Thailand’s government has announced an extended five-day New Year holiday for 2026, adding Friday, January 2, as a special public holiday. The move aims to encourage domestic travel and provide a boost to the national economy.
The holiday period will run from Wednesday, December 31, 2025, to Sunday, January 4, 2026, giving locals and visitors a full five-day break. The schedule includes New Year’s Eve (Dec 31), New Year’s Day (Jan 1), the newly added special holiday (Jan 2), and the weekend (Jan 3–4).
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports praised the extension, noting that it is expected to drive more domestic travel and support local businesses still recovering from global economic challenges.
In addition, the cabinet confirmed that January 2, 2026, will be an official bank holiday, meaning all financial institutions nationwide will close. Private companies, however, may choose how to observe the holiday, and employees are encouraged to check with their HR departments for company-specific policies.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is preparing to launch promotional campaigns highlighting special travel packages, local events, and holiday activities across major provinces to make the most of the extended break.
This five-day New Year holiday offers Thais a rare chance to travel, celebrate, and support local tourism, while also giving businesses an opportunity to benefit from increased domestic spending.