A Special Day for Little Smiles: Thai Children’s Day

In Thailand, children are considered the heart and future of the nation. That’s why Children’s Day, known in Thai as “Wan Dek”, is such a meaningful celebration. Every year on the second Saturday of January, families all across the country gather to honor, appreciate, and uplift their children.

This national holiday is full of excitement, free events, and special surprises just for kids!

A Day Full of Fun and Pride

On Children’s Day, cities and towns across Thailand come alive with festivals, games, and family-friendly entertainment. Schools, museums, and even military bases open their doors to children, offering free entry and interactive experiences. Kids can climb into helicopters, tour fire trucks, enjoy puppet shows, and take part in parades and cultural performances.

Shops and restaurants also show appreciation by giving out free toys, snacks, and discounts to families. Government buildings sometimes invite children to step into symbolic leadership roles for the day, helping them dream big about their future.

A Celebration with a Message

While the day is full of fun, it also has a serious purpose. Children’s Day was first celebrated in Thailand on the first Monday of October 1955. Later, it was moved to January to align with school schedules and ensure every child could participate.

The goal of the holiday is to remind society of the importance of children, and to encourage young people to become responsible and proud citizens. A common slogan heard during this celebration is:
“Children are the future of the nation. If the children are intelligent, the country will prosper.”

Learn More About Thailand While Learning Thai

Children’s Day is just one of many exciting ways kids in Thailand celebrate their culture. Through Dinolingo, children around the world can learn Thai in a fun and interactive way. Dinolingo offers language lessons through games, songs, videos, and printable materials. It’s perfect for ages 2–14 and can be used online or offline across web, iOS, and Android platforms. One subscription even works for the whole family!

Let your child explore Thai language and traditions, while building confidence and curiosity—just like the kids in Thailand do every Children’s Day.