Shan New Year to be graced by Chiangmai mayor

^{Thai-Burma Relations
25 November 2008}

The ceremony will begin at Chiangmai’s Wat Kutao temple with religious incantations led by the abbot Khrubar Jantharangsi, a native of Kengtung, at 18:30, which will be followed with speeches by Saengmuang Mangkorn, Chiangmai Shan Literature and Culture Society chairman, at 19:00 and the mayor at 19:15.

The festival’s prominent entertainers will include popular comedian Sai Yoi and singer Nang Mwe Ngeun.
 
It will be a two-day event.
 
The Shan New Year falls on the First Waxing Day of First Lunar Month each year, the same day as the Hmong, a month before the Karen and two months before Chinese and Lahu.
 
The big event is expected to be at Hsanzu, also known as Loi Hsarmhsip, between Chiangmai’s Fang district and Shan State’s Mongton township. Thousands of people from both sides of the border have been invited to participate in the event. Hsanzu is also one of the main bases of Shan State Army (SSA) South led by Col Yawdserk. The SSA’s 271st Brigade, commanded by Lt-Col Teunkherh, is headquartered there.