There are more or less fourteen to sixteen public holiday a year in Thailand. Each are regulated by the government and most are observed by the public and private sectors. The following are the holidays and dates announced for 2018.
New Year’s Day 2018 – Monday, 1 January 2018
New Year’s Day is the first day of the year.
Makha Bucha 2018 – Thursday, 1 March 2018
Makha Bucha is an important Buddhist festival in Thailand on the full moon day of the third lunar month. It commemorates the Buddha’s teaching of Ovada Patimokkha.
Chakri Memorial Day 2018 – Friday, 6 April 2018
Chakri Day commemorates the founding of the Chakri Dynasty in 1782 by King Rama I, who assumed power on April 6. During the day, the nation pays respects to all of the Kings of the Dynasty.
Songkran 2018 – Friday, 13 April 2018, Saturday, 14 April 2018, Sunday, 15 April 2018, Monday, 16 April 2018 (Observance Day) & Tuesday, 17 April 2018 (Observance Day)
The Songkran festival is celebrated in Thailand as the traditional New Year’s Day. Families and friends gather to celebrate by visiting temples, sprinkling water on Buddha images in reverence, and sprinkling water on each other’s hands as an act of wishing good luck.
Labor Day 2018 – Tuesday, 1 May 2018
Labour Day is an annual holiday to celebrate the economic and social achievements of workers.
Coronation Day 2018 – Saturday, 5 May 2018 & Monday, 7 May 2018 (Observance Day)
Coronation Day commemorates the coronation of King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1950.
Vesak 2018 – Tuesday, 29 May 2018
Vesak is an annual Buddhist holiday celebrating the birth, enlightenment and death of Gautama Buddha.
Asalha Puja 2018 – Friday, 27 July 2018
Asalha Puja is a Buddhist festival takes place on the full moon of the eighth lunar month. It commemorates the Buddha’s first sermon.
Beginning of Vassa 2018 – Saturday, 28 July 2018
This day marks the beginning of the Buddhist ‘lent’ period. Buddhist Lent is a time devoted to study and meditation.
The Queen’s Birthday 2018 – Sunday, 12 August 2018 & Monday, 13 August 2018 (Observance Day)
The Queen’s Birthday commemorates the birthday of Queen Sirikit in 1932; also observed as National Mother’s Day.
Chulalongkorn Day 2018 – Tuesday, 23 October 2018
Chulalongkorn Day commemorates the passing of King Chulalongkorn in 1910.
The King’s Birthday 2018 – Wednesday, 5 December 2018
The King’s Birthday commemorates the birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1927; also observed as National Day and National Father’s Day.
Constitution Day 2018 – Monday, 10 December 2018
Constitution Day commemorates the promulgation of the first permanent constitution in 1932.
New Year’s Eve 2018 – Monday, 31 December 2018
Final day of the Gregorian year. The day before the Western New Year day is always marked a national holiday.
You can see Thailand Public Holiday 2017 here.
