The traditional Thai New Year celebration is called Songkran.
Songkran is observed in April, traditionally from April 13 to April 15, rather than on December 31. The festival is connected with the movement of the sun into Aries and the start of a new year in the traditional Thai calendar. It is one of Thailand’s most important annual celebrations.
Water is a central symbol. People may pour scented water over Buddha images, elders, and one another as a sign of cleansing, respect, and good fortune. In modern urban celebrations, this practice developed into large public water festivities, especially in Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
Songkran is often described simply as Thailand’s water festival, but that label can obscure its religious and family traditions. December 31 is also marked in Thailand as an international New Year, while Songkran remains the traditional Thai New Year.