Fah Thai Magazine - Inflight Magazine of Bangkok Airways Issue Jan-Feb 2024

2-4
FEB
2024
CHIANG MAI
WHEN THE NORTH FLOWERS
The “Rose of the North” bursts into bloom
during the annual Chiang Mai Flower Festival.
For three days, the city becomes a kaleidoscope
of colours as streets become garden backdrops
for flower parades featuring marching bands,
Thai dancers, floats and other delights.
The heart of the festivities is Buak Hat Park
in the southwest corner of the old town. Special
events unfold at the Three Kings Monument,
while the square in front of Tha Phae Gate hosts
concerts, beauty pageants and a lively street
market. Floral displays can also be found gracing
every entrance gate to the walled old city.
While the city is flowering, don’t miss
the captivating Sunday Walking Street
Market – a vivid spectacle unto itself.
www.tourismthailand.org
10 2024
FEB
CHINESE COMMUNITIES
WELCOMING THE DRAGON
The Chinese New Year, also known as the
Spring Festival, is the grandest celebration
in China, marked by seven or eight days
of holiday. But the colourful and dynamic
festivities usually last up to two weeks, with
the crescendo coming on Lunar New Year’s
Eve as family dinners bring joyous reunions.
Iconic red lanterns illuminate streets
and homes, fireworks paint the skies, lavish
banquets are shared, while dragon dances
and parades fill the streets with energy. The
exuberant celebrations extend far beyond
China to destinations across the globe.
Preparations for Chinese New Year
commence well in advance, with people
cleaning their homes to “sweep out bad
luck” – though brooms are hidden on New
Year’s Day to prevent the “sweeping away of
good luck”. New clothes are worn on this day
and substantial supplies of food for the New
Year’s Eve dinner are secured in advance,
meaning shopping centres become very busy
at this time of the year.
This Chinese New Year marks the arrival
of the Dragon in the traditional zodiac.
24 2024
FEB
SOUTHEAST & SOUTH ASIA
COMMEMORATING
BUDDHA’S TEACHINGS
Makha Bucha Day is marked on the full moon
day of the third lunar month in Cambodia,
Laos, Thailand, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. This
festival honours the original teachings of the
Buddha, imparted to over 1,250 monks.
On this day, Buddhists make merit in the
belief that it will enhance their spiritual journey
within the cycle of existence or Samsara.
Devotees join candle-lit processions encircling
local temples, offer alms and participate in
religious chanting and meditation. The five
precepts of Buddhism are to abstain from
killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, and
intoxicants. The last precept is the reason
why no alcohol is sold on this day in many
Buddhist countries.
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