Thailand public holidays 2026 include New Year’s Day, Makha Bucha Day, Songkran, Coronation Day, major Buddhist observances, royal commemorations, Constitution Day, and New Year’s Eve. The calendar also includes substitute and special holidays that can create longer breaks during the year.
For travelers, these dates matter because public holidays can affect transport demand, traffic, opening hours, accommodation availability, TADC and domestic travel crowds. Government, bank, and private-sector holiday schedules can also differ, so it is worth checking the type of holiday before making plans.
Thailand Public Holidays 2026
Here are the main Thailand public holidays in 2026 relevant to travelers and holiday planning.
| HOLIDAY | DATE | DAY | TYPE |
| New Year’s Day | 1 Jan | Thu | Public Holiday |
| New Year Holiday | 2 Jan | Fri | Public Holiday |
| Makha Bucha Day | 3 Mar | Tue | Buddhist Holiday |
| End of Ramadan * | 20 Mar | Fri | Public Holiday |
| Chakri Day | 6 Apr | Mon | Public Holiday |
| Songkran Festival | 13–15 Apr | Mon–Wed | Public Holiday |
| Labour Day | 1 May | Fri | Public Holiday |
| Coronation Day | 4 May | Mon | Public Holiday |
| Royal Ploughing Ceremony * | 11 May | Mon | Public Holiday |
| Visakha Bucha Day | 31 May | Sun | Buddhist Holiday |
| Visakha Bucha Substitution Holiday | 1 Jun | Mon | Public Holiday |
| Queen Suthida’s Birthday | 3 Jun | Wed | Public Holiday |
| King Vajiralongkorn’s Birthday | 28 Jul | Tue | Public Holiday |
| Asahna Bucha Day | 29 Jul | Wed | Buddhist Holiday |
| Khao Phansa Day | 30 Jul | Thu | Buddhist Holiday |
| Queen Mother’s Birthday | 12 Aug | Wed | Public Holiday |
| Passing of King Bhumibol | 13 Oct | Tue | Public Holiday |
| Chulalongkorn Memorial Day | 23 Oct | Fri | Public Holiday |
| King Bhumibol’s Birthday | 5 Dec | Sat | Public Holiday |
| Substitution Holiday | 7 Dec | Mon | Public Holiday |
| Constitution Day | 10 Dec | Thu | Public Holiday |
| New Year’s Eve | 31 Dec | Thu | Public Holiday |
Holiday schedules can differ between government offices, financial institutions, and private employers. For example, Khao Phansa on July 30 is a government holiday in 2026, while banks and many private-sector workplaces operate normally.
Some institutions and provinces may also observe additional religious or local holidays. Travelers who need to visit a bank, government office, embassy, or other specific service should check that organization’s calendar before visiting.
Upcoming Thailand Public Holidays in 2026
As of August 2026, the remaining major public holidays on Thailand’s calendar include:
- October 13, Tuesday: King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great Memorial Day
- October 23, Friday: King Chulalongkorn Memorial Day
- December 5, Saturday: King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great’s Birthday, National Day and Father’s Day
- December 7, Monday: Substitute holiday for December 5
- December 10, Thursday: Constitution Day
- December 31, Thursday: New Year’s Eve
If you are traveling around one of these dates, check transport schedules and accommodation availability in advance and also never forget the Thailand Digital Arrival Card. Domestic travel demand can increase around long weekends and major national holidays.
Thailand Long Weekends in 2026
Several Thailand holidays in 2026 create useful long weekends because they fall on a Monday or Friday or have a substitute holiday attached.
New Year: January 1–4
The additional special holiday on Friday, January 2 followed New Year’s Day on Thursday, creating a four-day break for many people when combined with the weekend.
Chakri Memorial Day: April 4–6
Chakri Memorial Day falls on Monday, April 6, creating a three-day weekend from Saturday through Monday.
Songkran: April 11–15
The official Songkran holidays run from Monday, April 13 to Wednesday, April 15. Combined with the preceding weekend, many people had at least five consecutive days away from regular work schedules.
Songkran is also one of Thailand’s busiest domestic travel periods, so transport and accommodation can become heavily booked.
Labour Day: May 1–3
National Labour Day falls on Friday, May 1, creating a three-day weekend for workers and organizations that observe the holiday.
Coronation Day: May 2–4
Coronation Day falls on Monday, May 4, producing another three-day weekend.
Visakha Bucha: May 30–June 1
Visakha Bucha Day falls on Sunday, May 31, with the substitute holiday on Monday, June 1. This creates a three-day weekend for many people.
King Chulalongkorn Memorial Day: October 23–25
King Chulalongkorn Memorial Day falls on Friday, October 23, creating a three-day weekend.
Father’s Day and National Day: December 5–7
December 5 falls on a Saturday in 2026, so Monday, December 7 is observed as the substitute holiday. This creates another three-day weekend.
These periods can be particularly busy for domestic travel. If your trip overlaps with one, booking trains, flights, buses, and popular accommodation early can make planning easier.
Are There Special or Bridge Holidays in Thailand in 2026?
Thailand sometimes declares additional special holidays that connect existing holidays with weekends, creating longer breaks.
For 2026, Friday, January 2 was designated as an additional special holiday, extending the New Year break.
Holiday arrangements can vary between government offices, banks, and private employers. The Bank of Thailand, for example, maintains a separate official calendar for financial institutions.
Travelers should therefore avoid assuming that every business, bank, government office, attraction, or transport service follows exactly the same holiday schedule.
If you have an appointment or need an essential service during a public holiday, check directly with the organization before visiting.
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Songkran 2026: What Travelers Should Know
Songkran takes place from April 13 to 15 and marks the traditional Thai New Year. It is one of Thailand’s biggest annual celebrations and one of the busiest periods for domestic travel.
Traditional Songkran customs include family gatherings, merit-making, temple visits, and the symbolic pouring of water as a gesture of respect and renewal. The holiday is also famous internationally for large-scale water celebrations.
Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket, and other major destinations can become particularly lively during the festival.
If you plan to visit Thailand during Songkran:
- Book transport and accommodation early.
- Expect heavier traffic and busier airports, train stations, and bus terminals.
- Keep phones, passports, and other valuables protected from water in celebration areas.
- Allow additional time for road travel.
- Check attraction and business opening hours.
- Expect large crowds in major Songkran celebration zones.
April is also one of Thailand’s hottest periods. For a broader look at seasonal conditions, see our Thailand weather by month guide.
Do Thailand Public Holidays Affect Tourists?
Yes, but a public holiday does not mean Thailand shuts down.
Major tourist attractions, shopping centers, restaurants, hotels, and convenience stores may continue operating, particularly in popular visitor areas. However, opening hours can vary, while government offices, banks, transport services, and individual businesses may follow different schedules.
The biggest effect for most travelers is often increased domestic travel.
During major holidays you may notice:
- Busier airports and transport terminals
- Higher demand for domestic flights and trains
- More road traffic
- Increased demand for hotels in popular destinations
- Crowded attractions and celebration areas
- Changed opening hours at some offices and businesses
If your trip overlaps with Songkran, New Year, or a long weekend, leaving bookings until the last minute can limit your options.
Planning a Thailand Trip Around Public Holidays
Public holidays can be a great time to experience Thai culture, but whether they improve your trip depends on what you want to do.
Visit during Songkran if experiencing one of Thailand’s biggest cultural celebrations is a priority.
Avoid the busiest holiday travel days if you prefer quieter airports, roads, and attractions.
Book ahead for long weekends if you plan to visit popular domestic destinations.
Check opening hours if your itinerary includes government services, banks, embassies, or smaller businesses.
Weather is another important consideration. Thailand’s conditions vary significantly by month and region, so our best time to visit Thailand guide can help you choose a travel period. Beach travelers should also check the best time for Thailand beaches, as Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui, and other islands do not all follow the same seasonal pattern.
Staying Connected During Thailand Holiday Travel
Public holidays can make transport hubs and popular destinations busier, so having mobile data is useful for checking maps, ride-hailing apps, flight updates, train or bus information, hotel bookings, and last-minute changes.
Travelers can set up an Eskimo Thailand eSIM before their trip and connect without needing to buy a physical SIM after arrival. Eskimo’s fixed Thailand plans support personal hotspot, transferable data, and 2-year validity, which can be useful if you have data left after your trip.
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FAQs
How many public holidays are there in Thailand in 2026?
The exact number depends on whether you are counting government holidays, bank holidays, substitute days, or holidays observed by individual employers. Thailand has a substantial national holiday calendar covering Buddhist observances, royal commemorations, Songkran, New Year, Constitution Day, and other important dates. Government, bank, and private-sector calendars are not identical.
What is the next public holiday in Thailand in 2026?
As of August 2026, the next major nationwide public holiday is King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great Memorial Day on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. King Chulalongkorn Memorial Day follows on Friday, October 23.
Is Songkran a public holiday in Thailand?
Yes. April 13, 14, and 15 are official Songkran holidays in Thailand in 2026. Songkran marks the traditional Thai New Year and is one of the country’s largest annual celebrations.
Is January 2, 2026 a public holiday in Thailand?
Yes. Friday, January 2, 2026 was designated as an additional special holiday, extending the New Year holiday period.
Are banks closed on every Thailand public holiday?
No. Thailand’s government and bank holiday calendars are not completely identical. For example, Khao Phansa on July 30, 2026 is a government holiday, but it is not listed as a nationwide Bank of Thailand financial-institution holiday. Check the Bank of Thailand or your specific bank when you need branch services around a holiday.
Are shops and tourist attractions closed on public holidays in Thailand?
Not necessarily. Shopping centers, restaurants, convenience stores, hotels, and many tourist attractions often continue operating, particularly in major visitor destinations. Government offices, banks, smaller businesses, and individual attractions may follow different schedules, so check directly when opening hours matter.
Is Thailand busy during public holidays?
Major holidays and long weekends can increase domestic travel, particularly around Songkran and New Year. Flights, trains, buses, roads, hotels, and popular destinations can become busier, so booking ahead is sensible if your trip overlaps with a major holiday.
