Although, the official calendar in the kingdom of Thailand is the Western Gregorian calendar, a traditional Thai lunar calendar is very much in use for determining many holidays, especially the Buddhists. Thai ancient lunar calendar distinguishes itself from Islamic and other lunar calendars by being set up based on the yearly agricultural cycle, as it was the most important aspect of the primarily agrarian society. Thai ancient lunar calendar is divided into 12 lunar months, like the western calendar, but the months are determined by the phases of the moon, rather than by a position of the earth in relation to sun. Being based on the cycles of moon phases, half of lunar months are 28 days long and another half are 29. Thai lunar month is also divided into four weeks.

* - Government offices, banks and other nationwide businesses are commonly open for business during informal public holidays. Although, government offices, schools and businesses are closed during the national holidays, the bulk of the tourist attractions, shops, malls, as well as currency exchange booths are almost never closed.

Major Thai Celebrations Holidays and Festivals

Loi Krathong

Fireworks and candles lit the spirit of Loi Krathong celebrations

Loy Krathong (or Loi Krathong) festival is one of the most popular and truly romantic Thai traditional festivals. It is held on the night of the 12th full moon (usually in November) to honor and celebrate the Goddess of Water (rivers and waterways), mae nam in Thai. It is also known as the Festival of Light.

Krathong

Beauty pageants that accompany the festival are known as "Noppamas Queen Contests" take place all over Thailand. According to the legend, Noppamas was a consort of the Sukothai king Loethai (14th century) and she was the first to float decorated krathongs. The Loy Krathong festival is also associated with the start of vegetable carving contest and flower festival.

Chinese Lunar New Year

Chinese New Year Celebrations in Bangkok's Chinatown

Chinese New Year (January to February) usually celebrated for three days, starting on the day before the Chinese New Year's Eve. The dates of Chinese New year are observed according to the lunar calendar on the second new moon day following winter solstice (when the sun is at its southernmost point, December 22). Although not a national holiday, the Chinese Lunar New Year is extensively celebrated throughout Thailand with one of the biggest and vibrant festivities is held in Bangkok's Chinatown.

Lion Dance Performance During Chinese New Year in Bangkok

The lion and dragon dances, sounds of the firecrackers and fireworks are integral features of Chinese New Year festivities. The drums will resemble the lion's heartbeat and help to show all the emotions the lion may feel. Red is the lucky colour that everyone wears in order to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year. The streets of Yaowarat and vicinity (Bangkok's Chinatown district) are ablaze with red Chinese lanterns and banners, and of course great Chinese food all over.

Songkran

Throwing of water during Songkran celebrations

Songkran Festival (13 to 15 April) is certainly the biggest party of the year. Also known as traditional Thai New Year, the festival celebrates the end of the dry season, and has always involved water. Often called the Water Festival, it is the most celebrated event in Thailand. Everyone is happy, participating in the fun feast.

Nowadays, Somgkran is associated with exuberant water fights with water guns, hoses and the like. It is celebrated mainly in the streets, which are all wet. One big wild party, a water parade of sorts, a giant water-gun extravaganza and no one stays dry.