Agenda: Makha Bucha on Wednesday, February 16, 2022

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Tomorrow, on Wednesday, February 16, Makha Bucha (Buddha Day) will be celebrated and that day is a national holiday in Thailand.

Makha Bucha takes place every year on the full moon night in the third lunar month of the year. The Buddhist scriptures mention that on this day 1250 monks from all over the world gathered on their own initiative and without invitation at the Veluwan Vihara (temple) in Rajgaham, the capital of the Magaha kingdom. All of them were Arahants, enlightened monks, one stage before Buddhahood. They were all initiated by the Buddha himself at the time. The Buddha gave a sermon in the evening in which he again explained the principles of his Teachings. He then summarized it as, "Do good, avoid evil, and purify your mind." (Explanation taken over with thanks from Tino Kuis)

Many Thais start the day by giving alms to monks. In the evening they listen to sermons by monks and take part in the ceremony with candles, the "wien ten". This ceremony involves walking around the temple three times with flowers, incense and a burning candle.

Sale of alcohol prohibited

Legally, the sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in Thailand on Makha Bucha day. The ban does not apply to duty-free shops at international airports.

Government offices closed (including immigration)

Therefore, all offices of government agencies, including Immigration, will be closed on this day. Of course, police stations are excluded from this, the police remain “to protect and serve”

Many banks will also be closed tomorrow, although some shopping centers will offer a limited number of services at a bank branch.