The land of white elephants, or Siam or The kingdom of Thailand, celebrates December 5 every year as her national day and late Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s birthday and father’s day. Again, the United Nations declared December 5 as the world soil day to give tribute and honor to King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
King Bhumibol Adulyadej contributed to soil science, so December 5 is celebrated worldwide as a soil day and Thailand’s national day. It is also King Bhumibol Adulyadej the great’s birthday and father’s day.
Before reading the article, you should know about the history of the national day of Thailand. I assure you it will give a positive impression, which improves your understanding. So, let’s start our journey by reading history first.
History of the Thailand National Day
Thailand celebrated the national day on June 24 before December 5. On June 24, 1932, there was an end to absolute monarchy. To this day, the power of a constitutional government has been increased by degrading the King’s supreme authority.
The national day, December 5, is the birthday of Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. King Bhumibol Adulyadej ruled the country from 1946 to 2016. King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s birthday was 5 december 5, 1927.
He came to power on May 5, 1950. In 1960, the government decided to change the national day from June 24 to December 5 to celebrate the day of the King’s birthday.
However, before declaring this day as a national day, some things are considered. For example, Other countries – England, Japan, and Sweden are examples of constitutional monarchies where people celebrate the national day on their King or Queen mother’s birthday.
Similarly, the Thai government decided to celebrate their King’s birthday as their national day to match the rest of the countries.
In 2016, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, also known as Rama IX, died because of disease; after the death of King Rama IX, his successor king maha Vajiralongkorn was known as King Rama X has taken power. According to Thai tradition, the date of the national day should go after the present King’s birthday anniversary.
As a result, Vajiralongkorn, or Rama X, sits on the throne, so, naturally, the date of the national day should be his date of birth. But, the King’s government decided to remain unchanged on a national day on December 5.
Why is there no independence day in Thailand?
Independence day means celebrating the freedom we have gotten from the foreign rulers. But in the history of Thailand, no foreign rulers ruled over Thailand, so Thailand had never fought with a foreign power to get freedom. So, there is no independence day for Thailand.
Celebration of the National Day
The people of Thailand celebrate the national day as their King’s birthday. They celebrate it because they love their King as their King did so much good for them. So, they must pay tribute and homage to their King. The duration of the celebration is from 8 am to 6 pm.
Thai people celebrate on every street, house, and official building. The festival starts at 8 am. In the temple, prayers are offered in the name of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. After the prayer, monks are offered alms from the temple.
It’s a public holiday in Thailand so, today, people are retired from offices, and schools and other educational institutions are closed. So they are given proper time to celebrate. Thai authority decorates roads with flags, bunting, marigolds, portraits of the late King, and other things.
They wear yellow dresses to make everything colorful. Some stayed close to the palace to see the King. Then, the King comes to the people and gives a speech to them. In addition, the national anthem is played for the whole day.
In the evening, some streets are closed for the rally. People can see the fireworks show in the evening. In addition, cultural programs are arranged everywhere by the local authorities.
Royal speech from His Majesty
On a national day, a speech from His Majesty is a common thing. The King delivers a speech to the people of Thailand from his palace and wishes for their well-being.
Significance of Marigold
Marigold is a flower name that has a massive significance in Thailand. It is a flower of yellow color that reflects the unity among the people of Thailand. On a national day, everyone wears a yellow dress.
Every street is colored yellow. Yellow is also a symbol of Monday. As the King was born on Monday, this day has a special significance to the people of Thailand.
Every year Monday does not come on December 5. Sometimes other days are visible on this date. No matter what, Monday always gets special treatment from the people.
Other significances of the National Day of Thailand
Besides Marigold, the people of Thailand follow some rules not to disobey their beloved King. To them, the King and his family are the symbol of purity that no one can violate. Violating them means defying one himself.
The Royal Authority of Thailand has made some rules to be followed. Badmouthing against the Royal family is strictly restricted.
No one is allowed to say something wrong against the royal family. If anyone dares so, jail is the ultimate goal for them. Moreover, in Thailand’s currency, the King’s face is portrayed. So, it is not allowed to spit on the bath or crush it by foot as it goes against the King.
Does the Royal Embassy of Thailand celebrate national day in foreign missions?
Yes, the Royal Thai Embassy celebrates the national day in foreign countries. The high commissioner of the Royal Thai Embassy in foreign lands on a national day arranges events in honor of the father of the nation and invites high-ranking officials from government or non-government organizations.
Celebration of Thai national day on Twitter
Thai national day was, for the first time, celebrated on Twitter on December 5, 2019. The Thai government and Twitter authority agreed that they would honor the Thai national day on Twitter and launch a special emoji based on the Thai language and the English language, signifying the Thai language.
On December 5, 2019, for the first time on Twitter, Thai national day was celebrated, and it lasted from December 5 to December 12, 2019.
How Tourists Celebrate the National day of Thailand
Thailand is known as a tourist spot in the world. Every year tourists from different countries of the world visit Thailand. December 5 for the tourists has a special significance.
Roads are full of many colorful festoons, balloons, etc. tourists get a chance to observe and mix up with the celebration of the locals. They wear yellow dresses and celebrate and text wishes to others on this day.
Father’s Day in Thailand
Father’s Day (a national holiday on December 5th, the birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej
Importance of Thai National Day
The national day has particular importance for the people of Thailand. It is the day to come close and celebrate the day together. It is the day of the King’s birthday and the day of the father of the nation. It is a day to honor and show gratitude for the leadership and guidance provided by the King and the father of the nation. The importance of celebrating your boss cannot be understated, as it fosters a sense of unity and appreciation among the people. The national day in Thailand is a time for reflection and recognition of the contributions made by these important figures in shaping the country’s history and culture.
It reminds everyone in the country to remember what they are, for whom they are independent, and who they are now is an important matter.
Five Facts about Thailand
Five facts are mentioned below you didn’t know before –
- King Rama IX was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States.
- The Thai King should be a Buddhist who is considered the defender of other faiths.
- The first declaration of June 24 as a national day was in 1938.
- Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat’s government changed the National Day from June 24 to December 5.
- King Chulalongkorn of Siam never let Thailand be colonized by European countries like France or Great Britain.
Let me finish the article by saying that national day is a day of celebration for every country’s citizens. It is the way of getting closer to each other, strengthening the bondings, and mixing with the main flow of the current.
Check out more national events that happening around the world.