When is Coronation Day?
This national holiday in Thailand held annually on 5 May. If 5 May falls on a weekend, the holiday will be observed on the following Monday.
Known in Thai as 'Wan Chattra Mongkhon', this holiday marks the coronation of King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1950.
History of Coronation Day
King Bhumibol Adulyadej has reigned Thailand since 9 June 1946, when he became king following the death of his brother. He is the world's longest-serving current head of state and the longest-reigning monarch ever in Thailand's history.
Nearly four years after becoming King Bhumibol Adulyadej was crowned Rama IX of Thailand in the Grand Palace on 5 May 1950, making him the ninth king of the Chakri dynasty.
The coronation ceremony first took place at the start of the reign of King Rama IV in 1851.
The ceremony takes place over three days. It begins on 3 May when Buddhist monks hold a service in honour of the Chakri dynasty in the Grand Palace. The next day, the head of the Brahmin priest will read out the official proclamation of the coronation.
On 5 May, following a feast for the monks, the coronation ceremony takes place, with the event celebrated by a 21 gun salute at noon.
It is a tradition on this day, that the King will then present awards to those who have made a valuable contribution to Thailand.
