Visakha Bucha Day marks the anniversary of the birth, enlightenment and passing of Gautama Buddha. The trinity of events occurred on the same date on the Asian lunar calendar – the full moon of the sixth Thai lunar month – albeit in different years.
As Visakha Bucha is a holy day, shops, bars and restaurants are barred from selling alcohol for 24 hours from midnight at the end of Sunday night.
Phuket Immigration and other government offices will be closed for the holiday, as will main branches of banks.
The Class Act Media office will also be closed to mark the holiday.
Read our special report in the Life section of The Phuket News, on sale Friday (May 29).