The Cabinet on Tuesday approved two new annual public holidays to mark royal events and canceled another.
New public holidays:
Colonel Thaksada Sanghachan, Assistant Secretary of State, said that the government had also decided to withdraw the cabinet resolution of October 9, 1957,
which declared June 5 as coronation day.
According to her, the cabinet resolution comes into force immediately.
Public holidays in Thailand
January 1 – New Year
January 2 New Year
January 3 New Year
January 28th Chinese New Year
February 11th Maha Bucha Day
February 13th Maha Bucha Day
April 6th Chakri Day
April 13 – Songkran Thai New Year
April 14 – Songkran Thai New Year
April 15 – Songkran Thai New Year
April 16 – Songkran Thai New Year
May 01 – Labor Day
May 10 – Visakha Bucha Day Date varies depending on the lunar cycle
July 8 – Asaha Bucha Day
July 10 – Asaha Bucha Day
July 11 – Great Buddhist Lent
July 28 – King's Birthday
August 12 – Mother's Day
August 14 – Queen's Birthday
October 13 – Death Anniversary of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX)
October 23 – Chulalongkorn Day
December 5 is Father's Day. Birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX)
December 11 – Constitution Day
December 31 – New Year's Eve
The Songkran Festival is the traditional Thai New Year and is celebrated from April 13 to April 15.
History of the Songkran Festival
The word Songkran comes from Sanskrit and means the passage of the sun from one zodiac sign to another. This means that there are twelve Songkrans every year, but the significance of this Songkran (sometimes called the main Songkran to distinguish it from the others) is when the Sun enters the sign of Aries. This particular event was also closely associated with the spring equinox.
Celebrating the New Year during the spring equinox was very common in the past. The Songkran festival is similar to the Indian festival of Holi, Chinese Ching Ming and the Christian holiday of Easter. April Fool's Day probably originated as a mockery of those who did not accept the New Year's change from April to January in sixteenth-century France.
The date was originally set by astrological calculations, but is now fixed at April 13th. The festival may be extended if some of the holidays fall on the weekend.
In Thailand, New Year is officially celebrated on January 1, as in almost all other countries. Songkran was the official New Year until 1888, when it was set to a fixed date of 1 April. Only in 1940 this date was moved to January 1.
The most famous aspect of Songkran celebrations is the dousing of water. Indeed, Songkran is known as the Thai Water Festival. The custom stems from the symbolic spring cleansing. Part of the ritual was the purification of Buddha images. Using "blessed" water to cleanse images is seen as a way to pay tribute and gain good fortune.
Dousing yourself with water won't hurt as April is the hottest time of the year in Thailand and is the best way to escape the heat and humidity.
On Songkran, Thais take to the streets and have water fights using buckets of water or water guns, or stand on the side of the road with a hose and spray anyone who passes or drives by.
You may also be smeared with clay, a custom derived from a rite used by monks to signify a blessing.
As mentioned, Songkran is a day of purification, both physically and spiritually. From the physical side, this means that something old and useless must be thrown away, otherwise it will bring misfortune to the owner. On the spiritual side, people make New Year's resolutions.
Asaha Bucha is a national holiday in Thailand. It replaced Buddhist fasting as a holiday in 2007.
The date in the Western calendar depends on the lunar cycle. It is also known as Asalha Puja or Dhamma Day.
This day, the first full moon of the eighth lunar month, commemorates the Buddha's first sermon at Deer Park in Benares, India and the founding of the Buddhist sangha (monasticism) some 2,500 years ago.
In a sermon known as “Setting the Wheel of Dhamma in Motion,” the Buddha first expounded the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path.
The day marks the beginning of Vassa, a period of Buddhist fasting also known as the "Retreat of the Rains."
On this day, ceremonies are held in Buddhist temples throughout Thailand. Many Thais visit their parents' homes to give offerings at the temple and listen to sermons. In the evening, they often perform a ceremony called "wian tian", where they walk clockwise around the main shrine of the temple, carrying candles, incense sticks and lotus flowers.
During the day, the monks recite mantras and preach the Buddha's first sermon.
In Saraburi, local monks walk through the city with their offering bowls. Instead of the usual offerings of food, people place flowers in them instead. The monks then return to the temples and lay flowers in honor of the Buddha.
Asaha Bucha Day is traditionally the day for young Thai men to become monks.
The day after Asah Bucha is known as Khao Phansa or "Buddhist Fast". This marks the beginning of the three-month "Phansa" period, during which all monks are required to remain in their temples rather than travel.
The city of Ubon hosts a candle festival. After the candle parade, the winners of the best candle competition are announced.
The Buddhist Fast is also a public holiday in Thailand, although banks are not closed.
The national holiday in Thailand is held annually on October 23.
If October 23rd falls on a weekend, the holiday will be celebrated on the following Monday.
Memorial Day for King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), who died on October 23, 1910.
He was the fifth monarch of Siam from the House of Chakri and is considered one of the greatest kings of Siam (now Thailand).
He is remembered as a king who introduced many social and political reforms that helped modernize Siam, including the abolition of slavery.
He ascended the throne in 1868 when he was 15 years old and was crowned in 1873. He reigned until his death in 1910. It was known to the Siamese people as Phra Phuttha Chao Luang.
In her youth, Anne Leonoven taught English and Western customs to Rama V. Her memoirs of her time at the royal court of Siam were retold in the book Anne and the King of Siam by Margaret Landon. The book was the basis for the hit Broadway musical and film The King and I.
On this day, government offices and banks (except for shopping centers) are closed.
This national holiday in Thailand is held annually on December 5th.
If December 5th falls on a weekend, the holiday will be celebrated on the following Monday.
This day marks the birthday of the late King of Thailand Bhumibol Adulyadej. It is also Thailand's National Day and is the day that Thailand celebrates Father's Day.
Known as Rama IX, he ruled the Kingdom of Thailand from June 9, 1946 until his death on October 13, 2016, making his reign the longest in Thai history.
Even though his power was limited and he had no legal right to enter into politics, the King took several decisive steps in Thai politics. He also contributed to Thailand's transition to democracy in the 1990s.
The holiday itself is a bright event. Buildings across Thailand display flags and portraits of the late king, and around Bangkok's Grand Palace Square, the streets are lined with thousands of marigolds.
Marigold flowers are chosen for their color, as yellow is the predominant color of celebrations. Since the King was born on Monday and in Thailand the color is yellow for Monday.
This national holiday in Thailand is held annually on December 10th. If December 10th falls on a weekend, the holiday will be celebrated on the following Monday.
This holiday commemorates the day Thailand adopted a constitutional monarchy in 1932.
In the early 1930s, Thailand (then called Siam) was experiencing great economic difficulties from the effects of the Great Depression. The king at that time was Rama VII, who (in the opinion of others) did not have sufficient experience to solve all the issues and problems that arose in the country.
This led a group of intellectuals and high-ranking military officers to form a group called the People's Party, which presented the possibility of the king remaining in power if he accepted a constitutional monarchy.
Under the new constitution, the king and the monarchy remained in place with the king as head of state, head of the armed forces and protector of all religions.
Thailand has had 18 constitutions or charters since 1932, but all were variations of a constitutional monarchy. This consistency in times of great change reflects the respect and admiration that the Thai people have for their monarchy.
How is Constitution Day celebrated?
Pride and respect for the monarchy is a key element of Constitution Day celebrations. On this day, parades and fireworks are held, and images of Thai kings are displayed throughout the country. This is the day when the people of Thailand thank the monarchy for giving them the right to rule their country.
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When discovering a new country, travelers are always interested in what features this country has, when and what national celebrations take place? In the article we will list the main ones.
Buddhist holidays
Thailand is a Buddhist country, and Thais take their religion very seriously, which is why there are several Buddhist holidays. All Buddhist holidays are celebrated according to the lunar calendar, so the exact days will vary from year to year. Below are the dates for 2013:
Royal holidays
Royal holidays include days dedicated to the Chakri dynasty:
April 6 is the day of the Chakri dynasty, on this day in 1782 the first ruler who opened this dynasty was crowned;
May 5 - The living monarch Bhumibol Adulyadej His Majesty King Rama IX was crowned on this day in 1946;
August 12 is a holiday dedicated to the birthday of Her Majesty the living Queen Sirikit, this day in Thailand is called Mother's Day;
October 23 - Chulalongkorn Day, is dedicated to the memory of the great ruler of Thailand, Rama V, a ruler who made an invaluable contribution to the history of the country;
December 5 is the birthday of His Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej, the current reigning monarch, this day is called Father's Day.
Songkran Festival - Thai New Year
Thais also celebrate the end of the year, like many nations, but only for one day, December 31st. But they celebrate their Thai New Year for at least a week. The main days of the celebration fall on April 13, 14 and 15; this is the hottest month of the year, so the main tradition during the celebration is dousing. Yes Yes! For newly arrived tourists, this holiday may remind them of the Russian day of “Ivan Kupala”, because local residents douse themselves with water for several days, and tourists are doused for happiness and good luck!
Labor and the Constitution
December 10 is dedicated to the country's first constitution. It was on this day in 1932 that the first constitution was adopted through military action, rallies and coups.
Buddhist and royal holidays are especially celebrated, so in non-tourist provinces and in the capital there is a law on the sale of alcohol on these days. If you went to buy a bottle of beer at a local store and they didn’t sell it to you, know that this is due to one of the national holidays. In tourist Pattaya, Phuket and other islands, this ban has been lifted.
Welcome to Thailand!
Each country has its own national holidays and festivals that are celebrated only there or there are international holidays that are celebrated with everyone. And Thailand is no exception; its rich culture, religion and long history have brought many significant national dates.
We will tell you about the most famous and popular festivals and holidays in the country, in which you can participate and get a lot of impressions and emotions.
in January
Children’ s Day/Children's Day
Held on the second Saturday of January. A holiday especially for the children of Thailand and its little guests. On this day, children can visit the entertainment and cultural heritage sites of Thailand for half the price of the ticket.
in January - February
Chinese New Year
The date of celebration depends on the full moon. About 15% of Chinese live in Thailand, and the holiday is national, the celebration lasts about 2 weeks, each day has its own meaning. The celebration is quite magnificent and quite comparable to China. And the final event is the Lantern Festival. Each resident tries to decorate their home for this day with red lanterns that illuminate the street.
in February
Makha Puja/Makha Puja
National religious holiday - full moon day. The day when 1250 disciples gathered in one place to listen to Buddha's sermons. Since then, on this day, the monks pray, and local residents treat them. At the end of the evening, temple servants lead everyone around the temples, thereby expressing gratitude to the Buddha for his teachings and instructions.
in February
It takes place annually on the second Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the north of the country in the city of Chiang Mai. Colorful performances, a flower parade with dances and musicians and, of course, the Miss Flowers competition.
in February (end) - March (beginning)
Sak Yant Festival
Sak Yant - sacred patterns, magical tattoos, they are filled by monks or ajans. Yants (tattoos) consist of Buddhist prayers and magical elements in the Pali language. A person with such a tattoo is considered protected, stronger and healthier, etc. The most central place where the festival is held is the Wat Bang Phra temple, 30 km from Bangkok to the West.
in March
National Muay Thai Day
March 17 is National Muay Thai Boxing Day. Fans of this sport flock from all over the world to see massive fights.
in April
in April
Songkran /Thai New Year Songkran
Officially celebrated from April 13 to 15, including in Bangkok, in certain cities and provinces, such as Pattaya, the celebration date is April 18. On this day, local residents douse each other with water pistols, buckets, irrigation hoses and paint each other with white talcum powder. Everyone gets it, both tourists and foreigners living permanently in the country, no one is spared, so it’s better to become a participant in the holiday than to run from the water, you’ll still be wet! Water, symbolizing the essence of all living things, is poured everywhere and, according to popular belief, brings good luck and health. The largest celebrations take place in Bangkok, Chiang May and Pattaya.
in May
In 1950, the current 9th king of the Chakri dynasty, King Bhumibol, was crowned on this day.
in May
Celebrated in the eastern provinces - Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat. They have the largest plantations of tropical fruits. During the celebration, fairs and parades are held, in which carts of stolen flowers and fruits, dance groups, and singers take part.
in July
On this day, Thais organize colorful processions with folk dances, and huge candles with carved patterns are carried to the monasteries. The most vibrant celebrations of this day take place in the province of Ubon Ratchathani.
in August
August 12 is a national holiday. Celebrations take place in Bangkok as well as throughout the country.
in October
In early October, local residents of Phuket and Trang Province of Chinese origin follow a vegetarian diet for 9 days. First day of the festival — parade of vegetarians in white robes. Throughout the days, processions of fans of natural food with statues of gods, as well as traditional magical sacrifice rituals, are repeated.
in October
The end of the rainy season and the beginning of various fairs, during which boat regattas are held. The most famous boat race is held in Nan (790 km north of Bangkok). And also in the cities of Surat Thani, Phichit, Nakhon Phanom and Pakhum Thani.
In November
Loy Krathong (Festival of Lights)
It is held in early November, on the day of the full moon. It is considered one of the most beautiful and romantic holidays in Thailand. In the light of the moon, Thais and non-Thais lower krathongs - small boats made in the shape of a lotus flower or banana leaf, with small candles burning inside them - down rivers, canals and into the sea. Local residents believe that on this night the water spirits will wash away all the sins of the past year. The most vibrant celebrations take place in Sukhothai and Chiang Mai.
In November
Takes place in mid-November. About 100 elephants take part in the festive performance, demonstrating their intelligence, strength and skills by playing football, racing and hunting, and acting out scenes of ancient battles.
In November
Takes place at the end of November in the city of Kanchanaburi. During the celebration, you can see steam locomotive races from the Second World War, historical and archaeological exhibitions, folk cultural performances, fairs, and fireworks.
December
5th of December. National holiday. One of the most colorful holidays. In Bangkok on December 3, at the Royal Plaza, you can see how the elite units of the Royal Guard solemnly take the oath to the King. And on December 5th, celebrations are held throughout Thailand.
This is just a small part of what Thais celebrate. We have selected some of the most popular and interesting ones.
Holidays in Thailand include about two dozen significant and many more local events in the life of the country. Not all of them are weekends. Some are celebrated only in one region or even city (for example, the Pattaya Festival or the Lampang Pineapple Festival).
Since the country is a tourist country, there are also two Western holidays - New Year and Catholic Christmas. True, there are no events on this occasion far from the resorts - local residents go about their own business and do not particularly highlight these days. Thailand has its own New Year, which begins on April 13th.
The country also has centuries-old ties with China, so the Chinese New Year is celebrated here on a grand scale.
In this review we will describe all holidays in Thailand, including those that are not national (Children's Day, Muay Thai Day, Elephant Day). Well, we will start from December 31st.
2. Children's Day. It has been celebrated since 1955, on the second Saturday of January. The country has a very reverent attitude towards children, so it is not surprising that they have their own day. A festive program is organized for them - all entertainment, attractions and concerts are often free. This is a local holiday, many foreigners don’t even know about it.
3. Teacher's Day January 16. Celebrated since 1957. It is not a day off, but in all educational institutions without exception, students give gifts and other signs of respect to their teachers. Holiday programs are also organized in schools and higher educational institutions.
4. Chinese New Year. Since Thailand is home to more than 10% of the Chinese population, and due to the fact that the two countries have close ties for centuries, this holiday is celebrated on a grand scale. It does not have a constant date, since it is tied to the lunar calendar (usually begins in late January-early February). The celebrations last 2 weeks, starting on the new moon and ending on the full moon. Numerous processions are organized on the streets, fairs are held, and theatrical performances with dragons and tigers are held. Religious ceremonies take place in temples, firecrackers explode everywhere (this is how they scare away and drive out spirits). And, of course, it cannot be done without the traditional fireworks.
5. Flower Festival. The Flower Festival takes place in Chiang Mai, the cultural capital of Thailand. Starts on the first Friday of February and lasts 3 days. It is timed to coincide with the flowering of plants, which begins in the country in February. Gardeners and simply flower lovers come to the festival to show and look at these amazing creations of nature. Celebrations are organized everywhere: colorful demonstrations, gardening competitions, shows, fairs, rafting competitions, choosing the most beautiful girl.
6. Buddha Day Makha Bucha. This is a national holiday, so all Thais have a day off on this day. It does not have a specific date, because... celebrated according to the lunar calendar. Usually takes place in late February-early March. Early in the morning, locals go to temples to pray and thank Buddha for his instructions. There are no social events, like on other holidays (fairs, demonstrations, performances, fireworks). Only in all temples in Thailand are religious ceremonies held.
7. Elephant Day. Celebrated in mid-March. This animal is highly revered in the country, since elephants were indispensable assistants in harvesting, logging and during wars. Currently, the labor of these giants is practically not used; they are mainly employed in the tourism business for the entertainment of vacationers. The holiday is very colorful: elephants are beautifully dressed up, parades are held and at the end there is a big treat. Officially this day is not a day off.
8. Muay Thai Day. Celebrated in mid-March, a few days after the Elephant Day celebration. Thai boxing is a national martial art, which is somewhat different from other martial arts - karate, wushu, taekwondo. Its main feature is strikes with elbows and knees. The holiday glorifies both the art itself and the legendary master Nai Kanom Tom. Exhibition fights are organized everywhere.
9. April 6 - Chakri Day. The Chakri are a royal dynasty that has ruled Thailand since 1782 (starting with King Rama I). Monarchs are highly revered in the country, so this day is declared a day off and a national holiday. Many Thais go to lay wreaths in memory of their Emperors.
11. May 5 - Coronation Day of Rama IX. Another national holiday of Thailand. Is a day off. The capital hosts ceremonies, demonstrations and marches of the armed forces. Well, at the end - a magnificent fireworks display, without which not a single celebration is complete. By the way, Rama IX has ruled the kingdom since 1946 and is very revered among the Thais.
12. Festival of the Royal Plowing or Rice Festival. It takes place in early May - during the ripening period of rice. The main ceremony is performed by the King himself at the Sanam Luang Royal Park in Bangkok. Her goal is to ask the Gods for a good harvest this year.
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13. Rocket Festival. It takes place before the start of the rainy season, in mid-May-early June. It is observed mainly in the northeast. Villagers launch numerous rockets into the sky (bamboo is stuffed with gunpowder) so that in return it sends rains, on which high harvests, and therefore the well-being of the rural population, depend. The competition takes place over two days and the one whose rockets rise the highest wins. This is accompanied by general fun, theatrical performances and colorful parades.
14. Pineapple Festival. Takes place in Lampang province in early June. Pineapple is one of the most popular foods among locals. During all three days of the Festival, you will witness continuous singing and dancing in the streets, Miss Pineapple beauty contests, scientific conferences on growing pineapples, and numerous fairs where you can buy and try the largest and juiciest fruits.
15. Visakha Puja. Takes place during the full moon, in late May - early June. The date changes from year to year, since the calculation is carried out according to the lunar calendar. Dedicated to the Birthday and Death of Buddha. Solemn ceremonies and rituals are held in temples, the purpose of which is liberation from the shackles of the material world. On this day, Thais go in the morning to places of worship, where they present gifts to the monks. In the evening, a candle procession begins, when everyone walks around the temple three times, holding a candle, flowers and incense in their hands. This religious holiday is a national holiday and all residents have a day off.
16. Asaha Puja. Takes place on the first day of the full moon - at the end of July - beginning of August. This is the day when Buddha first gave a sermon, where he outlined the foundations of his teachings. Ceremonies, collective prayers and meditations are held in temples. Ordinary residents present all kinds of gifts to the monks. It is a day off for all Thais. The next day begins a Buddhist fast that lasts for several months.
17. August 12th - Queen's Birthday. The wife of the monarch is revered in Thailand no less than the king himself. On this day, her portraits are hung everywhere, the streets are festively decorated, and demonstrations are held. It is also called Happy Mother's Day, when it is customary to give gifts and thank your mothers. It is a national holiday.
18. Holiday boat races. The holiday is celebrated a few days before the end of the Buddhist fast in those provinces where there are rivers and lakes. The name speaks for itself - on this day teams compete with each other on large boats. There is fun and laughter everywhere.
20. Death Day of King Rama V. He ruled Thailand for two years (1869-1911) and carried out many reforms that changed the face of the country: abolished slavery, built post offices, telegraphs, railways, opened many schools and higher educational institutions, established good neighborly relations with many Western powers, including including with Russia. On the day of his death, October 23, many Thais pay tribute to him by laying wreaths at the numerous monuments that exist in all provinces.
21. . Celebrated in November during the full moon, it symbolizes liberation from sins. A very beautiful festival.
22. . Takes place at the end of November. It is a colorful pyrotechnic show accompanied by music. Fireworks are launched from the sea and can be seen from the central part of Pattaya.
23. Bridge on the River Kwai Festival. It takes place in the province of Kanchanaburi and lasts a whole week in late November - early December. There are grandiose shows with sound effects, and the most amazing thing is competitions on ancient steam locomotives.
24. December 5 - King's Birthday (Father's Day). Festive events are held mainly in Bangkok: demonstrations, religious pujas, the king's address to the people. All national channels are broadcasting this live. In Pattaya, celebrations take place on Beach Road from the very morning - a lively atmosphere reigns everywhere, children's groups perform. This day is a day off.
25. December 10 - Constitution Day. Celebrated in honor of the proclamation of the new constitution in 1932.
Holidays in Thailand can be divided into 2 types: holidays related to the individual, and holidays that are associated with society.
Holidays that relate to an individual include holidays associated with birth, death, weddings, building a house, the holiday of accepting monasticism for those who have reached the age of 20, the holiday of conversations with the spirit, the holiday associated with receiving merits according to the age.
Public holidays in Thailand include a holiday associated with the change of the lunar year, the new year Songkran, and a holiday associated with Buddhism: the beginning of a 3-month fast, during which monks must spend the night only in the temple, as well as the beginning of the period when Buddhist monks can go wherever they want, and many others.
European New Year is celebrated on January 1st. The decision to celebrate the European New Year in Thailand was made by the government in 1940. But the most important New Year in Thailand is Songkran, which is celebrated in April.
Chinese New Year is celebrated at the end of January - beginning of February. The holiday is celebrated according to the lunar calendar and always begins on the new moon.
In the last week of February - the beginning of March, Makha Bucha is celebrated - a day of gratitude to the Buddha for his teachings. Buddhist religious holiday. Celebrated on the day of the full moon of the first lunar month. It has been a public holiday in Thailand since 1851.
April 6th is Chakri Dynasty Day, a public holiday commemorating the founding of the ruling royal Chakri dynasty since 1782.
On April 13, Songkran is celebrated - Thai New Year. Songkran is celebrated in Thailand for several days. On this holiday, it is customary to pour water on all passers-by and smear them with talcum powder. Official holidays are 13, 14 and 15 April, but in some places Thai New Year celebration dates and holidays may be the week of 11 to 18 April.
May 5th is the Coronation Day of His Majesty King Rama IX. The current King Bhumibolg Adulyadej or Rama IX was crowned on May 5, 1946.
At the beginning of June, Visakha Bucha is celebrated - a holiday in honor of the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha. This holiday falls on the 15th day of the 6th lunar month according to the lunar calendar.
In July - August, Asaha Puja is celebrated - the founding day of Buddhism. This holiday falls on the first day of the full moon in the eighth month of the lunar calendar. This day is also the first day of Buddhist fasting.
August 12th is the Birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. This holiday is also Mother's Day in Thailand.
October 23 is the Memorial Day of King Rama V (Chulalongkorn). This is the most revered ruler of the past monarchs in Thailand.
December 5th marks the birthday of His Majesty King Rama IX Bhumibol Adunyadej, who was born on December 5th, 1927.
