The Yee Peng Festival began on November 12, 2016 at 6 p.m. at Three Kings Monument with the ceremony to light the lanterns placed around the city and hundreds of people joined together to light candles around the city walls to honor His Majesty King Rama 9.
“Lighting the Lanterns to Brighten the Sky for the City’s Protection” was organized by the Community Network of Chiang Mai Conservation, local people working to conserve Lanna traditions and cultures. Deputy Governor Putthipong Sirimart and Mayor Tussanai Buranupakorn led the event, speaking on the kindness of His Majesty the King.
A minute of silence followed the lighting of the lanterns and then members from 26 different organizations lit 49,999 candles around the moat and on the walls and gates. People can also light 9,999 hanging lanterns at the Three Kings Monument. Events were also held in front of Kad Suan Kaew Shopping Center and Lotus Pang Suan Kaew Hotel where the hotel turned on lights in the rooms in the shape of the number 9 in Thai script.
