Cabinet Declares August 12 Annual National Holiday
Thailand has declared August 12 an annual national holiday to commemorate the birthday of Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, who passed away in October 2024. The Cabinet approved the measure to honor her legacy and allow citizens to observe t
The Cabinet has approved August 12 of each year as a significant national day and permanent public holiday, commemorating the birthday of Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother. On July 21, 2025, deputy government spokesperson Ms. Ploytale Laksameesangchan announced that the Cabinet had approved this measure, establishing August 12 as the birthday commemoration of Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, and designating it as Mother's Day with ongoing public holiday status. The decision follows the passing of Queen Sirikit on October 24, 2024, which brought profound grief to all Thai citizens. In recognition of her continuous royal benevolence toward the nation and people, all Thais honor her memory on August 12, her birthday. The royal family has graciously permitted the holding of annual ceremonies to perform merit-making and almsgiving in commemoration of her birthday. The Prime Minister's Office determined it fitting to establish this date as an annual public holiday.
