CHIANG RAI – Revellers welcomed 2026 with a lively countdown at the city’s famous Clock Tower, a landmark designed by Ajarn Chalermchai Kositpipat. After the celebrations, locals and visitors began New Year’s Day with merit-making, offering alms to 94 monks and paying respects to sacred Buddha images from nine temples.
On the night of December 31st, leading into January 1, 2026, many people came together at the Chaloem Phrakiat Clock Tower on Banpaprakan Road, Mueang Chiang Rai. The event followed the theme “Light of Faith, Royal Compassion in Our Hearts”.
Among those attending were Narasak Suksomboon, Deputy Governor of Chiang Rai, and Wanchai Jongsutthanamanee, Mayor of Chiang Rai Municipality, along with municipal representatives, residents, and tourists.
Before midnight, the area was filled with performances and activities. Many visitors also enjoyed the Clock Tower’s Buddhist-inspired artwork and its evening light display, which shifts colours with music at the top of each hour.
Just after the New Year began at 00:01 on January 1, 2026, the crowd celebrated together as fireworks lit up the sky, marking the start of the year in a memorable way.
At 7:00 am on New Year’s Day, Wanchai and the Municipality team, council members, staff, and the public joined an alms-giving ceremony for 94 monks. The municipality also brought sacred Buddha images from nine temples for people to worship.
The images were placed on nine Lanna-style ceremonial carriages and displayed along the route from Suriwong Junction on Thananalai Road to the old Chiang Rai Provincial Court intersection, so residents could pay respects and start 2569 with good fortune.
Also on New Year’s Day, revellers welcome the New Year with the first sunrise of 2026 on Phu Chi Fa. Hundreds of revellers gather at this mountain viewpoint in Phu Chi Fa Forest Park to watch the spectacular sunrise over a sea of mist, with a peaceful celebration of nature and new beginnings.
