Coronation Day – Wan Chatr Mongkol – will be a public holiday, and government offices will be closed.
King Bhumibol became monarch after the untimely death on June 9, 1946, of his elder brother King Ananda Mahidol, Rama VIII.
King Bhumibol, then 18 years old, was studying in Switzerland and, after a brief visit to Thailand for the royal funeral he returned there to study political science and law in order to prepare himself for his new role as Thailand’s monarch.
On May 5, 1950, the coronation took place, with His Majesty vowing, “We will reign with righteousness for the benefit and happiness of the Siamese people,” a pledge he has carried out throughout his reign, earning the admiration and love of his people.
The King has been a central pillar of Thai society, standing in contrast to the turbulent politics of the country that continue to this day.
In Bangkok, three days of solemn ceremonies to mark the anniversary started today (May 3), involving monks, government figures and the Thai military, watched when possible by ordinary citizens, who wait on roads to the Grand Palace for a glimpse of their monarch and members of the royal family passing by.
There will be no official ban on sales of alcohol tomorrow, but many citizens in Phuket will show their respect for His Majesty by visiting statues of The King with garlands.