Thailand will not Implement Special Public Holidays Proposal

The Thai Cabinet has decided not to implement a proposal to add more public holidays in 2026, citing concerns that the extended breaks could negatively impact businesses and employment.

On December 2nd 2025, the Cabinet meeting reviewed a proposal from the Secretariat of the Cabinet suggesting the addition of two special public holidays in 2026. However, ministers raised concerns that more long weekends might disrupt business operations and the labour market.

As a result, the Cabinet withdrew the proposal to allow further discussions on its potential economic impact, given the sensitivity of the issue.

Previously, the Secretariat of the Cabinet had proposed adding two special public holidays to the 2026 government holiday calendar. The proposed dates were June 2nd 2026, which would have created a five-day holiday from May 30th to June 3rd, and July 31st, 2026, which would have resulted in a six-day break from July 28th to August 2nd.

The Cabinet earlier approved Friday, January 2th 2026, as a special public holiday. According to the published Cabinet resolution on additional holidays for 2026, this date was approved specifically to allow for a longer continuous New Year period. This decision remains unchanged.

Public Holidays in Thailand for 2026