Mother’s Day in Thailand for Teachers: 12 August, Blue, Jasmine
Light Blue. Jasmine. Schools Closed on the Twelfth
I've lived in Thailand for 20 years, and from our office in Ban Lum I tell new teachers the same thing about Wan Mae: it is a respectful day, so wear light blue if the staff do, say "suksan wan mae", and follow your Thai co-teachers. Your school sets its own plan.
Mother's Day (Wan Mae, วันแม่) is on 12 August, the birthday of the late Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother. It is a public holiday, but your school sets its own plan, and the school calendar beats any blog date. Many schools hold an assembly on the school day before. Light blue and jasmine (ดอกมะลิ) are common. Say "suksan wan mae" with a small wai. Ask your Thai co-teacher, stay respectful and follow their lead.
01: What Is Wan Mae?
A respectful day for mothers and carers.
"In 20 years here, Wan Mae is one of the gentlest days on the school calendar. Children say thank you to the people who look after them. Ask your Thai co-teacher what your school does, join in quietly, and keep your voice low."Matthew John : Co-Founder & Operations Manager, KET
The Late Queen Sirikit's Birthday 👑
12 August is the birthday of the late Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, who was born in 1932. Her birthday was chosen as Mother's Day in 1976. Treat the day with respect.
Dok Mali: Jasmine 🌼
White jasmine (dok mali, ดอกมะลิ) is the flower linked with the day. Its white flowers and sweet scent are often said to stand for a mother's love.
Mothers and Carers 💙
Children may also thank grandmothers, aunts, guardians and teachers. Read more in Mother’s Day and Father’s Day in Thailand, where we cover both days together.
02: 12 August: Light Blue and Jasmine
Date, colour and flowers.
Always 12 August 🗓️
The date does not move, unlike Mother's Day in many other countries. It is a public holiday, but your school sets its own plan, so check your school calendar.
Light Blue 💙
Light blue is commonly worn around 12 August. In the Thai day-colour tradition, Friday is blue, and the late Queen Sirikit was born on a Friday. Ask your co-teacher and wear it if the staff do.
Jasmine Garlands 💐
White jasmine garlands (phuang malai) are a common gift for mothers. Children may buy them or make them. Watch first, then join in.
03: At School: Assembly and Cards
Your school sets its own plan.
Assembly Before the Day 🏫
Many schools hold an assembly on the school day before 12 August. It is common, not fixed. Some schools invite parents and some keep it inside the school. The school's own notice beats this page.
Your school sets its planFollow the Staff 🙏
Children may give garlands to their mothers or teachers. Customs differ between schools. Watch what your Thai co-teachers do, and stand or sit quietly when they do.
Watch firstCards for Any Carer 💌
You may be asked to help with cards. Keep the English short: "Thank you. Happy Mother's Day." Some children live with grandparents, aunts or guardians, so let them write for any carer at home.
04: Teacher Etiquette
Small habits. Respectful tone.
1. Blue if Staff Do 👕
Ask your Thai co-teacher. If the staff wear light blue for the assembly, a neat light blue shirt or blouse is a simple way to join in. It is a custom, not a rule.
2. Suksan Wan Mae 🗣️
Say suksan wan mae khrap (men) or suksan wan mae kha (women) with a small wai. For the wai, see The Thai Wai. A smile and a nod are also fine.
3. Stay Respectful 🕊️
The royal family is held in deep respect. Don't joke about it, don't share memes, and follow your Thai colleagues' lead during anthems and portraits.
4. What to Wear 👔
Check what your school expects on any ceremony day. See Thailand Teacher Dress Code, and more holidays in Festivals in Thailand.
05: Four Steps to Join In
Short and simple.
🛠️ How to Join Mother’s Day at a Thai School
-
Wear Light Blue if Staff Do
Ask your Thai co-teacher. If the staff wear light blue on the assembly day, wear a neat light blue shirt or blouse too.
-
Learn About the Jasmine Garland
White jasmine (dok mali) garlands are a common gift for mothers. Watch how the children give them before you join in.
-
Greet Colleagues Politely
Say “Suksan wan mae khrap” (men) or “Suksan wan mae kha” (women) with a small wai.
-
Join in Quietly and Stay Respectful
Help with cards if you are asked, follow your Thai co-teachers, and keep your comments about the royal family respectful.
Wan Mae Questions
When is Mother’s Day in Thailand?
Mother’s Day (Wan Mae) is on 12 August, the birthday of the late Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother. It is a public holiday, but your school sets its own plan, so check your school calendar.
Why is jasmine the flower of Mother’s Day?
White jasmine (dok mali) is the flower linked with Mother’s Day. Its white flowers and sweet scent are often said to stand for a mother’s love. Children often give garlands to their mothers.
What colour should I wear?
Light blue is commonly worn around 12 August. It is linked to Friday in the Thai day-colour tradition, and the late Queen Sirikit was born on a Friday. Ask your Thai co-teacher and wear it if the staff do.
Are schools closed on 12 August?
Usually, because it is a public holiday, but your school calendar decides. Many schools hold an assembly on the school day before. Formats vary, and the school’s own plan beats any blog date.
What should I say to my colleagues?
Say “Suksan wan mae khrap” if you are a man, or “Suksan wan mae kha” if you are a woman, with a small wai. A smile and a nod are also fine.
What can I do in class for children without a mother at home?
Let children write a card for any carer at home, such as a grandmother, an aunt or a guardian. Keep the English short and the mood calm.
Matthew John
Co-Founder & Operations ManagerI'm Matthew, co-founder of Kids English Thailand. I've lived in Thailand for 20 years and work from our office in Ban Lum, Sukhothai. Since 2009 we have placed over 1,500 teachers in Thai schools, and I still learn something from my Thai colleagues every year.
