Kullada Women Group

Boat Race Festival 2007@ Chaopraya River By www.ozonetv.net

???????????? ????????? ???????????????

The Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya or Ayutthaya in short, is one of Thailand's historical and majestic highlights. Serving as the Thai capital for 417 years (1350 1767: Kingdom of Ayutthaya), it was once glorified as one of the biggest cities in Southeast Asia. During the 17th century, most foreign visitors to Ayutthaya, traders or diplomats alike, claimed Ayutthaya to be the most illustrious and glittering city that they had ever visited. The map of Ayutthaya published in 1691 by Simon de la Loubere in Du Royaume De Siam is proof of such recognition. The Kingdom of Ayutthaya reached its apex in terms of sovereignty, military might, wealth, culture, and international commerce in the 16th century when the Kingdoms territory was extended far beyond present-day Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar. Ayutthaya even had diplomatic relations with Louis XIV of France and was courted by Dutch, Portuguese, English, Chinese and Japanese merchants. Visitors can explore and appreciate Thai history in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, which is situated only 86 kilometers north of Bangkok. Visitors to Ayutthaya can marvel at its grandeur reflected through numerous magnificent structures and ruins concentrated in and around the city island surrounded by Maenam Chao Phraya, Maenam Pa Sak and Maenam Lopburi. More importantly,Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park, an extensive historical site in the heart of Ayutthaya city, has been included in UNESCO's World Heritage list since 13 December, 1991.

The 19th Thailand International Swan Boat Races 2007@Ban Sai Royal Folk and Crafts Center,Ayutthaya Province By www.ozonetv.net

4th World Thai Martial Arts Festival and Wai Khru Muay Thai Ceremony Nai Khanom Tom Day – Tribute To a Muay Thai Folk Hero,March 10 – 17, 2008 At the Ayutthaya World Heritage Site.The ancient capital of Ayutthaya is home to the annual World Thai Martial Arts Festival and Wai Khru Muay Thai Ceremony. For individuals trained in the ancient Thai art of boxing or ‘Muay Thai’, the annual Wai Khru Muay Thai Ceremony held during the annual Thai Martial Arts Festival is the most important date on their calendar. Muay Thai boxers from around the world return to Ayutthaya to pay respect to their teachers, and to pay homage to the legendary Muay Thai folk hero, Nai Khanom Tom. Formally known as Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, the ancient city of Ayutthaya, was founded in 1350 by King U-Thong and remained the capital city of the Kingdom of Siam for 417 years, from 1350 to 1767. During this time, 33 kings of various Siamese dynasties have reigned in Ayutthaya, each contributing to the Kingdom's many cultural treasures. At its height of glory, Ayutthaya was one of Asia's most prosperous cities with a proliferation of magnificent temples, palaces and pavilions signifying its wealth and prosperity. This impressive heritage has become the bedrock of Thai society and has shaped the Thai way of life as it exists today. With a culture and civilization so outstanding and timeless, UNESCO declared the Ayutthaya Historical Park, a cultural World Heritage Site on 13 December 1991. The ancient origins of Muay Thai or Thai boxing can be traced back to Muay Boran or “ancient boxing”, a form of unarmed combat used by Siamese soldiers in conjunction with an ancient weapon called Krabee Krabong. Muay Thai is Thailand’s national sport and Ayutthaya, the home of its legendary hero, Nai Khanom Tom, is the stronghold of Muay Thai. WAI KHRU RITUAL (Paying respect to one’s ‘masters’) Wai Khru is a ritual during which individual Muay Thai fighters pay respect to their masters or teachers, including those who have passed on. This is an integral aspect of Muay Thai. To become a fully-fledged Muay Thai fighter, an individual is required to pass through a series of initiation rites. The first of these being Kuen Khru — the Initiation as a Trainee Fighter Ceremony, in which the khru muay (Muay Thai master or teacher) accepts young fighters as his students and pledges to teach them to the best of his ability. Wai Khru Prajam Pii or the Annual Homage-Paying Ceremony is the second of these rituals. This culminates in Wai Khru Ram Muay – the Ritual Dance of Homage, which is performed by the fighters as a mark of respect. When an individual has been through these three ‘milestones’ — initiation, training and participation in contests, they are then considered to be a Muay Thai fighter. Khrob Khru — the Initiation as a Teacher Ceremony — is the fourth of the Wai Khru ritual. This bestows on Muay Thai boxers the rank of khru muay and again involves a performance of the Ritual Dance of Homage.for more information please contact:Contact:Tourism Authority of Thailand Email: info@tat.or.th ,Website: www.tat.or.th Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 (120 automatic lines) Fax: +66 (0) 2250 5511 (two automatic lines)

haophraya River Cleaning Day@The Grand River Cruise By www.ozonetv.net

Ayutthaya Province in collaboration with the Government and Private Organization organize the special event “Amazing New Year ‘s Eve 2008 Musical Fire Work Display @ Ayutthaya World Heritage ” and “ The Great Poet of Siam” during December 29-31, 2007 at Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park. The event is for the purpose for celebrate His Majesty King Bhumibol Aduyadej’s 80 th Birthday Anniversary and to welcome the New Year by participating in a spectacular light and sound The activities include the world famed “ Ayutthaya Historical Site “provides a unique background unmatched anywhere in the world to a spectacular display of fireworks rising from the Wat Rama Temple one of the Ayutthaya World Heritage . A UNESCO Heritage Site, it is rightfully considered one of Thailand greatest historical sites.With the sounds of music for maximum dramatic interpretation, the audience can closeup view newly designed fireworks and the showcasing of ancient market, OTOP shops, traditional culture shows and much more. All show provided all free of charge. Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) proudly invites all visitors to the spectacular event. The opening ceremony will be on Friday December 29,2007. For more information please contact Director of Tourism Authority of Thailand Central Region office:Region 6 108/22 Moo 4 Tambon Phratoochai Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Phra Tel. 0 3524 6076-7 Fax. 0 3524 6078 E-mail Address : tatyutya@tat.or.th Website : http://www.tat.or.th./central06 Hotel and Resort Recommendation for during visit : Pludhaya Resort & Spa Tel:66-35-255-232 Fax:66-35-255-232 Website: www.pludhaya.com

LOI KRATHONG – FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS & Illuminated Boats As the full moon of the twelfth lunar month (usually in mid-November) lights up the night sky, throughout the Thai kingdom, hundreds of thousands of ornately-decorated krathong or traditional banana leaf floats are set adrift in rivers and waterways in a spell-binding ritual called "Loi Krathong" - the 'festival of lights". This is one of the Kingdom's oldest and best-preserved traditions. The Loi Krathong tradition we know of today has evolved from the royal rituals of the early Rattanakosin period in which several types of lanterns were set afloat in the Chao Phraya River and its waterways. The Royal Rattanakosin Loi Krathong Festival During the early Rattanakosin period, the royal rituals of Jong Priang, Lote Choot, Loi Khome Long Nam, performed during the twelfth lunar month were based on Brahmin beliefs. These were the court versions of Loi Krathong performed as an act of worship in which the Devaraja or ‘God Kings’ made offerings of light to the Brahmin deities. Lit lanterns were hoisted on to poles for two weeks during the twelfth lunar month and then floated on the waterways as ritual offerings. From its Brahmin roots, the practice has evolved over time and has come to be part of a Buddhist ritual performed as an act of deep reverence and worship of the sacred relics and holy footprints of Lord Buddha. The practice was subsequently adopted and adapted by common folk. Krathong floats are made from basic materials easily found around the village and reflect the simplicity of life beyond the palace walls. They typically take the shape of lotus in full bloom, swans, chedis (stupas), and Mount Meru from Buddhist mythology. However krathong floats in the shape of lotus blossoms are most popular. At dusk, as the full moon begins to rise, the krathong is decorated with fresh flowers and the candles and incense sticks are placed in the krathong. The float is then taken to a waterway where the candle and incense sticks are lit and the krathong set adrift. The floats are carried downstream by the gentle current, candlelight flickering in the wind. Soon after, attention turns to celebration. The evening's festivities consist of impressive firework displays, folk entertainment, stage dramas, song and dance. Scenes as described in ancient Thai literary accounts are still very much in existence today. Krathong floats in the shape of lotus blossoms are most popular and are made from materials easily found in each locality. Loi Krathong customs and traditions reflect local beliefs and cultural evolution and interesting regional variations can be seen. Loi Krathong Sai on the Ping River Night of A Thousand Floating Lanterns In Tak province, the banana-leaf floats are replaced by coconut shells which are threaded together and launched simultaneously so they appear as long chains of hundreds of glittering lights on the Ping River, hence the origin of its name, "Loi Krathong Sai". ****Yi-Peng Festival in Northern Thailand In the Northern Thai provinces that were once part of the ancient Lanna Thai kingdom, the Yi-peng Northern Lantern Festival is still being celebrated. Tubular lanterns, resembling hot air balloons, are lit and released into the night sky as an offering the Lord Buddha. As hundreds of illuminated lanterns drift into infinity, this conjures the same sense of wistful closure as the krathong float downstream. The lighting of fireworks is undertaken in the same spirit as when lighting candles in an act of worship so fireworks displays are very much an integral element of the secular and religious rituals performed. *The Origins of Loi Krathong There are various accounts about the origins of Loi Krathong. However given the river-based culture that forms the foundation of the traditional Thai way of life, it is widely believed that these are offerings made to Mae Khongkha - Mother of Waters in an act of appeasement. Many also beli

1. Bangkok Songkran Festival Date: 12 – 15 April 2008 Venue: at 9 royal temples and around Rattanakosin Island Hi-Light: * Songkran Celebration of the 4 Regions (southern section of Sanam Luang near Wat Phra Kaeo) Bathing of Buddha images from the 4 regions, local food and dessert making demonstrations, and cultural shows from various regions. Open Ceremony on 12th April 2008 18.00-21.00 hrs. at Wat Arun (Wat Chaeng) * Paying worship at 9 royal temples around Rattanakosin Island. On 12-15 April 2008 09.00-18.00 hrs. : Wat Phra Sri Rattanasasadaram (Wat Phra Kaeo), Wat Chetaphon (Wat Pho), Wat Suthat, Wat Saket, Wat Bowonniwet, Wat Chanasongkram , Wat Rakung, Wat Arun (Wat Chaeng), and Wat Kalayanamitr. Participants will receive a Passport of the 9 temples at each public relations point of each temple. After receiving the stamp from all the temples, a coupon for a lucky prize will be given. * Fun-filled splashing in traditional Thai dress, Khao San Road with various forms of Songkran fun, on 12-15 April 2008 at 07.00-18.00 hrs. * Banglamphu community at Santi Chaiprakarn Park, Phra Athit Road and Wisut Kasat., on 12-13 April 2008 Further Information : Events Planning Division, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Tel. 02 250 5500 ext. 3470. TAT Call Center 1672 website : www.songkran.net 2. Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Songkran Festival Date: 13 – 14 April 2008 Venue: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park, Wihan Phramongkhon Bophit, and around the island city, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Activities : Making merit to the monks, releasing of birds and fish, paying homage to the elderly. Hi-Light: on 13 April 2008 06.00 hrs. : Making merit to the monks at the front of Wihan Phramongkhon Bophit 14.00 hrs. : the grand procession of the Songkran tradition, enjoying splashing water with elephants at the old city. Further Information : Education Division, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Municipality. Tel. 0 3525 2168. TAT Central Region Office : Region 6 (Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya), Tel. 0 3524 6076-7, 0 3532 2730-1 3. Chonburi Province (3.1) Pattaya Songkran Festival (Wan Lai Fair) Date: 18 – 19 April 2008 Venue: Pho Na Kleua Public Park, Chon Buri Activities : Procession of the Buddha image for the people to bathe, along the Pattaya beach, local games, various arts and cultural performances, piling rice tradition, paying homage to the elderly, Miss Songkran Beauty Contest and enjoy splashing water along the beach of Pattaya. Hi-Light: on 19 April 2008 at 08.00 hrs. : Procession of the Buddha image for the people to bathe and enjoying splashing water along the Pattaya beach. Further Information : Pattaya City, Tel. 0 3837 1116-9, TAT Central Region Office : Region 3 (Chonburi), Tel. 0 3842 7667, 0 3842 8750 (3.2) Bangsaen Wan Lai Tradition Date: 16 – 17 April 2008 Venue: Bangsaen Beach, Meuang District, Chon Buri Activities : Giving alms to monks, paying homage to the elderly, local games competitions, sand Chedi building, and enjoying splashing water along the clean and white Bangsaen Beach. Hi-Light: on 16 April 2008 : Sand Chedi building contest Further Information : Saen Suk Municipality. Tel. 0 3838 5353-5, TAT Central Region Office : Region 3 (Chonburi), Tel. 0 3842 7667, 0 3842 8750 (3.3) Si Racha Songkran Festival and Piling Rice Ceremony Date: 19 – 21 April 2008 Venue: Ko Loi Public Park, Si Racha District, Chon Buri Activities : See a piling rice ceremony, a procession of bathing the Buddha image, procession and decoration of the piling rice vehicles, Thai arts and cultural show, demonstrations of various local sports and games, sand Chedi building contest, as well as splashing of water. Hi-Light: A Procession and decoration of the piling rice vehicles. Further Information : Si Racha Municipality. Tel. 0 3878 7947, TAT Central Region Office : Region 3 (Chonburi), Tel. 0 3842 7667, 0 3842 8750 (3.4) Ko Si Chang Songkran Festival Date: 13 – 19 April 2008 Venue: Ko Si

“2008 Songkran Splendours” (13 locations) 1. Bangkok Songkran Festival Date: 12 – 15 April 2008 Venue: at 9 royal temples and around Rattanakosin Island Hi-Light: * Songkran Celebration of the 4 Regions (southern section of Sanam Luang near Wat Phra Kaeo) Bathing of Buddha images from the 4 regions, local food and dessert making demonstrations, and cultural shows from various regions. Open Ceremony on 12th April 2008 18.00-21.00 hrs. at Wat Arun (Wat Chaeng) * Paying worship at 9 royal temples around Rattanakosin Island. On 12-15 April 2008 09.00-18.00 hrs. : Wat Phra Sri Rattanasasadaram (Wat Phra Kaeo), Wat Chetaphon (Wat Pho), Wat Suthat, Wat Saket, Wat Bowonniwet, Wat Chanasongkram , Wat Rakung, Wat Arun (Wat Chaeng), and Wat Kalayanamitr. Participants will receive a Passport of the 9 temples at each public relations point of each temple. After receiving the stamp from all the temples, a coupon for a lucky prize will be given. * Fun-filled splashing in traditional Thai dress, Khao San Road with various forms of Songkran fun, on 12-15 April 2008 at 07.00-18.00 hrs. * Banglamphu community at Santi Chaiprakarn Park, Phra Athit Road and Wisut Kasat., on 12-13 April 2008 Further Information : Events Planning Division, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Tel. 02 250 5500 ext. 3470. TAT Call Center 1672 website : www.songkran.net