The Thai community on the Isle of Man will be celebrating Thai New Year on Saturday 6th May! The Thais have a different New Year from the Western World and also from the Chinese.

On Friday 5th May, in preparation for Thai New Year, a group of some 7 Thai Monks will be travelling to the Island from the UK arriving on the Isle of Man Steam Packet ferry from Heysham at 05:45.  Following their arrival, the Monks will walk along Douglas Promenade in the direction of Broadway to receive rice and other food items from members of the local Thai community.  It is traditional practice for Buddhist Monks to collect and receive such gifts at the start of each day.

On Saturday 6th May, a special event will be held at Ashley Hill School from 1000 to1500 to mark Thai New Year.  The Monks will be in attendance and the day’s activities will include being able to sample a wide range of Thai cuisine, there will be traditional Thai dancing and also a “Miss Songkran” beauty competition.

There are currently in excess of some 150 Thai nationals living on the Island and many will be attending the day’s activities.  However, you don’t need to be Thai to attend and everyone is welcome.  There is no entrance charge and no need to register in advance.  There will be a discretionary collection on the day, the proceeds of which will go to temple funds.

If you have already been to Thailand or have an interest in Thai culture, this is definitely a day out that you don’t want to miss!