Year of the dog

Is it just me or are the Thais going particularly ballistic on Chinese New Year this year. The crowds at the markets and shops this week have been unbelievable and this morning even though its a day early the fireworks have been going off in great numbers. I know that once they buy fireworks they cant help themselves not set them off. I had to lock the dogs in the yard, and I live in the country. I just don't remember it being like this before.