Unlike previous celebrations, there will be no fireworks or boisterous fanfare because the country is still mourning the passing of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej (King Rama IX).

The Culture Ministry is planning to include activities in remembrance of the late King in its New Year celebrations.

It has also planned activities for Thais to express their good wishes to the new monarch, HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn (King Rama X).

“We have planned overnight prayers from the evening of December 31 to the first half hour of January 1,” Culture Minister Vira Rojpojchanarat said yesterday.

He said his ministry intended to organise similar activities at more than 14,000 temples across the country as well as other venues including Sanam Luang, which sits right next to the Grand Palace where the body of King Rama IX now rests.

Vira said people of various faiths would also have overnight prayer rituals.

The Culture Ministry will encourage people to visit 10 temples that are associated with the 10 kings of the Chakri Dynasty too. “There will be free bus services between these temples from December 31 to January 2,” he added.

He said his ministry would invite people to do good things together to mark the New Year. For example, Big Cleaning Day activities will be held at historical parks, museums and various cultural sites.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has announced the same theme for the upcoming New Year celebrations. “We will organise overnight prayers,” Bangkok Governor Pol General Aswin Kwanmuang said. “We will organise cleaning operations around the Victory Monument, along Sai Mai Road, and many more.”

The Culture Ministry is also encouraging people to choose Thai products as New Year gifts.

Dr Ratchanee Kongkachuichai, who heads the Mahidol University’s Institute of Nutrition, urged people to be cautious about food taken during New Year parties. “Too much protein is not good. Too much meat is unhealthy,” she said.

She also advised people against drinking carbonated and sweetened drinks because the consumption could lead to obesity and diabetes. “I would like to recommend vegetable dishes,” Ratchanee said.

Suthon Anakul, deputy director of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Traffic and Transportation Department, warned the “Seven Dangerous Days” of the upcoming New Year Holidays period would run from December 29 to January 4.

Road casualty tolls have usually risen during the so-called seven days of the long holiday period in Thailand, partly because a huge number of people travel at that time.

“Respecting traffic laws is a way to avoid road accidents,” he said.