National Holiday for Queen's Birthday

August 12 is a public holiday in Thailand in honour of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit who celebrates her birthday on this date. Thailand’s Queen Sirikit is fondly regarded as the ‘mother of the nation’ and it is no coincidence that the date also marks Wan Mae (Mother’s Day) in Thailand. Queen Sirikit has been active in numerous charities and royal projects and her compassion, hard work and loyalty have endeared her to the Thai people.

August 12 is a day when Thai people make merit for the Queen by donating alms in the morning whilst in the evening various candle-lighting events will be held in her honour. During her eve of birthday speech yesterday, Queen Sirikit cheered the nation when she expressed that His Majesty the King was strong and healthy. In recent years, the King has suffered from poor health and now spends much of his time at the royal palace in the seaside resort of Hua Hin. Queen Sirikit, who is 77 today, also called for national unity.