From March 16-17, the World Wai Kru Muay Thai ceremony will be performed at the Ayutthaya Historical Park in Ayutthaya province. The 15th annual festival is aimed at showcasing Thai martial arts and paying respects to Nai Khanomtom, a famous Thai boxer during the Ayutthaya period. Nai Khanomtom Day falls on March 17.
The "Miracle Muay Thai Festival" will be held at Wat Langkha Khao, opposite Wat Mahathat, from 2-6pm on the first day and from 1-5pm on the second day. Sacred tattooing and writing called yantra in Thai, Aranyik sword-making, Thai martial arts performances and muay Thai boxing drills will be demonstrated from 4-6pm on March 16 and from 3-5.30pm on March 17.
On the second day at 6pm, the ceremony to worship ancient Thai kings and warriors, including King Naresuan the Great, Phra Chao Sua and Phraya Phichai Daphak, will begin with a wai kru dance performed by all participating muay Thai boxers.
Contact the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)'s Ayutthaya office on 035-246-076/7 or the TAT Call Centre at 1672.
Boat festival
From March 29-31, the "1st Elephant Boat Race & River Festival" will take place on the bank of the Chao Phraya River, adjacent the Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort.
Thailand's top boat teams, including the Royal Thai Navy Seal officers, will compete with international teams from China and the Philippines in dragon boat races under the elephant theme. The winner will obtain the King's Cup Elephant Boat Race Trophy.
On the first day, the Asia Cup Rowing Championship will be open to the public. At night, there will be a concert by famous pop and rap singer J Jetrin and rap-music chart-topper Atom.
On the second day, a costume contest under the theme of Old Siam is open to all guests. In the evening, ballad singers New and Jew, and reggae-pop singer Singto Numchok, will perform in a concert.
On the final day, the closing ceremony will be highlighted by a vintage-car show and live jazz performances.
Tickets are priced at 200 baht per head. All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation (GTAEF) for improving the welfare of Thai elephants.
Visit http://anantara.com.
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