Public Holidays in Thailand for 2019
Thailand’s religious background is diverse and cultural, which makes it a fascinating country visit. Aside from the typical events and festivals in Thailand that they celebrate yearly, there are public holidays that have international events and observances.
The government announces the Bank of Thailand decides the bank holidays. In Thailand, there are 16 public holidays every year in which the public sector observes. At the same time, private sectors have 13 mandatory holidays each year.
Among the holidays, Songkran is a famous holiday. It is Thailand’s traditional Thai New Year’s Day which they celebrate from April 13 to 15.
Government and immigration offices are closed during public holidays. You must remember these dates if you need consular services. The Thai embassies and consulates that are not in Thailand might also be closed during these dates. In case the holiday falls on a weekend, the next weekday will be made into a holiday.
What You Must Know as an Employer in Thailand
Aside from the personal annual leave, the employee is entitled to at least 13 days of national holidays per year. However, in case the employee is working for a hotel, beverage shop, establishment, food shop, entertainment, food shop, or anything similar, there must be an agreement between the employee and employer. The employee must be allowed to take leave on different days as a substitute for the national holidays. The higher requisite “holiday wages” are applicable on official holidays, and the employee must be paid.
Dates of the Thailand Public Holiday 2019
| Date | Which Day/s | Holiday | Type |
| 1 January | Tuesday | New Year’s Day | National |
| 19 February | Tuesday | Makha Bucha Day | National |
| 6 April | Saturday | Chakri Day | National |
| 13 – 16 April | Saturday | Thai New Year/ Songkran | National |
| 1 May | Wednesday | Labor Day | National |
| 6 May | Monday | Special Holiday | National |
| 9 May | Thursday | Royal Ploughing Ceremony Day | National |
| 18 May | Saturday | Visakha Bucha Day | National |
| 20 May | Monday | Day Off for Visakha Bucha | National |
| 3 June | Monday | Queen Suthida’s Birthday | National |
| 21 June | Friday | June Solstice | Season |
| 16 July | Tuesday | Asakla Bucha Day | National |
| 17 July | Wednesday | Buddhist Lent Day | National |
| 28 July | Sunday | H.M. King’s Birthday | National |
| 12 August | Monday | H.M. Queen’s Birthday | National |
| 23 September | Monday | September Equinox | Season |
| 13 October | Sunday | The Passing of King Bhumibol | National |
| 23 October | Wednesday | Chulalongkorn Day | National |
| 31 October | Thursday | Halloween | Observance |
| 5 December | Thursday | King Bhumibol’s Birthday | National |
| 10 December | Tuesday | Constitution Day | National |
| 24 – 25 December | Wednesday | Christmas | National |
| 30 – 31 December | Tuesday | New Year | National |
Employee Benefits if Working on a Holiday
Employees are entitled to a daily rest that lasts for one hour after they work for five straight hours. The break may be given in small periods so it can be laid out evenly. They must have a one day a week holiday at six-day period intervals, which the employer should arrange.
If the employee exceeds the maximum hours of work set by the agreement or law, the employee should be given overtime pay. In case the employee is working on a holiday, they must be compensated.
Doing Business in Thailand
Thailand is an ideal destination for foreign investors because of government initiatives. The population is 69 million, with an economy that is steady and business-friendly. They also have policies that are favourable to foreign investors. Here are business ideas you can start in Thailand:
Restaurant
Since a lot of people in Thailand are very busy working, snacks and fast foods work very well for them. You can offer specialties from your country because there are plenty of tourists and expats in Thailand. You might even be more profitable than selling local dishes.
Jewellery Shop
There is a high demand for jewelry in Thailand, even if it is an expensive business to set up. You can start with a small budget and then go from there. You can import jewellery and sell them to the locals.
These are only some of the many reasons why setting up a business in Thailand is going to benefit you a lot as a foreign investor.
