Constitution Day

Thailand observes Constitution Day on 10 December each year. The national public holiday commemorates the promulgation of Thailand’s first permanent constitution in 1932 and the country’s transition from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy.

In 2026, Constitution Day falls on Thursday, 10 December. As the holiday falls on a weekday, there is no separate substitute holiday.

History of Thailand’s Constitution Day

Thailand underwent a major political change in June 1932, when the system of absolute monarchy ended. A temporary constitutional charter was introduced shortly afterwards, followed by the country’s first permanent constitution on 10 December 1932.

King Prajadhipok, also known as King Rama VII, formally granted the permanent constitution. The anniversary has subsequently been observed as Constitution Day, or Wan Ratthathammanun in Thai.

Thailand has adopted numerous constitutions and constitutional charters since 1932. Constitution Day commemorates the country’s first permanent constitution and the establishment of constitutional government rather than the anniversary of any later charter.

Constitution Day in Chiang Mai

Constitution Day is a nationwide civic observance rather than a large public festival. Most people experience it mainly as a day off work, with families visiting restaurants, shopping centres, temples, and local attractions.

Government organisations and educational institutions may arrange commemorative displays, flag ceremonies or activities about Thai history and constitutional government. However, a specific public program for Chiang Mai in 2026 has not been announced.

Visitors should not expect street parades, fireworks or a major citywide celebration. Any official ceremonies are likely to be formal and relatively small compared with Chiang Mai’s major religious and cultural festivals.

What Will Be Open?

Government offices, municipal departments and many banks will be closed on Thursday, 10 December. ATMs, online banking and electronic payment services should remain available, although some transactions may not be processed until the next working day.

Most businesses serving visitors generally continue operating on public holidays. These may include:

• Hotels and resorts
• Restaurants and cafés
• Shopping centres
• Convenience stores
• Markets and food stalls
• Tour operators
• Taxis, songthaews and ride-hailing services
• Privately operated attractions

Each business sets its own opening arrangements. Visitors should check directly with museums, national parks and individual attractions rather than assuming their normal Thursday hours will apply.

Temples remain places of worship rather than Constitution Day event venues. Visitors can generally attend during their usual opening hours, provided they dress modestly and behave respectfully.

Planning Your Visit

Constitution Day falls during one of Chiang Mai’s busiest and most comfortable travel periods. December normally brings cooler mornings, lower humidity and pleasant conditions for exploring the Old City, temples and surrounding mountains.

The holiday itself does not create a long weekend in 2026, as it falls on a Thursday. Nevertheless, December is peak season in northern Thailand, so popular accommodation, tours and transport services can still be busy.

Visitors planning to use government or banking services should complete important transactions before the holiday. Anyone visiting a government-operated attraction should confirm its opening arrangements in advance.

Constitution Day has no entry fee because it is a national observance rather than a ticketed event. Individual attractions, tours and organised activities continue to charge their usual prices.

Respectful Participation

Visitors do not need to attend a ceremony or follow a particular dress code while sightseeing on Constitution Day. Normal respectful behaviour is sufficient.

If attending an official ceremony, remain quiet during speeches or flag observances and follow organisers’ instructions. Request permission before photographing participants at formal events.

Thailand’s constitutional history remains a sensitive and complex subject. Visitors should approach political discussions thoughtfully and avoid confrontational comments about the monarchy, government or national institutions.

Constitution Day FAQs

When is Constitution Day in Thailand in 2026?
Constitution Day will be observed on Thursday, 10 December 2026.

Is there a substitute holiday in 2026?
No. Constitution Day falls on a Thursday in 2026, so there is no substitute public holiday.

What does Constitution Day commemorate?
It commemorates the promulgation of Thailand’s first permanent constitution on 10 December 1932 and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy.

Are there celebrations in Chiang Mai?
The holiday is generally observed quietly. Government organisations may hold formal ceremonies or educational activities, but no detailed public program for Chiang Mai has been announced.

Will government offices and banks be open?
Government offices and many bank branches will be closed. ATMs, online banking and electronic payment services should remain available.

Will shops and tourist attractions be open?
Most shopping centres, restaurants and tourism businesses generally remain open, although individual attractions may use adjusted public-holiday hours.

Is Constitution Day a religious holiday?
No. It is a national civic holiday rather than a Buddhist observance. Temples generally operate independently of any Constitution Day activities.

Is there an entry fee?
No. Constitution Day is a nationwide observance, not a ticketed event. Individual attractions and tours charge their normal prices.