Anniversary Of The Death Of King Bhumibol
In Thailand, King Bhumibol was and still is an important monarch. He reigned Thailand from June of 1946 until his death on October 13th, 2016. This made him the longest-reigning king or queen in the entire history of the country. During his reign, he’s credited with helping Thailand transition to a fledgling democracy during the 1990s.
Thailand (National holiday) It’s for these reasons and many more that the country commemorates his passing with a national holiday. This holiday is known as the Anniversary of The Death of King Bhumibol and it’s observed on the 13th of October every year — or if the day falls on a weekend, then on the following Monday.
The History Of The Anniversary Of The Death Of King Bhumibol
Bhumibol Adulyadej was born on December 5th, 1927 at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, Massachusetts in the United States. He was the youngest son of Prince Mahidol Adulyadej and Princess Srinagarindra. He was born in the United States because his father was enrolled in the public health program at Harvard University. Bhumibol is currently the only monarch to have been born in the U.S.
In 1928, Bhumibol came to Thailand, and in 1929, his father died of kidney failure. IN 1935, his 9-year old brother Ananda Mahidol would become King Rama VIII after their uncle Prajadhipok abdicated the throne. In 1946, following the death of his brother by gunshot, Bhumibol would ascend to the throne. He would serve until his death on October 13th, 2016. This made him the longest-serving king in Thailand’s history.
Observing The Anniversary Of The Death Of King Bhumibol
At the exact time of this king’s death on the 13th of October (3:52 pm), there’s a country-wide moment of silence. Following the moment of silence, it’s common for people to do acts of charity or good deeds in honor of the king. It’s also traditional to wear yellow on this day. Since it’s a public national holiday, government offices, schools, and many businesses are closed for the day.
Thailand (National holiday) 
