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Coronation Day

    Coronation Day (Thai: วันฉัตรมงคล) is observed in Thailand on 4 May. It marks the coronation anniversary of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua, King Rama X.1

    History

    The coronation of King Rama X took place from 4 to 6 May 2019. The Public Relations Department states that 4 May was the central day of the ceremony and was designated Coronation Day and a public holiday.1

    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 anniversary is marked by royal and state ceremonies, including merit-making and official receptions in some years.1 Public institutions may also organize ceremonies, felicitations or displays honoring the monarch.

    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

    Coronation Day is listed as a public holiday on 4 May. If the date falls on a weekend, this site may show the observed substitute holiday on the following Monday.2

    Sources

    1. Coronation Anniversary of His Majesty King Rama X (Public Relations Department, Royal Thai Government)
    2. List of public holidays in Thailand (ASEAN-Japan Centre)