Thai Festivals and Thai Public Holidays

Thai Festivals and Thai Public Holidays

1st of January - New Year's Day
 In Thailand there are three New Year's days. The Western, on Jan 1st, the Chinese New Year on the first day of the First Lunar month, usually in February and the Thai New Year marked by the Songkhran festival in April. Thais usually exchange gifts on January 1st.

31st of January and 1st of February - Phra Buddha Bath Fair
 Held at the temple of the Holy Footprint at Saraburi which is 236 Km north from Bangkok. There are many activities including music and outdoor drama.

 January - unscheduled dates - Bosan Umbrella Fair
 Held in Chiang Mai during January, it features colourful paper umbrellas and other local handicrafts. Chaing Mai is noted for its production of decorative umbrellas and parasols.

February - at the start of the luna month - Chinese Lunar month.
 Usually in February. Businesses close for 3-4 days giving families time to get together and worship at one of the Chinese Buddhist temples. There may also be public celebrations with acrobats, Lion Dance and firecrackers. The latter are believed to frighten away "foreign devils"

February - Flower Carnival
 Held in Chiang Mai during February it features parades and colourful floats exhibiting the local flora.
 End of February Beginning March - Makha Bucha Day
 End of February / beginning of March, depending on the moon. This commemorates the day when 1250 of Buddha's disciples gathered spontaneously to hear him preach. Buddhists visit Wats and make merit by such acts as releasing caged birds. In the evening the celebrations culminate in a candle lit procession around the main temple building.

6th of April - Chakri Day
 Commimorates the founding of the Chakri Dynasty, of which the present King Bhumipol is the 9th King. Portraits of the King and Queen are prominently displayed and decked with tributes of flowers.

13th to 15th April - Songkhran
 This is the celebration of the old Thai New Year.
 Songkhran is a time when the Thai family will try to be together, and many people will travel back to their home village.
 This holiday has now become secularised, with exuberant merrymakers bucket full, or even with a hose. To add to the fun, tale is mixed with the water and may be daubed on your face. Take it all in good spirit, no one is exempt, not even the policemen.

Secound week of April - Pattaya Festival

1st of May - National Labour Day

5th of May - Coronation Day
 This celebrates the coronation of the present King Bhumipon, Rama IX. Tributes are paid at shrines and portraits of His Majesty.
End of May - Royal Ploughing Ceremoney
 This is an ancient Brahman ceremoney celebrates the beginning of the rice planting season.

 June
 Full moon of the 6th Lunar Month - Visakha Bucha Day
 This celebrates the birth, death and enlightenment of Buddha, and is the most sacred day on the Buddhist calender.

 Mid July - Asalaha Bucha Day
 This is the day before the start of Buddhist Lent.

 Mid July - Buddhist Lent
 This marks the start of Khao Pansa, Period similar to the Christian Lent.

12th of August - H.M. Queen's Birthday
 Tributes are paid to Her Majesty

23rd of October - Chulalongkorn Day
 This commemorates the death of King Chulalongkorn, Rama V in 1910.

 November
 Full Moon 12th Lunar month, November - Loy Krathong
 Krathongs, or lotus flowers made of natural materials, containing a candle, incense sticks, a coin or two and beatifully decorated with flowers are launched into the sea, or any convenient stretch of water, as a thanksgiving to the water spirits, and a cleansing of sins.

December
 The 3rd of December - Trouping of the Colour
 Their Majesties the King and Queen preside over this annual event which is held in the Royal Plaza, Bangkok.

 5th of December - Constitution Day
 This marks the day in 1932, when the monarchy became constitutional, at the very beginning of democracy on Thailand.

31st of December - New Year's Eve
 The end of the old year when everybody celebrates.
 Besides these national holidays and festivals there are many local and regional festivals are feast days held throughout the year.