The Thai monarchy, the oldest continuous institution in the Kingdom's history, occupies a position of profound reverence in the national consciousness. Each year, a series of Royal Observances marks occasions of dynastic and personal significance, during which the nation expresses its loyalty, gratitude, and respect for the Crown.
On these days, government buildings, commercial establishments, and private homes are adorned with royal portraits and flags bearing the personal cyphers of the honoured member of the Royal Family. Citizens wear garments in the ceremonial colour associated with each observance, a tradition rooted in the ancient Thai belief that each day of the week is governed by a celestial deity and an auspicious hue.
Chakri Memorial Day
Chakri Memorial Day commemorates the founding of the Chakri Dynasty by King Rama I on 6 April 1782, when he established Bangkok as the capital of the Kingdom of Siam. The day honours all nine preceding monarchs of the dynasty, culminating in His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn, Rama X.
Members of the Royal Household pay respect to the statues and portraits of past Chakri monarchs at the Grand Palace. Citizens place flowers at statues of King Rama I throughout the country. Government offices, banks, and schools are closed.
Coronation Day
Coronation Day marks the formal coronation of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn, which took place on 4 May 2019 in a magnificent ceremony at the Grand Palace. During the ancient rites, His Majesty accepted the royal regalia symbolising Kingship and underwent the purification bathing rite with consecrated water, before paying homage to the nine preceding monarchs of the Chakri Dynasty.
Ceremonies are held to commemorate the coronation. Citizens wear yellow, the colour of Monday, the day of His Majesty's birth. Royal portraits are displayed alongside yellow decorations at public and private buildings.
H.M. Queen Suthida's Birthday
The birthday of Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana, consort of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, is celebrated annually on 3 June. Her Majesty was married to the King on 1 May 2019, three days before the royal coronation, and holds the rank of General in the Royal Thai Army.
Citizens wear purple, the colour of Saturday, the day of Her Majesty's birth. Government buildings and public spaces display portraits of the Queen alongside purple decorations. Merit-making ceremonies are held at temples throughout the Kingdom.
H.M. the King's Birthday
The birthday of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua, Rama X, is celebrated each year on 28 July. Born in 1952, His Majesty is the tenth monarch of the Chakri Dynasty and ascended to the throne on 1 December 2016 following the passing of his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
The entire Kingdom is adorned in yellow, the colour associated with Monday, the day of His Majesty's birth. Celebratory ceremonies, concerts, fireworks, and traditional performances are held throughout the country. Citizens express their loyalty and deep reverence for the monarchy.
H.M. Queen Sirikit's Birthday
The birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, is celebrated on 12 August and is simultaneously observed as Thai Mother's Day. Her Majesty served as Queen consort of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej for seven decades and is revered for her charitable works and patronage of Thai arts and culture.
Citizens wear light blue, the colour of Friday, the day of Her Majesty's birth. The country is adorned in blue flags and decorations bearing her royal cypher. Merit-making and ceremonies honouring mothers are held at temples and public venues nationwide.
Chulalongkorn Day
Chulalongkorn Day honours King Chulalongkorn, Rama V, on the anniversary of his passing in 1910. Known as the great moderniser of Siam, King Rama V abolished slavery, reformed the civil service, and established modern infrastructure including railways and the postal system. His reign transformed the Kingdom into a modern nation state.
Wreaths and offerings are laid at the equestrian statue of King Rama V at Royal Plaza in Bangkok. The colour rose pink, associated with Tuesday and the late King, is worn by citizens paying their respects.
H.M. King Bhumibol's Birthday
The birthday of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rama IX, is observed on 5 December and serves simultaneously as Thai Father's Day. King Bhumibol reigned for seventy years and remains the most beloved and revered figure in modern Thai history, remembered for his tireless dedication to the welfare of his people through thousands of royal development projects.
Citizens wear yellow, the colour of Monday, the day of King Bhumibol's birth. Ceremonies celebrating gratitude towards fathers are held nationwide. The Kingdom is adorned in yellow decorations and portraits of King Rama IX. It is a day of deep reflection and remembrance.
Royal Colours
Each Day of the Week Has an Auspicious Colour
Royal Observances are among the most significant expressions of Thai national identity. The wearing of auspicious colours, the display of royal cyphers, and the ceremonies of merit-making and remembrance reflect a relationship between the Crown and the people that has endured for over two centuries of the Chakri Dynasty. Visitors to the Kingdom during these occasions are encouraged to observe the customs with the same respect and reverence shown by the Thai people.