August 3Aug 3 Popular Post In a week and a half, you'll watch the whole country go blue. Flags, bunting, polo shirts, portraits. If you're new, here's what it means, and why this year carries more weight than most. August 12 is the birthday of Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, and it doubles as Thailand's Mother's Day. The two were joined in 1976 because she was seen as the mother of the nation. Jasmine garlands go to real mothers that day. Merit is made at the temples. The blue is not random. In the Thai tradition of a colour for each day, Friday belongs to light blue, and Friday was the day she was born. So blue became her colour, and by August it's everywhere. What makes this year different. The Queen Mother passed away in October 2025, at the age of 93. So August 12, 2026 is the first of these since she died. Expect a quieter, more reflective tone in the ceremonies, more remembrance woven through the celebration of mothers. If you're here on the day, wearing something blue is a small gesture Thais genuinely notice and appreciate. This year especially. (Source: Thai royal and cultural custom; Queen Sirikit 1932–2025)
August 4Aug 4 It always somewhat surprised me that the colour for His late Majesty the much revered King Bhumiphol was pink as he was born on a Tuesday. Photo: AFP
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