Rama IX, popularly known as King Bhumibol Adulyadej, is the world’s longest-reigning monarch. His Majesty came to the throne on June 9, 1946, while still finishing his studies in Switzerland. It was there that he met his future wife, Queen Sirikit, equally the world’s longest-serving consort.
As the descendant of the Chakri dynasty whose forebears united Thailand after various incursions by competing kingdoms, King Bhumibol is revered and deeply adored by the people. The Thais’ regard for their king is best displayed on the occasion of his birthday, one of the most important events in the country.
The King’s Birthday 2013 will be celebrated on Thursday, December 5. His Majesty will be 86 this year.
All (Yellow) Roads Lead to Bangkok
Rama I, King Bhumibol’s ancestor, established the capital of Siam (ancient Thailand) on the banks of the Chao Phraya River to protect the Thai people from further invasion. The new capital came to be known as “Krung Thep” (Bangkok), and it is but proper that the seat of the royalty be established here.
On December 5, the Grand Palace will teem with adoring royalists who eagerly await for an audience with the king. He usually appears for a brief speech, calling on all Thais to unite amidst the impending division that threatens Thailand in light of the future of the monarchy. (The king’s health has sharply declined after suffering from a minor brain bleed, and his heir-apparent, his only son Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, is rumored to be associated with the deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra whose policies threatened the royalists’ position in the government.)
Ratchadamnoen Road will be closed for vehicular traffic until the evening to give way to pedestrians. Tourists who want to take part in the celebrations will not miss the marigold-paved road along Ratchadamnoen. To show their support for the royalty, Thais wear yellow shirts and bring with them Thai flags and flags with the king’s insignia to be waved when the king appears from the Anantasamakom Throne Hall. Royalists hold up portraits of King Bhumibol and chant “Long Live the King!” to show their devotion to the reigning monarch.
Of Candles, Fireworks and Portraits of the King
All around the country, government offices, business establishments, schools and homes will be clothed in yellow, the color associated with the king’s reign. Yellow buntings will be put up, Thai flags will be hoisted, and the portraits of the king will grace every building as a sign of the people’s reverence to their beloved monarch.
During the king’s birthday, the Grand Palace glows with hundreds of thousands of candles as the capital leads the country in a nationwide candle-lighting ceremony.
To end the celebrations, an extravagant fireworks display will light up Bangkok’s already blazing nightlife.
Cultural Celebrations in Sanam Luang
Outside of the Grand Palace, cultural performances and musical acts are typically held in Sanam Luang, which also will be heavy with foot traffic until the evening.
The evening candle-lighting ceremony also takes place here as it does in the Grand Palace, and the whole country joins as similar celebrations take place in major capitals of other provinces, like Chiang Mai and Phuket.
