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Public holiday

King Bhumibol Memorial Dayวันนวมินทรมหาราช

The anniversary of King Bhumibol Adulyadej's death — a solemn public holiday, not a celebration

Next
In 2 weeks
13 October 2026
Where
Nationwide
Public holiday
Yes
Alcohol sales
Normal

In short

King Bhumibol, Rama IX, died on 13 October 2016 after a seventy-year reign, and the anniversary is now a national holiday formally titled Nawaminthara Maharat Day. It is observed with alms-giving, merit-making and wreath-laying rather than festivity. Many Thais still wear black or muted colours, and entertainment venues moderate their programming.

Wat Arun floodlit at dusk on the west bank of the Chao Phraya, its tiered central prang and four satellite spires glowing gold against a deep blue sky, with the temple's light doubled in the dark water below.
Radek Kucharski / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

Go if

  • Sanam Luang and the Grand Palace area in Bangkok, where the state commemoration takes place
  • Understanding something central about Thailand that no guidebook conveys well

Be aware

  • Banks, government offices and immigration are closed
  • It is a day of mourning. Loud celebration, and jokes about the monarchy in any form, are badly received
  • Thailand's lese-majeste law is among the strictest in the world and is actively enforced against foreigners as well as Thais
  • There is no statutory alcohol ban, though some venues close or tone down voluntarily

Dates

Fixed on 13 October, with an in-lieu weekday holiday if it falls at a weekend.

  • 13 October 2026Tuesday.
  • 13 October 2027Wednesday.

Sources

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