Festivals and Holidays
Today is Chakri Memorial Day, which commemorates the establishment of the Chakri Dynasty and the founding of Bangkok by King Rama I on 6 April 1782. It is one of the most important holidays of the year in Thailand.
Chakri Memorial Day is one of the most important holidays of the year in Thailand. Banks, offices, and some schools will be closed in celebration of the holiday.
Restaurants, shopping malls, and most other businesses, however, will remain open.
Chakri Memorial Day commemorates the establishment of the Chakri Dynasty, which was founded by Rama I, who also established Bangkok as the national capital. Prior to the establishment of the Chakri Dynasty, Thailand – then known as Siam – was in chaos.
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej is the Chakri Dynasty’s 9th King and the world’s longest reigning monarch.
Thais celebrate Chakri Memorial by flying the national flag, taking part in ceremonies, and making offerings of flowers and garlands at the statues of Thai Kings.
The Prasat Phra Deidorn Building, a.k.a. the Royal Pantheon, overlooks the Chao Phraya River, which bisects the city of Bangkok before emptying into the Gulf of Thailand.
The spectacular edifice contains life-size statues of the first 8 Kings of the Chakri Dynasty.
The Pantheon is generally closed to the public. It opens once each year on Chakri Memorial Day. It is definitely worth a visit, but you can expect long lines!