Thais and foreign visitors across the country will be counting down to the New Year tonight and celebrating into the early hours. Many Buddhists will seek blessings from deities in the morning, pray in temples and present alms to monks.
Tourist attractions, especially in the cooler northern climes, are packed with visitors waiting to watch the sun go down on 2023 and rise again through a sea of mist on a brand New Year.
In Pai district of Mae Hong Son, more than 75% of the 6,000 hotel rooms, resorts and guest houses are booked until January 3rd.
In Loei province, the tourism office reported that over 50,000 tourists are in the province to celebrate the New Year.
In Buri Ram province, the Phnom Rung historical park is open to the public free of charge throughout the long holidays. The highlight of the celebrations are the Prasat Phnom Rung ancient ruins, which are illuminated by a special lighting system.
Most temples are open tonight for people to attend prayers until after midnight.
The highlight in Bangkok tonight will be firework displays at Central World, Icon Siam shopping mall and at numerous other locations.
