Thai and Foreign Couples to Participate in the Trang Underwater Wedding Ceremony

(10/02/2013)

Since Valentine’s Day falls on 14 February, the whole month of February is regarded as the month of love in many places. A number of couples have chosen to tie the knot during this period of the year. Trang province in southern Thailand takes this opportunity to organize a mass wedding ceremony that differs from that held elsewhere, as it takes place underwater. Participating in this unique wedding ceremony are both Thai and foreign couples. The unique wedding ceremony is held annually and is also recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s largest underwater wedding. Organized by the Trang Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with the Tourism Authority of Thailand and other organizations, it is aimed at promoting Trang as a happy province and romantic destination. The event consists of some activities based on the traditional Thai wedding style. It also helps promote tourism in Trang, which is famous for pristine beaches and scenic islands. The Trang Underwater Wedding Ceremony 2013, the 17th of its kind, will be held for three days, from 13 to 15 February, under the concept "Sea through of True Love.” Upon their arrival at Trang airport on 13 February, 36 participating couples will be given a warm welcoming ceremony. They will be led to plant a “tree of love” at the Southern Thailand Botanical Garden, in commemoration of their wedding. Then a procession will lead the couples to a traditional water-blessing ceremony in front of the residence of the Trang Governor. Later, they will attend the kin niao traditional rite, to be held for the brides and grooms to take ceremonial glutinous rice, as it is believed that, with the ceremonial glutinous rice, they will stick with each other with love forever. On 14 February, the couples will slip below the water on Kradan Island, within the Hat Chao Mai National Park in Kantang district, to exchange rings and register in the presence of witnesses. Participating couples must be qualified divers. Kradan Island, one of the most beautiful islands in Trang, is located about 40 minutes by boat from the mainland. A special dinner will be held in a romantic and delightful atmosphere at the “Underwater Wedding” beach in the compound of Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya, Trang Campus. On 15 February, the couples will make a tour of the province to enjoy both natural and cultural attractions. Located about 800 kilometers from Bangkok, Trang is a popular place among divers and welcomes couples who want to celebrate very close to nature. It offers numerous attractions both on land and at sea. The Trang Underwater Wedding Ceremony is widely recognized as one of the most fascinating events of the province. Many Thai and foreign honeymooners have been impressed by the unique experience there.