National Day of Thailand (2026)

While most nations hold their National Days in parallel to the time they gained independence from colonizers, Thailand has a different story altogether. In Thailand, the National Day is celebrated on the 5th of December as it is the birth anniversary of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. December 5th is also considered as Thailand’s Father’s Day and World Soil Day, as declared by the United Nations to acknowledge King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s remarkable contributions in soil science. When His Majesty passed away in 2016 and his son took over the throne, the cabinet still decided to retain December 5 as Thailand’s National Day in honor of the late king.

Here is everything you need to know about National Day in Thailand.

Table of Contents

• Is National Day in Thailand a public holiday?
• History of National Day in Thailand
• Important Symbols of National Day in Thailand
• Thailand National Day Activities and Celebrations
• Past and Future Observances of National Day in Thailand

Is National Day in Thailand a public holiday?

The National Day in Thailand, or King Bhumibol’s Birthday, is considered a public holiday. The general population takes a rest off work and school. Government offices and banks are closed. Most businesses are also closed on this day, with employees taking a day off from their jobs. Unlike the merry celebrations of other countries during National Day, Thailand marks December 5th with a solemn remembrance. Thus, silence is expected, particularly at 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. when the national anthem is being played.

When December 5 falls on either a Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday is still considered a national holiday in Thailand.

History of National Day in Thailand

The National Day of Thailand is in remembrance of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world’s longest serving monarch and the “Development King”, well loved by the people of Thailand. The late King had contributed to the improvement of lives in Thailand and all over the world with his Sufficiency Economy philosophy.

The ninth monarch of Thailand from the Chakri Dynasty, the King started his reign in 1946. In 1987, he was conferred the title “King Bhumibol the Great”. He passed away in October 2016 after struggling with a disease. The people of Thailand treated King Bhumibol with reverence because of what His Majesty had done for the country. He is also known as the “Father of the Nation”, so the Thai people celebrate Father’s Day on the day of the King’s birth anniversary.

King Bhumibol’s son, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, succeeded his father as King of Thailand on December 1, 2016. Nonetheless, December 5th remains as the National Day of the country in commemoration to the dearly loved and profoundly respected King. Meanwhile, King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s birthday on July 28 is celebrated as another public holiday. In essence, the memory of the late King Bhumibol is forever etched in the hearts of the people of Thailand.

Important Symbols of National Day in Thailand

King Bhumibol’s birth anniversary is a significant day for the Thai people. They have high respect for the late king they deeply revered. Thus, on National Day, there are symbols which the people of Thailand use to commemorate His Majesty’s birthday. Disrespecting these symbols is considered a serious offense in Thailand.

Thailand’s Lese Majeste Laws state that symbols of the royal family, especially of the King of Thailand, must be treated with respect. Speaking negatively about the royal family is a punishable infraction. Likewise, making jokes or criticizing any member of the royal family can land someone in jail. Furthermore, the Thai currency is a symbol of the king; hence, stepping on money is considered a form of disrespect. Tourists are not exempted from the Lese Majeste Laws.

Moreover, the Thai love to wear yellow during the National Day as it is the King’s color and the color of Monday, which is the day the King was born into this world.

National Day Activities and Celebrations in Thailand

The National Day of Thailand is commemorated as a solemn event. It starts with a prayer ceremony at Bhumibol Bridge where the royal anthem and the late King’s composition would be sung. There are also merit-making ceremonies held at the Grand Palace and led by the current King.

The whole country dresses up in yellow, which is the King’s color. The children also give their fathers and grandfathers canna flowers (similar to a lily). The temples will be busy as people usually give alms to the monks. There are also cultural performances organized by local communities. Before the late King passed, the people of Thailand used to camp outside of the Royal Residence so they can have a glimpse of His Majesty after he delivers a speech. Moreover, there are fireworks shows in some cities, particularly in Bangkok. However, when King Bhumibol died in 2016, the whole nation went into mourning. Wearing their yellow clothes, they light candles to honor His Majesty.

Past and Future Observances of National Day in Thailand

Below are the past and future observances of the National Day in Thailand: