Faith, Culture & Holidays

Royal Observances & the Monarchy

The monarchy holds a central and deeply respected place in Thai life. Several of the year’s national holidays honour the King, the Queen and past monarchs. Here is a factual guide to those days and to showing respect at royal occasions and sites.

Thailand is a constitutional monarchy. The constitution names the King as the upholder of religions, and royal imagery and ceremony are a visible, everyday part of public life. Many royal occasions are also national public holidays, when government offices and banks close. The days below are the 2026 royal public holidays, drawn from our sourced national holiday calendar.

The days

Royal public holidays in 2026

Chakri Memorial Day

วันจักรีMonday, 6 April 2026

A national public holiday honouring the Chakri Dynasty and King Rama I. Government offices and banks are closed.

Coronation Day

วันฉัตรมงคลMonday, 4 May 2026

A national public holiday commemorating the King's coronation. Government offices and banks are closed.

H.M. Queen Suthida's Birthday

วันเฉลิมพระชนมพรรษาสมเด็จพระนางเจ้าสุทิดาฯWednesday, 3 June 2026

A national public holiday. Government offices and banks are closed.

H.M. King Maha Vajiralongkorn's Birthday

วันเฉลิมพระชนมพรรษาพระบาทสมเด็จพระเจ้าอยู่หัวTuesday, 28 July 2026

A national public holiday honouring the King's birthday. Government offices and banks are closed.

H.M. Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother's Birthday & Mother's Day

วันเฉลิมพระชนมพรรษาสมเด็จพระบรมราชชนนีพันปีหลวง / วันแม่แห่งชาติWednesday, 12 August 2026

A national public holiday and Mother's Day. Government offices and banks are closed.

H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great Memorial Day

วันคล้ายวันสวรรคตพระบาทสมเด็จพระบรมชนกาธิเบศรฯTuesday, 13 October 2026

A national day of remembrance for King Rama IX. Government offices and banks are closed. Observed with solemnity.

H.M. King Chulalongkorn the Great Memorial Day

วันปิยมหาราชFriday, 23 October 2026

A national public holiday honouring King Rama V. Government offices and banks are closed.

Substitution for H.M. King Bhumibol's Birthday, National Day & Father's Day

ชดเชยวันคล้ายวันพระบรมราชสมภพ ร.9 / วันชาติ / วันพ่อแห่งชาติMonday, 7 December 2026

Because 5 December 2026 falls on a Saturday, Monday 7 December is the observed public holiday. Government offices and banks are closed.

Showing respect

How respect is shown — and expected

  • The national anthem is played in public spaces — often at 8am and 6pm, and at some transit stations. People stop and stand still; visitors are expected to do the same.
  • The royal anthem is played before films in many cinemas and at some events. Stand quietly until it finishes.
  • Dress neatly and modestly when visiting the Grand Palace and other royal sites, and follow all posted rules.
  • Thai banknotes and coins bear the King’s image. Treat money respectfully — for example, don’t step on it to stop it blowing away.
  • Always speak about and refer to the royal family respectfully, in public and online.
Good to know

Thailand has strict laws protecting the monarchy. Whatever your personal views, the simplest and most respectful approach is to treat the royal family, royal images and royal sites with courtesy, and to avoid disrespectful comments, gestures or images — in person and on social media. Behaving respectfully here is both expected and easy.

BAANLYY presents this information factually and respectfully, and is not a government or royal authority. Dates are drawn from our sourced national holiday calendar; royal titles follow official usage.

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