Thailand Festivals and Events 2012

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej will turn 83 on 5 December 2010. In celebration of this occasion, the public and private sectors are joining hands in organizing various activities in Bangkok and the provinces from December 1 to 9, under the theme “Our Land.”

According to Acting Permanent Secretary for Interior Kwanchai Wongnitikorn, the Ministry of Interior will put up pavilions at the Royal Plaza in Bangkok for an exhibition in honor of His Majesty and a bazaar of OTOP products from 18 groups of provinces. People are invited to pay tribute to His Majesty by placing floral trays in front of the portrait of His Majesty at the Royal Plaza during the nine-day period.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will preside over the opening of this event, displaying Thai people’s love, loyalty, and respect for His Majesty on December 1 at 18.00 hr at the Royal Plaza. He will also preside over a mass candle-lighting ceremony as a tribute to His Majesty on December 5 at 19.29 hr in front of the Supreme Court on Ratchadamnoen Nai Road. The ceremony will be held simultaneously in other provinces nationwide, as well.

There will be seven processions of brightlylit boats along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok on December 5, between 18.00 and 20.30 hr. The processions, consisting of 600 boats sailing from various provinces, will pass Siriraj Hospital, where His Majesty has been staying for medical treatment. A large number of people will join the candle-lighting ceremony on the boats, which will be decorated with spectacular lights and flowers.

Short films in honor of His Majesty will be shown at town halls in all provinces. The Ministry of Interior will also present CDs featuring the films to all provinces for distribution to local people.

Also on December 5, between 09.00 and 17.00 hr, the Bureau of the Royal Household will allow the general public to sign the well-wishers’ books at palaces in all parts of the country, namely the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Bhubing Palace in Chiang Mai, Bhuphan Palace in Sakon Nakhon, Daksin Palace in Narathiwat, Bang Pa-in Palace in Ayutthaya, Sanam Chandra Palace in Nakhon Pathom, Klai Kangwol Palace in Prachuap Khiri Khan, and Pakpanang Palace in Nakhon Si Thammarat.

Several agencies under the Ministry of Transport will organize activities in commemoration of His Majesty’s 83rd birthday. For instance, the Marine Department will launch a project to pay homage to major Buddha images from Bangkok to Ko Kret in Nonthaburi on December 4-6. The Department of Rural Roads will arrange a boat trip along the Chao Phraya River on December 4 for people who wish to appreciate the beauty of the river at nighttime. The State Railway of Thailand will arrange a special trip from Bangkok to Ayutthaya from December 4 to 6; tickets are priced at 499 baht. The Transport Company Limited will also offer a special tour program in December with a special discount for people who travel with their fathers. December 5 is also regarded as National Father’s Day in Thailand.