Chakri Day: April 6
Chakri Day is celebrated as a public holiday in Thailand
Thailand celebrates the 6th of April as the foundation day of their royal Chakri Dynasty which is the country’s ruling monarch to date. On this day, they give respect and honor to their kings who led the country since 1782.
History of Chakri Day in Thailand
Before the Chakri Dynasty was founded, Thailand, which was then known as the Kingdom of Siam was experiencing downfall in economy which signaled the Burmese troops to attack the country and take advantage of the land. The people, led by Thong Duang (also known as Rama I or Yodfa Chulaloke) fought back for their rights. However, they were forced to fall back by the Burmese and on the 8th of April, 1767, the Royal capital of Ayutthaya finally fell into the ruling power of Burma. The city was devastated and all its structures and properties were destroyed and taken away by the Burmese troops.
The Burmese never managed to invade Ayutthaya for long since the Siamese were aggressively fighting back as well, so they decided to withdraw after a few days of dominion. Despite the retreat, the war between the two nations never stopped and even lasted for years. And on 1779, Thong Duan was appointed to become Siam’s military commander known as Chakri and led the people to unite and fight against the attacks of the Burmese.
Chakri or King Rama I formally became the head of the Kingdom of Siam on April 6, 1782 and ruled over the nation for almost 28 years. His supremacy over Siam led to the reconstruction and reinforcement of the whole Kingdom and made the people most prepared to any foreign attack of invasion.
During the reconstruction period of the Kingdom, King Rama I proclaimed Bangkok to be the national capital of the Kingdom of Siam which was later on called Thailand.
Chakri Day Traditions, Customs and Activities
During the celebration of the Chakri Day which happens yearly on April 6, the citizens of the nation actively participate into government-organized events and ceremonies which include flower offerings and worships to the previous Kings of Thailand.
The people also pay tribute to the statue of King Rama I being the first King of the Chakri Dynasty. This is held at King Rama I’s monument at the Royal Pantheon participated by the members of the government offices, ministers and the Thai people nationwide.
