Chonburi will officially celebrate the Thai New Year April 9-15 on the field in front of the Chonburi district office with a Songkran festival that mixes Buddhist worship with music and entertainment.
Gov. Wichit Chatpaisit announced the lineup for the festival March 31, saying festivities would begin with merit-making, religious services and an exhibit of religious relics, then move on to more light-hearted pursuits.
The festival will also include a parade, Miss Songkran pageant, traditional sports competitions, sales of locally-made goods, a Thai cultural show, Thai music and Chinese films and entertainment. The Chonburi Red Cross will cap each evening with special prize drawings.
Women interested in partaking in the beauty contest can contact the Chonburi Land Office at 038-285445-6.
Supakorn Lertprapai, director of the Chonburi Culture Council, said the religious services and Songkran festival will see eight area schools participate in the contest and have students also compete in a Thai folk song competition and the Ban Bung stage. In that district, the celebration kicks off on April 7 and runs through April 10 with a Ching Cha Sawan contest.
Chonburi Police Superintendent Col. Sukitti Sawaikiat said police will be out in force to keep traffic congestion to a minimum. (PRD)
