How many of you know that in Thailand we celebrate Father’s Day differently than the rest of the world. For Thai people, Father’s day is more than just a day of all Fathers but more specifically, the Father of the country, King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
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 elaborately 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.
For Utmost Enjoyment
Bangkok is the best place in the country to enjoy the celebrations. Do remember that streets around Sanam Luang and Ratchadamnoen are prohibited to traffic. One can reach the area, and just stroll on the streets, traffic-free but brimming with people, watching the glittering sky.