ElaineIf you’re planning to ring in the New Year in Thailand, here’s some good news: the Thai government has just announced an extended five-day holiday for the 2026 New Year period!
The Cabinet recently approved Friday, 2 January 2026, as a special public holiday, turning the regular New Year break into a long weekend stretching from Wednesday, 31 December 2025, to Sunday, 4 January 2026. That means five full days of festivities, fireworks, and travel opportunities across the country.
Also read: Best Places to Go in Thailand with Family: A City-By-City Guide
Why the extension?
Image credit: Yuval Cohen via Canva Pro
According to government officials, this isn’t just about giving everyone extra time to celebrate. It’s part of a strategic move to boost tourism and stimulate the economy as Thailand continues to recover from global financial headwinds.
In other words, the extra day off is expected to encourage more Thais to take short domestic trips, whether it’s a quick island getaway, a cultural escape up north, or a food-filled road trip with family and friends.
What travellers should know
Image credit: aluxum via Canva Pro
If you’re visiting Thailand during this period, expect things to get a little more crowded than usual. With locals taking advantage of the long break, popular destinations like Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, Krabi, and Bangkok. They are likely to see a spike in both domestic and international visitors.
Hotels and flights may fill up quickly, so it’s wise to book accommodation and transport early. Public transport, including trains and buses, will likely be busier than normal. Traffic heading out of major cities could also be heavy leading up to New Year’s Eve.
Affected businesses
The government also confirmed that 2 January 2026 will be recognised as a bank holiday, meaning financial institutions across Thailand will close for the day. However, private companies can choose whether to observe the additional day off, so schedules might vary.
If you’re a traveller needing currency exchange or bank services, it’s best to plan transactions ahead of time, especially around the long weekend.
What’s next
Image credit: Mumemories via Canva Pro
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is set to roll out a series of promotional campaigns in the coming weeks, featuring special travel packages, local festivals, and New Year events across major provinces. So, whether you’re after a beach escape in the south or a cool mountain retreat in the north, expect plenty of exciting deals and festive cheer.
Also read: Thailand Digital Arrival Card: What Travellers Need to Know
Final thoughts
Thailand is known for its vibrant New Year celebration, from lantern-lit skies in Chiang Mai to beach parties in Phuket. This year’s extended holiday promises even more reasons to celebrate. Just be prepared for livelier crowds, longer queues, and an extra festive buzz in the air.
If you’re travelling during this period, plan ahead, and get ready to welcome 2026 the Thai way. Joy, warmth, and a whole lot of celebration.
