Thailand Public Holidays 2026: Calendar & Festivals Guide

Here is your ultimate guide to Thailand’s 2026 public holidays, featuring key dates for Songkran, Loy Krathong, and New Year. Discover practical travel tips to help you fully immerse yourself in the vibrant beauty of Thai culture!

Your Quick Guide to Thailand's 2026 Public Holidays

Get ready to explore! Thailand is set to celebrate 21 official public holidays in 2026, including a brand-new special holiday on January 2 to keep those New Year vibes going. While you can look forward to approximately 18 days of public holidays throughout the year, these dates are a beautiful tapestry of Buddhist traditions, royal commemorations, and vibrant folk culture. The best part? 2026 brings an exciting update: the New Year holiday is being extended into a 5-day getaway to boost tourism. Plus, with extra special holidays and no "make-up work" days—if a holiday lands on a weekend, you get the following weekday off—it’s the perfect time to plan your next Thai adventure!

Also, keep in mind that certain public holidays are designated as "dry days." On these occasions, alcohol sales are restricted nationwide throughout Thailand, so plan your celebrations accordingly!

▼Your Guide to Thailand’s 2026 National Holidays▼

Your Guide to Thailand's Public Holidays

Thailand Public Holidays 2026: A Guide to Culture, Celebrations, and Traditions

A defining feature of Thailand’s public holidays is that so many are rooted in meaningful Buddhist traditions and royal commemorations.
You'll also find some days that are holidays for private companies, while others are reserved for government office closures.

January 1 (Thu): New Year's Day

It’s a festive celebration marking the beginning of the New Year! In Thailand, locals cherish this special time by gathering with family and friends, sharing warm wishes for happiness and prosperity in the year to come.
Many commercial facilities and public institutions close for the holiday, while major cities like Bangkok come alive with spectacular countdown celebrations.
Just a heads-up: January 2 (Friday) is also a special holiday, so plan your travels accordingly!

March 3 (Tue): Makha Bucha Day

It’s a significant Buddhist holiday, also known as “Manbutsusetsu.”
It honors the miraculous event over 2,500 years ago when the Buddha gathered and taught 1,250 of his disciples.

Please note that today is a "dry day," meaning the sale and service of alcohol are prohibited nationwide.
Temples come alive with a beautiful candlelit procession known as "Wian Thian."

April 6 (Mon): Chakri Memorial Day

This special day honors the founding of the Chakri Dynasty—the royal house that still reigns over Thailand today—and marks the historic accession of its first monarch, King Rama I.
It’s a special day to honor the king and the royal family, so please keep in mind that government offices, banks, and some other businesses will be closed.

Locals celebrate the royal family’s achievements with vibrant festivities held all across the country.

April 13 (Mon) – April 15 (Wed):

Get ready to splash into the fun at Songkran (Songkran Festival)! It’s Thailand’s biggest celebration of the traditional New Year, world-famous as the ultimate "water-splashing festival."
It’s all about warding off misfortune and ringing in the New Year with a fresh, purified start.

During this time, water-splashing celebrations sweep across the country, meaning transportation and popular tourist spots will be bustling with excitement. Be sure to plan ahead so you can fully soak up the festival fun!

Thailand Holidays | Friday, May 1: Labor Day

It's "National Workers' Day!" This public holiday is a wonderful time to honor workers' rights and celebrate all their incredible achievements.

Please note that only private businesses will be closed; government offices and banks will remain open as usual, so you can continue with your plans without a hitch!
While department stores and major tourist attractions typically remain open, keep in mind that some smaller, independent shops might be closed.

Thailand Holidays | May 4 (Mon): King’s Coronation Day

This special day marks the coronation of the current monarch, King Rama X (King Vajiralongkorn).
The coronation, held in 2019, was marked as a public holiday—a beautiful symbol of a fresh, exciting chapter beginning for Thailand.
Citizens proudly demonstrate their loyalty to the king, and you'll find vibrant, royal-themed ceremonies taking place all across the country.

Thailand Holidays | May 31 (Sun): Visakha Bucha

It’s the most sacred holiday in Buddhism, honoring three pivotal moments in the Buddha’s life: his birth, his enlightenment, and his passing into nirvana.
Please be aware that today is a "dry day," which means the sale and service of alcohol are prohibited.
At the temples, you’ll have the chance to experience mesmerizing candlelit processions, reminiscent of the beautiful traditions seen during Makha Bucha.

Just a heads-up: the following day, Monday, June 1, is also a substitute holiday!

Thailand Holidays | June 3 (Wed): Queen Suthida's Birthday

This public holiday is a special celebration honoring the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Suthida.
To honor the Queen Consort, the entire country comes alive with a vibrant array of celebratory events and heartwarming charitable activities.

While public agencies and banks take the day off, most shops and commercial spots remain open for you to explore as usual.

Thailand Holidays | Tuesday, July 28: Birthday of His Majesty King Rama X

A public holiday honoring the birthday of the current monarch, King Rama X.
Across the nation, vibrant ceremonies take place to honor the king, wishing him good health and a long life—a beautiful display of devotion to the royal family.

Please keep in mind that many public institutions and banks will be closed during this time.

Thailand Holidays | Wednesday, July 29: Asalha Puja (Asalha Bucha)

This significant Buddhist holiday honors the Buddha’s first sermon and marks the founding of the Three Jewels—the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha.

Please note that today is a "dry day," so the sale and service of alcohol will be suspended.
At the temple, you'll find a peaceful space where offerings are made to the monks and insightful Dharma talks are held, drawing many visitors who come to pay their respects and soak in the serene atmosphere.

Thailand Holidays | July 30 (Thu): The beginning of Buddhist Lent (Khao Phansa)

Taking place the day after the Three Jewels Festival, this special occasion signals the beginning of the Rains Retreat (uango).
Monks are now beginning a three-month period of peaceful seclusion within their temples, fully immersing themselves in their spiritual training.

It’s another dry day, so keep in mind that only government offices will be closed.
Most shops and businesses will be open as usual, so you can explore to your heart's content!

Thailand Holidays | August 12 (Wed): The Queen Mother’s Birthday / Mother’s Day

Celebrate the birthday of Queen Dowager Sirikit, the beloved queen consort to the late King Bhumibol and mother of the current king.

It also happens to be Thailand's Mother’s Day, making it an extra special time to visit!
Across the country, you'll find heartwarming celebrations held to wish the Queen Mother good health, alongside joyful gatherings where people come together to express their deepest gratitude to mothers everywhere.

Please note: Please note that official public holiday observances are always subject to royal and government announcements.

Thailand Holidays | October 13 (Tue): Rama IX Memorial Day

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

It’s a deeply meaningful day for the local community, marked by heartfelt memorial ceremonies and charitable events taking place all across the country.
To honor the king’s incredible legacy, many visitors pause here to offer quiet prayers of remembrance.

Thailand Holidays | October 23 (Fri): Chulalongkorn Memorial Day

This special day honors the memory of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), a visionary leader who played a pivotal role in shaping modern Thailand.
They forged ahead with a series of transformative reforms, including the abolition of slavery and the expansion of the railway network.
Citizens pay tribute to the king’s legacy by placing flowers at monuments throughout the country.

Thailand Holidays | Saturday, December 5: King Rama IX’s Birthday / Father’s Day

It’s the birthday of the late King Bhumibol, a day that also marks Thailand’s Father’s Day.

On this special day, it’s a beautiful tradition to wear yellow as a heartfelt way to show respect for the King.
From coast to coast, you'll find a host of celebratory events and heartfelt gatherings dedicated to honoring dads everywhere.

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

Since King Rama IX’s Birthday falls on a Saturday this year, we’ll be enjoying a lovely long weekend, with the following Monday observed as a substitute holiday!
As a result, many people get to enjoy a three-day weekend, creating the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with family or head out on an exciting domestic getaway.

Thailand Holidays | Thursday, December 10: Constitution Day

This special day marks the historic moment in 1932 when the constitutional monarchy was first introduced.

A significant holiday that embodies Thailand’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law, marked by nationwide celebrations that honor the enduring spirit of the constitution.
Please note that government offices and banks will be closed during this time.

Thailand Holidays | December 31 (Thu): New Year's Eve

It’s that special day that wraps up the year, a time when so many of us are getting ready to ring in the New Year with excitement.

In major cities like Bangkok, you'll find spectacular countdown events and dazzling fireworks displays that draw massive, energetic crowds ready to ring in the new year!
Expect public transportation to be bustling with fellow travelers throughout the day!

3 Top Events in Thailand You Need to Experience in 2026

1. Songkran in Bangkok

Get ready for Songkran Water Festival! Thailand’s traditional New Year celebration is a world-famous, high-energy festival that takes over the entire country from April 13 to 15.
Among them, Songkran in Bangkok, the capital, stands out as a major festival that draws travelers from all corners of the globe.

It all began with the “mizukake” tradition, a beautiful custom of purifying Buddhist statues and showing deep respect by gently splashing water over the hands of elders.
In Bangkok, Silom Road and Khao San Road truly come alive, with people of all ages joyfully splashing water at one another to the rhythm of the music.

During this time, you'll find public transportation gets quite busy, so plan accordingly!
However, the real magic of Songkran lies in the opportunity to soak up its electrifying energy and feel a sense of unity that goes far beyond the festivities themselves.

Don't miss your chance to dive into the vibrant culture of Thailand right in the heart of Bangkok!

2. Experience the Magic of Loy Krathong in Chiang Mai

Held every year around November in the ancient northern Thai city of Chiang Mai, the Loi Krathong Festival captivates travelers from across the globe with its magical, dreamlike beauty.
In Chiang Mai, the festivities are truly spectacular, featuring both the beautiful water-floating “krathong” lanterns and the mesmerizing khom loi (hot-air sky lanterns) that drift gracefully into the night sky.

At Kom Loi, witnessing thousands of lanterns drifting up into the night sky is a truly breathtaking experience.

This beautiful tradition symbolizes the release of people’s wishes and sorrows into the sky.
The sight of countless krathongs drifting along the Ping River, set against a night sky illuminated by floating khom loi lanterns, creates a scene that feels truly dreamlike.

3. The Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival

Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand

Tucked away in the northeastern corner of Thailand, Ubon Ratchathani Province awaits your discovery.
Held every July during the sacred observances of Asalha Bucha and Khao Phansa, the Candle Festival is a breathtaking spectacle, celebrated far and wide for its majestic grandeur and stunning artistic beauty.

This festival’s origins date back to a traditional Buddhist ceremony, where candles were donated to monks to light their way during Buddhist Lent.

It’s a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the profound Buddhist faith of Thailand and discover the vibrant richness of its regional culture.
Just a heads-up: this time of year falls during "dry days," so please keep in mind that alcohol sales will be restricted.

Immerse yourself in a festival unlike any other in the region—a serene, solemn, and deeply moving experience that radiates a powerful beauty.

Tavel with Trip.com during Thailand’s 2026 Public Holidays!

Thailand’s public holidays are rooted in its own unique culture and traditions, making them quite different from the calendar you might be used to in Australia.
Planning ahead by checking local holidays will make your trip to Thailand even smoother and more rewarding.

To wrap things up, here are the highlights you need to know from this article.

• Get ready to plan your 2026 adventures! Thailand’s public holidays for the year include New Year’s Day, Makha Bucha, the vibrant Songkran festival, Coronation Day, Visakha Bucha, the King’s Birthday, Asalha Bucha, King Bhumibol Memorial Day, and King Chulalongkorn Day.
• Please note that alcohol sales are suspended on Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha, Asalha Bucha, and the start of Buddhist Lent (Khao Phansa), as these are designated alcohol-free days.
• Songkran in Bangkok, the mesmerizing Loi Krathong in Chiang Mai, and the radiant Candle Festival in Ubon Ratchathani are three of Thailand’s most iconic celebrations that you simply cannot miss!

At Trip.com, you can do so much more than just book flights and hotels—you can also discover and book a huge variety of local tours and unforgettable activities to make your trip truly special.
Let's start planning your dream getaway to Thailand with Trip.com!

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