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Wan Lai Festival
The heat intensifies once the month of April comes in Thailand. People of old ages were wise enough to initiate the Songkran festival to cool themselves off from the heat and celebrate it as the Thai New Year. In the central region, the festival is usually held on the 13th, l4th and 15th of April while in the East there is a difference as the water throwing activities commence on the l6th or 17th, 18th or 19th known as "Wan Lai" (Flowing Day).
Pattaya City holds its Wan Lai festival annually on April 19th with activities such as water pouring for the elders, processions and the fun of dowsing and another with water, a time for Thais and foreigners alike.
Pattaya Festival
Pattaya Festival is usually held in the mid of April to promote tourism and Pattaya's reputation. Floral floats are paraded along the streets. Miss Pattaya Beauty contest is held together with traditional aquatic sports competitions and construction of sand castles. A spectacular fireworks display takes place on the beach and fire crackers are also set off. Simultaneously, arts and cultural performances, exhibitions and souvenirs for sale are available too.
Chonburi Buffalo Races
Chonburi Buffalo Races are held in Chonburi October every year. The water buffalo is one of the mainstays in the life of a Thai farmer but in this annual event it is more amusing than ploughing the local fields such as buffalo races and contests pitting buffalo and man. Beauty contests make an addition to the fun which attracts the crowd from nearby seaside resorts.
Ancestral Spirits Ceremony Festival
It is held at Sri Racha District. It is based on an old custom of the people from Chonburi only practiced now in Sri Racha District. It is held every year between April 19 - 21 on the grounds in front of Tambon Sri Racha Municipal Office and on Ko Loy Sri Racha. Activities comprise a parade by the elderly group and personnel from different government agencies dressed in traditional folk costume, ceremonies for the appeasement of the spirits, demonstration of Kong Khao or rice piling, folk games, demonstration and sales of local cuisine and delicacies.
Koh Pra Sai Wan Lai Festival at Bangsaen
Based on an ancient tradition practiced by generations of Tambon Saensuk residents, formerly called the Wan Lai Merit-Making Ceremony. Villagers from various places gather to make merit for the Thai New Year (Songkran). Monks from every temple in Tambon Saensuk congregate to perform religious rites which start with merit-making and food-offering and the bathing of Buddha images. These are followed by other activities such as building sand stupas, water-throwing, games and folk sports.
Boon Klang Ban and Phanatnikhom Basketware Festival
A festival that dates back several years ago usually takes place during the 3rd to the 6th month of the Thai Lunar Calendar. An elder or respected villager determines a day for merit-making and the ridding of ill luck for the well-being of the people. The religious ceremonies are followed by the sharing of meals and performances of folk games.
Loy Krathong (Light festival)
Thailand's waterways rivers, klongs, even hotel swimming pools will be ablaze with dazing lights on the evening of Nov. 14, when the Kingdom celebrates "Loy Krathong" one of the year's most-awaited festivals. The annual festival, also celebrated in other neighbouring countries, is held on the full moon day of the 12th lunar month. Thais place great importance in this event and while the best celebrations are said to be held in Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Sukhothai and Chiangmai, the event and while the best celebrations are said to be held in Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Sukhothai and Chiangmai, the event is marked with great funfair all over the Kingdom.
The New Year's Day
The International New Year Day has been adopted. On the first of January, people offer food to monks at the temple or at a particular site designated by government offices of private organizations. In Bangkok, the Phramaane ground and the lawn in front of the district offices are popular places.
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