2007-09-10

Railway Network in Thailand




Songkran Festival 2007 in Thailand

Songkran Festival 2007
Date
23 Apr 2007 - 26 Apr 2007
Detail
The Great Songran Day this year is falling on Saturday 14 April 2007 corresponding the Year of Pig. Its symbolic is a woman of water element nature, before B.E. 1369, intercalary month in Lunar Calendar and normal day in Solar Calendar.
Songkran Queen is named Mahothon Thevi, wearing bangle and water hyacinth, diamonds and eating meat as general food, the right hand is holding Chakra and the left hand is holding a trident, sitting on the back of peacock.
The Great Songkran Day is falling on Saturday 14 April 2007 at 12.36.37 hours corresponding to Saturday of 12th waning moon of 5th lunar month of the year of Pig before B.E. 1369 (changed from before B.E. 1368 on 16 April 2007 at 16.40.48 hours.)
In this year, Sunday is the “Thongchai or Lucky Day”, Monday is “Athibordi Day”, Saturday is “Ubat or Bad Luck Day”, Wednesday is “Lokawinat or Destructive Day”. Since Songkran in this year is falling on Saturday, it shall inspire raining 400 ha (the word to call the shower of the rain) as divided as 40 ha in human world; 80 ha in the oceans; 120 ha in Himmabhan Forest; 160 ha in Chakkrawan Mountain. There were 6 Naga spraying water, the prediction about food is called “papa” the rice paddy in the farm shall be 1 part productive and 9 parts destroyed and there shall have appropriate water.
From the above announcement of Songkran if we compare with ancient prediction, it is noticeable that Sonkran in this year is falling on Saturday, it is said that there shall have lot of theft, severe sickness, and, as the first day of Aries is falling on Sunday, it is predicted that the rice shall be died, lot of foreigner entering the country, the senior shall be in worrisome. In Lanna concept it is predicted that there shall lack of rain, the plants shall be seriously destroyed by insets, serious fire, expensive goods, all are as worse as current prediction. For Songkran Queen named Mahthon Thevi is sound quite terrible since in addition to carrying Chakra and Trident but she also eat meat and bear water hyacinth above her ear, wear black sapphire. Some may feel unhappy after reading those above story but should we deeply consider that Songkran is falling on Saturday which in Astrology is considered as the great trouble day that full of bad luck but Saturday is the strong day, having “Naga-Prok” Style Buddha Image as the symbol of the day which can be interpreted that the Naga has spread their heads to protect all human beings from all bad luck and it is believed that this style of Buddha is full of sacred in mercy as from the legend, it was told that even the Naga also appeared from the water to protect the Buddha based on the power of his kindness. It is to directly indicate peoples to use mercy and merit in spending their life regardless in the family, social and national level. Chakra is the weapon of Narayana as used to get rid of troublesome of the world while Trident is the weapon of Siva the great holy who gives special blessings to peopled of good conduct. Black sapphire can make the wearer to have cool-mind, can prevent dangerous from ghost, brings strength, good luck and richness. It is noticeable that even Songkrang Queen is coming to the world at inappropriate time but her weapon and ornament indicate lucky meaning because they can be used to get rid of enemy. Regardless what is the prediction in the past or in presence, if we use the best care in living, then we shall be able to welcome “Songkran – Thai New Year” with happiness and confidence of the future.
Prediction about the Great Songkran Day, the first day of Aries and New Year Celebration Day.
In case of Songkran day is falling on Sunday, the plant shall give inappropriate productivity. In case of the first day of Aries is falling on Sunday, the rice shall be died, lot of foreigners entering the country, the senior shall be falling in worrisome. Should the New Year Celebration is falling on Sunday, the King shall have great power to eliminate all enemies from all directions.
In case of Sonkran day is falling on Monday, the senior government officers and their ladies shall have great power. Should the first day of Aries is falling on Monday, there shall have sickness and expensive salt. Should the New Year Celebration is falling on Monday, the queen and her lady-in-waiting shall be happy.
In case of Songkran day is falling on Tuesday, there shall have lot of thefts, serious sickness. Should the first day of Aries is falling on Tuesday, all fruits shall be expensive. Should the New Year Celebration is falling on Tuesday, all civil servant shall be happy and overcome the enemies.
In case of Songkran day is falling on Wednesday, the senior government officers shall be admired from international. Should the first day of Aries is falling on Wednesday, all foods shall be expensive, the widowed woman shall loss her residence. Should the New Year Celebration is falling on Wednesday, all psychologist shall be happy.
In case of Songkran day is falling on Thursday, the junior shall be loss his advantage to the senior and boss. Should the first day of Aries is falling on Thursday, fruits shall be expensive, the royal family shall be in worrisome. Should the New Year Celebration is falling on Thursday, all priests, nuns and Brahmins shall perform their good activities.
In case of Songkran day is falling on Friday, there shall be rich with food and plant, heavy rain, strong storm, peoples shall be suffered from eyes disease and sick. Should the first of day of Aries is falling on Friday, chili shall be expensive, birds are suffered from disease, danger to the wild animals, the widow shall be lucky. Should the New Year Celebration Day is falling on Friday, the merchant and head of household shall have good luck in their business and earn lot of profit.
In case of Songkran day is falling on Saturday, there shall have lot of thefts, serious sickness. Should the first day of Aries is falling on Saturday, foods shall be expensive, less rice product, expensive fruit, less water and fire in the center of the city, the nobleman shall be punished. Should the New Year Celebration Day if falling on Saturday, all soldiers shall win the enemies.
In addition, there are prediction of Lanna from other orthodox that if the Great Songkran Day is falling on Sunday, the Songkran Queen is Mrs. Paengsri, the affect is the rice in such year shall be very expensive, most peoples shall be suffered from diseases, enemy attack, rice and plant are destroyed by insects, uneven rains, the millionaire shall be lost, rubber tree is the great plant for other plants, the rice holy is remained at the bamboo tree. On Monday, the Songkran Queen is Manora, in such year, there shall have lot of snakes, most peoples shall be suffered from diseases and most of bad luck, the rice holy is remained at Mai Dua Kliang. On Tuesday, the Songkran Queen is Raksot Thevi, in such year there shall have good raining in the beginning and ending of the year but less raining in the middle of the year, destructive rice farm, less productivity of fruits, bad situation in the country, rice and plant are destroyed by insect, the rice holy is remained at Mai Oye Chang. On Wednesday, the Songkran Queen is Mantha, in such year there shall have uneven rain, half productive and half destructive rice farm, expensive goods, bad luck for nobleman, the rice holy is remained at Mai Kram. On Thursday, the Songkran Queen is Kanyathep, in such year there shall have regular rain according to the reason, the senior shall be in danger, lot of dead animal, the peoples are happily stay and good being while the nobleman and priest shall be in worrisome, the rice holy is remained at Bastard Teak. On Friday, the Songkran Queen is Rintho, in such year there shall have good rain in the beginning of the year and lowered in the middle of the year, the plant and rice are destroyed, danger to the priest, the rice holy is remained at Mai Phuttha. On Saturday, the Songkran Queen is Sama Thevi, in such year there is lack of rain, the plants are destroyed by insect, great fire and expensive goods.

Detail from:by Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Thailand Festival by Tourism Authority of Thailand.

CHON BURI BUFFALO RACES
Date
6 Oct 2007 - 6 Oct 2007

Location

At the City Hall, Chon Buri

Detail

The water buffalo has always played a significant role in agriculture in Thailand.

In this yearly event, the creatures are seen in more unusual and entertaining ways than ploughing fields. They take part in buffalo races and contests pitting buffalo against man.

Beauty pageants and various other fun-filled activities are part of the attractions presented.
Contact

TAT Central Office - Region 3 Tel: +66 (0) 3842 7667, (0) 3842 8750 Fax: +66 (0) 3842 9113 E-mail: tatchon@tat.or.th



PHUKET VEGETARIAN FESTIVAL
Date
11 Oct 2007 - 19 Oct 2007

Location
PHUKET

Detail

The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is an annual event held during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar. It is believed that the vegetarian festival and its accompanying sacred rituals bestow good fortune upon those who religiously observe this rite. During this time, local residents of Chinese ancestry strictly observe a 10-day vegetarian or vegan diet for the purposes of spiritual cleansing and merit-making. Sacred rituals are performed at various Chinese shrines and temples and aesthetic displays such as walking barefooted over hot coals and ascending ladders with bladed rungs are performed by entranced devotees known as "Ma Song".


THE SAKHON NAKHON WAX CASTLE PROCESSION and ROYAL TROPHY LONG-BOAT RACES

Date
20 Oct 2007 - 26 Oct 2007

Location
At Wat Phra That Choeng Chum Temple, Sakon Nakhon

Detail

To mark the end of Buddhist Lent or ‘Ok Pansa’, communities in Northeastern Thailand or ‘I-San’ stage an annual celebration consisting of a grand procession of meticulously-carved wax castles, long-boat races and festive celebrations. On the final day of the festival, which falls on the end of the Buddhist Lent, local residents make a trip to the temples to make merit.
This ancient folk tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. Over the centuries, the tradition has evolved. Originally, ornate wax trees carved out of poles of beeswax were presented to temples along with other merit-making ritual offerings. Contemporary offerings consist of elaborate designs and sophisticated shapes and forms. Beeswax is molded into miniature Buddhist temples and shrines or wax castles.

The significance of the merit-making ritual is based on the Buddhist concept of reincarnation - the belief that upon death, an individual passes on to another life. According to Buddhist teachings, it is believed that a person's destiny is determined by meritorious acts or good deeds performed in the present life. If individuals conscientiously observe and practice Buddhist principles by performing good deeds and by engaging in acts of Buddhist devotion, individuals earn and accumulate merit during their lifetime. Depending on the merit they have earned, in subsequent lives, individuals progress to the point where they attain spiritual enlightenment and reside in the upper tiers of heaven, or are re-born into a life that is worse than the last.

The practice also constitutes a form of ancestor worship. The wax castle itself is symbolises the ideal spiritual residence devout Buddhists aspire to in their future life.

Based on this belief, making merit by presenting offerings to monks evolved as a Buddhist ritual known as "tak baht". The "baht" being the bowl in which the alms and offerings presented to the monks are placed.

It is also believed that one earns more merit by taking part in communal merit-making. There is strength in numbers, especially when individuals blessed with merit come together and collectively join in the pursuit of good deeds. The annual wax castle procession is a special time for family reunions with relatives reunited in merit-making activities, sharing in goodwill as well as good times. Community resources are pooled and monks and community members join hands to craft these ornate wax castles as merit-making offerings and to stage a grand ceremony and festive celebrations – a notable expression of Buddhist devotion and one which strengthens the bond between the village temple and the community it serves.


ILLUMINATED BOAT PROCESSION

Date
21 Oct 2007 - 27 Oct 2007

Location
The Mekong River, Nakhon Phanom

Detail

As night falls, majestic ‘fire boats’, elaborately-adorned with flowers, incense sticks, candles and lanterns and each bearing an assortment of ritual offerings, are set alight and floated down the Mekong River.

Against the darkness of the moonlit night, the sight of flickering light from candles and lanterns on magnificent ‘fire boats’ drifting downstream on the Mekong River, is both mesmerising and awe-inspiring. It is this enchanting spectacle that has given the water-borne procession its very name — ‘Lai Reua Fai', which literally means to set afloat a ‘fire boat’.

The illuminated boat procession is celebrated in I-San, the northeastern region of Thailand on the 15th day of the waxing moon to the first day of the waning moon in the 11th lunar month of the Buddhist calendar, usually a month earlier than the corresponding month in the conventional calendar. This dazzling event marks the end of the Buddhist Lent or ‘Ok pansa’ and is accompanied by a colourful street procession and cultural performances which add to the highlights of the event which is held annually.

Illuminated boats vary in shape and form and reflect cultural identity, artistic and cultural splendour, indigenous culture and beliefs, folk knowledge and skills. Designs inspired by Buddhist motifs, The Royal Barges, mythical characters in I-san and Brahmin legend and folklore are depicted. Naga – the Serpent King, Hong – the swan, the sacred steeds of the Brahmin gods – Hamsa, the sacred goose and mount of Brahma, Garuda – the mount of Phra Narai (Vishnu), Erawan – the mount of Indra and Ganesh – the elephant-headed son of Shiva are commonly featured.


These crafted models can be seen especially in Sakon Nakhon where an annual festival is held with a grand wax castle procession, competitive long-boat races as well as traditional northeastern cultural performances among many other festivities.

The Significance of ‘Ok Pansa’, the End of the Buddhist Lent
During his final incarnation and his seventh lent, in remembrance of his mother, Lord Buddha ascended to the heavens to deliver a sermon to his mother. There he resided throughout the entire period of the three-months Rains Retreat or the Buddhist Lent.

At the end of the Rains Retreat which falls on the first day of the waning moon of the eleventh lunar month, Lord Buddha returned to earth after teaching his mother in Thavatimsa heaven, descending by the Celestial Stairway comprising of the Silver, Gold and Crystal stairs.

Delighted by the news of Buddha's return to earth once again, Buddha's disciples and followers prepared to receive him with offerings of food and other sacred items being presented. ‘Tak Baht Devo’, the Buddhist merit-making ritual performed on the final day of the festival signals the end of the Buddhist Lent, originates from the word "Devorohana" and refers to Buddhist celebrations marking the special occasion of the return of the Lord Buddha to earth, as mentioned in ancient Buddhist tales.
Contact
TAT Northeastern Office - Region 4 Tel: +66 (0) 4251 3490-1 Fax: +66 (0) 4251 3492 E-mail address: tatphnom@tat.or.th



ILLUMINATED BOAT PROCESSION

Date
21 Oct 2007 - 27 Oct 2007

Location
The Mekong River, Nakhon Phanom

Detail

As night falls, majestic ‘fire boats’, elaborately-adorned with flowers, incense sticks, candles and lanterns and each bearing an assortment of ritual offerings, are set alight and floated down the Mekong River.

Against the darkness of the moonlit night, the sight of flickering light from candles and lanterns on magnificent ‘fire boats’ drifting downstream on the Mekong River, is both mesmerising and awe-inspiring. It is this enchanting spectacle that has given the water-borne procession its very name — ‘Lai Reua Fai', which literally means to set afloat a ‘fire boat’.

The illuminated boat procession is celebrated in I-San, the northeastern region of Thailand on the 15th day of the waxing moon to the first day of the waning moon in the 11th lunar month of the Buddhist calendar, usually a month earlier than the corresponding month in the conventional calendar. This dazzling event marks the end of the Buddhist Lent or ‘Ok pansa’ and is accompanied by a colourful street procession and cultural performances which add to the highlights of the event which is held annually.

Illuminated boats vary in shape and form and reflect cultural identity, artistic and cultural splendour, indigenous culture and beliefs, folk knowledge and skills. Designs inspired by Buddhist motifs, The Royal Barges, mythical characters in I-san and Brahmin legend and folklore are depicted. Naga – the Serpent King, Hong – the swan, the sacred steeds of the Brahmin gods – Hamsa, the sacred goose and mount of Brahma, Garuda – the mount of Phra Narai (Vishnu), Erawan – the mount of Indra and Ganesh – the elephant-headed son of Shiva are commonly featured.

Origins of the Illuminated Boat Procession
The Illuminated Boat Procession reflects Buddhist origins as well as animistic beliefs and the worship of the forces of nature.

According to some scholars, the ritual is based on ancient Buddhist tales and is undertaken to pay respect to the sacred footprint of the Lord Buddha on the bank of the mythical Nammadhammahantee river and in honour of the Buddhist trinity – Phra Buddha, Lord Buddha; Phra Dhamma – his teachings and Phra Sangkha – disciples of the Lord Buddha.

In his seventh lent, in remembrance of his mother, Buddha ascended to the heavens to deliver a sermon to his mother. There he resided throughout the entire period of the three-months Rains Retreat or the Buddhist Lent. At the end of the Rains Retreat which falls on the first day of the waning moon of the eleventh lunar month, Lord Buddha returned to earth, descending by the Celestial Stairway comprising of the Silver, Gold and Crystal stairs.

Delighted by the news of Buddha's return to earth once again, Buddha's disciples and followers prepared to receive him with offerings of food and other sacred items being presented. ‘Tak Bat Devo’, the Buddhist merit-making ritual performed on the final day of the festival signals the end of the Buddhist Lent, originates from the word "Devorohana" and refers to Buddhist celebrations marking the special occasion of the return of the Lord Buddha to earth, as mentioned in ancient Buddhist tales.

In traditional river-based communities which rely on the river as a source of food, harvesting fish and other marine life from the river and planting crops on the banks of the river in the dry season when the water level recedes, water is the essence of life. In riparian cultures, ritual offerings are made to Mae Khongkha - Mother of Waters in an act of appeasement to beg for her forgiveness for Man's carelessness in polluting pristine waters - the source of all life; The Naga – the mythical Serpent God associated with water that dwells in three realms: beneath the earth where it guards minerals and gems, in bodies of still and flowing water, and in the skies where it creates the rain which nourishes crops; and other celestial powers responsible for the gift of life revered by the I-San people. By setting the ‘fireboats’ adrift, one also symbolically casts away one's grief, misery and ill-fortunes.

Traditionally, a ‘fireboat’ was hewn out of a 10-12 metre banana tree trunk or and other buoyant material readily found in the vicinity. The various forms and structure it takes is made by shaping spliced bamboo slithers and other inflammable components. Contemporary versions are either made from actual boats or petrol drums adorned with flowers, incense sticks, candles, light bulbs, fireworks and pyrotechnics. Once the ritual offerings have been made, the boats are salvaged and recycled for the next festival.

Contact

TAT Northeastern Office - Region 4 Tel: +66 (0) 4251 3490-1 Fax: +66 (0) 4251 3492 E-mail address: tatphnom@tat.or.th
from:http://www.tat.or.th/festival/

The 4th Siam Flora Festival

The 4th Siam Flora Festival
Date

24 Oct 2007 - 2 Nov 2007

Place
At 10.00-21.00 hrs., the MCC Hall, the Mall Bangkae, Bangkok Admission fee is 30 baht, some of the income will donate to the Princess Pa Foundation, Thai Red Cross Society.

Detail
Enjoy the beautiful flora, to honour H.M. the Queen, featuring the plant that received H.M. the Queen’s name, the tropical plants, the 60 species which have been newly found as well as the high-price plant such as Bonsai, Impala Lily, and Croton etc. The National Flora Contest is organized, winning the Royal Trophy of HRH Princess Soamsavali Kitiyakara, the categories are: 1. A single orchid plus a garden decoration.2. The 6 categories of Bonsai. 3. The 22 categories of Aglaonema.4. The 10 categories of Frangipani.5. The 8 categories of Impala Lily.6. The 9 categories of Caladium.7. The 7 categories of Croton.

Contact
Khun Marisa SaenkulsirisakThe Mall Group Co., Ltd.
Tel. 0 2310 1549 Fax. 0 2310 1562

Social and Culture in Thailand

Historical Background
Thailand not only enjoys a great diversity of fauna and flora, but it accommodates a wide ethnic diversity as well. Thanks to its abundant resources and fertile land, it has attracted peoples of many lands, who have settled and thrived here.
The origins of the Thais is a much debated topic among academics. Three decades ago it could be said with presumed certainty that the Thais originated in northwestern Szechuan in China about 4,500 years ago and later migrated south to their present homeland. However, this theory has been altered by the discovery of remarkable prehistoric artifacts in the village of Ban Chiang in the Nong Han District of Udon Thani Province in the Northeast of Thailand. These include evidence of bronze metallurgy dating back 3,500 years, as well as other indications of a culture far more sophisticated than previously believed by archaeologists. It now appears that Thais might have originated here in Thailand and later scattered to various parts of Asia, including some parts of China."Siam" is the name by which the country was known to the world until 1939 and again between 1945 and 1949. On May 11, 1949, an official proclamation declared that the country would henceforth be known as "Thailand." The word "Thai" means "Free," and therefore "Thailand" means "Land of the Free."Source: Thailand into the 2000's
Geography
Situated in the heart of the Southeast Asian mainland and covering an area of 513,115 sq. km., from North 5 o30" to 21o and from East 97 o30" to 105o 30", Thailand borders the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Cambodia and the Gulf of Thailand to the east, Myanmar and the Indian Ocean to the west, and Malaysia to the south. Thailand has maximum dimensions of about 2,500 kilometers north to south and 1,250 kilometers east to west, with a coastline of approximately 1,840 kilometers on the Gulf of Thailand and 865 kilometers along the Indian Ocean.
Land Usearable land: 27.54%
permanent crops: 6.93%
other: 65.53% (2005)
Topography
The North is a mountainous region comprising natural forests, ridges and deep, narrow, alluvial valleys. The major city in the region is Chiang Mai.Central Thailand , the basin of the Chao Phraya River, is a lush, fertile valley. It is the richest and most extensive rice-producing area in the country and has often been called the "Rice Bowl of Asia." Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is located in this region.
The Northeast region is arid, characterized by rolling surfaces and undulating hills. Harsh climatic conditions often result in this region being subjected to floods and droughts.
The Southern region ranges from hilly to mountainous, with thick virgin forests and rich deposits of minerals and ores. The region is the center for production of rubber and cultivation of other tropical crops.