Roman Wanderaugh - National Radio Text Service

Warnings to avoid crowds could reduce the number of tourists who are hoped to participate and bring tourist dollars into their economy - Cambodia's Health Minister appealed to the public to take precautions and avoid large crowds if they experience flu like symptoms

Tuesday October 27, 2009

TO BE OR NOT TO BE (THERE THAT IS) CELEBRATING THAILAND AND CAMBODIA'S HOLIDAYS

Thailand will be celebrating their Loy Krathong holidays from November 1 to November 3rd and Cambodia will be celebrating their Bonn Om Touk holiday also known as the Water Festival during the same period. The H1N1 (Swine Flu virus) remains a concern for travelers in general but is of particular emphasis for those who will frequent crowded areas as these festivals do attract.

After two people passed away from the virus the Cambodia Daily noted on page 23 in its October 7th issue that Cambodia's Health Minister appealed to the public to take precautions and avoid large crowds if they experience flu like symptoms.

Thailand's Loy Krathong holiday is held on the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar. In the western calendar this usually falls in November. Though the holidays are celebrated over several days the main day is the night of the full moon.

The road traffic will be heavy filled with travelers a few days before the start of the holidays as many of the nation's populace will return to their provinces to celebrate with their families. The conditions will continue several days after the holidays.

During the night of the full moon, many people will float candles on water. Thai governmental offices, corporations and other organizations also build big elaborate rafts that are often judged in contests. In addition, fireworks and beauty contests take place during the festivities. Typically the celebration includes launching hot air paper balloons into the sky in the evening hours. Beauty contests are abundant throughout Thailand. Chiang Mai is said to have the most elaborate celebration.

We attended the 2003 Loy Krathong in Chiang Mai by having diner a restaurant which had private access to the Ping River. The diner ticket included a candle (krathong) which we lit and floated on the water. A number of the patrons sent balloons into the sky and some came crashing down in flames. It wasn't dangerous but was an interesting spectacle.

There are several restaurants along the Ping River where many revelers gather. They also feature a dinner and private riverfront access. Reservations are advised.

There was a lot of activity around the Thapae Gate area in the center of town that included a beauty contest. The beauty contests are known as "Noppamas Queen Contests". According to legend, Noppamas was a consort of the Sukothai king Loethai (14th century) and she was the first to float decorated krathongs. The Loi Krathong festival is also associated with the start of vegetable carving.

Beware.... After we left the restaurant firecrackers and cherry bombs were being tossed in the street by youths. Some of these fireworks were haphazardly thrown up in the air. One Thai youth had a bandage over his eye. This is a dangerous situation so take heed. The use of firecrackers is against the law but obviously not observed. Along the riverfront area the crowds are thick so beware of pickpockets.

CAMBODIA'S WATER FESTIVAL

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