Thai National and Buddhist Holidays Coming up for 2016...
So it’s May, yep it goes quick doesn’t it!
May and June have some very important National holiday and Buddhist days in them so we thought we would give you some of these dates so you know what is going on.
Holidays are important to the Thai culture as it means time to celebrate with family and friends.
Also Thailand is mainly a Buddhist country so the Buddha holidays are an important part of the culture which you can respect too if you are visiting this beautiful country.
Expect a ban on the sale of alcohol on Buddha days and closures of banks and other main shops on these dates (although it depends on the place and shop).
On Buddha days you will not find that there are any major parties happening on these dates also, out of respect.
We will start from this date onwards...
Friday May 6th - Today is a public holiday as it is the ‘day after Coronation Day, May 5th’
Coronation Day Celebrates the day when the current king Rama IX was crowned in 1949.
This day has been declared as a holiday to boost tourism. As this is a not a Buddhist day then there is no history of bar/alcohol closure.
Monday May 9th - Royal Ploughing Ceremony
This is an ancient holiday to mark the beginning of the rice growing season, very important for farmers.
Again no history of an alcohol ban and this date each year depends on the lunar cycle.
Friday May 20th - Visakha Bucha Day
This is the holiest Buddhist holiday which celebrates the birth, enlightenment and entry into nirvana of the Buddha.
As this is a Buddhist Day then there is always a ban on the sale of alcohol.
Note - No national holidays in June to mention as of yet.
Monday July 18th to Tuesday 19th - Two days to celebrate Asahna Bucha Day, one before and then one on the day (19th)
This holiday depends on the lunar cycle and commemorates the Buddha's first sermon in the Deer Park in Benares and the founding of the Buddhist sangha.
A ban on the sale of alcohol and closure of shops.
Wednesday July 20th - The start of Buddhist Lent
So this will be the 3rd day in a row. This day marks the beginning of the Buddhist 'lent' period, a time when monks are supposed to retreat to their temples while new life springs forth.
A ban on alcohol and closure of shops.
Friday August 12th - Her Majesty The Queen’s Birthday
The Queen’s birthday is always the same date every year and also serves as Thailand's ‘Mother's Day’.
Closures are rare on this day.
Note - No national holidays in September to mention as of yet.
Sunday 16th October - End of Buddhist Lent
This day marks the end of the Buddhist 'lent' period or the Rains Retreat.
A mandatory bar closure was announced starting in 2015 so there is a high chance this will be the case this year.
On the 17th it is called ‘Thod Kathin’ and is the presentation of the monk’s robes after the rains retreat but there are no public closures.
Sunday October 23rd (Could go into 24th as falls on a weekend) - Chulalongkorn Memorial Day
Celebration of the death anniversary of one of Thailand's most revered kings, Rama V.
Rama V was the King who visited and loved Koh Phangan and he made some markings at the Waterfall in Than Sadet.
Tuesday November 15th - Loy Krathong
While this day is not a national holiday, it is an evening when Thais pay respect to the goddess of the waters by floating candlelit offerings on any and all of the waterways around the kingdom.
A very beautiful event to see or be part of with no closures on this day.
Monday December 5th - His Majesty The King’s Birthday
The King’s birthday is celebrated throughout the country as he is loved and respected very much. As with the Queen’s birthday, the King’s birthday is also Thai Father's Day.
It is mostly business as usual but in high tourist areas there has been some closures in recent years so just be prepared in case the area in which you are is doing something special.
Saturday December 10th / Monday December 12th - Thai Constitution Day
As this date falls on a weekend then Monday will be the holiday for this.
This holiday celebrates the date in 1932 when the country was granted its first constitution and there is no history of closure or an alcohol ban.
Saturday December 31st - New Years Day
The day before the Western New Year’s day is always marked with a national holiday.
The good news is that there is no alcohol ban…!
We hope this helps with planning your trip or experiencing your time on the wonderful island of Koh Phangan.
A lot of these holidays are marked with great celebration and events which you can get involved with and enjoy, indulge in some proper Thai culture traditions whilst you’re here and see how it is done ‘island style’.
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