Sai Buri Fishing Competition

Fishing makes friends

Game fishing competition in the Deep South attracts teams from Singapore and Malaysia.

Sports events are few and far between in April, possibly due to soaring summer temperatures. Schools are on holiday to give children a break from the heat, while Thailand’s most important festival, Songkran, the celebration of the traditional New Year, has a practical application too. It’s the one time in the year when it’s cool to throw a bucket of water over your neighbour.

But for the hardy go-any-where fishing community it appears the heat of the summer sun is not a deterrent, nor apparently is the sensitive security issues surrounding the event’s venue in the Deep South province of Pattani.

Both local and foreign anglers, many from neighbouring countries, meet in Pattani province and make friends at one of the oldest sports fishing events in the country, the 22nd Sai Buri Fishing Competition.

Pattani hosts this event, 24 to 26 April, at Wa Sukri Beach, 50 km from Pattani town. Talubun Municipality, in Sai Buri district, organises the annual event that features both on-shore fishing competitions for individuals and off-shore contests for teams with a maximum of three members per boat.

The on-shore contests require competitors to cast their reels to catch fish that dwell close to shore, or take shelter under rocky outcrops. In the off-shore team events, anglers travel some distance by boat to snarl game fish as large and marlin and tuna.

Depending on the swing of the monsoon season, the event has been held annually for 21 years, either in late April, or early May. Last year, it was held early May and welcomed 157 people for the on-shore competition and 38 teams for the off-shore boat game fishing competitions. Most of the participants at this competition are Thais, but there is also a strong representation in the team events from neighbouring countries such as Malaysia and Singapore.

The registration fee is Bt100 for individuals and Bt2,000 for a team including meals during the event. Participants have to bring their own fishing tackle, rods and reels, while teams rent fishing boats for the off-shore event at around Bt1,300 per day. Bait is provided.

The off-shore, competition starts at Wat Sukri Pier, with boats heading for fishing grounds near Losin or Laopi islands. Trophies and prizes are based on species and weight of the fish caught.

For more information, contact Talubun municipality in Sai Buri district at, Tel: 073 411 810 and 073 411 015.

Songkran Festival

Splashing blessings on everyone in sight

While the water splashing will flourish, the traditional values of Songkran are the focus of the 2009 celebrations.

Songkran is without doubt the most popular of all Thai festivals and rightly so.
It marks the beginning of a new astrological year and its exact dates are determined by the old lunar calendar of Siam.
This year the three-day festival falls on 13 to 15 April.

Traditionally, April 13 is known as “Maha Songkran Day” and marks the end of the old year, April 14 is “Wan Nao”, while April 15 is “Wan Thaloeng Sok” when the New Year begins.

While the festival has its roots in Buddhist heritage, the washing of Buddha images, merit making, traditional family values and the sprinkling of water in respect for elders, it is best known for the fun and “sanuk” everyone gains from splashing copious quantities of water on all who happen to pass by.
Songkran is celebrated with gusto by young and old, throughout the country. City communities and villages in rural Thailand forget their troubles and concentrate on the serious of business of having fun as well as cooling off, during the height of the summer’s scorching tropical temperatures.
Probably of all the national festivals, this is the one that foreigners love to experience the most. They will come across water splashing festivities wherever they travel giving them an opportunity to share in a festival that is immensely popular, while still retaining a link to its traditional roots and values.
One of the traditional values points to the Thai family and the opportunity for family members to express their respect for their elders. Younger members of the family pour scented water on the hands of their parents, and grandparents. They may present them with gifts or tokens of their love. In return, elders wish youngsters good luck and prosperity.

In temples, elder members of the family gather to make merit, offering alms to the monks. They may help clean the temple courtyard, or perform bathing rites for Buddha images

In by-gone days, the fun of splashing water on friends or strangers had to wait until the late afternoon when the religious duties and ceremonies were over.
Today, the lines are often blurred with the younger generation making the most of the three-day opportunity to splash water on everyone in sight.

Possibly the most famous of the Songkran celebrations takes place in Chiang Mai. It attracts thousands of visitors, from all over Thailand as well as international tourists determined to share in the fun.
Often simply called the Chiang Mai Water Festival, the core of the celebrations will be held, 13 to 15 April, at the city’s main irrigation canal, with parades and cultural performances as well as arts demonstrations. The actual opening ceremony will be held 12 April, at the Royal Flora complex when the Minister of Tourism and Sports will declare the festival open.

There are other opportunities to join in Songkran festivities regardless of where you are travelling.

In the North:
Chiang Saen Water Festival runs from 13 to 21 April, in Chiang Saen district of Chiang Rai province. In the Golden Triangle area, where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet, a ceremony, during the day, will pay homage to the town’s Buddha image. In the evening, the visitors can join a Lanna-style dinner, known as Khan Tok, or shop for handicrafts on a street closed to traffic, also the venue for folk dance performances.

Si Satchanalai Water Festival, from 13 to 15 April, at Si Satchanalai district, Sukhothai province, features parades and water splashing in the Si Satchanalai Historical Park. The town is 67 km north of Sukhothai and is a popular stop on Around North Thailand tours.

Northeast
Thai-Lao Water Festival, from 13 to 17 April, plays out on the banks of the Mekong River in Nong Khai town that faces Laos and its capital, Vientiane. Sports competitions will be organised in the week preceding the festival.

Koon Flower and Sticky Rice Road and Water Festival in Khon Kaen province, features parades, performances and water splashing on Si Chan Road, known as sticky rice road for its profusion of vendors selling this staple northeast food.

Ubon Ratchathani Water Festival, in the city centre, will feature a Thai-Indochina Food Festival at Thung Si Mueang Park, which will sell speciality dishes and food items representative of Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia.

Nakhon Phanom Water Festival has an unusual theme of noodles. The main event will be held on Sinthorn Vichit Road or Khao Pun Road (rice flour noodle road) where booths will sell products and dishes made of rice flour noodles, the speciality of this province.

Central
Bangkok Water Festival gets underway,12 April, with a sound and light show at Arun Ratchawararam Temple, from 1800 to 2100. This year, the city will focus on a traditional style Songkran Festival by supporting and inviting people to make merit at temples and return to their villages up-country to be with their families. Water splashing on streets in the business district will be discouraged.
However, the city is promoting its “Passport to nine royal temples” for those who visit temples during the festival, with an incentive to win prizes. Water splashing will be encouraged only in specific areas such as Khao Sarn Road.

Phrapadaeng Water Festival, which follows different dates than most of the celebrations, will be hosted, 18 to 20 April, in front of Phrapradaeng district office, Samut Prakarn province. There will be parades, Thai-Mon traditional sports and performances.

Eastern seaboard
Bangsaen Water Festival, 16 to 17 April, is held a week after national celebrations at Bangsaen beach in Chonburi province. A competition to determine the most artistic sand pagoda takes centre stage with more than 100 miniature pagodas sculptured from the sand.

Pattaya Water Festival follows on from Bangsaen, 17 to 20 April. The water splashing celebration first moves to Na-Klua, a village just north of Pattaya, 18 April, Pattaya beach, 19 April and finally moving, 20 April, to Sattahip, a fishing and Naval town on the eastern seaboard.

South
Ranong Mineral Water Festival runs from 12 to 15 April, at Raksawarin Public Park in the centre of Ranong town, located on the Andaman Sea coast, some 300 km north of Phuket.
Here, people will enjoy the luxury of splashing mineral water on one another following the style witnessed in Myanmar’s traditional festivities. Also, during the four days, there will be booths selling tourism products and packages to Ranong province and other Andaman coast destinations.

Hat Yai Midnight Songkran, will be hosted 12 to 14 April, at Nipat Uthit Road in Hat Yai district, Songkhla province. The water splashing will start from 2200, 12 April to midnight on 13 April. Ceremonies to sprinkle water on the town’s Buddha images will be conducted on the mornings of 13 and 14 April.

For more information : TAT Call Center 1672

Phra Nakhon Khiri Muang Phet Fair

Phra Nakhon Khiri Muang Phet Fair
Date : 10 - 19 April 2009
Venue : Khao Wang and Around the City Limit of Phetchaburi

"Khao Wang" is a hill located in the heart of Phetchaburi city, it is the location of frist hill palace of Thailand. "Phra Nakhon Khiri" palace was built by King Chomklao (Mongkut), or the Rama IV reign, in 1859, with Chao Phaya Sri Suriyawong (Chuang Bunnag) was the chief architect. It was builtl with a palace temple, Wat Phra Keo Noi, a stupa, to contain the relics of Lord Buddha named by the Kings as Chompetch relics and planted temple trees on both sides connecting the three hills and the group of the throne halls.

Phra Nakhon Khiri is a main tourist attraction of Phetchaburi with importance in history, culture and natural beauty. In 1935 it was registered as a historical place and in 1979 was declared as a national museum of the monument type. every year from Febuary through April the temple trees on Khao Wang hill almost 200 years old numbering 1,263 trees all showed off more than one million flowers.

Phra Nakhon Khiri or Khao Wang hill has been the place of the annual fair of Phetchaburi continuously up to 22 times. In 2009 it will reach the 150th anniversary. The 2009 annual fair uses the concept of "150th Anniversary to Mark King Rama IV" scheduled to be held from April 10-19, 2009 at Khao Wang and around the city limit of Phetchaburi. It combines with the Phetchaburi Red Cross Fair for the public and tourists to participate in the activities and make merits with the Phetchaburi Red Cross Society.

Activities at Phra Nakhon Khiri - Phetchaburi City
The ceremony is to worship the city pillar shrine/the ancestral kings, exhibition to honor the ancestral kings and sustainable economy, the performances of Department of Fine Arts, a parade to honor the kings and the Phetchaburi way of life. Performances on the central stage, a contest of sweet Phetchaburi beauties, demonstration of foods and local sweets, ox chariot racing, decoration of lights and fairworks on Khao Wang each night. They will set up booths selling OTOPs at the fair, set up sales booths at the Red Cross fair and selling Phetchaburi Red Cross raffle to win the cup of HRH Princess Somdet Phrathep Rattanasuda Siam Baromratch Kumari.

Worshipping Ceremony
09.00 hrs. - Ceremony to worship the city pillar shrine at the shrine ground.
09.39 hrs. - Ceremony to worship the ancestral kings, the King Ramas IV (King Mongkut),
V and VI reigns at the yard in front of Phra Nakhon Khiri (Khao Wang)
Dress Code : Normal white dress

Opening ceremony at the yard in front of Phra Nakhon Khiri (Khao Wang)
09.00 hrs. - Honorable guests and ceremonial participants get together at the ceremonial area.
20.00 hrs. - Chairman arrives at the ceremonial area.
- Music band plays the propitious song.
20.09 hrs. - Phetchaburi governor addresses the audience to open the fair
and gives souvenirs souvenirs to the fair supporters.
- Ceremonial chairman performs the opening ceremony.
- Chairman reviews the honoring parade.
- Chairman visits the activities on Khao Wang.
Dress Code : Batik clothes.

Performances at the Central Stage
April 10, 2009 Performances by musical bands /
performances of districts & governmental agencies,
set off 600 fireworks at 20.00 hrs.
April 11, 2009 Performances by musical bands /
beauty contest of Phetchaburi sweet girls,
eliminating round (the 1st set),
set off 200 fireworks at 21.00 hrs.
April 12, 2009 Performances by musical bands /
beauty contest of Phetchaburi sweet girls,
eliminating round (the 2nd set),
set off 200 fireworks at 21.00 hrs.
April 13, 2009 Performances by musical bands /
performances of districts & governmental agencies,
set off 200 fireworks at 21.00 hrs.
April 14, 2009 Performances by musical bands /
performances of districts & governmental agencies,
set off 200 fireworks at 21.00 hrs.
April 15, 2009 Performances by musical bands /
performances of districts & governmental agencies,
set off 600 fireworks at 20.00 hrs.
April 16, 2009 Performances by musical bands /
performances of districts & governmental agencies,
set off 200 fireworks at 21.00 hrs.
April 17, 2009 Performances by musical bands /
performances of districts & governmental agencies,
set off 200 fireworks at 21.00 hrs.
April 18, 2009 Performances by musical bands /
beauty contest at the final round,
set off 200 fireworks at 21.00 hrs.
April 19, 2009 Performances by musical bands /
performances of districts & governmental agencies,
drawing of the Red Coss raffle,
and set off 600 fireworks at 21.00 hrs.

For more information :
TAT Call Center 1672
TAT Phetchaburi Office, Tel. 66 (0) 3247 1005-6

Magic moments in Khmer heritage

Magic moments in Khmer heritage

A splash of sunlight penetrating an ancient temple cloister signals a distinctive celebration at Prasat Phanom Rung.

Knowing the exact moment to witness a spectacular sunrise through the doorway of an ancient Hindu temple requires a detailed calculation.

The most auspicious day is 3 April; the time, 0602.32 at sunrise, as the amber sun is perfectly aligned in the centre of the main doorway to a temple standing on a former volcanic mountain in northeast Thailand.

Actually, the sun rays pass straight through 15 perfectly aligned doorways of Prasat Phanom Rung, a revered and ancient Hindu monastery, just four times a year -– two sets of sunrises, in April and September, and two sets of sunsets, in March and October.
These spectacular solar-related events, that also bear religious significance in the Hindu faithful, span just three days –- 2, 3 and 4 April. The second day is considered the most auspicious as the sun is visible dead centre of the outer doorway of this Khmer Hindu temple. Sun rays cast light through 15 aligned doorways that span 75 metres of the temple’s inner courtyard illuminating a revered lingam deep in the main sanctuary. On the other two days, the sun passes one of the corners of these doorways.

Located about 120 km east of Nakhon Ratchasima, the gateway to the northeast region, Prasat Phanom Rung presents a picturesque setting high above the surrounding countryside. A series of steps lead to this ancient monument that stands on the peak of an extinct volcano offering panoramic views of rice fields and hazy mountains on the border with Cambodia.

While photographers will not want to miss the opportunity to capture the 3 April sunrise perfectly aligned within the lintels of the doorways, most visitors will settle for the evening festivals and a colourful light and sound show organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand performing nightly from 2 to 4 April.

Officially known as the “Ascent of the Mountain Annual Festival” or the “Festival Of The Thousand Year Miracle of the Phanom Rung Grand Shrine” the celebrations start with the religious significance of the sunrises, but continue with community festivities on each of the three days, well into the night.

The 80-minute light and sound show, that start at 20:00, highlights the history of Prasat Phanom Rung and explains the significance of the sunrise and its alignment with the temple’s courtyard doors.
The show is described as an “extravagant outdoor Son et Lumiere performances led by a large cast of actors, dancers and acrobats.”

This evening spectacular, held within the temple complex, compliments the daytime activities that start with the sunrise ceremonies and are followed by colourful festivities throughout the day. In the afternoon there is almost a carnival spirit as visitors enjoy the local food specialities sold at stalls, the folk music and dances as well as handicraft displays. Many visitors are tempted to stay on to admire the floodlight sanctuary, or slumber through night under the stars to ensure they have a prime spot to participate in the sunrise ceremonies on the following morning.

Pattaya International Music Festival 2009

Cool music to beat summer heat

Pattaya International Music Festival gets underway 20 March to help residents and visitors to beat recession blues.

The grand Pattaya Music Festival is back in town to entertain music lovers. This is an unrivalled opportunity to enjoy a weekend of listening and dancing to beautiful music performed by more than 100 musicians. Fun awaits everyone, 20 to 22 March.

Postponed last year, the festival is back and promises to be an annual event.
According to Pattaya’s city hall it was revived to lighten the mood to give residents and tourists all the more reason to smile and enjoy the resort.
It echoes the sentiments of William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night – “if music be the food of love play on”…

The event is also part of a wider nation-wide campaign “Amazing Thailand Amazing Value” managed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand to deliver events and value-for-money features to Thai and international travellers.

For music lovers it will certainly enhance their holiday and will also help to turn Pattaya into a musical paradise broadening its appeal.

The event is supported by well-known music companies such as GMM Grammy and its partners Modernine TV, Channel [V] Thailand, Channel [V] International and the Korea Foundation for International Exchange.

International musicians will be flown in by recording companies such as SM Entertainment from Korea, EEG from Hong Kong, Ocean Butterfly from China, House of Indies from Vietnam, Halo Music from Malaysia, AMPHEAD from Australia, INDEE RECORDS from Laos, and AVEX from Taiwan.

Visitors can choose their own style of music too. Are you into Pop, Hip-Hop, R&B, or Rock musicω The event features three music stages located at the Bali Hai pier at the southern end of the main bay, central Pattaya, and Pattaya Soi 4. Music themes will rotate between all three stages.

On Friday 20 March, visitors can enjoy Pop songs at the Bali Hai, Rock at central Pattaya and easy listening music at Soi 4. On Saturday, Pop and Rock will be performed at the Bali Hai stage, Hip-Hop at central Pattaya, and Jazz at Soi 4, while on Sunday, visitors can enjoy Rock at Bali Hai, Country Western music at central Pattaya, and Pop Rock at Soi 4.

Thai musicians include Golf&Mike, Pancake, Clash, ABNormal, Paradox, Bodyslam, Ebola, Zeal, Joey Boy and THE STAR.

International artists such as SHINEE and Girl’s generation from Korea, Kym Jin Sha from China, Cirque due Freak from Australia, Minh Thu from Vietnam, Rynn Lim from Malaysia, and Kenny Kwan from Hong Kong will also join the event.

TAT is responsible for two of the stages, one at the south Pattaya pier (Bali Hai) and one at Soi 4 on Pattaya beach road. The third stage in central Pattaya, is funded by a Bt10 million budget and run by Pattaya city and Chonburi Provincial Administrative Organisation.

For more information
TAT Call Center 1672
TAT Pattaya 66 (0) 3842 1005-6
e-mail : tatchon@tat.or.th

5 th World Thai Martial Arts Festival

5 th World Thai Martial Arts Festival
CELEBRATION NAIKHANOM TOM DAY ASSOCIATION INSTITUTE OF THAI MARTIAL ARTS & WORLD MUAYTHAI FEDERATION
Wai-Kru Ceremony Muay Boran & Krabi – Krabong Seminar
Nai Khanomtom Pro/Championships Belt
Date: 15th - 17th March 2009,
Venue: City of Ayutthaya Stadium, Ayutthaya, Thailand

In Muay Thai, the boxer will always preface the fight with Wai Kru and this tradition is still practised nowadays. This ceremony is usually performed to rousing Thai music from pipes and drums, and with the initial Ram Muay (the boxing movement). The Wai Kru & Ram Muay are useful, since the Boxer gains encouragement from paying homage to his Teachers and feels that he is not on his own: he has his Teacher & the other Teachers of the Muay Thai discipline to support him.

The Wai Kru process will also give him time to concentrate & revise what he has learned, as well as display the nature of his weapons and the high degree of his skill. The steps, movements & use of his weapons are designed to warm up the body’s muscles, survey the field of play & conceal the contestant’s style of fighting. When the traditional Sarama music sounds around the ring it is recognised by all who are present as a symbol of deference & respect. Prior to the fight, the music helps to urge the fighter on, and rouses his spirit until he is ready to face his opponent in the boxing ring in manly combat.

Programs
Sunday 15th March 2009
07.00 - 16.00 hr. Seminar of Muay Boran Courses & Krabi Krabong
08.00 - 16.00 hr. Competition of Amateur Muay Thai, Muay Thai Boran and Krabi Krabong
17.30 hr. Introduction to all the Grand Masters and Masters all Ranking of Kru.
Oats of respect to all teachers. Present Mongkon and blessing to the new comers.
the Fighter for Muaythai ready for the start.
19.30 hr. Welcome Party
Monday 16th March 2009
07.00 - 16.00 hr. Seminar of Muay Boran & Krabi Krabong Courses
08.00 - 16.00 hr. Competition of Mae Mai Muay Thai, Amateur Muay Thai,
Muay Thai Boran and Krabi Krabong (Semi-Finals)
10.00 - 16.00 hr. Local Thai Sports Show…
Muay Thai Boran, Muay Tabchak and fighting cock
19.00 - 20.00 hr. Competition of Aerobic Muay Thai
Tuesday 17th March 2009 "WORLD MUAYTHAI DAY (NAI KHANOMTOM DAY)"
07.00 hr. For anyone must go to pay respect and holy
10.00 - 15.00 hr. Ceremony at Nai Khanomtom statue.
President arrival at the statue Start of the Holy Ceremony
The final 3 bout of Amateur,
Final Muay Boran, demonstration Presentation of Wai Kru,
Mae Mai & Amateur Medals And Special Nai Khanomtom Amateur
Local Thai Sports Show…
Muay Thai Boran, Muay Tabchak and fighting cock
10.00 - 16.00 hr. Closing Ceremony

For More Information : www.ideabar.com/muaythai

Pattaya International Music Festival 2009

Cool music to beat summer heat

Pattaya International Music Festival gets underway 20 March to help residents and visitors to beat recession blues.

The grand Pattaya Music Festival is back in town to entertain music lovers. This is an unrivalled opportunity to enjoy a weekend of listening and dancing to beautiful music performed by more than 100 musicians. Fun awaits everyone, 20 to 22 March.

Postponed last year, the festival is back and promises to be an annual event.
According to Pattaya’s city hall it was revived to lighten the mood to give residents and tourists all the more reason to smile and enjoy the resort.
It echoes the sentiments of William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night – “if music be the food of love play on”…

The event is also part of a wider nation-wide campaign “Amazing Thailand Amazing Value” managed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand to deliver events and value-for-money features to Thai and international travellers.

For music lovers it will certainly enhance their holiday and will also help to turn Pattaya into a musical paradise broadening its appeal.

The event is supported by well-known music companies such as GMM Grammy and its partners Modernine TV, Channel [V] Thailand, Channel [V] International and the Korea Foundation for International Exchange.

International musicians will be flown in by recording companies such as SM Entertainment from Korea, EEG from Hong Kong, Ocean Butterfly from China, House of Indies from Vietnam, Halo Music from Malaysia, AMPHEAD from Australia, INDEE RECORDS from Laos, and AVEX from Taiwan.

Visitors can choose their own style of music too. Are you into Pop, Hip-Hop, R&B, or Rock musicω The event features three music stages located at the Bali Hai pier at the southern end of the main bay, central Pattaya, and Pattaya Soi 4. Music themes will rotate between all three stages.

On Friday 20 March, visitors can enjoy Pop songs at the Bali Hai, Rock at central Pattaya and easy listening music at Soi 4. On Saturday, Pop and Rock will be performed at the Bali Hai stage, Hip-Hop at central Pattaya, and Jazz at Soi 4, while on Sunday, visitors can enjoy Rock at Bali Hai, Country Western music at central Pattaya, and Pop Rock at Soi 4.

Thai musicians include Golf&Mike, Pancake, Clash, ABNormal, Paradox, Bodyslam, Ebola, Zeal, Joey Boy and THE STAR.

International artists such as SHINEE and Girl’s generation from Korea, Kym Jin Sha from China, Cirque due Freak from Australia, Minh Thu from Vietnam, Rynn Lim from Malaysia, and Kenny Kwan from Hong Kong will also join the event.

TAT is responsible for two of the stages, one at the south Pattaya pier (Bali Hai) and one at Soi 4 on Pattaya beach road. The third stage in central Pattaya, is funded by a Bt10 million budget and run by Pattaya city and Chonburi Provincial Administrative Organisation.

For more information
TAT Call Center 1672
TAT Pattaya 66 (0) 3842 1005-6
e-mail : tatchon@tat.or.th