On New Year’s Eve or December 31, Thai people host or go to a party. They spend time with families and friends. In the morning, some people clean and decorate their houses for a new year party. A clean house symbolizes the beginning with a clean slate. Other people may go to restaurants. Most of them eat, drink, dance, sing, or talk while waiting for midnight. At midnight, people count down to the new year, ring bells and blow horns. They say “Happy New Year!” or “Sawatdee Pi Mai!” Some hug and kiss. There is also a magnificent fireworks display.
The biggest New Year’s Eve celebration in Thailand is at Central World located in Bangkok. Many people enjoy a concert and party there. Alternatively, some people choose to go to Buddhist temples to make merits and listen to Dharma speeches told by monks. Many people stay awake until two or three in the morning to enjoy the new year.
January 1 is New Year’s Day. Both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are public holidays in Thailand. Most Thai people make offerings to the monks at temples. These generally include streamed rice, curries, soup, fried pork, stir-fried vegetables, and desserts. Some people make cash donations. After a religious ceremony, they often free birds, fish, and turtles into ponds, canals, or rivers. Some people host a party and prepare a big feast for a new year celebration. They give gifts to families, relatives, friends, and co-workers. Some people promise to become a better person for the new year by kicking bad habits like drinking alcohol or smoking.
New Year’s celebration provides an opportunity for the Thais to spend quality time with their families and make merits. Everyone hopes that the new year will bring them happiness, good health, and wealth.
