Public holidays in Thailand
Public holidays in Thailand are regulated by the government, and most are observed by both the public and private sectors. There are usually sixteen 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.[1] If a holiday falls on a weekend, one following workday is observed by the government as a compensatory holiday.[2]
Public holidays
As of 2017, there are seventeen annual public holidays adopted by the cabinet:
| Date | Name | Local name | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 January | New Year's Day | วันขึ้นปีใหม่ (Wan Khuen Pi Mai) | Celebrates the start of the solar and Gregorian year. From 1889–1941, this was held on 1 April. |
| Full moon, 3rd Thai lunar month (February)a | Magha Pujab | วันมาฆบูชา (Wan Makhabucha) | Buddhist observance commemorating the Buddha's teaching of Ovada Patimokkha. |
| 6 April | Chakri Memorial Day | วันจักรี (Wan Chakkri) | 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 (วันพระบาทสมเด็จพระพุทธยอดฟ้าจุฬาโลกมหาราชและวันที่ระลึกมหาจักรีบรมราชวงศ์). |
| 13–15 April | Songkran Festival | วันสงกรานต์ (Wan Songkran) | 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 (Wan Maha Songkran), the second as วันเนา (Wan Nao), and the third as วันเถลิงศก (Wan Thaloeng Sok). The 14th is also observed as Family Day. |
| May, arbitrary date | Royal Ploughing Ceremony and Farmer's Dayc | วันพืชมงคล (Wan Phuetchamongkhon) | Ceremony giving blessing to the country's farmers. Officially known as วันพระราชพิธีพืชมงคลจรดพระนังคัลแรกนาขวัญ (Wan Phra Ratcha Phithi Phuetcha Monkhon Lae Charot Phra Nangkhan Raek Na Khwan). 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 (May)a | Vesakb | วันวิสาขบูชา (Wan Wisakhabucha) | Buddhist observance commemorating the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha. Also observed as National Tree Day. |
| 28 July | H.M. the King's Birthday | วันเฉลิมพระชนมพรรษาสมเด็จพระเจ้าอยู่หัวมหาวชิราลงกรณ บดินทรเทพยวรางกูร (Wan Chaloem Phra Chonmaphansa Somdet Phra Chao Yu Hua Maha Wachiralongkon Bodinthrathepphayawarangkun) | Commemorates the birthday of King Maha Vajiralongkorn in 1952 |
| Full moon, 8th Thai lunar month (July)a | Asalha Pujab | วันอาสาฬหบูชา (Wan Asanhabucha) | Buddhist observance commemorating the Buddha's first discourse, the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta |
| First waning moon, 8th Thai lunar month (July)a | Beginning of Vassabc | วันเข้าพรรษา (Wan Khao Phansa) | Buddhist observance marking the beginning of Vassa, also known as Buddhist Lent |
| 12 August | H.M. Queen Sirikit's Birthday | วันเฉลิมพระชนมพรรษาสมเด็จพระนางเจ้าสิริกิติ์ พระบรมราชินีนาถในรัชกาลที่ ๙ (Wan Chaloem Phra Chonmaphansa Somdet Phra Nang Chao Sirikit Phra Borom Rachininat Nai Ratchakan Thi Kao) | Commemorates the birthday of Queen Sirikit in 1932; also observed as National Mother's Day (วันแม่แห่งชาติ; Wan Mae Haeng Chat). |
| 13 October | H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej Memorial Day | วันคล้ายวันสวรรคตพระบาทสมเด็จพระปรมินทรมหาภูมิพลอดุลยเดช บรมนาถบพิตร (Wan Khlai Wan Sawankot Phra Bat Somdet Phra Paramin Maha Phumiphon Adunyadet Borommanat Bophit) | Commemorates the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 2016. |
| 23 October | King Chulalongkorn Day | วันปิยมหาราช (Wan Piyamaharat) | Commemorates the passing of King Chulalongkorn in 1910. |
| 5 December | King Bhumibol Adulyadej's Birthday Anniversary | วันคล้ายวันเฉลิมพระชนมพรรษาพระบาทสมเด็จพระปรมินทรมหาภูมิพลอดุลยเดช บรมนาถบพิตร (Wan Khlai Wan Chaloem Phra Chonmaphansa Phra Bat Somdet Phra Paramin Maha Phumiphon Adunyadet Borommanat Bophit) | Commemorates the birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1927. Also observed as National Day and National Father's Day. |
| 10 December | Constitution Day | วันรัฐธรรมนูญ (Wan Ratthathammanun) | Commemorates the promulgation of the first permanent constitution in 1932. |
| 31 December | New Year's Eve | วันสิ้นปี (Wan Sin Pi) | Final day of the solar year. |
- ^a Holidays regulated by the Thai lunar calendar—the usual Gregorian months in which the dates fall are indicated in parentheses. In lunar leap years, these take place one month later.
- ^b Alcohol sales are prohibited on Buddhist holidays except in international airport duty-free shops.[3]
- ^c Not observed by the Bank of Thailand and usually not observed by the private sector.
From 1989 to 2016, there were sixteen annual public holidays adopted by the cabinet.[4] With the passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the list of annual public holidays for 2017 was revised by the cabinet in April 2017.[5] Coronation Day, which was previously observed on 5 May, was removed.
Two new public holidays form 2017 onwards are:
- 28 July: King Maha Vajiralongkorn's Birthday
- 13 October: Anniversary for the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej
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 (see below under § Other observances).[6] Government offices under the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Education may also observe the Thai Armed Forces Day (18 January) and Teachers' Day (16 January), respectively (see § National observances below).
Bank holidays
Holidays observed by financial institutions (not to be confused with bank holidays in the United Kingdom) are regulated by the Bank of Thailand. These usually differ from government holidays in that banks do not observe the Royal Ploughing Ceremony day (Phuetchamongkhon) and the beginning of Vassa (Khao Phansa), but instead do observe 1 May as National Labour Day (see below under § National observances). Up until 2016, a mid-year bank holiday was also observed on 1 July (if that date did not fell on a weekend).[7] (Prior to 2007, the beginning of Vassa was observed as a holiday rather than Asalha Puja.) 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.[8]
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.[9]
| Date | Observance | Local name | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd Saturday of January | National Children's Day | วันเด็กแห่งชาติ (Wan Dek Haeng Chat) | Widely 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. |
| 4 January | Cavalry and Armor Day | วันทหารม้า (Wan Thahan Ma) | 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. |
| 13 January | National Aviation Day | วันการบินแห่งชาติ (Wan Kanbin Haeng Chat) | |
| 14 January | National Forest Conservation Day | วันอนุรักษ์ทรัพยากรป่าไม้ของชาติ (Wan Anurak Sapphayakon Pamai Khong Chat) | Observance promoting the conservation of the nation's forests and the work against deforestation.[10] |
| 16 January | Teachers' Day | วันครู (Wan Khru) | Honours teachers countrywide. Schools may observe this day as a holiday, especially those under the authority of the Office of the Basic Education Commission. Observed since 1957. |
| 17 January | National Dairy Day | วันโคนมแห่งชาติ (Wan Khonom Haeng Chat) | 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.[11] |
| 18 January | Royal Thai Armed Forces Day | วันกองทัพไทย (Wan Kongthap Thai) | Commemorates King Naresuan's victorious elephant duel against the Burmese Uparaja, calculated to be in 1593. Observed on this date since 2007 (on 25 Jan, before that). |
| 2 February | Inventor's Day | วันนักประดิษฐ์ (Wan Nakpradit) | Commemorates the patent registration of King Bhumibol's Chai Phatthana paddle wheel aerator in 1993. Observed since 1995. |
| 3 February | Veterans' Day | วันทหารผ่านศึก (Wan Thahan Phan Suek) | Commemorates the founding of the War Veterans Organization of Thailand. Remembrance ceremonies are held at Victory Monument. |
| 10 February | Volunteer Defense's Day | วันอาสารักษาดินแดน (Wan Asa Raksa Dindaen) | Foundation day of Volunteer Defense Corps. |
| 24 February | National Artist Day | วันศิลปินแห่งชาติ (Wan Sinlapin Haeng Chat) | National Artists are honoured on this day, which commemorates King Rama II's birth. |
| 25 February | National Radio Day | วันวิทยุกระจายเสียงแห่งชาติ (Wan Witthayu Krachai Siang Haeng Chat) | |
| 26 February | National Cooperative Day | วันสหกรณ์แห่งชาติ (Wan Sahakon Haeng Chat) | |
| 5 March | Journalist's Day | วันนักข่าว (Wan Nakkhao) | |
| 13 March | National Elephant Day | วันช้างไทย (Wan Chang Thai) | On 26 May 1998, the Thai government declared that 13 March annually be Thai National Elephant Day or Chang Thai Day (Thai: วันช้างไทย). The 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. |
| 31 March | King Nangklao Memorial Day | วันที่ระลึกพระบาทสมเด็จพระนั่งเกล้าเจ้าอยู่หัว (Wan Thi Raluek Phra Bat Somdet Phra Nang Klao Chao Yu Hua) | Commemorates the birthday of King Rama III; observed since 1998. |
| 1 April | Civil Service Day | วันข้าราชการพลเรือน (Wan Kharatchakan Phonlaruean) | Commemorates the enactment of the first Civil Service Act in 1928; observed since 1979. |
| 2 April | Thai Heritage Conservation Day | วันอนุรักษ์มรดกไทย (Wan Anurak Moradok Thai) | Commemorates the birthday of Princess Sirindhorn; observed since 1995. |
| 9 April | Royal Thai Air Force Day | วันกองทัพอากาศไทย (Wan Kongthap Akat Thai) | Foundation day of Royal Thai Air Force in 1937. |
| 25 April | King Naresuan Day | วันสมเด็จพระนเรศวรมหาราช (Wan Somdet Phra Naresuan Maharat) | Naresuan died in 1605. |
| 30 April | Consumer Protection Day | วันคุ้มครองผู้บริโภค (Wan Khumkhrong Phuboriphok) | Observed since 1980. |
| 1 May | National Labour Day[8] | วันแรงงานแห่งชาติ (Wan Raeng-ngan Haeng Chat) | Coincides with International Workers' Day. Observed as a holiday by the Bank of Thailand and the private sector. |
| 9 June | Ananda Mahidol Day | วันอานันทมหิดล (Wan Ananthamahidon) | King Ananda Mahidol died in 1946. |
| 26 June | Sunthorn Phu Day | วันสุนทรภู่ (Wan Sunthon Phu) | Commemorates the birth of Sunthorn Phu in 1786. |
| 1 July | National Scout Organization Foundation Day | วันสถาปนาลูกเสือแห่งชาติ (Wan Sathapana Luksuea Haeng Chat) | King Vajiravudh founded the National Scout Organization of Thailand in 1911. |
| 29 July | National Thai Language Day | วันภาษาไทยแห่งชาติ (Wan Phasa Thai Haeng Chat) | |
| 1 August | Thai Women's Day | วันสตรีไทย (Wan Satri Haeng Chat) | Honors of Queen Sirikit. |
| 16 August | Thai Peace Day | วันสันติภาพไทย (Wan Santiphap Thai) | Memorial Day to the end of World War II. |
| 18 August | National Science Day | วันวิทยาศาสตร์แห่งชาติ (Wan Witthayasat Haeng Chat) | Commemorates King Mongkut's prediction and observation of a total solar eclipse in 1868. |
| 20 September | National Youth Day | วันเยาวชนแห่งชาติ (Wan Yaowachon Haeng Chat) | Commemorates the birth dates of Kings Chulalongkorn and Ananda Mahidol. |
| 24 September | Mahidol Day | วันมหิดล (Wan Mahidon) | Commemorates the passing of Prince Father Mahidol Adulyadej, the "Father of Thai Modern Medicine". |
| 28 September | Thai National Flag Day | วันพระราชทานธงชาติไทย (Wan Phraratchathan Thongchat Thai) | King Vajiravudh granted the flag of Thailand in 1917. |
| 13 October | National Police Day | วันตำรวจ (Wan Tamruat) | |
| 21 October | National Nurses' Day | วันพยาบาลแห่งชาติ (Wan Phayaban Haeng Chat) | Commemorates the birth of Srinagarindra the Princess Mother. |
| 20 November | Royal Thai Navy Day | วันกองทัพเรือ (Wan Kongthap Ruea) | Foundation day of Royal Thai Navy in 1906. |
| 25 November | King Vajiravudh Memorial Day | วันที่ระลึกสมเด็จพระมหาธีรราชเจ้า (Wan Thi Raluek Somdet Phra Maha Thirarat Chao) | Commemorates the passing of King Vajiravudh in 1925. |
| 1 December | Damrong Rajanubhab Day | วันดำรงราชานุภาพ (Wan Damrongrachanuphap) | Commemorates the passing of Prince Damrong Rajanubhab. Observed since 2001.[12] |
| 4 December | Thai Environment Day | วันสิ่งแวดล้อมไทย (Wan Singwaetlom Thai) | Observed since 1991. |
| 16 December | National Sports Day | วันกีฬาแห่งชาติ (Wan Kila Haeng Chat) | Commemorates King Bhumibol's gold medal in sailing at the 1967 Southeast Asian Peninsular Games. Observed since 1986. |
| 28 December | King Taksin Memorial Day | วันที่ระลึกสมเด็จพระเจ้าตากสินมหาราช (Wan Thi Raluek Somdet Phra Chao Tak Sin Maharat) | 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.
| Date | Observance | Local name | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st day of the Chinese calendar (January,February) | Chinese New Year | วันตรุษจีน (Wan Trut Chin) | 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 and Satun Provinces. |
| 2 February | National Agriculture Day | วันเกษตรแห่งชาติ (Wan Kaset Haeng Chat) | |
| 14 February | Valentine's Day | วันวาเลนไทน์ | Western holiday devoted to romance and love, imported in recent decades. A popular day for weddings.[13][14] |
| 8th waning moon, 6th Thai lunar month (May–June)a | Atthami Puja | วันอัฐมีบูชา (Wan Atthamibucha) | Buddhist observance commemorating the Buddha's cremation. |
| 5th day, 5th Chinese lunar month | Duanwu Festival | วันไหว้ขนมจ้าง (Wan Wai Khanom Chang) | Chinese festival |
| 1 July | National Scout Day | วันลูกเสือแห่งชาติ (Wan Luksuea Haeng Chat) | Commemorates the founding of the National Scout Organization of Thailand by King Vajiravudh in 1911. |
| 15th day, 7th Chinese lunar month (August)a | Ghost Festival | วันสารทจีน (Wan Sat Chin) | Known as Sat Chin to differentiate from Sat Thai (see below) |
| 4 September | Royal Thai Navy Submarine Memorial Day[15] | ||
| 15 September | Silpa Bhirasri Day | ||
| 15th day, 8th Chinese lunar month (September)a | Moon Festival | วันไหว้พระจันทร์ (Wan Wai Phrachan) | Chinese festival |
| New moon, 10th Thai lunar month (September–October)a | Sat Thai Day | วันสารทไทย (Wan Sat Thai) | Traditional mid-year festival, now celebrated mostly in Nakhon Si Thammarat |
| 1st–9th days, 9th Chinese lunar month (September–October)a | Vegetarian Festival | เทศกาลกินเจ (Thetsakan Kin Che) | Usually corresponds with Sat Thai Day, depending on the differences between the Thai and Chinese lunar calendars. |
| Full moon, 11th Thai lunar month (October)a | Pavarana/Wan Ok Phansab | วันออกพรรษา | Marks the end of the three-month Vassa and the beginning of the Kathina period the following day. |
| Full moon, 12th Thai lunar month (November)a | Loy Krathong | วันลอยกระทง (Wan Loi Krathong) | Observed as Yi Peng festival (ยี่เป็ง) in Chiangmai. |
| 25 December | Christmas | วันคริสต์มาส | Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Religious for Christians and widely observed commercially. |
| 1 Shawwal in the Islamic calendar | Eid ul-Fitr | วันตรุษอีดิ้ลฟิตรี (วันรายอปอซอ) | Muslim holiday celebrating the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. Observed as a public holiday in Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala and Satun Provinces. |
| 10 Dhu al-Hijjah in the Islamic calendar | Eid al-Adha | วันตรุษอีดิ้ลอัฎฮา (วันรายอฮัจยี) | 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 and Satun Provinces. |
- ^a Observances regulated by the Thai or Chinese lunar calendars—the usual Gregorian months in which the dates fall are indicated in parentheses.
- ^b Alcohol sales are prohibited on Buddhist holidays except in international airport duty-free shops.[3]
See also
References
- ^ พระราชบัญญัติคุ้มครองแรงงาน พ.ศ. 2541 [Labour Protection Act B.E. 2541]. 1998.
- ^ บุษกร หวังวิไล. "กำหนดเวลาทำงานและวันหยุดราชการ: วันหยุดชดเชย (Designation of public workdays and holidays: compensatory holidays)". Secretariat of the Cabinet website (in Thai). Retrieved 20 April 2012.
- ^ a b ประกาศสำนักนายกรัฐมนตรี เรื่อง กำหนดวันห้ามขายเครื่องดื่มแอลกอฮอล์ (ฉบับที่ 3) พ.ศ. 2558 [Proclamation of the Office of the Prime Minister regarding assignment of days with alcohol sales prohibition (number 3) B.E. 2558]. 2015.
- ^ "กำหนดเวลาทำงานและวันหยุดราชการ: วันหยุดราชการประจำปี (Designation of public workdays and holidays: annual public holidays)". Secretariat of the Cabinet website (in Thai). Retrieved 20 April 2012.
- ^ "Two new holidays announced; May 5 dropped". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 16 April 2017.
- ^ "การพิจารณากำหนดวันหยุดราชการประจำปี เพิ่มเติม (Designation of additional annual public holidays)". Secretariat of the Cabinet website (in Thai). Retrieved 28 July 2014.
- ^ Charuvastra, Teeranai (5 September 2018). "Mid-Year Thai Bank Holiday Abolished". Khaosod English. Retrieved 6 September 2018.
- ^ a b "List of Legal Holidays to be Observed by the Bank of Thailand and Financial Institutions in Thailand During the Year 2016". Bank of Thailand website. Bank of Thailand. Retrieved 5 October 2016.
- ^ Office of the National Culture Commission (August 2006). "วันสำคัญทางวัฒนธรรมและวันหยุดราชการปีพ.ศ. ๒๕๕๐ (ปีกุน)" [Cultural observances and public holidays, B.E. 2550 (year of the pig)] (in Thai). Office of the National Culture Commission. Archived from the original on 2 February 2009.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ "ค้นหาข้อมูลมติคณะรัฐมนตรี" [Search Cabinet Results] (in Thai). The Secretariat of the Cabinet. Retrieved 14 January 2018.
- ^ "ประวัติความเป็นมา การจัดงาน "เทศกาลโคนมแห่งชาติ"". dpo.go.th (in Thai). Bangkok: Dairy Farming Promotion Organization of Thailand. n.d. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
- ^ "Man of many talents". Prince Damrong. Ministry of Interior (Thailand). 5 March 2010. Retrieved 4 October 2013.
- ^ "Thailand does Valentine's like nowhere else | Bangkok Post: learning". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 30 April 2018.
- ^ "Thailand in the mood for love as Valentine's Day fever sweeps the nation, SE Asia News & Top Stories". The Straits Times. 14 February 2017. Retrieved 30 April 2018.
- ^ Panrak, Patcharapol (16 September 2015). "Hoping again to become submariners, navy celebrates Submarine Day". Pattaya Mail. Retrieved 6 September 2018.
External links
- Cavanagh, Roy. "Public Holidays in Thailand, 2018". Thaizer. Retrieved 8 September 2017.
