Asarnha Bucha Day and Khao Pansa will be observed on Saturday, July 20, with the public holiday observed on Monday, July 22.
His Majesty the King’s birthday will be commemorated nationwide on Sunday, July 28, with the substitution public holiday observed on Monday, July 29.
Phuket Immigration, along with all government offices will be closed on both Mondays: July 22 and July 29.
Asarnha Bucha day, also known as the “Day of Dharma”, is the full-moon day of the eighth lunar month, commemorating the Buddha’s first sermon to his first five disciples after attaining Enlightenment more than 2,500 years ago.
Khao Phansa is the start of a period of three lunar months during the rainy season when monks are required to remain in one particular place or temple and undertake deep meditation.
Both Asarnha Bucha and Khao Pansa are public holidays, with all government offices closed and an alcohol ban in effect for the full 24 hours of each day. The ban does not include duty free shops at international airports.
With the two holidays this year falling on the same day, the ban on the sale of alcohol will be in effect for the 24 hours of Saturday, July 20.
Government offices including Immigration, District Offices and the local Department of Land Transportation office will all be closed over both Mondays, July 22 and July 29.
Main branches of banks will be closed, but some bank branches in shopping malls will remain open.
Thailand Post branches and kiosks in shopping malls will remain open as normal, while hospitals will provide emergency and ongoing regular treatments only – ancillary services such as weight loss and skin care will not be available.
All Royal Thai Police and Tourist Police stations will remain open and some local consulates will be open to serve their respective citizens.
No ban on the sale of alcohol has been announced for the commemoration of His Majesty the King’s birthday.