Long Weekend In Thailand Starting With Asahna Bucha Day

Thailand will enjoy a very long weekend this week starting Wednesday, July 13. The official holidays are Wednesday, July 13 Asanha Bucha Day, and Thursday, July 14 the beginning of Buddhist Lent.

According to Buddhist custom, both days are alcohol-free and will be enforced across the country.

Although Wednesday and Thursday are official holidays, many companies have announced Friday to be a public holiday in order to create a five-day-long weekend. Many schools have also declared Friday to be a public holiday.

Buddhists and locals will visit their local temples on Wednesday to celebrate Asahna Bucha Day. Over 2,500 years ago, the Lord Buddha gave his first speech in Benares, India.

Like other Buddhist celebrations and holidays, Thai Buddhists will create merit and visit their local wat on Asahna Bucha. Candles are commonly among the goods offered to the wat during Asahna Bucha, and processions incorporating candles are conducted in several towns.

The holiday is determined by the waxing moon and lunar months.  However, it is often celebrated in July or August. It is also the beginning of the Buddhist Lent.

Locals will also do “wian tian,” which involves walking around the wat while carrying a lighted candle, lotus flowers, and incense. Wan Khao Phansa, the day after Asahna Bucha marks the beginning of the three-month ‘Phansa’ season, which is frequently referred to as ‘Buddhist Lent.’

There will be no nightlife on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. There will also be a 2-day restriction on alcohol sales.  Restaurants, motels, and convenience shops are prohibited to sell alcohol.

During the five-day holiday, all Thai government offices, including immigration offices, will be closed and will resume on July 18.

SOURCE: Thaiger

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