As we welcome 2023, it’s time to mark your calendars with the upcoming Thailand holidays for the year. Thailand observes a diverse range of holidays throughout 2023, including both general observances and public holidays when government offices and many businesses are closed. In this article, we’ll provide you with a breakdown of these holidays.
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Thailand Holidays 2023
New Year’s Day – A Joyful Start
- January 1: New Year’s Day (National Holiday)
- January 2: Day off for New Year’s Day (National Holiday)
Love Is in the Air – Valentine’s Day
- February 14: Valentine’s Day (Observance)
Honoring Traditions – Makha Bucha and Chakri Day
- March 6: Makha Bucha (National Holiday)
- April 6: Chakri Day (National Holiday)
The Water Festival – Songkran
- April 13-16: Songkran (National Holiday) Probably the best Thailand holiday, he is so fun, everybody outside playing with water from children to adults! The age doesn’t matter just have fun!
Celebrating Labor – Labour Day
- May 1: Labour Day (Bank Holiday)
Honoring the Coronation – Coronation Day
- May 4: Coronation Day (National Holiday)
The Ploughing Ritual – Royal Ploughing Ceremony Day
- May 11: Royal Ploughing Ceremony Day (Tentative Date) (Government Holiday)
Buddha’s Blessings – Visakha Bucha, Asahina Bucha, and Khao Phansa Day
- June 3: Visakha Bucha (National Holiday)
- August 1-2: Asahina Bucha Day and Khao Phansa Day (National Holidays)
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Celebrating Royalty
Her Majesty’s Birthday – The Queen’s Birthday
- August 12: The Queen’s Birthday (National Holiday)
- August 14: Day off for The Queen’s Birthday (National Holiday)
Remembering King Bhumibol – Anniversary of the Death of King Bhumibol
- October 13: Anniversary of the Death of King Bhumibol (National Holiday)
Honoring King Chulalongkorn – Chulalongkorn Day
- October 23: Chulalongkorn Day (National Holiday)
Festivals and Global Celebrations
Spooktacular Fun – Halloween
- October 31: Halloween (Observance)
Floating Lanterns and Water Celebrations – Chiang Mai’s Yi Peng Lantern Festival and Loy Krathong
- November 27: Chiang Mai’s Yi Peng Lantern Festival (Observance)
- November 28: Loy Krathong (Observance)
Father of the Nation – King Bhumibol’s Birthday/Father’s Day
- December 5: King Bhumibol’s Birthday/Father’s Day (National Holiday)
Constitutional Celebrations – Constitution Day
- December 10: Constitution Day (National Holiday)
- December 11: Substitute Holiday for Constitution Day (National Holiday)
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Festive Delights – Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
- December 24: Christmas Eve (Observance)
- December 25: Christmas Day (Observance)
Countdown to a New Year – New Year’s Eve
- December 31: New Year’s Eve (National Holiday)
A Closer Look at Thailand Holidays
Thailand holidays that fall on weekends often include a day off on the following Monday to ensure everyone can participate in the celebrations. For example, Queen Suthida’s birthday, which falls on a Saturday, shares the same day as Buddha Day Visakha Bucha.
Buddha Days hold particular significance in Thailand, with government offices closing on these occasions. Notably, the sale and consumption of alcohol are prohibited on these days. Buddha Days correspond with Full Moon events, often causing a slight delay in celebrations such as the renowned party in Koh Pha Ngan, where alcohol consumption is allowed a day later.
- Makha Bucha, celebrated on March 6 in 2023, commemorates a spontaneous sermon by Buddha, gathering 1,250 disciples.
- Visakha Bucha on June 3 marks Buddha’s birth, enlightenment 35 years later, and his death and entry into Nirvana 45 years after that.
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Festivals Celebrating the Royal Family
Thailand’s holidays extend to celebrations centered around the Royal Family, honoring their birthdays, anniversaries, and coronations. Mother’s Day is celebrated on August 12, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s birthday, while Father’s Day coincides with the birthday of the late, beloved King Bhumibol Adulyadej on December 5.
Embracing Global Festivals
In addition to traditional Thai holidays, some Western celebrations have gained popularity in Thailand. Christmas, Halloween, Valentine’s Day, and New Year’s Eve are enjoyed by both locals and expats. The festival of Songkran, from April 13 to 16, is a favorite, known for the nationwide water fights that have become iconic worldwide.
The Beauty of Loy Krathong and the Yi Peng Lantern Festival
One of Thailand’s globally famous holidays is Loy Krathong, celebrated on November 28. People gather along Thailand’s riverbanks to float banana trunks, known as Krathong, typically adorned with flowers, incense, candles, personal items, and decorative crafts. For some, it’s a day to pray and express gratitude to the water goddess, Phra Mae Khongkha, and seek forgiveness for water-related transgressions.
Loy Krathong is sometimes confused with the Yi Peng Lantern Festival, celebrated on November 27. The sight of thousands of floating lanterns, illuminated by candlelight, is one of Thailand’s most renowned holiday spectacles.
Join the Celebrations
Don’t miss out on these vibrant and diverse Thailand holidays in 2023. Mark your calendars and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of celebrations across the Land of Smiles.
