| Holidays Festivals Many of the
holidays celebrated during the course of the year are Buddhist, but some other very
important ones such as the Monarch's birthday, are not religious in origin. Except for the
closing of government offices and institutions, and occasional one-day prohibitions on the
sale of alcohol, these holidays will not affect leisure activities very much.
In the following list, we have included some special events that are specific to Samui,
and are sure to be of interest. These will be updated as we become aware of them. Check
this list again prior to your departure!
 AUGUST
12 (Saturday) - H.M. The Queen's Birthday
Celebrations for the Queen's birthday. This day is also Mother's Day and a public holiday.
15 (Tuesday) - Full Moon Party
Once a month at Haad Rin Beach, Koh Pan Ghan. 10,000 or more people make it a party to
remember. People party from dusk till dawn and even onto the next day. International
visitors and Thai celebrate together.
30 (Wednesday) - World Championship Thai Boxing
World light weight title bout plus bonus ladies title bout.
SEPTEMBER
9 (Saturday) - Santiburi Dusit Resort Grand Opening Spa
Santiburi Spa is the most recent addtion to the pleasures of the Santiburi Dusit Resort.
Four Luxurious treatment suites. Two jacuzzis each in a private courtyard garden. Herbs
used in the spa come from Santiburi's own herb garden.
13 (Wednesday) - Full Moon Party
Once a month at Haad Rin Beach, Koh Pan Ghan. 10,000 or more people make it a party to
remember. People party from dusk till dawn and even onto the next day. International
visitors and Thai celebrate together.
18-19 (Monday-Tuesday) Samui Food Festival
Organised by the Samui Culinary Circle (SSC) in co-operation with the Tourism Association
of Koh Samui (TAKS)
24 (Sunday) - Radio Thailand Samui Grand Opening
Samui's first radio station will broadcast live from 5am - 11pm daily. The Tourism
Assocaition Of Koh Samui will host three, one hour show every week. Keep watching for more
details.
30 (Saturday) - 50th Aniversary Koh Samui School
Koh Samui School (located in Lipa Noi) reunion with sports day and a party and concert in
the evening.
OCTOBER
13
(Friday) - Awk Phansa.
Thai Buddhist Festival - public holiday.
Full Moon Party
Once a month at Haad Rin Beach, Koh Pan Ghan. 10,000 or more people make it a party to
remember. People party from dusk till dawn and even onto the next day. International
visitors and Thai celebrate together.
23 (Monday) - Chulalongkorn Memorial Day.
This is a public holiday in observance of the passing of King Rama V, who did a lot of
important things for Thailand. His many accomplishments include the abolition of slavery,
the construction of the railways, the establishment of the post and telegraph services and
the creation of the ministerial system.
NOVEMBER
11 (Saturday) Loi Krathong
This traditional custom has been celebrated nationwide for centu7ries. It is claimed that
this historic ceremony has its origin in the 13th Century during the Sukhothai period.
It is celebrated during the night of the full moon on the 12 lunar month of every year. On
this night all Thais go to rivers and waterways to float a Krathong in order to say thank
you for the life-giving water.
Loy means float and Krathong is the name of a small artistic boat made from banana leaves
and flowers. Each Krathong contains a candle and incense. After lighting the candle and
incense send your Krathong off into the night. Thais believe that if the candle’s
still burning as the Krathong floats away, this will bring you good luck in the coming
year.
Full Moon Party
Once a month at Haad Rin Beach, Koh Pan Ghan. 10,000 or more people make it a party to
remember. People party from dusk till dawn and even onto the next day. International
visitors and Thai celebrate together.
DECEMBER
5 (Tuesday) - H.M. The King's 73rd Birthday
King Bhumibol's Birthday is a national holiday celebrated with thoughtful reverence by all
Thais. Lots of lights and temporary shrines.
10 (Sunday) - Constitution Day
A public holiday to commemorate the start of the constitutional monarchy in 1932. Before
this, the government of Thailand was an absolute monarchy.
11 (Monday) - Full Moon Party
Once a month at Haad Rin Beach, Koh Pan Ghan. 10,000 or more people make it a party to
remember. People party from dusk till dawn and even onto the next day. International
visitors and Thai celebrate together.
31 (Sunday) - New Year's Eve
New Years Eve and New Years Day are celebrated in a rather pleasant deference to the
Western Calendar.
|
