Royal Ploughing Ceremony 2023, 2024 and 2025 in Thailand

In Thailand, the annual Royal Ploughing Ceremony is a special day where a symbolic rice planting takes place, which is supposed to help guarantee a good harvest in the year to come.

Year	Date	Day	Holiday
2023	11 May	Thu	Royal Ploughing Ceremony *
2024	6 May	Mon	Royal Ploughing Ceremony *
2025	9 May	Fri	Royal Ploughing Ceremony *
2026	11 May	Mon	Royal Ploughing Ceremony *
Please scroll down to end of page for previous years' dates.

Note: Royal Ploughing Ceremony is observed by the Government sector only.

Both Buddhist and Hindu Brahmin ceremonies are involved in the Thai festival, where monks from each religion bless the planting. The field and public square called “Sanam Luang”, in the centre of historic Bangkok and right in front of the royal palace, is the place where the ceremony is held. Sometimes, the king of Thailand himself will take part.

The royal planting occurs at the outset of rice-growing season and involves two sacred oxen pulling a decorative plough, while traditionally costumed men accompany and plant rice in the furrow. The oxen is also fed rice, grass, other foods, and given rice-whiskey to drink.

Based on what the oxen choose to eat when given multiple foods to choose from, astrologers then predict if it’s going to be a good rice-growing season ahead.

Previous Years

Year	Date	Day	Holiday
2022	13 May	Fri	Royal Ploughing Ceremony *
2021	10 May	Mon	Royal Ploughing Ceremony *
2020	11 May	Mon	Royal Ploughing Ceremony *
2019	9 May	Thu	Royal Ploughing Ceremony *
2018	14 May	Mon	Royal Ploughing Ceremony *
2017	12 May	Fri	Royal Ploughing Ceremony *