Traditional dress, food and dance were on display as Pattaya celebrated the birthday of HRH Princess Sirindhorn with the Pattaya Cultural Festival.
Mayor Anan Charoenchasri opened the March 31-April 2 event on Pattaya Beach in front of a very tall portrait of HM the late King.
Students from Pattaya’s 11 public schools marched down Beach Road, most in traditional costume, and booths offered handmade goods produced by kids and housewives in the area.
The cultural feel was extended with stage performances of music and dance by performers in “tarawadee” Thai silk dresses.
Anan said the event celebrates the birthday of the princess, which has been designated by the government as Thailand Conservation Day in honor of her patronage of the cultural arts. The festival, the mayor said, conserves, carries on and broadens Thai cultures to the next generation and tourists.