Queen Sirikit’s birthday this year falls on Tuesday, but Cabinet last year granted a special new holiday on the preceding day, Monday (Aug 11), to add to the celebrations.
Queen Sirikit’s birthday is recognised as a national holiday, meaning all government offices will be closed over the two days. Normal government services will resume on Wednesday (Aug 13).
Each year, special celebrations are held throughout the country to celebrate Queen Sirikit’s birthday.
For decades Thailand has celebrated Aug 12 as Mother’s Day, as it is the birthday of Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, who was Royal Consort to the deeply revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama 9), now feted as King Bhumibol The Great.
The auspicious holiday this Tuesday honours the 93rd birthday of Queen Sirikit, mother of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun (Rama X).
All government offices will be closed from Saturday through Tuesday to honour the occasion, including Phuket Immigration, the Employment Office, the Land Transport Office and all three District Offices in Phuket.
All main bank branches will close, but branches in shopping centres will remain open.
All Royal Thai Police and Tourist Police stations will remain open, and some local consulates will remain open to serve their respective citizens.
There is no ban on the sale of alcohol on this holiday.