Listed below are the official public holidays in Thailand for 2016. Government offices and immigration offices throughout Thailand will close on these days. In addition, Thai embassies and consulates outside of Thailand may also be closed on these dates. Where the actual date of the holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, a substitute holiday has been granted on the Monday.
On Buddhist holidays such as Makha Bucha Day, there are restrictions in place on alcohol sales and some bars and clubs may close.January 1 (Friday) – New Year’s Day
February 22 (Monday) – Makha Bucha Day
none
April 6 (Wednesday) – Chakri Day
April 13-15 (Wednesday-Friday) – Songkran Festival
May 1 (Sunday) – Labour Day
May 2 (Monday) – substitution holiday for Labour Day
May 5 (Thursday) – Coronation Day
May 6 (Friday) – extra day holiday
May 20 (Friday) – Visakha Bucha Day
none
July 18 (Monday) – extra day holiday
July 19 (Tuesday) – Asahna Bucha Day
July 20 (Wednesday) – Khao Phansa
August 12 (Friday) – H.M. Queen’s Birthday
none
October 23 (Sunday) – Chulalongkorn Day (Rama V Day)
October 24 (Monday) – substitution holiday for Chulalongkorn Day
none
December 5 (Monday) – H.M. King’s Birthday
December 10 (Saturday) – Constitution Day
December 12 (Monday) – substitution holiday for Constitution Day
There are some festivals in Thailand e.g. Loy Krathong, that are celebrated nationwide but are not public holidays and most stores and offices remain open as normal. Chinese Lunar New Year is observed in a number of areas of Thailand and although it isn’t a public holiday, some businesses (e.g. in Bangkok’s Chinatown area) do close. Similarly, some businesses and government offices in the southern provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala and Satun may also close for Muslim holidays such as Eid al-Fitr (marking the end of Ramadan).
Click here to see dates for Loy Krathong and other festivals and special events in Thailand »
