August 12 Designated as National Day of Remembrance

The Royal Gazette published on July 16, 2569 (2026) announced a Prime Minister's Office declaration establishing August 12 of every year as an important national day of Thailand. This designation honors the passing of Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, who departed on October 24, 2568 (2025), bringing profound sorrow to all Thai people. Given her immense grace and kindness bestowed upon the nation and its citizens throughout her life, all Thai people are called to reflect upon her benevolence and recognize August 12, which is also her birthday, as a day of national significance. Accordingly, the royal decree designates August 12 annually as an important national day, serving as both the anniversary of Queen Sirikit's birthday and as Mother's Day. The government has proclaimed it a public holiday effective July 10, 2569 (2026), enabling citizens nationwide to organize activities honoring her grace and expressing gratitude to the Queen Mother, the mother of the land. Additional activities throughout the month will include remembrance of maternal kindness, fostering family warmth, and bringing relatives together. For the first time, His Majesty has graciously bestowed a royal motto for Mother's Day 2569: "A mother's virtue is boundless, beyond description or time. It is incomparable, irreplaceable—goodness proclaimed to all the world." The motto encapsulates the essence that all citizens are encouraged to practice in their daily lives as a tribute to their mothers. Commemorative ceremonies dedicated as royal merit-making for the Queen Mother include Buddhist chanting and alms-offering processions held simultaneously nationwide. The central ceremony will be held at Sanam Luang, while provincial ceremonies will take place at provincial halls or suitable venues. These events, including meditation practices and volunteer work for public welfare throughout the month, aim to honor Her Majesty's immense grace.