Macha Bucha public holiday in February?

[chucky66]

Hi,

My thai friend told me there is a national public holiday for Macha Bucha day (Buddha day) in February (11/12th?)

Does anyone know if this is so and if all bars have to close or not sell alcohol for this?

Regards

C66*

[Crunch]

No idea about the bars and stuff possibly closing, but i found this bit of info;

Macha Bucha Day - March

One of the most important Buddhist celebrations - Macha Bucha Day falls on the full moon day of the third lunar month. Not particularly a festival, Macha Bucha is a Buddhist holy day and marks a point in history when 1,250 of the Lord Buddha's followers gathered to hear his sermon. Macha Bucha Day is a day when worshipers to walk three times around temples in a bid to make merit. His Majesty the King presides over religious rites at the Emerald Buddha Temple where he leads the candlelight procession around the temple. In Bangkok processions usually start at around 20:00.

[stevem]

Originally Posted by chucky66

Hi,

My thai friend told me there is a national public holiday for Macha Bucha day (Buddha day) in February (11/12th?)

Does anyone know if this is so and if all bars have to close or not sell alcohol for this?

Regards

C66*

Bars are closed.

[chucky66]

Are bars closed for just the 11th or the 11th and the 12th?

[stevem]

One day only

[aussie dollar]

LIST OF 2006 PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
http://thailandforvisitors.com/general/holidays/

[chucky66]

Okay Im confused from that website. Are bars closed on the 12th Feb or the 13th Feb which is listed as Macha Bucha substitution day?

[stevem]

Its normally the first day, say in this case I would say the 12th. Normally the bars dont get a letter from the mib until a few days before to advise or rather suggest closing.

[K2]

Thank Buddha for a break! Think will welcome a night off - the staff too, odd day to detox cant be a bad thing.