BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand will celebrate the special occasion of His Majesty the King attaining the same age as King Rama I, who established Rattanakosin, or Bangkok, as the capital. King Rama I was also the founder of the Royal House of Chakri.
His Majesty the King would reach 26,469 days of age on 14 January 2025, attaining the same age as King Rama I. The Government will organize activities to celebrate this special occasion under the name “The Auspicious Occasion of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua Attaining the Same Age as His Majesty King Buddha Yodfa Chulalok the Great (Rama I) 2025.”
Traditionally, merit making ceremonies in dedication to past kings have been performed by Chakri kings on various occasions to show gratitude and respect to ancestors for their contributions to the country and the people.
In the reign of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great (Rama IX), this similar event was held on four occasions, when the King reached the same age as (1) his royal father, His Royal Highness Prince Mahidol of Songkla, on 29 August 1965, (2) King Chulalongkorn the Great (Rama V) on 7 January 1985, (3) King Mongkut (Rama IV) on 18 November 1991, and (4) King Rama I on 23 May 2000.
In order to commemorate the occasion of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua attaining the same age as King Rama I, an alms-giving ceremony and the chanting of prayers will take place at the Sanam Luang ceremonial ground in Bangkok and town halls in the provinces on 14 January 2025 at 07.30 hr. At 09.00 hr on the same day, a religious ceremony in dedication to His Majesty the King will take place at Sanam Luang. In the provinces, it will be held at town halls, or other suitable places.
The Government will also organize seven major activities to mark this occasion. These activities include (1) long-life ceremonies in the Lanna tradition and cultural shows, performed at Saranrom Park and Wat Phra Chetuphon (Wat Pho) in Bangkok from 13 to 20 January 2025, (2) the renovation of Wat Sangkat Rattana Khiri in Uthai Thani Province, (3) khon masked drama performances on 14 January in the area of the King Rama I Monument in Bangkok, (4) the issuance of commemorative coins and medals in honor of His Majesty the King, (5) religious ceremonies at temples related to King Rama I, (6) the chanting of prayers and meditation at all temples in Thailand and overseas, as appropriate, and (7) tree-planting at the King Rama IX Memorial Park in Bangkok. (PRD)
