Teachers' Day in Thailand

Since 1957, Thailand has been celebrating thefor teachers who were paid the same respect as
Teachers' Day to honor educators and facilitatorsparents.
of learning across the country. Every year onAfter this speech, many teachers agreed with
January 16, Teachers' Day is celebrated acrosswhat Field Marshal P. Pibulsongkram had to say.
Thailand.They felt that a day should be set aside when
In 1956, the Prime Minister of Thailand, Fieldthey are remembered and honored for their role
Marshal P. Pibulsongkram, was also the Honoraryin building and making wise and responsible citizens.
Chairman of Board of Directors of the Teachers'Thus, the same year, that is 1956, the Teachers'
Council. He addressed the teachers throughout theCouncil unanimously agreed to set up Teachers'
country, he said that the teachers play aDay and the cabinet passed a resolution
dominant role in molding a student's life andannouncing January 16 as Teachers' Day. The first
therefore, students should love and respect theirTeachers' Day in Thailand was celebrated in 1957
teachers. And he also suggested that theand it was declared as a national holiday in
teachers should have a day of their own and itThailand. On this day students perform religious
should be used as an opportunity by the studentsactivities and wish happiness to their teachers for
to pay respect and homage to their teachers.the rest of the year.
It was Field Marshal P. Pibulsongkram who startedAs per Buddhist traditions, teachers are as
the concept of Teachers' Day in Thailand. He feltimportant as parents, if not more. Teachers' Day
that the Thai people celebrated many auspiciousis used as an opportunity to reinforce this and
days to pay tribute to their living and deadshow gratitude to teachers for their work and
relatives. However, there was no day set asideteachings.