January
New Year’s Day: despite being a largely Western celebration and not officially the Thai New Year, festivities are still held throughout Thailand with parties, fireworks and food and drink. The areas which see the most tourism usually hold the biggest parties.

February
Chiang Mai Flower Festival: this local festival is a colourful one with a number of tropical displays showcased along the southwest side of the moat. There are also parades, competitions and lots of food stalls serving up northern Thai delights.

Chinese New Year: celebrated countrywide, this famous festival sees the local Chinese community host colourful street parades and dragon dancing as well as the throwing of firecrackers and gift exchanges between family members.

March
Bangkok International Jewellery Fair: this annual event attracts keen shoppers from all across the world, who gather at a number of the city’s top hotels to buy and sell unique jewellery designs.

April
Thai New Year (Songkran): the official Thai New Year sees the country participate in a three-day long water fight. Government offices and businesses shut down for the duration as the country takes to the streets to throw water over each other and tourists. It is all done with good nature and sees tourists and locals alike playing side by side. The biggest celebrations can be seen in Chiang Mai. It can be difficult to avoid, if you’d rather avoid it then stay indoors.

May
Coronation Day: is a popular festival in Thailand as the monarchy is so revered. There are many tributes held for HRH King Rama IX, although the biggest is at the Sunam Luang ground outside the Grand Palace.

Visakha Puja Day: is a Buddhist holiday to celebrate the birth of the Lord Buddha. Thais can be seen making their way to local temples, where they make merit, and there are also many marches clockwise around chedis throughout the country. Alcohol is forbidden to be served on this religious day.

June
Yasothon Rocket Festival: held in Isaan, this festival sees hundreds of homemade rockets being launched into the skies to signal the coming of the rains. It is an impressive sight to see, although be careful for stray rockets.

July
Khao Phan Sa: is a low-key event which sees monks throughout the country retreat into their temples for Buddhist Lent. It is a time for meditation and reflection and lasts throughout July, August and September; which is also when the heaviest rain is experienced. It is common for young men to enter the monkhood as novices during this time and many local Thais make their way to temples to make merit with supplies for the monks while they are in their retreat.

August
Queen’s Birthday: the birthday of Queen Sirikit is also Mother’s Day in Thailand. Mothers throughout the country are given gifts and shown thanks by their family.

September
Elephant Polo: this tournament is a popular event. It sees a mix of Thais and Westerners battling it out to become the champions. Held in Chiang Saen, northern Thailand, it is worth going to see if you are in the area.

October
Phuket Vegetarian Festival: this nine-day event dates back many years and is connected with ancient Chinese tradition. There is plenty of food on offer as well as a number of activities throughout the centre of the town.

November
Loi Krathong: a major celebration throughout Thailand and one of the most beautiful of the year, this festival of light sees sins of the past year being washed away by floating kratong (small decorated boats). The kratong are placed in the water with a candle and sent downstream. Another beautiful aspect of the festival is the paper lanterns which are sent into the sky together with people’s hopes and wishes.

December
King’s Birthday: as with the queen’s birthday, the king’s birthday also doubles up as Father’s Day. The king himself and fathers across the country are paid respect by family members.