Why are Thai dates so different?
Ever stumbled upon a date in Thailand that reads 2568? No, it’s not a sci-fi setting—it’s a real date based on the Thai calendar. Blending Buddhist beliefs, lunar observations, and modern administration, Thailand uses a fascinating system that can confuse newcomers. Let’s dive in and make it simple.
📓 The Thai Solar Calendar
Historical roots and adoption
In 1888, King Rama V introduced the solar calendar in Thailand, drawing inspiration from the Gregorian model. Back then, the year used to begin on April 1st. It wasn’t until 1941, under King Rama VIII, that January 1st officially marked the start of the year—just like in most of the world. Yet, Thailand doesn’t use Common Era (C.E.) years. Instead, it follows the Buddhist Era (B.E.), which is always 543 years ahead.
Where it appears
Everyday life in Thailand is built around this calendar. Whether you’re filling out a visa form, signing a contract, or checking a school schedule, you’ll see the Buddhist year. For instance, the year 2025 becomes 2568 B.E., and it’s often written using Thai numerals like ๒๕๖๘.
🌕 The Thai Lunar Calendar
Buddhist influence and usage
The Thai lunar calendar is a luni-solar system deeply rooted in Buddhism. It tracks moon phases and is essential for determining religious events like Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha, and Asalha Bucha. Months are categorized as “hollow” or “full,” and leap months or days are added occasionally to stay in sync with the sun.
🕯️ Events such as the Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival follow this lunar system, especially during observances like Khao Phansa, the start of Buddhist Lent.
Daily life and traditions
Temples organize rituals and holy days according to the lunar calendar. Families often consult monks or astrologers using this system to pick wedding dates or other important milestones.
🔁 How to Convert Thai Dates
Want to convert a year from the Gregorian calendar to the Thai Buddhist calendar? Just add 543. That means 2025 becomes 2568 B.E..
✅ Beware: Some travelers confuse the two and enter the wrong format on documents. You may see wild mistakes like “0256”. Always confirm whether the form asks for B.E. or C.E. format.
📊 Thai vs. Western Calendars
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the Gregorian, Thai solar, and Thai lunar calendars:
| Element | Gregorian | Thai Solar | Thai Lunar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current Year | 2025 | 2568 B.E. | Varies |
| Starting Point | Birth of Jesus | Death of Buddha | Moon cycles |
| New Year | January 1 | January 1 | Changes yearly |
| Usage | Global standard | Government & legal documents | Religious ceremonies |
🎉 Major Thai Calendar Holidays
- Songkran (April 13–15): Thai New Year celebrations. In 2025, it falls on the same dates.
- Makha Bucha: Full moon in February or March
- Visakha Bucha: Full moon in May, honoring Buddha’s birth and enlightenment
- King’s Birthday, National Day, Constitution Day, etc.
📍 Take note: During religious holidays, alcohol sales are restricted, and nightlife venues may close temporarily.
🏛️ The Calendar in Everyday Life
Most Thai schools operate on the solar calendar, starting in May. Yet, holidays and events often follow the lunar calendar.
Documents like birth certificates, licenses, or visa papers usually only mention the B.E. year. So if you see “expiry: 2569” on a visa—it’s totally normal!
Many Thai people also rely on astrology tied to the lunar system, picking favorable days to get married, move house, or start a new venture.
🤔 FAQ – What People Often Ask
Why does Thailand have more than one New Year?
Thailand observes three different New Year events: the official one on January 1st, the traditional Songkran festival in April, and Chinese New Year, which varies each year.
What is a Buddhist year exactly?
It’s calculated from the death of the Buddha, which happened 543 years before the Gregorian calendar starts. So 2025 = 2568 B.E.
How do I know if a Thai year is B.E. or C.E.?
If the number is above 2500, it’s probably B.E. You can usually tell by the context: official Thai documents tend to use the Buddhist system.
📖 Final Thoughts
Understanding the Thai calendar gives you an edge—whether you’re traveling, relocating, or just curious about Thai culture. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll appreciate how beautifully it connects past and present, tradition and modernity.
