The Prime Minister opened the Elderly Day event under the concept "Bow, Pay Respect, Embrace" to build strong Thai families, recharge energy, and presented the 2026 National Elderly Award to senior journalist Sutthichai Yoon.
At 11:00 a.m. on 8 Apr 2026 GMT+7, at the Grand Diamond Room, IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul presided over the opening ceremony of the 2026 National Elderly Day and Family Day event under the theme "Bow, Pay Respect, Embrace the Elderly to Strengthen Thai Families." Minister of Social Development and Human Security Nikorn Somkonglang reported on the event and presented the 2026 National Elderly Award to Mr. Sutthichai Yoon, the 2026 Peaceful Family Award in the celebrity category to the Kitcharoen family, and model province awards for expanding elderly schools in every subdistrict (one subdistrict, one elderly school) to Nakhon Ratchasima, Nong Bua Lamphu, and Phayao provinces.
The Prime Minister said in his opening remarks that the family institution is a crucial foundation for all our lives, as it is the place where thoughts, beliefs, values, and culture are passed down. These elements form each individual's identity, which blends into society and creates the nation's identity. If the family institution is strong, our country will be strong. Conversely, if it is weak, building a strong Thailand would be difficult. Therefore, the family is vital to all of us, and more importantly, the elders in our families, who were once our guardians, play an essential role in passing on stories, beliefs, and warmth to future generations.
The Prime Minister added that unfortunately, in today's world, the gap between generations is widening. Sometimes grandparents and younger generations seem to speak different languages. However, respect remains, but distance weakens bonds. This year's National Elderly Day and Family Day event aligns well with the government's policy to promote welfare and develop environments supportive of families and the elderly in all aspects—health, safety, suitable employment, and social participation—so that the aging society remains a key force driving the country's development.
He said today's event theme, "Bow, Pay Respect, Embrace the Elderly to Strengthen Thai Families," shows how family relationships sometimes begin with simple acts: bowing, paying respect, and embracing. These acts may seem insignificant, but in an era where everyone has a personal mobile device, they restore warmth, trust, and bonds we once experienced, reviving our memories. He urged everyone to recognize the importance of family and the elderly.
On this occasion, the Prime Minister wished the elderly good health, happiness, and quality of life. He hoped every family would be filled with love, warmth, and unity, serving as a vital force for the nation's progress. He noted that his words also felt like a blessing for himself, as he has joined the same age group this year, turning 60 and entering retirement age. He believes that nowadays, "age is just a number," which resonates more with us. He joked that upon entering, he felt like attending a youth event rather than a senior society gathering, but expressed a desire to bow, pay respect, and embrace everyone, as these gestures foster love, bonds, and warmth. There is nothing better than expressing feelings through hugging, showing respect by bowing or wai; the elderly may bow directly, while peers might wai each other.
The Prime Minister also remarked that Thai society has a good custom: when unsure, people address others as "older sibling" even if they are 20-30 years younger, reflecting good values. This aligns with the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security's concept that calling someone "older sibling" discourages conflict and encourages mutual respect and goodwill. These are important cultural values instilled from childhood. With Songkran approaching, the government has designated 13 and 14 April as Family Day and Elderly Day respectively, but they are celebrated together as days when all Thais happily reunite, fostering family warmth. Using youth slang, it's like "recharging batteries" since everyone has many responsibilities. Meeting loved ones re-energizes us, enabling us to collectively advance the country. Though many problems exist, that is expected in a large society. The most important thing is that we have enough strength and unity to overcome challenges together. For him, the answer is clear: we can overcome obstacles if we unite. He wished everyone happiness and a happy Thai New Year.
