Christmas in Thailand?

[ochef 0]

Do non-Christian Thai's observe Christmas in anyway? Is it celebrated or combined with any Thai end-of-the year or new year traditions? My (Buddhist) fiance in Thailand mentioned having a Christmas tree and how she was looking forward to buying gifts...I was a little surprised. Truthfully, I was looking forward to a less materialistic Christmas than we have here in the US but maybe I was mistaken. I won't be visiting until Feb. but was wondering if I should be recognizing Thai celebrations before then.

Thanks for any help on this.

[daboyz 36]

It's not even a day off there. After King's birthday and Constitution day, no holiday until Jan 1. And that's provided people don't set off bombs in BKK. It was a drag in 06.

[afisher 0]

Thai people know about Christmas but it's not a big deal for them.

[maritoni 3]

Do non-Christian Thai's observe Christmas in anyway? Is it celebrated or combined with any Thai end-of-the year or new year traditions? My (Buddhist) fiance in Thailand mentioned having a Christmas tree and how she was looking forward to buying gifts...I was a little surprised. Truthfully, I was looking forward to a less materialistic Christmas than we have here in the US but maybe I was mistaken. I won't be visiting until Feb. but was wondering if I should be recognizing Thai celebrations before then.

Thanks for any help on this.

Thai people knows about christmas,but your fiance's a buddhist so i dont think she even celebrate it....

[Ban Hammer 13,110]

mbc

[Ning 619]

Do non-Christian Thai's observe Christmas in anyway? Is it celebrated or combined with any Thai end-of-the year or new year traditions? My (Buddhist) fiance in Thailand mentioned having a Christmas tree and how she was looking forward to buying gifts...I was a little surprised. Truthfully, I was looking forward to a less materialistic Christmas than we have here in the US but maybe I was mistaken. I won't be visiting until Feb. but was wondering if I should be recognizing Thai celebrations before then.

Thanks for any help on this.

Obviously your fiance recognizes Xmas as many Buddists do. They just dont do it for the reasons people say they do here. In Thailand it has become a way to have a party & sell material items. Most Buddists have no idea of the meaning of Xmas to a Christian & could care less.

You can be sure it isnt as materialistic as it is here because they just dont have the income to sustain it. Many of the big box stores are owned by British companies ( Tesco Lotus ); they help the materialistic flow & try to create a market for the Xmas goods. The Thais like the decorations in the stores but when I asked them if they had any idea of the meaning of it all they just laughed.

I was there at Xmas for 2 years. There were no signs of Xmas day being any different than any other day. You arent mistaken.

If you want to recognise the biggest holiday of the year try New Year. Thais love New Year. Rich or poor they all try to do something for New Year.

[anya-D 8]

It's not a religious celebration but you know, Thais like to have the excuse for party!! lol, like Valentine's day and such..

I'm buddhist but I also like chirstmas tree.. I never have it in Thailand though, I think it's a bit much to have christmas tree there. I like the decoration though All my Christmas decoration are not related to any religion at all and I take this time to be a family day.

I know all about chirstmas, I went to chistian school growing up and also university too. But I think department store there advertise chirstmas as a time to give gifts, rather than religious celebration.

And yes, new year is BIG!

[birch- phuk_beer 0]

I was with my wifes family last year for christmas in Thailand. They're very strong budhists. My brother in law has several buddhas tatooed on his chest.... We celebrated it but was low key, had a little x-mas tree a few decorations but not all-out like here.