Thailand celebrates Her Majesty the Queen’s birthday today with many activities to pay tribute to the “Mother of the Land.” Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has urged the people to conduct good deeds in order to show gratitude to Her Majesty, who has contributed tremendously to the nation.

Her Majesty turns 77 on 12th August 2009. She was born in 1932, when Thailand changed its administrative system from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy. Her birthday is also observed as National Mother’s Day.

Originally, Thailand observed April 15 as National Mother’s Day as designated by the Cabinet in 1950. The celebration of National Mother’s Day was later discontinued, but in 1976, the National Council on Social Welfare of Thailand proposed that Her Majesty’s birthday be designated National Mother’s Day. The Cabinet approved the proposal and the celebration of National Mother’s Day was resumed in 1976. To celebrate Mother’s Day each year, the National Council on Social Welfare of Thailand selects outstanding mothers of the year, who are presented with awards as model mothers.

One of the activities launched jointly by several organizations to mark Mother’s Day is to take mothers to travel for pleasure. The activity provides an opportunity for family members to spend time together, thus promoting the bonds of love and care for mothers. In Thai society, a mother is accorded the highest significance as the giver of life and the person who nurtures and brings up family members. She is also someone who works for a living to help sustain the household and who teaches knowledge and skills until the children become self-supporting, all this without demanding anything in return.

Her Majesty the Queen devoted her time and energy to the caring for the four royal children during their younger days. With all her official functions and duties, she still arranged her schedule to spend as much time as possible with her children. When the royal children approached adulthood, Her Majesty found more time to involve herself in many areas of public life, especially concerning public welfare and the plight of the poor and the underprivileged.

For almost 60 years Her Majesty has worked side by side with His Majesty the King to eliminate difficulties within the Kingdom. Throughout the long period, she has never complained of weariness but has always been happy to be in the middle of people. Her kind heart and deeds are known not only to Thai people but also to the world at large. She appreciates good deeds conducted by the people in celebration of her birthday, saying that they reflect the spirit of giving and dedication, as well as the unity of the people.

It is truthful to say that Her Majesty the Queen is deeply loved and admired by her subjects. August 12 each year is a special day for Thailand’s people to pay tribute to their beloved Queen, who is recognized as Mother of the Land and who has always been a loving and devoted mother.

Source: Public Relations Department