Your comprehensive guide to Thai holidays 2008-2009

Posted in Destinations,Events,Festival,General,Guide,News July 16, 2008

National holidays in Thailand are celebrated with great pomp and show. Whether it’s the King’s birthday or the Songkran [traditional Thai New Year], the entire county is adorned like a bride. All the shops and offices are closed down. So, it is extremely important for you to know which dates fall on Thailand’s national holidays, so that you can avoid traveling at those times. Here is a list of all the national holidays from July ‘08 to May ’09.

18th July: Buddhist Lent [Friday]

This day marks the beginning of a time when monks are supposed to retreat to their temples while new life springs forth.

12th August: Queen’s Birthday [Tuesday]

Also celebrated as Thailand’s Mother’s day.

23rd October: Chulalongkorn day [Thursday]

Celebrates the birthday of one of Thailand’s most revered kings.

13th November : Loy Kratong [Tuesday]

An evening when Thais pay respect to the goddess of the waters by floating candlelite. Not exactly a national holiday.

5th December : King’s Birthday [Friday]

Also serves as the nation’s Fathers Day.

10th December: Constitution Day [Tuesday]

Celebrates the date in 1932 when the country was granted its first constitution.

31 December 2008 : new’s year’s eve (Wednesday)

1 January 2009 : new year day (Thursday)

The beginning of the western new year is a national holiday in Thaland.

26 January 2009: Chinese New Year (Monday)

The beginning of the Chinese lunar year is celebrated in the Chinatowns of every city throughout Thailand.

9 February 2009 : Makha Bucha (Monday)

Celebrates the Buddha’s first sermon given to his disciples.

6 April 2009 : Chakri Day (Monday)

Day commeorates the founding of the current dynasty, Rama I.

13 – 15th April 2009 : Songkran (Monday)

Thai new Year

1 May 2009 : Labour Day (Friday)

5 May 2009 : Coronation Day (Tuesday)

Celebrates the day in 1949 when the current king was crowned.

8 May 2009 :Visakha Bucha (Friday)

Celebrates the birth, enlightenment and entry into nirvana of the Buddha.

The list has been prepared to the best of our knowledge. Do remember to re verify before planning your trip as the religious festivals are determined by the Buddhist lunar calendar and therefore are difficult to predict.

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