Every year on 3 February is "Veterans Day," when Thai people come together to remember the heroism and sacrifices of soldiers who defended the nation's independence and sovereignty.
For the year 2026, the event is organized on a grander scale than previous years, especially the light and sound show at Victory Monument. The summary is as follows.
1. History and Background
Origin: After World War II (the Greater East Asia War) ended in 1945, many soldiers were discharged and faced difficulties in making a living.
Establishment: The government formed the "Committee for Veteran Welfare" and later enacted the Royal Decree establishing the Veterans Welfare Organization (VWO) on 3 February 1948. This date was designated annually as "Veterans Day" to honor the merits of self-sacrificing soldiers.
2. Significance and the "Poppy Flower" Symbol
Significance: To honor and boost the morale of veterans, as well as raise funds to support families of soldiers who died or were disabled in combat.
The red poppy flower: An international symbol of Veterans Day, with red representing the "blood of brave soldiers" shed to protect the country.
3. Events and Activities in 2026 (3–5 February)
This year, the Veterans Welfare Organization holds the event under the theme “3 February Veterans Day: Honoring the Royal Grace of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother,” with the following key schedule.
Ceremonies on 3 February 2026
07:00: Ashes enshrinement ceremony for 42 soldiers who died defending the Thai-Cambodian border at Victory Monument.
10:30 - 15:30: * Veterans parade: March of veterans from seven war cases along Ratchawithi Road toward Victory Monument.
Wreath-laying ceremony and veterans honor ceremony.
Note: Traffic around Victory Monument will be closed during these times.
Live broadcast: Available on Channel 5 from 10:30 to 11:30.
Special "Lights of Honor" activities (3–5 February)
For the first time, a special light and sound show “Lights of Honor” will be held at Victory Monument.
3 February: Starts at 16:30 onwards (including concerts by famous artists such as Ratklao and Sumet Ong-art).
4–5 February: From 17:00 to 21:00 (light and sound show starts at 19:00).
Travel advice: Attendees can park at the 2nd Cavalry Division, King's Guard (2nd Cavalry Division) with free shuttle buses to the event from 05:30 to 20:30.
Would you like information on bus routes passing Victory Monument during the event to avoid traffic, or help drafting messages honoring veterans?
The Veterans Welfare Organization (VWO) organizes the event under the concept of honoring the royal grace of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother, with the following key schedules and activities.
Veterans Day 2026 Schedule
Held on Tuesday, 3 February 2026 at Victory Monument with the following main ceremonies:
07:00: Ashes enshrinement ceremony for soldiers who died defending the Thai-Cambodian border.
07:45: Lamp lighting and ashes worship ceremony.
10:25: Veterans parade starting from the Veterans Welfare Organization to Victory Monument.
12:15: Director of the organization and participants lay wreaths.
13:20: Tribute to soldiers who died defending the border and honor ceremony for outstanding veterans.
14:00: Royal representative lays wreath.
15:00: Lunch provided for veterans and families at the Veterans Welfare Organization.
Night of Honor Event
This year, a grand special event is held at Victory Monument to remember veterans’ heroism over three days:
3 February (from 16:30): Light and sound show featuring musical tributes to Thai soldiers performed by various artists.
4–5 February (from 19:00): Light and sound show with musical tributes to Thai soldiers.
Other activities: Sale of poppy flowers and writing messages of support to honor the sacrifices of heroes.