New Year's Day, also known as the 'Western New Year', is celebrated in Thailand every year on January 1. Although Thailand follows a different calendar— the Thai solar calendar— the Gregorian calendar's New Year's Day is regarded as a public holiday. This celebration is relatively recent, having been adopted in 1941 when the Thai solar calendar's start date was changed to January 1.
On New Year's Day, Thais typically spend time with family and close friends. Many visit temples for merit-making rituals, which involve giving alms to monks, praying, and making resolutions (or pledges) for the upcoming year. Thai people believe that these activities will ensure prosperity, happiness, and good health in the New Year. Apart from this, parties and fireworks displays are also common, much like in many countries around the globe.
Another key tradition is the giving of gifts, particularly among family members and close friends. Often, these gifts are tokens of good luck that symbolize positive attributes for the upcoming year. Despite being a relatively new addition to Thai festivals, New Year's Day in Thailand has amalgamated elements of traditional Thai culture with modern beliefs and practices. This blend of old and new adds a unique Thai twist to the familiar Western celebration.