds of glittering lights on the Ping River, hence the origin of its name, “Loi Krathong Sai.”

YI-PENG FESTIVAL IN NORTHERN THAILAND

In the Northern Thai provinces that were once part of the ancient Lanna Thai kingdom, the Yi-peng Northern Lantern Festival is still being celebrated. Tubular lanterns, resembling hot air balloons, are lit and released into the night sky as an offering to the Lord Buddha. As hundreds of illuminated lanterns drift into infinity, this conjures the same sense of wistful closure as the krathong float downstream.

NOVEMBER 2009

RIVER KWAI BRIDGE WEEK
Date: November 24 – December 5, 2009
Venue: Kanchanaburi

Each year in late November to early December, the world famous River Kwae Bridge built by Allied prisoners-of-war during World War II, becomes the focal point of celebrations.

Event highlights include historical and archaeological exhibits, a carnival, folk and cultural performances, rides on World War II vintage trains, and a spectacular light and sound presentation re-enacting the bridge’s World War II legacy.

2009 PHUKET KING’S CUP REGATTA
Date: November 2009

The Phuket King’s Cup Regatta is Asia’s biggest and most popular regatta. More than a regatta, the week-long event consists of great parties, great sailing, and lots of fun.

Inaugurated in 1987 to celebrate the 60th birthday of His Majesty the King of Thailand, the event has been held every year since during the first week of December. In 2006, the event was voted as Yatching Event of the Year at the Christofle Asia Boating Awards. This honor follows a record year in December 2006 with over 100 boats entering the event and with a record media turnout. It is the second consecutive year the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta won this prestigious award.

With the Royal Patronage of His Majesty the King, the Regatta is organized by the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta Organizing Committee under the auspices of the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, in conjunction with the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, the Royal Thai Navy and the Province of Phuket.

For general information on the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, contact Regatta Secretary at [email protected] or +66 (0) 7627 3380. For racing inquiries, contact Simon James on [email protected]. The regatta website is www.kingscup.com where further information and Notice of Race can be found.

DECEMBER 2009

H.M. THE KING’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
Date: December 5, 2009
Venue: Nationwide

On December 5, 2009, His Majesty the King will celebrate his 82nd 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 82nd 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.

Contact: Foundation of King Rama 9 Tel: 66 (0) 2356 0050-2, 66 (0) 2356 0203 Fax: 66 (0) 2356 0051-2
Website: www.belovedking.com
Email: [email protected]

LAGUNA PHUKET TRIATHLON
Date: December 6, 2009
Venue: Hat Bang Tao, Thalang District, Phuket

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.

Contact: TAT Phuket Office
Tel: 0 7621 1036, 0 7621 2213
Web: www.lagunaphukettriathlon.com or www.tourismthailand.org

PHRA NAKHON SI AYUTTHAYA WORLD HERITAGE FAIR 2009
Date: December 11, 2009 – December 20, 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 center 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.

Contact:
– TAT Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Tel : 66 (0) 3524 6076-7, 66 (0) 3532 2730-1
– Provincial Public Relations Office, Tel. : 66 (0) 3533 6550
Website: www.tourismthailand.org

THE MEKONG RIVER OF FAITHS – CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS
Date: December 24 – 25, 2009
Venue: Bangkok – Nakhon Phanom – Sakhon Nakhon – Bangkok

See the Sparkling Star Procession at Tha Rae, the largest Christian community in Thailand and visit Wat Song Khon, the beautiful Roman Catholic Church in Nakhon Phanom.

THAILAND’S NEW YEAR COUNTDOWN CELEBRATIONS 2009/2010
Venue: December 21, 2009 – January 1, 2010

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 favored 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.

Of course, Bangkok has a mission to fulfill. It aspires to make its 2010 New Year Countdown a mega-celebration, on par with the biggest and brightest in Asia Pacific.

The spotlight is on the “Hands Bangkok Countdown” where more than 200,000 New Year party-goers will mingle in the downtown CentralWorld Square. Festivities begin December 21 and culminate in the countdown on New Year’s Eve extending through New Year’s Day.

Concerts and live on-stage performances, the informal atmosphere of beer gardens, and light and sound shows support a theme of peace and joining hands across a multitude of cultures and races.

For More Information, please call 1672 or Events Planning Division, TAT Tel. 66 (0) 2250 5500 ext 3465-3468.