Isan Flowers - Cheaper Pattaya Flowers & Gifts By Pattaya Florist & Flower Shop

The list below shows most of the main Thai festivals (Thet Sa Garn), Thailand public holidays (Wan Yoot Ra Cha Gan), and special (religious & non-religious) Thai dates for 2009-2010.

Notes about the Calendar:
- On the dates it is common for Thai people to receive gifts, such as flowers, there is a link you can use to see our special product selection
- The dates of some Thai festivals, Thailand public holidays & special dates change each year on the Western (Gregorian) calendar because they are based on the Thai lunar calendar. Most full moon days are dates for Buddhist celebrations. All dates below are fixed, except where stated.
- Many dates, but not all, are Thai national holidays.
- If Thailand public holiday dates fall on a Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday is a compensatory day off (Wan Chod Choey) instead. In these cases, the weekends are longer and Thai people are likely to travel to visit their family at this time
- Many businesses and government offices are closed on public holidays, but tourist attractions and shops are almost always open
- Years are numbered in Thailand based on the Buddhist era (B.E.) which started 543 years earlier than the Christian era. Therefore 2009 A.D. is the year 2552 B.E and 2010 is 2553 B.E.

Date	Occasion	Information
2 November 2009 (Date varies)	Loy Krathong	Not an official holiday, but a very popular religious festival in Thailand, when tides are at their highest - on the night of the full moon of the 12th lunar month. Also one of the most romantic nights in the calendar, for couples. All Thai people buy or make a 'krathong' - a float made of either the soft trunk of a banana tree or (more eco-friendly) bread, folded banana leaves and flowers, with incense sticks and a candle in the middle). Then in the evening, they go to places where there is water (such as rivers, the sea, lakes) and launch their 'kratongs'. This is to pay respect and make an offering to the Water Goddess (Phra Mae Khongkha), ask her forgiveness for polluting the water and also float away their past year's problems, bad fortune, sins & sorrows Be Romantic! Send your loved one(s) a beautiful krathong from Isan Flowers. Near this date, see our special product selection here
5 December 2009	H.M. The King's Birthday & Thai Fathers Day	This day is the current King of Thailand's birthday (King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), born 1927). King Bhumibol Adulyadej is well beloved and deeply respected by all Thais, old and young. On this day many buildings are covered with decorations and images of The King to show loyalty and honour to Him. This day also serves as Father's Day in Thailand (Wan Phor Hang Chart), as the King is reagrded as the Father of the country
7 December 2009	Compensatory Holiday for H.M. The King's Birthday (National Holiday)	This day is a public holiday because H.M. The King's Birthday was a Saturday
10 December 2009	Constitution Day (National Holiday)	(Wan Rattathammanoon) This day celebrates 10 December 1932 when the country was granted its first constitution and became a democracy. Thailand changed from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional one. Before 1932, Thailand was called Siam and was under the total rule of the King. The King has still some power, but just a moral power over Thai people, who worship him for all its kindness and goodness. Thailand therefore has a King, a parliament, a government and no president
25 December 2009	Christmas Day	(Wan Kris Mat) The day that Christians celebrate as the birthday of Jesus. This is not a national holiday in Thailand because the official religion of Thailand is Buddhism. Thai people generally don't give each other Christmas gifts, but Thai people often give their best Western friends a Christmas card and gifts - red flowers are popular Wish your friends, loved ones, customers &/or business contacts 'Happy Christmas'/'Happy Holidays' with lovely products from Isan Flowers. Near this date, see our special product selection here
31 December 2009	New Year's Eve (UK/US/etc) (National Holiday)	(Wan Sin Pee OR Wan Song Taai Bpee Gao) The day that people celebrate as the first day of the year in the Western (Gregorian) calendar. Thai people generally don't celebrate this with each other, but sometimes organize some events for Westerners - including fireworks
1 January 2010	New Year's Day (UK/US/etc) (National Holiday)	(Wan Khuen Pee Mai) The day that people celebrate as the first day of the year in the Western (Gregorian) calendar. A variety of Thai traditional and cultural festivities are held in various parts of the country. Many people begin the day by making merit to monks and temples in the first daylight hours and in the afternoon and evening there is merry-making and folk entertainment. In Thailand this is just one of three New Year's Days. The second that Thailand celebrates is Chinese New Year (usually in February). The third is traditional Thai New Year. Although Thailand moved its official New Year's Day in 1940 to 1 January, the traditional Thai New Year still starts on 13 April and is celebrated by a public holiday period and the Songkran (water) festival. NOTE: Many Thais give each other greetings cards and exchange gifts on 1 January, such as cuddly toys Wish your friends, loved ones, customers &/or business contacts 'Happy New Year' with lovely products from Isan Flowers. Near this date, see our special product selection here
9 January 2010 (Date varies)	Thai Children's Day	(Wan Dek Hang Chat) This day is always on the second Saturday in January. Normally celebrated for children up to about 14 years old. Children are highly respected in Thailand - considered as the most valuable resources of the nation. On this day, free events are organized for children to go to, such as outdoor movie shows. Many interesting places such as the Duzit Zoo in Bangkok, Army, Navy and Airforce bases, Government House and Parliament House are opened for children to visit. However, people do not normally give children gifts. Children look forward to this day. Not a national holiday
16 January 2010	Thai Teachers Day	(Wan Kroo) Pupils and students pay respect to and give flowers to their teachers on a plastic, elevated silver plate. Teachers are highly respected in Thailand for their knowledge. Not a national holiday Do you have schoolchildren? Buy them beautiful flowers from Isan Flowers to give their teachers. Near this date, see our special product selection here
12-14 February 2010 (Date varies)	Chinese New Year (Year of the Tiger)	(Troot Jeen) Chinese New Year's Day is the most important day on the Chinese calendar, is always on the first day of the first lunar month and is the main family holiday time of Thai-Chinese people. In Thailand, the Chinese New Year period actually starts two days before, when Chinese people go to the market to buy food and other offerings - this is often the last day for shops and stalls owned by Thai-Chinese people to be open. After this, their shops close until after the New Year. On the day before (i.e. the last day of the old year), they pray and prepare offerings to the Gods and their ancestors. Chinese New Year’s Day is the most festive day of all the three days. Some people call it ‘The Spring Festival’ because it is the beginning of Spring. Chinese people go to their relatives’ houses to give and receive blessings. They exchange oranges and give away ‘Ang Pao’ (red envelopes containing money) to their younger relatives, perhaps even to people they know or work for them. They believe this will bring them good luck in the New Year. There are also lion dances and fireworks. About 10% of Thai people have Chinese ancestory, including many influencial members of society. Wish 'Happy Chinese New Year' to any Chinese or Chinese-Thai relatives, friends, customers &/or business contacts you have with lovely red products (the colour red means luck) from Isan Flowers. Near this date, see our special product selection here
14 February 2010	St Valentine's Day	Thai people recognise this date the same as Westerners. The giving and receiving of flowers (usually red roses) and other gifts is very important. Not a national holiday NOTE: The cost of roses is much higher 1st-19th February Be Romantic and buy your special loved one a big bouquet of red Chinese roses. Why not add balloons, chocolates &/or a cuddly toy from Isan Flowers too! Near this date, see our special product selection here
Mid-February to End of March	Graduation Days	Final Year schoolchildren and students 'graduate' from (leave) Schools and Colleges. It is traditional to give them flowers and gifts to celebrate. Many schoolchildren and students also give flowers and gifts to their teachers, to say "Thank You and Goodbye" to them. Congratulate the students you know by buying them a special, traditional graduation bouquet of flowers! Near this date, see our special product selection here
28 February 2010 (Date varies)	Makha Bucha Day	(Wan Makha Bucha) This important Buddhist holy day marks the spontaneous gathering of 1,250 Sangha followers who came to meet and hear a sermon from Lord Buddha, nine months after his enlightenment. They were ordaned by Lord Buddha and enlightened. It is a day when people make merit (such as giving alms - necessities like food, robes, incense and candles - to monks). Merit-making ceremonies are held during the day at temples throughout the country and there are also candlelight processions around major temples in the evening. Thai people give the usual monk products to the temple/monks - small bunches of flowers, food, etc
1 March 2010	Compensatory Holiday for Makha Bucha Day (National Holiday)	This day is a public holiday because Makha Bucha Day was a Sunday
6 April 2010	Chakri Memorial Day (National Holiday)	(Wan Chakri) his day commemorates the founding of the current, Chakri royal dynasty of Thailand (the coronation day of King Rama I The Great on 6 April 1782). The current King, King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), is the ninth King of the Chakri dynasty. A Royal ceremony is performed by the King to pay respects to King Rama I
13 April 2010	Thai New Year (National Holiday)	Traditional Thai New Year's Day. The first day of Songkran festival (see below)
13-15 April 2010	Songkran Festival (except Pattaya) (National Holiday)	Thai people celebrate their traditional New Year for three days with religious ceremonies, public festivities and a lot of water. Buddha statues are cleaned, people sprinkle water over the hands of monks and elders to show their respect and the streets are filled with people throwing buckets of water over anyone and everyone - Thais and tourists alike. If you go out of the house, don't expect to stay dry. Some (mainly young) people have a lot of fun, with a spirit of fun and goodwill but a few drink too much alcohol which can sometimes lead to trouble. It is usually the most dangerous time of the year on the roads. Many (mainly older) people also try to avoid it by staying at home. This is the main family holiday in Thailand, with compensatory days for any days falling on a weekend. Many people travel to visit their families in Northern Thailand. Many shops and business close. If the 3 days fall in the middle of the week, many workers return home from the previous Friday until the following Monday
18-19 April 2010	Songkran Festival (Pattaya only) (Local Holiday)	See above
1 May 2010	National Labour Day	(Wan Raeng Ngan) International Labour day is a national holiday, but there are no real events on the day
3 May 2010	Compensatory Holiday for National Labour Day (National Holiday)	This day is a public holiday because National Labour Day was a Saturday
5 May 2010	Coronation Day (National Holiday)	(Wan Chatr Mongkol) Celebrates the day when the current King of Thailand, King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) was crowned (5 May 1950)
10 or 13 May 2010 (Date varies)	National Farming and Agriculture Day + Royal Ploughing Ceremony Day (National Holiday)	The Royal Ploughing Ceremony is done every year by Brahmanic priests on the big field called Sanam Luang, in the front of Wat Phra Kaew temple in Bangkok. It symbolises the beginning of the rice-planting season. The priests bless seeds and make symbolic furrows using a plough pulled by buffalos. Once the ceremony is over, all the watching people run to the furrows to get the blessed seeds. Those are believed to bring good harvests. The ceremony is very important for Thai farmers because it predicts how much rain will fall and how well the crops will grow. Thousands of farmers go to the Grand Palace to watch
28 May 2010 (Date varies)	Visakha Bucha Day (National Holiday)	(Wan Visakha Bucha) This is the biggest and holiest Buddhist holiday. It celebrates 3 extremely important events - the birthday of Prince Siddhattha Gotama, the day 35 years later he became the Buddha (his enlightenment) and his death 45 years after that (attainment of Nirvana). All 3 events happened on the same full-moon day in the Wisakha month (usually in May). All over the Thailand people visit temples to listen to sermons by revered monks about Dharma (Buddha's teaching) and make merit. In the evening there are candlelight processions around the main buildings of major temples. Thai people give the usual monk products to the temple/monks - small bunches of flowers, food, etc
26 July 2010 (Date varies)	Asanha Bucha Day (National Holiday)	(Wan Asanha Bucha) This day commemorates Buddha's first sermon to his first 5 disciples after attaining Enlightenment, introducing the Middle Way, the noble 8-Fold Path and the 4 Noble Truths. Celebrated with candlelight processions, it happens one day before the Buddhist Lent day. In the evening, candlelit processions take place in Buddhist temples around Thailand. Thai people give the usual monk products to the temple/monks - small bunches of flowers, food, etc
27 July 2010 (Date varies)	Khao Phansa Day (National Holiday)	(Wan Khao Phansa) This day marks the beginning of the Buddhist rain retreat ('Lent') period - a period lasting 3 months when monks are expected to retreat to their temples to study and meditate, for renewed spiritual vigour. During this period monks are not allowed to sleep outside their temple. If they have to stay outside it should be limited to maximum of three days. Thai people buy big candles and offer them to temples. This is also the most auspicious time for Buddhist ordinations. Many Thai people go to their local temple to make merit on this day. Thai people give the usual monk products to the temple/monks - small bunches of flowers, food, etc
12 August 2010	H.M. The Queen's Birthday & Thai Mothers Day (National Holiday)	This day is the current Queen of Thailand's birthday (Queen Sirikit, born 1932). On this day many buildings are covered with decorations and images of The Queen to show loyalty and honour to Her. This day also serves as the country's Mothers Day (Wan Mae Hang Chart), as she is regarded as the mother of all Thai people. Is your girlfriend or wife a Mother? Buy something from Isan Flowers for her children to give her. Have a Mother or Mother-in-law in Thailand? Make her feel appreciated with lovely products from Isan Flowers. Near this date, see our special product selection here
23 October 2010 (Date varies)	Awk Phansa Day	(Wan Awk Phansa) This day is the end of the 3-month Buddhist Lent period. Monks are allowed to leave their temples and Thai people will make merit by giving them food and other necessities. This is not a national holiday. Thai people give the usual monk products to the temple/monks - small bunches of flowers, food, etc
23 October 2010	Chulalongkorn Memorial Day	(Wan Piyamaharat) This day commemorates the day in 1910 that one of Thailand's most important Kings died - King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). He was the first Thai King to travel widely to Asia and Europe and is revered today for his wise reign and modernisation of Thailand. He made many big reforms such as: abolishing slavery, expanding the communication system via the construction of railways, establishing post and telegraph services and improving public services like health and education. Thanks to him, Thailand did not become a French or English colony and Thailand became a modern country with things like its first hospitals, railways, and post offices.
25 October 2010	Compensatory Holiday for Chulalongkorn Memorial Day (National Holiday)	This day is a public holiday because Chulalongkorn Memorial Day was a Saturday
21 November 2010 (Date varies)	Loy Krathong	See the description near the top of this calendar Be Romantic! Send your loved one(s) a beautiful krathong from Isan Flowers. Near this date, see our special product selection here
5 December 2010	H.M. The King's Birthday & Thai Fathers Day	See the description near the top of this calendar
6 December 2010	Compensatory Holiday for H.M. The King's Birthday (National Holiday)	This day is a public holiday because H.M. The King's Birthday was a Sunday
10 December 2010	Constitution Day (National Holiday)	See the description near the top of this calendar
25 December 2010	Christmas Day	See the description near the top of this calendar Wish your friends, loved ones, customers &/or business contacts 'Happy Christmas'/'Happy Holidays' with lovely products from Isan Flowers. Near this date, see our special product selection here
31 December 2010	New Year's Eve (UK/US/etc) (National Holiday)	See the description near the top of this calendar