Ok Phansa or End of Buddhist Lent Day

On the full moon of the 11th Thai lunar month, usually in October.

The Ok Phansa festival marks the end of the Buddhist Lent. It is a time of celebration and merit-making with provinces nationwide set to celebrate the occasion on different days and in distinctive styles, depending on their locality and tradition.

• Illuminated Boat Procession, 20-30 October 2023, over the Mekong River, Mueang District, Nakhon Phanom. Beautifully decorated boats float along the Mekong River to pay respect to the Lord Buddha and make offerings to the mythical Naga serpent said to live in the river.

• Rap Bua Festival, 22-30 October 2023 at Bang Phli City Hall and Wat Bang Phli Yai Nai, Samut Prakan. The one-and-only ancient Buddhist tradition of its kind in Thailand, where the highlight is the barge procession of a replica of the Luangpho To Buddhist image along Khlong Samrong, and the Rap Bua (receiving lotus) activity of the local people of Bang Phli District.

• Wax Castle Festival and Long-boat Race, 23-29 October 2023, at the 80th Chaloem Phrakiat Park, and Wat Phrathat Choeng Chum, Sakon Nakhon. The procession of the intricately carved wax castles portraying the illuminating scenes of Heaven to Wat Phrathat Choeng Chum, and traditional long-boat races on Nong Han Reservoir.

• Naga Fireball World Festival, 29 October 2023, at the Naga statues plaza by the Mekong River in Mueang District, Lan Naga Boek Fa in Phon Phisai District, Lan Boeng Wiang in Si Chiang Mai District, and Rattanawapi District Hall, Nong Khai. One of the more mysterious events on the Thailand events calendar, this event centers around the as yet unexplained fireballs that annually erupt into the sky from the Mekong River.

• Ok Phansa Festival, 30 October 2023, at Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Park, Roi Et. Famous for the Sorapanya (Homage to the Buddha) Chanting competition, ‘Khao Thip’ (milk-rice pudding with honey) making ceremony, and lantern decorations.

• Chak Phra, Robe Offering, and Long-boat Racing Festival, 26 October-3 November 2023, near the Tapi River on Na Mueang Road and Ban Don Road, Surat Thani. Elaborately decorated floats take part in the hauling of Surat Thani’s revered Buddha images on the Tapi River and on land. The nine-day festivities also include long-boat races.

• Chak Phra Festival, 29 October 2023, at Yala Municipal Youth Centre, Yala. Revered Buddha images are carried in elaborately decorated floats around the city.

• Tak Bat Devo Festival, 29-30 October 2023, at Wat Sangkat Rattana Khiri, Uthai Thani. The biggest Tak Bat Devo ceremony in Thailand, where the key element of the day is the offerings made to around 500 Buddhist monks, who descend the 449-step staircase from the temple’s chedi.

• Tak Bat Devo Festival, 30 October 2023, at Wat Phra Bat Phu Pan Kham, Khon Kaen. The highlight is the offerings made to 299 Buddhist monks, who descend the 1,049-step staircase from the temple’s chedi.

• Tak Bat Devo Festival, 30 October 2023, at Wat Khao Phra Ngam, Lop Buri.

Sat Day or Bun Duean Sip (10th Lunar Month Festival)

On the 15th night of the waning moon of the 10th Thai Lunar month (usually in September or October)

Sat Day, also known as Bun Duean Sip or Sat Duean Sip tradition, refers to a Buddhist merit-making tradition where living relatives make merit dedicated to their ancestors by giving food offerings to monks. It originated from local superstition that ancestors, particularly those not yet reincarnated, would be temporarily released from the ‘underworld’, explaining the numerous ‘hungry-ghost puppet’ parades. The tradition is distinctively observed in various destinations nationwide with the event in Nakhon Si Thammarat being the biggest.

• Sat Thai Kluai Khai Mueang Kamphaeng Festival, 5-15 October 2023, at City Hall and Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park, Kamphaeng Phet. The annual event marks Sat Day and celebrates Kamphaeng Phet’s best-known fruit crop ‘Kluai Khai’ (Lady Finger banana). Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park will be brightly illuminated at night.

• Sat Duean Sip and Red Cross Fair, 8-17 October 2023, at Sanam Na Mueang and Princess Mother 84 Park (Thung Tha Lat), Nakhon Si Thammarat. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Bun Duean Sip tradition in Nakhon Si Thammarat.

• Kapong Sat Duean Sip ‘Hae Krajad’, 11-14 October 2023, at Kapong District, Phang-nga. Known for the unique procession of ‘krajad’ or basket containing offering to monks at nearby temples to make merit dedicated to the ancestors.

Vegetarian Festival

On the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar, usually October.

One of Thailand’s most unique and lively events, the Vegetarian Festival – also known as the Nine Emperor Gods Festival – has its origins in Chinese culture. It is believed that abstinence from meat and stimulants will bring about good health and peace of mind to individuals and the community. Thus, a lot of Thai people, especially those of Chinese lineage, will restrict themselves to only a vegetarian diet for nine days and nine nights as a form of purification of a person’s body, mind, and spirit.

In Phuket, which is Thailand’s most popular place to experience the Vegetarian Festival, stunning rituals take place in which devotees said to be in a trance-like state perform breathtaking feats of self-mutilation like body piercing, walking on hot coals, and climbing razor-sharp ladders to demonstrate their devotion to the gods and ancestors. The Phuket Vegetarian tradition supposedly began in 1825.

Taking part in worship rituals, observing a vegan diet, venerating the emperor gods, street processions of God images and of celebrants, fire-walking ritual, and crossing a bridge of purification at these notable locations. Some offer vegetarian dishes free of charge throughout the nine or the 10 days.

• Chon Buri, 13-24 October 2023, at Na Jasa Tai Chue Shrine.

• Hat Yai, 14-23 October 2023, at Supasarn Rangsan Park, Songkhla.

• Prachin Buri, 14-23 October 2023, at Bampen Thammasathan Foundation.

• Phang-nga, 14-23 October 2023, at seven shrines around the province.

• Phak Hai, 15-23 October 2023, at Tai Hong Kong Shrine, Phak Hai District, Ayutthaya.

• Maha Sarakham, 15-23 October 2023, at Khun Wiro Kusolsongkroh Foundation (Eng Tek Tung), Kantharawichai District.

• Korat (“jia-chai”), 15-23 October 2023, at the Thai Chinese Vegan Club and the shrines near the Thao Suranari (Ya Mo) Monument, Nakhon Ratchasima.

• Udon Thani, 15-23 October 2023, at Grand Father-Grand Mother Shrine, Thai Chinese Cultural Centre.

• Phuket, 15-23 October 2023, at 31 shrines around the province (click to see the list of shrines).

• Trang, 15-23 October 2023, at the shrines around Mueang District.

• Ranong, 15-24 October 2023, at the shrines around the province.

• Chumphon, 15-24 October 2023, at Pu Ming Tai Si Buddha Hall.

Other events and festivals

–Phanom Rung Light Phenomenon (Sunset), 5-7 October 2023, Phanom Rung Historical Park, Buri Ram This is the fourth and last time this year visitors can observe the sunset through the 15 doors of Prasat Hin Phanom Rung. The light phenomenon happens four times a year – two sunset events occur between 5-7 March and 5-7 October, and two sunrise events happen between April 3-5 and 8-10 September. Prasat Hin Phanom Rung is perched atop an extinct volcano 60 kilometers south of Buri Ram city. It is the largest and best restored Khmer site in Thailand and offers fine views of the surrounding rice fields.

• Phetchabun’s ‘Um Phra Dam Nam Tradition’ and Food Festival 2023, 10-19 October 2023, Wat Trai Phum and Wat Bot Chanaman Translated from Thai, Um Phra Dam Nam literally means ‘diving while holding the Buddha’s image’. Legend has it that local villagers found a Buddha image floating in the river and brought it to the temple, but it then mysteriously disappeared before being found back at its original spot on the river. Hence, the Buddha image is brought back to the river each year so the villagers can dive into the river holding it in the hope of receiving a blessing of ‘abundance and nature’s balance.’

• OR Thailand Grand Prix 2023, 27-29 October 2023, Chang International Circuit, Buri Ram This is the fourth MotoGP event taking place in the Northeastern province of Buri Ram. The event is the 17th of the 20-race calendar. Francesco Bagnaia of Ducati currently leads the 2023 MotoGP season’s world championship standings with 194 points, followed by Ducati-Pramac’s Jorge Martin with 159 points, and Ducati-VR46’s Marco Bezzecchi with 158 points. Tickets for the event are available for purchase at 7-Eleven stores or at www.allticket.com. Fans are offered a range of seating options, including the Grand Stand, Marquez Stand, Quartararo Stand, Chantra Stand, and Side Stand.

These are just some of the amazing events and festivals scheduled to take place in October 2023. Enjoy your time in Thailand!

The post Thailand events calendar for October 2023 appeared first on Thailand Vacation Spots.

Deputy Governor Restructuring

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has recently undertaken a restructuring of its Deputy Governor positions. Effective from October 1, 2023, this reorganization aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the TAT’s operations. By redistributing responsibilities and promoting talented individuals within the organization, the TAT strives to optimize its performance in promoting Thai tourism.

Overview

The Deputy Governor restructuring is a strategic move by the TAT to strengthen its operations and maximize its impact on the tourism industry. By redefining the roles and responsibilities of its Deputy Governors, the TAT aims to better address the needs of different markets and stakeholders. This restructuring is part of the TAT’s continuous efforts to adapt to the evolving tourism landscape and ensure sustainable growth in the industry.

Effective Date

The Deputy Governor restructuring came into effect on October 1, 2023. This date marks the beginning of the new structure and the implementation of the revised roles and responsibilities for the Deputy Governors. The TAT is committed to making a smooth transition during this period and ensuring that all changes are effectively communicated to relevant stakeholders.

New Positions

As part of the restructuring, the TAT has introduced new Deputy Governor positions to better align with its strategic priorities. The newly created positions include the Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Asia and the South Pacific and the Deputy Governor for Domestic Market. These positions will play crucial roles in driving tourism promotion and development in their respective areas.

Previous Positions

To facilitate the creation of new positions, some changes have been made to the existing Deputy Governor roles. Previously held responsibilities have been redistributed to better suit the TAT’s priorities and enhance overall efficiency. This restructuring allows for a more focused and streamlined approach to tourism promotion and development.

Appointment of Mr. Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya

Mr. Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya has been appointed as the Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Asia and the South Pacific. Previously serving as the Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, Mr. Chattan will now oversee the marketing and promotion of Thai tourism products and services in the Asia and South Pacific regions. His extensive experience and expertise in marketing communications make him an ideal candidate for this role.

Appointment of Ms. Somradee Chitchong

Ms. Somradee Chitchong has been appointed as the Deputy Governor for the Domestic Market. She previously held the position of Deputy Governor for Administration and will now be responsible for planning and executing domestic tourism campaigns. Ms. Somradee’s deep understanding of administrative processes and her passion for promoting domestic tourism make her an invaluable asset to the TAT.

Appointment of Mr. Nithee Seeprae

Mr. Nithee Seeprae has been appointed as the Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications. He previously held the position of Deputy Governor for Digitalisation, Research, and Development and will now oversee strategic advertisement and public relations campaigns. Mr. Nithee’s expertise in digitalization and his strong track record in research and development will contribute to promoting Thailand as a preferred tourist destination.

Promotion of Mrs. Rujiras Chatchalermkit

Mrs. Rujiras Chatchalermkit has been promoted to the position of Deputy Governor for Administration. Previously serving as the Executive Director of the Marketing Services Department, Mrs. Rujiras brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her new role. Her leadership skills and commitment to effective administration will support the TAT in achieving its objectives.

Promotion of Mr. Teerasil Tapen

Mr. Teerasil Tapen has been promoted to the position of Deputy Governor for Digitalisation, Research, and Development. Having previously served as the Executive Director of the Europe, Africa, and Middle East Region, Mr. Teerasil is well-equipped to oversee the Digital and Information Technology Department as well as the Research and Development Department. His expertise in these areas will contribute to the TAT’s digital transformation and research initiatives.

Existing Deputy Governors

In addition to the newly appointed Deputy Governors, three Deputy Governors will continue in their existing positions. Mrs. Numfhon Boonyawat, the Deputy Governor for Policy and Planning, has been in this role since 2019. Mr. Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, the Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas, has been in this role since 2022. Mr. Apichai Chatchalermkit, the Deputy Governor of Tourism Products and Business, has been in this role since 2021. These experienced Deputy Governors will continue to contribute to the success of the TAT and its initiatives.

The Deputy Governor restructuring by the TAT aims to optimize its operations and strengthen its impact on the tourism industry. With the appointment of new Deputy Governors, the TAT is well-positioned to address the specific needs of different markets and stakeholders. This restructuring reflects the TAT’s commitment to driving sustainable growth in the Thai tourism sector and ensuring that it remains an attractive destination for tourists worldwide.

The post TAT restructures Deputy Governor positions from 1 October 2023 appeared first on Thailand Vacation Spots.