Thai Holidays
Posted by Thailand Editor | Posted in Features | Posted on August 29th, 2008
Tags: chulaongkorn, coronation day, holidays, king rama, magha puja, songkran, wan khuen pee mai
Holidays shape the rhythms of Thai cultural life year-round. Many of the holidays have traditional, religious Buddhists roots but are now celebrated universally.
The holiday calendar begins with Wan Khuen Pee Mai, New Year’s Day and then proceeds to Magha Puja, the full moon celebrating in late February. April 13 marks the celebration of Songkran, the Thai New Year, which is a widely-celebrated holiday.
Thai Holiday Parade
In May, Labor Day falls on the 1st of the month, while Coronation Day celebrates King Bhumibol on May 5.
August 12 marks the celebration of the Queen’s birthday as Mother’s Day, and honors the contributions of women to Thai society.
In the fall, Chulaongkorn Day honors King Rama V of Siam, known as Chulalonkorn the Great Beloved. December 5 marks the National Day as a celebration of King Rama’s Birthday, and serves as national father’s day. Constitution Day on December 10 marks the ascension of the constitutional monarchy in 1932.
If you’re traveling to Thailand, make sure to check the holiday calendar; year-round cultural celebrations are lively, energetic events shared by the entire country.
