Thailand School Holidays 2026: OBEC Term Dates & Breaks (2569)
Calendar year 2026 (Buddhist Era 2569) spans the second semester of the 2568 academic year and the first semester of the 2569 academic year under the standard OBEC framework. Thai public primary and secondary schools operate on a two-semester system, featuring a major summer break (March to mid-May, covering Songkran) and an October mid-year break.
In Thailand, the school year starts in mid-May and concludes in early March of the following calendar year. Calendar year 2026 covers the conclusion of academic year 2568 and the main portion of academic year 2569. Private, international, and bilingual schools set their own academic calendars.
Thailand School Holidays 2026: OBEC Term Dates & Breaks (2569)
| Date | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 16Friday | National Teachers' Day (School Closure)Annual school holiday in honour of teachers across Thailand. While not a general public holiday, schools nationwide are closed. | School closure |
| Mar 7 – May 17Saturday – Sunday | Summer Break / Major School Vacation (Academic Year 2568)The longest annual school holiday in Thailand (around 10 weeks), spanning the hot season and the traditional Songkran New Year festival (13–15 April). | Summer break |
| May 18 – Oct 9Monday – Friday | Semester 1 (Academic Year 2569)First semester of the new academic year officially begins on the third Monday of May and runs through early October. | Term |
| Oct 10 – 31Saturday – Saturday | Mid-Year Break / October Vacation (Academic Year 2569)Inter-semester break of approximately 3 weeks between Semester 1 and Semester 2. | Mid-year break |
| Nov 1 – Dec 31Sunday – Thursday | Semester 2 (Academic Year 2569, Part 1)Semester 2 starts on 1 November and continues through early March 2027. | Term |
Last updated: 2026-09-16 · Dates officially confirmed
Coordinating School Vacations with Thailand Public Holidays 2026
In Thailand, schools are legally closed on all gazetted national public holidays. When a national holiday falls during an academic term (such as Visakha Bucha in May, Queen Mother’s Birthday in August, or King Chulalongkorn Day in October), schools observe the day off as well as any official government in-lieu days.
The Songkran Festival (13–15 April) naturally falls within the major summer vacation (March to May), giving families an extended period for travel without requiring special term-time absence.
Official sources & data
- Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC / สพฐ.)Visit sourceMinistry of Education, Thailand
- Ministry of Education Thailand (กระทรวงศึกษาธิการ)Visit sourceRoyal Thai Government
Frequently asked questions
When does the major summer break (ปิดเทอมใหญ่) start in Thailand in 2026?
Under the standard OBEC schedule, the major summer vacation begins after annual final examinations around 7 March 2026 and continues until 17 May 2026, lasting roughly 10 weeks.
When does the 2569 (2026) academic year begin in Thailand?
Semester 1 of the 2569 academic year opens on Monday 18 May 2026 for all public primary and secondary schools under OBEC.
Are schools closed on National Teachers’ Day (วันครู)?
Yes. Every year on 16 January, National Teachers’ Day is celebrated across Thailand. While government offices and businesses remain open, schools nationwide are officially closed.
Do international and private schools in Thailand follow the same calendar?
No. International schools in Thailand generally follow British, American, or IB curricula with three terms (starting in August/September and having June–August summer breaks). Private Thai schools follow OBEC guidelines closely but may adjust examination and break dates by 1–2 weeks.
When is the October mid-year break (ปิดเทอมเล็ก) in 2026?
The October vacation runs from 10 October to 31 October 2026 (approximately three weeks). Semester 2 begins on Sunday 1 November 2026 (classes start Monday 2 November).
