Phra Pradaeng Songkran Festival April 17 - 19, 2009
	Thai-Raman Songkran at Koh Kret April 13 – 15, 2009
	The Pathum Thani “Khao Chae” Procession: Ritual offering of cooked white rice served in iced jasmine-scented water April 10 – 13, 2009
	Bang Kradi Songkran Festival

The Mon (or Raman, as they call themselves), are descendents of an advanced civilization. The Mons originated in Manipur, India, and later migrated to the eastern bank of the Irrawaddy in lower Burma where they created a powerful kingdom. Its position near the sea made it a gateway between India and Southeast Asia, contributing to its rise.

At its zenith in the 11th century, it was one of the most prosperous cultures in Southeast Asia. Its wealth, however, ultimately drew the covetous eyes of neighbours. In the 18th century, the Mons were finally overwhelmed and absorbed into the Burmese realm.

While there are still pockets of Mon in Myanmar (Burma), large numbers fled to the Thai kingdom beginning in the mid-19th century and were given sanctuary in places sites they often occupy to this day. They gained renown for their pottery and later as boatmen delivering goods to markets in Bangkok.

Found in Ratchaburi, Sangkhlaburi and Nonthaburi’s Saladaeng district, Mon are most prominent in Phrapadaeng, their longest-established community, Bang Kradi and Koh Kret. Although Mons are now Thai citizens, they quietly observe their own traditions and speak their unique language.

CUSTODIANS OF MON CULTURE
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