Birthday of the late King Rama IX and Father's Day in Thailand: December 5

December 5th is the birthday of the late King Rama IX, who passed away in 2016, and it is also Father's Day in Thailand, this holiday is a national holiday.

Father's Day

A father and daughter. Photo: National Today.

As King Bhumibol was considered by many to be the symbolic father of Thailand, December 5th was chosen as Father's Day throughout the country.

Similarly, Mother's Day falls on August 12 , the birthday of Queen Mother Sirikit .

December 5th is a national holiday in Thailand when schools and businesses are closed.

This day celebrates fatherhood across the country.

Thai people honor and thank their fathers and father figures for the contributions they make to their children's lives.

Small gifts or tokens of appreciation are traditionally given.

History of King Bhumibol

King Bhumibol Adulyadej Rama IX.

Known as Rama IX, he reigned over Thailand from June 9, 1946, until his death on October 13, 2016, making him the longest-reigning monarch in the country's history.

Although he was a constitutional monarch and legally barred from playing a political role, Bhumibol made several decisive interventions in Thai politics and helped facilitate Thailand's transition to democracy in the 1990s.

See: Rama IX: Bhumibol Adulyadej, King of Thailand from 1950 to 2016

World Soil Day in tribute to King Bhumibol

December 5th became World Soil Day a few years ago in tribute to King Bhumibol.

The International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) adopted a resolution in 2002 proposing to establish World Soil Day on December 5 in honor of King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, "who worked to promote soil science and the sustainable management and conservation of soil resources."

And in 2012, the World Day was finally approved by the Council of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

See also: Self-sufficiency economy in Thailand, the gift of Rama IX

How are King Rama IX's birthday and Father's Day celebrated?

Father's Day in Phuket. Photo: Phuket Rajabhat University / PKRU

Buildings in Thailand will display flags, banners and portraits of the late king, while around Bangkok's Grand Palace , streets will be adorned with thousands of yellow marigold flowers.

Marigolds are chosen for their color, yellow.

Yellow is the color of Monday, the birthday of King Rama IX, and Thais also wear yellow clothing to honor him.

See: In Thailand there is a color for each day of the week

In the evening, the streets around Ratchadamnoen and Sanam Luang will be closed to traffic and many people will come to watch the fireworks.

In Bangkok, there will be many events (films, shows, dances, concerts, etc.) between the Chittlâdâ Palace, the National Assembly and the Grand Palace.

On National Father's Day, Thai people honor their fathers and grandfathers by giving them a canna flower, which resembles a lily and is called "dok phuttha raksa" (ดอกพุทธรักษา).