Mother’s Day in Thailand is celebrated every year on August 12, a date that carries both family and national significance. Unlike many countries where Mother’s Day moves according to the calendar, Thailand observes it on a fixed date because it coincides with the birthday of Queen Sirikit, who was born on August 12, 1932. The late Queen remained a respected national figure throughout her life. She passed away on October 24, 2025, at the age of 93, but her birthday continues to be observed as Mother’s Day and remains an important date on the Thai calendar.
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Mother’s Day in Thailand is a public holiday that combines expressions of family gratitude with respect for the Thai monarchy and traditional cultural values. Across the country, schools, government buildings, homes and streets are often decorated with lights, flags and portraits, while families gather to spend time together and honour mothers and maternal figures.
The connection between Mother’s Day and Queen Sirikit reflects the traditional relationship between the Thai people and the monarchy. Queen Sirikit served as Queen Consort during the reign of her husband, King Bhumibol Adulyadej. During his long reign, King Bhumibol became one of Thailand’s most respected figures, while Queen Sirikit also earned admiration for her work supporting communities and social initiatives.
Queen Sirikit was widely known for her charitable activities and her involvement in projects designed to improve the lives of Thai people. She served as honorary president of the Thai Red Cross and supported a wide range of initiatives focused on healthcare, education and rural development. She also played a significant role in preserving Thai arts, crafts and cultural traditions.
One of her most recognised achievements was helping promote traditional handicrafts produced in rural communities. Her support created opportunities for local artisans and helped preserve skills that might otherwise have disappeared. Through these projects, communities across Thailand gained economic opportunities while maintaining important cultural traditions.
For Thai families, Mother’s Day is primarily a celebration of appreciation and gratitude. Schoolchildren often take part in special ceremonies before the holiday. These events can be highly emotional occasions where children kneel before their mothers to express thanks and respect. Many students also perform songs, dances and speeches dedicated to motherhood.
One of the most distinctive traditions associated with Mother’s Day in Thailand is the giving of jasmine flowers. Known in Thai as ‘dok mali‘, jasmine is strongly connected with the celebration and has become a symbol of Mother’s Day throughout the country.
The small white flowers represent purity, unconditional love and maternal devotion. Jasmine also has a sweet fragrance and blooms throughout the year, making it an ideal symbol for enduring affection. Children commonly present their mothers with garlands or bouquets of jasmine as a gesture of gratitude and respect.
Religion also plays an important role in the day’s activities. Many Thai families visit local Buddhist temples to make merit. Merit-making can involve offering food to monks, making donations, praying or participating in ceremonies believed to bring positive blessings. These acts are often performed in honour of mothers and family members.
Others prefer to spend the public holiday enjoying time together with meals, outings or short trips. Restaurants, shopping centres and tourist attractions can become especially busy as families use the occasion as an opportunity to celebrate together.
Visitors to Thailand during August may notice celebrations taking place in schools, temples and public areas. Buildings are frequently decorated in blue, the colour associated with Queen Sirikit, while candlelighting ceremonies and community events are also organised in some areas.
Mother’s Day in Thailand ultimately reflects a combination of family values, Buddhist traditions and national identity. While customs vary between families, the message remains consistent: showing appreciation for mothers and recognising the important role they play in family life and society.
