Loy Krathong Day

Loy Krathong Day is one of the most popular festivals of Thailand celebrated annually on the Full-Moon Day of the Twelfth Lunar Month. It takes place at a time when the weather is fine as the rainy season is over and there is a high water level all over the country.
"Loy" means "to float" and a "Krathong" is a lotus-shaped vessel made of banana leaves. The Krathong usually contains a candle, three joss-sticks, some flowers and coins.
In fact, the festival is of Brahmin origin in which people offer thanks to the Goddess of the water. Thus, by moonlight, people light the candles and joss-sticks, make a wish and launch their Krathongs on canals, rivers or even small ponds. It is believed that the Krathongs carry away sins and bad luck, and the wishes that have been made for the new year due to start. Indeed, it is the time to be joyful and happy as the sufferings are floated away.
The festival starts in the evening when there is a full moon in the sky. People of all walks of life carry their Krathongs to the nearby rivers. After lighting candles and joss-sticks and making a wish, they gently place the Krathongs on the water and let them drift away till they go out of sight.
A Beauty Queen Contest is an important part of the festival and for this occasion
it is called "The Noppamas Queen Contest". Noppamas is a legendary figure from the Sukhothai period. Old documents refer to her as the chief royal consort of a Sukhothai Kng named "Lithai". Noppamas was said to have made the first decorated Krathong to float in the river on the occasion.
In Bangkok, major establishments such as leading hotels and amusement parks organise their Loy Krathong Festival and the Krathong contest as mojor annual function.
For visitors to Thailand, the Loy Krathong Festival is an occasion not to be missed. the festival is listed in the tourist calendar. Everyone is invited to take part and share the joy and happiness.

Bang Sai Loi Krathong (Festival of Lights)
November 10 - 11, 2001
Bang Sai Royal Arts & Crafts Centre, Ayutthaya
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.

Loi Krathong & Candle Festival
November 20 - 22, 2001
Sukhothai Historical Park, Skhothai
It is believed that the Loi Krathong Festival originated in Sukhothai, the first Thai capital. It is therefore appropriate that this captivating event is held on the full-moon night of the twelfth lunar month amid the breathtaking ruins of this glorious ancient city. Activities include krathong floating, a fireworks display, cultural performances and an amazing light and sound show.

With permission from : Thanapol Chadchaidee. (1994). Essays on Thailand. Bangkok : Thaichareunkanpem.
With permission from : Amazing Thai festival & Event. Tourism Authority of Thailand

THE SUNSET AT SURIN BEACH,PHUKET

Located in Thalang district, about 24 kilometers from the town of Phuket, Surin Beach is popular among those who love the sea, and tranquility. In summer, the seabreezes there are very strong. Hence the beach is not suitable for swimming. Even so,many Thai and foreign tourists frequently spend a holiday there for relaxation and to enjoy sea breeze.
The difference between Surin Beach and many beaches in Phuket is that the Surin Beach is not crowded. Not to be out-done by thefamous Phromthep Cape, Surin Beach is just as popular a place to watch the spectacular sunsets of Phuket. As a beach destination,it has all the tourist attractions : a host of accommodation choices, restaurants that serve delicious seafood at reasonable prices, and a variety of activities such as parasailing and canoeing - to give all visitors an enjoyable time.
If you love driving along the beach, Surin Beach is an ideal place for you to start a day trip to visit the major beach resorts of Phuket. Heading south from Surin Beach, and continuing to drive along a steep hill, you will see a line of rocks and you will come into the small beach of Laem Sing. Moving toward Kamala Beach and traveling along the hill, you will see the tops of rubber and coconut trees and the beautiful turquoise sea until you reach the end of Patong Beach.
Those who are interested in watching the sunset at Surin Beach may obtain more information at the Phuket Meteorological Office,tel. 0-7621-1494, or contact the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Southern Office,Region 4, tel. 0-7621-1036 and 0-7621-2213 for more details.

GEM AND JEWELRY MUSEUM...THE TREASURE OF SIAM

Just imagine how the brilliance of diamond sparkling all around could make you feel the power of gem and the beauty of nature.

For those who are fascinated with the brilliance of gems and jewelries, Gem and Jewelry Museum is one of national jewelry treasures,established with the mission to promote knowledge ranging from the origin,could clearly reflect the value of gems.

The museum is divided into five sectors: the exhibition of origins of gems and gem mines, the exhibition of minerals and gems of various kinds, the exhibition of cutting, quality grading, the exhibition of precious metals and manufacturing procedures of gold,platinum and silver jewelries, as well as the exhibition of diamonds, synthetic gems and imitated gems.

Gem and Jewelry Museum opens an opportunity for interested people to closely take a look and learn about gems and jiwelries on Monday - Friday at 9.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m. at 3 Floor,Gemological Research and Testing Building, The Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand Public Organization, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University. For more information, contact Tel. 0-2218-5470-4 Ext.16-17.

LA DOLCE VITAZ

The National Gems and Jewelry Research Institute (Public Organization) invites interested parties to participate to the 2th national competition on jewelry design under the concept of 'La Dolce Vita' (Beautiful life), with Baht 270,000 prize for winner. The competition is to offer opportunity ti all new comer designers who want to turn professional. For further information, call 0-2218-5473 extension 16 to 17.

30 BUALUANG PAINTINGS EXHIBITION

Bangkok Bank Foundation will organize '30 Bualuang Paintings Exhibition' to put on show the prize winner work. The xehibition will be on throughout the month of August till 15 October 2008 at the Queen Sirikit Art Center. Open daily during week days, except Wednesday. For further information, call 0-2281-5360 to 1.

LE PARADIS DES FLEURS

Welcome to the horticultural show the ' 7 th Le Paradis des Fleurs' on 5-7 September 2008 at the Central Plaza Shopping Center, near Chiangmai airport. For further information, call 0-2667-5555 extension 4105

PACKAGE OF ACCOMMODATION AND SPECIAL DINNER EVENT FOR WINE LOVERS.

Pimalai Resort and Spa,Krabi : Launching a package of accommodation and special dinner event for wine lovers. Satisfy with 5 courses dinner and wines poured from world famous wine maker Baron Philippe de Rothschild on the night of August 23 2008 at its Seven Seas Restaurant before lodge in private villa adjacent to the sea. For further information and reservation, call0-2320-5500 or visit http://www.pimalai.com/