Johan Persson
Each year Bangkok invites some of the world's top performing artists to engage in a musical and dance extravaganza. The festival was initiated in 1999 as part of the celebrations to commemorate His Majesty the King's 72nd birthday anniversary. This event embraces international and local Thai talent.
Immanuelle
The Bangkok Vegetarian Festival is a vibrant annual event celebrated with colorful processions, traditional rituals, and a variety of delicious plant-based dishes. Held over nine days, it promotes health, purity, and spiritual renewal, attracting both locals and visitors.
Pexels
The Bangkok International Film Festival is a prominent cinematic event that draws global attention to the vibrant world of cinema. From critically acclaimed masterpieces to emerging talent, the festival offers a platform for filmmakers to present their work to a diverse and enthusiastic audience.
greggman
Loy Krathong Festival takes place after the rice-planting season. Thai people place Krathong (lotus-shaped boats made from banana leaves) on various waterways and let them drift away. Each Krathong carries incense sticks, a lighted candle, and some flowers to honor Mae Khongkha, Goddess of Water.
Mārtiņš Zemlickis
The Bangkok Marathon is Thailand's premier running event, taking participants through the city's iconic landmarks. With marathon, half-marathon, and 10K races, it combines athletic challenge with stunning views of temples, palaces, and the Chao Phraya River, drawing runners from around the world.
AhmadArdity
Thailand Fashion Week is a major event that features the newest fashion trends from leading international and local designers. Fashion fans will have an extraordinary time at this celebration of creativity, innovation, and style, which features breathtaking runway presentations, unique collections, and celebrity appearances.
siraprapa khrueakaeo…
The massive labyrinth of stores, sois, and stalls that make up Bangkok's Chinatown is never more alive or vibrant than during Chinese New Year. There are dragon and lion parades, Chinese Opera performances, delicious food, and basically everything to make it a fun-filled event.
viarami
Bangkok Design Week showcases creativity and innovation in art, design, and technology. Held annually across Bangkok’s cultural hubs like Charoenkrung and Talat Noi, it features exhibitions, workshops, and markets, highlighting Thailand’s creative industries and vibrant community spirit.
Honey Kochphon Onshawee
This important Buddhist holiday honors an event held more than 2,500 years ago when 1,250 of Buddha's disciples congregated to hear an important sermon. Merit-making (doing good deeds) ceremonies take place during the day at temples throughout the country.
AhmadArdity
The Bangkok International Book Fair is a premier annual event celebrating literature and publishing. Held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, it showcases books, e-books, and multimedia from global publishers. Highlights include author talks, workshops, and special exhibits for readers of all ages.
Supanut Arunoprayote
Chakri Day, commemorates the creation of the still-reigning Chakri Dynasty in 1782. Across Thailand, various ceremonies, religious rituals, and cultural activities are organized. People offer prayers and flower tributes to the Chakri Kings' statues.
PEAK99
For Thai people the new year begins on April 13. The New Year festival "Songkran" means "move" in Thai. During this three-day celebration families and friends gather to visit temples, sprinkle water on the images of Buddha and sprinkle water on each other's hands to wish one another good luck.
Tris_T7
Conducted at the city's major park, Sanam Luang, this ceremony highlights an ancient Brahmin ritual that farmers believe is able to forecast the abundance of the rice crop. Crimson-clad attendants lead water buffaloes drawing an old-fashioned plow around a specially prepared ground.
Aung Myint Htwe
Visakha Bucha, or Vesak Day, commemorates Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death. Observed on the full moon of the sixth lunar month, Buddhists worldwide engage in merit-making, temple visits, and candlelit processions to honor the Buddha's teachings and reflect on mindfulness and compassion.
Ekaterina Kvelidze
Asalha Bucha Day is an important Buddhist festival observed in Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries, marking the day when the Buddha delivered his first sermon, known as the "Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta" or "Setting the Wheel of Dhamma in Motion."
JJ Harrison (https://www.jjharrison.com.au/)
Khao Phansa, also known as Buddhist Lent, marks the beginning of a three-month period during the rainy season when Buddhist monks retreat to their temples for intensive meditation and study. Khao Phansa is a time for reflection, spiritual growth, and deepening one's commitment to Buddhist teachings.
Takeaway
His Majesty King Bhumibol was the longest-reigning monarch in Thai history. It is no wonder his birthday is celebrated joyously every December 5th by the Thais with a grand fireworks display, and buildings and homes elaborately decorated with flags, glittering lights and the Royal Emblem.
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