Thailand Public Holidays 2026: Calendar, Traditions & Events

Complete guide to Thailand’s 2026 public holidays, including dates for Songkran, Loy Krathong, and New Year. Practical travel tips for global visitors to experience Thai culture.

2026 Thailand Public Holiday Calendar at a Glance

Thailand has 21 official public holidays in 2026, including the newly added special holiday on January 2 to extend the New Year break. Thailand will have approximately 18 days of public holidays in 2026. Thailand’s public holidays blend Buddhist traditions, royal commemorations, and folk culture. 2026 brings a key adjustment: the New Year holiday is extended to a 5-day break to boost tourism, with additional special holidays and no "make-up work" requirements—if a holiday falls on a weekend, the next weekday is a day off.

Additionally, some public holidays are designated as dry days. Please note that on this day, alcohol sales are restricted nationwide in Thailand.

▼Thailand’s 2026 National Holiday Calendar▼

Lists of Thailand Public Holidays

Thailand Public Holidays 2026: Culture, Celebrations and Traditions

A hallmark of Thailand’s public holidays is that many center on Buddhist observances and royal commemorations.
There are also days that are holidays for private companies, and days when only government offices are closed.

January 1 (Thu): New Year's Day (New Year's Day)

It’s a holiday that celebrates the start of the New Year. In Thailand, people spend the day with family and friends, wishing for happiness in the year ahead.
Many commercial facilities and public institutions take a holiday, and major cities like Bangkok host spectacular countdown events.
Please note that January 2 (Friday) is also a special holiday.

March 3 (Tue): Makha Bucha (Makha Bucha) Alcohol-free day

It’s an important Buddhist holiday, also known as “Manbutsusetsu.”
It commemorates the miracle of the Buddha teaching 1,250 disciples more than 2,500 years ago.

On this day, it’s a dry day, and the sale and service of alcohol are prohibited nationwide.
Temples host a candlelit procession known as "Wian Thian."

April 6 (Mon): Chakri Memorial Day (Chakri Memorial Day)

It’s a day that commemorates the founding of the Chakri Dynasty, which rules Thailand today, and the accession of the first monarch, King Rama I.
It’s a day to honor the king and the royal family, and government offices and banks, among others, are closed.

The people honor the royal family’s achievements, with festivities held throughout the country.

April 13 (Mon) – April 15 (Wed): Songkran (Songkran Festival)

It is Thailand’s biggest festival celebrating the traditional New Year and is world-famous as the "water-splashing festival."
It’s meant to ward off misfortune and purify the New Year.

During this period, water-splashing celebrations take place nationwide, and transportation and tourist attractions become extremely crowded. Plan ahead and enjoy the festival

May 1 (Friday): Labor Day (National Labor Day)

It's "National Workers' Day." This public holiday respects workers' rights and celebrates their achievements.

Only private companies will be closed, so government offices and banks will be open as usual.
Department stores and tourist attractions are usually open, but some individual shops may be closed.

May 4 (Mon): King’s Coronation Day (Coronation Day of King Vajiralongkorn)

This day commemorates the coronation of the current king, Rama X (King Vajiralongkorn).
The coronation took place in 2019 and became a public holiday that symbolizes the dawn of a new era for Thailand.
Citizens show their loyalty to the king, and royal family-related ceremonies are held throughout the country.

May 31 (Sun): Visakha Bucha (Visakha Bucha Day) ※Alcohol-free day

It is the most sacred holiday in Buddhism, commemorating the three pivotal events in the Buddha’s life—his birth, enlightenment, and passing into nirvana (nirvana).
On this day, it’s a dry day, and the sale and service of alcohol are prohibited.
At temples, you can witness candlelit processions, much like during Makha Bucha.

Please note that the following day, Monday, June 1, is also a substitute holiday.

June 3 (Wed): Queen Suthida's Birthday (Queen Suthida's Birthday)

This is a public holiday celebrating the birthday of the current Queen Suthida.
As a day to honor the Queen Consort, celebratory events and charitable activities are held across the country.

While public agencies and banks take the day off, most commercial facilities stay open as usual.

Tuesday, July 28: His Majesty King Rama X's Birthday (His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn's Birthday)

A public holiday celebrating the birthday of the current King Rama X.
Across the country, ceremonies are held to wish the king good health and a long life, demonstrating loyalty to the royal family.

Many public institutions and banks will be closed.

Wednesday, July 29: Asalha Puja (Asalha Bucha) – Dry day (no alcohol sales)

This important Buddhist holiday commemorates the Buddha’s first sermon and the establishment of the Three Jewels—Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.

On this day, it’s a dry day, and the sale and service of alcohol are suspended.
At the temple, offerings for the monks and Dharma talks are held, and many people come to pay their respects.

July 30 (Thu): Start of Buddhist Lent (Khao Phansa) *Alcohol-free day

Held the day after the Three Jewels Festival, this day marks the start of the Rains Retreat (uango).
Monks are entering a three-month period of seclusion in their temples, dedicating themselves fully to their training.

This day is another dry day, and only government offices will be closed.
Most regular commercial establishments are typically open as usual.

August 12 (Wed): Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother’s Birthday / Mother’s Day (Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen

Queen Dowager Sirikit’s birthday, queen consort to the late King Bhumibol and mother of the king.

At the same time, it's also Thailand's Mother’s Day.
Across the country, celebratory events wishing the Queen Mother good health and gatherings to express gratitude to mothers are held.

Note: Due to their passing on October 24, 2025, whether it will be a public holiday in 2026 remains undecided.

October 13 (Tue): Rama IX Memorial Day (Commemoration Day of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great)

It’s a day of remembrance honoring the late King Bhumibol (Rama IX), marking the anniversary of his passing in 2016.

It’s a profoundly important day for the people, with memorial ceremonies and charitable activities held across the country.
In remembrance of the king’s immense contributions, many people quietly offer prayers.

October 23 (Fri): Chulalongkorn Memorial Day (Chulalongkorn Memorial Day)

This day commemorates the death anniversary of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), who greatly contributed to Thailand’s modernization.
They pushed ahead with numerous reforms, including abolishing slavery and expanding the railway network.
Citizens honor the king’s achievements, laying flowers at monuments across the country.

Saturday, December 5: King Rama IX’s Birthday / Father’s Day (King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s Birthday Anniversary)

It’s the birthday of former King Bhumibol, and it’s also Thailand’s Father’s Day.

On this day, it’s customary to wear yellow clothing to show respect for the king.
Across the country, celebratory events and events expressing gratitude to fathers will be held.

December 7 (Mon): Observed holiday for the birthday of the late King Rama IX and Father's Day

As King Rama IX’s Birthday falls on a Saturday, the following Monday will be observed as a substitute holiday.
As a result, many people enjoy a three-day weekend, opening up more opportunities to spend time with family or head out on domestic trips.

Thursday, December 10: Constitution Day (Constitution Day)

It’s a day that commemorates the introduction of the constitutional monarchy in 1932.

An important holiday that symbolizes Thailand’s democracy and the rule of law, with celebrations held nationwide to honor the spirit of the constitution.
Government offices and banks will be closed.

December 31 (Thu): Ōmisoka (New Year's Eve)

It's the day that brings the year to a close, when many people prepare to welcome the New Year.

In major cities including Bangkok, spectacular countdown events and fireworks displays are held, drawing large crowds.
Public transportation is expected to be crowded throughout the day.

Top 3 Can't-miss Events in Thailand in 2026

1. Songkran in Bangkok

Songkran, Thailand’s traditional New Year celebration, is a famous, high-energy festival held nationwide from April 13 to 15.
Among them, Songkran in Bangkok, the capital, is renowned as a major festival that draws travelers from around the globe.

It originally evolved from the “mizukake” custom of purifying Buddhist statues and showing respect by splashing water over the hands of elders.
In Bangkok, Silom Road and Khao San Road come alive as people of all ages joyfully splash water at one another to the beat of the music.

During this period, public transportation becomes extremely crowded.
However, the true appeal of Songkran is the chance to experience an electrifying energy and a sense of unity that more than surpasses it.

Seize this opportunity to experience Thailand’s vibrant culture in Bangkok.

2. Chiang Mai Loy Krathong

Held each year around November in the ancient northern Thai city of Chiang Mai, the Loi Krathong Festival enchants people from all over the world with its magical, dreamlike beauty.
Especially in Chiang Mai, both the water-floating lanterns “krathong” and the khom loi (hot-air sky lanterns) released into the sky are celebrated on a grand scale.

At Kom Loi, the sight of thousands of lanterns rising into the night sky is breathtakingly beautiful.

This symbolizes releasing people’s wishes and sorrows into the sky.
The contrast between countless krathongs drifting along the Ping River and khom loi lanterns painting the night sky creates a world that feels just like a dream.

3. Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival

Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand

In Ubon Ratchathani Province in northeastern Thailand,
The Candle Festival, held every July during Asalha Bucha and Khao Phansa, is renowned for its majestic grandeur and artistic beauty.

This festival traces its roots to a Buddhist ceremony of donating candles for monks to use during Buddhist Lent.

It’s a rare chance to experience Thailand’s deep Buddhist faith and the richness of its regional culture.
Please note that this period coincides with dry days, so alcohol sales are restricted.

Experience a festival unique to this region—serene, solemn, and imbued with a powerful beauty.

Let’s head out with Trip.com during Thailand’s 2026 public holidays and days off!

Thailand’s public holidays are based on its own unique culture and religion, and they differ from Japan’s calendar.
By checking the holidays in advance, your trip to Thailand will be smoother and more fulfilling.

In summary, here are the key takeaways from the article.

• Thailand’s public holidays in 2026 include New Year’s Day, Makha Bucha, Songkran, Coronation Day, Visakha Bucha, the King’s Birthday, Asalha Bucha, King Bhumibol Memorial Day, and King Chulalongkorn Day.
• Because Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha, Asalha Bucha, and the start of Buddhist Lent (Khao Phansa) are alcohol-free days, alcohol sales are suspended.
• Songkran (Bangkok), Loi Krathong (Chiang Mai), and the Candle Festival (Ubon Ratchathani) are three of Thailand’s most iconic festivals.

At Trip.com, you can not only book flights and hotels, but also choose from a wide range of local tours and activities.
Let's plan your dream trip to Thailand with Trip.com!

[8% Off] What Are Best Hotels for Thailand

We recommend the following Bangkok accommodations with 8% Off: