Trat Independence Day

Trat Independence Day is held from 23 - 27 March every year to mark the day the province was returned to Thai rule from French colonisation. In the late 19th century, when South East Asia was threatened by French and British occupation, French troops landed in the western part of Thailand’s Chanthaburi Province. Thailand – or Siam, as it was known then – surrendered to the French to regain Chanthaburi, so French forces retreated to Trat province in 1904 instead. Three years later, under the rule of King Rama V, Trat was returned to Thai sovereignty. Every March, the people of Trat celebrate independence by proudly flying the first flag of Thailand – a red flag with a white elephant at the centre – outside their homes.

Trat Independence Day

Every March, a host of festivities mark the day the province regained its independence. Special exhibitions are displayed in front of Trat’s City Hall, where a ceremony is performed to commemorate events leading up to independence, including a historical performance. Following the ceremony, there’s a huge light show, fireworks and a parade, with hundreds of Trat locals dressed in spectacular traditional costumes. Many stalls selling local products are set up, and there’s also the chance to enjoy traditional games, music and competitions. If you want to learn more about the history of Trat while you are in its capital City, head to Trat Museum on Santisook Road. This large wooden building was originally constructed during the French occupation and was restored in the 2000s to create a local historical hub for locals and visitors to enjoy. Exhibits are presented in Thai and English, and there is also a selection of entertaining video exhibits about the province’s history.

Getting to Trat

Bangkok Airways operate direct flights from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Trat. There are also hourly buses from Bangkok’s Eastern bus terminal at Ekamai to the city. The journey takes between five and eight hours.