The 6thApril is Chakri Memorial Day (Wan Chakkri). This recognizes as the Coronation Day of King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke (Reign: 1782–1809) who established the Chakri Dynasty pronounced in Thai “Ratchawong Chakri” and the Rattanakosin Kingdom known as Bangkok City today. It is also regarded as the Foundation Day of Bangkok.
On 6th of April 1782, King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke, a renowned military leader, the man who was to become the king was known as Chaophraya Chakri, succeeded King Taksin and ascended the throne.
On 21st of April 1782, King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke moved the capital of Siam from Thonburi to Krung Thep (Bangkok) and named the new kingdom to “Krungthep Mahanakorn Baworn Rattanakosin” which was later changed to “Krungthep Mahanakorn Amorn Rattanakosin” by King Mongkut (Rama IV). During his reign, he also built the Grand Palace and has been bestowed the title King Buddha Yodfa the Great, the founder of the Chakri Dynasty.
Bangkok’s full ceremonial name is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit
The Chakri Dynasty has continued on to the present Thai Monarchy. His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej is the ninth King (Rama IX), the Great Bhumibol Adulyadej (Reigned since 1946, coronation 5 May 1960)
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej is the World’s longest-serving current Head of State and the longest-reigning Monarch in Thai history. The House’s dynastic seat is the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
Customary Practices
The first Chakri day was held on 6th April 1918 at the time of King Mongkut, the 4th King in the Chakri Dynasty. It is customary for the King and other Members of the Royal Family to preside over a religious ceremony honouring the previous Kings of the Chakri Dynasty. Thai people are generally very patriotic and Chakri Day is a holiday which gives many people the opportunity to pay respects to the various monarchs who have played important roles in ruling Thailand. This royal religious ceremony can be observed on Thai’s TV channels on the 6th of April.
