Thailand, a country rich in cultural and religious traditions, observes various public holidays throughout the year. In 2025, Public Holidays in Thailand offer an opportunity to experience the nation’s vibrant customs and deep-rooted spiritual beliefs. These holidays, ranging from Buddhist festivals to royal commemorations, play a vital role in the lives of Thai people. Visitors and locals also can participate in the celebrations, which often involve religious ceremonies, community events, and time spent with family. Understanding the significance of Public Holidays in Thailand in 2025 allows for a deeper appreciation of the country’s cultural heritage and traditions.
Public Holidays in Thailand in 2025
The following is the list of Public Holidays in Thailand in 2025
Holiday | Date | Weekday |
New Year’s Day | Jan 01, 2024 | Monday |
Makha Bucha Day | Feb 24, 2024 | Saturday |
Makha Bucha Day Holiday | Feb 26, 2024 | Monday |
Chakri Memorial Day | Apr 06, 2024 | Saturday |
Chakri Memorial Day Holiday | Apr 08, 2024 | Monday |
Songkran | Apr 13, 2024 | Saturday |
Songkran Holiday | Apr 14, 2024 | Sunday |
Songkran Holiday | Apr 15, 2024 | Monday |
Songkran Holiday | Apr 16, 2024 | Tuesday |
Songkran Holiday | Apr 17, 2024 | Wednesday |
Coronation Day | May 04, 2024 | Saturday |
Coronation Day Holiday | May 06, 2024 | Monday |
Royal Ploughing Ceremony | May 06, 2024 | Monday |
Visakha Bucha | May 23, 2024 | Thursday |
Queen Suthida’s Birthday | Jun 03, 2024 | Monday |
Asalha Puja | Jul 21, 2024 | Sunday |
Asalha Puja Holiday | Jul 22, 2024 | Monday |
Buddhist Lent Day | Jul 22, 2024 | Monday |
King Vajiralongkorn’s Birthday | Jul 28, 2024 | Sunday |
King Vajiralongkorn’sBirthday Holiday | Jul 29, 2024 | Monday |
The Queen Mother’s Birthday | Aug 12, 2024 | Monday |
King Bhumibol AdulyadejMemorial Day | Oct 13, 2024 | Sunday |
King Bhumibol AdulyadejMemorial Day Holiday | Oct 14, 2024 | Monday |
King Chulalongkorn Day | Oct 23, 2024 | Wednesday |
King Bhumibol’s Birthday | Dec 05, 2024 | Thursday |
Constitution Day | Dec 10, 2024 | Tuesday |
New Year’s Eve | Dec 31, 2024 | Tuesday |
Know More: Public Holidays in Tanzania in 2025 |
New Year’s Day
Celebrated on January 1st, New Year’s Day in Thailand marks the start of the Gregorian calendar year. It’s a time for family gatherings, prayers, and festive celebrations. Thais often visit temples to make merit, seek blessings, and wish for prosperity and happiness in the coming year. Although traditionally, Thailand celebrates its own New Year, Songkran, New Year’s Day has gained importance due to global influence, making it one of the most widely observed holidays in the country.
Makha Bucha Day
Makha Bucha, observed on the full moon of the 3rd lunar month, commemorates a key event in Buddhism. On this day, 1,250 monks gathered spontaneously to hear Buddha’s teachings. It highlights the core principles of Buddhism: avoiding evil, doing good, and purifying the mind. Buddhists visit temples to make merit, meditate, and perform rituals such as candlelit processions. This holiday promotes peace, reflection, and the teachings of Buddha in Thai society, making it an important spiritual event for followers.
Chakri Memorial Day
Chakri Memorial Day, celebrated on April 6th, honors King Rama I, the founder of the Chakri Dynasty in 1782. This day recognizes the contributions of the Chakri kings, including King Rama I’s establishment of Bangkok as the capital. The current monarch, King Rama X, continues the dynasty’s legacy. On this day, the Thai people pay respects to past and present kings with ceremonies and tributes at memorials, highlighting the significance of the monarchy in Thailand’s history and culture.
Songkran
Songkran, celebrated from April 13th to 15th, is Thailand’s traditional New Year. It’s one of the most anticipated festivals, known for its water fights and celebrations across the country. Rooted in Buddhist traditions, Songkran is a time for cleansing and renewal. Families visit temples, offer food to monks, and engage in water rituals to wash away misfortunes. Water symbolizes purification and new beginnings, and the festive mood unites communities in joyous celebration and respect for Thai cultural heritage.
Coronation Day
Coronation Day on May 4th marks the official coronation of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, also known as King Rama X, in 2019. The event is celebrated to honor the King’s accession to the throne and to reaffirm loyalty to the monarchy. It’s an important national holiday where ceremonies are held across the country, including religious rituals and the display of royal symbols. Thais use this day to express their respect and reverence for their king and the monarchy’s role in Thai society.
Royal Ploughing Ceremony
The Royal Ploughing Ceremony, usually held in May, is an ancient Brahmin and Buddhist ritual that marks the start of the rice-growing season. Presided over by the King or his representative, the ceremony is intended to bring about good harvests and abundant crops. Sacred oxen are used to plow the ground, and their choice of food foretells the prosperity of the coming agricultural season. It highlights Thailand’s agricultural roots and the central role farming plays in the country’s economy.
Visakha Bucha
Visakha Bucha, one of the holiest days in Buddhism, commemorates Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death. Celebrated on the full moon of the 6th lunar month, it is a time for deep reflection on Buddhism’s core values, promoting compassion, mindfulness, and inner peace. Buddhists gather at temples to offer food to monks, meditate, and listen to sermons about Buddha’s teachings. Candlelight processions take place at night, symbolizing the light of Buddha’s wisdom. Visakha Bucha is a time for deep reflection on the core values of Buddhism, promoting compassion, mindfulness, and inner peace.
Queen Suthida’s Birthday
Queen Suthida’s Birthday on June 3rd is a national holiday celebrating the current queen consort of Thailand, Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana. Public buildings are decorated with portraits of the queen, and special ceremonies are held to pay tribute to her. Citizens express their loyalty to the monarchy and wish the queen good health and happiness. The day highlights the royal family’s influence and their connection to Thai culture and traditions.
Asalha Puja
Asalha Puja, observed on the full moon of the 8th lunar month, marks the Buddha’s first sermon after enlightenment, where he set in motion the wheel of Dharma (Buddhist teachings). It’s a day for Buddhists to reflect on the core principles of the faith: the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. Monks lead ceremonies in temples, and people offer alms, meditate, and listen to sermons. Asalha Puja underscores the importance of wisdom and mindfulness in Buddhist practice.
Buddhist Lent Day
Buddhist Lent Day, or Khao Phansa, marks the beginning of the three-month retreat during the rainy season when monks remain in their monasteries to study and meditate. It’s a time for spiritual renewal for both monks and laypeople, who take the opportunity to practice self-discipline and make merit. Offerings such as candles and robes are made to temples, and communities come together to support the monks. The day reflects a deep respect for the monastic tradition in Thai Buddhism.
King Vajiralongkorn’s Birthday
King Vajiralongkorn’s Birthday, celebrated on July 28th, is a national holiday honoring the current king of Thailand, King Rama X. It’s a day for the Thai people to express their loyalty and admiration for their monarch. Ceremonies, public prayers, and charitable activities across the country mark the holiday. Citizens decorate buildings with royal symbols, and the King’s accomplishments are acknowledged, reflecting the continued importance of the monarchy in Thai culture and governance.
The Queen Mother’s Birthday
The Queen Mother’s Birthday, celebrated on August 12th, honors Queen Sirikit, the mother of the current King Rama X. This day is also recognized as Mother’s Day in Thailand. Public buildings are adorned with her portraits, and special tributes are made across the country. Queen Sirikit’s contributions to national development, culture, and humanitarian efforts are celebrated. The holiday encourages families to show appreciation and respect for their mothers, promoting the values of love and care within Thai society.
King Bhumibol Adulyadej Memorial Day
King Bhumibol Adulyadej Memorial Day on October 13th commemorates the passing of Thailand’s beloved King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 2016. Known as Rama IX, he reigned for over 70 years and was deeply respected for his dedication to the country. The day is marked by ceremonies of remembrance, where Thais honor his legacy of development projects, compassion, and efforts to improve the lives of the Thai people. His memory remains cherished, and the holiday reflects the enduring bond between the monarchy and the people.
King Chulalongkorn Day
King Chulalongkorn Day, observed on October 23rd, honors King Rama V, one of Thailand’s most revered monarchs. King Chulalongkorn is remembered for his significant reforms that modernized Thailand in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He abolished slavery, introduced legal and administrative reforms, and preserved the country’s independence from colonial powers. Thai people pay their respects by placing flowers and wreaths on statues of the king. His legacy of progress and modernization continues to be celebrated.
King Bhumibol’s Birthday
King Bhumibol’s Birthday on December 5th is a national holiday that also serves as Father’s Day in Thailand. King Bhumibol Adulyadej, or Rama IX, is remembered for his long and impactful reign, during which he led numerous initiatives to improve agriculture, infrastructure, and the welfare of the Thai people. Citizens honor his legacy by performing charitable acts, attending ceremonies, and spending time with family. The day underscores his role as a father figure to the nation and his deep bond with the Thai people.
Constitution Day
Constitution Day celebrated on December 10th, marks the anniversary of Thailand’s transition to a constitutional monarchy in 1932. It commemorates the granting of the first constitution by King Prajadhipok (Rama VII), which shifted the country from absolute monarchy to a constitutional government. The day is an important reminder of Thailand’s political history and the development of its modern governance system. Ceremonies are held to honor the Constitution and reflect on the evolution of democracy in the country.