October 23 is public holiday in Thailand. The country honors its former King. This is the anniversary of the death of his Majesty Chulalongkorn, Rama V, who reigned from 1868 to 1910 and was one of the most respected kings of Siam. He made a lot for opening Thailand to the Western world.
With a lot of traditions, festivals in Thailand are numerous and some are worldwide famous. Loy Krathong sometimes also called the Festival of Lights is held in November and was elected second best festival in the world. It must be said that this is the most photogenic festival in Thailand.
The main events of the Buddhist calendar but also the anniversaries of the King and Queen of Thailand and other days related to the History of the country are holidays in Thailand. If banks and administrations are generally closed those days, transport, shops and restaurants operate normally.