Government offices will be closed for three days next week in honour of the holy Buddhist holiday Asanha Bucha on Tuesday (July 19) and Buddhist Lent, in Thai Wan Khao Phansa, on Wednesday (July 20).
Although Monday (July 18) does not hold any religious or festive significance, Prime Minister Gen Prayuth Chan-o-cha on May 18 last year announced that this coming Monday is to be a special day off in addition to the existing holiday “in order to boost economy and promote tourism”.
All major government offices, including immigration and district offices, will be closed over the holiday, and re-open on Thursday (July 21).
Main branches of banks in Phuket Town will close for the five days, though branches in shopping malls will remain open as usual.
Some local consulates will be closed, but will continue to receive emergency calls.
As proscribed by law, the sale of alcohol is banned on both Tuesday and Wednesday, effective from midnight to midnight.