Tuesday, November 29, 2011

EVENTS & FESTIVALS AROUND THAILAND — DECEMBER


King Rama IX Botanical Festival
1–12 December, Rama IX Park, Bangkok
Exhibition about Suan Luang Botanical Garden, show of winning arts and crafts like flower garlands, sale of plants and gardening tools, region’s cultural performances and fireworks.

Thailand International Motor Expo
1–12 December, Impact Exhibition & Convention Centre, Bangkok
This is where car fanatics get their fill of the latest designs, accessories and gadgets. Expect the big names like Audi, BMW, Volkswagen and Fiat, along with clever 'earth-loving' vehicles.

Trooping of the Colours
2 December, Royal Plaza, Bangkok
Members of the three armed forces – the Royal Thai Army, the Royal Thai Navy and the Royal Thai Air Force – together with the royal guards, don colourful uniforms and march in unison before HM the King and Queen and members of the Royal Family.

Thailand International Balloon Festival
2–6 December, Nakhon Nayok
The festival showcases the wonderful thrill of balloon flying and the country’s unique and beautiful hinterland.

Chiang Mai Bike Week
2–10 December, Chiang Mai
Bikers come out to play in the mountains this weekend. Charitable activities in Chiang Mai province and surrounding areas combine to make for great fun.

Isan Grand Kite Tradition
3–4 December, Buriram
See kite competitions of various selected categories, a kite procession and sales of local products.

Bangkok Pride Tournament
3–5 December, Tennis Academy of Asia, Bangkok
Asia's first Gay and Lesbian Tennis Alliance tournament hosts fiercely competitive men's singles and doubles matches played in the Thai capital's Pakkred neighbourhood. Spectators welcome too.

King’s Cup Regatta
4–10 December, Phuket
An exhilarating international boating regatta will sees international teams battle it out to win the royal trophy of H.M. The King.

H.M. the King’s Birthday Celebrations
5 December, nationwide
His Majesty the King will celebrate his 83rd birthday today. An alms-giving ceremony in the morning is followed by a huge festival of music and culture.

Koh Samet Festival
6–11 December, Samet Island
Become amazed with the night colours of neighbouring Rayong as you enjoy various entertaining events and tasty food on this tropical oasis.

World Heritage Fair
9–18 December, Ayutthaya
Celebrate this glorious former capital city with a sound and light show, exhibitions, cultural performances, presentations and shopping.

Constitution Day
10 December, nationwide
Today’s celebrations are held annually to commemorate the advent of the regime of Constitutional Monarchy in Thailand.

Rama VIII Traditional Long Boat Races
11 December, Chao Phraya River, Bangkok
Watch scores of traditional long boats, hewn from tree trunks, slice through the water. Taking place in Bangkok, boats of all sizes compete here, with up to 55 paddlers in one boat.

Vintage Vehicle Procession
16–18 December, Hua Hin
View a beautiful procession of vintage cars as they make their way to Hua
Hin via the Railway Station, Klai Kangwon Royal Palace and Clock Tower.

Concert in the Park
Dec 18 & 25, Lumphini Park, Bangkok
Music lovers picnic on tropical winter afternoons with the Bangkok Symphony. The orchestral ensemble plays both Thai and Western classical music, as well as tunes from Broadway.

Sing Buri Fish Festival
Date TBC, Singburi
Fish sculpture contest, fresh fish exhibition, food from fish contest, special dish from great chefs and a variety of industry products on offer.

Pha Mor E-daeng Marathon
Date TBC, Si Sa Ket
A marathon along the way up to “Khao Phra Wiharn” between Phumicharon
Village and Pha Mor E-daeng. Come to run, walk, stroll or watch.

Elephant Sa-Toke Fair
Date TBC, Lampang
Procession of the elephant satok, local cultural performances, exhibitions, sales of local handicrafts and more will be on hand at this delightful annual fair.