Some people assume that Thailand has only recently taken to celebrating the New Year on January 1 with the rest of the world. It isn't true. Thai people have been celebrating the New Year with fireworks and countdowns since 1940.

While they also celebrate Songkran (สงกรานต์), a traditional Thai New Year water festival, every April 13 (about the same time that the sun moves into Aries), the January 1 New Year has generated a host of traditions that are unique too.

In the lead-up to December 31, many Thais exchange gifts, cards, and enjoy the long weekend made possible by the holiday. In places like Thailand, many people visit the Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai provinces (where the weather is cooler). In places like North America, many have taken to visiting Las Vegas.

"In Thailand, many people also visit Buddhist temples, host family gatherings, or simply get away," says Alan Wong, general manager of Kung Fu Plaza. "But you can see some Western traditions being adopted too as well as new traditions being added. Most of the newer traditions are being added because Thai people want to feel as connected to them as they are Songkran and the Chinese New Year."

According to Wong, some might be surprised to discover January 1 is the most ancient date that Thai people used to celebrate the New Year. In fact, Buddhist doctrine in Thailand held that the first day of the New Year was always on the first waning moon of the first month until 1889. Then, the country changed to adopt the Brahman doctrine (Hindu), which placed New Year's Day on the first waxing moon of the fifth month (April).

How Las Vegas began attracting Thai people for the New Year.

According to Wong, Las Vegas is becoming a favored destination for Thai people, especially over holidays like New Year's eve. Part of the reason is because Thai people are instinctively interested in how people around the world celebrate the holidays. Part of it is because New Year's Day is believed to be especially 'prosperous and joyful.'

"Most gambling in Thailand is illegal, except a state run lottery and horse racing," said Wong. "While some Thai people do gamble in countries like Cambodia and Laos or in underground gambling establishments, you have to be very careful there. So, more and more Thai people are joining other Asians on excursions to Las Vegas where they feel safer and there is much more to do."

Like many Asian visitors, Las Vegas has become a gateway to some of the United States' best known national treasures, like Hoover Dan and the Grand Canyon. The abundance of shops, shows, and nightlife is not as varied as in Bangkok but is still very interesting and memorable. It's also not uncommon for Thai people visiting Los Angeles to stay a few days in Las Vegas too.

"I think some people are very confused by Thai people because it has always been a progressive culture, and they tend to live for the moment, being more playful and lighthearted than most people realize," Wong said. "It is important for them to strive for 'sanuk,' which is the Thai world for fun. They want to have fun."

New Year's eve is also the only night of the year that Kung Fu Plaza in Las Vegas closes early. Wong says it is not only so his employees can have fun on the Las Vegas Strip, but also because Las Vegas closes the roads, making it impossible for hotel guests to visit or for Kung Fu servers to deliver to hotels.

"We will be open until 9 p.m. on New Year's eve, but will open again for  regular hours, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on New Year's Day," says Wong. "If you would like to try some Thai favorites on New Year's eve, try our pad Thai or green curry chicken."

Kung Fu Plaza will be open on New Year's eve with a full menu until 9 p.m. It is the oldest and most authentic Thai and Chinese restaurant in Las Vegas. It was opened in 1973 by Wong's parents.