Now that we are in full swing of a new year, you are probably planning your trips, holidays or even work-related goals.

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So, it is important to know when key public holidays and major special occasions or festivals are going to be in Thailand so that you can get things in order.

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With no holidays in January except for the New Year, we start with February, which unfortunately does not have days off but there are some observances to keep note of.

Let’s dive into it.

February

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Valentines Day (14 Feb) - Thailand does celebrate Valentine's Day but it is not a holiday. On this day there are lots of offers at restaurants, malls, and hotels.

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Chiang Mai Flower Festival (3-5 Feb) - usually held on the first full weekend in February where there are floral displays all over the city as well as parades, music concerts, cultural displays and street markets 

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March

Makha Bucha Day (6 March) - a national holiday and is considered one of the most important Buddhist festivals. It commemorates the day over 1200 disciples spontaneously gathered to hear Lord Buddha preach. On this day government offices are closed and many bars and no alcohol is served at bars, which means most bars and clubs close as well.

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National Thai Elephant Day (13 March) - the Elephant is an iconic symbol of Thailand and Thailand officially made March 13 as National Elephant Day. It is not a public holiday, however.

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National Muay Thai Day (17 March) - Muay Thai is another symbol of Thai culture. It is not a public holiday but there are events held around the country at stadiums.

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April

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Chakri Day (6 Apr) - a public holiday which observes the founding day of the royal Chakri Dynasty.

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Songkran (13-15 Apr) - one of the biggest festivals in Thailand and South East Asia. It is widely known as the water festival but there is actually a lot more to Songkran, culturally. 

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Eid-al-Fitr Day (21 Apr) - an Islamic holiday that marks the end of Ramadan and is also known as a festival of sweets. The exact dates will depend on the moon and will be announced closer to the date between 20-22 April.

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May

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Labour Day (1 May) - annual holiday to celebrate the achievements of workers. Here’s how to celebrate like a local in Thailand. 

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Coronation Day (4 May) - anniversary of the coronation of the King. It will be a public holiday for the general population. Schools and most businesses will be closed.

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An additional holiday (5 May) - an additional holiday will be given, making it a long 4-day weekend (4-7 May). 

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Rocket Festival - a big festival in Isaan region of Thailand featuring rockets, food, drinks, dancing and merit-making. It is usually held mid-late May. It is not a holiday but it is certainly a festival to experience.

June

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Visakha Bucha Day & Birthday of HM Queen Suthida (3 June) 

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Since the two holidays are on the same day on a Saturday (weekend), a substitution holiday will be given on 5 June, making it a 3-day weekend.

July

Eid al-Adha - Islamic holiday that observes sacrifice, family gatherings, meals, charities and prayers. Exact date may vary between 28th June to 2nd July.

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Birthday of HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) (28 July)

August

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Asahna Bucha Day (1 Aug)

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Khao Phansa (2 Aug) - it might not be included as a public holiday. TBA.

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Birthday of HM Queen Sirikit The Queen (12 August) - also celebrated and observed as a national Mother’s Day. As this falls on a weekend, a substitution holiday will be given on 14 August.

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Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival (31 July - 2 Aug) - a beautiful festival held in Ubon Ratchathani 

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September

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Thai National Flag Day (28 Sept) -  a day to celebrate the Thai flag which symbolizes three colors. Red represents the blood of those who protect the nation, white the purity of religious faith, and blue represents the monarchy of Thailand. Not a public holiday but you will see the flag everywhere on almost everything.

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Vegetarian Festival - usually takes place in late September or early October. Celebrated at various locations in Thailand including Phuket, Trang, Krabi, Bangkok and Chiang Mai. The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is a must see. 

October

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HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej Memorial Day (13 Oct)

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King Chulalongkorn or Rama V Day (23 October)

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Halloween (31 October) - not a holiday but popularly celebrated in Bangkok by expats and young Thais.

November

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Loy Krathong (28 Nov) - while Loy Krathong is a popular festival, it is not a public holiday.

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Monkey Banquet Festival - usually held on last Sunday in November

December

King Bhumibol Birthday Commemoration Day (5 Dec) - also celebrated as Father’s Day and National Day.

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Constitution Day (10 Dec) -  public holiday in Thailand to commemorate Constitution Day. As this falls on a weekend, a substitute holiday will be given on 11 December.

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New Year’s Eve (31 Dec) - New Years Eve (substitution holiday on 1st of Jan 2024)

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