Chinese New Year's Eve 2026 has started with great excitement in Korat as Thai-Chinese residents and tourists flock to pray at the Ya Mo Monument and Fire God Shrine, hoping to ward off evil and revive the economy. There is also a campaign urging people to refrain from lighting incense and candles to reduce air pollution.
Reporters described the atmosphere on Chinese New Year’s Day in Nakhon Ratchasima province at midnight on 16 February 2026, marking the Chinese New Year. The atmosphere at sacred sites within Nakhon Ratchasima municipality was lively, with many Thai-Chinese residents and tourists coming out to make merit and pay respects to the city’s sacred icons throughout the night.
Especially at the Thao Suranari Monument, known as Ya Mo, large crowds of people and tourists brought auspicious offerings such as pig heads, duck, chicken, lucky fruits, and traditional sweets like khong keng and khong tian to pay respects and seek blessings for good fortune.
Similarly, at the Fire God Shrine (Huay Ti), located opposite the Thao Suranari Monument, many people queued continuously to pray to the deity. This shrine has long been associated with the Ya Mo Monument. It is believed that praying here during the Chinese New Year can dispel suffering, illness, and bring brightness and prosperity to life and family.
Additionally, at the City Pillar Shrine on Chomphon Road, Chinese-Thai families continuously brought offerings to pray to the deity, revitalizing the economic district in downtown Korat once again.
However, this year, sacred places and shrines have strictly requested visitors to abstain from lighting incense and candles to prevent pollution and fine particulate matter, which could affect public health. Devotees have cooperated well with this request.
When asked, most visitors said they came to pray for their families’ good health, freedom from disease, and for the situation to improve—especially hoping for a swift economic recovery so that their professions, businesses, and investments can flourish and succeed as planned.
