Chakri Day is a day to remember the Kings of Thailand’s Chakri Dynasty. This includes the current and ninth King (Rama IX), who is now the longest reigning monarch in the world and is deeply loved by his people.
What is Chakri Day?
Officially known as ‘King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke the Great Day and Chakri Dynasty Memorial Day’, today is a nationally observed holiday all over. Typically, the day is celebrated on 6 April, but as this year that date was Sunday, the rest of Thailand gets to take today as a substitute holiday.
Chakri Day memorializes the institution of the Chakri Dynasty by Rama I, who led the Kingdom of Siam in a fight against the Burmese who tried to attack and take over the land that is today known as Thailand. This fight lasted for over a decade, and at one point was lost to the Burmese. The then capital city of Ayutthaya was devastated, properties were destroyed and looted. Throughout the many years of battle, the Siamese people never stopped fighting back. It wasn’t until Rama I was appointed as Siam’s military commander in 1779 that the people of Siam were able to finally make a comeback and reclaim the city from the Burmese.
Overwhelmed with gratitude and respect, the Kingdom of Siam appointed Rama I as the head of the Kingdom on April 6, 1782, marking the beginning of the Chakri Dynasty.
The holiday of Chakri Day serves not only as a day of remembrance for the courage and leadership of Rama I, but it is also a day for Thai citizens to recognize and remember the contributions of every King who has ruled in the dynasty since its beginning.
What happens during the Chakri Day celebration?
You’ll get mixed results about celebrations and traditions based on who you talk to about what happens on this day. Thais that are less patriotic or traditional may use the day to relax or spend a long weekend at the beach. Others however may choose to nation actively partake into government-organized happenings and ceremonials, which include flower offerings and worships to the previous Kings of Thailand.
Chakri Day, while important for the people of the Kingdom, is even more important of a day for the King. Accompanied by other members of the royal household, he will pay respects to his precursors at the Royal Pantheon, and presides over several ceremonies held at the royal chapel.
What are you planning on doing for the long Chakri Day weekend?