Gov't Declares Nov. 16-18 Special Public Holidays for APEC Economic Leaders' Week

The days Nov. 16, 17, and 18 — a Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday — have been declared special public holidays by the Thai government as it hosts this year's APEC Economic Leaders' Week in Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan from Nov. 14-19.

The special holidays were greenlit yesterday during a Cabinet meeting, according to a report by the National News Bureau of Thailand on the same day. Government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said that the holidays would help in reducing traffic congestion in the capital and ensure the safe travel of delegates.

While approved, it is up to private companies, state enterprises, the Ministry of Labour, and government offices to adopt these special public holidays. The Bank of Thailand and other commercial banks, on the other hand, will remain open throughout the APEC Economic Leaders' Week.

This is the first time the APEC Economic Leaders' Week will be held physically again after two years of virtual engagement amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Gathering leaders, ministers, and senior officials of the 21 APEC member economies under one roof, the Leaders' Week will hold dialogues on the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific under the theme "Open. Connect. Balance."

The meetings will be held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre and The Plaza Athenee Bangkok.