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Thailand's New Year

Thailand is perhaps unique in the world in that it celebrates New Year three times, testament to the various cultures which have washed through Thailand.

The official New Year's Day of Thailand has undergone several changes. Once it used to fall at the end of November, then it was moved to a date round April and the to April the first. The universal practice of celebrating on January 1 was adopted in 1941 in deference to the western calendar.

Though January 1 is regarded a official New Year, the majority of Thais still regard the middle of April (Songkarn) as their new years day, and on this auspicious occasion a week0long celebration is held throughout the kingdom. Most of the activities on Songkran Day involve throwing, pouring, dousing and splashing one another with water. January 1st is a more formal affair when Thais exchange greeting cards and fits. Since few grand occasions are held on this occasion, people often take the opportunity to visit relatives or go on holiday. Those who stay at home might prepare food and other necessary times to make merit on th early morning of January 1.

At the same time, several copies take this opportunity to gi a bonus and announce promotions to their employees.

Similarly, Chinese New Year is also celebrated, especially for ethnic Chinese Thais. Those it's not a public holiday, most organisations close their business for several days so employees can celebrate this auspicious occasion with their relatives.