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Thailand – Complete Cultural & National Holiday Guide 2025 (Super-Deep,
One-Page Edition)
วันขึ้นปีใหม่ – New Year’s Day (January 1)
New Year’s
Day in Thailand marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year and is one
of the most widely celebrated modern holidays. Families gather to visit temples
for ทำบุญตักบาตร (almsgiving), seeking blessings for a
prosperous year. Many Thais clean their homes, settle debts, and perform
gratitude rituals to symbolically remove old negativity. Major cities like
Bangkok host countdown concerts, fireworks, and public events at iconic
locations such as CentralWorld and Asiatique. Although Thailand traditionally
celebrated New Year in April (Songkran), January 1 has become an important
national day reflecting global integration and modern Thai lifestyle.
วันตรุษจีน – Chinese New Year (January 29)
Celebrated
primarily by Thai-Chinese communities but embraced nationwide, Chinese New Year
marks the start of the Lunar New Year. Families perform ancestor worship
rituals such as ไหว้เจ้า–ไหว้บรรพบุรุษ, preparing offerings including roast duck, paper money, and
tangerines. It is a time for forgiveness, reunion dinners, and giving อั่งเปา (red envelopes) to children for good fortune. Chinatown (เยาวราช) becomes a cultural hotspot with lion dances, dragon parades,
lantern decorations, and temple ceremonies at Wat Mangkon. Wearing red,
cleaning the house beforehand, and avoiding negative words are symbolic
practices rooted in hope and purification.
วันมาฆบูชา – Makha Bucha (February 12)
Makha Bucha
commemorates the occasion when 1,250 enlightened monks gathered spontaneously
to hear the Buddha deliver the Ovada Patimokkha, a core ethical
teaching. The day highlights unity, purity of intention, and the foundation of
Buddhist community life. Thai Buddhists visit temples for candlelit processions
เวียนเทียน, offering flowers and incense while
reflecting on moral living. Many practice งดเหล้า, generosity, meditation, and refrain from harmful actions.
As one of Thailand’s holiest days, Makha Bucha reinforces mindfulness,
compassion, and peaceful coexistence.
(No
major events in March)
วันจักรี – Chakri Memorial Day (April 6)
This day
honors the establishment of the Chakri Dynasty in 1782 by King Rama I,
who moved the capital to Bangkok and restructured the nation. Ceremonies
include royal tributes at the King Rama I statue and rituals recognizing
contributions of successive monarchs to Thai stability, governance, and
cultural heritage. It is a reminder of Thailand’s continuity and the monarchy’s
historical role in shaping national identity.
วันสงกรานต์ – Songkran Festival (April 13–15)
Songkran is
Thailand’s traditional New Year and one of the most important cultural
festivals. Deeply rooted in Buddhist and family values, Songkran marks
purification, renewal, and gratitude.
Traditional rituals include:
- รดน้ำดำหัว – Pouring fragrant water on the hands of elders to ask
for blessings
- สรงน้ำพระ – Bathing Buddha images with perfumed water
- Cleaning homes, visiting temples,
and offering food to monks
- Visiting hometowns and honoring
ancestors
The modern version features nationwide water splashing festivals, lively street events, and cultural performances. Songkran represents joy, family unity, and spiritual cleansing as Thais transition into a new year.
ชดเชยวันสงกรานต์ – Songkran Substitution (April 16)
A public
holiday added when Songkran falls on weekends or requires an extended national
break. It ensures Thais can fully travel, join ceremonies, and reunite with
family.
วันแรงงาน – Labour Day (May 1)
Thailand’s
Labour Day celebrates workers’ contributions to society. Labor organizations
hold gatherings, job fairs, and campaigns focused on worker welfare and
employment rights. For many, the day is also a short holiday for travel and
family rest.
วันฉัตรมงคล – Coronation Day (May 4)
Coronation
Day honors the ascension of the reigning monarch. For King Rama X, the day
commemorates his formal coronation in 2019. Ceremonies include prayers, royal
rituals, public displays of national flags, and exhibitions celebrating
monarchy traditions. The day reinforces unity and respect toward the Chakri
Dynasty.
ชดเชยวันฉัตรมงคล – Substitution Day (May 5)
A holiday
extension to ensure public access to ceremonies and observances, especially for
those traveling or participating in royal events.
วันวิสาขบูชา – Visakha Bucha (May 11)
Visakha
Bucha is one of the most sacred Buddhist holy days, marking the Buddha’s birth,
enlightenment, and passing (nirvana). Temples across Thailand hold chanting,
Dhamma talks, merit-making, and evening candlelight processions. Many Buddhists
refrain from alcohol, practice meditation, and reflect on compassion and
nonviolence. The day’s spiritual weight symbolizes humanity’s potential for
wisdom and liberation.
ชดเชยวันวิสาขบูชา – Visakha Bucha Substitution (May 12)
Provides an
additional day off for observance when the main holiday’s timing overlaps with
weekends or public scheduling.
วันพืชมงคล – Royal Ploughing Ceremony (May 15)
An ancient
agricultural rite marking the beginning of the rice-growing season. Conducted
at Sanam Luang, sacred oxen plow ceremonial furrows while royal officials
scatter seeds. The oxen then choose from bowls of food (rice, water, grass,
alcohol), which are interpreted as omens predicting rainfall, harvest yield,
and economic prosperity.
It symbolizes the essential connection between monarchy, agriculture, and
national harmony.
วันเฉลิมพระชนมพรรษาสมเด็จพระราชินี – Queen Suthida’s Birthday (June 3)
A national
holiday honoring Queen Suthida’s birthday. Streets are decorated in purple—the
queen’s color—and public buildings display royal images. Celebrations include
charity events, cultural performances, and Buddhist ceremonies wishing for her
long life and wellbeing.
วันอาสาฬหบูชา – Asalha Bucha (July 10)
Asalha Bucha
commemorates the Buddha’s first sermon, in which he taught the Four Noble
Truths and Noble Eightfold Path. Temples welcome large crowds for
chanting, candle processions, and meditation.
This day represents the foundation of Buddhist teaching and the beginning of
human liberation through understanding suffering and its cessation.
วันเข้าพรรษา – Buddhist Lent Day (July 11)
Marks the
start of the three-month rainy-season retreat (เข้าพรรษา) during which monks stay in their monasteries to study,
meditate, and deepen discipline. Laypeople observe more precepts, make candle
offerings, and engage in acts of generosity.
The day highlights self-discipline, compassion, and community moral
development.
วันเฉลิมพระชนมพรรษา ร.10 – King Vajiralongkorn’s Birthday (July 28)
A national
holiday honoring King Rama X. Citizens participate in charity work, cultural
displays, and ceremonies expressing gratitude to the monarchy. Government
buildings illuminate in yellow, the king’s symbolic color.
วันแม่แห่งชาติ – Mother’s Day (August 12)
Celebrated
on the Queen Mother’s birthday, this day honors maternal love and family unity.
Schools hold ceremonies where children kneel before mothers to express
gratitude through jasmine garlands. Communities organize charity events and
activities promoting family values.
(No
major events in September)
วันออกพรรษา – End of Buddhist Lent (October 6)
Marks the
end of the monk’s rains-retreat. Monasteries conduct ceremonies celebrating
monks’ completion of study and discipline. Families offer robes, food, and
candles.
Certain provinces host ประเพณีไหลเรือไฟ (Illuminated Boat Festival),
symbolizing illumination and merit.
วันคล้ายวันสวรรคต ร.9 – King Bhumibol Memorial Day (October 13)
This solemn
day honors the passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), beloved for his
wisdom, compassion, and contributions to rural development.
Thais offer alms, visit memorials, and participate in exhibitions highlighting
his lifelong service and projects.
วันปิยมหาราช – Chulalongkorn Day (October 23)
Commemorates
King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), one of Thailand’s most progressive monarchs known
for modernizing the nation, abolishing slavery, reforming law, and advancing
education. Ceremonies at the Rama V monument draw large crowds who offer
garlands and pay respects.
วันลอยกระทง – Loy Krathong (November 5)
Loy Krathong
is Thailand’s enchanting festival of lights, celebrated on the full moon of the
12th lunar month. People float krathongs—small decorated baskets made
from banana leaves—onto rivers as offerings to the water goddess Phra Mae
Khongkha and to symbolically release misfortune.
Northern Thailand celebrates Yi Peng, releasing thousands of sky
lanterns that illuminate the night sky. The festival blends beauty,
spirituality, and environmental awareness, inspiring gratitude and renewal.
วันพ่อแห่งชาติ – Father’s Day / King Bhumibol’s Birthday
(December 5)
Father’s Day
honors both King Bhumibol (born Dec 5) and all fathers across Thailand.
Children present ดอกพุทธรักษา (canna flowers) to fathers, while
communities engage in volunteer projects, reflecting King Bhumibol’s spirit of
service and kindness.
วันรัฐธรรมนูญ – Constitution Day (December 10)
Marks the
adoption of Thailand’s first constitution in 1932 after the transition to
constitutional monarchy.
The day features civic exhibitions, educational programs, and media coverage
highlighting the evolution of Thai governance and democratic institutions.
วันสิ้นปี – New Year’s Eve (December 31)
Thailand’s
final celebration of the year includes fireworks, countdowns, concerts, and
temple visits for late-night merit-making.
Many people attend สวดมนต์ข้ามปี (chanting into the new year) at
temples, blending spiritual tradition with contemporary festivities.