PHOTO: Chinese New Year in Bangkok, Thailand via Unsplash Chinese New Year is not a public holiday in Thailand, but people across the nation still celebrate it with enthusiasm and joy . From Bangkok to Chiang Mai and all places in between, temples are decked out in red lanterns and crowded with people coming to pray for the year ahead. About 15 percent of Thailand’s population is of Chinese descent. And it is particularly in Bangkok’s Chinatown and other areas of Thailand with large Chinese-Thai populations that Chinese New Year is most celebrated. There are also huge block parties in Bangkok’s Chinatown, with many events centred around the Odeon Gate. Although not officially designated as a public holiday, approximately 15% of Thailand’s Chinese-ethnic population will celebrate this vibrant festival from the first to the fifteenth day of the lunar new year, spanning 29 January to 12 February 2025. 29 Jan: Chinese New Year (Wednesday): A cultural observance with parades and festivities, especially in areas with Chinese communities. 30 Jan: Second Day of Chinese New Year (Thursday): More celebrations, with businesses in Chinatown areas adjusting their hours. 31 Jan: Third Day of Chinese New Year (Friday): The final day of the celebrations. A Glimpse into Bangkok’s Chinese New Year Celebrations. Though it's not an official public holiday across Thailand, the festivities are widely celebrated, particularly in regions with a significant Chinese-Thai population. Let’s dive into the traditions and some must-visit spots in Thailand for soaking up the Chinese New Year (CNY) spirit. Chinese New Year's Traditions and Celebrations in Thailand The holiday is celebrated all over Thailand, especially in those areas with large populations of Chinese, such as Bangkok, where the city's Chinatown area is usually the scene of a large block party. Red is the color of the day on Chinese New Year. It's important to note that, while there may be large celebrations on the day, the Lunar New Year Chinese New Year Celebrations 2024 Thailand (วันตรุษจีน 2567 / 2024年泰国新春庆祝活动) will be held from 1 – 29 February 2024 at various locations across the country. While the festival is not designated as a public holiday in Thailand, about 15% of Thailand’s population of Chinese descent celebrates this The Great Chinese New Year 2025 at all Central shopping centres, until Feb 6. To celebrate the great auspicious occasion on a global scale, Central Pattana presents special activities under the New Year Festival: Western New Year is celebrated in Thailand as well. Public Holidays on 31st December and 1st January. Chinese New Year: Chinese New Year is the most important of all traditional Chinese holidays. Chinese people in Bangkok will spend hard earned money to buy presents, food, decoration and clothing for the celebration. Important to know: The major Chinese New Year events in Bangkok focus almost exclusively on the three-day New Year period itself. The three main days of the festival include the eve of the Spring Festival, then the Spring Festival or New Year, followed by New Year’s Day. The day of the Chinese New Year varies each year depending on the Chinese Lunar calendar. It generally falls in the month of January or February. What is the Chinese New Year in Thailand? Source Just like the rest of the world celebrates New Year's Day on 1st January, the Chinese New Year is calculated using a lunar calendar. It typically takes Therefore, Celebrating the Chinese New Year in Bangkok is a very Good Experience. The Dates of the Chinese new year differs from a year to another. As it is Set Yearly based on the Chinese Lunar Calendar. The Chinese New Year is not just one day. It takes around 3 or 4 days. In Thailand, it is not considered as a Public Holiday. Chinese New Year: Also known as the Spring Festival, Chinatown hosts many daily performances and activities. The Chinese New Year in Bangkok, Thailand will be on 29 January. Drummers and lion dancers will be on the streets. Be a part of the street party during the Chinese New Year in Bangkok as the long dragon makes its way to the temples. Major shopping centers and public spaces across Thailand incorporate Chinese New Year themes and host special events. Makha Bucha Day This significant Buddhist holiday in 2025 falls on February 22nd, commemorating the spontaneous gathering of 1,250 enlightened monks who came to pay respects to the Buddha. — Chinese New Year, Christmas Day and End of Ramadan are observed in Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala and Satun provinces only. — Labour Day is observed by all sectors except the Government sector. — Royal Ploughing Ceremony and Khao Phansa Day are observed by the Government sector only. — Chinese New Year, Christmas Day and End of Ramadan are observed in Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala and Satun provinces only. — Labour Day is observed by all sectors except the Government sector. — Royal Ploughing Ceremony and Khao Phansa Day are observed by the Government sector only. During the Chinese New Year festival in Bangkok, Chinese communities come alive with music, dancing, and beautifully lit lanterns that paint the skies red. On top of that, you’ll witness countless parades and performances on the streets. Only a handful of provinces in Thailand declare the Lunar New Year festival as a public holiday. In 2021, Chinese New Year is on February 12, and while the government did announce it as an official holiday (not normally is), Chinese New Year celebrations are toned down in the wake of COVID-19. The official celebrations in Chinatown are cancelled. PHOTO: Chinese New Year in Bangkok, Thailand via Unsplash Chinese New Year is not a public holiday in Thailand, but people across the nation still celebrate it with enthusiasm and joy . From Bangkok to Chiang Mai and all places in between, temples are decked out in red lanterns and crowded with people coming to pray for the year ahead.
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