Thailand is preparing to celebrate the anniversary of The King
Like every year at the approach of December 5, Thailand is preparing to celebrate the anniversary of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. For the occasion, a whole week of celebrations and animations is organized.
Born Dec. 5, 1927, the King of Thailand is the oldest reigning monarch in the world. Son of Mahidol Adulyadej, Prince of Songkla, he was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in the United States where his father was studying medicine. In 1933, he followed his mother in Lausanne in Switzerland and completed his studies. In 1935, his brother Prince Ananda, then aged 10, was called to the throne but he joined Thailand at the end of the Second World War. His reign only last a few months as he died under tragic and controversial circumstances (accident with a gun). The Prince Bhumibol succeeded him on June 9, 1946. After a Regency period, he completed his studies and returned to Thailand in 1950 to marry princess Sirikit and be crowned.
To celebrate the King’s birthday, which is also Father’s Day in Thailand, many events and celebrations are held. Most take place in Bangkok but throughout the country, the facades of houses, public buildings are adorned with decorations and pictures of the monarch.
In Bangkok, the area between the Chittlâdâ Palace, the National Assembly and the Grand Palais (beautifully illuminated for the occasion) host a multitude of events. We particularly recommend you to go to Sanam Luang in front of the Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace. There are held most of the festivities in Bangkok.
For the event, people are encouraged to wear yellow shirts in sign of loyalty to the King.
This year the King of Thailand celebrates its 87th anniversary.
In the program of this year’s week of celebrations called “Love Father” :
- from November 30 to December 6 many events and shows will take place at Sanam Luang and Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue
- The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will organize the “Mahajanaka the Phenomenon Live Show” from 1 to 9 December; 7 pm – 9 pm at Benjakiti Park on Sukhumvit Road.
- On 5 December, there will be an alms giving ceremony to 288 monks in Sanam Luang
- December 5 at 19:19, Prime Minister Prayut will lead the crowd for the candlelight ceremony at Sanam Luang. The ceremony will also take place simultaneously all over the Kingdom.
- The ceremony of the royal color presentation will take place on December 7 at Sala Sahathai Samakhom inside the Grand Palais. His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn will be representing His Majesty the King for this ceremony.
