NATIONAL FATHER’S DAY

Translated by Mr. Thanapol(Lamduan) Chadchaidee and Dr. Stephen Conlon

Background to Father's Day

National Father’s Day was first held on 5 December, 1980, at the initiative of Khunying Nuatip Semornsut, the President of the Volunteer and Assistance of Education Association.

Ideals of and Reasons to hold National Father’s Day

A father is a person who initiates life and plays an important role for the family and society as a whole. We all owe a debt of gratitude to our fathers. We should therefore praise them.
To coincide with His Majesty King Bhumibol’s birthday, the National Father’s Day has been scheduled to be held on 5 December in order to express our gratitude to the king who has devoted ceaseless efforts for the betterment of the Thai nation.
Indeed, the king is a model father for his son, daughters, all the members of the royal family and the entire nation. He is the beloved father whose kindness cannot be measured.
He is praised in a Thai proverb that can be translated as follows:

“The king takes care of his subjects like a real father looks after his child.
The child, thus, should reciprocate his love and not disappoint him.”

Another proverb says :

“Every garland of flowers represents the heart of His Majesty’s subjects who are always loyal to him.
His Majesty is the beloved father of all subjects who thus jointly make a garland of flowers to offer to his Majesty.”
December 5 is “National Father’s Day” and the birthday of the Mighty King whose heart is full of kindness and hospitality toward his subjects; his subjects are thus happy all days and nights.”
The Organising Committee of National Father’s Day has also designated the “canna” as a symbolic flower of this day.

Objectives of organising National Father Day

1. To uphold the dignity of His Majesty the King.
2. To uphold the generosity of the father and appreciate his roles in the family and society.
3. To provide an opportunity for children to express their gratitude to their fathers.
4. To remind the father of his own duties and responsibilities.

Cultural activities on National Father’s Day

1. To uphold the dignity of King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great

The King’s royal activities cover several fields such as:

- administration
- foreign affairs
- agriculture and co-operatives
- communication
- trade and commerce
- science, technology and the environment
- education, religion and the arts
- public health
- handicrafts and industry

2. Recommended activities on National Father’s Day

To create a better understanding among the general public of His Majesty the King’s various royal activities, the following activities should be held on this day:

1. A seminar or discussion on various royal activities of the king.
2. A campaign, to propagate and publicise information on various royal activities of the king.
3. An exhibition on various activities of the king.
4. Charity work which is beneficial to the public in dedication to the king.
5. Recreational activities such as
- Musical performances in honour of the king.
- Dancing performances in honour of the king.

6. Other activities:
- The flying of national flags on government offices, buildings and living quarters.
- The arrangement of a set of altar tables.
- The decoration of lights.
- The making of merit in dedication to the king.
- Taking part in a ceremony to honour the king.

3. Roles and duties of a child toward his father

A child should minister to his father in five ways:
1. Support him.
2. Work for him.
3. Maintain the honour and the traditions of the family.
4. Make himself worthy of his heritage.
5. Make offerings and dedicating merit to the father after his death.

4. Roles and duties of a father toward his child

A father should minister to his child in five ways:
1. Keep him away from evil.
2. Train him in virtue.
3. Have him taught arts and sciences.
4. Arrange for his marriage to a suitable wife.
5. Provide his inheritance in due time.

5. Advice and recommended activities on National Father’s Day

1. To hold a seminar or discussion on
- the role and duty of a child toward his father.
- the role and duty of a father toward his child.

2. To launch a campaign, to propagate and publicise information on
- the role and duty of a child toward his father.
- the role and duty of a father toward his child.

3. To hold an exhibition on
- the role and duty of a child toward his father.
- the role and duty of a father toward his child.

4. To demonstrate
- the role and duty of a child toward his father.
- the role and duty of a father toward his child.

5. To hold performances and recreational activities on
- the role and duty of a child toward his father.
- the role and duty of a father toward his child.

6. To take part in charity work relating to the activities beneficial to a father and a child.

7. To select an outstanding father who has successfully raised his child to be a successful and good citizen.

8. To appreciate and honour an outstanding father.

9. To pour scented water on the palms of a father and to ask his blessing:
- to ask for blessing from a father.
- to give him a “canna” the symbolic flower of National Father’s Day.
- to give him a special gift on this important day.
- to send him a birthday card.

10. Other activities
- to arrange special activities for one’s father.
- to arrange other appropriate activities.