Koh Phangan Culture Travel Guide

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Koh Phangan has a rich and varied culture. The Thais have many festivals that they celebrate to commemorate various events, and you are welcome to participate in any that catch your fancy. [more]

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Full Moon Party

There are those who think the full-scale partying on the night of the Full Moon can't possibly qualify as cultural, but they are wrong. The Full Moon festivities are more than just a collection of people getting drunk to music-they are full-scale international events.

Songkran (Thai New Year) on Koh Phangan

Otherwise known as Thai New Year. Actually, in the spirit of international understanding, Koh Phangan has three New Years parties: one on January 1st for their European friends, one in early February that they celebrate with their Chinese community and guests, and the Thai new year celebration on April 13th. For a people who are generally joyous and celebrate life with abandon, this is the most celebrated occasion in The Kingdom.

During this holiday Thais spend time with their families, and throw large quantities of water at everyone within reach, including foreigners. This pastime is so beloved, it has its own word-sat nam. Only police officers in uniform are immune to attack; everyone else is expected to take their punishment with good humor. If you are in Thailand on April 13th, either stay in your room or prepare your own bucket of water and join in the fun.

Loy Krathong (Festival of Lights)

On November 14, Thailand's waterways, right down to hotel swimming pools are ablaze with dazing lights. Loy Krathong is one of the year's most important festivals. Most Thais also believe the floating of the krathong is a yearly sloughing off of all the sins and calamities that have befallen a person.

The annual festival is always held on the full moon day of the 12th lunar month. Thais place great importance in this event and it passes with great celebrations all over the Kingdom.

Ceremonies organized by the government

Ploughing Ceremony

This ceremony serves to boost the morale of farmers, and remind those that do not farm of the significance of the occupation. During the ceremony the Farming Lord ploughs land near the Grand Palace. This signals the beginning of the ploughing season. He also offers food to the cows used during the ploughing.

Constitution Day

This celebration falls on the 10th of December. This is the day King Rama VII granted the First Constitution of Thailand to his people in the year 1932.

Royal ceremonies

His Majesty's Birthday Anniversary

His Majesty's birthday falls on the 5th of December. It is also considered Thai National Day. There will be songs sung, and farangs (non-Thai's) generally lend their support by singing 'Happy Birthday' in English. It is appreciated as the good will gesture it is meant to be.