For Nordic residents in Thailand, May is a month filled with holidays, commemorations, and unique Thai cultural events. While only two official Thai public holidays fall in May (not counting Sundays), many more significant dates are observed both locally and abroad.
Thai and Nordic holidays in May 2025:
- 1 May – Labour Day
International Workers’ Day is not a national holiday in Thailand but is recognized as a Bank Holiday, meaning government offices and banks may be closed. The day has been celebrated since 1890, established by the socialist Second International. - 4–5 May – Coronation Day (Thailand)
Since 2020, 4 May has been a national public holiday marking the coronation of King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X). In 2025, this falls on a Sunday, so Monday 5 May is observed as a substitute holiday. Alcohol sales are prohibited and banks are closed. - 5 May – Denmark’s Liberation Day 🇩🇰
This day commemorates Denmark’s liberation from Nazi occupation in 1945 by British troops. On the evening of 4 May 1945, Denmark was announced liberated from Germany after more than five years of occupation. On 5 May 1945, Danes all over the country went to the streets and waved the Danish flag in celebration of the liberation with the arrival of the English troops. Bornholm remained under Soviet control until April the following year. - 8 May – Norway’s Liberation Day 🇳🇴
Norway marks the end of German occupation on this day in 1945. - 9 May – Europe Day 🇪🇺
Celebrates the 1950 Schuman Declaration, the foundation for the EU. Coincides with Russia’s Victory Day marking Nazi Germany’s defeat. - 9 May – Royal Ploughing Ceremony (Thailand)
An ancient festival held at Sanam Luang in Bangkok involving sacred oxen and astrologers predicting the upcoming rice season based on what the oxen eat. Buddhist and Hindu monks participate. Not an official public holiday, but a major cultural event. - 9–11 May – Bun Bang Fai Rocket Festival (Thailand)
Held across Isan, especially in Yasothon, this lively festival features homemade rockets launched to encourage rain for rice planting. Rocket sizes reach up to 100 kg with several minutes of flight time. - 11 May – Visakha Bucha Day (Thailand)
A major Buddhist holiday commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha. Falling on a full moon, this is a day for temple visits, acts of charity, meditation, and releasing animals.
11 May is also Mother’s Day in Denmark. 🇩🇰 - 12 May – Substitution holiday for Visakha Bucha Day
As Visakha Bucha falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is a public holiday in Thailand. - 16 May – Store Bededag (Denmark)
Traditionally a Danish public holiday, it was officially removed as a public holiday in 2024. However, it continues to be observed in Greenland and the Faroe Islands. - 17 May – Norway’s Constitution Day 🇳🇴
Norway celebrates its 1814 constitution signed at Eidsvoll. Even during the later union with Sweden, the constitution remained intact. Celebrating the 17 May with processsions and games for children and grown-ups remains one of the most colourful traditions of the Norwegian community at home as well as abroad. - 19 May – School starts in Thailand
The new school year officially begins, though dates can vary by region. - 25 May – Mother’s Day in Sweden 🇸🇪
Observed on the last Sunday in May. - 26 May – King Frederik X’s birthday 🇩🇰
The Danish monarch turns 57. - 29 May – Ascension Day (Kristi Himmelsfärdsdag)
A public holiday across Scandinavia, observed 40 days after Easter. Often associated with outdoor traditions such as picnics, church gatherings, and spring celebrations like gökotta (early morning outings to hear the cuckoo). Once referred to as “bare arms day” or “first day of fishing.”
