What is Mother’s Day?

Mother’s Day (วันแม่แห่งชาติ) is held every year on August 12 in Thailand. The day honours the role of mothers across Thai society and coincides with the birthday of Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother. She is seen as the symbolic mother of the nation, and her birthday provides the occasion for national recognition of motherhood. The celebration blends personal customs, cultural traditions and public ceremonies in homes, schools and community spaces. It is both a deeply emotional moment and a formal national holiday.

Children traditionally offer jasmine garlands to their mothers as a symbol of love and purity. Many schools hold official events where students kneel before their mothers to express thanks and respect. Homes and public buildings are decorated with portraits of Queen Sirikit and blue lights, her symbolic colour. Community groups organise religious ceremonies and charitable activities to mark the day. Across the country, Mother’s Day brings together family values, royal respect and national unity.

History and origin

Mother’s Day in Thailand was first introduced in the 1950s, but the date changed several times in the early years. In 1976, the government officially declared August 12 as the permanent date, aligning it with the birthday of Queen Sirikit. Her decades of public service in health care, education and rural development made her an ideal figure to symbolise motherhood. The link between her role as Queen and the role of mothers across Thailand gave the day strong cultural meaning. The new structure encouraged national participation and respect for traditional family values.

As the celebration became more formal, schools and temples adopted it into their calendars. Local governments supported events that promoted moral behaviour, gratitude and social unity. Television stations broadcast messages from the royal family, and documentaries about Queen Sirikit’s work were aired. The day was increasingly used to promote public awareness of maternal responsibilities and rights. Over time, the celebration reached every region of the country, from cities to rural areas.

Today, Mother’s Day in Thailand is one of the most widely observed public holidays. While it remains tied to the monarchy, it has also become a moment of personal reflection for families. Children of all ages use the day to show love, whether through simple messages or traditional ceremonies. The balance between royal symbolism and everyday family practice makes the day unique. Its ongoing relevance shows how national identity and private emotion can coexist in one tradition.

Who participates in Mother’s Day?

• School children: They prepare performances, speeches and garlands to present to their mothers during official events.
• Teachers and school staff: Educators organise ceremonies and guide students in traditional forms of respect and expression.
• Families: Relatives gather to honour mothers with meals, gifts or time spent together in meaningful ways.
• Monks and temple leaders: Religious figures lead ceremonies and blessings that reflect the moral values of motherhood.
• Local officials: Authorities participate in public events and promote messages of family respect and national unity.

Slogans and themes

The main slogan often used on Mother’s Day in Thailand is based on the phrase “Love begins with mother.” This message reflects the cultural view that maternal care is the foundation of emotional and moral development. Each year, the day may include additional phrases that highlight family strength or the example set by Queen Sirikit. Media campaigns focus on gratitude, loyalty and respect as core values. In schools and communities, themes emphasise how mothers provide emotional support and shape ethical behaviour. These messages are shared through music, speeches and educational materials.

Colors, symbols and patterns

Colors:

• Blue: Represents Queen Sirikit, as it is her symbolic colour based on her birthday.
• White: Symbolises purity and the sincere love between mother and child.
• Gold: Used in decorations to reflect honour, respect and ceremonial importance.

Symbols:

• Jasmine flower: The national symbol of motherhood, used in garlands and decorations.
• Portrait of Queen Sirikit: Displayed in homes, schools and government buildings to honour her birthday.
• Candle: Represents the light of maternal guidance and is used in both religious and secular ceremonies.

Patterns:

• Floral borders: Common in school banners and posters, representing natural beauty and love.
• Garland loops: Found in decorative art and student projects, reflecting the giving of respect.
• Radiating lines: Used behind portraits or candles to suggest warmth, light and devotion.

Most used hashtags

• #MothersDayThailand
• #วันแม่แห่งชาติ
• #ThaiCulture
• #QueenSirikit
• #JasmineGarland

How do you celebrate Mother’s Day?

• Offer a jasmine garland: Children present flower garlands to their mothers as a traditional act of love.
• Join a school ceremony: Students take part in formal assemblies where they show respect and express gratitude.
• Visit a temple: Many families attend Buddhist services where monks give blessings for mothers.
• Display portraits and flags: Homes and public spaces are decorated with images of Queen Sirikit and blue symbols.
• Spend time as a family: People share meals, write letters or take part in quiet reflection with their mothers.

Why is Mother’s Day important?

Mother’s Day in Thailand creates space for both public honour and private emotion. It recognises mothers not only as caregivers, but as moral guides and pillars of family life. The connection with Queen Sirikit adds historical and cultural depth, linking individual families with the national identity. This makes the day more than symbolic; it becomes a lived expression of Thai values. Across all ages and social groups, the day reinforces the importance of respect, care and gratitude.

The celebration also helps preserve cultural continuity in a time of change. As younger generations grow up with different challenges, this day provides a link to tradition and shared meaning. It strengthens bonds within families and across communities through shared customs. By combining ritual, education and emotion, the day remains relevant year after year. Mother’s Day in Thailand reminds the nation that honouring mothers is not just a duty, but a joy.