01 JANUARY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A woman "wais" (a traditional Thai way of showing respect) a Buddhist monk after receiving a blessing during a New Year's Day merit making service at Wat Suthat in Bangkok. Many Thais go to Buddhist temples and shrines to "make merit" for the New Year. The traditional Thai New Year is based on the lunar calender and is celebrated in April, but the Gregorian New Year is celebrated throughout the Kingdom. PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ