Public holidays in Thailand


s in Thailand are regulated by the government, and most are observed by both the public and private sectors. There are usually nineteen public holidays in a year, but more may be declared by the cabinet. Other observances, both official and non-official, local and international, are observed to varying degrees throughout the country.
All public holidays are observed by government agencies, while the Bank of Thailand regulates bank holidays, which differ slightly from those observed by the government. Private businesses are required by the Labour Protection Act to observe at least 13 holidays per year, including National Labour Day, but may choose the other observances they follow. If a holiday falls on a weekend, one following workday is observed by the government as a compensatory holiday.

Public holidays

As of May 2019, there are 19 annual public holidays adopted by the cabinet:
DateNameLocal nameRemarks
1 JanuaryNew Year's Dayวันขึ้นปีใหม่ Celebrates the start of the solar and Gregorian year. From 1889–1941, this was held on 1 April.
Full moon, 3rd Thai lunar month Magha Pujaวันมาฆบูชา Buddhist observance commemorating the Buddha's teaching of Ovada Patimokkha.
6 AprilChakri Memorial Dayวันจักรี Commemorates the establishment of the Chakri Dynasty and the founding of Bangkok by King Phutthayotfa Chulalok in 1782. Officially known as King Phutthayotfa Chulalok the Great Day and Chakri Dynasty Memorial Day.
13–15 AprilSongkran Festivalวันสงกรานต์ Traditional Thai new year, and the major holiday of the year. Many people return home for family reunions during this period. The first day is known as วันมหาสงกรานต์, the second as วันเนา, and the third as วันเถลิงศก. The 14th is also observed as Family Day.
4 MayCoronation Dayวันฉัตรมงคล Commemorates the coronation of King Maha Vajiralongkorn in 2019 and of his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, in 1950. Previously held on 5 May; cancelled in 2017 and re-established on 4 May in 2019.
May, arbitrary dateRoyal Ploughing Ceremony and Farmer's Dayวันพืชมงคล Ceremony giving blessing to the country's farmers. Officially known as วันพระราชพิธีพืชมงคลจรดพระนังคัลแรกนาขวัญ. Also observed as Farmer's Day. Each year's date is astrologically determined and announced by the Bureau of the Royal Household.
Full moon, 6th Thai lunar month Vesakวันวิสาขบูชา Buddhist observance commemorating the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha. Also observed as National Tree Day.
3 JuneQueen Suthida's Birthdayวันเฉลิมพระชนมพรรษาสมเด็จพระนางเจ้าสุทิดา พัชรสุธาพิมลลักษณ พระบรมราชินี Commemorates the birth of Queen Suthida in 1978
28 JulyKing's Birthdayวันเฉลิมพระชนมพรรษาพระบาทสมเด็จพระวชิรเกล้าเจ้าอยู่หัว Commemorates the birth of King Maha Vajiralongkorn in 1952
Full moon, 8th Thai lunar month Asalha Pujaวันอาสาฬหบูชา Buddhist observance commemorating the Buddha's first discourse, the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta
First waning moon, 8th Thai lunar month Beginning of Vassaวันเข้าพรรษา Buddhist observance marking the beginning of Vassa, also known as Buddhist Lent
12 AugustThe Queen Mother's Birthdayวันเฉลิมพระชนมพรรษาสมเด็จพระนางเจ้าสิริกิติ์ พระบรมราชินีนาถ พระบรมราชชนนีพันปีหลวง Commemorates the birth of Queen Mother Sirikit in 1932; also observed as National Mother's Day.
13 OctoberKing Bhumibol Adulyadej Memorial Dayวันคล้ายวันสวรรคตพระบาทสมเด็จพระบรมชนกาธิเบศร มหาภูมิพลอดุลยเดชมหาราช บรมนาถบพิตร Commemorates the passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 2016.
23 OctoberKing Chulalongkorn Dayวันปิยมหาราช Commemorates the passing of King Chulalongkorn in 1910.
5 DecemberKing Bhumibol Adulyadej's Birthday Anniversaryวันคล้ายวันพระบรมราชสมภพ พระบาทสมเด็จพระบรมชนกาธิเบศร มหาภูมิพลอดุลยเดชมหาราช บรมนาถบพิตร Commemorates the birth of King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1927. Also observed as National Day and National Father's Day. The United Nations honoured the king for his work in soil science by naming his birthdate as World Soil Day.
10 DecemberConstitution Dayวันรัฐธรรมนูญ Commemorates the promulgation of the first permanent constitution in 1932.
31 DecemberNew Year's Eveวันสิ้นปี Final day of the solar year.

Prior to 2016, there were 16 annual public holidays. With the passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the list of annual public holidays for 2017 was revised by the cabinet in April 2017. Coronation Day, which was previously observed on 5 May, was temporarily removed, but will observed from 2020 onwards, with the new date of 4 May, which will be a double anniversary of the coronations of Kings Bhumibol Adulyadej and Vajiralongkorn.
Two new public holidays from 2017 onwards are:
Chinese New Year, Eid ul-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are also observed as public holidays by government agencies in Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala and Satun Provinces. Government offices under the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Education may also observe the Thai Armed Forces Day and Teachers' Day, respectively.

Bank holidays

Holidays observed by financial institutions are regulated by the Bank of Thailand. These usually differ from government holidays in that banks do not observe the Royal Ploughing Ceremony day and the beginning of Vassa, but instead do observe 1 May as National Labour Day. Up until 2016, a mid-year bank holiday was also observed on 1 July. Chinese New Year, Eid ul-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are also designated as holidays for financial institutions in Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala and Satun Provinces if they do not already fall on a weekend or holiday.

National observances

These observances are regulated by the government, but are not observed as holidays. Actual observance varies, and some are only observed by specific sectors.
DateObservanceLocal nameObserved sinceRemarks
2nd Saturday of JanuaryNational Children's Dayวันเด็กแห่งชาติ
1966Widely celebrated, especially by governmental agencies, with many activities for children. Observed on this day since 1965; was observed on the first Monday of October from 1955–1964.
13 JanuaryNational Aviation Dayวันการบินแห่งชาติ
1995Adopted 31 May 1994.
14 JanuaryNational Forest Conservation Dayวันอนุรักษ์ทรัพยากรป่าไม้ของชาติ
1990Observance promoting the conservation of the nation's forests and the work against deforestation. Adopted 9 January 1990.
16 JanuaryTeachers' Dayวันครู
1957Honours teachers countrywide. Schools may observe this day as a holiday, especially those under the authority of the Office of the Basic Education Commission. Adopted 1 December 1956.
18 JanuaryRoyal Thai Armed Forces Dayวันกองทัพไทย
1960Commemorates King Naresuan's victorious elephant duel against the Burmese Uparaja, calculated to be in 1593. Observed on this date since 2007. Observed on 8 April from 1960 to 1980 ; observed on 25 January from 1981–2006.
2 FebruaryInventor's Dayวันนักประดิษฐ์
1995Commemorates the patent registration of King Bhumibol's Chai Phatthana paddle wheel aerator in 1993. Adopted 10 May 1994.
3 FebruaryVeterans' Dayวันทหารผ่านศึก
1958Commemorates the founding of the War Veterans Organization of Thailand. Remembrance ceremonies are held at Victory Monument. Adopted 13 February 1957.
24 FebruaryNational Artist Dayวันศิลปินแห่งชาติ
National Artists are honoured on this day, which commemorates King Rama II's birth.
26 FebruaryCooperatives Dayวันสหกรณ์
1967Adopted 14 February 1967.
13 MarchNational Elephant Dayวันช้างไทย
1999The observance was suggested by the Asian Elephant Foundation of Thailand and submitted to the Coordinating Subcommittee for the Conservation of Thai Elephants. The date was chosen because the Royal Forest Department designated the white elephant as the national animal of Thailand on 13 March 1963. Adopted 26 May 1998.
31 MarchKing Nangklao Memorial Day"วันที่ระลึกพระบาทสมเด็จพระนั่งเกล้าเจ้าอยู่หัว พระมหาเจษฎาราชเจ้า
"		1993Commemorates the birth anniversary of King Rama III. Adopted 1 September 1992.
1 AprilCivil Service Dayวันข้าราชการพลเรือน
1979Commemorates the enactment of the first Civil Service Act in 1928.
2 AprilThai Heritage Conservation Dayวันอนุรักษ์มรดกไทย
1995Commemorates the birthday of Princess Sirindhorn.
2 AprilNational Children's Book Dayวันหนังสือเด็กแห่งชาติ2005Adopted 22 February 2005.
8 AprilAnniversary of the Ministry of Defenseวันสถาปนากระทรวงกลาโหม1981Adopted 13 June 1980.
9 AprilRoyal Thai Air Force Dayวันกองทัพอากาศ
1998Foundation day of Royal Thai Air Force in 1937. Adopted 24 March 1998.
10 AprilNational Rubber Dayวันยางพาราแห่งชาติ2005Adopted 21 December 2004.
25 AprilKing Naresuan Dayวันสมเด็จพระนเรศวรมหาราช
2005State ceremony. Naresuan died in 1605. Adopted 29 November 2005.
30 AprilConsumer Protection Dayวันคุ้มครองผู้บริโภค
Observed since 1980.
1 MayNational Labour Dayวันแรงงานแห่งชาติ
1972Coincides with International Workers' Day. Observed as a holiday by the Bank of Thailand and the private sector. Adopted 16 April 1972.
14 MayThai Buffalo Conservation Dayวันอนุรักษ์ควายไทย2017Adopted 7 March 2017.
30 MayKing Prajadhipok Dayวันพระบาทสมเด็จพระปกเกล้าเจ้าอยู่หัว2002State ceremony. Adopted 7 May 2002.
9 JuneAnanda Mahidol Dayวันที่ระลึกคล้ายวันสวรรคตพระบาทสมเด็จพระปรเมนทรมหาอานันทมหิดล พระอัฐมรามาธิบดินทร
2015King Ananda Mahidol died in 1946. Adopted 12 May 2015.
25 JuneNational Iodine Dayวันไอโอดีนแห่งชาติ2003Commemorates the awarding of the ICCIDD Gold Medal to King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1997. Adopted 27 August 2002.
26 JuneSunthorn Phu Dayวันสุนทรภู่
Commemorates the birth of Sunthorn Phu in 1786.
29 JulyNational Thai Language Dayวันภาษาไทยแห่งชาติ
1999King Bhumibol's public discorse with the Thai Language Club of the Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University on 29 July 1962
1 AugustThai Women's Dayวันสตรีไทย
2003Honors Queen Mother Sirikit. Adopted 29 July 2003.
16 AugustThai Peace Dayวันสันติภาพไทย
1995Memorial Day honoring the anniversary since the conclusion of hostilities in World War II. Adopted 8 August 1995.
18 AugustNational Science Dayวันวิทยาศาสตร์แห่งชาติ
1982Commemorates King Mongkut's prediction and observation of a total solar eclipse in 1868. Adopted 14 April 1982.
9 SeptemberHuai Kha Khaeng Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuaries World Heritage Dayวันเขตรักษาพันธุ์สัตว์ป่าห้วยขาแข้ง ทุ่งใหญ่นเรศวร มรดกโลก1995Adopted 4 July 1995.
19 SeptemberThai Museum Dayวันพิพิธภัณฑ์ไทย1995Adopted 16 May 1995.
20 SeptemberNational Youth Dayวันเยาวชนแห่งชาติ
Commemorates the birth dates of Kings Chulalongkorn and Ananda Mahidol.
20 SeptemberNational Canal Conservation Dayวันอนุรักษ์รักษาดูคลองแห่งชาติ1995Adopted 29 August 1995.
24 SeptemberMahidol Dayวันมหิดล
Commemorates the passing of Prince Father Mahidol Adulyadej, the "Father of Thai Modern Medicine".
28 SeptemberThai National Flag Dayวันพระราชทานธงชาติไทย
2017King Vajiravudh officially gave sanction to the current flag of Thailand in 1917. Adopted 20 September 2016.
1 OctoberKing Rama IV Memorial Dayวันรัฐพิธีที่ระลึกพระบาทสมเด็จพระจอมเกล้าเจ้าอยู่หัว2014State ceremony. Adopted 22 July 2014. Observed on 18 October from 2011 to 2013.
14 October14 October Democracy Dayวัน 14 ตุลา ประชาธิปไตย2003Commemorates the 14 October 1973 uprising. Adopted 26 August 2003.
17 OctoberNational Police Dayวันตำรวจ
2017Former 13 October
21 OctoberNational Nurses' Dayวันพยาบาลแห่งชาติ
1990Commemorates the birth of Srinagarindra the Princess Mother. Adopted 4 April 1990.
21 OctoberNational Annual Tree Loving Dayวันรักต้นไม้ประจำปีของชาติ1990Adopted 15 October 1990.
21 OctoberNational Dental Hygiene Dayวันทันตสาธารณสุขแห่งชาติ1989Adopted 4 July 1989.
3rd Sunday of NovemberWorld Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victimsวันรำลึกผู้สูญเสียจากอุบัติเหตุทางถนนโลก2013Adopted 15 January 2013.
25 NovemberKing Vajiravudh Memorial Dayวันสมเด็จพระมหาธีรราชเจ้า
2003Commemorates the passing of King Vajiravudh in 1925. Adopted 2 September 2003.
27 NovemberNational Health-Building Dayวันสร้างสุขภาพแห่งชาติ2002Adopted 19 November 2002.
1 DecemberDamrong Rajanubhab Dayวันดำรงราชานุภาพ
2001Commemorates the passing of Prince Damrong Rajanubhab. Adopted 27 November 2001.
4 DecemberThai Environment Dayวันสิ่งแวดล้อมไทย
1991Adopted 12 November 1991.
16 DecemberNational Sports Dayวันกีฬาแห่งชาติ
1986Commemorates King Bhumibol's gold medal in sailing at the 1967 Southeast Asian Peninsular Games.
28 DecemberKing Taksin Memorial Dayวันที่ระลึกสมเด็จพระเจ้าตากสินมหาราช
Commemorates the accession of King Taksin in 1768.

Other observances

Other observances, traditional and modern, are observed by various groups and communities throughout the country.
DateObservanceLocal nameRemarks
4 JanuaryCavalry and Armor Dayวันทหารม้า The Thai people have seen the importance of bravery in Ban Phran Nok in Ayutthaya period of King Taksin the Great while still a Praya Wachiraprakan. Celebrates the role of the Cavalry Branch of the Royal Thai Army in Thai military history.
17 JanuaryNational Dairy Dayวันโคนมแห่งชาติ Marking the inauguration of the Thai-Danish Dairy Farming and Training Center on 16 January 1962 by King Bhumibol Adulyadej and King Frederick IX of Denmark. Observed since 1987.
1st day of the Chinese calendar Chinese New Yearวันตรุษจีน Observed by Thai Chinese and parts of the private sector. Usually celebrated for three days, starting on the day before the Chinese New Year's Eve. Chinese New Year is observed as a public holiday in Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala, Satun and Songkhla Provinces.
2 FebruaryNational Agriculture Dayวันเกษตรแห่งชาติ
10 FebruaryVolunteer Defense's Dayวันอาสารักษาดินแดน Foundation day of Volunteer Defense Corps.
14 FebruaryValentine's Dayวันวาเลนไทน์Western holiday devoted to romance and love, imported in recent decades. A popular day for weddings.
25 FebruaryNational Radio Dayวันวิทยุกระจายเสียงแห่งชาติ
5 MarchJournalist's Dayวันนักข่าว
8th waning moon, 6th Thai lunar month Atthami Pujaวันอัฐมีบูชา Buddhist observance commemorating the Buddha's cremation.
5th day, 5th Chinese lunar monthDuanwu Festivalวันไหว้ขนมจ้าง Chinese festival
1 JulyNational Scout Organization Dayวันสถาปนาลูกเสือแห่งชาติ King Vajiravudh founded the National Scout Organization of Thailand on this day in 1911.
15th day, 7th Chinese lunar month Ghost Festivalวันสารทจีน Known as Sat Chin to differentiate from Sat Thai
4 SeptemberRoyal Thai Navy Submarine Memorial Dayวันเรือดำน้ำไทย
15 SeptemberSilpa Bhirasri Dayวันศิลป์ พีระศรี
15th day, 8th Chinese lunar month Moon Festivalวันไหว้พระจันทร์ Chinese festival
New moon, 10th Thai lunar month Sat Thai Dayวันสารทไทย Traditional mid-year festival, now celebrated mostly in Nakhon Si Thammarat
1st–9th days, 9th Chinese lunar month Vegetarian Festivalเทศกาลกินเจ Usually corresponds with Sat Thai Day, depending on the differences between the Thai and Chinese lunar calendars.
Full moon, 11th Thai lunar month Pavarana/Wan Ok PhansaวันออกพรรษาMarks the end of the three-month Vassa and the beginning of the Kathina period the following day.
Full moon, 12th Thai lunar month Loy Krathongวันลอยกระทง Observed as Yi Peng festival in Chiangmai.
20 NovemberRoyal Thai Navy Dayวันกองทัพเรือ Foundation day of Royal Thai Navy in 1906.
25 DecemberChristmasวันคริสต์มาสChristian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Religious for Christians and widely observed commercially.
1 Shawwal in the Islamic calendarEid al-Fitrวันตรุษอีดิ้ลฟิตรี Muslim holiday celebrating the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. Observed as a public holiday in Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala, Satun and Songkhla Provinces.
10 Dhu al-Hijjah in the Islamic calendarEid al-Adhaวันตรุษอีดิ้ลอัฎฮา Muslim holiday commemorating the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismael as an act of obedience to Allah. Observed as a public holiday in Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala, Satun and Songkhla Provinces.