The birthday of the late His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great (Rama IX), 5 December, is also observed as Thailand’s National Day and National Father’s Day. The Ministry of Culture is joining hands with various organizations in holding religious and cultural activities to mark this special occasion.

Religious activities include alms giving, Dhamma practice, and religious ceremonies performed by various faiths. Public services by volunteer groups have been organized throughout the month of December in all parts of the country. On this occasion, the Religious Affairs Department will arrange learning activities at the Rama IX Golden Jubilee Temple in Bangkok, with an emphasis on the viewing of murals at the cloister, depicting King Rama IX’s life and work and royal ceremonies.

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 was Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother’s birthday, when a number of outstanding mothers are selected and honored.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is scheduled to preside over alms-giving and Buddhist chanting ceremonies at Sanam Luang ceremonial site in Bangkok on 5 December at 07.00 hr. Various organizations will also join a tribute-paying event on the same day at the King Rama IX Memorial Park. Religious activities to mark this occasion will also be held in all provinces nationwide and at Thai embassies overseas.

The 43rd General Conference of UNESCO in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on 13 November 2025, honored King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great and Queen Rambhai Barni, the Queen of King Prajadhipok (Rama VII), by including their anniversaries in the organization's “Anniversaries Celebration” program for 2026–2027.

The recognition by UNESCO marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of King Rama IX in recognition of his dedication to the welfare of the Thai people through over 4,000 royal development projects. King Rama IX was recognized as the “Father of the Thai Nation” and the symbol of unity and social harmony in Thai society.

The King passed away on 13 October 2016 at the age of 89. Thai people hold activities in commemoration of the King’s birthday each year to show gratitude to their beloved monarch.