Holidays
On public holidays, government offices and banks are closed. On Buddhist holidays (Wan Phra), there is a ban on alcohol — no sales in stores, bars, and restaurants (hotels for foreigners sometimes exempt).
| Date | Holiday | Note |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Wan Khun Pi Mai (New Year) | Everything closed |
| Feb./March (variable) | Makha Bucha | Buddhist holiday, alcohol ban! |
| April 6 | Chakri Day | Founding of the Chakri Dynasty |
| April 13–15 | Songkran (Thai New Year) | Water festival! The whole country celebrates, water fights everywhere. Hotels and flights expensive, but a unique experience. |
| May 1 | Labor Day | Government offices closed |
| May 4 | Coronation Day | Coronation of Rama X (2019) |
| May/June (variable) | Visakha Bucha | Most important Buddhist holiday — birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha. Alcohol ban! |
| June 3 | Queen's Birthday | Also Father's Day until 2016 |
| July (variable) | Asanha Bucha | Buddhist holiday, alcohol ban! |
| July (day after Asanha Bucha) | Khao Phansa | Start of the Buddhist Lent (3 months). Alcohol ban! |
| July 28 | Birthday of Rama X | National holiday |
| August 12 | Birthday of Queen Mother Sirikit | Mother's Day |
| October 13 | Death anniversary of Rama IX | Memorial day, mourning mood |
| October 23 | Chulalongkorn Day | Commemoration of Rama V |
| December 5 | Birthday of Rama IX | Father's Day & National holiday. Everything in yellow. |
| December 10 | Constitution Day | Commemoration of the first constitution in 1932 |
| December 31 | New Year's Eve | Big fireworks on the Chao Phraya |
Achtung
On Buddhist holidays (Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha, Asanha Bucha, Khao Phansa), there is a strict alcohol ban — no sales in supermarkets, bars, or restaurants. Even 7-Eleven locks the fridges. Bars and clubs close. Plan accordingly!