May 5th is a holiday in Thailand as it marks the Coronation Day of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Known in Thai as Wan Chatramongkhol (Coronation Day), banks and government offices in Thailand are closed today.
The world’s longest reigning monarch, King Bhumibol actually came to the throne in 1946, but the coronation was delayed until May 5th 1950 to allow the young king to complete his studies. Prince Bhumibol as he was then was just 18 when his brother, King Ananda, died in unusual circumstances. Even 60 years after King Ananda’s death, it still isn’t a subject that is openly discussed in Thailand although there have been many different theories put forward by various people from outside of Thailand.
