National Thai Language Day Date in the current year: July 29, 2024

Thai, sometimes referred to as Siamese, is the native language of the Thai people and the national language of Thailand. It is spoken by over 50 million native speakers in Thailand, Burma, Laos, Cambodia and some other countries. The Thai language is regulated by the Royal Institute of Thailand. Standard Thai is based on the variety spoken by the educated classes of Bangkok.

National Thai Language Day was established in 1999. The date of July 29 was proposed by Chulangkorn University, because on that day in 1962 King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) paid a private visit to the university's Faculty of Arts. During his visit, he had a meeting with students and faculty to discuss the proper use of Thai words and the preservation of the Thai language.

Sadly, many Thai citizens are not aware of National Thai Language Day. The Government of Thailand makes efforts to spread information about the observance and to raise awareness about the importance of the proper use of the Thai language and the preservation of unique local dialects.