In case anyone is wondering why everything is closed today and Petchkasem road has been turned into a giant car park again here is your answer:
Chakri Day is observed on April 6 to commemorate the contribution of the kings of Chakri dynasty, who have been ruling Thailand since 1782. The day is a medium for the faithful people of Thailand to express their love and reverence to the mighty kings.
On this day, the people of Thailand perform meritorious acts for the great kings of the ruling dynasty. People are led in ceremonies by King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who is the ninth king of the dynasty. The King, accompanied by members of the royal family, presides over the religious ceremonies held at the royal chapel. He pays respects to his predecessors at the Royal Pantheon and proceeds for laying wreath at the statue of King Rama I at the Memorial Bridge. All government officials including the prime minister take part with the King in the wreath-laying ceremony.
Present Chakri dynasty of Thailand was founded by Phra Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke or King Rama I, who came to the throne on April 6, 1782. During his reign of 28 years, he consolidated the kingdom and established Bangkok as it's capital. He died on September 7, 1809 at the age of 72. The other kings followed him:
* King Buddha Yodfa Chulalok the Great (Rama I)
พระบาทสมเด็จพระพุทธยอดฟ้าจุฬาโลกมหาราช (6 April 1782 - 7 September 1809)
* King Buddha Loetla Nabhalai (Rama II)
พระบาทสมเด็จพระพุทธเลิศหล้านภาลัย (7 September 1809 - 21 July 1824)
* King Nangklao (Rama III)
พระบาทสมเด็จพระนั่งเกล้าเจ้าอยู่หัว (21 July 1824 - 2 April 1851)
* King Mongkut (Rama IV)
พระบาทสมเด็จพระจอมเกล้าเจ้าอยู่หัว (3 April 1851 - 1 October 1868)
* King Chulalongkorn the Great (Rama V)
พระบาทสมเด็จพระจุลจอมเกล้าเจ้าอยู่หัว "พระปิยมหาราช" (2 October 1868 - 23 October 1910)
* King Vajiravudh (Rama VI)
พระบาทสมเด็จพระมงกุฎเกล้าเจ้าอยู่หัว (23 October 1910 - 26 November 1925)
* King Prajadhipok (Rama VII)
พระบาทสมเด็จพระปกเกล้าเจ้าอยู่หัว (26 November 1925 - 2 March 1935)
* King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII)
พระบาทสมเด็จพระเจ้าอยู่หัวอานันทมหิดล (2 March 1935 - 9 June 1946)
* King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great (Rama IX)
พระบาทสมเด็จพระเจ้าอยู่หัวภูมิพลอดุลยเดชมหาราช (9 June 1946 - Present)
The public holiday in Hua Hin today is in lieu of yesterday.
Chakri Day
Chakri Day
Who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed? - Hunter S Thompson
