In Thailand, Mother’s Day is tied to the birthday of Queen Mother Sirikit.
Thailand observes National Mother’s Day on August 12, the birthday of Queen Sirikit, who was born in 1932. The date honors both motherhood generally and the queen mother as a revered national figure.
The government declared August 12 a national holiday in 1976. It replaced an earlier observance held on April 15, giving the celebration a direct connection to Sirikit’s birthday. Public ceremonies, charitable activities, school events, and displays of affection toward mothers are common.
Queen Sirikit was the wife of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, also known as Rama IX, and served as queen consort from 1950 to 2016. She became queen mother after her husband’s reign ended. Thailand’s observance is therefore different from the second-Sunday-in-May pattern used in countries such as the United States and Brazil.