Coronation Day, also known as 'Wan Chatramongkhol' in Thai, is a significant celebration in Thailand. It is a day that commemorates the coronation of the current king. The date of the celebration often changes to align with the reign of the new king. As such, the holiday was observed on June 3rd during the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) whilst for King Vajiralongkorn (Rama X), the holiday shifted to May 4th.
The day is full of grandeur and stands as a majestic symbol of Thailand’s deep respect for the monarchy. There is a formal ceremony at the Grand Palace, where the king performs a merit-making ceremony, paying homage to his ancestors. Additionally, many locals visit the temples to make merits and to pay respect, as it is a public holiday; offices, schools, and most businesses are closed.
On Coronation Day, cities, especially Bangkok, are thronged with people in yellow, since yellow is the royal color. The day is marked with roadside portraits of the king, traditional music and dance performances, and a public audience with the monarch. The commitment to celebrating this historical tradition, regardless of political or economic transformations, demonstrates the unshakeable bond between the Thai people and their monarch.