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Chakri Day

    Chakri Day (Thai: วันจักรี) is observed in Thailand on 6 April. It commemorates the founding of the Chakri Dynasty, the present royal house of Thailand.1,2

    History

    The Chakri Dynasty began with King Buddha Yodfa Chulalok the Great, Rama I, who founded Rattanakosin, or Bangkok, as the capital in 1782.2 The day links the modern Thai state with Bangkok’s foundation, the royal house and the continuity of the monarchy.2

    The holiday also shows how public holidays in Thailand often combine dynastic history with state ceremony. The official English names are useful for calendars, but the Thai names and royal titles carry much of the cultural meaning and are often longer than their English equivalents.1,2

    Customs

    The day is marked by royal ceremonies and acts of remembrance. In 2026, official announcements included special arrangements for the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha around the Royal Ceremony for Chakri Memorial Day.3

    Outside formal ceremonies, the day may be visible through flags, portraits, public lighting, exhibitions, charitable activities or adjusted opening hours at royal and government sites. The scale of these activities can vary considerably by year, especially when an anniversary or major royal occasion is being marked.2

    Good to know

    For visitors, the most practical point is that royal and government sites may change opening hours around ceremonial days. The holiday can also affect traffic near ceremonial locations in Bangkok and provincial capitals, so current local announcements are more useful than assuming the same programme every year.2

    Legal status

    Chakri Memorial Day is listed as a public holiday on 6 April. If 6 April falls on a weekend, an observed substitute holiday may be announced for the following Monday in the calendar used by this site.1

    Sources

    1. List of public holidays in Thailand (ASEAN-Japan Centre)
    2. Celebration for the 244th Anniversary of the Foundation of Rattanakosin (Public Relations Department, Royal Thai Government)
    3. Grand Palace & Temple of the Emerald Buddha Special Visiting Arrangements Chakri Memorial Day (Public Relations Department, Royal Thai Government)