On Monday afternoon, Pattaya School No. 8, in collaboration with Sawang Boriboon, organized a candle parade to invite people to honor the start of the three month period of Buddhist Lent known as phansa. At this time, Thai Buddhists present elaborately carved candles to the temple, and many regions in Thailand compete to produce spectacular carvings of such things as mythical creatures and royal barges, many the size of full-size parade floats.  

The procession was coordinated by the Director of Pattaya School No. 8, Mrs. Arporn Rachasing, and included teachers and students in beautiful traditional Thai costumes dancing and playing musical instruments. The truck carrying the candle was decorated with flowers, and many onlookers, both residents and tourists, watched with interest as the parade made its way from Beach Road to South Pattaya Rd. This period is also known as the “rain retreat,” when monks retreat to the temple for study and meditation, and refrain from outside contact. It is believed that the large candles that illuminate the temple will likewise illuminate the mind.

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