Thai Public Holidays 2026: next holiday is Tuesday 28 July

Overview of Thai Public Holidays in 2026 (or 2569 for the Thais)

Thailand has many public holidays, but they do not all have the same impact. Some trigger full nationwide closures, others mostly affect government offices, and some remain cultural celebrations without major business disruption. This guide lists the 2026 holidays, explains the meaning behind each day, and notes what will be open or closed.

Thai Public Holiday Calendar 2026 (2569)

Below is an at-a-glance calendar of Thai public holidays in 2026. Substitute holidays and bank-specific days may still be announced by the Cabinet.

• Thursday 1 January 2026 – New Year’s Day
• Friday 2 January 2026 – Additional special holiday
• Tuesday 3 March 2026 – Makha Bucha Day
• Monday 6 April 2026 – Chakri Memorial Day
• Monday 13 April 2026 – Songkran Festival
• Tuesday 14 April 2026 – Songkran Festival
• Wednesday 15 April 2026 – Songkran Festival
• Friday 1 May 2026 – National Labour Day
• Monday 4 May 2026 – Coronation Day
• Wednesday 13 May 2026 – Royal Ploughing Ceremony Day*
• Sunday 31 May 2026 – Visakha Bucha Day
• Monday 1 June 2026 – Substitute for Visakha Bucha Day (observed)
• Wednesday 3 June 2026 – H.M. Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana’s Birthday
• Tuesday 28 July 2026 – H.M. King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua’s Birthday
• Wednesday 29 July 2026 – Asarnha Bucha Day
• Wednesday 12 August 2026 – H.M. Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother’s Birthday and Mother’s Day
• Tuesday 13 October 2026 – H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great Memorial Day
• Friday 23 October 2026 – H.M. King Chulalongkorn the Great Memorial Day
• Saturday 5 December 2026 – Father’s Day / H.M. King’s Birthday
• Monday 7 December 2026 – Substitute for H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great’s Birthday, National Day and Father’s Day (observed)
• Thursday 10 December 2026 – Constitution Day
• Thursday 31 December 2026 – New Year’s Eve

*Royal Ploughing Ceremony is announced yearly and may shift.

Meanings of the Main Thai Public Holidays in 2026

New Year’s Day (Thursday 1 January 2026)

New Year’s Day marks the start of the calendar year. Banks and government services close, while malls and major tourist areas remain open. Travel volume rises nationwide, with heavier flows around Bangkok and major tourist destinations.

Makha Bucha Day (Tuesday 3 March 2026)

Makha Bucha commemorates the gathering of 1,250 monks who came together to hear the Buddha’s teachings. Thais visit temples for merit-making and candlelit processions. Alcohol sales are banned nationwide, and banks and government offices close for the day. For more on religious festivals, see our guide to Thailand's traditional festivals.

Chakri Memorial Day (Monday 6 April 2026)

This day honours the founding of the Chakri Dynasty in 1782. Ceremonies take place in Bangkok, and public institutions close. Private businesses, malls, and restaurants normally remain open.

Songkran Festival (Monday 13 April 2026 – Wednesday 15 April 2026)

Songkran marks Thailand’s traditional New Year and the largest holiday period of the year. The festival features water celebrations, family reunions, and temple visits. Many companies convert the dates into an extended break.

Banks, government offices, and many small private businesses close. Shopping malls and hotels remain open with adjusted hours, and domestic travel peaks. Book transportation and accommodations early if you plan to travel during this period, and consider booking your stay in Bangkok with Trip.com Bangkok hotels. Learn more about top destinations for Songkran and how Thais celebrate New Year in our explainer.

National Labour Day (Friday 1 May 2026)

National Labour Day recognises workers across Thailand. Banks, government offices, and many private companies close. Retail and tourist areas remain active.

Coronation Day (Monday 4 May 2026)

Coronation Day marks the coronation of King Rama X. Ceremonies occur nationwide. Public offices close, while most commercial areas stay open.

Royal Ploughing Ceremony Day (Wednesday 13 May 2026)

This ceremonial event marks the start of the rice-growing season. Officials hold the event at Sanam Luang in Bangkok. The impact on businesses is minimal, though government offices close. For more on agricultural traditions, see our festival guide.

Visakha Bucha Day (Sunday 31 May 2026)

Visakha Bucha commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha. Banks and government institutions close, and alcohol sales are banned. Temples across the country host candlelit processions. Monday 1 June 2026 will serve as the observed substitute day.

H.M. Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana’s Birthday (Wednesday 3 June 2026)

The birthday of H.M. Queen Suthida is observed with ceremonies and a public holiday. Government offices and banks close.

H.M. King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua’s Birthday (Tuesday 28 July 2026)

Thai people mark the King’s birthday with official ceremonies and displays of respect. Public offices close, and some businesses offer promotions or events.

Asarnha Bucha Day (Wednesday 29 July 2026)

Asarnha Bucha marks the Buddha’s first sermon and the formal start of the monastic community. Banks and government offices close, and alcohol sales are prohibited.

Buddhist Lent Day

Buddhist Lent begins after Asarnha Bucha each year for the three-month monastic retreat during the rainy season. The day is strictly observed with a national alcohol ban. It often pairs with Asarnha Bucha to create a long weekend for travellers.

H.M. Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother’s Birthday and Mother’s Day (Wednesday 12 August 2026)

Thailand celebrates Mother’s Day on the Queen Mother’s birthday. Government offices and banks close, while malls and restaurants remain open and offer special promotions. For related histories, see the remarkable legacies of Queen Sirikit.

H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great Memorial Day (Tuesday 13 October 2026)

The nation observes this day of remembrance for the late King Rama IX. Public offices close. Private businesses usually stay open, though national ceremonies create a respectful tone.

H.M. King Chulalongkorn the Great Memorial Day (Friday 23 October 2026)

This day honours King Rama V, who modernised Thailand. It creates a long weekend, which increases domestic travel. Public offices and banks close.

Father’s Day / H.M. King’s Birthday (Saturday 5 December 2026, observed Monday 7 December 2026)

Father’s Day coincides with the birthday of the late King Bhumibol. If the date falls on a weekend, the Cabinet typically announces a weekday substitution. Government offices and banks close on the observed holiday.

Constitution Day (Thursday 10 December 2026)

Constitution Day commemorates the 1932 shift to a constitutional monarchy. Banks and public institutions close, while most private businesses operate normally. Learn more in our background piece.

New Year’s Eve (Thursday 31 December 2026)

Offices often close early or fully, while malls and public venues run countdown events. Transportation hubs become busy. If you plan to join the festivities in Bangkok, check our top countdown spots.

Which Thai Public Holidays Really Affect Daily Life?

Some holidays trigger nationwide closures, while others have limited practical impact. Knowing the difference helps you plan business operations or travel.

Major Closure Holidays

• New Year’s Day
• Songkran Festival (all three days)
• Visakha Bucha Day
• Asarnha Bucha Day
• Buddhist Lent Day

Culturally Important, Moderate Disruption

• Makha Bucha Day
• Chakri Memorial Day
• H.M. King Chulalongkorn Memorial Day
• H.M. Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother’s Birthday
• Constitution Day

Government-Focused, Limited Commercial Impact

• Royal Ploughing Ceremony Day
• Mid-Year Bank Holiday
• H.M. King Bhumibol Memorial Day

Practical Tips for Planning Around Thai Public Holidays 2026

• Alcohol bans apply on major Buddhist holidays. See our guide to alcohol rules in Thailand.
• Banks close fully on all listed holidays, including the bank-only mid-year holiday.
• Government offices close on all public holidays, affecting immigration, visa services, and embassy schedules.
• Songkran 2026 will create a peak travel week, so book early and secure accommodations.
• Malls and tourist areas usually remain open with adjusted hours.
• Substitute holidays may be added. Check Cabinet announcements for any changes.

With the full overview of Thailand’s 2026 holidays, you can plan travel, logistics, and operations well ahead.

And enjoy the country during its most meaningful and festive times!