Buddhists across Thailand are preparing to observe Asanha Bucha Day.
In Chiang Mai province, the Suan Prung Hospital has organised a biking campaign called “For Buddhist Lent, No Alcohol Drinks” in order to encourage the public to refrain from consuming alcoholic beverages during the three-month period of Lent.
A recent survey by the Centre for Alcohol Studies found that the upper northern region is the area with the highest risk of alcohol related problems in Thailand, with Phayao on the top of the list of the at-risk provinces. Chiang Mai is at number-3.
In southern Yala, residents have been shopping at stores offering temple supplies in order to select items needed for Asanha Bucha Day and Buddhist Lent which fall on July 30 and 31.
Meanwhile, in Ubon Ratchathani, the festival to celebrate the Buddhist Lent has begun.
The highlight of the festival, which started on July 25 and will run until July 31, is a parade of magnificent floats mostly made of candle wax.-VNA
