Mother’s Day is celebrated a little differently in Thailand than it is in America. For one thing, it falls on Aug 12th each year instead of the second Sunday of May. People also usually have the day off from work, and schools will host a special Mother’s Day ceremony for students to kneel before their moms to give them jasmine flowers and share their love, respect, appreciation…all the warm and fuzzy things.
However, as one can imagine, these events might feel bittersweet for those students who for various reasons can’t have their mom show up.
This was nearly the fate for a young student named Nong Cream, a girl who had been adopted by a single man named Joe Lookphonbodee, according to Bangkok Biz News.
But not only did Lookphonbodee show up for his daughter, he came completely dressed for the role.
A heartwarming video posted to TikTok shows Lookphonbodee appear in a wig and dress, completely surprising Cream. As soon as she sees her “father-mother,” she leaps into his arms, all smiles.
@joey_kp “แม่” ฉันก็เป็นให้แกได้555
Lookphonbodee told Bangkok Biz News that he had no regrets doing this gesture for his daughter, knowing the most important thing was for her to not feel left out.
“Personally, I’m not ashamed because I love my child,” he said.
As for Cream, there was no embarrassment felt, only gratitude.
“This year’s Mother’s Day, I want to say I love my father,” she said. “Thank you, Father, for raising me and making me happy. This life doesn’t feel like a lack of anything.”
Here’s to the dads who know the importance of truly being there for their kids. It makes a world of difference.
