Public Holidays in Thailand 2026 – Buddhist, Royal & National Days
Thailand observes a blend of Buddhist, royal, and national public holidays that reflect its cultural heritage, religious traditions, and monarchy. These holidays include full-moon Buddhist observances, royal celebrations, and key national events.
Explore more: Compare with Public Holidays in Tanzania.
Overview of Public Holidays in Thailand
Public holidays in Thailand include nationally declared holidays and Buddhist observances tied to the lunar calendar. Some holidays are substituted if they fall on weekends. The Bank of Thailand and government authorities officially announce the holiday calendar each year.
Many travelers plan short breaks around long weekends such as Songkran or royal birthdays, combining cultural celebrations with leisure trips to popular destinations across the country.
List of Public Holidays in Thailand (2026)
| Holiday | Date (2026) | Day | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Thursday | Marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. |
| Makha Bucha (Magha Puja) | March 3 | Tuesday | Buddhist full-moon observance honoring the Buddha’s teachings. |
| Chakri Memorial Day | April 6 | Monday | Commemorates the founding of the Chakri Dynasty. |
| Songkran Festival (Thai New Year) | April 13 – April 15 | Monday – Wednesday | Traditional Thai New Year marked by water rituals and merit-making. |
| Labour Day | May 1 | Friday | International Workers’ Day. |
| Coronation Day | May 4 | Monday | Celebrates the coronation of King Maha Vajiralongkorn. |
| Royal Ploughing Ceremony | May (Date TBA) | — | Ceremonial event marking the rice-planting season. |
| Visakha Bucha (Vesak) | May 31 | Sunday | Commemorates Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and passing. |
| Queen Suthida’s Birthday | June 3 | Wednesday | Birthday of Queen Suthida. |
| Asanha Bucha (Asalha Puja) | July 20 | Monday | Marks Buddha’s first sermon. |
| King Vajiralongkorn’s Birthday | July 28 | Tuesday | Birthday of the reigning King. |
| Queen Mother / Mother’s Day | August 12 | Wednesday | Birthday of Queen Mother Sirikit; National Mother’s Day. |
| King Bhumibol Memorial Day | October 13 | Tuesday | Memorial day for the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. |
| Chulalongkorn Day | October 23 | Friday | Honors King Rama V and his reforms. |
| King Bhumibol’s Birthday / National Day / Father’s Day | December 5 | Saturday (Observed Dec 7) | National Day and Father’s Day. |
| Constitution Day | December 10 | Thursday | Marks the promulgation of Thailand’s constitution. |
| New Year’s Eve | December 31 | Thursday | Year-end celebrations nationwide. |
Public holidays such as Songkran and long royal weekends are ideal times to explore cultural landmarks and beaches across the country. Many travelers also plan extended stays at top-rated accommodations during these festive periods.
List of Public Holidays in Thailand (2025)
| Holiday | Date (2025) | Day | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Wednesday | Marks the beginning of the Gregorian year. |
| Makha Bucha (Magha Puja) | February 12 | Wednesday | Buddhist observance on the full moon day of the 3rd lunar month. |
| Chakri Memorial Day | April 6 (Observed April 7) | Sunday / Monday | Commemorates the founding of the Chakri Dynasty. |
| Songkran Festival (Thai New Year) | April 13 – April 15 | Sunday – Tuesday | Traditional New Year with water rituals and merit making. |
| Labour Day | May 1 | Thursday | International Workers’ Day. |
| Coronation Day | May 4 (Observed May 5) | Sunday / Monday | Celebrates the coronation of King Maha Vajiralongkorn. |
| Royal Ploughing Ceremony | May 9 | Friday | Marks the start of the rice-planting season. |
| Visakha Bucha (Vesak) | May 11 (Observed May 12) | Sunday / Monday | Marks Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and passing. |
| Queen Suthida’s Birthday | June 3 | Tuesday | Birthday of Queen Suthida. |
| Asanha Bucha (Asalha Puja) | July 10 | Thursday | Commemorates Buddha’s first sermon. |
| King Vajiralongkorn’s Birthday | July 28 | Monday | Birthday of the reigning King. |
| Queen Mother / Mother’s Day | August 12 | Tuesday | National Mother’s Day. |
| King Bhumibol Memorial Day | October 13 | Monday | Memorial for the late King Bhumibol. |
| Chulalongkorn Day | October 23 | Thursday | Honors King Rama V. |
| King Bhumibol’s Birthday / National Day / Father’s Day | December 5 | Friday | National Day and Father’s Day. |
| Constitution Day | December 10 | Wednesday | Commemorates the constitution. |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Thursday | Observed by the Christian community. |
| New Year’s Eve | December 31 | Wednesday | Year-end celebrations. |
Religious and Cultural Significance
Many Thai holidays are rooted in the Buddhist faith, including Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha, and Asanha Bucha, each tied to lunar cycles. Royal and national holidays celebrate the monarchy’s role in shaping Thai identity, while Songkran remains the most vibrant and widely celebrated festival.
Public Observances and Closures
Government offices, banks, and many businesses close on public holidays. Alcohol restrictions may apply on major Buddhist days. When holidays fall on weekends, substitute public holidays are commonly announced.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Thailand have in 2026?
Thailand is expected to observe around 18 public holidays in 2026, including national, royal, and Buddhist holidays, with possible substitute days.
Do Thai public holidays change every year?
Yes. Buddhist holidays follow the lunar calendar and shift annually, while substitute holidays may be declared when official dates fall on weekends.
Conclusion
Thailand’s public holidays showcase its spiritual traditions, royal heritage, and vibrant cultural life. Whether observing a Buddhist full-moon festival or celebrating Songkran, these holidays offer meaningful opportunities for reflection, travel, and community connection.
