December 5 is considered as a special day in the Kingdom of Thailand as it was declared by the Royal Thai Government as the National Day of the country. This also commemorates the Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, and Thailand’s Father’s Day. Known as Rama IX, he reigned Thailand since 9 June 1946 until his death on 13 October 2016, making him the longest-reigning monarch ever in Thailand's history. Despite being a constitutional monarch, and not legally being allowed a role in politics, Bhumibol also made several decisive interventions in the Thai political sphere and has been credited with helping facilitate Thailand's transition to democracy in the 1990s.
The current king is Vajiralongkorn, or King Rama X, who ascended the throne after his father’s death. In 2016. He maintained to celebrate the national day of the country at the similar date of his father’s birthday.
Celebrations
The holiday itself is a colorful affair. Buildings across Thailand will display flags, bunting and portraits of the late King, while around the Grand Palace area of Bangkok, the streets are decorated with thousands of marigolds. In the evening, the streets around Ratchadamnoen and Sanam Luang are closed to traffic and many people come to watch celebratory fireworks displays (Officeholidays, 2018).
References:
- Iverson, K. (2017). Everything You Need to Know About the King’s Birthday in December.
Retrieved from https://theculturetrip.com/asia/thailand/articles/everything-you-need- to-know-about-the-kings-birthday-in-december/ - Office Holidays (2018). Public Holidays in Thailand in 2018. Retrieved from:
https://www.officeholidays.com/countries/thailand/king-bhumibols-birthday.php
