A More Solemn Tribute to Queen Sirikit's Birthday
Thailand marks National Mother's Day on August 12, a date that has honoured the birthday of Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother since 1976. This year's observance is the first since Queen Sirikit passed away on October 24, 2025, at the age of 93, following a period of hospitalisation for several illnesses. The Cabinet has confirmed that August 12 remains an annual public holiday and will continue to be observed as National Mother's Day going forward, preserving the tradition even as the country marks it for the first time without her.
His Majesty the King has ordered a royal merit-making ceremony to commemorate Queen Sirikit's birth anniversary, reflecting the more solemn character officials expect for this year's observance. Rather than the large public celebrations of past years, 2026's commemorations are expected to lean toward merit-making ceremonies and tribute, falling within an official mourning period that continues through late 2026.
Families Continue Traditional Jasmine Garland Custom
Despite the more subdued tone at the national level, the day's traditional family customs remain unchanged. Merit-making ceremonies are held at temples nationwide, with families visiting together to offer food to monks and pray for their mothers' health and longevity. Children traditionally present their mothers with jasmine garlands, known as phuang malai, with the small white flower symbolising the purity and enduring nature of a mother's love.
Public buildings and landmarks across Thailand are expected to be lit blue in tribute, with many locals wearing blue clothing in observance of the day. While day-to-day tourism and public life in Bangkok returned to normal earlier in 2026, this year's Mother's Day events are expected to carry added significance as the country marks the occasion for the first time since losing its Queen Mother.
