Mother’s Day and Father’s Day in Thailand 2025: Ultimate Cultural Guide
Thailand, a top tourist destination, is celebrated for its rich Buddhist traditions and vibrant holidays.
Among these are Thailand's Mother’s Day (Wan Mâe) and Father’s Day (Wan Pâw), which blend Thai heritage with royal reverence.
These public holidays, celebrated annually on August 12 and December 5, honor not just biological parents but all maternal and paternal figures, reflecting Thailand’s collectivist culture of love, respect, and unity.
In 2025, join Thais in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, and beyond to celebrate these special days, deeply tied to the legacy of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, revered as the symbolic parents of the Thai nation.
This comprehensive guide delves into the history, traditions, school activities, and ways to participate in these Thai holidays, providing valuable insights for tourists, teachers, and expatriates.
Why Mother’s Day and Father’s Day Matter in Thailand
Mother’s Day and Father’s Day in Thailand are more than celebrations; they’re expressions of national identity, familial love, and deep reverence for the monarchy.
These official holidays honor the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit, who dedicated their lives to improving the lives of Thais through agricultural, economic, and social initiatives.
The Thai collectivist culture emphasizes familial bonds, often using affectionate terms like “Pii” (elder sibling), “Nong” (younger sibling), “Lung” (uncle), and “Pa” (aunt) for loved ones, including non-biological family.
These holidays extend to father figures, maternal figures, elders, mentors, and teachers, highlighting the Thai value of respect for those who nurture and guide.
Father’s Day in Thailand: Wan Pâw
History of Father’s Day in Thailand
Father’s Day, or Wan Pâw, is celebrated annually on December 5, marking the birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX). Born in 1927, King Bhumibol reigned for 70 years until his passing in 2016, making him Thailand’s longest-reigning monarch.
His birthday was declared a national holiday in 1960, and in 2017, the Thai Prime Minister made a proclamation declaring Father’s Day, which was reaffirmed in 2019.
King Bhumibol’s contributions were transformative.
He introduced water management projects to combat soil erosion, supported farmers with agricultural innovations, and promoted the “Sufficiency Economy Philosophy” to encourage sustainable living.
His work uniting the Thai-Muslim community fostered national harmony, earning him the title “Father of the Thai People.”
Father’s Day Traditions in Thailand
Father’s Day is a day in Thailand filled with heartfelt traditions to honor fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and other father figures:
Wearing Yellow: Yellow, tied to Monday (King Bhumibol’s birth day), is worn to honor the late king.
Giving Yellow Canna Flowers: These rare flowers symbolize respect and admiration.
Making Merits: Families visit temples to pray and make offerings for the well-being of their loved ones.
Family Gatherings: Enjoy a home-cooked meal, go out, or watch fireworks in cities like Bangkok.
Kneeling in Respect: Children kneel at their fathers’ feet to show gratitude, a traditional Thai gesture.
Awards and Events: Communities often present awards to exemplary fathers at school events.
Free BTS Rides in Bangkok: On December 5, fathers with children ride the BTS Skytrain for free.
Saying “Sùk-săn Wan Pâw”: Greet fathers with “Happy Father’s Day” in Thai, followed by a wai.
Mother’s Day in Thailand: Wan Mâe
History of Mother’s Day in Thailand
Mother’s Day, or Wan Mâe, is celebrated on August 12, the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother.
First introduced in 1950 and celebrated on April 15, it was moved to August 12 in 1976 to honor Queen Sirikit, who became the symbolic “Mother of Thai People” alongside King Bhumibol’s title.
Queen Sirikit is renowned for her charity. She founded the Queen Sirikit Institute to train farmers, promoted Thai handicrafts to preserve the country's culture and support rural incomes, and provided relief to Myanmar and Cambodian refugees.
Her poverty alleviation efforts and role as honorary president of the Thai Red Cross since 1956 highlight her maternal love for the Thai people.
Mother’s Day Traditions in Thailand
Mother’s Day celebrates mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and maternal figures, with preparations starting weeks in advance:
Wearing White or Light Blue: These colors honor Queen Sirikit, often paired with white ribbons.
Giving White Jasmine Flowers: Jasmine symbolizes the purity of a mother’s unconditional love.
Making Floral Garlands: Families craft garlands for gifts or temple donations.
Family Activities: Share a home-cooked meal, enjoy outings, or attend school events.
Making Merits: Visit temples to pray and make offerings for the well-being of mothers.
Kneeling in Respect: Children kneel at their mothers’ feet to express gratitude.
Saying “Sùk-săn Wan Mâe”: Wish mothers a “Happy Mother’s Day” in Thai, followed by a wai.
School Celebrations for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day
Thai schools play a significant role in these holidays, especially for Thai students. On both days, schools host events to honor parents and elders:
Ceremonies: Students perform songs, dances, or skits to express gratitude.
Award Presentations: Schools may honor parents or teachers with awards for their contributions.
Craft Activities: Children make cards, garlands, or small gifts for their parents.
Kneeling Rituals: Students kneel to express gratitude to their parents or teachers, reinforcing Thai values of respect.
For English teachers in Thailand, these events provide an opportunity to engage with students and learn about Thai traditions, thereby fostering cross-cultural understanding.
Major Events at the Grand Palace and Beyond
Both holidays feature large-scale celebrations, especially in Bangkok:
Grand Palace Events: The Grand Palace hosts ceremonies with royal tributes, floral offerings, and cultural performances. Visitors can attend public events, though access to certain areas may be restricted.
Firework Displays: Cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai host impressive firework shows, often near landmarks such as the Chao Phraya River.
Community Festivals: In Sukhothai, local markets and temples hold festivals with food stalls, music, and merit-making activities.
Check local event listings in August and December 2025 for schedules and locations.
How to Participate in Thai Mothers’ and Fathers’ Day
Join the celebrations during these Thai holidays with these tips:
Dress the Part: Wear yellow on Father’s Day (December 5) and white/light blue on Mother’s Day (August 12).
Visit Temples: Make merits at temples like Wat Arun in Bangkok or Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai.
Attend Events: Join firework displays, school ceremonies, or community festivals in cities like Sukhothai.
Learn Phrases: Greet locals with “Sùk-săn Wan Pâw” (Father’s Day) or “Sùk-săn Wan Mâe” (Mother’s Day), followed by a wai.
Offer Gifts: For Thai friends or colleagues, consider giving yellow canna flowers on Father’s Day or white jasmine flowers on Mother’s Day.
Support Artisans: Buy floral garlands or Thai handicrafts at markets, honoring Queen Sirikit’s legacy.
The Cultural Impact of These Thai Holidays
Mother’s Day and Father’s Day in Thailand are profound expressions of national identity and familial love.
A 2024 study by the Thailand Cultural Centre found that over 90% of Thais participate, underscoring their significance.
These holidays reinforce the values of compassion, unity, and gratitude embodied by King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit, fostering a sense of community across the country.
Conclusion: Join the Celebration in Thailand
Mother’s Day and Father’s Day in Thailand are powerful celebrations of love, respect, and unity, rooted in the legacy of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit.
On August 12 and December 5, 2025, wear symbolic colors, offer jasmine or canna flowers, and make merits to experience the warmth of Thai traditions. These days remind us to cherish those who nurture us, weaving together a royal heritage and familial devotion.
On 13 October 2025, Thailand officially replaced the old blue work-permit book with the new fully digital e-Work Permit system (eworkpermit.doe.go.th).
Everything now happens online except one short biometric appointment.