March 2008
Mekong River International Multi-sport Championship
Date: 28-30 March 2008
Venue: Chiang Rai
Take in the triathlon races on the longest river in Southeast Asia. Partake in the organized trip “Gateway to Indochina”. Enjoy the food festival and beautiful cultural shows.
Contact: TAT Northern Office: Region 2 Tel: 0 5371 7433, 0 5374 4674-5
Website: www.thaitriathlon.org
4th World Thai Martial Arts Festival and waikru Muaythai ceremony (nai khanomtom day)
Date: 10-17 March each day
Venue: Ayutthaya World Heritage, Thailand
The Correct way to 'Wai'
One of Thailand’s special Customs is the 'Wai', it is used on a number of different occasions. Such as - a greeting when meeting people like other Muay Thai practitioners or students, people you train with or Thai people. It can also be used as a way to say farewell or good bye to them. This is also done by saying - Sawasdee Krab (with your palms joined & placed in a position lightly between the chest & fore head, head bowed slightly). Besides that, the Wai can be used to apologize or to say sorry, by also saying Khotode. In Thailand (and other places where its people have moved to) it is a significant Social Custom which reinforces both the Social structure and religious dogma. It is a statement of a persons rank in the Social hierarchy. Who 'Wais' whom first & exactly how, are all part of the dictates of the way to Wai. For instance, generally speaking, a younger person Wais an older person first, a Social inferior Wais a superior first. A monk will never Wai a layman. It is very important, that all Kru MuayThai should remember to stress the importance of the Wai to their trainees during Muay Thai Classes. Any trainees who may seem to forget this Traditional Custom should be firmly reminded of it !! Furthermore, Kru MuayThai should try to set a good example to their trainees in this at all times, and whenever it is possible.
WAI KRU (With regard to - Paying homage to the Masters of Muay Thai)'Kru' is a Thai word which means the person who teaches 'sid', or passes on knowledge to pupils (sid). Normally Krus are highly respected in Thai Society. They are knowledge able, full of perseverance. They practice high moral standards in their way of life, leading very respectable lives. They always devote themselves to performing their teaching commitment until their pupils attain full knowledge and are successful in their fields. Such a Kru is usually rewarded by his sense of achievement, respect from everyone and an increase in the number of students willing to submit to his guidance.To show sincere appreciation and perseverance, dedication and generosity in conferring knowledge & providing experience for good opportunities, pupils in return will submit themselves obediently and respectfully to their own Teacher's instruction and advice, serve him diligently, and obey the rules and regulations laid down by him (or her), so that the Teacher can pass on the knowledge of that particular field to them closely, quickly, properly and wisely.Wai Kru is a demonstration of the pupil's respect & gratitude to his teacher in submission to the teaching & training. Wai Kru is traditionally practised by Thais of various professions & Arts, e.g dancers, sword fighters, musicians, as well as academic students, and of course Muay Thai Boxers are no exception. As we have previously stated, "Wai" means to pay respect by putting both hands together in front of the chest. The demonstration of Wai Kru does not only imply paying respect to the present Teacher, but also includes homage to all the teachers of the discipline.
The Wai Kru Ceremony
The Thais always hold Wai Kru ceremonies on a Thursday, which is believed to be the Teacher's day. On that day, pupils present certain offerings, usually flowers, money, cloth, etc to the person who has accepted them as his student. The pupils make a vow that they will study seriously and patiently, respect him and behave fairly to their fellow students and will use the knowledge gained properly, and so on (see the following copy on the next section). In Muay Thai practise, the initial Wai Kru is called - Kheun Kru (the initial Ceremony of Paying Respect to the Teacher). Subsequently, they will pay respect to their Teachers Ceremonially each year, which is called 'Yohk Kru'. But when ever the pupils intend to use the knowledge taught to them, they will always start by Paying Respect to their Teacher; this action is called Wai Kru or Bucha Kru (to Pay Respect to a Teacher).
For any further information
Tel. 08 1302 4622, 0 3731 3283 , 08 6788 2215
www.thaimartiarts.org /
www.krumuaythai.net
Viva in the Air & Chiang Mai International Heritage 2008
Venue: 1. Heritage Festival - Lanna Poly Technic School
2. Viva in the Air – Green Valley
Date: 7 – 9 March 2008
Viva, the First International Balloon Wedding and Chiang Mai International Heritage Festival 2008 are being organized to showcase Chiang Mai as a destination capable of creating exciting international happenings – in addition to its impressive tourist attractions and historical sites.
Chiang Mai currently has few International events and it is hoped that these 2 innovations will become annual highlights, and lay the foundation for many more to come.
Our objective is to bring "Chiang Mai to the world, and the world to Chiang Mai"
Ballooning always attracts a very large audience, as we have demonstrated recently at our Khao Yai -Thailand International Balloon Festival 2007 which generated considerable press and television coverage.
Many people have never experienced the thrill of hot air balloons close up, and those who have already seen them many times never tire of their dramatic allure, their size, and their ability to silently defy gravity with the utmost grace.
The success of any festival is of course measured by the enjoyment of its audience. We hope therefore that people from all over Thailand, together with many visiting tourists, will experience something uniquely and memorably different at the festival and the balloon wedding in Chiang Mai.
The Heritage Festival is a unique section created by members of the foreign community, featuring attractive displays and native products, plus amateur performances of song, dance, and other forms of entertainment reflecting their home country. Festival visitors will therefore enjoy a global presentation of traditions, national dress, music, handicrafts, and cuisine in an ambiance designed to engender goodwill between nations, increase trade, and boost tourism.
Added to this will be a large variety of local sights and sounds, including some of Thailand’s top showbiz personalities, spectacular parades, marching bands and concerts by first-class performers. To top it all, there will be hot air balloon “Night Glows” and fireworks synchronized with music.
Austria, Burma, China, Germany, Hungary, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Nepal, Norway, Philippines, Puerto Rico (Latin America) Switzerland, Tahiti, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, USA, & Vietnam
The 10th Thailand International Kite Festival “Coloring the Sky”
Date: 8 - 9 March, 2008
Venue: Rama VI camp, Cha - Am , Phetchaburi
1. Thai Kites form 4 Regions, Kites from Rattanakosin Era
2. Chula and Pak - Pao Kites competition, The World Largest Chula Kite Show
3. Fast Kite Flying and exhibition workshop International Kite Show
4. Kite Show from more 16 countries with Giant 3D flying : Maple Kite train, Sexy
Legs Kite, Giant Gecko Kite, Giant Octopus Kite, Free Willy Whale Kite, Smiling
Sun Kite, Teddy Bear Kite, Mermaid Kite, Banner Art Kite etc.
5. Night Kite Show
6. Stunt Kite Show, Activities and Workshop
7. THEOS Satellite Kite, Tetrahedron Kite Show, Science for Kids Activities by
Geo - Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency
(public Organization) (GISTDA)
8. Kite Stall Contest, Arts Activities, Kite Workshop, etc.
9. Parachuting Show
10. Remote-controlled Small Airplane show
11. Balloon Show
12. Visit the summer seaside palace of H.M. the King Rama VI
13. OTOP Fair, Food Fair
14. Safe Energy Global Warming Caravan
April 2008
Splashing blessings on everyone in sight
While the water splashing will flourish, the traditional values of Songkran are the focus of the 2008 celebrations.
Songkran is without doubt the most popular of all Thai festivals and rightly so.
It marks the beginning of a new astrological year and its exact dates are determined by the old lunar calendar of Siam. This year the three-day festival falls on 13 to 15 April.
Traditionally, April 13 is known as “Maha Songkran Day” and marks the end of the old year, April 14 is “Wan Nao”, while April 15 is “Wan Thaloeng Sok” when the New Year begins.
While the festival has its roots in Buddhist heritage, the washing of Buddha images, merit making, traditional family values and the sprinkling of water in respect for elders, it is best known for the fun and “sanuk” everyone gains from splashing copious quantities of water on all who happen to pass by.
Songkran is celebrated with gusto by young and old, throughout the country. City communities and villages in rural Thailand forget their troubles and concentrate on the serious of business of having fun as well as cooling off, during the height of the summer’s scorching tropical temperatures.
Probably of all the national festivals, this is the one that foreigners love to experience the most. They will come across water splashing festivities wherever they travel giving them an opportunity to share in a festival that is immensely popular, while still retaining a link to its traditional roots and values.
One of the traditional values points to the Thai family and the opportunity for family members to express their respect for their elders. Younger members of the family pour scented water on the hands of their parents, and grandparents. They may present them with gifts or tokens of their love. In return, elders wish youngsters good luck and prosperity.
In temples, elder members of the family gather to make merit, offering alms to the monks. They may help clean the temple courtyard, or perform bathing rites for Buddha images
In by-gone days, the fun of splashing water on friends or strangers had to wait until the late afternoon when the religious duties and ceremonies were over.
Today, the lines are often blurred with the younger generation making the most of the three-day opportunity to splash water on everyone in sight.
Possibly the most famous of the Songkran celebrations takes place in Chiang Mai. It attracts thousands of visitors, from all over Thailand as well as international tourists determined to share in the fun. Often simply called the Chiang Mai Water Festival, the core of the celebrations will be held, 13 to 15 April, at the city’s main irrigation canal, with parades and cultural performances as well as arts demonstrations. The actual opening ceremony will be held 12 April, at the Royal Flora complex when the Minister of Tourism and Sports will declare the festival open.
Magic moments in Khmer heritage
A splash of sunlight penetrating an ancient temple cloister signals a distinctive celebration at Prasat Phanom Rung.
Knowing the exact moment to witness a spectacular sunrise through the doorway of an ancient Hindu temple requires a detailed calculation.
The most auspicious day is 3 April; the time, 0602.32 at sunrise, as the amber sun is perfectly aligned in the centre of the main doorway to a temple standing on a former volcanic mountain in northeast Thailand.
Actually, the sun rays pass straight through 15 perfectly aligned doorways of Prasat Phanom Rung, a revered and ancient Hindu monastery, just four times a year -– two sets of sunrises, in April and September, and two sets of sunsets, in March and October.
These spectacular solar-related events, that also bear religious significance in the Hindu faithful, span just three days –- 2, 3 and 4 April. The second day is considered the most auspicious as the sun is visible dead centre of the outer doorway of this Khmer Hindu temple. Sun rays cast light through 15 aligned doorways that span 75 metres of the temple’s inner courtyard illuminating a revered lingam deep in the main sanctuary. On the other two days, the sun passes one of the corners of these doorways.
Located about 120 km east of Nakhon Ratchasima, the gateway to the northeast region, Prasat Phanom Rung presents a picturesque setting high above the surrounding countryside. A series of steps lead to this ancient monument that stands on the peak of an extinct volcano offering panoramic views of rice fields and hazy mountains on the border with Cambodia.
While photographers will not want to miss the opportunity to capture the 3 April sunrise perfectly aligned within the lintels of the doorways, most visitors will settle for the evening festivals and a colourful light and sound show organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand performing nightly from 2 to 4 April.
Officially known as the “Ascent of the Mountain Annual Festival” or the “Festival Of The Thousand Year Miracle of the Phanom Rung Grand Shrine” the celebrations start with the religious significance of the sunrises, but continue with community festivities on each of the three days, well into the night.
The 80-minute light and sound show, that start at 20:00, highlights the history of Prasat Phanom Rung and explains the significance of the sunrise and its alignment with the temple’s courtyard doors.
The show is described as an “extravagant outdoor Son et Lumiere performances led by a large cast of actors, dancers and acrobats.”
This evening spectacular, held within the temple complex, compliments the daytime activities that start with the sunrise ceremonies and are followed by colourful festivities throughout the day. In the afternoon there is almost a carnival spirit as visitors enjoy the local food specialities sold at stalls, the folk music and dances as well as handicraft displays. Many visitors are tempted to stay on to admire the floodlight sanctuary, or slumber through night under the stars to ensure they have a prime spot to participate in the sunrise ceremonies on the following morning.
Chiang Mai International Art & Culture Festival 2008
Date: April 2-6, 2008 18.00 – 22.00 pm.
Venue: At Three Kings Monument
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