Loi Krathong Sai Festival and A Thousand Floating Candles for His Majesty's Trophy

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Schedule : 18-20 November 2002

Venue : Ping River, Amphoe Muang, Tak

Origin :
Tak is one province that the Ping River flows past. The people of Tak think that the part of the river that goes through the city is more than beautiful than any other part of the river because this part has sandy beaches and a mountain backdrop. Locals use the river for the Loi Krathong Festival and the Loi Krathong Sai tradition is a local tradition. The way of making Krathongs here is different from other areas in that a coconut shell is used to make the Krathong with a wick or fuel, then it is released onto the river at an equal distance from the next Krathong, creating the image of a line of lighted Krathongs on the water.
A thousand Krathongs beautifully illuminate the river. Every year, Tak Province holds a contest on the release of Krathongs to vie for the trophy of His Majesty the King. Tak is the only place in Thailand that holds this contest.

Activities :
- Processions of the King's trophy and Krathongs.
- Contest of Krathong Pha Pa Nam (water robe krathongs).
- Loi Krathong Sai contest.
- Stores by housewives groups and entertainment throughout the festival.

Nearby Tourist Spots :
- King Taksin the Great Shrine (Muang)
	is revered by the public and there is an annual celebration that is now a provincial event.
- Wat Mani Banphot Worawihan
	is the province's royal temple and it houses the Saen Thong Buddha image.
- Taksin Maha Rat National Park (Muang and Mae Sot)
	has a highlight in the giant cactus that is the largest in Thailand.
- Bhumibol Dam (Sam Ngao)
	is the first multi-purpose concrete dam in Thailand.

For more information, contact :
- Tak Municipality.
	Tel. (055) 514213 ext. 110-111 (Education Division)
- TAT Northern Region Office: Area 4 (Tak).
	Tel. (055) 514431-3, fax (055) 514344