Thailand Answers

Thailand's Holidays

Thailand averages nearly one and half holidays per month probably making it a world leader in that category. Thais love holidays and long weekends, work hard and many don't get vacation time. They relish their holidays.

Official holidays include - Western New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

Thai New Year is officially celebrated at "Songkhran" from April 13th to 15th. Actually, most Thais kind of stretch this out a little on either end. Many visitors enjoy the water throwing festivities associated with this holiday. Some visitors tire of getting drenched every time they venture outside. Traveling anywhere can be a problem because it is difficult to get tickets for anything and the roads are jammed with people heading to their homes for the holidays.

• April 6 is Chakri Day, in honor of the Chakri Dynasty of Thailand
• May 1 is National Labor Day and May 5 is Coronation Day
• August 12 is Her Majesty the Queen's Birthday and National Mothers' Day
• October 23 is Chulalongkorn Day in honor of the great former King
• December 5 is His Majesty the King's birthday and National Fathers' Day
• December 12 is Constitution Day

Lunar Holidays
These are associated with Buddhism and the exact date on the Gregorian calendar varies. Alcohol cannot be sold in bars or shops. The dates below are approximates.

• End of February - Makha Bucha Day
• End of May - Wisakha Bucha Day
• End of July - Buddhist Lent Day

Celebrations - not Official Thai Holidays

Loy Kratong

While not an official holiday is celebrated nationwide during the 12th lunar month (usually in November). All Thais make a kratong to place in a body of water. They release the kratong and make a wish or float their sins away.

There are also numerous provincial festivals. Probably the most famous one is the Vegetarian Festival in Phuket every October.

Christmas

Not celebrated in Thailand, although you will see many of the trappings of Christmas in shops and departments stores. It is business as usual in all aspects of life. And Christmas seem to be getting more popular every year.

Thais do, however, often exchange gifts for Western New Year. Valentine's Day is not, of course, a holiday, but it has become popular of late.

Halloween

Is starting to catch on in some quarters.

Easter or Thanksgiving

No one pays much attention other than expats

Thailand F. A. Q.