How Christmas Conquered Buddhist Bangkok

Merry Christmas!

When we first arrived in Thailand some 10+ years ago, not a piece of tinsel could be found.

And why would it?

As a country made up of primarily Buddhists and Muslims, the 25th December is just another day.

But by Christmas 2023, just before we finally left to start our journey as full time nomads, the place was buzzing with Christmas cheer.

From the ostentatious Christmas displays in Bangkok to the oversized Christmas trees in the shopping malls of Phuket.

Christmas lunches, gifts, parties, music, discounts and decorations. You couldn't move for Christmas themed antics.

And bearing in mind it's 30 degrees all year round, there was something a little strange seeing the Thai people in shorts, tees and Santa hats...

But while as a westerner it was great to see how much they embraced the fun side of the tradition of Christmas, and it certainly made shopping and celebrating much easier, it was of course driven by commercialism.

Once they realised how much money Christmas celebrations brought in, r…