It’s time to rejoice and celebrate His Majesty, The King’s Birthday once again this year, also regarded as ‘Father’s Day’ in Thailand! King Bhumibol Adulyadej, also known as Rama IX, as he is the ninth monarch of the Chakri Dynasty has reigned since 9 June 1946. He is the world’s longest-serving current head of state and the longest-reigning monarch in Thai history.
As the day is nearing, the excitement is growing in the hearts of the people of Thailand. Their hearts skip a beat when they catch the sight of their beloved king on this auspicious occasion to wish him “A very happy birthday” and pray for his long life. They yearn to catch the smallest glimpse of His Majesty which makes their stand by worthwhile. They wave out to him with tears in their eyes feeling overwhelmed when their ‘Father of the Nation’ addresses his loving people with a few golden words following which there’s a silence and then an echoing roar from the huge crowd with the slogan “Long Live The King”! Thailand is in love with their King and they’d do anything for their beloved Father.
Traditionally, Thai people celebrate by giving their father or grandfather a canna flower, which is considered a masculine flower. The locals will wear yellow on this day to show respect for the king, because yellow is the color for Monday, the day King Bhumibol Adulyadej was born. Thai people will light candles and show respect to the king by declaring their faith. Join in and find out why Thai people regard their beloved King as ‘The Soul of the Nation’.