May 2024 is set to be a culturally rich month in Thailand, featuring an array of local celebrations and festivals that capture the essence and spirit of Thai heritage and community life.

Visakha Bucha Day, a central event of the month, will be observed nationwide on May 22, 2024. The Buddhist festival, celebrated on the full moon of the sixth lunar month, commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha. Devotees across the country will participate in merit-making activities and tri-circumambulation (Wien Tien) ceremonies at temples, embodying spiritual reverence and community bonding.

Distinctive celebrations for Visakha Bucha Day will take place in several locales, including the historical Sukhothai, Nakhon Phanom, and Kalasin, each offering unique observances. Notably, the 51st World’s Only Wien Tien Ceremony on Water will be held at Phayao Lake from May 22-24, offering a unique spectacle of devotion set against the backdrop of the lake.

Apart from religious festivities, May will also see various cultural and sporting events. The Bun Bung Fai Rocket Festival, a celebration marking the beginning of the rainy season, will take place in Yasothon, Kalasin, and Roi Et. 

Other events include the Mango Art Festival in Bangkok, the Krabi Wellness Festival, and the international sporting event, OCEANMAN Krabi, alongside the Samui Regatta, which extends into early June. The OUTDOOR FEST in Bangkok will also showcase the latest trends in outdoor activities and gear.