Songkran Festival;

[Nienke]

Ok, after three times editing the table followed by loosing the whole bl**** post, here's the schedule for the Songkran period UNEDITED

If you like a readible version, please send me a pm with your email address and I'll happily send you the table version.

Pee Mai Muang (Songkran) Festival 2008

Celebration of 712 Chiang Mai Anniversary

Activities Schedule

Date Time Activities Venue

April 1-15 All Day Chiang Mai Songkran Photo Contest Chiang Mai Province

April 1-3 09.00 - 24.00 - Bathing Rite of Setangamanee Buddha Image

- Lanna Cultural Performances Chiang Man Temple

April 2- 6 17.00 – 22.00 Chiang Mai International Cultural Festival Three Kings Monument Plaza

April 2- 30 09.00 - 17.00 Local Wisdom Exhibition : Arts Creation for the Motherland Sri Suphan Temple

April 4- 6 09.00 – 22.00 Poy Sang Long (Shan Novice Ceremony) Pa Pao Temple

April 5,12 17.00 – 23.00 Lanna Handicrafts and OTOP Fair Wua Lai Road

April 6 17.00 – 23.00 Local Handicrafts and OTOP Walking Street Tha Phae Gate and Rajdamnoen Rd.

April 7-9 09.00 – 22.00 Bathing Rite of Chiang Yuen Pagoda Chiang Yuen Temple

April 9 -15 09.00 – 18.00 Lanna Artists and Handicrafts Festival Chiang Mai university Arts Center

April 9 -15 10.00 – 21.30 Conservation of Pee Mai Muang (Songkran) Festival Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center

April 10 - 15 08.00 – 21.30 - Sand Pile Building Contest

- Songkran Blessing Contest

- Local Handicrafts and Tung ( Traditional Hanging Flags) Contest Jet Lin Temple

April 11 - 15 09.00 - 22.00 Bathing Rite of Pan Oan Pagoda Pan Oan Temple

April 11 - 15 08.00 - 24.00 Lanna Folk Song Contest Phra Singh Voramahaviharn Temple

April 11 - 15 09.00 - 22.00 Conservation of Lanna Arts : Tung and Jor ( Hanging Flags) Exhibition Inthakil – Saduemuang Temple

April 12 08.00 – 16.00 Lanna Drum Contest Royal Flora Exposition

April 12 18.00-19.00 Opening Ceremony of Royal Flora Exposition Royal Flora Exposition

April 12 06.00 - 08.00 Alms Giving Ceremony for 712 Anniversary of Chiang Mai Three Kings Monument Plaza

April 12 09.09 - 10.09 Salutation Ceremony for Three Kings Monument Three Kings Monument Plaza

April 12 16.00 - 18.00 Procession of the Devotion Ornaments for Three Kings Monument

Bathing Rite Three Kings Monument Plaza

April 12 - 15

06.00 - 20.00 - Merit Making

- Buddha Image Bathing Rite

- Making and Offering Traditional Hanging Flags to Temples Lok Molee temple

April 12 08.09 - 08.39 Salutation Ceremony to Chiang Mai Municipality’s House of Spirit Chiang Mai Municipality

April 12 10.39 - 11.39 Salutation Ceremony of Kabilphrom’s Head ( God of Traditional New Year ) Chiang Mai Municipality

April 12 - 15 09.00 – 18.00 Celebration of Pee Mai Muang (Songkran) Festival 20 Venues by the moat

April 12 - 15 09.00 - 22.00 - Songkran Kids Contest

- Sand Pile and Local Foods Contest

- Cultural Performances Chiang Mai Buddhist Society

April 12 - 15 16.00 – 23.00 - Celebration of 712 Years Anniversary of Chiang Mai ,

- International Foods Festival Tha Phae Gate Plaza and Rajdamnoen Road

April 12 – 15 19.00 - 24.00 - Lanna Cultural Performances

- Miss Pee Mai Muang (Songkran) Contest Tha Phae Gate Plaza

April 13 09.09 - 09.39 Ceremony of Bringing out of Phra Buddha Sihing from Laikham Hall Phra Singh Voramahaviharn Temple

April 13 06.00 - 08.00 Alms Giving Ceremony Tha Phae Gate Plaza

April 13 08.09 - 08.30 Opening ceremony of Pee Mai Muang (Songkran) Festival Tha Phae Gate Plaza

April 13 08.00 - 12.00 Traditional Devotion Ornaments Contest Tha Phae Gate Plaza

April 13 07.00 - 12.00 Miss Bicycle Riding with Umbrella Contest TAT Office and Tha Phae Gate Plaza

April 13 14.09 – 18.00 - Phra Buddha Sihing and Important Buddha Images Procession

- Mr. and Ms.Songkran Parade Governor’s Resident and Phra Singh Voramahaviharn Temple

April 13 -15 18.00 – 22.00 Lanna Artists and Handicrafts Plaza Three Kings Monument Plaza

April 13 09.00 – 22.00 Conservation of Pee Mai Muang (Songkran) Festival Chang Phuak Gate Plaza

April 13 09.00 – 18.00 Local Artists Festival Chiang Mai Gate Plaza

April 14 18.00 – 22.00 Lanna Musical Contest Lok Molee Temple

April 14 16.00 – 18.00 Sand for Pile Building and Kham Salee (Holy Stick) Procession Iron Bridge and Temples along Tha Phae Road

April 14 08.00 - 17.00 Lanna Drum Contest Suan Dok Temple

April 15 13.30 – 18.00 Procession of Salutation Ornaments for the Governor Three Kings Monument and Governor’s Resident

Then, there will several Polite zones installed!

Translated letter from the Mayor to K.Boong, president of the Chiang Mai friends Group:

Note: For friends who don't know this, please kindly be informed that Chiang Mai Municipality incooperate with Chiang Mai Friends Group are willing to have Songkran Festivall 2008 to be in the traditional ways, we try to promote people to not drink alcohol, be kind and concern about safety. We hope you all give us the hands. This have never happened, but better start it now.

On Sunday 23rd Mar, (17.30 p.m.) Chiang Mai Municipality cooperates with Chiang Mai Cultural Council , Thai Health Organization and Tourism Authority of Thailand are going to announce the Songkran Fest news with the theme, Alcohol Free, Safety, Happy Songkran Lanna.

We are delighted to invite your team and you to join the press announcement.

Chiang Mai Municipality has reported to the Health Devision about we are going to have foreign volunteer to help us promote Alcohol Free, Safety, Happy Songkran Lanna. they are amazed and welcome those foreign volunteers. Before there were only youth around the nation did this activities. This is going to be the pilot project that we are going to extend to other cooperated projects in the future.

The Polite Zone, is an 8 meter wide area which will be decorated as the local style tent (Phaam). There will be 20 spots. The volunteer from local Youth clubs, foreigners and authority will dress local style with the tag of Polite zone and Alcohol Free. This will be from 12th -15th April, 10.30 a.m. -17.30 p.m. There will be the announcement in each tent to tell people that they can come and join the traditional style of Songkran.

On 3rd April, There will be the press release and announcement again. We are willing to invite the volunteer to join us.

At each Polite Zone, there will be the announcer , we are willing to invite foreigner to help us make the announcement in English.

Chiang Mai Friends Group is a group of both local expats and Thais who share a genuine love for Chiang Mai.

They are asking people if they would like to assist the community during the Songkran festival by helping to "man" one of the 20 "Polite Zones" which will be situated around the moat. These "Polite zones" will have a ban on alcohol and any type of anti social behaviour, and people can go there if they need help or simply to get away from the mayhem. The City mayor has asked Chiang Mai Friends Group to approach local expats with a view to gaining their assistance. Attached is an enrolment form which should be completed and handed in to the address on the bottom right hand corner.

This will be a great way to enjoy Songkran without having to get involved in some of the unfortunate incidents that sometimes happen, and it is also a great way to serve the community you are all a part of.

For more info (also where these zone will be located): Chiang Mai Friends Group, Email : [email protected], Website:www.retireinchiangmai.com

[Mapguy]

Ok, after three times editing the table followed by loosing the whole bl**** post, here's the schedule for the Songkran period UNEDITED

If you like a readible version, please send me a pm with your email address and I'll happily send you the table version.

Pee Mai Muang (Songkran) Festival 2008

Celebration of 712 Chiang Mai Anniversary

Activities Schedule

Date Time Activities Venue

April 1-15 All Day Chiang Mai Songkran Photo Contest Chiang Mai Province

April 1-3 09.00 - 24.00 - Bathing Rite of Setangamanee Buddha Image

- Lanna Cultural Performances Chiang Man Temple

April 2- 6 17.00 – 22.00 Chiang Mai International Cultural Festival Three Kings Monument Plaza

April 2- 30 09.00 - 17.00 Local Wisdom Exhibition : Arts Creation for the Motherland Sri Suphan Temple

April 4- 6 09.00 – 22.00 Poy Sang Long (Shan Novice Ceremony) Pa Pao Temple

April 5,12 17.00 – 23.00 Lanna Handicrafts and OTOP Fair Wua Lai Road

April 6 17.00 – 23.00 Local Handicrafts and OTOP Walking Street Tha Phae Gate and Rajdamnoen Rd.

April 7-9 09.00 – 22.00 Bathing Rite of Chiang Yuen Pagoda Chiang Yuen Temple

April 9 -15 09.00 – 18.00 Lanna Artists and Handicrafts Festival Chiang Mai university Arts Center

April 9 -15 10.00 – 21.30 Conservation of Pee Mai Muang (Songkran) Festival Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center

April 10 - 15 08.00 – 21.30 - Sand Pile Building Contest

- Songkran Blessing Contest

- Local Handicrafts and Tung ( Traditional Hanging Flags) Contest Jet Lin Temple

April 11 - 15 09.00 - 22.00 Bathing Rite of Pan Oan Pagoda Pan Oan Temple

April 11 - 15 08.00 - 24.00 Lanna Folk Song Contest Phra Singh Voramahaviharn Temple

April 11 - 15 09.00 - 22.00 Conservation of Lanna Arts : Tung and Jor ( Hanging Flags) Exhibition Inthakil – Saduemuang Temple

April 12 08.00 – 16.00 Lanna Drum Contest Royal Flora Exposition

April 12 18.00-19.00 Opening Ceremony of Royal Flora Exposition Royal Flora Exposition

April 12 06.00 - 08.00 Alms Giving Ceremony for 712 Anniversary of Chiang Mai Three Kings Monument Plaza

April 12 09.09 - 10.09 Salutation Ceremony for Three Kings Monument Three Kings Monument Plaza

April 12 16.00 - 18.00 Procession of the Devotion Ornaments for Three Kings Monument

Bathing Rite Three Kings Monument Plaza

April 12 - 15

06.00 - 20.00 - Merit Making

- Buddha Image Bathing Rite

- Making and Offering Traditional Hanging Flags to Temples Lok Molee temple

April 12 08.09 - 08.39 Salutation Ceremony to Chiang Mai Municipality's House of Spirit Chiang Mai Municipality

April 12 10.39 - 11.39 Salutation Ceremony of Kabilphrom's Head ( God of Traditional New Year ) Chiang Mai Municipality

April 12 - 15 09.00 – 18.00 Celebration of Pee Mai Muang (Songkran) Festival 20 Venues by the moat

April 12 - 15 09.00 - 22.00 - Songkran Kids Contest

- Sand Pile and Local Foods Contest

- Cultural Performances Chiang Mai Buddhist Society

April 12 - 15 16.00 – 23.00 - Celebration of 712 Years Anniversary of Chiang Mai ,

- International Foods Festival Tha Phae Gate Plaza and Rajdamnoen Road

April 12 – 15 19.00 - 24.00 - Lanna Cultural Performances

- Miss Pee Mai Muang (Songkran) Contest Tha Phae Gate Plaza

April 13 09.09 - 09.39 Ceremony of Bringing out of Phra Buddha Sihing from Laikham Hall Phra Singh Voramahaviharn Temple

April 13 06.00 - 08.00 Alms Giving Ceremony Tha Phae Gate Plaza

April 13 08.09 - 08.30 Opening ceremony of Pee Mai Muang (Songkran) Festival Tha Phae Gate Plaza

April 13 08.00 - 12.00 Traditional Devotion Ornaments Contest Tha Phae Gate Plaza

April 13 07.00 - 12.00 Miss Bicycle Riding with Umbrella Contest TAT Office and Tha Phae Gate Plaza

April 13 14.09 – 18.00 - Phra Buddha Sihing and Important Buddha Images Procession

- Mr. and Ms.Songkran Parade Governor's Resident and Phra Singh Voramahaviharn Temple

April 13 -15 18.00 – 22.00 Lanna Artists and Handicrafts Plaza Three Kings Monument Plaza

April 13 09.00 – 22.00 Conservation of Pee Mai Muang (Songkran) Festival Chang Phuak Gate Plaza

April 13 09.00 – 18.00 Local Artists Festival Chiang Mai Gate Plaza

April 14 18.00 – 22.00 Lanna Musical Contest Lok Molee Temple

April 14 16.00 – 18.00 Sand for Pile Building and Kham Salee (Holy Stick) Procession Iron Bridge and Temples along Tha Phae Road

April 14 08.00 - 17.00 Lanna Drum Contest Suan Dok Temple

April 15 13.30 – 18.00 Procession of Salutation Ornaments for the Governor Three Kings Monument and Governor's Resident

Then, there will several Polite zones installed!

Translated letter from the Mayor to K.Boong, president of the Chiang Mai friends Group:

Note: For friends who don't know this, please kindly be informed that Chiang Mai Municipality incooperate with Chiang Mai Friends Group are willing to have Songkran Festivall 2008 to be in the traditional ways, we try to promote people to not drink alcohol, be kind and concern about safety. We hope you all give us the hands. This have never happened, but better start it now.

On Sunday 23rd Mar, (17.30 p.m.) Chiang Mai Municipality cooperates with Chiang Mai Cultural Council , Thai Health Organization and Tourism Authority of Thailand are going to announce the Songkran Fest news with the theme, Alcohol Free, Safety, Happy Songkran Lanna.

We are delighted to invite your team and you to join the press announcement.

Chiang Mai Municipality has reported to the Health Devision about we are going to have foreign volunteer to help us promote Alcohol Free, Safety, Happy Songkran Lanna. they are amazed and welcome those foreign volunteers. Before there were only youth around the nation did this activities. This is going to be the pilot project that we are going to extend to other cooperated projects in the future.

The Polite Zone, is an 8 meter wide area which will be decorated as the local style tent (Phaam). There will be 20 spots. The volunteer from local Youth clubs, foreigners and authority will dress local style with the tag of Polite zone and Alcohol Free. This will be from 12th -15th April, 10.30 a.m. -17.30 p.m. There will be the announcement in each tent to tell people that they can come and join the traditional style of Songkran.

On 3rd April, There will be the press release and announcement again. We are willing to invite the volunteer to join us.

At each Polite Zone, there will be the announcer , we are willing to invite foreigner to help us make the announcement in English.

Chiang Mai Friends Group is a group of both local expats and Thais who share a genuine love for Chiang Mai.

They are asking people if they would like to assist the community during the Songkran festival by helping to "man" one of the 20 "Polite Zones" which will be situated around the moat. These "Polite zones" will have a ban on alcohol and any type of anti social behaviour, and people can go there if they need help or simply to get away from the mayhem. The City mayor has asked Chiang Mai Friends Group to approach local expats with a view to gaining their assistance. Attached is an enrolment form which should be completed and handed in to the address on the bottom right hand corner.

This will be a great way to enjoy Songkran without having to get involved in some of the unfortunate incidents that sometimes happen, and it is also a great way to serve the community you are all a part of.

For more info (also where these zone will be located): Chiang Mai Friends Group, Email : [email protected], Website:www.retireinchiangmai.com

Here is a form for volunteering in a "polite zone:"

Volunteer_for_Songkran_with_Chiang_Mai_Municipality.pdf

[Mestizo]

These "Polite zones" will have a ban on alcohol and any type of anti social behaviour, and people can go there if they need help or simply to get away from the mayhem.

Forgive me (I know the old grumps are probably going to flame me for this), but these "polite zones" in and of themselves sound like "anti social behavior" in definition, as they oppose or violate the social norm for Chiang Mai and its celebration of this festival. Alcohol consumption and and throwing water are the social norm for celebrating this festival around the heart of Chiang Mai.

I'm not complaining or opposing the "polite zones", just pointing out the ironic choice of wording.

-Mestizo

[Nienke]

Not an old grump ... well, grumpy at times maybe but not THAT old ... yet

I believe you misunderstand.

The whole idea of these polite zones is where people can celebrate and enjoy Songkran the traditional way. It is aimed at raising people's awareness of the importance and spirit of the Chiang Mai Songkran Festival demonstrating the politeness and correctness of enjoying the cultural festival without alcohol.

I believe that it has been the way Songkran was celebrated during the last several years that was anti-social and violated the social norm for CM and its celebration of this festival.

If you or anyone would like more information on these polite zones, please, contact Khun Boong of the Chiang Mai friends group. Her email address you can find in the OP post.

Nienke