Chiang Rai Bustling with Families Merit Making on Fathers Day

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CHIANG RAI – The atmosphere in Chiang Rai is lively and bustling during this long weekend, as many families make their way out to the northern province to make merit on the Father’s Day.

Many families took their fathers to the beautiful Wat Huai Pla Kung Temple to make merit on the auspicious occasion of His Majesty the King’s 88th Birthday Anniversary on December 5th, a day known to Thais as Father’s Day.

Many families took photos of the beautiful temple as a keepsake of their activities on Father’s Day. Some of the families made the temple their first stop ahead of the long weekend celebrations, as they want to make merit and receive blessings.

Restaurants and shops in the area welcomed the great influx of visitors this weekend as their sales increased.

Fathers Day in Thailand

In Thailand, the 5th December which is the birthday of the current King, His Majesty the King Bhumibol Adulyadej or the King Rama IX of Chakri Dynasty, is considered as Father’s Day of the nation.

It’s the auspicious day since the King is venerated as the father of the nation from all of Thai people and also many people around the world. The King is the best role-modeled father, for the father of the nation as well as of his royal family. As the father of the nation, generosity and compassion are boundless, just attempting to keep us happy.

Every 5th December, particularly joyful celebrations are across the country. From government offices and private sectors, many of buildings, roads and houses are decorated with the portrait of the King, the national flag and the royal yellow flag.

In the early morning on that day, people make merit at the temple for themselves and also for paying homage to the King. During the day, it’s time for family. It’s time for fathers and their children spending time together. Some children give the Canna flower (Dok Phuttharaksa), the symbolic flower of father’s day to their fathers.