There will be competitors from many countries around Indochina hoping to win the longboat competition.
Entry for spectators will be free. The Longboat competition is organized by Pattaya City Hall, Nongprue Municipality and the Pong Sub-District Administration.
For more information: Pong Manicipality 038-249777
Loy Krathong or the Festival of Floating Bowls, conventionally performed on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month, is the most beautiful of all Thai Buddhist festivals. The floating of the ‘Krathong’ – a banana–leaf cup – is intended to float away ill fortune. Illuminated bowls floating over the water capture the imagination of the viewer. Loi Krathong Festival is celebrated in all parts of Thailand, including Pattaya. Places where there are rivers, canals or sources of water, the festival acquires unique features.
Pattaya arranges a complete evening event for the festival. The main event being held at Bali Hai Pier. A large stage is erected and live music from local Thai bands starts the evening. The walk ways are filled with street vendors selling Loy Kranthongs in many shapes sizes and colours. Some even look good enough to eat. Other street vendors sell clothing, food, drinks and Thai jewelry. Seating areas are set up for you to enjoy the evening and a cool drink supplied by one of the many vendors.
The Mayor address the crowd which is in the 1000’s and the fire work display begins.
The festival doesn’t stop at Bali Hai pier, the over spill runs along the whole length of walking street. With many stalls, vendors and outside seating. The whole evening is a credit to Pattaya and its people.
Organizers expect up to 100,000 people to attend the event, which includes concerts along the beach, costume contests and general ghoulish Halloween fun.
To accommodate such a massive crowd, Pattaya Beach Road will be closed to traffic from 6 p.m. to midnight October 30 and 31.
Traditionally, hotels, bars and entertainment venues throughout Fun City have hosted their own events, and this year will be no different. However, this year city government officials decided to join the fun in an attempt to help boost tourism.
The races are taken very seriously by the owners of the buffaloes. Prizes for the first nose past the finishing line guarantee owners go to considerable lengths to ensure their buffaloes are in tip-top condition.
Clouds of dust rise as these hefty animals pound down the short course at an alarming speed, reminiscent of a stampede. The crowd roars in support of the favorites and the atmosphere is as an enthralling as watching thoroughbred race horses.
Admittedly, mites slower than a race horse, but the buffaloes are no slouches when it comes to making a short dash for glory.
Although this day of fun and competition would succeed with just the buffaloes as the celebrities, there are other activities to make it a worthwhile outing for families.
A fair with food stalls and handicrafts appeals to visitors who love authentic Thai food, snacks and sweets. Then there are the rides for children, concerts of folk music and, of course, a beauty contest where the prize is the honour of being declared Miss Buffalo.
For more information: Chonburi Municipality 038-283-449
The Pattaya Vegetarian Festival 2012 a grand celebration and merit making for all Chinese-Thai people opens in Pattaya. Tens of thousands of Pattaya locals and tourists are expected to join this annual festival.
For more information: Sawang Boriboon Foundation 038-221380
The province of Chon Buri celebrated the 100th anniversary of Sichang Island to pay respect to His Majesty the King Rama V and to promote ecotourism. The celebration was held at Phra Chuthathut Palace in Koh Sichang district of Chon Buri province.
For more information: Koh Si Chang Municipality 038-216201, 081-9932166
The Sepak Takraw Pattaya Cup recently kicked off in which teams from all over the Thailand are competed to win the trophy in honour of Her Royal Highness Princess Soamsavali.
According to the deputy mayor, City Hall has a policy to promote and support many kinds of sports in order to promote Pattaya to be the city of sports as well as tourism, also to encourage the young sportsmen in town to be able to play at a national level.
Queen’s Birthday in Thailand, which falls on August 12, is celebrated by her subjects in the country, including Pattaya, with high regard and enthusiasm as National Mother’s Day. Queen Sirikit has earned deep respect for herself with her hard work for the welfare of Thai society and crafts. She rules not only the land but also the hearts of the people.
Residents of Thailand, including Pattaya, express their love and respect for the Queen on her birthday. The country is soaked in joyous atmosphere on the day. People decorate their homes with flags and portraits of the Queen. They also illuminate their houses on the occasion. Government offices are also cleaned and decorated. People pray for their beloved Queen and wish her long life and happiness.