An In-Depth Look at Thailand’s Engaging Festivities in June 2023
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Visakha Bucha Day, which is celebrated on June 3, 2023, is one of the most significant Buddhist holidays. Visakha Bucha Day is one of the several events and festivals held throughout Thailand during the month of June 2023, such as the Bun Luang and Phi Ta Khon Festival 2023 in Loei, the Amazing Thailand Grande Sale 2023 in six locations across the country, and multiple marathons and half-marathons.
Visakha Bucha Day
Visakha Bucha Day occurs annually on the full moon of the sixth lunar month to commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha. On this particular day, Buddhists will visit the temple to worship and commemorate the teachings and social and spiritual values of Buddha, as well as to engage in merit-making and candlelight rituals. This entails an evening Wien Tien illuminated procession in which Buddhist devotees carry lit candles and walk around a temple three times, symbolizing the Buddha, his teachings, and monkhood, respectively.
Here are some of the Visakha Bucha Day events taking place throughout the country:
Sukhothai Wien Tien Ta Khan Visakha Bucha Day 2023
Wat Chang Lom, Sukhothai Historical Park, Sukhothai, June 2-3, 2023
The ‘Wien Tien Ta Khan’ candlelit procession will occur at 19:00 Hrs. on June 3rd. The term ‘Ta Khan’ pertains to an ancient Sukhothai luminary made of clay. On June 2, there will be a Ramayana-themed Khon performance, and a series of Sukhothai College of Dramatic Arts plays. On June 3, there will be shows of royal dramas as well as stargazing activities. Local foods and products will also be available for purchase during the two-day event.
Mae Hong Son Visakha Bucha Day 2023
June 2-4, 2023, at the Ban Chong Kham School and Wat Phra That Doi Kongmu in Mae Hong Son.
Commonly called Nataya Heng-sattha Gingala Nom Bucha Visakhaburamee. This occasion is a traditional merit-making ceremony conducted annually on Vesakha Bucha Day in Mae Hong Son. The event is one of the 16 unique festivals from across Thailand that the Ministry of Culture has identified for the international stage. In accordance with this, Mae Hong Son province is adding an even more magnificent Gingala Lanna Bird Dance with at least 200 Gingala bird performers and Gingala bird processions from nine ethnic groups in Mae Hong Son and other Northern Thai provinces. There are also competitions and exhibitions of Gingala bird dance. Visakha Bucha Day will be commemorated on June 3 at Wat Phra That Doi Kongmu with a morning alms tribute to Buddhist priests, prayers and meditation, and a Wien Tien candlelight procession.
Nakhon Phanom Visakha Bucha Day 2023
Wat Phra That Phanom, Nakhon Phanom, June 3, 2023
The most important aspect of the Visakha Bucha Day celebrations in Nakhon Phanom is the ‘Khao Thip’ or Madhupayas rice (milk-rice pudding with honey) making ceremony – a tradition observed by numerous local communities in Thailand on Visakha Bucha Day. Buddhist priests will chant throughout the rice-making ceremony at Wat Phra That Phanom, and once the ceremony finishes, the rice will be distributed to locals for good fortune and health.
Kanchanaburi Visakha Bucha Day 2023
June 3, 2023, Wat Tha Khanun, Kanchanaburi
On Makha Bucha Day, Visakha Bucha Day, and Asahna Bucha Day, Wat Tha Khanun conducts the Wien Tien candlelit procession three times per year. During these days, the temple arranges thousands of lighted lanterns, or ‘Pang Prathip,’ to form letters or images dedicated to Buddha.
Phayao Lake Hosts the World’s Only Wien Tien Ceremony on Water
June 3-5, 2023, Wat Tilok Aram, Phayao
On the Buddhist festivals of Makha Bucha Day, Visakha Bucha Day, and Asahna Bucha Day, the Wien Tien, or candlelight procession on water, is held at Wat Tilok Aram three times per year. It is the only location in the world where Buddhist devotees hold lit candles and walk around a temple three times while walking on water during the Wien Tien ceremony. Wat Tilok Aram was constructed in the water on an island in the middle of Phayao Lake. At the ceremony for Visakha Bucha Day in 2023, 50 boats will go around Wat Tilok Aram three times.
Kalasin Visakha Bucha Day 2023
June 3-7, 2023, Phrathat Yakhu, Kamalasai District, Kalasin
This event takes place at the province’s landmark, Phrathat Yakhu Chedi. More than 2,290 Kalasin College of Dramatic Arts performers will participate in a worship procession and ceremony as part of the festivities. There will be light and sound performances, and more than 1,600 traditional Isan flags or ‘thung’ and traditional Praewa and Isan clothing will be on display.
Other Festivals and Events
Along with the Visakha Bucha Day celebrations, the following is a list, arranged by the event date of cultural, entertainment, sporting, and other events taking place throughout Thailand in June.
Roi Et Bun Bang Fai Festival 2023
Suwannaphum District, Roi Et, May 27 to June 4, 2023, Suwannaphum District
This thrilling and action-packed annual festival continues in Roi Et through the month of June, during which homemade rockets are fired into the sky in a magnificent and noisy spectacle that isn’t to be missed.
Amazing Thai Culinary City
May 31 to June 2, 2023, Bangkok
June 9-11, 2023, Khon Kaen
June 16-18, 2023, Phuket
June 23-25, 2023, Chanthaburi
The ‘Amazing Thailand Culinary City’ initiative aims to continue developing and promoting Thailand as a gastronomy tourism destination of international caliber. While the Bangkok event serves as a focal point for gastronomy tourism sector professionals, three other events in Khon Kaen, Phuket, and Chanthaburi are designed to highlight regional culinary experiences.
Transregional Travel Expo
Bangkok, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, June 1-4, 2023
June 23-25, 2023, Udon Thani, UD Town Shopping Centre
The event is organized under the slogan “Journey through Thailand, Experience Limitless Benefits” to promote cross-regional travel. In addition to DIY seminars on local wisdom from Thailand’s five regions, the event will include promotions and special offers from accommodations, attractions, tour companies, and other tourism-related goods and services across the country.
Amazing Film Festival Experience
Wisdom Valley, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri, June 2-4, 2023
The Amazing Film Festival Experience will be held for the first time. It will feature gigantic outdoor screens in four distinct settings: lakefront, open-air theatre-style, vertical cinema, and forest theatre-style. There will be live performances by Thai musicians throughout the three days of the festival.
Amazing Phuket Plus Surf Fest 2023
June 2-4, 2023, Kamala Beach, Phuket
June 16-18, 2023, Phuket’s Patong Beach
June 23-25, 2023, Surin Beach, Phuket
The Amazing Phuket Plus Surf Fest 2023 seeks to promote Thailand’s renowned surf places on the international stage and draw more sports travelers to the kingdom. In addition to surfing competitions, the event will include cuisine, music, and other recreational activities; it will also signal the start of the surfing season in Thailand.
Run Fun Fruit At Chanthaburi 2023
Chanthaburi Provincial Administration Organisation, Chanthaburi, June 3, 2023
Run Fun Fruit At Chanthaburi 2023 will feature a 10 km Mini Marathon and a 5 km Fun Run that will capture the fruit orchard vibe that the province of Chanthaburi is recognized for.
Krabi Music Coffee & Craft #2
Krabi town waterfront and Khao Khanap Nam on June 3, 4, 10, and 11, 2023.
From 11:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m., Krabi Music Coffee & Craft #2 offers a variety of coffee flavors and types to be sampled in a friendly and scenic setting, accompanied by music and art and craft work—each day.
Amazing Thai Taste@Rayong
June 3-5, 2023, Rayong
Amazing Thai Taste@Rayong is one of three comparable events to promote Thai cuisine’s reputation, one of Thailand’s 5F soft-power foundations. Amazing Thai Taste@Chiang Mai will be held in July, and Amazing Thai Taste@Udon will be held in August.
Bangkok Pride 2023
Pathumwan Intersection to Ratchaprasong Intersection, Bangkok, June 4, 2023
The celebration will feature the longest rainbow flag in Thailand, symbolizing the equality of the LGBTQ+ community. For the first time, the Pride Stage will be in front of centralwOrld from 14.00 to 20.00 Hrs, celebrating gender diversity.
Chumphon Night Run 2023
Chumphon City Pillar Shrine, June 4, 2023, Chumphon
The Chumphon Night Run 2023 consists of a 12 km mini marathon and a 5.1 km fun run, with the starting and finishing lines located on Paramindramakha Road in front of the Chumphon City Pillar Shrine. The event ambiance will be enhanced by decorative lighting, body painting activities, and music performed by local musicians.
Geopark and Fossil Festival 2023
June 8-10, 2023, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Central Korat
Celebrating the inauguration of the Khorat national geopark and the Khorat UNECSO Global Geopark, the celebration includes a creative dress contest and competitions that emphasize toy creation from the ‘fossil land of Isan,’ the best cuisine from the geopark land nature conservation area, the best concepts for geopark go green community products, and other fossil-related themes.
Suphan Buri Festival of Music, Crafts, and Folk Art 2023
June 9-13, 2023, Wat Pa Lelai, Suphan Buri
Suphan Buri takes pride in becoming a city of musical creativity, as it is the origins of five types of Thai-style music: old-style Thai songs, Thai folk songs, Thai country songs, modern Thai folk songs, and Thai string pop-rock songs. Consequently, the festival highlights the uniqueness of the province through a schedule of music performances of all Thai-style music genres, cultural performances, academic talks, the ‘Wai Khru’ ceremony, an art market, an exhibit showcasing cultural products from 25 provinces in the Central and Eastern regions of Thailand, and an ethnic, cultural parade. The celebration also includes activities to honor the revered Luang Pho To the image of the Suphan Buri province and almsgiving for monks.
Laguna Phuket Marathon 2023
June 10-11, 2023, Laguna Phuket
The Supersports Laguna Phuket Marathon, the premier marathon in Thailand and the largest sporting event in Phuket is certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races and qualifies runners for the Boston Marathon. This year, the 10.5 km, 5 km, and 2 km Kids Run will be held on June 10 in the morning. On June 11, the Marathon, Marathon Relay, and Half Marathon will take place.
Bangkok Airways Samui Half Marathon
June 11, 2023, Phru Chaweng, Samui, Surat Thani
The event features a half-marathon, 10 km, and 5 km race via the picturesque island landscape of Samui. In addition to the races, there are numerous activities and events, such as live music and the sale of food and beverages.
Hua Hin Marathon 2023
June 11, 2023, Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan
The 3rd edition of the Hua Hin Marathon, which begins and finishes at Khao Krailas Temple, includes a 42.195 km Marathon, a 21 km Half Marathon, a 10.5 km Mini Marathon, and a 5 km Fun Run, all of whose routes include the coastline in their respective routes.
Café Run Rally 2023
June 11, 2023, Hat Yai, Songkhla
The Café Run Rally is all about having joy and stopping for as long as you like, along 12 km to experience the ecotourism activities available in the Baan Thung Jung Community of the Pha Thong subdistrict and the beautiful scenery and natural environment.
Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2023
June 15 to August 15, 2023
Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Udon Thani, Chon Buri (Pattaya), Songkhla (Hat Yai)
This premier yearly event presents discounts and other privileges on purchasing, eating, flying, and traveling at collaborating shops and establishments in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Udon Thani, Chon Buri (Pattaya), and Songkhla (Hat Yai). The event reinforces Thailand’s reputation as one of the world’s six most popular shopping locations. There are more than 10,000 amazing bargains in the six cities, including up to 80% retail discounts.
The Sukhothai PEAK
June 17-18, 2023, Sukhothai, Ramkhamhaeng National Park
The Peak, Sukhothai race provides participants the opportunity to ascend Khao Luang, the highest point in Sukhothai province at 1,200 meters above sea level. The race incorporates four categories, beginning with 1 Peak, which has an ascending distance of approximately 3.5 kilometers, a cumulative height of 950 meters, and a total distance of over seven kilometers. The 2 Peaks category corresponds to twice this, the 3 Peaks category corresponds to three times this, and the Peak 24h category corresponds to as many times as an athlete is able to complete.
Khao Prathap Chang Trail 2023
Ratchaburi, Baan Chom Bueng Literary Botanical Garden, June 17-18, 2023
The Khao Prathap Chang Trail 2023 event consists of three-kilometer, ten-kilometer, twenty-five-kilometer, thirty-five-kilometer, and fifty-kilometer races, all of which take place on June 18; a three-kilometer run for children under the age of twelve will be held the day before, on June 17.
HATYAI 21 Run Awakening
June 18, 2023, Hat Yai, Songkhla
Songkhla province and the private sector are collaborating to make the HATYAI 21 Run Awakening a world-class running competition. The event will begin and end in front of the 60th Anniversary Celebrations of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne International Convention Center. It will cover a total distance of 21,1 kilometers.
Bun Luang and Phi Ta Khon Festival 2023
June 23-25, 2023, Dan Sai District, Loei
This distinct celebration, also known as the Ghost Festival, is rich in color, culture, and tradition. Its most notable feature is the grand Phi Ta Khon parade, in which locals perform and strike poses while wearing enormous masks carved from coconut tree trunks and crowned with rattan sticky rice steamers to make them appear taller and more obscene.
The first day’s events consist of food offerings to priests, a spirit-invoking ceremony, a cultural ceremony, and stage performances. On the festival’s second day, there is an official inauguration ceremony in front of the Dan Sai District Office, a spirit summons, the Phi Ta Khon procession, merit-making, and bamboo rocket launching. On the third day, there will be thirteen consecutive Buddhist sermons at Phon-Chai Temple and a procession of consecutive Buddhist sermons from each village in the Dan Sai District.
Phuket Peranakan Festival 2023
June 23-25, 2023, Phuket’s Old Village
A parade in the manner of an international carnival over 1,2 kilometers, with over 700 participants and 20 processions, demonstrates the rich heritage and tradition of Phuket’s Old Town and Peranakan culture. Among the additional performances is a light and sound display. Residents and tourists are encouraged to wear traditional Baba and/or Kebaya attire.
Bangsaen Grand Prix 2023
June 27 to July 2, 2023, Bang Saen Beach, Chon Buri
The Bangsaen Grand Prix is the most prestigious race in the B-Quik Thailand Super Series (TSS) Asian circuit racing championship, which features FIA GT3, GTM, GT4, touring car, production car, eco-car, and truck categories. The TSS, which was founded in 2013, is currently participating in its eleventh season. The Bangsaen Grand Prix takes place on a 3.7 km street circuit sanctioned by the FIA and features over 100 competing cars.
SOURCE: Travel Daily News Asia
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