Get ready to pop the bubbly – Thailand just turned its New Year break into a full-blown five-day celebration. The Cabinet has officially approved an extended national holiday running from December 31 to January 4, giving the country one more day to travel, feast and welcome 2026 in style.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul confirmed the move this week, saying it’s designed to ‘stimulate local tourism and strengthen family ties’. The extra day marks a strategic push to spread holiday spending across the nation and keep the good vibes rolling long after the fireworks fade.
More time to play
Tourism officials are already cheering. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) predicts the longer holiday will inject tens of billions of baht into the economy, with hotels, restaurants and transport operators all set to benefit. The timing couldn’t be better: December and January are Thailand’s high season, when the weather is cool, the beaches are glowing and everyone’s in the mood to move.
‘Every extra public holiday has a multiplier effect,’ said a TAT spokesperson. ‘It’s not just about tourism – it’s about reconnecting, recharging and rediscovering Thailand.’
From the mountains of Chiang Mai to the sands of Koh Lanta, travel searches have already spiked. Bangkokians are booking beach villas, while boutique hotels in the north are rolling out festive brunch menus and live-music nights. Airlines are adding domestic routes, and train tickets are selling fast. Expect traffic jams on major highways, packed ferries and a nationwide scramble for the best Airbnb stays.
The power of one extra day
Holiday extensions are nothing new in Thailand – past governments have used them to encourage local travel and boost regional economies. But this one lands at a crucial moment. After a year marked by inflation concerns and slower growth, tourism remains one of the few bright spots in the economy. The extra day off is expected to push domestic travel up by 15 percent, according to the Tourism Council of Thailand.
Private-sector leaders have welcomed the announcement, calling it a ‘win-win’ for both workers and business owners. The hospitality industry is banking on full bookings, while transport companies brace for record-breaking travel numbers. For many Thais, it’s also a morale boost – a signal that the government is prioritising work-life balance and national happiness alongside economic growth.
Anutin framed the decision as both practical and emotional: ‘Thais work hard all year. This is a chance to rest, celebrate and spend time with loved ones – and to welcome visitors from around the world to celebrate with us.’
What to expect
If you live in Thailand, congratulations – you’ve just scored a five-day weekend. Government offices and schools will close from December 31 to January 4, while most banks, malls and tourist sites will remain open throughout the period.
For travellers, it’s a double-edged sword: expect higher prices and heavy traffic, but also a buzzing, celebratory energy across the country. Book everything early – flights, trains, ferries, accommodation – or lean into the chaos and join the flow of locals on the move.