Thai New Year, also known as Songkran, is one of the most important public holidays in Thailand. It is widely recognized for its joyful water celebrations, family traditions, and deep cultural meaning.
If you are searching for when Thai New Year 2026 takes place, how the Songkran festival is celebrated, or how people mark the holiday across the entire country, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Songkran is not just a water festival. It is a time of renewal, respect, and reflection, observed by Thai residents at home and abroad.
When Is Thai New Year 2026?
Thai New Year 2026 takes place from April 13 to April 15, 2026.
These dates are official holiday dates recognized nationwide. Songkran is one of Thailand’s most important public holidays, and schools, offices, and many businesses close during this period.
In some regions, celebrations extend beyond the official three days. Major cities and tourist destinations often continue festivities for nearly a week, making Songkran one of the longest and most visible holidays in Thailand.
Is Songkran Celebrated Across the Entire Country?
Yes. Songkran is celebrated across the entire country, from large cities to rural villages. While traditions may vary by region, Thai residents everywhere observe the holiday in some form.
Urban areas often focus on large-scale water splashing events, concerts, and street celebrations. Rural communities tend to emphasize family gatherings, temple visits, and traditional rituals.
What Is the Songkran Festival?
The Songkran festival marks the traditional Thai New Year based on the solar calendar. The word Songkran comes from Sanskrit, meaning the passage or movement, symbolizing the transition into a new year.
At its core, Songkran represents:
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Letting go of the past year
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Cleansing bad luck
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Welcoming renewal and good fortune
Water plays a central role, both symbolically and practically, as it represents purification and fresh beginnings.
Why Is Songkran Known as a Water Festival?
Songkran is often referred to as Thailand’s water festival because of its famous water celebrations. Traditionally, people gently pour water over Buddha statues and elders’ hands as a sign of respect and blessing.
Over time, this ritual evolved into joyful public water splashing, where people use buckets, bowls, and even water guns to celebrate together in the streets.
Despite the playful atmosphere, water remains a symbol of cleansing and renewal rather than just entertainment.
How Do Families Celebrate Thai New Year?
For many Thai families, Songkran is deeply centered around family members and tradition. Common practices include:
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Returning home to visit parents and grandparents
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Pouring water over elders’ hands to receive blessings
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Sharing meals and expressing gratitude
These quieter traditions often take place in the mornings before public festivities begin later in the day.
Songkran Celebrations in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is one of the most famous places to celebrate Songkran. The city hosts some of the longest and most vibrant festivities in Thailand.
Celebrations in Chiang Mai include:
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Water splashing along the old city moat
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Traditional parades and cultural performances
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Temple ceremonies and merit-making
Because Chiang Mai extends Songkran longer than many regions, it attracts both Thai residents and international visitors each year.
Songkran in Mae Hong Son and Northern Thailand
In northern provinces like Mae Hong Son, Songkran celebrations are more traditional and community-focused. Water rituals remain gentle, and emphasis is placed on spiritual renewal, temple visits, and local customs.
These regions offer a quieter and more reflective experience of Thai New Year compared to major cities.
Is Songkran the Same as New Year’s Eve?
Songkran is different from New Year’s Eve on December 31. Thailand celebrates multiple New Year traditions:
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January 1 as the international New Year
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Lunar New Year within Chinese-Thai communities
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Songkran as the traditional Thai New Year
Songkran remains the most culturally significant New Year celebration nationwide.
How Do You Say Happy New Year in Thai?
To say Happy New Year in Thai, you can write or say:
Sawasdee Pee Mai
(สวัสดีปีใหม่)
This phrase is commonly used on Songkran greeting cards, messages, and announcements. It is suitable for formal and informal settings alike.
Do Thai People Celebrate Lunar New Year?
Yes. Lunar New Year is celebrated in Thailand, especially among Thai Chinese communities. However, Songkran is the traditional Thai New Year and is recognized nationwide as an official public holiday.
Lunar New Year celebrations are more common within Chinese, Korean, and Japanese communities, where the holiday focuses on family gatherings, honoring ancestors, and welcoming good fortune for the year ahead. These celebrations typically take place between late January and February, depending on the lunar calendar.
If you are celebrating Lunar New Year rather than Songkran, sending a greeting card is a thoughtful way to share blessings for health, prosperity, and happiness within your community.
Shop Lunar New Year Greeting Cards
How to Send Songkran Wishes From Abroad
Many people celebrate Thai New Year away from home. When distance makes in-person celebrations difficult, people often:
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Send written messages
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Schedule calls with loved ones
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Mail greeting cards to mark the occasion
Sending a Songkran greeting card is a thoughtful way to honor the holiday while staying connected. Cards allow space to share personal blessings for health, peace, and renewal in the new year.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thai New Year 2026
When is Thai New Year 2026 celebrated?
Thai New Year 2026 is celebrated from April 13 to April 15, with extended festivities in many regions.
Is Songkran a public holiday in Thailand?
Yes. Songkran is one of Thailand’s most important public holidays and is observed nationwide.
Why do people pour water during Songkran?
Pouring water symbolizes cleansing, respect, and blessings for the year ahead. Modern water splashing evolved from this tradition.
Is Songkran celebrated the same way everywhere?
No. Celebrations vary by region, from large-scale water festivals in cities to quiet family traditions in rural areas.
Final Thoughts on Thai New Year 2026
Thai New Year 2026 is more than a celebration. Songkran is a time of reflection, renewal, and connection for Thai residents across the entire country. Understanding the meaning behind the water, family rituals, and holiday dates helps deepen appreciation for this important cultural tradition.
If you are celebrating near or far, taking time to acknowledge Songkran is a meaningful way to welcome the year ahead with intention.