A major Thai festival is about to occur – the Kao Pansa, which will take place this weekend throughout Thailand, during the start of the rainy season.  The Buddhist festival, in which monks go into retreat at temples for 3 months, is celebrated with offerings to monks, and candle parades. The most famous parade is held in Ubon Ratchathani in East Thailand, where huge intricately designed floats with beeswax figures depicting the Buddha are paraded through the streets with dancers and musicians.  Here in Pattaya, candle parades will take place, but not on such a big scale.  Therefore, on Monday, at Pattaya City Hall, a meeting took place with relevant authorities to prepare for the festival,  and the first parade will take place on the 14th in front of the Central Festival Pattaya Beach Mall from 1pm.  Please note that alcohol will not be available for sale during this 2 day period.

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