Monday marks Father's Day in Thailand. It is a very special day because it is also the birthday of the king of Thailand. In fact, Father's Day is always on the king's birthday (which means that, yes, it changes with the kings!). It is a public holiday, so all of Thailand is preparing for this special day.The current king of Thailand has been reigning since 1946 and is highly revered and beloved by his people. All around the city, stations like the one pictured below have been popping up in honor of the king for his 84th birthday. I have been told that so important is this day that if a Thai son is born on the king's birthday, he is granted free education for the rest of his life! Likewise, if a daughter is born to Thai parents on the queen's birthday (Mother's Day!), she is granted the same. (This last bit of information was word of mouth... I have tried researching it to confirm it and can't find anything--so, don't take my word for it). :)
{I took this picture tonight outside of the local supermarket}
On Father's Day people will show their love and respect for the king by wearing his special color--yellow! The king's day of the week throughout the year is Monday, so people also wear yellow on Mondays. This king ascended the throne at the age of 19 when an untimely death thrust him into power. He has since become the most adored and respected king in Thailand's history, and the longest reigning sovereign in the world. And get this interesting fact: he was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts! :O
Happy 84th, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rama IX!
No comments:
Post a Comment