As Songkran festivities end in most parts of the country, Chon Buri is continuing Thai New Year celebrations with the Wan Lai Festival — which began on Tuesday and runs until Sunday — on the mainland and islands.
In tambon Bang Phra, local villagers from the Kho Khao Bang Phra community have crafted a huge sculpture of the occult deity Baphomet out of bamboo, rice straw and paper to maintain their traditions. When a pandemic hit this region more than 100 years ago, people worshipped Baphomet for protection.
The sculpture will be released into the sea after a parade through the streets and an eye-opening ceremony scheduled for tomorrow. There will also be the water pouring ritual, a variety of cultural performances, a chess competition and concerts.
In parallel, Koh Si Chang is celebrating Songkran today and people can sprinkle water onto Buddha statues and build…
