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National Father's Day in Thailand

National Father's Day in Thailand – December 5, 2024

Thais celebrate National Father’s Day on December 5 every year. It is a national holiday in Thailand where schools and businesses are closed. This day celebrates fatherhood across the country. Thai people honor and thank their dads and father figures for the contributions that they make to their children’s lives. Small gifts or signs of appreciation are traditionally presented.

History of National Father's Day in Thailand

King Bhumibol was born in Massachusetts, United States, on December 5, 1927. Bhumibol was an admirable figure across Thailand. His birthday has long been marked with celebrations and festivities across the nation. It serves as a yearly occasion to remember the late king who passed away on October 13, 2016.

On National Father’s Day, Thais honor their fathers and grandfathers by presenting them with a canna flower, which resembles a lily and is called ‘dok phuttha raksa’ (‘ดอกพุทธรักษา’) in Thai. King Bhumibol’s birthday has been honored in the past by festivals and candlelit events. In the past, Thais would descend on the streets to salute the King for his birthday. People would stay out the night before to secure a place and the opportunity to observe the king when he appeared and gave speeches. Thais wore yellow shirts to these celebrations, as yellow is the color that is associated with Monday, the same day as the king’s birthday in 1927.

The magnitude of King Bhumibol’s birthday celebrations has ensured that they have taken place all around Thailand for a long time. This is certain to continue for the foreseeable future.

National Father's Day in Thailand timeline

1910
Father’s Day is Established

Father’s Day becomes an official holiday on June 19.

1927
King Bhumibol is Born

Thai icon, King Bhumibol, is born on December 5.

1972
Father’s Day in the U.S.

Richard Nixon signs a proclamation declaring Father's Day a federal holiday.

2016
King Bhumibol Dies

King Bhumibol dies on October 13.

National Father's Day in Thailand FAQs

What is the Thai version of "Happy Father's Day"?

Sùk-săn wan pâw (สุขสันต์วันพ่อ) is a term used by Thai people to wish each other a Happy Father’s Day.

Is Father's Day celebrated the same way in all countries?

Father’s Day is observed on a different date in different countries. It is observed on the third Sunday in June in Canada, the U.K., and the United States. Since Father’s Day is a modern observance, each family has its unique traditions.

Is Thailand a young country?

As far back as 20,000 years ago, there was evidence of human civilization in Thailand. Rice cultivation in the region dates back to 2000 B.C., according to archeological data. 

How to Celebrate National Father's Day in Thailand

  1. Give your father a Canna flower

    Thais honor their fathers and grandfathers on National Father's Day by giving them a Canna flower, which is characterized as a manly flower. You can adopt this Thai tradition and present your father with a Canna flower.

  2. Take your father to lunch

    Have a special dinner with your father to mark National Father’s Day. You could take him to a fancy restaurant or prepare a home-cooked meal.

  3. Buy a gift

    Spoil your father on National Father’s Day with a special gift. Treat it like it is his birthday and get him something he will not forget.

5 Facts About Thailand That Will Blow Your Mind

  1. Imagine that on a roster

    Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city, has one of the world’s lengthiest ceremonial names: Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharatratchathaniburirom Udomratchaniwetmahasathan Amonphimanawatansathit Sakkathattiyawitsanukamprasit.

  2. Temple city

    Thailand is home to about 40,000 temples with over 30,000 in active use.

  3. Land of the free

    Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country to never be colonized by a European nation.

  4. Home sweet home

    Thailand is home to Siamese cats.

  5. First Siamese Twins

    Chang and Eng Bunker were conjoined twins who were born in the Kingdom of Siam (Thailand), in 1811.

Why We Love National Father's Day in Thailand

  1. Celebrating fathers

    National Father’s Day is the perfect opportunity to recognize the important role fathers play in their children’s lives. It is a chance to appreciate them for the amazing job that they do.

  2. Honoring King Bhumibol

    King Bhumibol was admired around Thailand for his exemplary leadership and love for the Thai people. The day is set aside by Thais to celebrate the man who served as a father figure to an entire nation.

  3. Exploring Thai culture

    National Father’s Day gives us the chance to explore Thailand’s rich culture. The festivals, events, and traditions surrounding the observance give us a glimpse into the life of the Thai people.

National Father's Day in Thailand dates

YearDateDay
2024December 5Thursday
2025December 5Friday
2026December 5Saturday
2027December 5Sunday
2028December 5Tuesday

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