Just a heads-up here: Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year festival a.k.a. the “world’s largest water battle” is just around the corner now. While the notorious “water festival” traditionally kicks off on April 13 (mark it on your calendar) and is celebrated for three days only the water-splashing party has been extended to as long… Continue Reading
New Crackdown on Drunk Driving Announced for Songkran
Songkran, the traditional Thai new year festival, is just around the corner now and preparations for the world’s “largest water battle” are well under way in Pattaya. As usual, the week-long annual madness and nonstop street party promises to become just as wild as it is wet. And well, unless you’re a strict non-drinker it… Continue Reading
Pattaya International Music Festival 2016 – March 18-20
This year, the three-day Pattaya International Music Festival, one of the main events in the Pattaya calendar and now in its 15th year, will run from Friday, March 18, to Sunday, March 20. Albeit not as well publicized as in previous years, the self-styled “biggest open-air festival” in the region is again expected to draw… Continue Reading
St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Pattaya – March 17, 2016
As usual, St. Patrick’s Day will be celebrated in style this year by the locals and the Irish community in Pattaya. If you want to join the festival activities, perhaps with a pint of Guinness or two, we’re sure you’ll find a great party atmosphere in any of the local Irish bars and pubs. Or… Continue Reading
Burapa Pattaya Bike Week 2016 – February 12-13
The 19th Burapa Bike Week, an annual two-day festival organized by the Burapa Motorcycle Club and a popular event not only for motorcycle and rock music enthusiasts, will this year take place on February 12 and 13. As usual, the must-attend event for bike-loving locals and tourists, will kick off with a roaring “ride for… Continue Reading
Pattaya Countdown 2016 Festival, December 29-31
In a press conference at the Central Festival Pattaya Beach mall, tourism officials on Monday announced details of the upcoming annual “Pattaya Countdown” event that is sure to result in widespread stop-and-go traffic in South Pattaya in the days leading up to the main event on New Year’s Eve. Likely in response to a decreased… Continue Reading
Thais Celebrate King Bhumibol’s 88th Birthday on December 5
This Saturday, December 5, Thai people across the kingdom will celebrate the 88th birthday of their beloved monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, which isn’t just a national holiday but also celebrated as Father’s Day. As the king’s birthday falls on a Saturday this year, Monday, December 7, will be a substitution holiday, with banks, government offices,… Continue Reading
Pattaya International Fireworks Festival 2015 – November 27, 28
Pattaya’s popular International Fireworks Festival, one of the main events in the city’s festival calendar, will this year light up the sky over Pattaya on Friday, November 27, and Saturday, November 28. Originally intended to celebrate the Thai king’s birthday on December 5, Thailand’s largest annual firework display is expected to attract as many as… Continue Reading
Loy Krathong Festival – Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Thailand’s popular Loy Krathong festival, famous for floating some kind of decorated baskets on waterways and releasing lanterns into the night sky, falls on Wednesday, November 25, this year. Also knows as the “festival of lights”, Loy Krathong is not a public or Buddhist holiday, so businesses and bars will be open as usual. As… Continue Reading
Elton John Live in Bangkok – November 29, 2015
Sir Elton John and his long-standing band will perform live in Bangkok on November 29, 2015. The show, part of John’s “All the Hits” world tour, will start at 9 p.m. at the Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani. Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. on October 23, 2015, at all ThaiTicketMajor outlets and… Continue Reading
Thais Celebrate Queen’s Birthday, Mother’s Day August 12
Thai people throughout the kingdom will celebrate Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s 83rd birthday on Wednesday, August 12. Since 1976, as part of a campaign to promote the royal family and commemorate the beloved monarch’s birthday, the day is also celebrated as Mother’s Day. Given the central role of the family in Thai society, it is… Continue Reading
48-Hour Alcohol Ban for Buddhist Holidays – July 30, 31
This year, the back-to-back Buddhist holidays of Asarnha Bucha and Khao Pansaa fall on Thursday, July 30, and Friday, July 31. Both are important public holidays, and government offices, the local immigration bureau, banks and many other businesses will be closed for two consecutive days. As mandatory on the most important Buddha days, alcohol sales… Continue Reading
