Thailand Holidays

[Admin]

List courtesy of ***********

Thailand Public Holidays 2006

January 01: New Year's Day
January 02 & 03: Substitute for New Year's Day
January 29 & 30 Chinese New Year (Not official public holiday)

February 12: Makha Bucha Day
February 13: Subsitute for Makha Bucha Day

April 06: Chakri Day
April 13 - 15: Songkran Days

May 01: Labour Day
May 05: Coronation Day
May 12: Visakha Bucha Day

July 10: Asamha Bucha Day (Not official public holiday)
July 11: Buddhist Lent Day

August 12: H.M. The Queen's Birthday
August 14: Substitute for H.M. The Queen's Birthday

October 23: Chulalongkorn Memorial Day

November 05: Loy Krathong (Not official public holiday)

December 05: H.M. The King's Birthday
December 10: Constitution Day
December 11: Substitute for Constitution Day
December 25: Christmas Day (Not official public holiday)
December 31: New Year's Eve

Cheers
Tee Vee

[Frank Pole]

If anybody finds a good list of Thai Festivals please post it.

[ThaiVisitor]

It's a bit late so I'll just posts what's coming on in January and hope the information is good enough.


Khon Kaen International Marathon

22 January
Golden Jubilee Convention Hall,
Khon Kaen University,
Khon Kaen Province

Held for the third time, this competition is aimed to forge friendship among local runners and beyond.

Bo Sang Umbrella & San Kamphaeng Handicrafts Fair 2006

20 - 22 January
Bo Sang Handicraft Center,
San Kamphaeng District,
Chiang Mai

Once the capital of Lanna Kingdom, Chiangmai is nowadays famed for its ancient temples, distinctive arts and crafts, stupendous scenery and unique Northern cuisine. Known as the main crafts center of Thailand, local craftsmen produce a wide variety of handicrafts such as wooden carving, silverware, lacquerware, fabrics, ceramics and silk reflecting centuries of Lanna expertise.

Chinese New Year Celebrations

29 January to 2 February. Different Provinces have different celebration dates.

China Town
Bangkok

Along the banks of the Chao Phraya River at Sawan Nongsomboon Park,
Nakorn Sawan

Along Sino-Portuguese Road,
Muang District, Phuket

Pattaya, Chonburi

Vararos Market - Lao Jo Street,
Chiangmai

Sri Nakhon School Hat Yai district,
Songkhla

Traditionally celebrated by Chinese all over the world. Festival will includes Lion/Dragon dances, Chinese Arts and Crafts including culinaries and handicrafts, and also things more specific to the respective provinces.

Cheers
Tee Vee :D

[Kartolo]

How about holidays in schools and universities? Anybody knows?

Maybe they will be more students freelancing then in Hadyai. Can plan when to go and sian them!


List courtesy of ***********

Thailand Public Holidays 2006

January 01: New Year's Day
January 02 & 03: Substitute for New Year's Day
January 29 & 30 Chinese New Year (Not official public holiday)

February 12: Makha Bucha Day
February 13: Subsitute for Makha Bucha Day

April 06: Chakri Day
April 13 - 15: Songkran Days

May 01: Labour Day
May 05: Coronation Day
May 12: Visakha Bucha Day

July 10: Asamha Bucha Day (Not official public holiday)
July 11: Buddhist Lent Day

August 12: H.M. The Queen's Birthday
August 14: Substitute for H.M. The Queen's Birthday

October 23: Chulalongkorn Memorial Day

November 05: Loy Krathong (Not official public holiday)

December 05: H.M. The King's Birthday
December 10: Constitution Day
December 11: Substitute for Constitution Day
December 25: Christmas Day (Not official public holiday)
December 31: New Year's Eve

Cheers
Tee Vee

[ThaiVisitor]

Khon Kaen International Marathon

[ThaiVisitor]

Chinese New Year Celebrations

[Duniawala]

Chinese New Year Celebrations
Nice pictures, but could you make them larger? Thanks.

[Agenda]

teevee...i add some more..

[ThaiVisitor]

teevee...i add some more..
Well Done Bro!

The more contributions, the better for fellow bros.

Cheers
Tee Vee :D

[MeatMan]

how about some pics of the Rocket Festival. Anyone with some?

[ThaiVisitor]

How about holidays in schools and universities? Anybody knows?

Maybe they will be more students freelancing then in Hadyai. Can plan when to go and sian them!
I tried to get the info but apparently even the schools couldn't give me a firm answer.

So all I can gather is that school holidays are as follows;

Mid March to Early May
Beginning October to 3rd week of October.

I'll try to get the universities holidays.

Cheers
Tee Vee

[ThaiVisitor]

Chonburi Province would like to invite the general public to its grand Chinese New Year Festival, which will be held from January 29th to February 2nd.

The Central Region Office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, District 3, would like to extend its invitation to tourists and viewers across the globe to the Chinese New Year Festival in Viharn Thepstit Phrakit Chalerm ( วิหารเทพสถิตพระกิติเฉลิม ) Temple in Tambon Ang Sila ( อ่างศิลา ) Muang District of Chonburi Province. Interestingly, this temple is believed to be inhabited by 60 gods. Apart from this belief, the temple is considered to be one of the most beautiful and largest temples in the world, since it is decorated with extravagant Chinese architectures such as Quan Yin, the goddess of mercy, Ngek Sian Hong Tae ( เง็กเซียนฮ่องเต้ ) and not to mention the famous 2,840 dragon statues.

Many propitious and religious activities will be held in this event in order for the visitors to receive blessings and merits. Here, Buddhists can also pray for long and healthy lives and apologize for their wrongdoings in the past and the present, and also, many praying ceremonies will be presented as well.

For further details, please log on to www.TAT.or.th website or just call its hotline at 1672.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 19 January 2006

Cheers
Tee Vee

[ThaiVisitor]

Chiangmai Flowers Festival

3 - 5 February
Muang District,
Chiang Mai

The tentative date of Chiangmai Flowers Festival is between 3 and 5 February, 2006.

10th Trang Underwater Wedding Ceremony

13 - 15 February
Koh Kradan,
Trang

Diver lovers from around the world are invited to vow their wedding romance in the 8th Trang Underwater Wedding Ceremony to be held on February 13-15, 2004 on Koh Kradan, Trang.

Khantok Chang Festival

14 - 17 February
Thai Elephant Conservation Centre,
Hang Chat District,
Lampang Province

The Khantok Chang Fair is held at the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre every year on the first weekend of February. In this event, elephants are feasted with an assortment of their favourite fruits and vegetables served on a big northern style food tray called "Tok". Talent shows from the elephants are also part of the activities.

King Narai Fare

15 - 19 February
Phra Narai Ratchanivet Palace,
Lop Buri

The historic city of Lop Buri enjoyed tremendous prosperity for over 3,000 years and rose to its height of civilization during the reign of King Narai the Great, one of the great kings of Ayutthaya who made Lop Buri the second capital of the Kingdom of Siam.

Chao Mae Lim Ko Niao Fair

6 - 15 February
Around Leng Chu Kiang Shrine,
Muang District,
Pattani

Among the Chinese and families of Chinese descent, the Goddess Chao Mae Lim Ko Niao is a highly revered. During the Chao Mae Lim Ko Niao Fair, a procession is held 15 days after the Chinese New Year in honour of the deity.

The 9th Annual Kalasin Prae Wa Silk Festival

26 February - 6 March
The ***icipal office,
Muang District,
Kalasin Province

The intricate and colourful designs of Prae Wa - the 'queen of silks' makes this fabric, the most exquisite and most famous of all of the handicrafts of Kalasin Province. The fabric is woven by the 'Phu Thai' settlers, descendants of Vietnamese immigrants from Meung Taeng.

The Tattoo Arts Festival and Exhibition

10 - 12 February
BEC Tero Hall,
Suan Lum Night Bazaar,
Bangkok

The event features various magical shows, live concerts, cultural performance and a tattoo fashion show.

Bangkok International Film Festival

17 - 27 February
The Siam Paragon,
Bangkok

The 2005 Bangkok International Film Festival included an international program of more than 150 features, special events, seminars and panels as well as the third annual presentation of the Golden Kinnaree Awards for excellence in international filmmaking in eight categories, on top of 3 honorary awards: Crystal Lens, Lifetime Achievement and Career Achievement Awards.

Cheers
Tee Vee :D

[ThaiVisitor]

Visit Kanchanaburi Year 2006
1 January - 31 December 2006 : Kanchanaburi

JANUARY

- Thai Music Festival
January 13-14, 2006
At Somdej Ya Park

- Delicious Food & Fine gems Festival
January 28 - February 5, 2006
At the 60 Years Sala, Rim Nam Road, Na Muang

- Thai-Burmese Culture, Trade and Tourism Festival
January 28 - February 7, 2006
At Phra Chedi Sam Ong (Three Pagoda Pass) market

FEBRUARY

- Re-Tracing His Majesty the King's trip to Sai Yoke
February 3 - 5, 2006
At Prasat Muang Singh Historical Park

- Kanchanaburi study trip
February 14 - 16, 2006
At the City Pillar Shrine and 60 Years Sala, and ***icipal Office, Rim Nam Road, Na Muang

MARCH

- River Kwai Trophy Challenge
March 4, 2006
At Amphoe Sai Yoke district

- Kingdom of Phra Nang Klao Festival
March 8 - 10, 2006

- Jazz by the river
March 24 - 25, 2006

APRIL

- World of Srisawat
April 7 - 9, 2006

- Karen Tribal Festival
April 8 - 9, 2006
At Tambon Bong Tee sub-district

- Ban Nong Khao Merit-Making Festival
April 13 - 15, 2006
At Wat Intararam

- Sangkhla Buri Songkran Raman Festival
April 13 - 15, 2006

- Wax Castle Festival of Nong Prue
April 17, 2006

- Anzac Day
April 24, 2006
At the Kanchanaburi War Cemetry

MAY

- City Pillar Shrine Festival
May 1 - 10, 2006

- Journey bck in time to the days of King Narai the great
May 13 - 16, 2006
At the King Narai the Great Memorial

JUNE

- Kanchanaburi Elephant month
Elephant-trekking, bamboo rafting and horseback riding
June 3 - 4, 2006

- Ayara Elephant Party
June 24
At Ban Mai Patana

JULY

- Dhamma month in Kanchanaburi

- Fruits of Thong Pha Phum
July 1 - 2, 2006

AUGUST

- Thong Pha Phum Marathon
At Thong Pha Phum

- Family Bicycle Rally
August 19, 2006
At Thong Pha Phum

SEPTEMBER

- International Music and Sports
September 9 - 10, 2006

- Boat and Bamboo Rafts Festival
September 9
At the Kwae Yai River, Khun Paen Reservoir, 60 Years Sala

- The Legend of Sai Yoke Noi Festival
September 16 - 18, 2006
At Sai Yoke Noi Waterfall

- River Kwai International Marathon
September 17, 2006
At Amphoe Sai Yoke district

- Raman Civilisation month
Raman Boat Rituals
September 17 - 18, 2006
At Amphoe Sangkhla Buri district

- Agrotourism at Rai Khun Mon
September 23 - 24, 2006
At Rai Khun Mon

OCTOBER

- 'Het Khone' Straw Mushroom Festival
At Amphoe Bor Ploi district


NOVEMBER

- Kanchanaburi Loi Krathong - Festival of Lights
Along rivers and waterways

- Camping-out in Kanchanaburi
November 4 - 5, 2006
At Khao Laem National Park

- Bridge over the River Kwai week
November 25 - December 5, 2006
At the bridge

DECEMBER

- Legend of the Pi-Lock Mines
December 9 - 11, 2006


Note: Event dates and programme details may be subject to change.

Cheers
Tee Vee:D

[Duniawala]

TV

Thanks for the good info. Now I can probably work one of these festivals on my next trip.

[ThaiVisitor]

Using my 2 sons as a guide, the school holidays starts from 4 to 10 March and ends in Early May.

Cheers
Tee Vee

[ThaiVisitor]

I apologise for not posting March Festivals and Events as I was totally engrossed in other matters that I forgot about it.

Anyway, I will just highlight what the events were and go on to the next post for April's Events.

The 9th Annual Kalasin Prae Wa Silk Festival
26 February - 6 March
The municipal office,
Muang District,
Kalasin Province

Pattaya International Music Festival 2006

17 - 19 March
Pattaya Beach,
Chonburi

Thai Kite, Sports and Music Festival
1 March - 2 April
Sanam Luang,
Bangkok

21st ASEAN Zebra Dove Cooing Contest
4 - 5 March
Suan Khwan Muang Park and Rong Phithi Chang Phueak (White Elephant Ceremony) Pavilion
Amphoe Muang,
Yala

Mekong River International Multi - Sport ITU/ASTC Asian Cup 2006
23 - 26 March
Muang District,
Mukdaharn Province

The 9th Thailand International Kite Festival
March 11-12
Rama VI Camp,
Cha-Am,
Phetburi province

Cheers
Tee Vee :D

[ThaiVisitor]

Visit Kanchanaburi year 2006
1 January - 31 December
Kanchanaburi

Thai Kite, Sports and Music Festival
1 March - 2 April
Sanam Luang,
Bangkok

March marks the beginning of the kite flying seasons in Thailand. The event features numerous traditional sports conpetitions and folk music performance.

Songkran Festival: Bangkok
8 - 16 April
Khao San Road, Banglumpoo, Sanam Luang, Suan Santichai Prakan, and Temples in Ratanakosin Island in Bangkok.

This traditional Thai custom of merry-making is the Kingdom's most 'sanuk' (fun-filled) festival, celebrated with tremendous enthusiasm, nation-wide, once a year. In most parts of the country, Songkran extends over a period of 3 days.

Songkran Festival (Nong Khai Province)
6-18 April
Wat Pho Chai temple and Hat Chomani beach near the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge that spans the Mekong River

With the neighbouring country of Lao PDR on the opposite bank of the Mekong River, Songkran celebrations in the northeastern province of Nong Khai is a combined Thai-Lao Songkran festival, with rituals, cultural performances, folk games and cuisine, reflecting a shared heritage.

Dok Khun Siang Khean Songkran Festival 2006
8-15 April
Bung Kaen Nakhon and Khao Neow Road,
Khon Kaen Province

The rest of the Grand Songkran holidays are filled with festive fun with hours of friendly water- splashing, Miss Songkran beauty pageants and a variety of uptempo traditional Northeastern folk entertainment.

Hat Yai Songkran Festival: Midnight Songkran
(12-16 April
Hat Yai District,
Songkhla

"Songkran" is a word from the Sanskrit language which means to "move into" and refers to the orbit of the sun moving into Aries.

Songkran Festival (Nakhon Si Thammarat Province)
11-15 April
Phra Isuan and Phra Narai Hall on Ratchadamnern Road,
Nakhon Si Thammarat Province

Nakhon Si Thammarat has been a centre for Buddhism and culture in Southern Thailand since ancient times.

Sukhothai Songkran Festival
11-15 April
Sawankalok District,
Sukhothai Province

Chiangmai Songkran Festival 2006
11-15 April
Throughout Chiangmai city

Ayutthaya Songkran Festival
13-15 April
Throughout Ayutthaya city

Pattaya Songkran Festival
18-19 April
Pattaya City,
Chonburi Province

Songkran Festival in Phra Pradaeng (Samut Prakarn Province) and Thai Raman Flag Ceremony
21-23 April
Phra Pradaeng District,
Samut Prakan Province

The Phra Pradaeng Songkran Festival differs from others in that it is held a little later than in most other locales.

Chiang Mai Arts and Culture Festival
1-9 April
Throughout Chiang Mai city,
Chiang Mai province

Chiang Mai has been the home of Thai artisans and the kingdom's centre of art and crafts for centuries.

2nd Bangkok International Soccer 7s Tournament
22-23 April
Patana School,
Bangkok

Thailand Soccer 7s tournaments have quickly developed a reputation as being among the best of its kind in Asia with professional organization and the quality of teams participating.

Khao Phanom Rung Festival
April 1 - 2,
Phanom Rung Historical Park,
Chalermphrakiat district,
Buri Ram province

In Hindu and Buddhist cosmology, mountains are believed to be homes to the gods.

Cheers
Tee Vee

[ThaiVisitor]

come mid-april, as the sun produces heat waves that may be unbearable for some, thailand explodes into a gigantic water-throwing extravaganza as the country cut loose their tradition of politeness and minding their own businesses. this is the time where it is just impossible to walk down a street without getting doused by a pail of ice-cold water or a high-tech colorful squirt gun. or even having your face dusted down with baby powder.

welcome to songkran!

http://www.***********.org/thaigallery/albums/userpics/10001/songkran1.jpg

"songkran" is a word from the sanskrit language which means to "move into" and refers to the orbit of the sun moving into aries. it marks the end of a 12-month cycle and the beginning of a new solar year. songkran is therefore the thai new year celebrations.

this traditional thai custom of merry-making is the kingdom's most 'sanuk' (fun-filled) festival, celebrated with tremendous enthusiasm, nation-wide, once a year. in most parts of the country, songkran extends over a period of 3 days.

known the world-over for its characteristic tradition of water-throwing ranging from a courteous sprinkle or a polite splash, to harmless water pistols and showers from garden hoses to the well-aimed bucket or water-cannon delivered in a festive spirit. without a doubt, on the practical side, songkran is a refreshing solution to "beating the heat" in the hottest season of the year. there is a however a much deeper significance to "songkran".

apart from marking a new beginning, songkran is also a time for thanksgiving. it is an important time for individuals to reflect upon the many acts of kindness and thoughtfulness each has personally experienced and to remember how such acts of generosity and compassion bring peace, happiness and well-being. songkran is also the time for reunions and family ties are renewed.

at the heart of each thai custom and tradition, there is always a logical reason for its existence. the festive elements of the celebration, the cultural values, the social code of conduct and individual belief and practices are intertwined. songkran embodies the traditional thai cultural values.

the underlying significance of songkran is the process of cleansing and purification - the purging of all ills, misfortune and evil and starting the new year afresh with all that is good and pure. water is symbolic of the cleaning process and signifies purity.

some advice

http://www.***********.org/thaigallery/albums/userpics/10001/songkran2.jpg

if you get involved in the water splashing, remember that older people are exempted as a mark of respect.

should you wish to splash a policeman, do it with respect. approach the policeman in a non-confrontational manner, “wai” him, and then slowly pour a little water on his back. remember to “wai” him when you have finished. do not get carried away and “splash” large amount of water at the policeman.

if you want to splash anyone on a vehicle especially those riding a motorcycle, wave at the vehicle to slow them down before splashing them. do not splash at fast moving vehicles especially at the faces or eyes.

if you are driving or riding a motorcycle, slow down whenever you see anyone with a pail or water gun ready to splash you. do not try to avoid them especially by speeding away.

take it all in your stride. maybe you didn't realize that you were going to be in thailand at this time, and hadn't planned on getting soaked. well. no amount of getting annoyed is going to change that -- it's their country and their most important festival and the thais are going to enjoy it. put on your worst clothes (or buy some cheap ones) and get into it. you're on holiday -- forget everything, look, learn new things, and just have fun. you might just find yourself feeling cleansed.

cheers
tee vee

[Pool Guy]

Any good holidays in the first week of June?

Thanks,

Pool Guy

[JPF]

the following is a mirror of a site that the fbi put up to find sex tourists looking for **** sex partners.

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/wickedadventurestravel/

there is virtually nothing on the site about sex, though, and any of us might have been taken in. after reading the story at

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/0511061web1.html

i did see that on the information form there is a question about the age of the sex partner in which you are interested and it includes primarily **** categories. also, the meta tags are supposed to include words that would cause hits if one was searching for **** partners.

yet another thing to be cautious about.

[Horatio]

If you use the calender on google there is an option that can be chosen which list all the holidays in Thailand. There are options for the holdiays in other countries as well. You can turn these options on and off with a quick click, so the calender is not too cluttered.

[Giotto]

Holiday schedule for the year 2007:

1. Monday 1 January New Year's Day
2. Tuesday 2 January Substitution New Year's Day
3. Monday 5 March Substitution Makha Bucha Day
4. Friday 6 April Chakri Day
5. Friday 13 April Song Kran Festival Day
6. Monday 16 April Substitution Song Kran Festival Day
7. Tuesday 1 May National Labour Day
8. Monday 7 May Substitution Coronation Day
9. Thursday 31 May Visakha Bucha DAy
10. Monday 13 August Substitution H.M.The Queen's Birthday
11. Tuesday 23 October Chulalongkorn Day
12. Wednesday 5 December H.M.The King's Birthday
13. Monday 31 December End of Year's Day


Giotto

[Belmont]

I was In Pattaya May 31 and it was a buddhist holiday.
All the Go-Go's were closed. Few(10%) beer bars open, lights out, no music, and girls behind the bar!
Beach road was packed w/street walkers-all the displaced girls from go gos and beer bars.

I corrected date from June 7 to May 31.
Thanks for PM and correction!
I'll leave post, so you'll know how it is on thai holiday.

[Goyave]

Thailand Public Holidays (with a short explanation): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_holidays_in_Thailand

Bank and Public Holidays (year 2010) in Thailand: http://www.bank-holidays.com/holidays_2010_174.htm

[Lord Farquard]

August 12 is the Queen's birthday, numerous places will be closed. The venues in the tourist locations may be open, but most of the places out of the "big cities" will be closed.

YMMV

[Lost Dude]

I would assume the country (and more importantly the beer bars and gogos) is running normally around CNY, right? I live in China and am looking to head down to Pattaya for CNY as I can't stand being here during that time of year. The country comes to a stand still as everyone heads home and oh, the fireworks day and night and day and night and.

[Opebo]

Today is a holiday, and it seems all venues are closed. What about tomorrow (Friday), and through the weekend? In Pattaya, in Bangkok, and in normal Thailand?

[Daddy07]

Today is a holiday, and it seems all venues are closed. What about tomorrow (Friday), and through the weekend? In Pattaya, in Bangkok, and in normal Thailand?
Today is the Queen's birthday as well as Mother's Day.

I expect things will be back to normal in Pattaya tomorrow and the rest of the weekend.

[Lord Farquard]

Things should be back to normal, only a one day closure. A number of government offices take 4 days off, so the FL pool may dry up as they go home for the long weekend.

[BKK Dreaming]

here is a list for 2011

http://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/?year=2011&country=68