October in Thailand is a month bundled with festivals. It’s a time to experience Thai traditions and culture through various events, including the Royal Barge Procession, the end of Buddhist Lent, and the Vegetarian Festival, as well as other sports events.

The Royal Barge Procession honoring His Majesty the King will comprise 52 barges and 2,200 oarsmen to row the ceremonial barges along the Chao Phraya River. The event takes place from 15.00 to 18.00 hr, on 27 October. The public can view the rehearsals at the designated areas along both sides of the river, from the Rama VIII Bridge to Wat Arun from 15.00 to 18.00 hr, on 3, 10 October and 15, 22 October (for the full-dress rehearsals).

Ok Phansa, or the End of Buddhist Lent Day, falls on the full moon day of the eleventh Thai lunar month. This year, it will be celebrated on 17 October. The Ok Phansa festival is observed throughout the country, with the exact date varying by province. The Ok Phansa Day is typically celebrated with several unique festivities and rituals that reflect the diversity of the communities and ethnicities that constitute Thailand. Here are some venues:

- Illuminated Boat Procession, on 8-18 October, along the Mekong River, Muang District in Nakhon Phanom Province;
- Tak Bat Devo Festival, on 17 October, at Wat Phrathat Khao Noi, Nan;
- Wax Castle Festival and Long-boat Race, on 12-17 October, by Sakon Nakhon Clock Tower, Sakon Nakhon;
- Chak Phra, Robe Offering, and Long-boat Racing Festival, on 14-22 October, near the Tapi River on Na Muang Road and Ban Don Road, Surat Thani.

Other events and festivals are listed below:

- Hello Hatyai, on 5-6 October, on Pracharom Road and Paradon Road in Hat Yai, Songkhla Province;

- Phanom Rung Light Phenomenon (Sunset), on 5-7 October (from 17.55 hr onwards), at Phanom Rung Historical Park, Buri Ram;

- Pattaya Oktoberfest 2024, from today until 6 October, at Central Pattaya in Chon Buri;

- Book Expo Thailand 2024, on 10-20 October, at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), Bangkok;

- Khom San Duang Festival, from today until 15 November, at Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, Lamphun;

- PT Grand Prix of Thailand 2024 (Moto GP), on 25-27 October, at Chang International Circuit, Buri Ram;

More information on these and other festivals and events can be found on the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) website: https://www.tatnews.org/.../october-2024s-festivals-and.../.