Coronation Day, known in Thai as Wan Chatramongkhol, is commemorated in Thailand on May 5 every year with the day celebrated as a public holiday. The present king of Thailand, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, came to the throne in June 1946 following the death of his brother. Because he was only 18 years old, a decision was taken to allow the new monarch to complete his studies before he undertook the coronation ceremony. The official coronation took place on May 5, 1950.
King Bhumibol is the ninth king of the Chakri Dynasty and has the title of King Rama IX. The 81-year-old Thai king is the world’s longest reigning current monarch having been on the throne for almost 63 years.
