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Thailand Public Holidays and Festivals

Thailand Facts

Thailand Holidays and Festivals

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Thailand is a year-round destination. For many regions, November–February brings cooler, drier weather and is peak season—especially late December through January—so book flights and hotels early. The hot season (roughly March–May) and rainy season (roughly June–October) can offer lower prices and fewer crowds, with regional differences (southern Andaman vs Gulf coast rain patterns differ). If you’re looking for the best weather, plan your trip between November and February. During this time, Thailand experiences cool and dry conditions, providing a delightful escape from extreme heat and rain. The skies are clear, and temperatures are comfortable. Budget-conscious travelers can take advantage of the monsoon season from May to September. Despite occasional rain showers, this period offers unique opportunities to secure significant discounts up to 50% off on accommodation, flights, and tours. It is also a perfect time for natural travel. For an authentic experience of Thailand’s vibrant festivals, plan your visit in November for the enchanting Loy Krathong and Yi Peng Festival, or immerse yourself in the lively Songkran Festival in April. Whether you’re seeking great weather, beach relaxation, low prices, or cultural festivities, Thailand has something to offer year-round! 🌴🇹🇭

Public Holidays 2026 [View Next year]

Date Name Remarks
Thursday, 01 January New Year's Day it is common for people to come together with their loved ones and friends to celebrate the start of a new year.
Friday, 02 January Additional New Year Holiday it is common for people to come together with their loved ones and friends to celebrate the start of a new year.
Tuesday, 03 March Magha Puja Buddhist religious significance.
Monday, 06 April Chakri Memorial Day -
Monday, 13 April to Wednesday, 15 April Songkran Festival During the Songkran festival, the tradition of water splashing is enthusiastically observed at various locations across the country.
Friday, 01 May National Labour Day -
Monday, 04 May Coronation Day -
Monday, 11 May Royal Ploughing Ceremony and Farmer's Day -
Sunday, 31 May Vesak Buddhist religious significance.
Monday, 01 June Substitution for Visakha Bucha Day Buddhist religious significance.
Wednesday, 03 June Queen Suthida's Birthday -
Tuesday, 28 July King's Vajiralongkorn Birthday -
Wednesday, 29 July Asalha Puja Buddhist religious significance.
Thursday, 30 July Beginning of Vassa Buddhist religious significance.
Wednesday, 12 August The Queen Mother's Birthday -
Tuesday, 13 October King Bhumibol Adulyadej Memorial Day -
Friday, 23 October King Chulalongkorn Day -
Saturday, 05 December King Bhumibol Adulyadej's Birthday -
Monday, 07 December Substitution for King Bhumibol Adulyadej's Birthday -
Thursday, 10 December Constitution Day -
Thursday, 31 December New Year's Eve People come together to celebrate and enjoy spectacular fireworks.

Festivals 2026

Date Name Remarks
Tuesday, 17 February Chinese New Year Thai-Chinese families come together to celebrate and pay respect to their ancestors. They visit temples and shrines to pray for a prosperous year ahead . Dragon and lion dances are performed along the Chinatown roads. These colorful and lively performances symbolize good fortune.
Saturday, 10 October to Sunday, 18 October Vegetarian festival The Vegetarian Festival is a religious and cultural event observed by Thai-Chinese communities, especially in Phuket. Participants follow a strict vegetarian diet during this period, abstaining from consuming meat and animal products. Some devotees take it a step further by performing acts of self-mortification, such as piercing their bodies with sharp objects (such as swords or skewers) during processions, known as “Mah Song” (ม้าทรง), walk in processions around the city to cleanse the community and ward off evil spirits.
Tuesday, 24 November Loy krathong festival Krathong refers to a small, beautifully crafted floating vessel made from banana leaves, flowers, candles, and incense sticks. These krathongs are set afloat on rivers, canals, and lakes as an offering to the water spirits and to pay respect to the goddess of water, Phra Mae Khongkha (พระแม่คงคา).

Useful information

School holidays

  • From the beginning of April until mid-May
  • From mid-October until the end of October

Remarks

  • If a public holiday falls on a weekend, the government typically provides an additional day off on the next business day.
  • On Buddhist special days and public holidays, the sale of liquor and alcohol is generally prohibited, except for international airports.
  • In Thailand, Christmas is not an official public holiday, but you’ll find festive decorations in various locations. Some families celebrate Christmas at home, and certain places embrace the holiday spirit with decorations and festive traditions.
  • Thailand does not observe Daylight Saving Time changes or seasonal time changes due to its geographical location.

Sources & references

Content reviewed against the sources below on 24 May 2026. Rules, fees, and phone numbers can change—confirm critical details with official agencies before you travel.

  1. Bank of Thailand — public holidays calendar (reference)
  2. Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)
  3. Note: Public holiday dates on this page are maintained in our database; confirm bank and government closures before booking travel.