Today, Thailand celebrates Chakri Day… a national holiday officially known as ‘King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke the Great Day and Chakri Dynasty Memorial Day.’
Chakri Day commemorates the establishment of the Chakri Dynasty by Phra Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke (Rama I) in 1782 whose first act was to make Bangkok the capital of Siam. The day recognises the contributions of all the kings in the dynasty and is usually observed by the the current King presiding over religious ceremonies held at the royal chapel.
This holiday always falls a few days before the Songkran festival so many people to travel in preparation for the Songkran festivities. Government offices, schools, banks and ICS Travel Group will close, but most other businesses open as usual on this day.
