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FriDec 6

King Bhumibol’s Birthday – December 6, 2024

King Bhumibol’s Birthday celebrations take place on December 6 in Thailand each year (unless the holiday falls on the weekend, then the celebrations move to the following Monday). The occasion is also known as Thailand’s National Day and Father’s Day. In an effort to commemorate the birthday of the late King of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej, Thailand becomes a party haven where almost everyone is out on the streets to pay tribute to the great king. There is music, dances, and lots of lights! And yes, decorations are everywhere too. If you want to witness Thailand at its best, make sure you visit the region in December. We guarantee it to be an adventure you will remember for the rest of your life.

History of King Bhumibol’s Birthday

King Bhumibol, also known as Rama IX, ruled Thailand from June 9, 1946, until his death on October 13, 2016. King Bhumibol reigned the country for a long time and managed to gain the love of the people with his positive stance towards democracy. The King was also the only monarch born overseas in the U.S., while his father, Prince Mahidol Adulyadej, was studying at Harvard. All over Thailand, King Bhumibol was respected and cherished for his involvement in stopping a civil war that nearly erupted in 1992. The King also waged war against drugs by ensuring illegal narcotics did not make their way to the people. Most importantly, he was seen as the Father of Technology of Thailand and the ‘development’ King.

Apart from these steps towards the nation’s advancement, the King also adopted some interesting hobbies. Believe it or not, he was a Jazz musician and wrote about 49 compositions. In fact, he even started a jazz band in the 1950s and performed on the radio station, which he started from within the palace.

Late in 2016, the King’s health started to get affected, and he was admitted to the hospital due to his deteriorating condition. On October 13, 2016, he passed away. Thousands of his followers mourned his death and still continue to celebrate his life every year on December 5. During the King’s birth anniversary, buildings across Thailand display flags, buntings, and portraits of the late King. The streets are decorated with thousands of marigold flowers that represent celebrations.

King Bhumibol’s Birthday timeline

1967
The Winner

The King wins a gold medal in the Southeast Asia Peninsular Games.

1973
Diplomacy

King Bhumibol convinces the dictators of the country to give up power.

2008–2013
Minting Money

The King is listed as the world’s richest monarch.

2016
His Last Days

King Bhumibol is hospitalized.

King Bhumibol’s Birthday FAQs

Where was King Bhumibol born?

He was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in the United States.

How is the King’s birthday celebrated in Thailand?

Homes and public spaces are decorated with lights, and several other ceremonies take place.

Is the Thai king dead?

Yes, King Bhumibol died in 2016. He was born in 1927.

How to Celebrate King Bhumibol’s Birthday

  1. Visit one of the celebrations

    Since the birthday is celebrated across Thailand, all you have to do is attend one of the massive celebrations and have the time of your life.

  2. Bake a cake

    What better way to celebrate a birthday? Bake a cake and have a cake cutting ceremony in honor of the king.

  3. Find out more about him

    There is so much more about the King that none of us know. Why not use this day to dig up some interesting facts about him?

5 Facts About King Bhumibol

  1. Symbolic importance

    He is seen as the father of Thailand.

  2. The King’s birthday celebrations

    While he was alive, great celebrations took place in Hua Hin.

  3. Total reign

    King Bhumibol was Thailand’s longest-reigning monarch — he was in power for 70 years.

  4. U.N.’s first Human Development Lifetime Achievement Award

    The award was presented to King Bhumibol in Bangkok.

  5. Honoring their King

    When the King was hospitalized, thousands of people stood outside wearing pink and yellow.

Why We Love King Bhumibol’s Birthday

  1. It’s historical

    The day celebrates the birthday of a royal figure in Thailand and keeps his legacy alive for the next generations.

  2. Cultural aspect

    King Bhumibol’s birthday is important because it displays the unique Thai culture and cherishes the nation’s roots.

  3. Time for celebration

    The day is celebrated with great enthusiasm, and no matter what class or status you are, it is your right to enjoy the King’s birthday.

King Bhumibol’s Birthday dates

Year Date Day
2022 December 5 Monday
2023 December 5 Tuesday
2024 December 5 Thursday
2025 December 5 Friday
2026 December 7 Monday