Buddhist Lent in Thai

“Buddhist Lent” in Thai is เข้าพรรษาkâo-pan-sǎa; you'll also hear ออกพรรษาàwk-pan-sǎa (the end).

เข้าพรรษา kâo-pan-sǎa

the start of Buddhist Lent, the rains retreat noun

kâo falling
pan mid
sǎa rising

Falling: start high and drop clearly, like a firm “No!”
Rising: start low, dip, then rise to the top, like a doubtful “Really?”

ออกพรรษา àwk-pan-sǎa

the end of Buddhist Lent noun

àwk low
pan mid
sǎa rising

Low: flat and lower than your normal voice, dropping a little at the end.
Rising: start low, dip, then rise to the top, like a doubtful “Really?”

How to use it

เข้าพรรษาkâo-pan-sǎa, "entering the rains", starts the three-month retreat when monks stay in their temples, on the day after Asanha Bucha, usually in July. It's a popular time to be ordained, some Thais give up drinking for the three months, and Ubon Ratchathani celebrates with a parade of huge carved candles. ออกพรรษาàwk-pan-sǎa, usually in October, ends it with merit-making, and in many places with boat races and festivals of light.