Magha Puja
February 16, 2003 Nationwide
This important Buddhist holy day marks the auspicious occasion when 1,250 of Lord Buddha's adherents 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 circumambulations are staged around major temples.

Songkran Festival
April 12-15, 2003 Nationwide
The traditional Thai New Year is an occasion for celebration throughout the country. This occasion is marked with religious ceremonies as well as public festivities. Water throwing among the people in a spirit of fun and goodwill is the main activity of this festival.

Royal Ploughing Ceremony
May 5, 2003
Sanam Luang, Bangkok 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 a 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 traditional costumes. This ceremony was re-introduced in 1960 by H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej and is considered the official commencement of the rice-growing season.

Visakha Puja
May 15, 2003 Nationwide 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.

Asalha Puja
July 13, 2003 Nationwide 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.

Khao Phansa
(Buddhist Lent) July 14, 2003 Nationwide This day marks the commencement of the Buddhist Lent or Phansa during which monks must reside inside their temples to study and meditate. This is also the most auspicious time for Buddhist ordinations since it marks a period of renewed spiritual vigour.

M. The Queen's Birthday Celebration
August 12, 2003 Nationwide 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
October - December, 2003 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.

Loy Krathong (Festival of Lights)
November This event held during the full-moon in November features the launching of traditional floats (Krathongs), demonstrations and exhibitions of local handicrafts, as well as an array of other fun activities.

Trooping Of The Colours
December 3, 2003 The Royal Plaza, Bangkok 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 colourful 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, 2003 Nationwide H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest reigning monarch. is well beloved and deeply respected by all Thais old and young. The occasion of his royal birthday provides his loyal subjects the opportunity to express their reverence for him. All over the country. buildings and homes are elaborately decorated and the area around the Grand Palace is spectacularly illuminated.