April 2012
Many in the public sector, government, banks and commercial services, can look forward to an extra day off prior to Thailand’s traditional New Year event. The four-day weekend will see banks closed on Monday.
The Thai government announced earlier this year that that April 9 would be a public holiday to allow people to greave and pay their final respects for HRH Bejaratana Rajasuda.
The Princess, who died on July 27 last year, is the first cousin of Thailand’s King Bhumibol and the only daughter of King Vajiravudh. She will be laid to rest at a Sanam Luang ceremonial ground on Monday.
April 6 is also a public holiday to commemorate the nine kings Chakri Dynasty kings that have ruled the nation. The Chakri Dynasty dates back to the same time Bangkok was founded in the late 1700s, with HRH King Bhumibol the current and msot recent in the list of Chakri royals, known as Rama 9.
King Bhumibol is also the inspiration for the change of slogan by tourism chiefs from ‘Amazing Thailand’ to ‘Miracle Year Thailand. A whole year has been dedicated to celebrating the world’s longest reigning monarch, who celebrated his 84th birthday on December 5, last year.
Following the four day holiday that finishes on April 9, Thais will get a further four days break to celebrate Songkran, Thailand’s New Year of 2555.
The coming four days will see a rather quiet Bangkok, as many Thais leave the city and participate in some travelling before heading back to the capital to visit relatives, attend the lcoal temple and join the world’s biggest water fight.
