Important Dates in Phuket

January

• New Year's Day - January 1st
  The official New Year's Day of Thailand has undergone several changes. At one time it used to fall at the end of November. Later, during the reign of King Rama V (1868-1910) it was moved to a date around April and then New Year's Day was changed to April the first. The universal practice of celebrating the New Year on January 1 was adopted of changes aimed at modernizing the country.  Though January 1 is regarded as official New Year, the majority of Thais still regard the middle of April (Songkran) as their new year's day, and on this auspicious occasion a week-long celebration is held throughout the kingdom. In Thailand, New Year's is actually celebrated three times.
    -   Traditional New Year January 1st 
    -   Songkran 
    -   Chinese New Year
  
  
• Children Day - January 11th
  Children are considered to be the most valuable resource for Thailand.  The Thai people encourage the children to prepare themselves for taking on the role to be the strength of the Nation.  Children are supported to believe in own capabilities and be hard-working in their studies, make wise decisions, practice discipline, and respect others.  Generally Children's Day is focused on children aged 14 years and under.  The first National Children's Day is held on the second Saturday of January.  The objectives are to enable children to realize their importance, to be disciplined, being aware of right and duty, responsibility towards the society, be proud of their country.
  
  
• Teacher Day - January 16th
  January 16th of every year is Teachers' Day and it was celebrated for the first time on January 16, 1957. The event has been held since then and is held nationwide. The highlights of the day include religious activities, a ceremony of paying respect to teachers and activities to strengthen unity among teachers. To express our gratitude to the teachers, we wish them and their families happiness and a good health throughout their long life.

February

• Chinese New Year (For the Chinese population)
  New Year is the longest and happiest holiday of the year for Chinese not only for those who are in China but also for most Asian people. It sometimes lasts from a week or two.  The date for the Chinese New Year falls on the first day of the first month of the lunar calendar which is based on the moon cycles. Every year it happens on a different day, but it usually arrives somewhere between January 19th and February 21st. New Year's Eve and the first three days of the New Year are observed as a pubic holiday
  
  
• Makha Bhucha Day - February 16th
  Makha Bhucha day is considered one of the most important Buddhist celebrations. It refers to the worship that takes place on the full moon of the third lunar month (about the last week of February or early March) to commemorate the day on which Lord Buddha recited the "Ovadha Patimokkha" (the Fundamental Teaching) to his disciples.

April 

• Chakri Day - April 6th
  April 6 marks the anniversary of the founding of the present Chakri Dynasty of which the present ruling monarch, King Bhumibol the Great, is the ninth king.  The Chakri Dynasty was founded by Phra Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke, or Rama I, who was born on March 20, 1737 with the name of Thong Duang and came to the throne on April 6, 1782. He ruled the country for 28 years.
  
  
• Songkran Day- April 13th
  Songkran is a Thai traditional New Year which starts on April 13 every year and lasts for 3 days. Songkran festival on April 13 is Maha Songkran Day or the day to mark the end of the old year.  Songkran is a Thai word which means "move" or "change place" as it is the day when the sun changes its position in the zodiac. It is also known as the "Water Festival" as people believe that water will wash away bad luck.

May

• National Labor Day- May 1st
  Thailand started to establish Labor Administration and the legislative act of labor in 1932.  The government has established May 1st of every year as the "Labor Day."  The objective of this day is to realize the employee's duty and responsibility. The government allows all employees skip work on this day.
  
  
• Coronation Day- May 5th
  The coronation of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej took place on 5 May 1950. His Majesty is the ninth King of the Chakri Dynasty. On 5 May of every year, the Thai people rejoice and express their affection and loyalty to him by organizing a celebration on his coronation day.
  
  
• The Royal Ploughing Ceremony - May 8th
  The Annual Ploughing Ceremony usually takes place in May every year (but the date has not been exactly fixed like other royal ceremonies) at Sanam Luang near the Grand Palace in Bangkok. The ceremony has been performed since ancient times and designed to give an auspicious beginning to the new planting season.
  
  
• Visakha Puja Day - May 15th
  Visakha Puja Day is one of the greatest religious holidays which falls on the 15th day of the waxing moon in the 6th lunar month. The significant celebration is held to commemorate the Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death (Parinibbana)

July