Coronation Day

Many countries have days that celebrate or commemorate the head of state. For Thailand, the Coronation Day, or Wan Chatra Mongkol, is an auspicious occasion to celebrate the coronation anniversary of the Thai monarch. Rituals are performed on the royal regalia which symbolizes kingship.  In the current reign of King Rama X, Coronation Day marks the anniversary of His Majesty’s coronation on 4 May 2019.

The rituals performed on Coronation Day developed over time. In the reign of King Rama IV, the King, in his private event, made merit to celebrate the royal umbrella or chatra (ฉัตร), the Thai symbol of kingship. As a result, Coronation Day in Thai is called Wan Chatra Mongkol (วันฉัตรมงคล) meaning “Auspicious Day of the Royal Umbrella.”

The merit-making ceremony for Coronation Day rituals was held privately in the Grand Palace until King V turned it into a state event. In his reign, Coronation Day’s ceremony included the conferral of Order of Chula Chao Klao, firing of gun salute, paying homage to the late kings, and merit-making in celebration of the Royal Regalia. In the reign of King Vajiravudh (Rama VI), merit-making for the late kings was added to list of rituals. Nowadays, in the current reign of King Vajiralongkorn (Rama X), Coronation Day celebrations span three days, with the May 4 announced as a public holiday.