In “the old days”, the year for expatriates in Thailand started in September when people were considered “back after the summer”. The season ended again in June when it was time to “go back for the summer”. Although this rhythm originally came from the old British colonial lifestyle in Asia, many expatriates from Northern and Western Europe still follow roughly the same pattern today, spending part of the European summer back home before returning to Thailand for autumn, winter, and spring.
However, younger expatriates employed on local contracts increasingly follow the Thai calendar instead. Their main holiday period is often around Songkran in April, while shorter trips home to Europe are spread throughout the year depending on airline prices and work schedules.
Autumn in Thailand
For many expatriates, September marks the beginning of a new social season. After the quieter summer months, embassies, chambers of commerce, social clubs, churches, and business associations become active again with receptions, networking events, dinners, and community activities.
For Northern European expatriates, one of the traditional highlights in autumn is the Crayfish Party organised by the Thai-Nordic Association.
The German-speaking community traditionally celebrates Oktoberfest events, while the British community gathers around activities organised by The British Club Bangkok and other long-established institutions.
Many other European and international communities organise their own “welcome back” gatherings around the same period.
As the year moves toward December, Christmas activities begin appearing throughout Thailand’s expatriate communities.
The Danish Church Christmas Bazaar in early December is another long-standing tradition and one of the largest Northern European community events of the year, attracting both expatriates and many Thai visitors interested in European Christmas traditions, decorations, food, and seasonal products.
The British community traditionally gathers around events such as the famous Ploenchit Fair, while German-speaking residents celebrate Advent gatherings and Christmas markets with traditional food, mulled wine, and festive music despite the hot sun outside.
Spring in Thailand
Spring in Thailand can be an extremely hot period leading up to Songkran, the Thai New Year water festival in April. Temperatures in March and April are often the highest of the year before the arrival of the monsoon brings rain and slightly cooler weather.
Throughout the year, expatriate communities increasingly stay connected through Facebook groups,
Many expatriates feel that time somehow moves faster in Thailand than back home. That is of course impossible, but suddenly it is June once again and another year has passed. Time to go “back for the summer”.
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