Thailand Holidays and Festivals: Festivals
Calendar
| Festival | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Affected |
| King’s Cup Elephant Boat Race and River Festival | Feb. 14 | February/March | February/March | none |
| Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival | July | July | July | g, some r |
| Yi Peng Lantern Festival | Nov. 15–16 | Nov. 5–6 | Nov. 24–25 | none |
| Lantern Festival (Loy Krathong) | Nov. 16 | Nov. 6 | Nov. 25 | none |
Key:
g = government offices and institutions
b = banks and financial institutions
o = non-retail businesses/offices
r = retail businesses
King’s Cup Elephant Boat Race and River Festival
Date(s):
Varies annually during March
Closures:
None
Description:
An annual event taking place on the banks of Bangkok's Chao Phraya River in support of elephant charities.
Background:
King's Cup Elephant Boat Race and River Festival, formerly the King’s Elephant Tournament Festival, began in 2001 after the vice-president of Anantara Resorts introduced the tournament to raise money for the National Elephant Institute.
How Celebrated:
Known as the popular sport of kings, elephants and trainers take part in polo competitions attracting participants from around the world.
Candle Festival (Khao Phansa)
Date(s):
Varies annually with the Buddhist calendar, beginning the day after the full moon of the eighth lunar month (July) and concluding when the full moon ends in October
Closures:
Government, some Retail
Description:
Celebrates the start of the Buddhist Lent.
Background:
The Candle Festival, also known as Khao Phansa, is the start of the Buddhist Lent, or the annual three months’ Rains Retreat. Monks are required to stay in their respective monasteries/temples for three months. This practice originally began during the early period of Buddhism, when monks were prohibited from leaving temples during the rainy season. They were prohibited from venturing out for fear that they might trample flowers and other plants that had been newly planted for the crops. During this time, the monks are protected from the heat and rain and use the opportunity to teach young boys, who wish to become monks, the Buddha's doctrine. In the meantime, lay people attempt to refrain from bad actions such as imbibing in alcohol, using drugs, or other sinful activity. During this lent season, people acquire merit, spend time in meditation at temples, and listen to sermons.
How Celebrated:
Widely celebrated across Thailand. Most of the festivities take place in the areas of Tung Si Muang, Ubot Ratchathani, and Phra Phutthabat. The celebration highlight includes a procession of sculptures made of wax, depicting Buddha, his adherents and mythical creatures. After the procession, these figures are donated to temples. Schools and private organizations organize candle processions to the local temple where students make candle offerings. Food and other daily necessities are offered to monks, and adherents pray and meditate. Some Thais make resolutions to abstain from something during the three-month period, as Christians do during their own season of Lent.
Lantern Festival (Loy Krathong)
Date(s):
Varies annually during November
Closures:
None
Description:
The festival of lights.
Background:
The origin of this tradition, which is observed in the Sukhothai region and Chiang Mai province, stems from an ancient practice of paying homage to the goddess of the sea. Others suggest that it was an old custom of paying tribute to Buddha’s foot print. In the past, the ritual practices were grander, with royals participating or watching.
How Celebrated:
Krathongs (lanterns) are set afloat on the Chao Phraya. Shaped like swans, lotus flowers or temples, the krathongs are filled with candles. Fireworks, folk performances, and traditional concerts also take place.
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