July 29 has been observed as National Thai Language Day. Aware of the importance and value of the Thai language, the Government on 13 July 1999 proclaimed July 29 National Thai Language Day, as proposed by the then Ministry of University Affairs. The proposal was put forward by Chulalongkorn University, the oldest university in Thailand, with an aim to honor His Majesty the King on the occasion of his 72nd birthday anniversary in 1999.