Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > Asia
Reload this Page >

What sort of festivities might we expect in Bangkok for the King's Birthday?

Search

What sort of festivities might we expect in Bangkok for the King's Birthday?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 28th, 2008, 08:39 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,292
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
What sort of festivities might we expect in Bangkok for the King's Birthday?

We arrive back in Bangkok mid-afternoon the 5th of December, which is a Friday this year. Are there generally any special celebrations that evening, and how might I find out more about them?

Thank you!
HappyCheesehead is offline  
Old Aug 31st, 2008, 08:04 PM
  #2  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,292
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
ttt
HappyCheesehead is offline  
Old Aug 31st, 2008, 11:23 PM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,844
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
There are usually bright lights along Ratchadamnoen Road, and sometimes it becomes a bit of a street fair, but I haven't heard of much planned for this year. Generally, there aren't any big parties on the day. Rather, Bangkok takes on a very festive air throughout the month.
MichaelBKK is offline  
Old Sep 1st, 2008, 07:48 AM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 416
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
How interesting, MichaelBKK! What kinds of things make the atmosphere festive? Street decorations? Small (or big) events?
tahl is offline  
Old Sep 1st, 2008, 08:12 AM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 33,288
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
It's been a number of years since I was in Thailand during the King's birthday. Even weeks before and after his birthday, streets are decorated with huge portraits of the King. There were fireworks along the river when I was last there. I assumed that was traditional, but perhaps not. Michael?
Kathie is offline  
Old Sep 2nd, 2008, 09:49 AM
  #6  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,292
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thank you for the responses. Looks as if I don't need to plan around any specific events, but I would be happy to see some fireworks

HappyCheesehead is offline  
Old Sep 2nd, 2008, 05:10 PM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,844
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The big parties, with fireworks, royal barges, etc. are on the 12-year cycle. The next one is just over a year away - let's pray H.M. makes it.

Fireworks can happen on just about any occasion, and it's not always announced. The trick with Bangkok on just about any holiday is to just discover it as it happens, and not plan anything.
MichaelBKK is offline  
Old Sep 2nd, 2008, 05:30 PM
  #8  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 33,288
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks for that additional info, Michael.
Kathie is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
3TravelBug
Asia
0
Dec 20th, 2017 05:29 AM
travlr1
Asia
8
Sep 20th, 2009 12:37 PM
lcuy
Asia
15
Sep 7th, 2008 07:01 PM
crellston
Asia
10
Mar 3rd, 2007 05:40 PM
cadwex
Asia
7
Mar 31st, 2006 08:00 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On



Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -