Entering July 2026, a month filled with merit and important Buddhist holidays, it also features several consecutive public holidays. This presents a great opportunity for Buddhists to visit temples, listen to sermons, observe precepts, and for travelers to plan long vacations with their families.
For merit-makers aiming to accumulate good deeds, this month offers five Buddhist holy days, with two major "big holy days" occurring consecutively at the end of the month as follows.
Tuesday, 7 July 2026 | Wan Phra: 8th waning moon of the 8th lunar month.
Tuesday, 14 July 2026 | Wan Phra: 15th waning moon of the 8th lunar month.
Wednesday, 22 July 2026 | Wan Phra: 8th waxing moon of the second 8th lunar month (this year has two 8th lunar months).
Wednesday, 29 July 2026 | Wan Phra: 15th waxing moon of the second 8th lunar month (Asalha Puja Day / major holy day).
Thursday, 30 July 2026 | Wan Phra: 1st waning moon of the second 8th lunar month (Buddhist Lent Day / major holy day).
At the end of July, there are three consecutive public holidays and official holidays, each holding great significance for the Thai people, including.
Significance: This day commemorates the birth anniversary of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn (King Rama X), allowing Thai citizens to express loyalty and reflect on the King's benevolence.
Significance: A major Buddhist holiday marking the day when the Buddha delivered his first sermon, the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, to the five ascetics, establishing the Triple Gem (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha) for the first time in history. The first monk was Venerable Kondañña. Key activities include almsgiving, listening to sermons, and evening candlelight processions.
Significance: On this day, Buddhist monks undertake a three-month retreat during the rainy season, residing in one monastery without traveling elsewhere. It is a time when Buddhists commonly resolve to reduce or abandon harmful habits and make merit by offering candles or robes.
Asalha Puja (29 July) and Buddhist Lent Day (30 July) are public holidays. However, private sector and banks may not observe Buddhist Lent Day as a holiday, so checking each company's announcement is advised. Alcohol sales nationwide are prohibited on both days.
For those seeking a long vacation, the end of this month offers a golden opportunity. By using your annual leave entitlement, you can combine holidays for an extended break as follows.
Saturday 25 - Sunday 26 July: Weekend.
Monday, 27 July: Take 1 day of annual leave.
Tuesday, 28 July: King Rama X's Birthday (public holiday).
Wednesday, 29 July: Asalha Puja Day (public holiday).
Thursday, 30 July: Buddhist Lent Day (public holiday).
Friday, 31 July: Take 1 day of annual leave.
Saturday 1 - Sunday 2 August: Weekend.
In summary, by taking just 2 additional leave days on Monday 27 and Friday 31 July, you can enjoy a continuous 9-day holiday, perfect for traveling domestically or abroad.