New Year

  • Thailand video newsThailand News Today | Dirty gloves probe, Bocelli & Lisa, ASEAN fallout | October 27

    Thailand News Today | Dirty gloves probe, Bocelli & Lisa, ASEAN fallout | October 27

    An investigation into the grotty dirty gloves and PPE affair, PM urges all ASEAN nations to follow in the footsteps of Thailand for a swift reopening, and Andrea Bocelli is in, but Lisa from Black Pink hasn’t yet been officially invited for new year’s concerts in Phuket. PM Prayut Chan-o-cha is stressing that Southeast Asian nations follow Thailand’s lead in…

  • World NewsBurmese prisoners granted amnesty on first day of Myanmar’s New Year

    Burmese prisoners granted amnesty on first day of Myanmar’s New Year

    Over 23,000 Burmese prisoners and student political activists are enjoying freedom after being released yesterday in an amnesty on the first day of the country’s Lunar New Year celebrations. The state-owned MRTV reported that 23,407 prisoners were released under sections of a penal code. In the Yangon region alone, over 800 prisoners were released, while Mandalay saw around 2,800 released from…

  • Songkran NewsTAT New York office to host a virtual Songkran from Chiang Mai

    TAT New York office to host a virtual Songkran from Chiang Mai

    The Tourism Authority of Thailand is set to host a virtual Songkran celebration from Chiang Mai next month in its New York office to celebrate the Thai New Year. “Spring into Songkran Splendours” will be broadcast live from Chiang Mai and is scheduled for Tuesday, April 8 from 8pm-9pm Eastern Standard Time. Free registration is available online by following this…

  • Thailand NewsThai tourism operators want more stimulus plans in time for Songkran

    Thai tourism operators want more stimulus plans in time for Songkran

    Tourism operators are wanting the government to set forward more stimulus plans in time for the Thai new year of Songkran. Fearing a rather unprofitable holiday, they are asking the government to step up incentives in addition to the existing subsidy program. Yesterday the CCSA determined some basic guidelines for Songkran 2021. Thanapol Cheewarattanaporn, president of the Association of Domestic…

  • Thailand NewsChinese New Year – The Year of the Ox – Thailand 2021 | VIDEO

    Chinese New Year – The Year of the Ox – Thailand 2021 | VIDEO

    The Thaiger visited the Jui Tui Shrine in Phuket Town this morning where the island’s huge Thai-Chinese community flock to commemorate Chinese New Year. So what’s the annual Chinese New Year, or Lunar New Year, all about? Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) The date of the Chinese New Year is determined by the lunar calendar and takes place in January…

  • Road deaths392 killed in road accidents during New Year holiday’s “7 Dangerous Days”

    392 killed in road accidents during New Year holiday’s “7 Dangerous Days”

    Nearly 400 people were killed in road accidents in Thailand over the New Year holiday week known as the “7 Dangerous Days.” Motorcycles were involved in the vast majority of accidents while speeding and drink-driving were the most common causes of accidents. From December 29 up until yesterday, 392 people died in accidents, a 5% increase from last year’s toll…

  • Pattaya NewsLucky escape for mother and baby after stray bullet enters house

    Lucky escape for mother and baby after stray bullet enters house

    A woman in the eastern province of Chon Buri has told of her lucky escape, after a stray bullet pierced the roof of her home and landed in the room where she was trying to get her baby to sleep. The woman, named in a Thai Residents report as 25 year old Aphitsaya Raksasuk, was attempting to get the 1…

  • World NewsHow Asian countries celebrate the arrival of another year

    How Asian countries celebrate the arrival of another year

    As the dust settles on this year’s somewhat muted New Year celebrations, some Asian countries still have their own festivities to look forward to. And it’s not all fireworks and drunken parties – in Asia, the dawn of a new year is seen as a time to celebrate family and good fortune, while washing away the bad luck of the…

  • Thailand NewsHis Majesty presents televised end of year message

    His Majesty presents televised end of year message

    His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn is appealing to Thai people to appreciate their rich culture, which exhibits virtue, beauty and progress… the foundation of life and mind. HM also asked all Thai people to conduct themselves “with virtue and reason in order” to overcome the Covid-19 crisis. His Majesty spoke in a televised end of year broadcast saying that cultural…

  • Thailand NewsWhy Thailand celebrates the New Year not once, not twice, but 3 times

    Why Thailand celebrates the New Year not once, not twice, but 3 times

    While the year just gone may be referred to as 2020 by most of us (with perhaps a few expletives thrown in, given the year it was), we are currently in the year 2563 in Thailand. As everyone who lives here knows, Thailand uses the Buddhist calendar, as well as the Western, or Gregorian, calendar, adding to our eternal confusion…

  • Thailand NewsMusical composition of His Majesty King Bhumibol the most popular New Year song in Thailand – VIDEO

    Musical composition of His Majesty King Bhumibol the most popular New Year song in Thailand – VIDEO

    A song written by His Majesty, the late King Bhumibol, and Prince Chakrapan Pensiri, in December 1951, is still the most popular New Year song among the people of Thailand today. Pohn Pee Mai, which translates as “New Year Blessing” can be heard on TV channels, radio stations, and at public gatherings, and has been a part of Thai culture…

  • Thailand NewsCOVID UPDATE: Bangkok bans, Anutin quarantined, another patient dies | VIDEO

    COVID UPDATE: Bangkok bans, Anutin quarantined, another patient dies | VIDEO

    A video summary of the current situation, today, as The Thaiger continues to keep you up to date with all the latest news about the current Covid-19 outbreak. The BMA’s order includes… bars with hostesses, horse racing tracks, cock-fighting arenas and massage parlours. But pubs and restaurants can stay open as long as they serve only food and drinks, and…

  • Thailand NewsThe etiquette of gift-giving in Thailand

    The etiquette of gift-giving in Thailand

    During this festive period, whether to mark Christmas or the start of a new – and hopefully brighter – year, you may want to offer a gift to your Thai friends. Alternatively, it may be the birthday of a Thai friend, or you may have been invited to their home. What are the rules? Below is a short guide to…

  • Thailand NewsReasons to celebrate being in Thailand for Christmas

    Reasons to celebrate being in Thailand for Christmas

    Let’s face it, if you live in Thailand but normally spend Christmas in your home country or elsewhere, that’s unlikely to be happening this year. And if you don’t live in Thailand but have found yourself stuck here (and what a place to be stuck!), then consider yourself incredibly lucky. There are far worse places to spend Christmas – and…

  • Thailand NewsMerry Christmas, Thai style

    Merry Christmas, Thai style

    Technically, Christmas is not celebrated in Thailand. The April holiday of Songkran, or Thai New Year, is probably the closest equivalent, when families come together in a celebration centered around Buddhist practices. But December 25 is not a public holiday, and in most cases, the only time you’d find a Thai having Christmas Day off, would be if it happened…

  • World NewsChristmas across Asia: How Thailand’s neighbours celebrate

    Christmas across Asia: How Thailand’s neighbours celebrate

    Those of us living in Thailand (and those who holiday here in more “normal” times), are familiar with what Christmas looks like in the Land of Smiles. But what about other Asian countries? Here’s a round-up of what the festive season looks like for some of our neighbours. Indonesia Despite being a primarily Muslim nation, Christmas is celebrated by many…

  • EventsChiang Mai New Year countdown events still on

    Chiang Mai New Year countdown events still on

    New Year countdown events in Chiang Mai are still on, despite Thailand’s record spike in Covid-19 cases. Cancelling the celebrations would hurt the already battered economy and local officials decided not to ban the events due to the economic impact, according to director of the Public Health Promotion Division Chiang Mai municipality, Danai Sarapruek. Danai says measures are in place…

  • Bangkok NewsThe best places to see 2020 Christmas lights in Bangkok

    The best places to see 2020 Christmas lights in Bangkok

    If you live in Bangkok and you’re a fan of all things Christmas, you won’t want to miss out on some of the best light installations in the capital. With the city alive with Christmas decorations, trees, and Santa installations, here’s a round-up of some of the must-see attractions. Let’s Celebrate at Central Embassy Santa Claus is everywhere at this…

  • Economy NewsEconomy to lose billions of baht from Covid-19 lockdown – Kasikorn Research Centre

    Economy to lose billions of baht from Covid-19 lockdown – Kasikorn Research Centre

    The economy will lose billions of baht following the Covid-19 outbreak in Samut Sakhon, just southwest of Bangkok, according to Kasikorn Research Centre. Shutting down the seafood industry in the province, calling off New Year parties in Bangkok and trips being cancelled due to virus fears will cost the economy a total of at least 45 billion baht over the…

  • Covid-19 NewsThailand News Today | 427 new C19 infections, Pattaya countdown cancelled, Elite Visa update | Dec 22

    Thailand News Today | 427 new C19 infections, Pattaya countdown cancelled, Elite Visa update | Dec 22

    Plenty of talk around today about future lockdowns, but NOTHING IS CONFIRMED at this stage. The Thaiger will keep you up to date with the latest. Possibility of an “end of year travel boost” has been shattered As if things weren’t already bad enough for Thailand’s tourism sector, the events in Samut Sakhon in the past week have just made…

  • Covid-19 NewsCovid-19 task force to meet today for discussions on New Year festivities

    Covid-19 task force to meet today for discussions on New Year festivities

    The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration meets today to discuss how New Year celebrations will be handled, with the possibility that they may be split into smaller groups. Officials are to consider a suggestion from PM Prayut Chan-o-cha that countdown gatherings be split into zones, with numbers limited. The PM is concerned that large crowds would make it impossible to…

  • Thailand NewsThailand News Today | Deadly floods, Chiang Rai Covid cases, Mekong Forum | December 7

    Thailand News Today | Deadly floods, Chiang Rai Covid cases, Mekong Forum | December 7

    Southern Thailand flood death toll: 24 At least 24 people have now been reported to have died due to flash floods in Southern Thailand following a week of heavy rain. 19 of the victims were in Nakhon Si Thammarat which was hit the hardest. Today, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reported 3 more deaths from flooding in the…

  • EventsNew Year countdown events get the “okay,” but under strict health measures

    New Year countdown events get the “okay,” but under strict health measures

    Lockdowns, social distancing, face masks and lots and lots of hand sanitiser… this year has been different to say the least and counting down the last hours of 2020 will be different as well. New Year countdown events have been given the “okay,” but just as long as health safety measures are in place, according to Nattaphon Narkphanit who leads…

  • Songkran NewsNew Songkran ‘replacement’ holiday added on July 27

    New Songkran ‘replacement’ holiday added on July 27

    The Thai government has declared July 27 the first of, what will probably be, substitute Songkran holidays. This year’s Songkran holiday was postponed as the April 13 Thai New Year holiday, and the days around it, were right in the middle of Thailand’s outbreak of Covid-19 and subsequent ‘lockdowns’. Songkran celebrates the start of Thailand’s wet season. The first replacement…

  • Songkran NewsTop 10 dos and don’ts for the 2020 Songkran festival

    Top 10 dos and don’ts for the 2020 Songkran festival

    Heading to Thailand for the 2020 Songkran festival? Want to know the dates, where to go and the dos and don’ts for this amazing water festival in Thailand? Songkran is a single name given to a series of concurrent events – an astrological ‘new year’, a Buddhist festival, the ‘change’ from dry season to wet season and a humongous water…

  • Expats50 year old British man dies at scene after fireworks explosion in Pattaya

    50 year old British man dies at scene after fireworks explosion in Pattaya

    PHOTO: dailymail.co.uk A British man died after a firework exploded in his face just after midnight during New Year’s Eve celebrations in Pattaya. 50 year old Gary McLaren died at the scene after a large cylindrical firework he was trying to light exploded. He was a tourist visiting Pattaya for New Year. He had visited Thailand before and arrived just…

  • Things To DoTop 5 places to celebrate New Years Eve in Phuket (2020)

    Top 5 places to celebrate New Years Eve in Phuket (2020)

    PHOTO: Kata Rocks Where better to spend your new year’s celebrations than the tropical island of Phuket. There’s such a variety of excellent choices you have some big decisions to make! From the insane to the family-friendly, busy Patong Beach to stylish beach clubs, they’re all here waiting to carry you into the new year. Forecast in Phuket for the…

  • Things To DoTop 5 places to celebrate New Years Eve in Bangkok (2020)

    Top 5 places to celebrate New Years Eve in Bangkok (2020)

    It’s hard to imagine a more vibrant city anywhere in the world, with warm weather and an entire population ready to party, to celebrate your New Year on December 31. Bangkok will host New Years Eve parties on almost every corner but we’ve listed the Top 5 locations for you to see in 2020. The links will take you to…

  • Road deathsThai PM urges New Year partygoers not to drink and drive

    Thai PM urges New Year partygoers not to drink and drive

    A reflective Thai PM Prayut Chan-o-cha has spoken out about his desire to further help the country, calling on citizens not to drink and drive during the year-end celebrations. The Nation reports that while speaking at an event in Bangkok, the PM declared his love for his fellow citizens, expressing his desire to change his name to something that better reflects…

  • Road deathsThailand ramps up drink-driving campaign for new year break

    Thailand ramps up drink-driving campaign for new year break

    Government, police and local agencies are launching their annual no-drink-driving campaign to raise driver awareness and, hopefully, reduce fatalities during the New Year holiday, designated for December 27 to January 2. Speaking in support of the campaign, Deputy national police chief Wirachai Songmetta announced 10 points of advice to drivers and bike riders in an effort to reduce road accidents…