Buddhism is a fundamental part of Thai society and influences various aspects of life in Thailand. With more than 90% of the population being Buddhist, it highlights the significant role that Buddhism plays in Thailand.
Visitors to Thailand should be aware of several important dates* in the Buddhist calendar. The three most significant Buddhist holidays are Makha Bucha Day, Visakha Bucha Day, and Asahna Bucha Day, which are designated as public holidays in Thailand. On these dates, many banks and businesses remain open, but government offices are closed. As these occasions hold religious importance, there are temporary restrictions on alcohol sales, and entertainment venues in some areas close.
*The exact date varies each year depending on the lunar calendar. Check our festival page and news and events page for more details.
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Makha Bucha Day
Makha Bucha Day, celebrated in February or March, commemorates the event where 1,250 of the Buddha’s disciples gathered spontaneously to hear him preach.
Visakha Bucha Day
Occurring in May or June, Visakha Bucha Day is the most significant event in the Buddhist calendar. Visakha Bucha commemorates three defining events in the life of Buddha, which all occurred on the full-moon day of the sixth lunar month, known as the Visakha month. The first event was the day Buddha was born, the second event was when he reached his enlightenment 35 years later, and the third event was his death and entry into Nirvana 45 years after that.
Asahna Bucha Day
Asahna Bucha Day is celebrated in July or August and commemorates the day when Buddha delivered his first sermon at a deer park in Benares, India. Traditionally, candles are donated to the temple for Asahna Bucha, and candle processions are held in various towns throughout Thailand. The Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival is the most famous of these events.
Wan Khao Phansa
The day after Asahna Bucha is known as Wan Khao Phansa, which marks the start of the three-month Phansa period. This is the rains retreat period when monks would traditionally stay within the confines of their own temple. The Phansa retreat period is sometimes referred to as “Buddhist Lent” and ends with Awk Phansa, usually in October.
Visiting the temple and making merit
Thai temples can be fascinating places to visit and no more so than on special Buddhist days when Thai people will visit and make merit. Thai Buddhists believe in karma and reincarnation, where a person’s good and bad deeds in their current life affect their next life. To ease the path of their current and future lives, Thai people make merit by performing good deeds. This is particularly important on the main Buddhist holidays of Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha, and Asahna Bucha.
If you visit a temple in Thailand on these days, you will see that many Thai people will wear white tops as a symbol of purity, and will give alms to monks or make donations to the temple. They may also perform wian tian, a ceremony where a person walks clockwise around the main bot of the temple three times while holding a lighted candle, incense, and flowers.
(Photo: Roy Cavanagh)
Visiting wats (temples) in Thailand is a fascinating cultural experience, and everyone is welcome. However, visitors must dress and behave respectfully. Cover knees and shoulders and take off shoes and hats before entering the temple. While it’s usually allowed to take photos, visitors must do so politely and respect people’s privacy and personal space.
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