EVENTS & FESTIVALS AROUND THAILAND — JANUARY

Hat Yai Lantern Festival

1 Jan – 30 April, Hat Yai Municipality Park, Songkhla

The festival is divided into 7 categories: Amazing Small World, Amazing Floating Lantern, Amazing Animal Planet, Amazing Lantern of the East, Amazing Chinese Lantern, Amazing Bird Paradise and Amazing Sculpture Lantern.

Bor Sang Umbrella Festival

15-17 January, Bor Sang village, Chiang Mai

Observe the refined tradition of umbrella making in a sleepy village that’s been producing beautiful parasols for over 100 years.

Wangnamkeow Floral Fantasia

20–22 January, Nakhon Ratchasima

This magnificent tapestry of floral art is created from more than 200,000 potted plants and flower beds covering an area of 10 hectares and set against a picturesque valley backdrop.

Nakhon Pathom Food Fair

23–29 January, Nakhon Pathom

In one convenient stop visitors will be able to conveniently 'sample' a vast selection of delicious dishes prepared by 50 of the province's famous restaurants and food stalls.

Phimai Festival

28 January, Phimai Historical Park, Nakhon Ratchasima

A dance drama and light-and-sound presentation called "Wimaya Nattakan" will take place. The cultural presentation depicts the past glory of ancient Phimai and the Khmer empire.

Khon Kaen International Marathon

29 January, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen

Take part in scenically stunning 42km marathon, 21km half-marathon, 11.5km mini-marathon or 4.5km fun run past the city’s key attractions.

The River of Kings Festival

Jan 31 – Feb 9, Ratchaworadit Pier, Bangkok

This is a spectacular light-and-sound extravaganza in a grand theatrical production with a cast of more than 700 actors and actresses and two live elephants, depicting the history of Thailand

Royal Flora Ratchaphruek Fair

Until 14 March, Chaing Mai

Activities are divided into three parts, which are exhibitions about agriculture and the royal agricultural projects, national and international agricultural conferences and plant contests.

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 83^rd 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.