The following are the public holidays observed in Thailand
New Year Day: 1 January
Magha Puja: Full moon in February/March. This festival commemorates the speech given by Buddha to 1,250 enlightened monks. Throughout Thailand, devotees carry candles and circumambulate the main shrine of the wats three times in the clockwise direction.
Chinese New Year: January/February
Chakri Day: 6 April, commemorates the establishment of the royal house of Chakri
Songkran: 13-15 April - Thai New Year, characterised by water throwing.
Coronation Day: 5 May
Ploughing Ceremony: May, actual day varies
Visakha Puja: Full moon in May, to commemorate the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha
Asalaha Puja: Full moon in July, to commemorate Buddha's first sermon
Khao Phansa: July, beginning of the Buddhist rainy season retreat
Queen's Birthday: 12 August
Chulalongkorn Day: 23 October
Loy Krathong: Full moon in November, when people head to rivers and lakes to float candle-laden banana-leaf floats called the krathong, intended to be a thanksgiving offering to the water deity. It is also believed that bad luck floats away with the krathong. A spectacular light show takes place at the Sukhothai Historical Park.
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