Thai Public Holidays 2026

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 lead to full nationwide closures, others mostly affect government offices, and some are deeply cultural without causing major business disruption. This guide gives you the full 2026 list, the meaning behind each holiday, and clear guidance on what will be open or closed.

Thai Public Holiday Calendar 2026

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 closer to year-end.

• 1 January 2026 (Thursday) – New Year’s Day
• 12 February 2026 (Thursday) – Makha Bucha Day
• 6 April 2026 (Monday) – Chakri Memorial Day
• 13 April 2026 (Monday) – Songkran Festival
• 14 April 2026 (Tuesday) – Songkran Festival
• 15 April 2026 (Wednesday) – Songkran Festival
• 1 May 2026 (Friday) – National Labour Day
• 5 May 2026 (Tuesday) – Coronation Day
• 11 May 2026 (Monday) – Royal Ploughing Ceremony Day*
• 20 May 2026 (Wednesday) – Visakha Bucha Day
• 1 July 2026 (Wednesday) – Mid-Year Bank Holiday (banks only)
• 9 July 2026 (Thursday) – Asarnha Bucha Day
• 10 July 2026 (Friday) – Buddhist Lent Day
• 12 August 2026 (Wednesday) – HM Queen Mother’s Birthday
• 13 October 2026 (Tuesday) – HM King Bhumibol Memorial Day
• 23 October 2026 (Friday) – King Chulalongkorn Memorial Day
• 5 December 2026 (Saturday) – Father’s Day / HM King’s Birthday
• 10 December 2026 (Thursday) – Constitution Day
• 31 December 2026 (Thursday) – 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 (1 January)

New Year’s Day marks the beginning of the calendar year. Government services and banks close, while malls and major tourist areas remain open. Travel volume increases nationwide, especially around Bangkok and major tourist destinations.

Makha Bucha Day (12 February)

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.

Chakri Memorial Day (6 April)

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

Songkran Festival (13–15 April)

Songkran is Thailand’s traditional New Year and the biggest holiday period of the year. It is known internationally for water celebrations, but it is traditionally about family reunions and temple visits. In 2026, the festival falls early in the week, and many companies turn it into a full week off.

Banks, government offices, and many small private businesses close. Shopping malls and hotels remain open, and domestic travel peaks. Book transportation and accommodations early if visiting during this period.

National Labour Day (1 May)

A public holiday recognizing workers across Thailand. Banks, government offices, and many private companies close. Retail and tourism-heavy areas remain fully active.

Coronation Day (5 May)

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

Royal Ploughing Ceremony Day (11 May)

This ceremonial event marks the beginning of the rice-growing season. It is traditionally held at Sanam Luang in Bangkok. The impact on businesses is minimal, though government offices close.

Visakha Bucha Day (20 May)

Visakha Bucha is one of Buddhism’s most important days, commemorating 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.

Mid-Year Bank Holiday (1 July)

This holiday is for banks only. ATMs and online banking continue to operate normally. Government and private sector offices remain open.

Asarnha Bucha Day (9 July)

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

Buddhist Lent Day (10 July)

Buddhist Lent marks the start of the three-month retreat during the rainy season. It is a strictly observed Buddhist day with a national alcohol ban. Often paired with Asarnha Bucha for a long weekend.

HM Queen Mother’s Birthday (12 August)

Celebrated as Mother’s Day in Thailand. Government offices and banks close, while malls and restaurants remain open and often offer special promotions.

HM King Bhumibol Memorial Day (13 October)

A day of remembrance for the late King Rama IX. Public offices close. Most private businesses stay open, though ceremonies nationwide give the day a respectful and subdued tone.

King Chulalongkorn Memorial Day (23 October)

This day honors King Rama V, who modernized Thailand. It creates a long weekend in 2026, leading to a rise in domestic travel. Public offices and banks close.

Father’s Day / HM King’s Birthday (5 December)

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

Constitution Day (10 December)

Constitution Day commemorates the 1932 transition to a constitutional monarchy. Banks and public institutions close, though most private businesses operate normally.

New Year’s Eve (31 December)

Offices often close early or entirely, while malls and public venues host countdown events. Transportation hubs are especially busy. It is both a nationwide travel day and a celebration night.

Which Thai Public Holidays Really Affect Daily Life?

Some holidays trigger nationwide closures, while others have minimal practical impact. Understanding the difference helps when planning 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
• King Chulalongkorn Memorial Day
• HM Queen Mother’s Birthday
• Constitution Day

Government-Focused, Limited Commercial Impact

• Royal Ploughing Ceremony Day
• Mid-Year Bank Holiday
• HM King Bhumibol Memorial Day

Practical Tips for Planning Around Thai Public Holidays 2026

• Alcohol bans apply on major Buddhist holidays.
• Banks close fully on all listed holidays, including the bank-only mid-year holiday.
• Government offices close on all public holidays — immigration, visa services, and embassies are affected.
• Songkran 2026 will create a peak travel week, so book early.
• Malls and tourist areas usually remain open with adjusted hours.
• Substitute holidays may be added; check Cabinet updates near the end of 2025.

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!