How Does Sunday & Holiday Hours Work in Thailand?
Last verified: 2025-01 · Asia
1The Quick Answer
Most shops, malls, and restaurants are open 7 days a week. Convenience stores never close. Buddhist holidays cause alcohol bans and some closures.
2What You Need to Know
Thailand operates largely 7 days a week. 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and other convenience stores are open 24/7 throughout the year. Shopping malls are typically open daily (10am–9pm or 10pm). Street markets are often busiest on weekends. Government offices are closed on weekends and public holidays. Banks are closed on weekends but ATMs operate 24/7. On major Buddhist holidays (there are around 5 per year), alcohol sales are banned and some businesses close out of respect. Songkran (Thai New Year, mid-April) effectively shuts down major cities for 3–5 days.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Songkran (April 13–15 and extended in many cities) is a massive water festival — plan around it or join in
- 2During Songkran, many shops and restaurants close; stock up on supplies in advance
- 3Buddhist holiday dates change annually — check the calendar before planning a night out
- 4Night markets and floating markets have their own schedules — check local listings
- 5Bank branches close on weekends; use ATMs (airport arrival ATMs accept most foreign cards)
Important Warning
Alcohol sales are banned on 5–6 Buddhist holidays per year. These dates change annually. Venues serving alcohol on these days can lose their license.
How does this compare?
Sunday & Holiday Hours rules in nearby and similar countries:
Most shops, restaurants, and convenience stores are open 7 days a week. Convenience stores never close. Banks close on weekends.
Singapore is open 7 days a week. Malls are open daily. Sunday is a normal shopping day. Public holidays see some closures but major malls stay open.
Most businesses open 7 days a week, but government offices close on Sundays, banks close on national holidays, and India's many festivals can cause unexpected local closures.
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