THE Cabinet today (Dec. 29) approved February 12, 2021 as a special public holiday for Chinese New Year with this being the first time that a holiday has been declared to mark this festival in Thailand, Thai Rath newspaper and Sanook.com reported.
Culture Minister Itthiphol Khunplome said a working group, which included Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam, had scheduled 24 public holidays including those postponed for 2021.
Aside from the first time ever Chinese New Year holiday, April 12 has been added to Songkran holidays, which is on April 13 every year, but the holiday period extends to April 14 and 15.
There will also be a Buddhist Lent substitute holiday on July 27 and a special holiday on Mahidol Day which falls on September 24.
In addition, regional holidays have also being declared for 2021 on trial basis with these being as follows:
– March 26, 2021: Official holiday in the Northern region to observe Annual Worship tradition;
– May 10, 2021: Official holiday in the Northeast to mark Rocket Festival;
– October 6, 2021: Official holiday in the South for the Tenth Lunar Month Festival;
– October 21, 2021: Official holiday in the Central region to mark the End of Buddhist Lent Day.
However the head of state agencies and the private sector, such as banks, should again consider whether these holidays should be observed if their public service is deemed essential.
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Top: Chinese New Year festival in Bangkok. Photo: Nina R. (CC BY 2.0)
