Songkran, The Thai New Year

Not only the greeting cards that were sent, Thai people also started to write a New Year Song focusing on the alteration of life from old to new. The song was first written in 1934 when the 1st of April still counted as the New Year’s Day. The music played by the Navy Band called “Talemgsok Song”. The music was written by a Professor Jane duriyang (Piti Watayakom) and words by Khun vichitmattra (Sagna Kanjanakphan).

During the time when the 1 St of April was still the New Year’s Day, people prepared all kinds of food one day earlier in order to give to the monks in the next morning. They all came out for offering the food to the monks especially around Sanam Luang area or Phra Sumeru Field. All temples were also ringing the bells to welcoming the New Year. After the food offering was completed, people were gathering in circle, holding hands and sing Talemgsok song.

Subsequent to the use of 1st January as the New Year’s Day, a number of New Year songs were written by the Leelas Krom Kosanakam Band for example Sawasdee Peemai, Chaiyo Peemai, Kaopai Maima, Ramwong Ruenrerng Talerngsok, Alai Peekao, Rabkwan Peemai, Sor Kor Sor, Peemai etc. The mentioned songs had been played till around the end of 1951 to the beginning of 1952. On 31 December

1951, the King graciously wrote Phra Rachathan Phom Peemai (The Royal New Year’s Blessing) by spending only half an hour. He bestowed the song to Suntharaporn Band which was playing at Sala Chaloemthai. Suntharapom was the first band who played this song. Later the King conferred the song to Chulalongkom Students to play on New Year’s Eve at midnight of that year.

Today, we rather count 13 April as our Thai New Year than 1 April depends on each belief. The New Year celebration from the past to the present is much different owing to the disparity of periods