Queen's Birthday and Mother's Day

August 12 is an annual public holiday in Thailand in honour of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s birthday. Just as His Majesty the King is fondly regarded as the ‘Father of the Nation’, HM Queen Sirikit is said to be the ‘Mother of the Nation’ which is why her birthday on August 12 is also celebrated as Mother’s Day (Wan Mae) in Thailand. Similarly, HM the King’s birthday on December 5 is celebrated as Father’s Day (Wan Por).

Please note that some bars and clubs may be closed on this day.
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Banner at Wat Chedi Luang, Chiang Mai, for HM Queen Sirikit’s birthday

The Thai queen is 81 today and there are a number of events taking place throughout Thailand to commemorate the royal birthday. Merit-making events are taking place at various temples and Bangkok’s Ratchadamnoen Avenue has been lit up with lights over the weekend. Portraits of Queen Sirikit have been placed in prominent display in front of schools, government offices and temples. The Thai queen’s royal blue flag (blue representing Friday, the day of her birth) can also be seen outside many businesses and private residences.

HM Queen Sirikit’s royal standard

The royal couple have been troubled by ill-health in recent years and travel has been limited, but recently they were able to make the trip out of Bangkok to one of their favourite locations, Klai Kangwon Palace in Hua Hin.