Thailand Mother’s Day Celebrations

August is an important month for people in Thailand, as they celebrate the birthday anniversary of Her Majesty the Queen. She  is recognized as “Mother of the Thai Nation.” Her birthday, on 12 August, is also observed as National Mother’s Day. In Australia, Mothers Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May..

To mark Mother’s Day each year, the National Council on Social Welfare of Thailand selects outstanding mothers of the year, who are presented with awards as model mothers.

Originally, Thailand observed April 15 as National Mother’s Day as designated by the Cabinet in 1950. The celebration of National Mother’s Day was later discontinued. For more than half a century, Her Majesty has upheld her strong commitment to occupational development geared to supplement family income, out of genuine concern and loving care that only a mother could possibly give. In most grateful appreciation, the National Council on Social Welfare of Thailand proposed in 1976 the designation of Her Majesty’s birthday National Mother’s Day. The Cabinet approved the proposal and the celebration of day was resumed in 1976.

Her Majesty the Queen turns 79 this year. She was born in 1932, when Thailand changed its administrative system from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy. Her Majesty devoted her time and energy to the caring for the four royal children during their younger days. With all her official functions and duties, she still arranged her schedule to spend as much time as possible with her children. When the royal children approached adulthood, Her Majesty found more time to involve herself in many areas of public life, especially concerning public welfare and the plight of the poor and the underprivileged. She has worked side by side with His Majesty the King to eliminate difficulties within the Kingdom.

Activities and projects conducted as a tribute to Her Majesty on her birthday each year are meant to show Thai people’s gratitude to the Mother of the Thai Nation. She appreciates good deeds conducted by the people in celebration of her birthday, saying that they reflect the spirit of giving and dedication, as well as the unity of the people.

In Thailand, jasmine is regarded as the symbol of mothers. The white colour and delicate fragrance of this flower are compared to the mother’s true and unconditional love for her children. One of the activities launched jointly by several organizations to mark Mother’s Day is to take mothers to travel for pleasure. The activity provides an opportunity for family members to spend time together, thus promoting the bonds of love and care for mothers.

In Thai society, a mother is accorded the highest significance as the giver of life and the person who nurtures and brings up family members. She is also someone who works for a living to help sustain the household and who teaches knowledge and skills until the children become self-supporting, all this without demanding anything in return.