In addition to Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, there’s also Children’s Day! Every year, Children’s Day celebrates kids all over the world, but different countries observe the holiday on different days.
Though it’s not a public holiday in Thailand, Children’s Day, or Wan Dek is celebrated annually on the second Saturday of January. This year, Thai Children’s Day falls on January 10th, 2026.
Thai Children’s Day should not be confused with World Children’s Day, which falls on November 20th of every year.
Wan Dek in Thailand
Thai people celebrate Thai Children’s Day by taking their kids out for fun educational activities. Many public services and establishments, such as the various zoos and wildlife parks throughout the country, Thai Red Cross Museum, Museum Siam, Government House, Parliament House, and various military bases of the Thai navy, army, and air force organize special events for children, many of which are free of charge. Here are some exciting activities for this year’s Thai Children’s Day:
- Children’s Discovery Museum
The Children’s Discovery Museum (🇹🇭) is partnering with UNESCO Bangkok to hold its Sustaining Our Oceans exhibition, which promises amazing VR/AR activities for a full interactive experience. Visitors can participate either on-site at the museum or via livestream on the Children’s Discovery Museum’s official Facebook Page.
- Royal Thai Air Force Museum
The Royal Thai Air Force is pulling out all the stops to put on airshows across the country, with military jets conducting round-robin and static flights, giving families a chance to a see a wide variety of aircraft such as F-16 Fighting Falcons, JAS-39 Gripens, and even AT-6 Wolverines. Check out their Facebook post for flight details and locations.
- The Thai Red Cross Society
The Thai Red Cross Society’s Children’s Day event is being held at the Srisavarindhira Thai Red Cross Institute of Nursing on Henri Dunant Road on January 10th from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. under the theme “Thai Children with Loyal Hearts.” Highlights include a traditional khon masked dance performance, a fashion show showcasing the evolution of Thai Red Cross nursing uniforms, lessons in first aid and CPR, fire safety education, and performances of Thai dance and music. A special appearance by young star “Jaokhun” Phanchanokchon Phansang and Golden Song is also scheduled.
- Government House
Families are invited to enjoy a full day of activities from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The event, organized by the Prime Minister’s Office, features stage performances by children and youth, interactive games, creative workshops, and prize giveaways, alongside learning-focused exhibitions promoting Thai values, patriotism, creativity, and responsible citizenship. Government and private-sector partners will host activity booths throughout the grounds, offering games, arts and crafts, free food and drinks, and a mobile dental service. Officials said the event is designed to combine fun with learning while supporting children’s development in a welcoming, family-friendly setting.
The Public Relations Department headquarters will organize Children’s Day activities, including traditional Thai fair games in the Extreme Fun Zone, a Talent Challenge Zone with singing contests and a junior newsreader activity, and a Learning Discovery Zone offering Thai herbal knowledge and kite painting. Free food and drinks will be provided, and the event will be broadcast live on NBT 2HD and the NBT Connext platform for those attending remotely. Admission is free of charge.
The Children’s Day motto
As part of a long-standing tradition since 1956, the Prime Minister delivers a new Children’s Day motto every year. This year, the Children’s Day motto is “Love Thailand, care for the world.”
Previous mottos have included:
- 2025: “Every opportunity is a learning experience; be ready to adapt to the future of your own choice.”
- 2024: “Broaden horizons, foster creativity, respect diversity, and join forces in building democracy.”
- 2023: “Understanding responsibility, achieving discipline, and aspiring to good deeds.”
- 2022: “Thai children should think wisely and be responsible for society.”