Thailand public holidays in 2026 and 2027 — what travellers need to know

Songkran combines public holidays with a major street festival and heavy domestic travel. Buddhist holidays are quieter, but can still change institutional and service hours.

Key takeaway: It is worth visiting for the events and local atmosphere if you accept crowds and early reservations.

Public-holiday calendar for 2026 and 2027

Calendar coverage: The 2026 calendar is based on the Bank of Thailand official schedule and covers days off relevant to travellers. Regional holidays and later special decisions may differ; 2027 awaits official publication.

2026

DateDayHolidayNotes
1 JanuaryThursdayNew Year's Day
2 JanuaryFridaySpecial public holiday
3 MarchTuesdayMakha Bucha Day
6 AprilMondayChakri Memorial Day
13 AprilMondaySongkran Festival
14 AprilTuesdaySongkran Festival
15 AprilWednesdaySongkran Festival
1 MayFridayLabour Day
4 MayMondayCoronation Day
1 JuneMondayVisakha Bucha Day
3 JuneWednesdayQueen Suthida's Birthday
28 JulyTuesdayKing Vajiralongkorn's Birthday
29 JulyWednesdayAsarnha Bucha Day
12 AugustWednesdayQueen Mother's Birthday and Mother's Day
13 OctoberTuesdayKing Bhumibol Memorial Day
23 OctoberFridayChulalongkorn Day
7 DecemberMondayKing Bhumibol's Birthday, National Day and Father's Day
10 DecemberThursdayConstitution Day
31 DecemberThursdayNew Year's Eve

2027

The official calendar for this year has not yet been published. We do not fill the gap with predictions presented as confirmed dates.

Which periods affect travel most?

Songkran: 13–15 April

Thai New Year brings heavy domestic travel and large water festivals. Official events in Bangkok may run longer than the statutory holiday itself.

Buddhist holidays

Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha and Asarnha Bucha change the rhythm of offices and some services. Expect ceremonies and extra activity around temples.

New Year period

Late December and New Year form another major domestic travel period. Book flights, trains and resort stays earlier than for an ordinary weekend.

Shops, transport and attractions

  • Trains, buses, ferries and domestic flights may sell out faster; buy tickets ahead for the key holiday periods.
  • Government offices, banks and schools generally close; private businesses set their own hours.
  • Hotels and major visitor attractions often operate, sometimes with reduced hours or advance booking.

Local customs and etiquette

During Songkran protect your phone and documents, but do not assume everyone wants to be splashed. Cover shoulders and knees at temples and avoid disturbing worshippers.

How to plan your trip

  1. During Songkran, protect electronics, passports and documents from water.
  2. Reserve accommodation and key journeys earlier than usual.
  3. Two or three days before a visit, check the official hours of the attraction or operator.

Combine the calendar with the weather

Check the 14-day forecast, monthly climate and best time to visit Thailand.

Thailand weather

Sources and data coverage

The 2026 calendar is based on the Bank of Thailand official schedule and covers days off relevant to travellers. Regional holidays and later special decisions may differ; 2027 awaits official publication. Calendar data checked: 13 July 2026.

Travel-advice sources

Other holiday calendars for travellers

Frequently asked questions

Is it worth visiting Thailand during public holidays?
It is worth visiting for the events and local atmosphere if you accept crowds and early reservations.
Do shops and public transport operate on holidays in Thailand?
Trains, buses, ferries and domestic flights may sell out faster; buy tickets ahead for the key holiday periods. Government offices, banks and schools generally close; private businesses set their own hours. Hotels and major visitor attractions often operate, sometimes with reduced hours or advance booking.
Can religious holiday dates change?
Yes. Dates based on a lunar calendar may be confirmed or adjusted by the relevant authorities. We label such entries as estimates and recommend checking again before departure.