Christmas

Westerner · December 15, 2007

I've been out and about this morning and have noticed Christmas decorations going up everywhere in this predominantly Buddhist Country. How lovely this is when you consider some Christian Countries are trying to ban Christmas because it's not bloody 'politically correct'.

canuckamuck · December 15, 2007

The things you see of course have nothing to do with Christmas in any religious sense, which is why I am confused obout why those things are being banned in the West. I assume it is because of people with an axe to grind about anything remotely Christian.

It is interesting that the Thais want to be involved with the holiday but I think it has more to do with marketing and Hollywood than anything else. However, It is a great tradition and if we can share the spirit of giving and goodwill to men with our friends here than it is a benefit to all.

Merry Christmas

Edited December 15, 2007 by canuckamuck

howtoescape · December 15, 2007

Id be happy for xmas to be banned.

In the UK at xmas i see lot of unhappy kids being dragged around shopping centres whilst mummy and daddy spend 1000s on crap gifts people dont even want.

Yours Ebeneezor Scrooge

intumult · December 15, 2007

Oh NO!! the dreaded christmas!

I am glad to escape the incessant carols, adverts and the mugging of parents, grandparents and others.

Bliss to be here and not have it rammed down your throat.

Crossy · December 15, 2007

Our condo always has a tree in the reception area.

We are well outside the tourist region and the majority of residents are Thai, Indian (we has some Dewali lights last month too) and Japanese with a couple of Italiand and a Brit (me).

chevykanteve · December 15, 2007

I was surprised to see that Christmas is now a Public Holiday in Thailand, at least according to ThaiVisa. Note what I have copied and pasted below, the original having been posted by George. Is this actually true???? I mean, the part about December 25?

Thailand Public Holidays 2007

January 01: New Year's Day

January 02: in lieu

February 18-19: Chinese New Year

March 03: Makha Bucha day

March 05: in lieu

April 06: Chakri Day

April 13-17: Songkran - Thai New Year

May 01: Labour Day

May 05: Coronation Day

May 07: in lieu

May 31: Visakha Bucha Day

July 29: Asanha Bucha Day

July 30: Buddhist Lent Day

July 31: in lieu

August 12: Queen's Birthday

August 13: in lieu

October 23: Chulalongkorn Day

October 26: End of Buddhist Lent

November 24: Loy Kratong

December 05: King's Birthday

December 10: Constitution Day

December 25: Christmas Day

December 31: New Year's Eve

Jingthing · December 15, 2007

If they start saying "Have a blessed day" when you buy a pack of condoms I am outta here!

howtoescape · December 15, 2007

Thailand must have the record for public holidays.

Wrong Turn · December 15, 2007

I think that Christmas is way over done in Buddhist countries.

The Christmas decorations in South East Asia are primarily for marketing and selling products, IMO. Making money.

I'm not a Christian, BTW, but an agnostic.

I see "Christmas Sales."

Christmas is not a religious holiday but a pagan one, anyway. Mostly a form of cultural tradition. I do get together with family back in the U.S. but I don't do anything special in Asia.

I was recently invited to a special (and expensive) Christmas dinner at a hotel and I declined.

So, my point is: I think Christmas is over-hyped, and used to perpetuate mass consumption.

chevykanteve · December 15, 2007

I take your point. Compare 2007 to 2006 for Public Holidays as posted on ThaiVisa. There are (as I recall) about 4-5 more Public Holidays this year. Everytime a new government (or in the present case, 'ruling scenario') gets into power, the immediate thought would appear to be to placate the masses with a few more holidays.

chevykanteve · December 15, 2007

I forgot to mention that Christmas was NOT on the list of ThaiVisa's Pubic Holidays for 2006, but is so-listed for 2007. Is it really a Public Holiday or not???? Or did Santa surreptitiously post that holiday schedule? Yes, I suspect that is what happened. Well, Merry Christmas, Santa!

Edited December 15, 2007 by chevykanteve

TEFLMike · December 15, 2007

The 24th and 25th Decemebr are not showing as holiday's on the school calendar I have. The 31st and the 1st of January are. School as normal over Christmas.

Jingthing · December 15, 2007

Its good for tourism revenues. Room rate holiday surcharges.

chevykanteve · December 15, 2007

Now I get it, finally. Dumb me! Santa = George.

B Fuddled · December 15, 2007

They seem to have a different definition of 'public holiday' from America.

I may be wrong, but I've never known any schools to be closed nor businesses to be shut down on Chinese New Year nor Loy Kratong Day. I teach at a government school and we have classes on both December 25 and January 1.

Edited to change the preposition after different to appease the grammar police

Edited December 15, 2007 by B Fuddled

chevykanteve · December 15, 2007

You are not wrong. True: December 10 was Constitution Day and was in fact a (real) holiday. But December 25 --not listed as a holiday last year, but listed as such this year-- has me equally confused. "Public holiday" should mean yoot ratchakarn.

dave111223 · December 15, 2007

My wife loves Christmas; she always has lots of family members over, has lots of food and lots of presents.

Family, Friends, Presents and lots of food; whats not to love

Too many skinflints around worrying about that they might actually have go shopping for someone other than themselves!

Classic cheapskate quote "Xmas is just kept alive by big corporations to steal your money"; used to take the focus off them keeping their wallet firmly in their pocket.

Edited December 15, 2007 by dave111223

TEFLMike · December 15, 2007

The following is a copy of my school's official holiday dates>>>

January 1st New Year's Day

February 21st Makha Bucha Day

April 7th Chakri Day (Substitution Day)

April 14th Songkran Festival

April 15th Songkran Festival

May 1st National Labour Day

May 5th Coronation Day

May 19th Visakha Bucha Day

July 1st Mid Year Closing Day

July 17th Asarnha Bucha Day

August 12th H.M. the Queen's Birthday

October 23rd Chulalongkorn Day

December 5th H.M. the King's Birthday

December 10th Constitution Day

December 31st New Year 's Eve.

I do believe that public schools' may differ.

TEFLMike · December 15, 2007

Ever so sorry, I meant to type 'International schools/private schools.

Westerner · December 15, 2007

Me too, but I still like to see Santa and his reindeers.

kangeroo · December 15, 2007

But its wonderfull how you will only have 60 or if your lucky 80 years to enjoy it and you will be gone forever .

Westerner · December 15, 2007

I must be VERY dumb because I don't get it.

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