2011
Thai Holidays
1 May 2011
(Sunday)
Labor Day
International labor day is celebrated as a national holiday,
even though there isn't much ado about it
National Holiday
5 May 2011
(Thursday)
Coronation Day
Celebrates the day in 1949 when the current king was crowned.
National Holiday
2 May 2011
(Monday)
Labor Day (Substitution)
Some businesses may be closed.
18 May 2011
(Wednesday)
Visakha Bucha
The holiest Buddhist holiday celebrates the birth, enlightenment
and entry into nirvana of the Buddha.
National Holiday
15 July 2011
(Friday)
Buddhist Lent
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.
National Holiday
12 August 2011
(Friday)
Queen's Birthday
Her Majesty the Queen's birthday is a national holiday,
also serving as the country's Mothers Day as well.
National Holiday
October 12, 2011: Pavarana and End of Vassa (Theravada)
This day marks the end of the Vassa retreat. Vassa,
or "Rain Retreat," sometimes called the Buddhist "Lent,"
is a three-month period of intensive meditation and practice.
The retreat is a tradition that began with the first Buddhist monks,
who would spend the Indian monsoon season secluded together.
23 October 2011
(Sunday)
Chulalongkorn Day
Celebrates the life of one of Thailand's most revered kings
on the anniversary of his death.
National Holiday
24 October 2011
(Monday)
Chulalongkorn Day (Substitution)
Some businesses may be closed.
10 November 2011
(Thursday)
Loy Kratong
Not a national holiday, but an evening when
Thais pay respect to the goddess
of the waters by floating candlelit offerings on any
and all waterways around the kingdom.
5 December 2011
(Monday)
King's Birthday
His Majesty the King's birthday is celebrated throughout the country
and also serves as the nation's Fathers Day.
National Holiday
10 December 2011
(Saturday)
Constitution Day
December 10th celebrates the date in 1932 when the country
was granted its first constitution.
National Holiday
12 December 2011
(Monday)
Constitution Day (Substitution)
Some businesses may be closed.
31 December 2011
(Saturday)
New Years Eve
The day before the western new year day
is always a national holiday.
National Holiday
7 February 2012
(Tuesday)
Makha Bucha
Makha Bucha celebrates the Buddha's first sermon
in to his disciples.
National Holiday
21 February 2012
(Tuesday)
Chinese 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.
6 April 2012
(Friday)
Chakri Day
Chakri Day commeorates the founding of the current dynasty, Rama I.
National Holiday
13 April 2012
(Friday)
Songkran
Songkran is the traditional Thai new year, generally celebrated as a water festival.
National Holiday
14 April 2012
(Saturday)
Songkran
Second day of this three-day holiday.
National Holiday
15 April 2012
(Sunday)
Songkran
Third of the three days of Songkran.
National Holiday
16 April 2012
(Monday)
Songkran (Substitution)
Some businesses may be closed.
19 May 2012
(Saturday)
Royal Plouging Ceremony
A government holiday only, this ceremony revives an ancient blessing
of the plants and ceremonial start to the new growing season.
The action takes place on Bangkok's Sanam Luang in front
of the Grand Palace.
