Many Buddhist countries celebrate life by holding a vegetarian festival each year in order to, for a short period of time, to save the lives of many livestock animals destined for the dinner plate. For a period of approximately 2 weeks during October, people, both vegetarian and non vegetarian, take part in non meat eating practices during their mealtimes, in the belief of gaining merit. Here in the Eastern Seaboard of Thailand, it was no exception, with many towns and cities putting on their own festivities. In Pattaya, the annual Vegetarian Festival is usually organised by Pattaya City Hall and the Sawang Boriboon Foundation, located in Naklua, where the main events takes place. This year is the 9th occasion for this colourful and meaningful happening, which got underway from the 14th October with a beautiful parade of bands and customary dragon and lion dances associated with the Thai-Chinese communities. The traditional giant pan of vegetables and rice cooked by a number of invited VIPs was the centre of attention before all the festivities began. This year, the Minister of Culture, Mrs. Sukumol Khunplume was guest of honour to open the festival. Speeches were made by Pattaya Mayor Ittipol Khunplume, Chonburi Governor Khomsan Ekachai and the Chairman of the Sawang Boriboon Foundation, Mr. Wisit Chawalit-nithi-tham.
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