This day is the anniversary of Buddha’s first sermon on the Four Noble Truths and also marks the beginning of Buddhist Lent, a three-month period when monks retreat into their monasteries to escape the monsoon rains and study the Buddhist teachings. It is a time of making merit and candlelight processions are held at temples throughout the country.

This day commemorates the birthday of the reigning King of Thailand, King Vajiralongkorn, also known as Rama X, who ascended to the throne in 2016 following the death of his father.

This day marks the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the mother of His Majesty King Vajiralongkorn.  Queen Sirikit is regarded as the mother of Thai people, and therefore this day is also known as Mother’s Day in Thailand.

Ang Thong is a province located approximately 110 kilometers north of Bangkok, along the majestic Chao Phraya River. The villages in this province are famous for drum-making and their traditional craft is celebrated during this annual festival. The festivities include a procession, light-and-sound presentations, international drum and cultural performances, a long drum band competition and various other cultural activities.

Traditional long boat races are held on the Nan River in Phitsanulok, a province known for its natural rivers, mountains, and forests.  The longboat races are an ancient tradition that dates back to the Ayutthaya period, a few hundred years ago. Crowds of spectators gather along the river to witness the beautifully decorated vessels race towards the finish line. 

This day marks the anniversary of the passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, father of the reigning King of Thailand. As Thailand’s longest-reigning monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej served his people for 70 years from 1946 to 2016 and left behind a legacy of social and economic development.

This day commemorates the work of King Chulalongkorn, also King Rama V, who passed away on this day in 1910. Having led major reforms in the areas of education, military affairs, railways, and slave liberation in Thailand, King Chulalongkorn was a profound influence in shaping modern-day Thailand.

On the full moon of the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar, people gather at lakes and rivers to float a ‘kratong’, lanterns made of flowers and candles. It is believed that the custom originated as a way to honor the spirit of water.  This festival coincides with the Yi Peng festival, another popular event that takes place in the northern city of Chiang Mai.  There, people release paper lanterns into the sky and make a secret wish. 

Lopburi is located about 150 kilometers north of Bangkok and is famous for its large population of monkeys – long-tailed macaques.  On the last weekend of November, the locals prepare a wild banquet for the monkeys and visitors can witness an amazing sight as the monkeys’ feast on the smorgasbord of seasonal fruits, sticky rice and local sweets. 

This day commemorates the day when Thailand (then known as Siam) became a constitutional monarchy. King Prajadhipok, or Rama VII, was stripped of his powers during a bloodless coup. Although the monarchy has limited influence over the running of the country, the people still hold the royal family in the highest regard.

Celebrated around the world, New Year’s Eve marks the final day of the Gregorian calendar. In Bangkok, various parties and events take place around the city and people often gather with family and close friends to enjoy the festivities which culminate in a countdown to midnight, welcoming the start of the new calendar year.