Christmas isn’t an official public holiday in Thailand with only a small minority of the Thai population being Christian. However, at this time of year hotel staff and store employees can be seen wearing Santa hats and shopping centers and malls get decorated with Christmas decorations. Christmas trees go on sale and Thai schoolchildren can be heard singing ‘Jingle Bells‘. So why would a Buddhist country like Thailand observe Christmas?
Over 90% of the population of Thailand is Buddhist. Buddhism has taught Thais to be tolerant of all other religions, including Christianity, and this religious tolerance is part of the reason why a major Christian holiday, such as Christmas, can also be enjoyed by Buddhists in Thailand.
Thais don’t miss an opportunity to have a good time! The concept of “sanuk” and enjoyment is a major part of Thai culture. Thai people like to party and so any excuse for a celebration is welcomed. The religious meaning of Christmas isn’t understood for the most part by Thai people, but they know it’s a time when other countries are celebrating and they are happy to join in.
Most offices, as well as the schools, remain open on Christmas. But Thais still make the efforts to observe this Western holiday in the best way possible. Even children celebrate Christmas in many of the schools with various kinds of activities, games for the children and even the exchange of presents can be seen. Sometimes even Santa Claus gives presents to the children and the kids sing Christmas carols as part of the school Christmas festivities.
With tourism being a major contributor to the Thai economy with high season coinciding with the Christmas and New Year period hotels and resorts ensure that those on holiday or vacation in Thailand don’t miss out on the Christmas festivities with special dinners and special events being scheduled. Even staff in bars and restaurants can be seen wearing red and white Christmas hats. Although Thais love to have fun and party, there is also the obvious commercial aspect. Thailand remains very Thai, but has embraced many aspects of Western culture and Thai retailers and advertisers have been quick to exploit Christmas as a marketing tool.
One cute (narak) thing you will notice about Christmas. That is the difficulty some Thai people have saying the word Christmas. You will surely smile every time you are wished a “happy melly kissmas”!
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