Yasothon Bun Bangfai Rocket Festival
Date : 8-10 May 2009
This noisy festival signals the start of the rice planting season. According to northeastern folklore, the first raindrops fall only when the gods are in the mood for love. Hence the importance of the Bun Bang Fai, or rocket festival, to stir the mythical community, resident in the heavens, to bless earth with fertility and rain.

Chiang Mai Challenge Adventure Race 2009
Date : 10 May 2009
Race through the mountains surrounding Chiang Mai. Races include biking, running, kayaking and swimming. For more information, visit www.chiangmaichallenge.com or www.active-asia.com

Royal Ploughing Ceremony Day
Date : 11 May 2009
Venue : Sanam Luang
Held at the spacious grounds of Sanam Luang against the backdrop of the Grand Palace, this ancient Brahmin ceremony takes place at an auspicious time set even to the seconds of the clock . It seeks a sign to guide the nation to a healthy harvest.

June 2009

Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2009
Date : 1 June - 31 August 2009
Venue : Queen Sirikit National Convention Cente
This annual three-month campaign continues to offer visitors great shopping bargains. Most shopping malls and foreign mega stores are offering discounts of between 10 to 70%. Time to shop till you drop.

Hua Hin Jazz Festival
Date : 12 June 2009 - 14 June 2009
Hua Hin shakes off its low season blues every year for its international jazz festival at sites on the beach and in the town centre. All performances during the three-day festival are free and continue from 3.30 pm until midnight.

Laguna Phuket International Marathon
Date : 14 June 2009
An incredibly scenic route along some of the island’s best beaches and on roads that wind through shady rubber plantations, this popular event will again feature a Marathon, Half Marathon, 10 Km Run, 5 Km Walk and a 2 Km Kids Run. For more information, click www.phuketmarathon.com

International Wax Sculpture
Date : 1 - 31 July 2009
Venue : Ubon Ratchathani
Witness the international candle-carving competition and taste “Pha Khao Laeng” , a local festive food, at Thung Si Mueang District, Ubon Ratchathani.

Pattaya Marathon 2009
Date : 19 July 2009
There are three races; the full marathon (42 Km), the half marathon (21 Km) and the quarter marathon (10 Km). For more information, click www.pattaya-marathon.com

Hua Hin Regatta 2009
Date : 30 July - 3 August 2009
Hua Hin is considered the traditional home for the country’s sailing community, due to HM the King’s keen interest in the sport. This annual regatta being held in his honour off the coast of Hua Hin in sight of the palace.

H.M. the Queen’s Birthday Celebrations
Date : 12 August 2009
A nationwide celebration. Visitors in Bangkok can enjoy the music and culture festival at Sanam Luang and the colourful decorations along Ratchadamnoen Avenue.

BHUMIBOL DAM INVITATION INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAIN BIKE CHAMPIONSHIP 2009
Date : 29 - 30 AUGUST 2009
Venue : Bhumibol Dam, Tak Province
Created to promote an interest in outdoor sports and also encourage ecotourism at both national and international levels, the races underscore the beauty of Tak province, particularly the attractive scenery that surrounds one of the country’s largest dams

Thai Health Songkhla International Marathon
Date : 30 August 2009
Races include International Marathon, Half Marathon, Mini Half Marathon, Wheelchair Marathon and Jogging for Health. All are welcome. For more information: www.songkhlamarathon.com