January 2 announced as special bank holiday
The Bank of Thailand (BOT) today designated January 2, 2015 as a special holiday for financial institutions, following the Cabinet's resolution.
The Cabinet on earlier announced January 2 as a special public holiday to stimulate economy, promote tourism, and encourage public participation in the New Year Festivities.
In a statement, the BOT said that the additional holiday is deemed appropriate as it would support the government’s policy to promote tourism and stimulate the country’s economy as a whole. Moreover, since the announcement is made well in advance of the date, businesses should be able to prepare and adjust without causing any significant disruption to the economic and financial system.
However, bank branches can provide services as usual depending upon their internal policy, such as branches in shopping malls or department stores. Should banks decide to do so, the staff has to be regarded as deemed appropriate consistent with the labour legislation and related laws.
