King Vajiralongkorn’s Birthday
King Vajiralongkorn’s Birthday is a national public holiday observed annually on the 28th of July in Thailand. If this holiday falls on a weekend, it is usually moved to the following Monday so that people can have a day off work. This holiday commemorates the birthday of Vajiralongkorn, the King of Thailand, who was born on July 28, 1952.
Thailand (National holiday)Because this is a public holiday, non-essential government agencies and banks are closed. However, some businesses remain open on this day, although there are some that may choose to close for the festivities.
The History of King Vajiralongkorn’s Birthday
Vajiralongkorn was born to King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit on July 28, 1952. He is their only son, and at the age of 20, he was made Crown Prince by his father. His father ruled Thailand for over 70 years and was the longest-reigning monarch of Thailand when he died on October 13, 2016, at the age of 88.
Out of respect for his father, and to give the country a chance to mourn, Vajiralongkorn did not ascend the throne until December 1, 2016. However, the Thai government retroactively declared that his reign officially began on October 13, 2016. Vajiralongkorn was 64 when he took the throne, making him the oldest monarch to ever ascend to the Thai throne.
This birthday celebration was previously celebrated on the birthday of King Bhumibol, placing it on December 5th. However, that changed in 2017 when the official monarch’s birthday was changed to July 28. The 5th of December remains a holiday, however, and is observed as King Bhumibol’s Birthday.
Observing King Vajiralongkorn’s Birthday
On this holiday, some shops remain open while others close. Non-essential government agencies and banks are closed on this day. This holiday is celebrated with an official celebration for the King, as well as a variety of smaller birthday parties and festivals all across Thailand.
Thailand (National holiday)
