King Bhumibol Adulyadej, better known as Rama IX, reigned Thailand since June 9, 1946 until October 13, 2016. This makes him the longest-reigning monarch ever in Thailand’s history. He was born on December 5, 1927 in Massachusetts, U.S. He is the ninth king of the Chakkri dynasty, which has reigned in Thailand from 1782. On the 13th of October he passed away due poor health. This holiday has been observed since 2017 to commemorate the death of the late King of Thailand.
History of King Bhumibol
Despite being a constitutional monarch, and not legally being allowed a role in politics, Bhumibol made several decisive interventions in the Thai political sphere and has been credited with helping facilitate Thailand’s transition to democracy in the 1990s.
Bhumibol enjoyed immense popularity as a monarch. He led an active ceremonial life and played a crucial role in medidations that either resolved or helped to avoid political crisis. One of those instances came in 1973 during the protests against the dictatorships of Generals Thanom Kittikachorn and Praphas Charusathien. These protest got suppressed by the military and many demonstrators passed away. Bhumibol responded by persuading the generals to give up power.
This was the same in 1992, when a military junta had toppled the Thai government and the army chief Suchinda Kraprayoon assumed the prime ministership. Mass protests again ensued and again were met with violence. At some point, Bhumibol intervented, summoning Suchinda and opposition leader Chamlong Srimuang to a televised meeting. In this meeting, the King called for the violence to end. Suchinda subsequently resigned and a caretaker government was installed until new elections could be held.
Observation of the Passing of King Bhumibol
On this holiday, a moment of silence will be held across Thailand at 3:52pm to mark the exact time the monarch died at age 88. All banks and government offices are closed for the day. Some bank branches in shopping malls may be open for foreign exchange and some exchange booths in tourist locations will be open. However, entertainment venues and bars are closed and the selling of alcohol is prohibited in observance.
The government also invites everyone to wear yellow as a mark of respect. Community services such as beach or road cleaning, distributing food and picking up garbage, will be done by people, as it is common to do on this day.
