NORTHEASTERN Buriram province is gearing up to hold its annual Phanom Rung Historical Park Festival, which this year takes place during March 30 to April 1, with an additional bonus being an opportunity to watch a big Thai League football match, Sanook.com columnist Peeranut P. wrote today (March 12).
Mr Anusorn Kaewkangwan, governor of Buriram, said at a press conference last Friday March 9 that the objective of holding the festival is to promote Thai-style tourism in keeping with government policy and propagate the amazing story of Buriram’s architectural legacy.
Also equally important is to boost sports tourism, particularly football and motor races at the Chang International Circuit track.
The new dimension of the Phanom Rung Historical Park Festival is the incorporation of new technology to all activities, with highlights being Dimensional Mapping Light & Sound Show and Special Light Show.
Football fans coming to the festival will get an opportunity to watch a big match of Toyota Thai League between Buriram United and Chonburi FC at Chang arena on March 31 at 5 p.m.
There will also be a MotoGP super-bike race for all to enjoy.
According to Buriramexpats.com, Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung is a Khmer temple complex built from sandstone in the 10th century and is located about 75 kilometers from Buriram town.
Phanom Rung was built on top of a hill which is believed to be an extinct volcanic cone about 1,320 feet above sea level. Archaeological and historical studies show that this place was originally built to worship Shiva, the Hindu God between the 10th and 13th centuries with the bulk of the work being completed during the reign of King Suriyavaraman II.
The site was in a state of disrepair and neglect in the early 20th century, then in 1971 Thailand’s Department of Fine Arts spent 70 million baht and 17 years restoring the complex to its original state.
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Top and in-text: Thai dancers practicing for the Phanom Rung Historical Park Festival. Photo: Sanook.com
In-text: Players at a recent Thai League football match. Photo: Sanook.com