How Thailand Celebrates December: King’s Birthday, Constitution Day & Festive Traditions — A Cultural Journey for Belgian Readers

December is a month of anticipation everywhere in the world—Belgium decorates its streets for Saint Nicholas, Christmas markets glow throughout the country, and families gather around hearty meals while the cold air settles in. But more than 9,000 kilometers away, Thailand experiences a completely different December: colourful, warm, ceremonial, and deeply meaningful. While Belgium’s December is shaped by winter traditions and Christian heritage, Thailand’s festive period is marked by monarchy, national pride, community spirit, and a tropical version of global celebrations like Christmas.

For Belgian readers curious about cultural contrasts or eager to understand Thailand beyond its beaches and street food, December offers a rich window into Thai identity. It is one of the most symbolic months of the Thai year—a time that blends reverence, unity, and modern festive joy. From honouring the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej to celebrating the nation’s constitutional history, and from Buddhist-influenced customs to the adoption of Christmas lights in Bangkok, December in Thailand reveals a fascinating interplay between tradition and global influences.

This article explores what makes December so significant in Thailand, how these celebrations compare with Belgian customs, and how you can experience a taste of these traditions even while living in Brussels.

December 5th — Honouring King Bhumibol: A Day of Respect, Gratitude, and Community

In Thailand, the most important day in December is undoubtedly December 5th, the birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), who passed away in 2016. Although he is no longer alive, this date remains an official national holiday and a day that carries immense emotional weight. Known for his dedication to rural development, science projects, and social welfare, King Bhumibol is still profoundly admired across generations.

How the day unfolds in Thailand

Across the country, you will see:

• Yellow attire, reflecting the King’s birth day (Monday), as colours are linked to the days of the week in Thai culture.

• Candlelight ceremonies, especially in public squares, temples, and waterfronts. Thousands of people gather at dusk to light candles in unison, creating golden waves of flickering light.

• Public volunteer campaigns, such as cleaning canals, repainting public spaces, planting trees, or distributing food.

• Offerings and prayers in temples, with monks blessing individuals and families.

• Decorative displays, including portraits of the late King framed with flowers and lights.

The atmosphere is serene and respectful—more solemn than joyous—yet profoundly collective. It is also a day dedicated to fathers, as Thailand chose to align Father’s Day with the birthday of a monarch seen as the symbolic father of the nation.

A meaningful parallel for Belgian readers

Belgium also honours its monarchy—particularly on 21 July, the Belgian National Day—yet the role of the monarchy is far less intertwined with daily cultural identity than in Thailand. Where Belgium’s celebrations are patriotic and festive, Thailand’s December 5th ceremonies are emotional, intimate, and bound to gratitude.

The candlelight gatherings in Thailand evoke a similar warmth to Belgian traditions of lighting candles during Advent or placing lanterns and lights at home in December. But where Belgians use candles to symbolise hope or winter intimacy, Thais use them collectively to express loyalty, remembrance, and unity.

December 10th — Constitution Day: A Reflection on Thailand’s Political Evolution

Just five days later, Thailand celebrates Constitution Day or Wan Ratthathammanoon. This holiday commemorates the adoption of the first permanent constitution in 1932, which transformed the country from an absolute monarchy into a constitutional one.

How Thais observe Constitution Day

This holiday is less emotional than December 5th but remains significant in shaping national awareness. The day includes:

• Official ceremonies hosted by government representatives.

• Educational exhibitions, explaining Thailand’s political transitions.

• Festivals in some provinces, including traditional performances.

• Public debates and academic panels, particularly in universities.

• Decorative lights and national flags displayed in central areas.

While the day doesn’t generate large crowds or rituals, it creates opportunities for reflection on the country’s complex political history, blending respect for institutions with acknowledgment of social evolution.

A Belgian cultural comparison

Belgium, like Thailand, has a constitutional monarchy—though the Belgian system has remained more stable over time. While Belgians commemorate their national history through events like National Day, the country’s democratic structure rarely becomes the focus of a specific holiday.

For Belgians, Thailand’s Constitution Day may feel unusual because it sits at the crossroads of reverence, education, and national identity. Yet both countries share the idea of balancing tradition with democratic values, making this date an interesting point of comparison.

Christmas the Thai Way — Tropical Lights, Shopping Festivals & Global Influence

Although Thailand is predominantly Buddhist, Christmas has become increasingly visible in the country—especially in major cities such as Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. Christmas is not a public holiday, and there is no religious obligation attached to it. Instead, it has become a cultural celebration driven by hospitality, tourism, and modern urban life.

How Christmas looks in Thailand

• Enormous Christmas trees outside malls like CentralWorld or IconSiam.

• Dazzling light tunnels, Instagram-friendly installations, and themed decorations.

• Festive music filling shopping centres and cafés.

• Seasonal menus in hotels and restaurants, often mixing Western dishes with Thai twists.

• Gift exchanges among colleagues or groups of friends.

• Santa performers, especially in tourist areas.

Christmas in Thailand is joyful, exuberant, and colourful—less intimate than in Europe but bursting with visual spectacle. The festive spirit blends seamlessly with Thailand’s love for lights, markets, and celebrations.

How Belgians might relate

Belgium’s Christmas is deeply tied to winter: cosy nights, mulled wine, gingerbread, and snowy decorations. Thailand, by contrast, offers a tropical Christmas filled with sunshine and outdoor events. Yet both cultures share:

• A love of light during December

• Family gatherings and shared meals

• A sense of warmth (literal in Thailand, emotional in Belgium)

• Decorations as a form of storytelling

For Belgian travellers visiting Thailand in December, the contrast is delightful: winter melancholy is replaced by tropical charm, but the festive spirit feels surprisingly familiar.

December as a Cultural Mirror: Buddhism, Community, and Seasonal Rhythm

Beyond the three major December events, the month in Thailand reflects deeper cultural themes that shape Thai life year-round.

The Buddhist influence

Even though December includes secular and modern celebrations, Buddhist principles remain present. People often visit temples more frequently during this month, making merit by:

• donating to monks

• offering food

• releasing fish or birds

• giving to charity

• engaging in acts of kindness

Where Europeans often associate December with introspection and spiritual preparation for Christmas, Thais practice a similar sense of renewal and virtue through Buddhist acts.

Community spirit

Thailand’s culture is strongly community-oriented. December gatherings, whether formal or casual, highlight collective joy, shared responsibilities, and respect for elders. School events, neighbourhood parties, volunteer programs, and temple fairs create a festive background that lasts throughout the month.

The seasonal difference

Belgium’s December is cold, dark, and atmospheric. Thailand’s December is considered one of the most pleasant months of the year—cooler by Thai standards, with lower humidity and ideal travel weather.

Where Belgium embraces winter magic and indoor cosiness, Thailand celebrates December outdoors, with bright colours, airy evenings, and celebratory markets under the open sky.

How Belgians in Brussels Can Experience the Spirit of Thai December

If you’re curious to explore Thai December traditions without leaving Belgium, there are ways to bring this cultural richness closer to home.

1. Try Thai dishes associated with celebration

Thai cuisine plays a huge role in social gatherings during December. Dishes like:

• Tom Yum Goong

• Green curry

• Pad Thai

• Massaman curry

• Som Tam

• Thai grilled chicken (Gai Yang)

bring festive warmth even on cold Belgian nights.

2. Visit a Thai restaurant that values tradition

In Brussels, restaurants like Sukhothai offer an authentic taste of Thai culture, not just Thai food. The balance of herbs, spices, and fresh ingredients mirrors the flavour harmony that defines Thai celebrations. Enjoying a Thai meal in December can be a beautiful cultural bridge—mixing Belgian winter with Thai aromatic heat.

3. Explore Thai markets, shops, and events

Local Asian markets in Brussels often decorate for December and offer ingredients used in Thai festive cooking:lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, jasmine rice, bird’s eye chilies, and coconut milk.

4. Celebrate December the Thai way at home

You can:

• prepare a Thai-style feast

• decorate with candlelight to echo December 5th traditions

• host a tropical-themed holiday dinner

• pair Belgian chocolates with Thai desserts like mango sticky rice

Blending the two cultures creates unique moments of warmth, discovery, and connection.

Why December Matters for Understanding Thailand

If you want to grasp the essence of Thai culture—its values, rhythms, and emotional landscape—December offers one of the clearest windows. It shows how Thailand balances:

• respect for monarchy

• political history

• Buddhist traditions

• global cultural influences

• community gatherings

• joyful celebrations

For Belgian readers, this comparison between Thailand’s tropical December and Belgium’s winter rituals highlights how different cultural expressions can share similar underlying themes: unity, gratitude, light in the darkest months, and the importance of family and community.

Conclusion: Two Countries, One Month of Meaning

Belgium and Thailand celebrate December in profoundly different ways—one shaped by winter, Christian traditions, and European history; the other by monarchy, Buddhism, tropical energy, and modern global influences. Yet both countries transform December into a month of togetherness, reflection, and celebration.

Whether you’re a Belgian curious about Thai culture, a traveller planning a trip, or simply someone who enjoys discovering international traditions, Thailand’s December offers a captivating blend of ceremonies, festivities, and cultural depth.

And for those in Brussels who want to taste this spirit, Thai restaurants like Sukhothai bring a slice of Thailand’s December warmth straight to your table—offering flavours, aromas, and experiences that perfectly complement Belgium’s winter magic.