SACRED MONTHS The day following Asarnha Bucha Day is Buddhist Lent Day, or Khao Phansa. Phansa in Thai means a period of three months, while khao is to enter into or take part in a particular activity. Starting from this day, Thai monks will avoid unnecessary travel for three consecutive lunar months during the rainy season for fear that they might accidentally step on young plants or tiny animalsi In addition, Thai people consider Khao Phansa to be a time for merit-making. Some people try to strictly observe the five precepts during this period. The government usually encour- ages locals to take part in its Ngod Phansa (No Alcohol During Buddhist Lent) campaign, since avoiding alcohol is one of the five precepts.