Thailand introduces new holidays to attract more tourists
Thailand’s government plans to add two public holidays and extend the New Year break in 2025.
The two new holidays, June 2 and August 11 were approved by the cabinet as part of efforts to boost the country’s tourism and economy.
Both holidays fall on Mondays and aim to allow longer weekend trips for tourists who visit the country to enjoy its various tourist destinations.
January 2, 2026, will also be declared a holiday, adding to the regular holiday season.
These holidays add to the already existing 18 holidays the country enjoys.
The tourism sector accounts for about 12% of Thailand’s GDP and nearly a fifth of its jobs.
With 30 million tourists already visiting this year, Thailand is on track to meet its full-year goal of 36.7 million visitors, nearing its 2019 record of almost 40 million, which generated $60 billion.
The decision also complements the Paetongtarn administration’s goal to declare next year as the "Year of Tourism and Sports," deputy government spokeswoman Sasikan Wattanachan was quoted as saying.
