January - Out of 24 holidays, only 14 are public holidays celebrated throughout the country. The first holiday is New Years Day. Although the traditional New Years celebration is in April for the Songkran Festival, publicly it is celebrated on January 1st . Much like the New years' Times Square ball drop in New York City, the countdown for the new year in Bangkok, Thailand happens at their world trade center.
February – Like in the U.S. Valentine's Day is celebrated on February 14th. It is the one day of the year where public displays of affection aren't frowned upon.
Makha Bucha is another public holiday that is celebrated at the end of February. This is a religious holiday to commemorate Buddha's speech given to 1250 people. So on the day of Makha Bucha, citizens gather at the temple for ceremonies and at night they walk around the temple three times with lit candles.
April – Celebrated on the 6th, the public holiday Chakri Day acknowledges the establishing of the Chakri Dynasty and King Bhumibol Adulyadej.(Rama IX ). April 13-15 is the public traditional New Years Day celebrated with the Songkran Festival . The people of Thailand spray water on the statues of Buddha and each other with the spiritual meaning of purification.
May – May 5th is Coronation Day to represent the ninth king, King Bhumibol Adulyadej's coronation. The Royal Ploughing Ceremony on May 13th is presented in front of the king to bring good luck to the rice planting season. Visakha Bucha is a widely celebrated holiday to celebrate the birth of Buddha and the enlightenment of Buddhas nirvana. People listen to Dharma and in the temple there is a candle lit procession around the statues of Buddha.
August – In August the Chinese Ghost Festival is on Sart Chin Day where the three realms of heaven, earth and hell open so the spirits can roam the Earth looking for food and entertainment. The citizens create food offering ceremonies and give out food and other items to people who need them most.
November – In November Loy Krathong is celebrated on the first full moon in November. Thai citizens buy or make krathongs which are banana tree boats with flowers and candles in the center. They then float along a river or pond to wash away their sins.
