When is the fasting period for Ramadan 2026? It is considered the most sacred time for Muslims worldwide, with the core principle being to " fast " to cultivate patience, build discipline, and demonstrate closeness to God. The Chularatchamontri has announced the moon sighting to determine the 1st day of Ramadan, Hijri year 1447, to inform the Thai Muslim community accordingly.
Ramadan (English: Ramadan) is the 9th month of the Hijri calendar. It is highly significant for Muslims because it is the month when they must " fast " by abstaining from food and water and living according to religious teachings.
It is believed that fasting shows respect to God, trains discipline and patience, and fosters charity towards the less fortunate. During Ramadan, meals are taken before sunrise and after sunset.
Muslims follow the Islamic calendar, known as the " Hijri calendar ", which is lunar-based and used to determine religious observances by moon sighting. A Hijri year has 354 or 355 days.
The Chularatchamontri's office announced the moon sighting to determinethe dateof the 1st day of Ramadan, Hijri year 1447, informing Thai Muslims nationwide that Ramadan 2026 will begin on Thursday, 19 February 2026, lasting for one month.
For 2026, the Chularatchamontri's office scheduled moon sighting for the evening of 19 March 2026 after sunset to determine the start of 1st Shawwal, which is Eid al-Fitr or the "Festival of Breaking the Fast," an important celebration for Muslims.
The Muslim community nationwide was asked to observe the moon on the evening of 19 March 2026 after sunset to determine the start of Shawwal (Eid al-Fitr) for Hijri year 1447. No moon sighting was reported.
Therefore, the Chularatchamontri officially announced that 1 Shawwal (Eid al-Fitr) 1447 will fall on Friday, 21 March 2026.
" Ramadan " is a time for spiritual purification and strengthening faith in God. Fasters must strictly follow the recommended practices and avoid forbidden actions throughout this holy month as follows.
| Recommended practices | Prohibitions and things to avoid |
| Eat a pre-dawn meal and an evening meal after sunset. | Abstain from all eating and drinking during daylight hours. |
| Maintain polite and pleasant speech. | Do not consume alcohol, smoke, or use drugs. |
| Attend prayers at prescribed times. | Refrain from sexual relations during fasting hours. |
| Share and donate to those in need. | Avoid sleeping the entire day (engage in normal daily activities). |
| Eat moderately when breaking the fast. | Avoid gossip or speaking ill of others. |
Summary Ramadan 2026 is not just about fasting from food but a period for deepening faith and personal growth. Strict adherence to religious principles enriches the fasting experience personally and socially, instilling discipline, patience, and genuine generosity.
Source:Chularatchamontri's Office