HOLIDAYS & FESTIVAL | MAY & JUNE 2011

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.

May Labour Day (1st May) Coronation Day (5th May) A public holiday celebrating the coronation of H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej (King Rama IX). Royal Ploughing Ceremony Day Held in May when the rice-growing season begins. Visakha Puja Day (full moon, sixth lunar month) A public holiday commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Lord Buddha. Asalha Puja Day (full moon, eight lunar month) A public holiday marking the Lord Buddha's firth sermon.