Chonburi Gov. Pakarathorn Thienchai led the province’s Chakri Day celebration, honoring the founding of the current royal dynasty.
The April 6 ceremony at the Chonburi municipal office marks the founding of the dynasty in 1782 with the ascension of King Buddha Yodfa Chulalok, or King Rama I the Great, to the Thai throne. Pakarathorn laid flowers arranged in lotus-shape, lit candles and made offerings of incense in front of the Rama I statue before speaking about the king’s accomplishments.
Chakri Day was first instituted by HM the King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) in the 1919 to commemorate all the Kings in the Chakri Dynasty, which started with Rama I and continues to this day with Rama X, HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun.
The reigning kings in the House of Chakri brought peace and tranquility to the people within Thailand’s borders and successfully protected the Kingdom, maintaining sovereignty and integrity through crucial periods threatened by European colonization and two World Wars.
In commemorating Chakri Day, the national flag is proudly displayed by the people of Thailand and both government officials and members of the community participate in traditional ceremonies, making offerings of flowers and garlands at the many statues of Kings in the House of Chakri. (CPRD)
