Other observances are made by the government sector and may result in government departments or agencies closing, but these are not applicable to the private sector.

Thai holidays

Makha Bucha (February full moon)

An important Buddhist holy day, this celebrates the occasion when the Lord Buddha's disciples spontaneously gathered to hear him preach. Merit-making ceremonies take place during the day at temples throughout the country, while at night devotees carry flickering candles three times around monastery chapels.

Chakri Day (April 6): Coronation Day
Commemorates the founding of the Chakri Dynasty of which the current monarch, King Bhumibol - is the ninth.

Songkran (April 13-15): Thai New Year
Songkran Day is the day that the sun moves from Pisces to Aries, which falls on April 13 of every year. On this day it is a tradition to make merit to monks, attend a sermon, and sprinkle holy water onto Buddha images and the elderly. This is also the time when revellers throw water over everyone, in an atmosphere of great festivity. Visitors can expect to get a liberal dousing if they visit busy areas.

Visakha Bucha (May full moon)
This is the holiest of all Buddhist religious days during the year, marking the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Lord Buddha. Temples throughout the country are crowded with people, and in the evening there is a solemn candlelit procession around main monastery chapels.

HM the Queen's birthday (August 12)
Throughout Thailand, public buildings are decorated to honour Her Majesty Queen Sirikit on the occasion of her birthday.

Asanha Bucha (July full moon)
Commemorates the Buddha's first sermon, and marks the beginning of the Buddhist Rains Retreat, a period of three months during which monks must remain in their temples and strictly observe their religious duties. It is also the time that most young Thai men choose to enter the monkshood.

Chulalongkorn Day (23 October)
Commemorates the death of King Rama V, King Chulalongkorn the Great, who reigned from 1868 to 1910. Wreaths are laid at the Equestrian Statue at the Royal Plaza in Bangkok to pay homage to his memory.

HM the King's Birthday (December 5)
The deep reverence of the Thai people for King Bhumibol finds annual public expression on the occasion of his birthday. Buildings, businesses and homes all over the country are elaborately decorated and often spectacularly illuminated.

Constitution Day (December 10)
Thailand had been an absolute monarchy until June 24, 1932 when there was a transition to constitutional monarchy led by a group of young intellectuals inspired by the concept of western democratic procedures. This day celebrates the transition, with public and private buildings displaying flags and bunting.

Below are listed public holidays for 2009-2010.

2009
1 Jan New Year's Day
9 Feb* Makha Bucha Day
6 Apr Chakri Day
13-15 Apr Songkran (Thai New Year)
1 May Labour Day
5 May Coronation Day
9 May* Visakha Bucha
1 Jul Mid Year Bank Holiday
8 Jul* Asanha Bucha (Buddhist Lent)
12 Aug HM the Queen's Birthday
23 Oct Chulalongkorn Day
5 Dec HM the King's Birthday
10 Dec Constitution Day
31 Dec New Year's Eve


2010
1 Jan New Year's Day Feb* Makha Bucha Day
6 Apr Chakri Day
13-15 Apr Songkran (Thai New Year)
28 Apr Visakha Bucha
1 May Labour Day
5 May Coronation Day
1 Jul Mid Year Bank Holiday Jul* Asanha Bucha (Buddhist Lent)
12 Aug HM the Queen's Birthday
23 Oct Chulalongkorn Day
5 Dec HM the King's Birthday
10 Dec Constitution Day
31 Dec New Year's Eve

Note
* The religious festivals are determined by the Buddhist lunar calendar and vary each year.