## May 2012 Calendar for Thailand ##
* May 1st is Labor day (วันแรงงานแห่งชาติ, Wan Raeng Ngan Haeng Chat) and some government offices may be closed.
* May 5th is [Coronation Day](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhumibol_Adulyadej)
* Because May 5th is a Saturday, the substitute day off is Monday. Post offices will do the obvious and take both Saturday and Monday off (and be closed 6-7th).
* May 9th is the [Royal Ploughing Ceremony](http://chiangmaibest.com/thai-holidays-festivals/royal-ploughing-ceremony/). Some people (and businesses) will be sorely tempted to take the previous weekend off all the way through Wednesday, for a five day weekend.
* In Chiang Mai, the 7 day (8 counting the closing ceremony) event of [Inthakin, the City Pillar Festival](http://chiangmaibest.com/thai-holidays-festivals/inthakin-city-pillar-festival/) should not be missed. More detail about this will be forthcoming. It is held in 2012 from May 17-24th.
* [Visaka Bucha](http://chiangmaibest.com/thai-holidays-festivals/visaka-bucha/) doesn't begin until June 4th, but as one of the most significant holidays in the Buddhist calendar - celebrating the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha - it is worth gearing up for. Those in Chiang Mai have an opportunity to walk up Doi Suthep to reach the temple at the summit, somewhere between 10-15km in length. It can take 3 hours to the top and another 3 hours back to the bottom. Many rest stations with beverages and snacks available, opportunities to entertainment, dancing and music along the way.
## May 2012 Calendar for Thailand ##
* May 1st is Labor day (วันแรงงานแห่งชาติ, Wan Raeng Ngan Haeng Chat) and some government offices may be closed.
* May 5th is [Coronation Day](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhumibol_Adulyadej)
* Because May 5th is a Saturday, the substitute day off is Monday. Post offices will do the obvious and take both Saturday and Monday off (and be closed 6-7th).
* May 9th is the [Royal Ploughing Ceremony](http://chiangmaibest.com/thai-holidays-festivals/royal-ploughing-ceremony/). Some people (and businesses) will be sorely tempted to take the previous weekend off all the way through Wednesday, for a five day weekend.
* In Chiang Mai, the 7 day (8 counting the closing ceremony) event of [Inthakin, the City Pillar Festival](http://chiangmaibest.com/thai-holidays-festivals/inthakin-city-pillar-festival/) should not be missed. More detail about this will be forthcoming. It is held in 2012 from May 17-24th.
* [Visaka Bucha](http://chiangmaibest.com/thai-holidays-festivals/visaka-bucha/) doesn't begin until June 4th, but as one of the most significant holidays in the Buddhist calendar - celebrating the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha - it is worth gearing up for. Those in Chiang Mai have an opportunity to walk up Doi Suthep to reach the temple at the summit, somewhere between 10-15km in length. It can take 3 hours to the top and another 3 hours back to the bottom. Many rest stations with beverages and snacks available, opportunities to entertainment, dancing and music along the way.Volunteer Stories!
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