This is the first year of King Vajiralongkorn’s reign and the Thai government has yet to release any information about what rites, if any, will be staged on the big day. The 28 July is one of around 20 national holidays in Thailand. Government offices and bank branches usually shut up shop for the day.
As the 28 July is a Friday it gives Thai workers a long weekend. As is the case the world over, a long weekend presents an opportunity to travel and head for the beach. Thai roads, buses, trains and aeroplanes are expected to be busy from Thursday lunchtime onwards.
12GO ASIA advises pre-booking tickets on intercity domestic routes such as Bangkok to Chiang Mai and Bangkok to Phuket to avoid the rush. Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Train Station plus Ekkamai, Sai Tai and Morchit bus terminals are always busy and even buying tickets at counters is a long-drawn-out process.
Thailand marks birthday of king with national holiday
News in Asia
Thailand will next week celebrate a new national holiday in honour of the nation’s king. King Vajiralongkorn will celebrate his 65th birthday on the 28 July and the Thai government has designated it as national holiday.