Happy New Year or as they say in Thailand, Sawatdee Pii Mai. As the world welcomed in 2014, Thailand also had the distinction of welcoming in the year 2557. Although Thailand uses the Western calendar, it does so alongside the traditional Thai calendar which is 543 years ahead of the Western one. The reason for this is that the year in which the Buddha died, or entered Nirvana, is believed to be 543 B.C. So in Thailand, the year 2014 may also be shown as 2557 B.E. (Buddhist Era).
The New Year celebrations in Thailand tend to be a real mix of traditions. Many Thais attend merit-making ceremonies which are held at temples all across the country on New Year’s Eve. By donating money for the upkeep of the temple and food for the monks, Thai Buddhists believe they earn merit which helps them in the next life. Candles are lit, monks chant and prayers are offered as people wish for good luck for the year ahead.
The last few weeks of 2013 saw unusually cool night-time temperatures in parts of Thailand including Bangkok, the north and north-east. In Chiang Mai, where I took these photos on New Year’s Eve, people of all ages were wrapped up against the chill of the evening air.
Whilst the religious aspect of New Year is important for many Thais, so too is the chance for sanuk and a party. Music concerts, food stalls and fireworks are the order of the day at the ‘Countdown’ events that are held in cities and resorts including Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Pattaya.
