Mother’s Day and Father’s Day in Thailand

In Thailand, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day fall on fixed dates each year: August 12 and December 5. The dates honour the birthdays of Queen Mother Sirikit and her late husband, King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX). 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.

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 Mother Sirikit. Well-known for her charity work, the Queen Mother is 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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