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.
01: What Is Wan Mae?
A respectful day for mothers, grandmothers, and family 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
Queen Sirikit's Birthday
12 August marks the birthday of the late Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, born in 1932. Her birthday was designated as National Mother's Day in 1976. Treat royal imagery with deep respect.
Dok Mali: Jasmine
White jasmine (dok mali, ดอกมะลิ) is the quintessential flower of Wan Mae. Its pure white petals and lasting sweet fragrance represent the unconditional love of a mother.
Mothers and Carers
Students also express gratitude to grandmothers, aunts, guardians, and female teachers. Read more in Mother's Day and Father's Day in Thailand.
02: 12 August: Light Blue and Jasmine
Understanding the date, color traditions, and flower symbolisms.
Always 12 August
Unlike Western countries where dates change annually on Sundays, Thai Mother's Day is always 12 August. Government offices and banks close. Check your official school calendar for holiday observations.
Why Light Blue?
In the Thai day-color tradition, Friday's color is light blue. Queen Sirikit was born on a Friday, making light blue the official color of her reign and Wan Mae throughout the month of August.
Jasmine Garlands
Fresh jasmine floral garlands (phuang malai) are lovingly prepared by street vendors and florists. Children present these garlands while prostrating gently at their mother's feet.
03: At School: Assembly and Cards
Assembly schedules, student tributes, and thoughtful classroom activities.
Assembly Before the Holiday
Because 12 August is a public holiday, schools host ceremonies on the final school day before (often 10 or 11 August). Some campuses invite representative mothers, while others keep it as an internal school tribute.
Confirm School ScheduleFollow the Thai Staff
Students present flowers, sing royal anthems, and perform traditional Thai dances. Observe your Thai co-teachers, stand quietly during official anthems, and offer polite bows alongside faculty.
Observe and MirrorCards for Any Carer
If conducting an English card-making lesson, keep the phrases simple: "Thank you for loving me" or "Happy Mother's Day." Many rural Thai kids live with grandmothers or aunts; ensure every carer is celebrated.
04: Teacher Etiquette & Customs
Practical manners and respectful greetings for school life.
1. Wear Blue if Staff Do
Ask your Thai co-teacher in advance. If colleagues wear light blue on assembly day, wearing a pressed light blue shirt or smart blouse demonstrates cultural awareness and teamwork.
2. Suksan Wan Mae
Greet faculty with "Suksan wan mae khrap" (สุขสันต์วันแม่ครับ, men) or "Suksan wan mae kha" (สุขสันต์วันแม่ค่ะ, women) accompanied by a polite wai. See our Thai Wai Guide.
3. Royal Respect
The Royal Family is deeply revered. Never make flippant remarks or post casual memes online. Stand in calm silence facing portraits or royal flags during school proceedings.
4. Modest Campus Attire
Always cover shoulders and knees. Keep closed-toe dress shoes neat and polished. For overall wardrobe planning, check our Teacher Dress Code Guide.
05: Four Steps to Join In
A calm, practical roadmap for foreign teachers celebrating Wan Mae.
🛠️ How to Join Mother’s Day at a Thai School
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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.
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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.
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Greet Colleagues Politely
Say “Suksan wan mae khrap” (men) or “Suksan wan mae kha” (women) with a small respectful wai.
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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.
While Wan Mae honors mothers and Queen Sirikit in August, Thailand also celebrates National Father's Day (Wan Pho) on 5 December honoring the late King Bhumibol. Explore our comprehensive twin guide to Mother's Day and Father's Day in Thailand.
Essential Apps for Holiday Weekends
Stay updated with school event chats and holiday transit plans.
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 constant, pure 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 national 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 warm smile and a nod are also completely 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 classroom atmosphere gentle and inclusive.
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 experiencing Wan Mae celebrations with local students remains one of the warmest highlights of Semester 1.
