Holiday schedule enquiry?

[julyuser]

Hi,

I am planning to visit Thailand, especially Bangkok & Pattaya between the 11th & 15th of August 2012.
Are there any national / public holidays in both these cities during the dates which I've mentioned?
Would the city by open and fully functional between these 5 days?
I've heard about something known as "Mother's Day" & "Queen's birthday" in Thailand during the dates of my visit.
Any information or suggestions would be welcome from you as it would help me plan my trip accordingly!

[Curt]

In Pattaya, I'm not sure they know who the queen is!

[Tod-Daniels]

Like most countries in the known universe, when a holiday falls on a weekend, the Monday after it is the "substitution" holiday.

The Queen of Thailand's b/d falls on the 12th of August, and seeing as that's Sunday, the next day is the "holiday" where banks, government offices, etc will be closed.

It's just a one day dealy, so it makes a 3 day weekend. That's not usually enough time off for the Thais working in Bangkok to bother goin' up-country to visit their families, so traveling around shouldn't be any worse than it is every day in Bangkok.

BTW: The "country" never closes, nor do any cities. . .

A polite note to "Curt"; I'd tread real lightly with off the cuff comments like that.

FWIW: Pattaya is about the most "un-thai' place I've ever had the displeasure to visit in this entire country. In reality it's just a freak show/tourist draw. Still I'm pretty sure every single Thai living there and indeed every Thai in this country knows about the holiday, even if clueless foreigners don't. ..

[guava]

Agree with Tod-Daniels that Curt's comment could be taken as a little bit offensive no matter what ones feelings are about Pattaya (and my own are pretty strong despite my father having a condo there)

[djaidee]

On some occasions when there is a very important Holiday (Buddhist etc.) it can happen (especially in Pattaya) that it is not allowed to play loud Music at the Bars or to serve Alcohol - but as it is only for 1-2 days I think that's something you can handle.

Of course if such sort of Entertainment is the main reason for you to travel to Pattaya and you will be there only for a few days could be a problem for you.

[fileeep]

Mother's Day 2012
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Monday, August 13, 2012 – Observed date

Mother's Day 2013
Monday, August 12, 2013
Note: Since 1996, if a holiday falls on a weekend, the following working day is observed as a compensatory non-working day, subject to Thailand's Cabinet declarations