King Bhumibol's Birthday (Father's Day) 2025 in Thailand

King Bhumibol's Birthday is celebrated nationwide as Father's Day, honoring the late King's role as the Father of the Nation. Families pay respect to their fathers, participate in ceremonies, and express gratitude for the King's lifelong dedication to the country.

King Bhumibol's Birthday (Father's Day): A Public Holiday?

King Bhumibol's Birthday (Father's Day) is an official public holiday in Thailand, with government offices, schools, banks, and most businesses closed as the nation honors the late King and celebrates fathers through ceremonies and family gatherings. If the holiday falls on a weekend, a substitute holiday is usually declared on the following weekday to ensure nationwide observance.

King Bhumibol's Birthday (Father's Day)

King Bhumibol Adulyadej, also known as King Rama IX, was born on December 5, 1927. Throughout his 70-year reign, he was deeply loved and respected by the Thai people for his dedication, compassion, and numerous contributions to the nation. His tireless work in agriculture, healthcare, education, and rural development earned him the title of the "Father of the Nation." To honor his role and legacy, his birthday was declared a national public holiday.

December 5 is officially recognized as H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great's Birthday, National Day, and Father's Day. This reflects his status as the nation's guiding figure and his role in uniting the Thai people. The day honors his remarkable leadership while allowing families across Thailand to express love and gratitude to their fathers. This unique combination of national pride and personal affection makes December 5 one of the most meaningful days in Thailand's calendar.

Observance of King Bhumibol's Birthday (Father's Day) in Thailand

On King Bhumibol's Birthday (Father's Day), ceremonies and religious activities take place across the country. Many people visit temples early in the morning to make merit, offer food to monks, and pray for the late King's continued peace. Public institutions, government offices, and schools hold special events to honor his contributions, with members of the royal family often leading major ceremonies that are broadcast nationwide.

Families gather to celebrate and show respect to their fathers. Children present symbolic jasmine flowers to their fathers, expressing gratitude for their love and care. The nation is filled with unity and warmth as people wear yellow, the King's birthday color, and public spaces are decorated with his portraits, national flags, and yellow banners. Buildings are illuminated, and many communities hold candle-lighting ceremonies in the evening as a tribute to the late King's enduring legacy.

King Bhumibol's Birthday (Father's Day) holds deep cultural and emotional significance. As The Great's Birthday, National Day, and Father's Day, it honors the memory of a beloved monarch while reinforcing the importance of family and national unity. The celebrations remind people of King Bhumibol's wisdom, compassion, and tireless dedication to his people. This day continues to strengthen the close bond between the monarchy and Thai society, reflecting the values of love, respect, and harmony that remain central to Thai life.

King Bhumibol's Birthday (Father's Day) Observances