Bangkok, 29 August 2019 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to announce that the Samui Festival 2019 will return in its fourth year, from 13-18 September, 2019, under a collaboration between Surat Thani province, and public and private organisations.
Everyone is invited to the popular resort island for six days of fun happenings, parades, concerts and contests.
TAT Governor Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn said: “This much enjoyed annual festival promises another great programme this year with events and activities taking place at different locations around the island, offering an exciting mix of culture, music, food and more.”
The Samui Festival 2019 will kick off in the afternoon of 13 September with a carnival procession of elaborately decorated floats by the island’s public and private sector organisations along with a showcase of local arts and crafts, as well as cultural performances. The parade will march through the island’s landmarks and will conclude at Pru Chaweng Park, to be followed by the grand opening ceremony at 17.30 Hrs. H.E. General Prayut Chan-O Cha, the Prime Minister will preside over the opening ceremony.
Moreover, the Nathon stage will host the Samui Singing Awards 2019, where contestants will compete for 150,000 Baht in total prize money. These will be the finalists in the contest, which is open to the public and for which entries are being accepted up until 7 September.
On the morning of 14 September, there will be a merit-making ceremony at all temples across the island. Tourists are invited to observe or join the activities at Wat Sawang Arom and Wat Bo Phuttharam in Bophut between 09.00-12.00 Hrs. For an immersive cultural experience, tourists are recommended to wear traditional costumes; such as, lace blouse with standing collar and Pateh sarong.
Throughout the six days, live music and folk performances will be a big attraction at Samui Festival 2019. The cultural performances comprise those unique to Southern Thailand, including Nang Talung shadow puppetry and Nora dance drama, plus contemporary shows. The live music concert features an impressive line-up of Thai pop singers and bands set to entertain audiences on two stages at Nathon Market and Pru Chaweng, from 18.00 Hrs. until late at night.
For sports enthusiasts, 15 September is the day to enjoy or take part in two amazing sporting events. The Samui Festival Marathon and Trail 2019 comprises of a 5-km Fun Run, 10.5-km Mini Marathon, 21-km Half Marathon and 35-km Running Trail, which start and finish at Hin Lat Waterfall in Nathon. Meanwhile, the Tour of Samui Festival 2019 cycling race offers trophy and prize money worth over 200,000 Baht.
Other activities include a Food Street, Art Lane, and OTOP (one-tambon-one-product) Fair, showcasing the best of the best from Ko Samui and all districts of Surat Thani. These include rare indigenous dishes; such as, ‘maret’ leaf rice cooked in a bamboo tube and Kalamae Thai sweet candy, as well as Surat Thani’s famous oyster and tropical fruits. The Art Lane showcases masterpieces from Thai artists from across the country, including local Samui artist Amarit Chusuwan. Local arts and handicrafts can be found and shop ‘til you drop are at the OTOP section.
Also on 18 September, a free buffet dinner will amaze the taste buds of one and all, with an array of food and beverages stretching from Chaweng Beach to Hua Thanon Bay starting at 17.00 Hrs.
Last but not least, Thai boxing fans will enjoy the nightly Muay Thai matches from 13-18 September, at The Wharf Samui at Bophut.
