What Are the School Holidays for Government Schools in Bangkok, Thailand?

There are three different types of schools in Thailand, government schools, bi-lingual schools and international schools. Each school system gets different school holidays with the Thai government schools getting the typical Thai holidays. If you have a child going to school at a government school in Thailand or if you're going to be teaching in one, here are the school holidays you can expect, as well as any ceremonies the schools will put on.

Major School Holidays - Unlike the west, where school holidays are usually in the summer and at Christmas, in Thailand the two major government school holidays are in March and April, and then again in October. In March-April, if you have a child at a government school, expect him/her to have up to two months off school, although many schools will run 'summer programs' that most Thai parents seem to send their kids too. If you're a teacher, you'll probably get 3-4 weeks off, and be expected to work the other four weeks either in summer school or preparing for the coming school semester.

In October, there will also be another month's holiday with, again, most parents putting their kids in at least a two week summer school program. Most teachers, however, do get the 3-4 weeks school holiday, although if it's paid or not is up to your contract with your school.

National Holidays (also School Holidays):

January- Your child will have the first 3-5 days of January off school to celebrate the New Year, usually going back to school the first full week of January.

February - Makha Bucha Day, a Buddhist holiday, falls sometime in February, with the day changing depending on when the full moon is. At your child's government school, the day before Makha Bucha Day, they will probably go to a local temple to give offerings to the monks with each child usually bringing something in as an offering (food, candles, light bulbs etc).

May - Royal Ploughing Day is in May and is connected to the planting season for Thai farmers. The day is a national holiday, so your child's school will likely be closed on this day, with the Royal Ploughing Day varying depending on the government calendar.

Wisakha Bucha Day also falls in May and is in observance of the birth and enlightenment of Buddha. Most Thai schools will visit the temple local to their school with offerings for the monks, as well as some government schools doing small shows or art exhibits with drawings of Buddha.

July - Asanha Bucha Day is another Buddhist holiday and another trip to the local temple. Some schools may also have monks from the local temple coming to the school to hold a ceremony early in the morning.

August - The 12th of August is the Queen of Thailand's birthday and also Mother's Day in Thailand. Most Thai government schools will do a ceremony and a show for all the children's mothers, as well as to wish the Queen a Happy Birthday on the school day before the 12th (so, if the 12th falls on a Monday, the ceremony for mothers will probably be the preceding Friday). If you're a mother, you will be expected to go to your child's school,if you can, to participate. Fathers are welcome too.

December - Probably the most important day of the year, December 5th is the King of Thailand's birthday and Father's Day. While it is a public holiday, all Thai government schools (and actually all schools in Thailand) will have an elaborate ceremony the day before to wish the King a Happy Birthday as well as to celebrate Father's Day with the fathers of children at the school. Most fathers will attend the school ceremony if at all possible, as it also shows respect to the King.

Constitution Day also falls on December 10th, and commemorates Thailand's first constitution in 1932. Most government schools will do some form of artwork, writing, or exhibits about the constitution a few days before, with the 10th being a Thai government school holiday.

December 31st, is also a school holiday in Thai government schools but, be warned, Christmas Day is not. All Thai government schools are open on Christmas Day and both children and teachers will be expected to be there.