Originating in America, father’s day was first taken on in Thailand in the 1980’s.
(Amazingly, in America, a battle between father’s day organisations and congress continued from the 1930’s all the way to the 1970’s. A bill was finally passed in 1972 by President Nixon to make the day a national holiday.)
Anyway, back to Thailand:
Father’s Day in Thailand is celebrated on the 5th of December. It is the birthday of the present and much revered king, Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama iX).
It is a national holiday on which all fathers are appreciated especially the king himself. Traditionally (although only since the 1980’s) children would give their father a canna flower as the flower is seen as a symbol of masculinity.
The Canna Flower Traditional To Thai Father’s Day
More recently street parties and parades are held in every small village and large city of the country. Vast crowds also gather outside the Royal Palace to hear the King’s annual speech.
As the King was born on a Monday the colour of shirt worn by people on that day is yellow. According to ancient Khmer and Thai astrology, yellow is the colour for Monday and the moon is the celestial body of that day.
Crowds of Yellow Shirt Wearing Father’s Day Attendee’s
Today In Buriram there will be a number of street parties and parades plus of course large celebrations up at i-mobile stadium in the evening.
The World Music Competition has its second round and more schools will be giving colourful, theatrical singing and dancing displays right infornt of the i-Mobile stadium.