Thai Cabinet Reverses Decision on New Public Holidays in 2026
The Thai Cabinet reversed its decision to add additional public holidays in 2026, citing potential negative impacts on businesses and employment. During the meeting on December 2, a proposal to include two special public holidays was reconsidered as ministers expressed concerns about disruptions to business operations and the labor market. As a result, the proposal was withdrawn pending further discussions on its economic implications.
Initially, the Secretariat of the Cabinet suggested adding holidays on June 2 and July 31, 2026, which would have created extended breaks. The proposed dates aimed to allow consecutive holidays, with June proposed to span May 30 to June 3, and July 28 to August 2. Despite these suggestions, the Cabinet chose to prioritize a cautious approach to avoid possible business interruptions.
The only additional holiday approved for 2026 is Friday, January 2, facilitating a longer New Year holiday. This decision was confirmed through a Cabinet resolution and remains unaffected by the recent reconsideration. Currently, no further changes have been made to the scheduled public holidays for the year.
Economic experts have indicated that while more holidays could boost tourism and retail sectors, they might simultaneously hinder manufacturing and other industries dependent on continuous operation. The Chamber of Commerce has also voiced that extended holidays could strain smaller enterprises already facing pressure from global economic challenges. The government plans to engage with stakeholders for deeper analysis before revisiting the topic.
Going forward, the Cabinet will focus on evaluating the comprehensive impact of public holidays on the economy. Engagement with various sectors will be crucial to formulating a balanced Thailand’s national holiday calendar. Future decisions will consider the views of both businesses and employees to ensure an equitable solution, reported The Thaiger.
Key Takeaways
- The proposal for extra public holidays in 2026 is postponed for further study.
- January 2, 2026, remains a confirmed special holiday for New Year.
- Future holiday decisions will undergo thorough economic impact analysis.
Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-12-02
Source: https://aseannow.com/topic/1380515-thai-cabinet-reverses-decision-on-new-public-holidays-in-2026/
