Chiang Mai Flower Festival Returns

Colourful and spectacular flower beds adorned the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek Expo in Chiang Mai three years ago.

Jointly organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, the provincial administration and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the hugely popular festival is expected to draw over 200,000 visitors.

Juthaporn Rerngronasa, TAT's deputy governor for marketing communications,announced "On December 5, which is the King's birthday, there will be a grand ceremony involving the lighting of candles and offering of prayers wishing His Majesty sound health, followed by fireworks and light and sound presentation."

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will attend the opening festival on December 1 and join locals to release 999 floating lanterns, followed by Thai classical dances from the four regions of the country, with 99 performers from each region.

Taking place at the same venue that played host to the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek held to celebrate the 60th anniversary of His Majesty's accension to the throne in 2006, the festival is an exhibition of flowers, plants and fruits, sale of farm products, handicrafts and OTOP goods, and contests featuring farm commodities.

The event three years ago featured roughly 2.5 million plants and flowers, including some rare orchids, and drew about as many visitors.

"The festival should help boost tourism and raise hotel occupancy in Chiang Mai," said the deputy governor.