The day, which is a public holiday, is also observed as Thailand’s National
Day and National Father’s Day.
Each year on National Father’s Day, a number of model fathers are named and
presented with certificates and plaques of honor, in the same manner as that on
National Mother’s Day, 12 August, which is Her Majesty the Queen’s birthday,
when a number of outstanding mothers are selected and honored.
Festivities are held throughout the Kingdom in celebration of His Majesty’s
birthday; lights decorate households, government offices, public places, and
private companies everywhere. The love, respect, homage, and joy pouring forth
from Thai people to honor His Majesty are wonderful to see.
His Majesty the King is sometimes referred to by his subjects as Pho Luang,
royal father. He has spent his life working for the benefit of his people, who
are all his “children.” Everywhere he goes throughout Thailand, people have
gathered to see him.
His Majesty once said in an address marking his birthday that his happiness
would come about when the country has prosperity, stability, and normalcy.
Prosperity, stability, and normalcy would be achieved when people of all groups
performed their duties with mindfulness, wisdom, honesty, and sincerity, while
focusing on the public interest for the sake of the country as a whole.
As part of the celebration of His Majesty’s birthday each year, government
officials and state enterprise employees gather at their offices for a ceremony
to pledge themselves as good workers, a united force of the nation.
His Majesty is regarded as a model of the leader of righteousness, who has
greatly contributed to the country and the people. His ability to reign in the
hearts of the people comes from the Ten Guiding Principles, to which he
adheres. The first principle advises giving assistance to those who need help.
The second principle advises refraining from doing evil things, and the third
one, giving up something of lesser value for something of greater worth.
The fourth principle teaches people to be honest, while the fifth one is
that people should be polite in action as well as speech. The sixth principle
advises perseverance, and the seventh advises non-anger, or having a heart full
of kindness. The eighth principle advises against creating troubles for other
people, either directly or indirectly. The ninth principle encourages patience
and endurance, while the tenth one teaches that people should not do what they
know to be wrong.
His Majesty the King’s activities are a focus of attention among the
people. This truly reflects the close relationship between him and his people.
(thailand.prd.go.th)