Thai Public Holiday Dates

[whitespider - RIP]

These are the major events and festivals in Thailand for 2011. The dates in bold are also public holidays.

 

1st January 2011 - New Year's Day

3rd January 2011 - Substitution Day for New Year *

8th January 2011 - Children's Day

16th January 2011 - Teacher's Day

3rd February 2011 - War Veterans' Day

3rd February 2011 - Chinese New Year Day

18th February 2011 - Makha Bucha Day *

24th February 2011 - National Artist Day

 

April is the summer holidays for schools. These are generally from mid-March to early May. There will be a lot of families traveling during this period. During the Songkran period, 13-14 April, you should book your travel in advance and also think about booking hotels too in some locations.

 

13 March 2011 - National Elephant Day

6th April 2011 - Chakri Memorial Day *

13-15 April 2011 - Songkran *

1st May 2011 - National Labor Day

2nd May 2011 - Substitution Day for National Labor Day * ***

5th May 2011 - Coronation Day *

 

Most schools will go back after the long summer holiday towards the start of May. This is the beginning of the Thai school year.

 

13th May 2011 - Royal Ploughing Ceremony **

16th May - Extra holiday approved by the Cabinet to make a 4 (5) day long weekend * **

17th May 2011 - Visakha Bucha Day * (long weekend)

26th June 2011 - Sunthon Phu Day

15th July 2011 - Asarnha Bucha Day * (long weekend)

16th July 2011 - Start of Buddhist Rains Retreat

29th July 2011 - Thai Language Day

12th August 2011 - Queen's Birthday and Mother's Day * (long weekend)

12th September 2011 - Chinese Mooncake Festival

 

October marks the end of the Rains Retreat and there are many festivals like temple fairs, boat racing, buffalo racing etc. Schools are also on holiday this month for about 3 weeks and usually go back first week in November.

 

12th October 2011 - The end of the three month Buddhist Rains Retreat

13th October 2010 - Tak Bat Thewo

23rd October 2011 - Chulalongkorn Memorial Day (long weekend)

24th October 2011 - Substitution Day for Chulalongkorn Day * (long weekend)

 

After the October holidays, Thai school usually go back in early November for the start of their second semester.

 

10th November 2011 - Loy Krathong

27th November 2011 - Monkey Party in Lopburi

5th December 2011 - King's Birthday and Father's Day * (long weekend)

10th December 2011 - Constitution Day

12th December 2011 - Substitution Day for Constitution Day * (long weekend)

31st December 2011 - New Year's Day *

 

* These are public holidays - if it is a long weekend then it is advisable to book hotels and transport in advance.

** The Royal Ploughing Ceremony is a holiday for government workers only

*** This holiday is not applied to government agencies

[noodles]

* The religious festivals are determined by the Buddhist lunar calendar and therefore are difficult to predict. The dates provided here are estimates.

 

A small correction... because Visakha Bucha on May 9th falls on a Saturday, the actual public holiday is this Friday, May 8th.

 

This is the biggest Buddha holiday on the calender so all govt departments will be closed and some bars MAY also be closed.

[hoksipkau]

Does anybody know if bars will be closed July 7 and 8,,,,,,,,another Buddhist holiday,,

[olivier-pattaya]

it will help me prepare for my next trip ....

[MuDa]

One for your bookmarks perhaps.

 

Here is a list of the Thai Public holidays for 2009 and 2010.

 

As you can see we hit a spate of them in early May. Before anyone asks I do NOT know if bars are open/closed on certain days as that usually doesn't get decided until closer to the days themselves.

 

2009

1 Jan New Year's Day.

9 Feb Magha Bucha Day.

6 Apr Chakri Day.

13-15 Apr Songkran (Thai New Year).

1 May Labour Day.

5 May Coronation Day.

9 May Visakha Bucha.

1 July Mid Year Bank Holiday.

8 July Khao Phansa Day (Buddhist Lent).

12 Aug HM The Queen's Birthday.

23 Oct Chulalongkorn Day.

5 Dec HM The King's Birthday.

10 Dec Constitution Day.

31 Dec New Year's Eve.

 

2010

1 Jan New Year's Day.

Feb* Magha Bucha Day.

6 Apr Chakri Day.

13-15 Apr Songkran (Thai New Year).

28 Apr Visakha Bucha.

1 May Labour Day.

5 May Coronation Day.

1 Jul Mid Year Bank Holiday.

Jul* Khao Phansa Day (Buddhist Lent).

12 Aug HM The Queen's Birthday.

23 Oct Chulalongkorn Day.

5 Dec HM The King's Birthday.

10 Dec Constitution Day.

31 Dec New Year's Eve.

 

Courtesy of www.worldtravelguide.net

 

 

Note

* The religious festivals are determined by the Buddhist lunar calendar and therefore are difficult to predict. The dates provided here are estimates.

ty

[Motorbike-station]

You forgot 1st November : Loy Kratong Day

[Hywel]

Those dates are very useful as I am a new business owner in Pattaya!

But how do you find out if bars etc are open (able to sell alcohol) or not. I asked city hall and they said ask police, which I did and they say ask City hall! Is there a way of finding out for 100% or is it best on such big Buddha days etc you just close?

Thank you any help would really be appreciated!

[Fondles]

Those dates are very useful as I am a new business owner in Pattaya!

But how do you find out if bars etc are open (able to sell alcohol) or not. I asked city hall and they said ask police, which I did and they say ask City hall! Is there a way of finding out for 100% or is it best on such big Buddha days etc you just close?

Thank you any help would really be appreciated!

 

Generally the days your required to be closed/not serve alcomohol the police will notify you a day or 2 prior, sometimes its the night before.

[jerry]

And sometimes they do not and just come around to present you a ticket , but hey this is Thailand .

[tripcart]

Thank you for sharing it helps me

[tammywilson]

Well this is really best to know about these dates so that, if I am moving there then I will not find any problem to know about the holidays and accordingly I will manage to be there.

 

Thanks

[devee8]

One for your bookmarks perhaps.

 

Here is a list of the Thai Public holidays for 2009 and 2010.

 

As you can see we hit a spate of them in early May. Before anyone asks I do NOT know if bars are open/closed on certain days as that usually doesn't get decided until closer to the days themselves.

 

2009

1 Jan New Year's Day.

9 Feb Magha Bucha Day.

6 Apr Chakri Day.

13-15 Apr Songkran (Thai New Year).

1 May Labour Day.

5 May Coronation Day.

9 May Visakha Bucha.

1 July Mid Year Bank Holiday.

8 July Khao Phansa Day (Buddhist Lent).

12 Aug HM The Queen's Birthday.

23 Oct Chulalongkorn Day.

5 Dec HM The King's Birthday.

10 Dec Constitution Day.

31 Dec New Year's Eve.

 

2010

1 Jan New Year's Day.

Feb* Magha Bucha Day.

6 Apr Chakri Day.

13-15 Apr Songkran (Thai New Year).

28 Apr Visakha Bucha.

1 May Labour Day.

5 May Coronation Day.

1 Jul Mid Year Bank Holiday.

Jul* Khao Phansa Day (Buddhist Lent).

12 Aug HM The Queen's Birthday.

23 Oct Chulalongkorn Day.

5 Dec HM The King's Birthday.

10 Dec Constitution Day.

31 Dec New Year's Eve.

 

Courtesy of www.worldtravelguide.net

 

 

Note

* The religious festivals are determined by the Buddhist lunar calendar and therefore are difficult to predict. The dates provided here are estimates.

So is everything closed on 12th Aug HM Queens B'Day ?

[swagman]

One thing's for sure you'll allways find a bar open no matter what's going on. When there was all that shooting going on in Bangkok in 92' I think.

My mates & i used to drink klosters beer out of large mugs next to a kettle put on the bar,(opposite the Flipper lodge soi 8)the police rode past slowly & took no notice! They weren't daft of course, but rules are meant to be bent as you know...

[juthathip]

Have an app on android market for this ehehe

[markholden1969]

What about 2011

[maZey]

Thanks this came in handy. I like coming on the holidays and finding a hot girl to celebrate. Thanks again bud

-Mazey

[OleKingCole]

Just to update

2011 Dates

 

Thailand Public Holidays & Festivals 2011 Calendar

 

Below is the list of Thai national/public holidays as well as some of Thailand’s most important festivals. If you are planning to go Thailand, do take note of the festivals date.

As Thailand is very much a Buddhist country, many of the important holidays are based on Buddhist lunar calendar. Thus, according to International calendar, the holidays dates change from year to year.

Now, please note the Thai holiday dates below are estimates only. We do not and can not guarantee its accuracy.

 

New Year’s Day

The beginning of the western New Year is a national holiday in Thailand, one of three “new year” holidays celebrated every year.

Saturday, 1 January 2011

Monday, 3 January 2011 (Substitution)

 

Chinese Lunar New Year

The beginning of the Chinese lunar year is celebrated in the Chinatowns of every city throughout Thailand. Some businesses close for the day, but it is not a national holiday.

Thursday, 3 February 2011

 

Makha Bucha

Makha Bucha celebrates the Buddha’s first sermon in to his disciples.

Friday, 18 February 2011

 

Chakri Day

Chakri Day commemorates the founding of the current dynasty by its first king, Rama I.

Wednesday, 6 April 2011

 

Songkran

Songkran is the traditional Thai New Year, a very popular 3-days holiday, generally celebrated as a water festival. Be prepared to get wet all over as revelers abound, ready to soak you as a form of celebrating this season!

Wednesday, 13 April 2011

Thursday, 14 April 2011

Friday, 15 April 2011

 

Thailand Labor Day

International Labor Day is also celebrated as a national holiday, even though there isn’t much ado about it. Some businesses may be closed.

Sunday, 1 May 2011

Monday, 2 May 2011 (substitution)

 

Coronation Day

Celebrates the day when the current king Rama IX was crowned in 1949.

Thursday, 5 May 2011

 

Royal Ploughing Ceremony

An ancient royal rite held in Thailand to mark the traditional beginning of the rice-growing season

Tuesday, 10 May 2011

 

Visakha Bucha / Vesak Day

The holiest Buddhist holiday celebrates the birth, enlightenment and entry into nirvana of the Buddha.

Thailand Visakha Bucha 2011

Tuesday, 17 May 2011

 

Asahna Puja Day

Commemorates the Buddha’s first sermon in the Deer Park in Benares and the founding of the Buddhist sangha.

Friday, 15 July 2011

 

Buddhist Lent Day (Wan Khao Phansa)

This day marks the beginning of the Buddhist ‘lent’ period, a time when monks are supposed to retreat to their temples while new life springs forth.

Saturday, 16 July 2011

 

H.M. The Queen’s Birthday

Her Majesty the Queen’s birthday is a national holiday, also celebrated as Thailand’s Mothers’ Day as well.

Friday, 12 August 2011

 

Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival

Mooncake promotions herald this Chinese festival, during which Chinatown fills with stalls.

Monday, 12 September 2011

 

End of Buddhist Lent Day (Wan Awk Phansa)

This day marks the end of the Buddhist ‘lent’ period or the Rains Retreat.

Wednesday, 12 October 2011

 

Thod Kathin

Presentation of Monk’s Robes after Rains Retreat.

Thursday, 13 October 2011

 

Chulalongkorn Memorial Day

Celebration of the death anniversary of Thailand’s one of the most revered kings, Rama V.

Sunday, 23 October 2011

Monday, 24 October 2011 (Substitute)

 

Loy Kratong

While it is not marked a national holiday, it is a major celebration in the evening when Thais pay respect to the goddess of the waters by floating candlelit offerings on any and all waterways around the kingdom.

Thursday, 10 November 2011

 

H.M. The King’s Birthday

His Majesty the King’s birthday is a national holiday celebrated throughout the country and is also the country’s Fathers Day

Monday, 5 December 2011

 

Thai Constitution Day

Celebrates the date in 1932 when the country was granted its first constitution.

Saturday, 10 December 2011

Monday, 12 December 2011

 

New Years’ Eve

The day before the Western New Year day is always marked a national holiday.

Saturday, 31 December 2011

Monday, 2 January 2012 (Substitution)

 

New Years’ Day 2012

Sunday, 1 January 2012

Tuesday, 3 January 2012 (Substitution)

 

(Information from http://sgholiday.com/2010/05/thailand-public-holidays-festivals-2011-calendar/)

[soi 69]

Thanks for the update OleKingCole..I'll be in town for Chakri day and Songkran

[foz]

You can still have a lot of fun in sin city on a close down day

[i_love_3somes]

Just to update

2011 Dates

 

Thailand Public Holidays & Festivals 2011 Calendar

 

 

 

Chulalongkorn Memorial Day

Celebration of the death anniversary of Thailand’s one of the most revered kings, Rama V.

Sunday, 23 October 2011

Monday, 24 October 2011 (Substitute)

 

L

(Information from http://sgholiday.com/2010/05/thailand-public-holidays-festivals-2011-calendar/)

 

is this days DRY DAYS / NO ALCOHOL SERVED?? or will bars be open?

[ipweb]

With a gmail account you can add thailand public holidays on your diary online.

[pattaya shipping]

Does thailand stop drinking alcohol on public holidays?

[Rainbow91]

I'm arriving in LOS late at night on Fri 9 December and spending the weekend in BKK. My first full day will be Dec 10 which is Constitution Day and I had planned to on travel down to Pattaya on Mon 12th which is the observation day. Can anybody tell me whether beer bars, go go clubs etc will be open on these days both in BKK and Pattaya and is it wise to travel to Pattaya on the 12th? Alternatively, is there another plan of attack that is better? Your advice for a first timer would be greatfully received.

[maimow]

 

27th November 2011 - Monkey Party in Lopburi

 

 

Thanks for all the info but this date is interesting for me. I arrive in LoS 23rd November 2011 and have been invited for a stay in the village in Lopburi so can anyone add any info on the Monkey Party please?

 

Thanks in advance.

[maimow]

 

10th December 2011 - Constitution Day

12th December 2011 - Substitution Day for Constitution Day * (long weekend)

 

* These are public holidays - if it is a long weekend then it is advisable to book hotels and transport in advance.

 

 

Also another query that I'd appreciate any advise on 10/12th December is there any likelyhood of dry days? ..as I leave LoS on the 14th

 

Thanks again for the effort to post all the info.