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King’s Birthday or Father’s Day is celebrated on December 5, the birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the monarch of Thailand.
King’s birthday is a national holiday and is celebrated all over the country with great enthusiasm.
The event is used by the loyal people of Thailand to express their reverence for their King.
HIS MAJESTY
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej or Rama IX, is the longest serving monarch in the history of Thailand. Constitutional head of the country, he ascended to throne on 9 June, 1946. Ninth King of the Chakri Dynasty, he was born on December 5, 1927, to Prince and Princess Mahidol of Songkhla.
THE CELEBRATIONS
The King’s Birthday is an event used by his loyal subjects to express their heart-felt affection and reverence to him. All public structures and homes in Thai land are eleborately bedecked with flags and lights, predominantly of yellow color. Capital Bangkok, specially Grand Palace and Ratchadamnoen Avenue areas, exude pageantry, adorned with thousands of flowers.
Religious ceremonies dedicated to the King are held all over the nation. People pray for their beloved King’s good health and happiness. Thai skies sparkle with elaborate fireworks. Thousands of people throng Bangkok streets in evening to express their joy on the occasion.
In the early morning on that day, people make merit at the temple for themselves and also for paying homage to the King. During the day, it’s time for family. It’s time for fathers and their children spending time together. Some children give the Canna flower (Dok Phuttharaksa), the symbolic flower of father’s day to their fathers.
The highlight is in the evening, in Bangkok, people gather at the Royal Plaza or Sanam Luang to join the auspicious ceremony of candle lighting, showing the respect to the King and also making a wish for longevity for the King. The lighting candle is not held only in Bangkok, but across Thailand.