August 12--Wan Mae

Many countries have a "Mother's Day" to honor mothers.  In Thailand, this day (Wan Mae) is extra special because it coincides with Her Majesty Queen Sirikit's birthday, as she is also considered to be the mother to all Thai people.  As a result, not only do Thai people honor their mothers, but there are a number of different ceremonies/parades/activities to honor mothers and HR Queen Sirikit. Starting over the weekend, portraits of Queen Sirikit along with flowers, the Thai flag, and the Queen's flag were displayed on street corners, plazas, and in malls (pictured below).

Wan Mae is also a national holiday, so a number of businesses were closed for the day.  Since this year Wan Mae was a Tuesday, Monday was also declared a national holiday.  There were rumors that in giving Thai people an extra long weekend, they'd be more likely to travel/go sightseeing (Thailand's tourist economy has taken quite a hit because of the coup).  Jasmine flowers, usually in a garland, are the typical Mother's Day gift.  A child will typically present this gift to their mother by kneeling before there mother and bowing while offering the flowers.

Jasmine and marigold garlands for sell

I started Wan Mae with Thai lessons (YAY!).  After my Thai lessons, I visited the host family I had when I was a student here.  Unfortunately, Mae Noy and Pa Bounserm weren't home, but were at the farm in Chiang Dao ... the extended family was around though and I got to meet my host sister's new baby!  After a visit with the extended family, I headed to Central Festival (1 of the 5 malls here in CNX).  A benefit concert was being held there, with the proceeds going to projects that the Family Connection Foundation supports.  It was quite an impressive concert ... not only did the kids from the project and local talent perform, but runners-up from The Voice (Thailand) and The Vocie Kids (Thailand) performed!  All in all, it was a fun Mother's Day!

Top: King Pichet from The Voice Thailand
Bottom: Kids supported by FCF projects