🌸 Mother’s Day & Queen’s Birthday in Thailand – August 12

In Thailand, August 12 is one of the most cherished dates of the year—honoring both Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother, and Mother’s Day nationwide. This day unites royal reverence with heartfelt gratitude for mothers, blending public ceremonies with intimate family traditions.

👑 Her Majesty Queen Sirikit – A Life of Grace and Service

Born August 12, 1932, in Bangkok, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit Kitiyakara is admired not only as the consort of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), but also as a tireless advocate for Thai culture, heritage, and the livelihoods of rural communities.

She became Queen in 1950 and has since been celebrated for:

• Promoting traditional Thai crafts – Her support for silk weaving, pottery, and artisanal embroidery revitalized ancient skills and provided income to countless families.

• Preserving Thai cultural heritage – From folk music to temple conservation, she championed the arts as a way to keep Thai identity alive.

• Humanitarian work – The Queen’s numerous foundations focus on education, women’s empowerment, and environmental conservation.

Her compassion and maternal presence have made her a symbol of unity and care for the Thai people—qualities that inspired the decision to celebrate Mother’s Day on her birthday.

🌼 The Jasmine Tradition

In Thai culture, the jasmine flower is the emblem of maternal love—pure, gentle, and selfless.

On this day:

• Children present jasmine garlands to their mothers, kneeling in respect.

• Families visit temples to offer alms to monks and make merit on behalf of their mothers.

• Communities hold public gatherings where the Queen’s portraits are surrounded by floral displays, lit candles, and blue ribbons (blue is her birth color according to Thai astrology).

🎆 How Thailand Celebrates

The celebration spans from the quiet reverence of rural temples to the grandeur of Bangkok’s public events:

• Morning – Almsgiving ceremonies, temple prayers, and family breakfasts.

• Daytime – Parades, exhibitions on the Queen’s life, and charity events.

• Evening – Candlelight vigils where citizens light candles in unison, singing royal anthems in honor of the Queen. The night often ends with fireworks over rivers or city squares.

In Bangkok, Ratchadamnoen Avenue and the area around the Grand Palace come alive with lights and flowers. In smaller towns, you’ll find community gatherings, music, and storytelling.

🌏 Bringing the Celebration Home

Even though Sukhothai Restaurant is closed for the summer, you can recreate the essence of Thai Mother’s Day at home with family:

Decor & Atmosphere

• Use jasmine (fresh, dried, or scented candles) to create a serene and fragrant environment.

• Add blue accents to your table setting to reflect the Queen’s birthday color.

Food & Drink

• Jasmine Tea Ceremony – Brew aromatic jasmine tea and serve in delicate cups.

• Khanom Chan – A layered coconut dessert, colored in soft blue and white.

• Tom Kha Gai – Silky coconut soup with galangal, lime, and tender chicken.

• Yam Woon Sen – Glass noodle salad with herbs and shrimp, perfect for sharing.

• Khao Niew Mamuang – Mango sticky rice with a hint of jasmine water.

Activities

• Share family stories or cook together as a bonding experience.

• Make a simple jasmine garland at home with string and store-bought flowers.

• Write handwritten notes to mothers or mother figures, inspired by Thai expressions of gratitude.

💖 Why It’s Special

This day is more than a public holiday—it’s a celebration of love, heritage, and gratitude. Honoring mothers in the same breath as the Queen herself reflects how deeply family and monarchy are intertwined in Thai life.

Even if you’re far from Thailand, you can capture the heart of this day by slowing down, savoring fragrant dishes, and surrounding yourself with the people who make you feel loved.