The Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC) extends its heartfelt greetings of friendship and prosperity to the Kingdom of Thailand as they celebrate their National Day this December 5, 2024. May our future be as bright as the smiles we have shared and may it continue to be filled with collaboration, success and mutual respect.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX)

King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1998
Photo courtesy of Financial Times

This day marks the birth of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who was the ninth king of the Chakri Dynasty. Known to the Thai people as the “Father of the Nation,” the late king’s birthday is also celebrated as Father’s Day.

King Bhumibol ruled from 1946 until his death in 2016, making him the longest reigning monarch in Thailand. As a beloved public figure in the country, he was dubbed as “King Bhumibol the Great” and “Development King” because of his remarkable contribution to the betterment of many Thai people’s lives with his “Sufficiency Economy Philosophy.”

The philosophy, rooted in Buddhist teachings, focuses on three core components: reasonableness, moderation and self-immunity. It values steady and stable economic growth over a fast and unbridled one.

“It was thought that Thailand would become a little tiger, and then a big tiger. People were crazy about becoming a tiger. Being a tiger is not important. The important thing for us is to have a sufficient economy. A sufficient economy means to have enough to support ourselves.”

-King Bhumibol Adulyadej, 1997

Thais dressed in yellow
Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

Thais dressed in yellow, with one woman holding a portrait of King Bhumibol
Photo courtesy of New York Times

In celebration, many Thais would dress in yellow as it is normally seen as the color for Monday, the day of the week in which King Bhumibol was born. They would also offer gifts to their father figures to commemorate Father's Day. Characterized by candlelight ceremonies and joyful celebrations, this special occasion highlights the unique cultural identity, customs and values that define the nation of Thailand and its people.

World Soil Day 2024: "Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage"

Photo courtesy of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Another special occasion on December 5, 2024 is World Soil Day (WSD), an international celebration for raising awareness on soil health and sustainability in the context of agriculture. The date was chosen in honor of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who officially sanctioned the event, and has made significant contributions to the economics of agriculture. Originally recommended by the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) in 2002, World Soil Day was established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) under the leadership of the Kingdom of Thailand within the framework of Global Global Soil Partnership (GSP).

The UN General Assembly officially designated December 5, 2014 as the first World Soil Day, which was held annually since then. This year’s theme, “Caring for soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage,” highlights the importance of accurate soil data for a more informed and sustainable soil management. Promoting these values is not just crucial in ensuring food security, but also in our battle against climate change.

References:

  • About | World Soil Day, 5 December | Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (n.d.). https://www.fao.org/world-soil-day/about-wsd/en/
  • Allan, S., & Allan, S. (2023, September 21). The Sufficiency Economy Philosophy Aware Corporation Limited. Aware Corporation Limited. https://www.aware.co.th/sufficiency-economy-philosophy/
  • Building Resilience through Food Security - สถานกงสุลใหญ่ ณ เมืองฟูกูโอกะ. (n.d.). สถานกงสุลใหญ่ ณ เมืองฟูกูโอกะ. https://fukuoka.thaiembassy.org/en/content/ia0622?cate=60c70ad723fad859d3034032
  • Chetchotiros, N. (2020, December 5). Sufficiency economy a bedrock legacy. https://www.bangkokpost.com. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2030467/sufficiency-economy-a-bedrock-legacy
  • Developer. (2024, October 31). National Day of Thailand (2024). edarabia.com. https://www.edarabia.com/thailand/national-day/
  • Expique, T. (2024, November 8). 5 December: Father’s Day in Thailand. Experience Unique Bangkok. https://www.expique.com/article/fathers-day-kings-birthday-thailand/
  • Nantichas. (n.d.). Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy. https://www.chaipat.or.th/eng/concepts-theories/sufficiency-economy-new-theory.html
  • Thai Father’s Day 2024 - Thailand NOW. (2024, November 26). Thailand NOW. https://www.thailandnow.in.th/event/thai-fathers-day/
  • United Nations. (n.d.). World Soil Day | United Nations. https://www.un.org/en/observances/world-soil-day