Thailand declares July 31 holiday to make it 6 in a row, boost tourism

By Hoang Phong July 25, 2023 | 11:19 pm PT

Tourists ride a hop-on hop-off cruise boat along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, March 2023. Photo by AFP

Thailand has declared a special government holiday on July 31 to offer people six days of uninterrupted holidays as part of efforts to spur tourism.

July 28 is the king's birthday, July 29 and 30 fall on Saturday and Sunday, August 1 is Asana Bucha Day and August 2 is the beginning of Buddhist Lent.

The government hoped the long holiday would encourage people to travel, also boosting the overall economy with their spending.

Thailand’s tourism revenue has surpassed 1 trillion baht ($29.3 billion) so far this year, according to data from its Ministry of Tourism.