Chinese New Year *
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
In Thailand, Chinese New Year is a public holiday in Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala and Satun provinces only. Also called “Lunar New Year” or “Spring Festival”, this holiday is the first day of the year on the Chinese Calendar. It falls somewhere from late January to mid-February on the Gregorian Calendar. In 2027, Chinese New Year falls on Saturday 6 February. The holiday will be on Wednesday 26 January in 2028. Note: Chinese New Year is observed in Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala and Satun provinces only. About 15 percent of Thailand’s population is of Chinese descent. And it is particularly in Bangkok’s Chinatown and other areas of Thailand with large Chinese-Thai populations that Chinese New Year is most celebrated. There are also huge block parties in Bangkok’s Chinatown, with many events centred around the Odeon Gate. Many will wear the colour red and peruse the area for some fun, food, and unique buys. Unlike in some other countries, holidays are not a time for shops closing down in Thailand, but a time for staying open to do bigger business. And since Chinese New Year lacks official status in most parts of the country, government offices stay open as well.
History
In Thailand, Chinese New Year is a public holiday in Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala and Satun provinces only. Also called “Lunar New Year” or “Spring Festival”, this holiday is the first day of the year on the Chinese Calendar. In 2027, Chinese New Year falls on Saturday 6 February. Note: Chinese New Year is observed in Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala and Satun provinces only. And it is particularly in Bangkok’s Chinatown and other areas of Thailand with large Chinese-Thai populations that Chinese New Year
How It's Celebrated
In Thailand, Chinese New Year is a public holiday in Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala and Satun provinces only. Also called “Lunar New Year” or “Spring Festival”, this holiday is the first day of the year on the Chinese Calendar. The holiday will be on Wednesday 26 January in 2028. Note: Chinese New Year i