Will Royal Ploughing Day 2026 Be a Holiday? Clear Check for 13 May 2026: Who Gets the Day Off – Civil Servants or Bank Workers?

Royal Ploughing Day, 13 May 2026: Clarifying common questions. "Royal Ploughing Day and the Royal First Ploughing Ceremony". Is it a public holiday? Let's check clearly whether private sector and banks get the day off.

Is Royal Ploughing Day 2026 a holiday?

May 2026 is a month with "long holidays" spanning several days. Many have planned trips or to relax at home, but it's important to check carefully. Although it is a holiday, not everyone will have the day off because government holidays and bank holidays differ this month.

Specifically, Wednesday, 13 May 2026, which is "Royal Ploughing Day and the Royal First Ploughing Ceremony." On this day, only "civil servants" get the day off. Private companies and banks do not close. They continue normal operations.

On 13 May 2026, tolls will be free on three expressways.

The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT), Ministry of Transport, announced toll exemptions on three expressway routes on Wednesday, 13 May 2026 (Royal Ploughing Day), from 00:01 to 24:00, covering the following routes:

• Chalerm Maha Nakhon Expressway (Din Daeng–Bang Na–Dao Khanong), with 21 toll booths.
• Si Rat Expressway (Chaeng Watthana–Bang Khlo–Srinagarindra), with 32 toll booths.

• Udon Ratthaya Expressway (Bang Pa-in–Pak Kret), with 10 toll booths.

This toll exemption follows government and Ministry of Transport policy, as set out in the revised concession contracts between EXAT, Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited (BEM), and North Bangkok Expressway Company Limited (NECL). It aims to facilitate public travel on the holiday, reduce expenses, and alleviate traffic congestion near toll booths.