Por Tor Festival 2011

I have posted on my personal blog and the company’s blog regarding the Por Tor Festival in Phuket Town.


I started the festival with photographs taken for my work permit – always choosing Klinc Kong in Phuket Town AND they know the right size.

Then I visited the places where they make the turtle cakes and put on the intricate writings – my daughter thought that they were beautiful.


This year was different - I went with my friend Jamie from Phuket  (always a pleasure, nice camera too) and met Chaya from Phuket Heritage Trails – visit both sites and learn more about Phuket.


Then it was time for a cocktail at Siam Indigo – gin and tonic was perfect but I did steal it from one of our group – sorry.


We had our cocktail and Chaya told us about the history of the event and then entered the fray – noise, wonderful, busy and full of fun – Phuket at it’s best.

Kathu Street Festival 2011

permission from Jamie in Phuket

After witnessing the camaraderie of last years Kathu Street Festival I was determined to ensure that I would arrive early and take as many photographs... I was taking care of a wedding which is always special BUT then I was late, it was raining and I took the wrong turning...

My anger swiftly turned to smiles when we arrived and there was a group of ladyboys goading some young army trainees in having a photograph with them... The Thai people taught me how to smile when everything around them does not - beauty - what about the rain?

We watched the end of the parade (visit Jamie in Phuket's flickr for beautiful photographs) and then we weaved our way through the stalls selling us their local products.  Then we reached one end and there was a performance of Thai pop / cultural songs with dancing.

Then dragons appeared and danced on stage - fried chicken time (not sure about the insects... another time) - which was swiftly followed by dancing on the stage to pop music and traditional Thai music.

As we purchased the chicken the dragons reappeared and were invited into the locals homes 

The dragons continued their walk through the village - even joining a local BB crew for a BOP!

A wonderful atmosphere which was going to continue for another three days

click here

  

Kaeng Hin Phoeng Rafting Festival 14 - 18 July

photo from TripsThailand

The white water rafting starts on the 1st of July but there is a festival on the 14th until the 18th of July. During this period there will also be recreational activities for everybody of all ages and the OTOP will also be their promoting local products of the area.

More details are from www.tripsthailand

 

6th Thailand International Wax Sculpture

photo from allbangkok.com

This was on the front page of the Bangkok Post and is supported by the TAT 'amazing Thailand project - I wrote about this last year in the blog.


There is also a procession and a festival; the event is at Thuang Sri Muang Park and Ubon Ratchathani National Museum 


Photos of Thuang Sri Muang Park and Museum

more information

More photographs

Then I saw this - 

Bun Luang & Phi Ta Khon Festival

photo from Thailand Land of Smiles

This is more commonly known as the Ghost Festival and I must say that I did not recognise this festival.


Also known as the Thailand Ghost Festival, the Phi Ta Khon Festival is a much anticipated and highly regarded event in Thailand. Revelers and participants will don ghost masks and costumes made of bamboo and wicker and walk through town in the annual ghost parade which is more to the point a rain making ceremony that ushers in the beginning of rainy season.


The Phi Ta Khon Festival is a well attended event that brings together making merit, having a party, and reenacting the folklore of the reincarnation of King Vessandorn, the Buddha to be. Buddhist legend has it that the townspeople were angry that the charitable King gave away two precious white elephants to another King who asked for them. They then forcibly exiled him into the forest. The angels and spirits in the forest admired his unconditional generosity so they formed a procession to escort him back to rule the town. The townspeople became overjoyed with his epiphany and so the legend was born and has since given way to the annual Phi Ta KhonFestival.

The text is not mine but from Thailand Land of Smiles.

  

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