New Year’s Day in Thailand ― Date, History, and Details
New Year’s Day in Thailand may be something you want to learn more about, and we want to help with that.
Let's dive deeper into learning more about the history of New Year’s Day in Thailand and why people celebrate or observe it.
History of New Year’s Day in Thailand and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
New Year’s Day in Thailand is celebrated on January 1st, which is also the start of the Thai solar calendar. The day is a national holiday and people have the day off from work. Families and friends get together to celebrate the new year.
Traditionally, people would clean their houses and wear new clothes on New Year’s Day. This is done to sweep away any bad luck from the previous year and to start the new year with a clean slate. Nowadays, people often go to temples to make merit and pray for a prosperous new year.
Fireworks are commonly used to celebrate New Year’s Eve and continue into the early hours of New Year’s Day. It is believed that the noise of the fireworks will scare away evil spirits.
Food plays an important role in Thai New Year celebrations. On New Year’s Eve, many families will have a big feast. The most common dish is kaeng som pla, a sour curry made with fish and vegetables. This dish is said to bring good luck and fortune in the new year.