Asarnha Bucha day, also known as the “Day of Dharma”, is the full-moon day of the eighth lunar month, commemorating the Buddha’s first sermon to his first five disciples after attaining Enlightenment more than 2,500 years ago.
As part of making merit to honour the day, Buddhists attend evening candlelight processions called wien tien at temples across the country. Visitors are always welcome to respectfully join the event.
Khao Phansa is the start of a period of three lunar months during the rainy season when monks are required to remain in one particular place or temple and undertake deep meditation.
Both Asarnha Bucha and Khao Pansa are public holidays, with all government offices closed and an alcohol ban in effect for the full 24 hours of each day. As such a nationwide ban on the sale of alcohol will be in effect from just after midnight Tuesday night (00:01am, July 13) through to midnight Thursday night (11:59pm, July 14).
The ban does not include duty free shops at international airports.
Government offices including Immigration, District Offices and the local Department of Land Transportation office will all be closed over both days.
Main branches of banks will be closed, but some bank branches in shopping malls will remain open.
Thailand Post branches and kiosks in shopping malls will remain open as normal, while hospitals will provide emergency and ongoing regular treatments only – ancillary services such as weight loss and skin care will not be available.
All Royal Thai Police and Tourist Police stations will remain open and some local consulates will be open to serve their respective citizens.