To welcome in the New Year, a range of uniquely Thai traditional and cultural festivities that begin with early morning Buddhist merit making, and afternoon and evening folk entertainment are conducted in various parts of the country.
Magha Puja, February 8
This important Buddhist holy day marks the auspicious occasion when 1,250 of Lord Buddha’s aherents spontaneously congregated to hear him give a sermon. Merit-making ceremonies are held during the day at temples throughout the country, while at night, triple candlelit cireumambulation are staged around major temples.
Songkran Festival, April 13-15
The traditional Thai New Year is celebrated citywide, most notably at Sanam Luang, the large field fronting the Grand Palace, where the revered Phra Buddha Sihing image is displayed and bathed by devotees, and at Wisutkasat where a Miss Songkran Beauty Contest is accompanied by merit-making and entertainment. Khao San Road in Banglampoo area is also one of the high-spots in the city to experience the water-throwing activities between locals and tourists.
Visakha Puja, May 7
This is the holiest of all the auspicious Buddhist religious days, marking the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha. All over the country, people go to temples to listen to sermons by revered monks and make merit. Shortly after sunset. candlelit circumambulations take place around major temples.
Royal Ploughing Ceremony, May 15
An ancient Brahman ritual, conducted at Sanam Luang, in which farmers believe is able to forecast the abundance of the next rice crop. The event is a result of series of ceremonies that are conducted by Phraya Raek Na, portrayed by a high-ranking official from the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives who wears colourful tradition costumes. This ceremony is considered the official commencement of the rice-growing season.
Asalha Puja, July 5
The full-moon day of the eighth lunar month marks the preaching of Lord Buddha’s first sermon to his first five disciples after attaining Enlightenment more than 2,500 years ago. In the evening, candlelit processions take place in Buddhist temples around the country.
H.M. The Queen’s Birthday Celebration, August 12
To display their loyalty and to honour Her Majesty Queen Sirikit on the occasion of her royal birthday, the Thai people decorate their houses and public buildings. Around Bangkok, Ratchadamnoen Avenue, the area around the Grand Palace and other well-known locations are bedecked with coloured lights and magnificent adornments.
Thai Beer Festival, November - January, Citywide Bangkok
Every year, the various Thai breweries get together to conduct a Thai Beer Festival, which highlights sales of barbecued food, exotic Thai cuisine and of course beer. To add to this atmosphere of merriment, there are music and cultural performances for everyone to enjoy. Tourists can see this event, especially at the World Trade Centre and other locations around the city.
Loi Krathong
in November
It is an impressive and fascinating festival observed in all parts of the country on the full moon night of the 12th lunar month, when the moon is in its splendor and water in all rivers and streams are full. It is intended primarily as an act of atonement to Mother River. Small receptacles made of banana leaves fashioned in the shape of lotus containing incense and candles, flowers and money are floated as a gesture of expiation. In Bangkok the festival is celebrated along the Chao Phraya River and canals. Hotels on the bank of the river also hold special events.
Trooping of the Colours
in December
Their Majesties the King and Queen preside over this impressive annual event, held in the Royal Plaza near the equestrian statue of King Chulalongkorn. Dressed in colorful uniforms, amid much pomp and ceremony, members of the elite Royal Guards swear allegiance to the King and march past members of the Royal Family.
H.M. The King’s Birthday Celebrations, December 5
The deep reverence felt by all Thais for their King is perhaps unique in the modern world, and his birthday provides an annual occasion for public expression. Government buildings, businesses, and homes all over the country are elaborately decorated and the area around the Grand Palace and Ratchadamnoen Avenue are spectacularly illuminated.
On December the 5th a big celebration can be seen at Sanam Luang at night when thousands of people gather to lit their candles and sing a song to honour H.M. the King.
A long and impressive set of firework is displayed for this special occasion. Apart from these major events, Bangkok is also a venue to hold various events throughout the year. Check the festival calendar in Festivals & events in the main menu.
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