Public Holidays
The following are national and public holidays in Thailand. Some holidays such as Chinese New Year and Makha Bucha Day are movable because they work with the lunar calendar. If a holiday falls on a weekend the following Monday is normally given in lieu.
New Years Day: January 1st
Makha Bucha Day: late January to early March - A religious holiday falls on the night of the full moon of the third lunar month.
Chakri Day: April 6th - Chakri Day marks the anniversary of the founder of the Chakri dynasty, King Ramathibodi (Rama I) who came to the throne on this day in 1782. He was a great military leader, administrator and the builder of the new capital at Bangkok
Songkran Day: April 13th - Thai New Year - Songkran festival on April 13 is Maha Songkran Day or the day to mark the end of the old year, April 14 is Wan Nao which is the day after and April 15 is Wan Thaloeng Sok which the New Year begins. Songkran is also known as the Water Festival. Traditionally family members would pour water on the hands of their parents and grand parents to make merit and give thanks to their ancestors. The several days of the festival are now celebrated with a rowdy water fight that is enjoyed by all.
National Labour Day: May 1st
Coronaton Day: May 5th - Celebrates the Coronation of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej
Visakha Bucha Day: May- A Buddhist Holiday to celebrate: The Lord Buddha, the great teacher; The Dhamma, Lord Buddha's teachings; and The Sang ha, the brotherhood of Buddhist monks.
Asanha Bucha Day: July -Marks the anniversary of the Lord Buddha's first sermon.
Khao Phansa: July - also known as Buddhist Lent. This is a day dedicated to spiritual renewal, study and meditation.
HM the Queen's Birthday: August 12th - Celebrates Her Majesty Queen Sirikit's role in Thai life and her dedication to serving and improving the lives of Thai people.
Chulalongkorn Day: October 23rd - King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) reigned between 1868 and 1910 and is widely regarded as one of the greatest of the Thai Kings. Still immensely popular throughout Thailand October 23rd marks the date of his death in 1910.
HM the King's Birthday: December 5th - Marks the birthday of Thailand's greatly respected and much loved King.
Constitution Day: December 10th - Commemorates the establishment of constitutional monarchy in 1932.
NewYear's Eve: December 31st