Now celebrated annually on July 28, the king’s birthday in Thailand is an annual patriotic holiday. Fireworks and acts of good deed mark the occasion.
King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand was the oldest reigning monarch and the oldest head of state in the world before his death on October 13, 2016. He was very loved by many in Thailand. His birthday, December 5, is still celebrated as Father’s Day in Thailand.
King Maha Vajiralongkorn succeeded his father as King of Thailand on December 1, 2016. The public birthday party of the King of Thailand was changed to July 28.
Of all the great festivals in Thailand, the king’s birthday has traditionally been important to Thais. Seeing supporters with loving tears at ceremonies is not uncommon. Sometimes the images of the king on television screens make people put their heads on the sidewalk.
How to celebrate the birthday of the King of Thailand
Many supporters choose to wear yellow, the color associated with Mondays, the day of the week King Bhumibol and King Maha Vajiralongkorn were born.
Early in the morning, alms will be given to the monks; temples will be especially busy. The streets are blocked; Musical and cultural performances take place on city stages, and special markets appear. Fireworks shows are held in Bangkok. Some people choose to hold candles to honor the king. Sometimes white flags are waved with chants of “Long live the king!”
Until his later years, King Bhumibol would make a rare appearance and pass through Bangkok in a caravan. With health deteriorating over the years, King Bhumibol spent most of his time at the summer palace in Hua Hin. People gathered outside the palace at night to hold candles and honor the king. Tourists are invited to join and participate as long as they are respectful. Obviously, this is not the time to be loud or joke around.
If the King’s birthday celebration on July 28 is a weekend, the following Monday is generally taken as a public holiday and many people have time off from work.
The previous date for the celebration of the birthday of the King of Thailand is still considered Father’s Day. The children of Thailand will honor their parents on December 5.
King Bhumibol of Thailand
Bhumibol Adulyadej, the last king of Thailand, was the world’s oldest reigning monarch, as well as the longest-serving head of state, until his death on October 13, 2016. King Bhumibol was born in 1927 and took the throne in the age 18 on June 9, 1946. He ruled for more than 70 years.
For years, Forbes listed the Thai monarchy as the richest in the world. Throughout his long reign, King Bhumibol did much to improve the daily life of Thais. He even had several environmental patents, including those for sewage processing and cloud seeding to make rain.
Following the tradition of the kings of the Chakri dynasty, Bhumibol Adulyadej is also known as Rama IX. Rama was an avatar of the god Vishnu in Hindu belief.
Solo se usa en documentos oficiales, el título completo del Rey Bhumibol Adulyadej es «Phra Bat Somdet Phra Paraminthra Maha Bhumibol Adulyadej Mahitalathibet Ramathibodi Chakkrinaruebodin Sayamminthrathirat Borommanatthabophit» – un bocado!
Unknown to many people, King Bhumibol was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, while his father was studying at Harvard. The king is often depicted holding a camera and he was fond of black and white photography. He played the saxophone, wrote books, painted, filed patents, and enjoyed gardening.
King Bhumibol was succeeded by Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, his only son.
Travel considerations for the king’s birthday
Many streets can be blocked in Bangkok, making transportation difficult. Banks, government offices and some businesses will be closed. Because the holiday is a very special and somber occasion for Thais, visitors must be quiet and reverent during ceremonies. Stand up and be quiet when the national anthem of Thailand is played every day at 8 am and 6 pm
The Grand Palace, one of Bangkok’s top attractions, may close on July 28 for the King’s birthday and December 5 for Father’s Day. You can call +66 2 623 5500 ext. 3100 to confirm.
Alcohol cannot be legally purchased on the King’s birthday holiday.
Laws of Lese Majeste of Thailand
Disrespecting the King of Thailand or the royal family is a serious crime in Thailand; it is officially illegal and strictly enforced.
People have been arrested for speaking negatively about the royal family. Even making jokes or criticizing the royal family on social media is illegal. Those convicted have received long prison terms for doing so, tourists are not exempt.
Because all Thai currency features a portrait of the king, stepping on or damaging the money is a serious offense, please don’t!
