What year is it now in Phuket?
Insider's Response
As strange as it may sound, Thailand feels like it’s living in the future — while it’s 2025 in the Gregorian calendar, the country is already in the year 2568. That’s because Thailand uses the Buddhist calendar, which begins from the year of Buddha’s passing into Nirvana — believed to have occurred in 543 BCE according to local tradition.
Although the Buddhist calendar is officially used for most local purposes, Thailand also uses the Gregorian calendar, especially for international documents and visa-related matters. In official paperwork, dates are often written in the Buddhist calendar with the Gregorian equivalent shown alongside. In Thai citizens’ passports, for example, dates are written using the Gregorian calendar.
You’ll see the Buddhist calendar in use in government institutions, schools, on tickets, and in checkbooks. For example, if you rent a car or book a hotel on a Thai-language website, the year might be shown according to the Buddhist calendar.
Aside from the question “What year is it in Phuket?” many also ask, “When is New Year celebrated there?”. Thailand celebrates its New Year based on the Buddhist calendar — from April 13 to 15, during the festival called Songkran. The celebration traces its roots to ancient India, where the word “Songkran” means “transition” — marking the change of seasons.
Songkran is one of the most vibrant and beloved festivals in Thailand. It symbolizes renewal, purification, and respect for elders. But if you’re hearing this name for the first time, you probably know Songkran as Thailand’s famous nationwide water fight. Alongside all the fun and water battles, the festival also carries deep spiritual traditions — read more in our dedicated article. Also check out our piece on holidays, festivals, and major events in Phuket.
To sum up:
● To find out what year it is in Phuket, simply add 543 to the current Gregorian year.
● Thai New Year, Songkran, is usually celebrated from April 13 to 15, and witnessing this epic water-filled celebration is truly a lucky experience.
And if you’re looking for a celebration every day, check out our Phuket event schedule.