Listed below are some of the most popular annual Thai festivals and holidays. The dates listed here are not all public holidays unless stated, and the dates of the festivals may change or are still pending confirmation by the Thai authority.
Government and immigration offices in Thailand, as well as other Thai embassies, will be closed during public holidays. Thai consulates outside of Thailand may also be closed during the public holidays happening in Thailand.
On Buddhist holidays, there will be a restriction in alcohol sales or a total ban on alcohol sales throughout Thailand. Many bars and clubs may close during the Buddhist holidays. If you are coming to Thailand to party, it is a good idea to check these dates before you arrive or you may end up having to wait for the restriction to end.
*Buddhist holiday are:
Makha Bucha (February/March)
Visakha Bucha (May/June)
Asahna Bucha (July/early August)
Wan Khao Phansa (July/early August)
Awk Phansa (usually in October)
2016 Thai Festivals & Holidays – Calendar
January 2016 | |
| January 1 | New Year’s Day (public holiday) |
| January 9 | Children’s Day |
| January 13-17 | Thailand Tourism Festival 2016 at Lumpini Park in Bangkok |
February 2016 | |
| 5-7 February | Chiang Mai Flower Festival |
| 8 February | Chinese New Year – celebrated throughout Thailand, predominantly in Chinatown of Bangkok |
| 14 February | Valentine’s Day |
| 22 February | Makha Bucha Day (public holiday) *Buddhist holiday – Sale of Alcohol not allowed |
March 2016 | |
| 13 March | National Elephant Day |
| 17-20 March | National Muay Thai Day in Ayutthaya |
April 2016 | |
| 6 April | Chakri Day (public holiday) |
| 13-15 April | Songkran (public holiday) This is the Thai New Year, usually take place in mid-April annually. It is also known as the world’s biggest water fight. |
May 2016 | |
| 1 & 2 May | Labor Day (public holiday) Since 1st is on a Sunday, this holiday will also be added on Monday May 2nd. This is a public holiday in Thailand but there is no real celebration. Most government buildings and offices are close. |
| 5&6 May | Coronation Day (public holiday) |
| 8 May | Rocket Festival in Isaan and Laos |
| 13 May | Royal Ploughing Ceremony |
| 20 May | Visakha Bucha Day (public holiday) *Buddhist holiday – Sale of Alcohol not allowed |
June 2016 | |
| 1 June | Pu Sae Ya Sae Festival Hua Hin Jazz Festival |
July 2016 | |
| 19-20 July | Ubon Ratchathani & Nakhon Phanom Candle Festival |
| 19 July | Ashana Bucha Day (public holiday) |
| 20 July | Khao Phansa (public holiday) |
| 30 July | Asalha Puja Day *Buddhist holiday – Sale of Alcohol not allowed |
August 2016 | |
| 12 August | Queen’s Birthday also known as Mother Day |
| August | Hungry Ghost Festival in Phuket |
| August | Bhumibol Dam Mountain Bike Championship |
September 2016 | |
| September | Phichit Traditional Long Boat Races |
| September | 16th World Gourmet Festival at Anantara Siam Bangkok |
| September | Mini Light and Sound Show in Sukhothai |
| September | Living in Bangkok 2015 at Bumrungrad Hospital in Bangkok |
| September | Phitsanulok Traditional Long Boat Races |
| September | Bangkok Car Free Day |
| September | Mon Floating Boat Festival in Sangkhlaburi |
October 2016 | |
| October | Vegetarian Festival |
| October | Buffalo Racing in Chonburi |
| 16 October | End of Buddhist Lent Day (Wan Awk Phansa) *Buddhist holiday – Sale of Alcohol not allowed |
| 23 & 24 October | Chulalongkorn Day (public holiday) |
November 2016 | |
| 14 November | Loy Krathong This is an annual festival held at the full moon in late October or early to mid November. |
| 13-15 November | Yi Peng Lantern Festival, Chiang Mai |
| 17-20 November | Elephant Feast in Surin |
December 2016 | |
| 5 December | The King’s Birthday, also known as Father Day (public holiday) |
| 10 & 12 December | Constitution Day (public holiday) |
| 31 December | New Year’s Eve (public holiday) |
