| Day | Date | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Jan 01,2023 | New Year's Day | National holiday |
| Monday | Jan 02,2023 | Day off for New Year's Day | National holiday |
| Saturday | Jan 14,2023 | National Children's Day | Observance |
| Monday | Jan 16,2023 | Teachers' Day | Observance |
| Sunday | Jan 22,2023 | Lunar New Year's Day | Observance |
| Monday | Jan 23,2023 | Second Day of Lunar New Year | Observance |
| Tuesday | Jan 24,2023 | Third Day of Lunar New Year | Observance |
| Tuesday | Feb 14,2023 | Valentine's Day | Observance |
| Monday | Mar 06,2023 | Makha Bucha | National holiday |
| Thursday | Apr 06,2023 | Chakri Day | National holiday |
| Thursday | Apr 13,2023 | Songkran | National holiday |
| Friday | Apr 14,2023 | Songkran | National holiday |
| Monday | May 01,2023 | Labor Day | Bank holiday |
| Thursday | May 04,2023 | Coronation Day | National holiday |
| Friday | May 05,2023 | Bridge Public Holiday | National holiday |
| Wednesday | May 17,2023 | Royal Ploughing Ceremony Day | Government Holiday |
| Saturday | Jun 03,2023 | Visakha Bucha | National holiday |
| Saturday | Jun 03,2023 | Queen Suthida's Birthday | National holiday |
| Monday | Jun 05,2023 | Day off for Visakha Bucha | National holiday |
| Monday | Jun 05,2023 | Day off for Queen Suthida's Birthday | National holiday |
| Friday | Jul 28,2023 | King Vajiralongkorn's Birthday | National holiday |
| Monday | Jul 31,2023 | Bridge Public Holiday | National holiday |
| Tuesday | Aug 01,2023 | Buddhist Lent Day | National holiday |
| Saturday | Aug 12,2023 | The Queen's Birthday | National holiday |
| Monday | Aug 14,2023 | Day off for The Queen's Birthday | National holiday |
| Friday | Oct 13,2023 | Anniversary of the Death of King Bhumibol | National holiday |
| Monday | Oct 23,2023 | Chulalongkorn Day | National holiday |
| Tuesday | Oct 31,2023 | Halloween | Observance |
| Tuesday | Dec 05,2023 | King Bhumibol's Birthday/Father's Day | National holiday |
| Sunday | Dec 10,2023 | Constitution Day | National holiday |
| Monday | Dec 11,2023 | Substitute Holiday for Constitution Day | National holiday |
| Sunday | Dec 24,2023 | Christmas Eve | Observance |
| Monday | Dec 25,2023 | Christmas Day | Observance |
| Sunday | Dec 31,2023 | New Year's Eve | National holiday |
New Year's Day, known as "Wan Sin," is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm throughout Thailand on January 1st. This holiday marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year and is a time for reflection, setting resolutions, and spending quality time with family and friends. It's not only a fresh start but also a day of festivities, parties, and fireworks, making it a significant cultural event in Thailand. People visit temples to make merit, offer food to monks, and seek blessings for the year ahead.
"Wan Dek" or National Children's Day falls on the second Saturday in January. This holiday is dedicated to celebrating and cherishing the younger generation in Thailand. Families engage in various activities and outings with their children, and schools often organize special events. It's a day to emphasize the importance of education, foster a sense of national pride, and strengthen the bond between parents and children. Children receive gifts and participate in talent shows, reinforcing their role as the future of the country.
On January 16th, Thailand pays tribute to its educators with Teachers' Day, known as "Wan Kru." This holiday is a time to honor teachers' contributions to students' lives and the nation's development. Students offer flowers and incense to their teachers as a sign of respect and gratitude. The ceremony promotes the values of knowledge, wisdom, and gratitude. It is a day to remember the significant role teachers play in shaping the future of Thailand.
Celebrated by the Thai-Chinese community, Lunar New Year, or "Chinese New Year" (Wan Trut Chin), marks the beginning of the lunar calendar. It usually falls in late January or early February. The holiday features vibrant parades, dragon and lion dances, and elaborate feasts. People give red envelopes (ang pao) for good luck and prosperity. It's a cultural celebration that showcases Thailand's rich diversity and the contributions of the Chinese-Thai community.
The second day of the Lunar New Year, also known as "Songkran Day," is a continuation of the festivities. It's a time for family reunions, temple visits, and delicious meals. Many people pay respects to their ancestors by making offerings at home altars. The colorful celebrations and cultural traditions make this holiday a cherished part of Thailand's cultural tapestry.
The third day of the Lunar New Year in Thailand is often dedicated to giving back to the community and performing acts of kindness. It's a time to visit friends and family, offer blessings, and enjoy traditional dishes. Communities come together to strengthen bonds and ensure a prosperous year ahead. The third day is an extension of the joyful Lunar New Year celebrations.
Valentine's Day, celebrated on February 14th, is a global day of love and romance. In Thailand, it's known as "Wan Valentine." Couples exchange gifts, flowers, and heartfelt messages to express their love for each other. It's an opportunity to celebrate and strengthen relationships. While it's not a traditional Thai holiday, it has gained popularity and is widely embraced as a day to celebrate love.
Makha Bucha, observed on the full moon of the third lunar month, typically falls in February or March. It commemorates the day when 1,250 enlightened monks spontaneously gathered to listen to Buddha's teachings. Devotees visit temples, light candles, and participate in candlelit processions to pay homage to Buddha. It's a day of reflection, meditation, and spiritual renewal, highlighting the profound influence of Buddhism in Thailand.
Chakri Day, celebrated on April 6th, marks the founding of the Chakri Dynasty, which has ruled Thailand since 1782. It's a day of national pride and reflection on the nation's history and monarchy. The celebrations include religious ceremonies, parades, and cultural performances. The holiday underscores Thailand's deep respect for its royal heritage and the importance of preserving its traditions.
Songkran, also known as the Thai New Year, is celebrated from April 13th to 15th with water festivals and religious rituals. It's a time to cleanse and purify the spirit by splashing water on each other, symbolizing the washing away of sins and bad luck. Families come together to pay respects to their elders and visit temples. The holiday represents the renewal of life and is a vibrant and joyful cultural celebration in Thailand.
Songkran, also known as the Thai New Year, is celebrated from April 13th to 15th with water festivals and religious rituals. It's a time to cleanse and purify the spirit by splashing water on each other, symbolizing the washing away of sins and bad luck. Families come together to pay respects to their elders and visit temples. The holiday represents the renewal of life and is a vibrant and joyful cultural celebration in Thailand.
Labor Day, observed on May 1st, is a global holiday dedicated to honoring the contributions of workers. In Thailand, it's a day to acknowledge the workforce's role in the nation's development and prosperity. Workers participate in parades, demonstrations, and various events advocating for workers' rights and fair labor practices. It's a day to promote social justice and workers' welfare.
Coronation Day, celebrated on May 4th, marks the anniversary of the coronation of the Thai monarch. It's a day of deep respect and admiration for the reigning king. The festivities include ceremonies, processions, and the lighting of candles to honor the king's contributions to the country. The holiday underscores the strong connection between the Thai people and their monarchy.
This holiday is typically a bridge day that connects a weekend to a public holiday, giving people an extended break to relax or travel. It doesn't have a specific cultural significance but offers an opportunity for leisure and family time. It's a chance for Thai people to enjoy a short getaway or spend quality time with loved ones.
The Royal Ploughing Ceremony Day, or "Wan Phuet Mongkhon," is an ancient Brahmin ceremony held in May. It marks the beginning of the rice planting season. The ceremony involves royal oxen plowing a field, and the types of crops they eat are believed to predict the year's harvest. It's a cultural event that emphasizes the importance of agriculture in Thailand's history and economy.
Visakha Bucha, celebrated on the full moon of the sixth lunar month, typically in May, commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha. Devotees visit temples, light candles, and participate in ceremonies to honor Buddha's teachings and the path to enlightenment. It's a day of reflection, meditation, and spiritual growth, highlighting Buddhism's significance in Thai culture.
Queen Suthida's Birthday, celebrated on June 3rd, is a day to honor the queen consort's contributions and dedication to the Thai people. It's marked by ceremonies, processions, and acts of charity. Thai citizens express their respect and gratitude to Queen Suthida, emphasizing the importance of the monarchy in Thai society.
King Vajiralongkorn's Birthday, celebrated on July 28th, is a significant occasion to honor the reigning king. The day features various ceremonies, parades, and displays of loyalty to the monarch. It's an expression of deep respect and admiration for King Vajiralongkorn and his role as the head of state. It underscores the enduring bond between the Thai people and their king.
Similar to the previous bridge holiday, this day offers people a brief respite, allowing them to extend their weekend or take a short break. It's an opportunity for relaxation, travel, or spending quality time with family and friends. Although it doesn't have a specific cultural significance, it's a valued time for leisure.
Buddhist Lent Day, or "Khao Phansa," falls on the first day of the rainy season, usually in July. It marks the beginning of a three-month period when monks traditionally stay in their temples for intensive meditation and religious studies. Devotees offer candles, incense, and food to support the monks during this period. It's a time of spiritual reflection and devotion to Buddhism.
The Queen's Birthday, celebrated on August 12th, honors Queen Sirikit's contributions to Thailand. The day is marked by ceremonies, cultural performances, and acts of charity. Thai citizens express their respect and gratitude to the queen, emphasizing the role of the monarchy in Thai society and its cultural importance.
This day serves as an additional holiday in honor of the queen's birthday. It provides people with an extended break to celebrate and participate in various festivities dedicated to Queen Sirikit. It reinforces the significance of the monarchy in Thai culture and society.
October 13th marks the anniversary of the passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Thailand's revered monarch. The day is a time of mourning and remembrance, with many people wearing black as a sign of respect. Ceremonies and events pay tribute to the late king's enduring legacy and the deep bond between him and the Thai people.
Chulalongkorn Day, celebrated on October 23rd, commemorates the death of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). He is remembered for his modernization efforts and reforms that transformed Thailand into a modern nation. The day features ceremonies, wreath-laying, and exhibitions to honor King Chulalongkorn's contributions to the country's development.
Halloween, although not a traditional Thai holiday, has gained popularity among young Thais. It's celebrated on October 31st with costume parties, decorations, and spooky-themed events. While it doesn't have deep cultural significance, it reflects the influence of global pop culture on Thai youth and offers a fun way to enjoy the holiday season.
December 5th is celebrated as both King Bhumibol's Birthday and Father's Day in Thailand. It's a day to commemorate the late king's birth and to honor fathers. People express their love and gratitude by offering gifts and spending quality time with their dads. It's a heartfelt occasion that highlights the king's enduring legacy and the importance of family in Thai culture.
Constitution Day, celebrated on December 10th, commemorates the adoption of Thailand's first constitution in 1932. The day serves as a reminder of the nation's commitment to democracy and the rule of law. It features ceremonies, parades, and educational events to promote civic awareness and the importance of the constitution in shaping Thailand's governance.
This holiday is a substitute day off for Constitution Day, allowing people to enjoy an extended weekend or take a short break. While it doesn't have specific cultural significance, it provides an opportunity for leisure and relaxation, allowing Thai citizens to recharge and spend time with loved ones.
Christmas Eve, celebrated on December 24th, is a festive time for Thai Christians and an opportunity for others to enjoy the holiday spirit. Many Thais exchange gifts, decorate Christmas trees, and attend midnight Mass. While it's not a traditional Thai holiday, it reflects the multicultural diversity of Thailand and the spirit of goodwill and celebration during the holiday season.
Christmas Day, observed on December 25th, is a time for Christians in Thailand to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. It's marked by religious services, festive gatherings, and the exchange of gifts. Christmas lights and decorations adorn homes and businesses, spreading holiday cheer. It's a day of joy and reflection for the Christian community in Thailand.
New Year's Eve, celebrated on December 31st, is a global occasion to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one. In Thailand, it's a night of festivities, parties, and fireworks. People gather with family and friends to count down to midnight. It's a time for reflection, setting goals, and sharing hopes for the future, making it a universal celebration of hope and renewal.
