Mother’s Day in Thailand is celebrated each year on August 12. On Mother’s Day, people celebrate the special bond between a mother and her children. However, in Thailand, Mother’s Day also commemorates Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s birthday. ‘Dok mali’, or jasmines are the traditional gift for Thailand Mother’s Day. Jasmine is associated with ‘purity’ and ‘gentleness’ in Thai culture. Children get garlands and bouquets of jasmine flowers for their mothers. Other than that, it’s also common to see children and mothers going out for lunch, participating in Mother’s Day events, and spending time with each other. This is a national holiday in Thailand. If you want to make Mother’s Day extra special and buy a gift, then check out our gift guide.
History of Mother's Day in Thailand
Mother’s Day was first celebrated in Thailand on April 15, 1950. In 1976, the date was changed to August 12 to commemorate the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. She is perceived as the Mother of all Thai people. During August, public places are adorned with beautiful decorations and lights to celebrate the birthday of the queen — there are even portraits that are hung up of her. Preparations for the day start a few weeks before the queen’s birthday. Citizens hoist the national flag and decorate their houses with the portrait of the Queen as a way of expressing their loyalty and love for her.
Local businesses also join in on the celebration by decorating their establishments with her portraits, garlands, and colorful lights. The celebrations of the day start early in the morning with alms-giving, nationwide candle-lighting ceremonies, and displays of fireworks. The queen’s birthday is celebrated all across the country and especially in Bangkok. In the capital, the holiday is celebrated with the most fervor along Ratchadamnern Road and the Grand Palace area.
Queen Sirikit is hailed as the mother to all Thai people and therefore this day is rightfully observed as a national holiday. Apart from celebrating the queen’s contribution to Thailand, giving alms to monks is also an important part of the day’s celebration. Ceremonies are held first thing in the morning, where alms are distributed to monks, as well as the poor and needy. Schools also organize Mother’s Day celebrations with a special ceremony. Mothers of students attend the ceremony and children kneel at their mother’s feet to convey respect and love. Young children also make greeting cards for their mothers.
Mother's Day in Thailand timeline
The birth of the queen takes place in Bangkok.
Queen Sirikit marries Bhumibol Adulyadej just before his coronation.
The king enters Buddhist monkhood and Sirikit becomes the Queen Regent.
The queen suffers a stroke and refrains from appearing publicly.
Mother's Day in Thailand FAQs
What do Thai people do on Mother's Day?
Mother’s Day starts by giving alms to the monks. Children convey their love and gratitude to their mother and give them jasmine flowers. Mothers shower their blessing on their children.
When was Queen Sirikit born?
Queen Sirikit was born on August 12, 1932.
What is the color of Mother's Day in Thailand?
White jasmines are considered the emblem of kindness and love of a mother. Therefore, white is the color of Mother’s Day in Thailand.
Mother's Day in Thailand Activities
Celebrate with your mother
You can celebrate the day even if you are not in Thailand. Take your mother out for a meal and spend some quality time with her. You can also buy her chocolates, flowers, or anything she desires. Whatever you choose to do, make her feel special!
Plant jasmine flowers
Since jasmines are such an important part of the Mother’s Day celebration, plant jasmine flowers in your garden. It’s a beautiful flower with a lovely smell.
Donate
Alm-giving is very important to Mother’s Day in Thailand. On this day donate to a cause that you care about. Gather up your unused clothes and donate them to a mother in need.
5 Facts About Thailand That Will Blow Your Mind
It was never colonized
Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country to have never been colonized.
Bangkok’s real name is very long
Bangkok’s ceremonial name is “Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Yuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit”.
Thailand is a land of temples
There are over 40,000 temples across the country.
It’s home to unique animals
White elephants are one of many unique animals the country houses.
Islands
There are 1,430 islands in Thailand.
Why We Love Mother's Day in Thailand
A day to convey love to our mothers
We all love our mothers but it’s nice to take a day out of the year to celebrate the gentleness and love that mothers symbolize. This mother’s day allows us to show how much we appreciate all that our mothers do for us. Let’s give them the day off to relax and enjoy being spoiled.
A day to do good
Since donating and alms-giving are popular ways to celebrate Mother’s Day, it’s the perfect opportunity to do something and give back to society. Donations will make you feel a whole new level of joy and you will also be bringing happiness to the receiver of your donation,
Get closer to Thai culture
Thailand Mother’s Day is a wonderful way to learn more about Queen Sirikit and her impact on Thai life and culture. This holiday helps us broaden our knowledge and learn respect and gratitude for all great things from our mothers and Queen Sirikit.
Mother's Day in Thailand dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | August 12 | Monday |
| 2025 | August 12 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | August 12 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | August 12 | Thursday |
| 2028 | August 12 | Saturday |
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