Long Weekends in Thailand!

Day 2,328, 23:07 • Published in Thailand Thailand • by Mystela


In Honour of Chakri Memorial Day!

King Rama IX of Thailand, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, is a direct descendant of King Phra Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke, founder of the House of Chakri, an impressive dynasty which promises to continue well into the future. This public holiday not only pays homage to the founding father, King Rama I, but also to the Chakri Dynasty itself, which began on the 06th. of April 1782.


As with many Thai holidays, Chakri Memorial Day includes religious ceremonies presided over by the reigning King. Due to his frail health, I imagine that this year another member of the Royal family will complete those duties for King Bhumibol.


The religious ceremonies take place in the Royal Chapel, located in the Royal Pantheon & are broadcast on Thai TV. The Royal Pantheon is one of the most distinctive buildings, constructed on the grounds of the Royal Grand Palace & Chakri Memorial Day is the only day of the year, during which the Royal Pantheon is opened to the public.


Among the artifacts kept in the Pantheon, are life-sized statues of the first eight kings of the Chakri Dynasty.


Traditionally, a public ceremony takes place at the Memorial Bridge, where the reigning King places a wreath at the base of a monument dedicated to King Rama I.


Interestingly, this monument dedicated in 1932 was designed by a Chakri prince, Prince Narisara, son of King Rama IV & cast by the Italian sculptor, Corrado Feroci.


Despite the political turmoil which exists in Thailand today, the genuine love & respect felt by the population for the royal family & most especially for King Bhumibol, ensures that Chakri Memorial Day celebrated this long weekend, will be a joyous one filled with national pride & thousands upon thousands of waving Thailand flags.


If you're considering a trip to Thailand, then in the heat of the month of April is a great time to go, to experience both long weekend celebrations of Chakri Memorial Day beginning today & Songkran! which runs for 3 days beginning Sunday, 13th. April!

Long live the Chakri Dynasty!
Long live the King!
Long live Thailand!

tl;dr
☼ Long live long weekends! ☼

EDIT - 7th. April:
Although King Bhumibol's son completed the traditional duties associated with the day, this served as a sad reminder of the aging King's failing health. Unfortunately, I believe that this, when viewed within the existing political climate, together with the tragic, accidental detonation of a WWII bomb in Bangkok earlier in the week, contributed to a really low key observance of Chakri Memorial Day this year.