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What are the public holidays in Thailand?

Whether you have chosen to do tourism in Kingdom of Thailand or whether you are there for professional reasons, for your studies or for volunteering, it is always good to note the days holidays. Thailand, which juggles two calendars, the Western Christian and the Buddhist which began 543 years before, records many. Whether these public holidays are linked to a religious or national celebration or associated with the rest of the world, administrations, banks and certain businesses are, like everywhere, closed on these dates.

Public holidays in Thailand: Buddhist religious holidays

Some holidays associated with celebrations based on the lunisolar calendar see their date vary each year.

  • This is the case of Makha Bucha Day which in 2023 was a public holiday on March 6. This very important religious festival in Thailand is actually held on full moon day of the 3rd lunar month. It is associated with Buddha's first sermon which resulted in the gathering of 1,250 disciples.
  • Of April 13 to 16 for the Songkran Festival which marks the Thai New Year. Two days are generally public holidays (the 13th and 14th) but may vary depending on the region. If you are in the country on this date, know that the streets are the scene of memorable water fights.
  • The June 3, Visakha Bucha Day which commemorates the birth, awakening and death of Buddha. On this date, many religious ceremonies take place in the country's temples.
  • The 1st of August, Asahna Bucha Day 2023 also called Dhamma Day. This Buddhist festival which coincides with the full moon is one of the most important. It celebrates the sermon during which Buddha explained to his first five disciples the doctrine that came to him after his enlightenment.

Public holidays in Thailand: historic national holidays

Thailand celebrates its monarchs whose birthdays are now public holidays.

  • The April 6, Shakri Day marks the anniversary of the coronation of the 1st king of the Chakri dynasty (Rama I) and the beginning of the Rattanakosin era defining Bangkok as its capital. An official ceremony in the presence of the royal family took place on this occasion at the Wat Phra Kaeo temple (Bangkok).
  • The July 28 for the partybirthday of the current king of Thailand, HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn born in 1952. As a reminder, Rama X crowned on May 4, 2019, has governed the country since December 1, 2016.
  • The August 12 for'birthday of the queen mother SM Sirikit Kitiyakara (wife of King Rama IX) born in 1932. This public holiday is also that of the mothers' Day in Thailand in homage to HM Queen Sirikit, mother of the current monarch. On this day, the natives dress in blue out of respect for the queen born on a Friday.
  • The October 13 for the commemorative day of the death of Rama IX, HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, who reigned from 1946 until his death (2016).
  • The December 5, date birthday of King Rama IX (late HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great). In Thailand, this public holiday is also that of fathers Day and the locals dress in yellow in homage to Rama X's father born on a Monday.
  • The December 10, Constitution Day which marks the adoption of the constitutional monarchy regime (1932) by Thailand.

Thailand to the rhythm of the world

The kingdom which is also on world time also records classic public holidays like:

  • The January 1st, THE new Year's Day to celebrate the new year.
  • The May 1, day of international labor day established in Europe and Thailand since 1886.
  • The December 31st, day of Saint Sylvester. If this date is a public holiday in the country, it is mainly celebrated in the cities.

The Kingdom of Thailand also has a large number of holidays (Children's Day, Teachers' Day, Muay Thai Day, Khao Phansa, Chulalongkorn Day, Loy Krathong, etc.) which are not public holidays. Enjoy your stay in Thailand and don't forget to consult a calendar before planning an outing or calling your partners based in the area.