Today, Friday 27 July is a national holiday in Thailand and neighbouring countries to mark Khao Phansa, the start of the Buddhist three-month lent.
Government departments, offices and banks close and so do entertainment spots serving alcoholic beverages.
Thailand celebrates the birthday of HM the King Maha Vajiralongkorn (King Rama X) Saturday, 28 July, with a national holiday for the 66-year old monarch.
HM the King Maha Vajiralongkorn was born 28 July, 1952, the only son of the Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and HM the Queen Sirikit.
He was was 64 when he ascended to the throne in December 2016.
The birthday of the Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, 5 December, continues to be a national holiday and also Fathers’ Day.
This year, HM the King’s birthday falls on a Saturday prompting the government to declare Monday a substitute holiday with all offices, banks and government agencies reopening 31 July.
TTR Weekly will resume its business-day reports on Tuesday 31 July.
