a time of firecrackers, lion dancers parading through the streets and time to ‘spring-clean’ the house, is celebrated in February by all Chinese-Thais. Lanterns line the streets and the smell of incense wafts through the air. Dragon parades weave down roads and children gad about everywhere.

In March when the wind never fails to blow and the sky is clear and bright, people go to Sanam Luang, the main ground opposite the Grand Palace, to join or watch kite flying, an activity popular in th is country since ancient times. A Thai kite fighting contest is held annually.

The most frenetic festival in the country is that of Songkran, the Luna New Year. Held from the 13th to 15th April each year…it’s a wet one! Traditionally it was celebrated by Buddha images being bathed with water and the showing of respect to monks and elders. From the sprinkling of water onto someone’s hands as a sign of respect it has evolved into mass drenching for anyone who decides to venture outdoors. This has to be one of the friendliest, though wet, festivals anywhere and a great way to make new friends.

Local Wats (Buddhist Temples) celebrate by holding candlelit processions. A tourist may take part in these parades and it can prove great fun. TIP: Lady visitors please note; a monk may not touch a woman so please show respect and keep your distance.

An ancient Brahman ritual, conducted at Sanam Luang, Bangkok, in which farmers believe is able to forecast the abundance of the next rice crop. The event is a result of series of ceremonies that are conducted by Phraya Raek Na. This ceremony is considered the official commencement of the rice-growing season.

The event is observed citywide and nationwide. In the evening, people gather at the waterside to float krathong, lotus-shaped vessels lovely decorated with flowers and lit candles, as a thanksgiving and worship to the Goddess of Water. There are also fun fairs, concerts, beauty contests and other entertainment activities.

Annually held 7 nights and 8 days (from the 11th day of the waxing moon of the 12th lunar month to the 3rd of the waning moon of the same month), the event's purpose is to worship the Buddha's relics enshrined in the Golden Mount in the compound of Saket Temple. It features folk plays, sales of foods and other products, and amusements.

The Royal Guards are on parade before the King on the Ground of King Rama V's Equestrian Statue to show their readiness, unity and loyalty to the three most important institutions of the country-- the King, the nation and the religion.