THAILAND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 2026
Below is the standard public holidays as well as celebrated/observed days (that may not fall on a national holiday) in Thailand. Some of the holidays follows the lunar calendar, which varies from one year to the other.
There is a separate listing for Buddhist Observation Dates (Wan Phra) here.
For public holidays in Thailand for year 2025, visit this page.
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Update: 2nd January 2026 has been confirmed as a public holiday to stretch over to a long weekend. Hence, public holiday would be from 31 December 2025 (Wednesday)- 2 January 2026 (Friday).
JANUARY 2026 (มกราคม 2569)
New Year’s Day (1 & 2 January 2026)
New Year’s day is a public holiday in Thailand so government offices are closed. Do note however that while New Year’s Day is a public holiday, Christmas, Chinese New Year, Hari Raya and Deepavali are NOT public holidays.
March 2026 (3 มีนาคม 2569)
Magha Puja Day (Tuesday, 3 March 2026)
A public holiday commemorating the gathering of Lord Buddha’s disciples that culminates with a candelit walk around the main hall of every temple in the country. The date varies each year based on the full moon day of the Buddhist calendar.
APRIL 2025 (เมษายน 2569)
Chakri Memorial Day (6 April each year)
Commemorating the founder of the Chakri Dynasty, King Rama I. It is the same calendar day each year.
Songkran Festival (Monday 13 April 2026- Wednesday 15 April 2026)
Thai New Year. Water is splashed on everyone in a ‘gesture of good luck’ for the new year. In some places, colourful water based paints are also splashed- so don’t go out dressed in your expensive clothes.
MAY 2026 (พฤษภาคม 2569)
Labor Day (1 May each year)
It is a holiday for some organizations but some places like hospitals work as normal on that day. On May 1, we have someone with a hospital appointment and while the hospital operated as normal, there was a large pharmacy that closed to give their workers a day off. Hence if you intend to get official business done, always call ahead to check if it would be open that day.
Coronation Day (4 May each year)
It is the anniversary of the official coronation day of the Thai King.
Royal Ploughing Ceremony Day (11 May 2026)
Held when the rice growing season begins
Visakha Puja Day/ Vesak Day/ Wesak Day (Sunday 31 May 2026)
Commemorating the birth, enlightenment and passing away of Lord Buddha. The date varies each year based on the Buddhist calendar. Monday. 1 June 2026 is a replacement day off.
JUNE 2026 (มิถุนายน 2569)
Her Majesty Queen Suthida’s Birthday (3 June each year)
JULY 2026 (กรกฎาคม 2569)
Asalha Puja Day (Wednesday, 29 July 2026)
The day the Buddha delivered the first sermon. The date varies each year based on the Buddhist calendar.
Khao Phansa/ Buddhist Lent (Thursday, 30 July 2026)
Celebrate the beginning of Buddhist lent, or the rains retreat.
His Majesty King Vajiralongkorn’s Birthday (28 July each year)
AUGUST 2026 (สิงหาคม 2569)
H.M Queen’s birthday/ Mother’s Day (12 August each year)
Celebrating the birthday of Queen Sirikit of Thailand also known as Mother’s Day.
OCTOBER 2026 (ตุลาคม 2569)
His Majesty The Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej Memorial Day (13 October each year)
The day of the passing of King Bhumibol, Thailand’s beloved king.
Chulalongkorn Memorial Day (23 October each year)
Commemorate the passing away of King Chulalongkorn (King Rama V)
DECEMBER 2026 (ธันวาคม 2569)
King Bhumibol’s birthday (Father’s Day) (5 December each year)
The birthday of the late King Bhumibol which is also known as Father’s Day.
Constitution Day (10 December each year)
To celebrate the day of Thailand’s democratic constitution
New Year’s Eve (31 December each year)
NON PUBLIC HOLIDAYS (but celebrated/observed in some communities):
1.Chinese New Year (17 February 2026)
A week of festivities and fireworks display in the Chinese neighborhood throughout Thailand
2.Cheng Ming (Tomb sweeping day) (4 April 2026)
Chinese community visit the grave of their ancestors (view post from my other blog).
3. Attami Bucha Day (8 June 2026)
Also known as the Buddha’s Cremation Commemorative Day.
4. Chinese Hungry Ghost Festival Day (26 August 2026)
Hungry Ghost Festival will fall on 14th Day of the 7th Lunar month which is on 26 August 2029. Do note that some would perform the rituals on the 15th day which is 27 August 2026
5. Mooncake Festival (25 September 2026)
Celebrated mainly by the Chinese Thai community.
6. Thai Ghost Festival
7. Vegetarian Festival
During this time, vegetarian food is available as some would be observing vegetarian diet. Celebration days varies but based on the 9 Emperor Observation Days, in 2026, it is from 10 Oct 2026 (1st day)- 18 Oct 2026 (9th day).
8. End of Buddhist Lent / Rains Retreat Day (27 October 2026)
After the Buddhist lent has been completed, Kathina ceremony would begin from the next day onwards. The date differs from one temple to another (nearby temples usually arrange on different weekends from each other) but the ceremony would be held within a month after the ends of rains retreat. It is usually held on weekends to enable devotees to go and make offerings of requisities to the monks.
9. Halloween (31 October each year)
10. Loy Krathong (25 November 2026)
It is a celebration of lights, floats and releasing of laterns. Places like Chao Phraya river (Bangkok), Chiang Mai and Sukhothai would come alive with lights, floating laterns and river boat floats.
11. Christmas (25 December each year)
Christmas is not a public holiday. But many retail outlets and shopping complex would have year end sale. There is a strong festive feel during that time, not to mention it is the best time of the year for clearance sales.
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