The Phuket News Novosti Phuket Khao Phuket

Login | Create Account | Search


Cabinet rejects extra-holiday plan for 2026

Cabinet rejects extra-holiday plan for 2026

BANGKOK: The Cabinet scrapped a plan to create additional holidays next year to promote tourism in Thailand yesterday (Dec 2), as ministers fretted about disruption of economic activity.

culturetourismeconomicspolitics
By Bangkok Post

Wednesday 3 December 2025 11:00 AM


Travellers walk inside the departure terminal of Don Mueang airport on Jan 31, 2025. Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill

Travellers walk inside the departure terminal of Don Mueang airport on Jan 31, 2025. Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill

The Secretariat of the Cabinet had proposed extra holidays next year on June 2 and July 31, as the two days would give holidaymakers long breaks to travel and inject spending into the economy, reports the Bangkok Post.

The weekly Cabinet meeting decided against the extensions as many members were concerned that long days off could be a setback for business operators because workers would hit the road.

Adding June 2 an extra holiday in 2026 would give vacationers a five-day break from May 30 to June 3. May 30 is Saturday, while May 31 is Sunday and also Visakha Bucha. Monday, June 1, is the lieu day for Visakha Bucha, and the birthday of Her Majesty the Queen on June 3 falls on Wednesday.

Making July 31, a Friday, another holiday would create a six-day holiday. His Majesty the King’s Birthday on May 28 falls on Tuesday, and the next two days - July 29 and July 30 - are Asarnha Bucha and Buddhist Lent respectively. Aug 1 and 2 are a routine weekend.