Ko Phangan, Surat Thani, 24 April, 2017 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in collaboration with partners from the public and private sector, yesterday opened the Ko Phangan Colourmoon Festival 2017 to a fun start by giving visitors a taste of the unique local Thai experiences offered by the five distinct regions of the island.
The opening ceremony was presided over by H.E. Mrs. Kobkarn Wattanvrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports.
Taking place until this Thursday (27 April), the Ko Phangan Colourmoon Festival 2017 is aimed at boosting awareness of traditional way of life on Ko Phangan and to encourage visitors to discover the historical sites, natural attractions and local way of life to be found on this island.
Themed “Coconut is Life,” the Ko Phangan Colourmoon Festival 2017 will also showcase the island’s high-quality coconuts which are used in everything from local crafts and cooking to clothes.
H.E. Mrs. Kobkarn said, “It’s claimed that the power of the moon that keeps so many tourists coming back to Ko Phangan. While the island is most famous internationally for its Full Moon parties, there is so much more to explore here: stunning scenery, waterfalls, jungle, friendly villages and local colours and crafts. So we hope this festival will help people to see another side of Ko Phangan.”
Ko Phangan Colourmoon Festival 2017 opened with a show of respect to the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, followed by impressive stage performances where dancers and shadow puppets were used to show off some of the elements of local culture. After the festival was officially opened, visitors were treated to a fashion show with clothes inspired by and using local coconuts.
Over the course of the five-day event, there will be concerts with renowned Thai country singers; an international fishing competition; sports contests; a bird singing contest, a speed reading contest, and a Mister and Miss International Coconut pageant. There is also a food-fair which gives visitors the chance to enjoy Ko Phangan’s tasty snacks from the five main regions of the island, many of which are made using, of course, local coconuts.
As usual, the Ko Phangan Colourmoon Festival is taking place by the HMS Phangan Memorial Museum near the island’s Thong Sala Pier. In the shipboard museum, visitors can learn about the history of the island in an exhibition called “Island of Kings.”
The Festival is jointly organised by the TAT, Ko Phangan Hotels Association, Surat Thani Provincial Administration Organisation, the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Bank of Thailand, Bangkok Airways, Lomprayah High Speed Ferries, and Thai Beverage.
