Offices will also be closed on Monday (July 28), in observance of His Majesty King Vajiralongkorn’s 73rd birthday.
HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun’s birthday is recognised as a national holiday, meaning all government offices will be closed. Normal government services will resume on Tuesday (July 29).
HM King Vajiralongkorn, born following in the footsteps of his late father King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Each year, special celebrations are held throughout the country to celebrate King Majesty’s birthday.
Asahna Bucha Day holiday next week, to be observed on Thursday (July 10), is also known as Asalha Puja or Dharma Day. The day marks the day the Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment, teaching the Four Noble Truths. People typically visit temples, make merit, and join candlelight processions called ‘Wian Tian’.
The day after, Friday (July 11), is Wan Khao Pansa, or Buddhist Lent. The day marks the start of a three-month retreat when monks stay in their temples for study and meditation. During this time, many Buddhists also choose to give up certain habits and support the monastic community.
Government offices, including the Phuket Immigration Office, will return to normal operations on Monday (July 14).
NO ALCOHOL BAN
Following an order signed by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in May, there will be no more bans on the sale of alcohol on the five major Buddhist holidays observed in Thailand each year.
The five major Buddhist religious holidays that no longer will have alcohol bans enforced are: Makha Bucha Day (usually observed in February), Visakha Bucha Day (usually in May), Asanha Bucha Day and Wan Khao Pansa (both usually observed in July) and Wan Ork Pansa (end of Buddhist Lent, usually observed in October).
The ban used to carry a penalty of up to six months in jail, or a fine of up to B10,000, or both.