Thailand Announces Three Special Holiday During APEC Next Month

By Linda Khoo BANGKOK, Oct 6 (Bernama) -- Thailand announced three additional public holidays for Bangkok and two nearby provinces namely Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan from November 16 to 18 (Wednesday to Friday), in conjunction with the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Week (AELW). Deputy secretary-general to the Prime Minister and acting government spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri said the three additional public holidays approved by the Cabinet today will help reduce traffic congestion in the city. “The special holiday will also ensure smooth traffic flow for APEC leaders to arrive at the venue,” he said during a press conference here Wednesday. He added that government agencies such as hospitals, courts and banks will remain open. The APEC Summit will be held at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in Bangkok from November 18 to 19. Chinese President Xi Jingping, French President Emmanuel Macron, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr are among the leaders to attend the summit. United States (US) President Joe Biden may skip AELW in Bangkok due to family engagement. However, Thailand and the US are coordinating to find a way for the president to attend the meeting. APEC currently includes 21 economies including 19 countries and 2 territories. They are Australia, Brunei, Vietnam, Indonesia, Canada, China, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Russia, Singapore, the United States, Thailand, Philippines, Chile and Japan, as well as the Chinese territories of Hong Kong and Taiwan. -- BERNAMA