Bangkok Festivals

Songkran Festival
April 13-15, 2000
   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.
Royal Ploughing Ceremony
May 15, 2000
   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.
H.M. The Queen’s Birthday Celebration
August 12, 2000
   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.
Loi Krathong
November 10, 2000
   It is an impressive and fascinating festival observed in all parts of the country on the full moon night of the 12^th 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
December 3, 2000
   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, 2000
   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 5^tha 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.