An estimated 14% of Thailand’s 65 million population are of Chinese descent, a result of a long history of Chinese immigration into Thailand. In the fourteenth century, Chinese merchants were prominent in the state of Ayutthaya before becoming established in Bangkok.
According to historical documents, on the day when Shun, who was one of ancient China’s mythological emperors, came to the throne more than 4000 years ago, he led his ministers to worship heaven and earth. From then on, that day was regarded as the first day of the first lunar month in the Chinese calendar. This is the basic origin of Chinese New Year.
The Spring Festival marks a new year on the lunar calendar and represents the desire for a new life. Visitors to Thailand during Chinese New Year can expect to hear plenty of firecrackers going off. You will also notice that many Thai people wear red and hand out ang pao (red money packets). Red is the main colour for the festival as it is believed to be an auspicious colour.
