Official Thailand Holidays

Songkran - Thailand New Years

When: 13 - 15 April

What is it all about?

Around Phuket Island, in all of the beach towns and in Phuket Town, people will be throwing water for at least 1 full day. On Koh Yao Noi Island, Song Kran is a quiet affair. In the village, the young people will pour a little water onto the older people.

On PHuket Island though, young and old alike will throw water (often ice water) at passers by whether they are traveling on foot, by motor bike or by car. In the north of Thailand there is water throwing for the full 3 days. As you get more rural, the water throwing days might be extended. In Laos, they are "playing" for 7 days.

Important note: most of the Thai kids will consider a westerner (a "Farong") to be a particularly good target. Be prepared to get wet.

It's a great time to make use of modern technology - the ziplock bag. Keep your wallet, mobile phone and camera in a ziplock bag and you are "good to go."

Many expats will say, "you learn a lot about somebody by how they play Songkran." It can be a bit crazy. Certainly the various redlight districts (i.e., Bangla Road in Patong) will be throwing water and partying hard.

ref: the Wiki page

Labor Day

When: 1 May 2010

Some businesses may be closed on Monday 3 May 2010.

Coronation Day

When: 5 May 2010

The current king was crowned on 5 May 1949 - this day celebrates the king's coronation.

Visakha Bucha

When: 26 May 2010

The holiest of the Buddhist holidays - celebrates the birth, enlightenment and entry into nirvana of the Buddha.

Buddhist Lent

When: 26 July 2010

This day marks the beginning of the Buddhist 'lent' period, a time when monks are supposed to retreat to their temples while new life springs forth.

Queen's Birthday

When: 12 August 2010

Her Majesty the Queen's birthday is a national holiday and serves as the Thailand's Mothers Day as well.

Chulalongkorn Day

When: 23 Oct 2010

Celebrates the life of one of Thailand's most revered kings. Note that some businesses may be closed on Monday 25 October 2010.

Loy Kratong

When: 21 November 2010

Not a national holiday - all businesses will be open. Loy Kratong is an evening when Thais pay respect to the goddess of the waters by floating candlelit offerings on any and all waterways around Thailand.

King's Birthday

When 5 December 2010

His Majesty the King's birthday is celebrated throughout the country and also serves as Thailand's Fathers Day. Note that some businesses may be closed on Monday 6 December 2010.

Constitution Day

When: 10 December 2010

December 10 celebrates the date in 1932 when the country was granted its first constitution.

New Year's

When: 31 December 2010

Note that some businesses will be closed right through the weekend. Some will be closed on Monday 3 January 2011 as well.

Chinese New Year

When: 3 Feb 2011

The beginning of the Chinese lunar year is celebrated in the Chinatowns of every city throughout Thailand. Some businesses close for the day, but it is not a national holiday.