BANGKOK, THAILAND – In May 2029, long weekends with public holidays are again beckoning. But caution: Not everyone may put their feet up. The rules are tricky – civil servants, bankers, and company employees have different days off.
Friday, May 1: Bankers off, Civil servants must work
May 1, 2029, is Labor Day. This Friday is enjoyed only by employees of private companies and banks. Civil servants, however, are out of luck. Their offices remain open, and service continues.
Wednesday, May 13: Civil servants pause, Firms open
About two weeks later, Agricultural Day follows on May 13, 2029. On this Wednesday, only the work of state employees rests. Private companies and banks, on the other hand, open normally. For their staff, it is a regular working day.
Holiday planning becomes a guessing game
Anyone planning a trip must look closely. A long weekend only works if one’s own job matches the holiday. Otherwise, frustration looms: The hotel is booked, but the boss expects you punctually at the desk.
Why Thailand works this way
In Thailand, a strict distinction is made between holidays for civil servants, banks, and the private sector. May 1 traditionally applies only to the private side. May 13, on the other hand, is a royal ceremony. Only the state apparatus rests – the economy continues to hum.
Two classes of leisure
This patchwork divides the country into winners and losers of May. While some relax, others toil.
Source: Thairath