HOLIDAYS & FESTIVAL 2013

Thailand has a large number of festivals and holidays. Exact dates for festivals may vary from year to year, either because of the lunar calendar, which is not synchronized with the solar calendar, or because local authorities decide to change the festival dates. The Tourism Authority of Thailand publishes an up-to-date major Events and Festivals Calendar each year. The following are just a few major holidays and festivals in Thailand.

New Year's Day
The 1st day of the 1st month according to Western calendar – New Year's Day
Tuesday, 1 January 2013

Chinese New Year
The 1st day of the 1st lunar month according to Chinese lunar calendar – Chinese New Year
Not a national holiday, but some businesses are closed.
Sunday, 10 February 2013

Makha Bucha
Commemorates Buddha's teaching of Ovada Patimokkha.
Monday, 11 March 2013

Chakri Memorial Day
Commemorates the establishment of Chakri Dinasty – Chakri
Saturday, 6 April 2013
*Monday, 8 April 2013 (substitute)

Songkran Festival
Sonkran festival, also known as Water festival, is the traditional Thai New Year. The prime holiday in Thailand.
Saturday, 13 April 2013
Sunday, 14 April 2013
Monday, 15 April 2013
Tuesday, 16 April 2013 (*Sonkran observed)
Wednesday, 17 April 2013 (*Sonkran observed)

Thailand Labor Day
International labor day to celebrates the achievement of the workers.
Wednesday, 1 May 2013

Coronation Day
Commemorates the coronation of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Sunday, 5 May 2013
*Monday, 6 May 2013 (substitute)

Royal Ploughing Ceremony
Ceremony to give blessings to the farmers.
Saturday, 11 May 2013 (the date may change)

Visakha Bucha / Vesak Day
Celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and entry to the nirvana of Buddha – Vesak Day
Friday, 24 May 2013

Asanha Bucha / Asalha Puja Day
Commemorates the Buddha's first sermon in the Deer Park in Benares.
Tuesday, 30 July 2013

HM The Queen's Birthday
Celebrates the birthday of Queen Sirikit in 1932.
Monday, 12 August 2013

Chulalongkorn Memorial Day
Commemorates the passing of King Chulalongkorn in 1910.
Wednesday, 23 October 2013

Loy Kratong
The day to respect the goddess of the water by floating candlelit offerings on all waterways around the kingdom – Loy Krathong
Not a national holiday.
Monday, 18 November 2013

HM The King's Birthday
Thailand King's Birthday commemorates the birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1927.
Thursday, 5 December 2013

Thai Constitution Day
Celebrates the proclamation of the first permanent constitution in 1932.
Tuesday, 10 December 2013

New Year's Eve
The day before New Year.
Tuesday, 31 December 2013