Thailand declares additional holiday to spur tourism, economy

Thailand’s cabinet approved an additional public holiday on July 31 to set a six-day break for most workers in a bid to spur tourism and private consumption.

The extra holiday will ensure most public and private establishments will be shut between July 28 to Aug. 2, Government Deputy Spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek says in a statement Tuesday. 

A weekly cabinet meeting, usually held on Tuesday, will be postponed, she said, adding the Bank of Thailand and Labor Ministry have been asked to consider approving July 31 as a bank and labor holiday.

The country’s financial markets usually follow the central bank directive on holidays.