Bannongtae School in Khon Kaen province has received widespread praise online after deciding to forgo traditional Mother’s Day celebrations to better accommodate students from diverse family backgrounds. The school announced on its official Facebook page on Saturday that it would not host the customary Mother’s Day ceremony, where students typically pay respect to their mothers, scheduled for Monday.
The school cited its decision as a response to the various family situations of its students and the sensitivities of those whose mothers may not be able to attend the event. The announcement highlighted that in many northeastern provinces, including Khon Kaen, a significant number of parents work in Bangkok or other major economic hubs, leaving children in the care of grandparents or other relatives.
In place of the usual ceremony, Bannongtae School is encouraging students to create greeting cards for their guardians at home, allowing them to honor the special people in their lives without the potential emotional impact of a public ceremony.
The school’s Facebook post quickly gained traction, garnering around 700 shares and an outpouring of supportive comments. One commenter reflected on their own experience, recalling how many of their peers were moved to tears during past Mother’s Day ceremonies due to the absence of their parents. Another user applauded the decision, calling it a “good idea” and commending the school for its thoughtful and modern approach. Many others echoed the sentiment, praising the school for being considerate of its students’ emotional well-being, reported Bangkok Post.
In Thailand, Mother’s Day is a national holiday celebrated annually on August 12 in honor of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother, who will turn 92 this year. The decision by Bannongtae School has sparked a conversation about how schools can adapt traditional celebrations to be more inclusive and sensitive to the varied circumstances of their students.
