Thailand is well-known for its vibrant culture and deep-rooted traditions, which are reflected in its extensive list of public holidays. For businesses and travelers alike, keeping track of these dates is essential, especially since several are determined by the lunar calendar and change every year.
In 2026, Thailand will observe a mix of royal commemorations, Buddhist holy days, and international celebrations.
Key Highlights for 2026
- Extended New Year Break: The government has historically added “special” holidays to create long weekends. For 2026, January 2nd (Friday) is designated as a special holiday, creating a 5-day holiday stretch from December 31, 2025, to January 4, 2026.
- Songkran (Thai New Year): Falling from April 13 to 15, Songkran remains the most significant holiday. Expect nationwide celebrations and significant business closures.
- Buddhist Holy Days: Dates like Makha Bucha and Visakha Bucha are “dry days” in Thailand, meaning the sale of alcohol is strictly prohibited nationwide.
- Substitution Rules: When a holiday falls on a weekend (Saturday or Sunday), the following Monday is typically granted as a substitution day off.
Thailand Public Holidays in 2026
| Date & Day | Holiday Name | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 (Thursday) | New Year’s Day | Public Holiday |
| Jan 2 (Friday) | Additional Special Holiday | Special Holiday |
| Mar 3 (Tuesday) | Makha Bucha Day | Buddhist Holiday (Alcohol-free) |
| Apr 6 (Monday) | Chakri Memorial Day | Public Holiday |
| Apr 13 (Monday) | Songkran Festival | Public Holiday |
| Apr 14 (Tuesday) | Songkran Festival | Public Holiday |
| Apr 15 (Wednesday) | Songkran Festival | Public Holiday |
| May 1 (Friday) | National Labour Day | Public Holiday (Private Sector) |
| May 4 (Monday) | Coronation Day | Public Holiday |
| May 11 (Monday) | Royal Ploughing Ceremony | Government Holiday |
| May 31 (Sunday) | Visakha Bucha Day | Buddhist Holiday (Alcohol-free) |
| Jun 1 (Monday) | Substitution for Visakha Bucha | Public Holiday |
| Jun 3 (Wednesday) | H.M. Queen Suthida’s Birthday | Public Holiday |
| Jul 28 (Tuesday) | H.M. King Vajiralongkorn’s Birthday | Public Holiday |
| Jul 29 (Wednesday) | Asahna Bucha Day | Buddhist Holiday (Alcohol-free) |
| Jul 30 (Thursday) | Khao Phansa (Buddhist Lent) | Government Holiday |
| Aug 12 (Wednesday) | H.M. Queen Mother’s Birthday / Mother’s Day | Public Holiday |
| Oct 13 (Tuesday) | H.M. King Bhumibol Memorial Day | Public Holiday |
| Oct 23 (Friday) | Chulalongkorn Day | Public Holiday |
| Dec 5 (Saturday) | H.M. King Bhumibol’s Birthday / Father’s Day | Public Holiday |
| Dec 7 (Monday) | Substitution for Father’s Day | Public Holiday |
| Dec 10 (Thursday) | Constitution Day | Public Holiday |
| Dec 31 (Thursday) | New Year’s Eve | Public Holiday |
Managing Payroll Amidst Holidays
For companies operating in Thailand, this dense calendar of public holidays presents a significant administrative challenge. Thai labor law is strict regarding holiday pay and overtime:
- Holiday Pay: Employees are entitled to at least 13 traditional holidays per year, including Labor Day.
- Overtime (OT): If employees are required to work on a public holiday, they are typically entitled to a higher rate of pay (often 200% to 300% of their normal hourly rate, depending on their contract and role).
- Compliance: Failure to calculate these rates correctly or missing the monthly Social Security (SSO) and tax filing deadlines can lead to heavy penalties from the Ministry of Labour.
Our partners from RecruitGo can help you manage HR and payroll compliance with their Employer of Record (EOR) Service. With RecruitGo, you can:
- Automated Payroll: RecruitGo handles all holiday pay calculations, overtime, and statutory deductions (SSO and PIT) with 100% accuracy.
- Legal Compliance: Ensure your employment contracts and HR practices always align with the latest Thai Labor Protection Acts.
- Scalability: Whether you have one remote developer or a team of 50, they manage the entire lifecycle from onboarding to offboarding.
Learn more about EOR solutions in Thailand with our local compliance experts. Fill out the form for a free consultation.
