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Visakha Bucha Day in Thailand

2028 holiday dates

Monday, 8 May 2028

Estimated / awaiting confirmation

This is the first listed date for this year; a separate observance date has not been assigned.

About Vesak Day

Visakha Bucha is one of Thailand's principal Buddhist holidays. Its Gregorian date changes because it follows the Thai lunar calendar, and future dates remain projections until confirmed in an official annual schedule.

Public holiday / closure dates

  • — Public of holiday period · Estimated / awaiting confirmation

Bank, office and school arrangements require the applicable authority or institution notice. Missing scope data does not mean open.

Next supported occurrence

Thursday, 20 May 2027 · Estimated / awaiting confirmation

Next listed holiday day on or after today; this can be a closure day rather than the festival date.

2026 dates

  • — Public of holiday periodConfirmed — source checked
  • — Public of holiday periodConfirmed — source checked

2027 dates

  • — Public of holiday periodEstimated / awaiting confirmation

Official sources and date status

Recorded confirmation and independent source review are shown separately. An institution-specific notice does not establish closure for every employer or school.

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Official holiday calendar or legal framework

Awaiting Confirmation · Scope: public · Checked 2026-09-29

The official 2026 schedule includes a one-off 2 January holiday and statutory substitute days; Children’s Day is not a public closure.

image.mfa.go.th

Official holiday calendar or legal framework

Provisional · Scope: public · Checked 2026-09-29

Provisional date under the current framework; annual or lunar confirmation remains pending. The official 2026 schedule includes a one-off 2 January holiday and statutory substitute days; Children’s Day is not a public closure.

Office arrangements

Government offices close on the officially scheduled holiday. Substitute treatment should be stated only after the annual government calendar confirms it.

Bank arrangements

Bank branches follow the Bank of Thailand's annual schedule. A lunar date or substitute shown for a future year should not be treated as confirmed before publication.

School arrangements

Schools generally close when Visakha Bucha appears in the official calendar and may organise Buddhist educational activities near the observance.

History

The observance commemorates the Buddha's birth, enlightenment and passing into final nirvana, traditionally associated with the full moon of the sixth Thai lunar month.

Why it matters

The day has nationwide religious importance. Government and Bank of Thailand calendars establish the operational holiday and any announced substitute date for a particular year.

Observance

Buddhists visit temples, make merit, listen to sermons and join evening candlelight processions around temple precincts. Alcohol-sale restrictions may apply under Thai law and official notices.

Travel and planning

Temples can be crowded, particularly for evening processions. Dress respectfully, expect local traffic near major temples and verify future lunar dates before booking inflexible travel.

Frequently asked questions

When is Visakha Bucha in Thailand?

It follows the Thai lunar calendar, so its Gregorian date changes annually.

Are future dates final?

Projected lunar dates should be checked against the official government and Bank of Thailand calendars.

How is it observed?

Common practices include merit-making, sermons and candlelight temple processions.

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