Father’s Day and Mother’s Day in Thailand

In Thailand, Father’s Day and Mother’s Day fall on fixed dates each year: 5 December and 12 August. The dates honour the birthdays of the late King and Queen of Thailand, King Bhumibol Adulyadej and his wife, Queen Sirikit. Both days are public holidays and a popular time for families to come together to make merit at the local temple or enjoy a family outing.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej: Born 5 December 1927, died 13 October 2016 aged 88.
Queen Sirikit: Born 12 August 1932, died 24 October 2025 aged 93.

In traditional Thai culture, children present their mothers with a garland of jasmine flowers on Mother’s Day. Known in Thai as ‘dok mali’, the sweet-smelling white jasmine flower is used in Buddhist rituals and is a symbol of purity and love.

Mother’s Day in Thailand: August 12

Mother’s Day (Wan Mae) is celebrated each year on August 12, the birthday of Queen Sirikit. Well-known for her charity work, the Queen was the honorary president of the Thai Red Cross.

Father’s Day in Thailand: December 5

Father’s Day (Wan Por) is celebrated annually on December 5. The day on which the late king was born is also known as King Bhumibol Adulyadej Birthday Commemoration Day. In addition to that, December 5 is the date designated as National Day in Thailand.

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