Makha Bucha in Thailand
Despite the great age of the events of Maka Bucha, (Buddha was teaching over 2,500 years ago) this day only became a holiday in Thailand in 1957. Prior to 1957, the third lunar month was celebrated as a Buddhist Holy Day.
In Thailand, the sale of alcohol is banned on religious holidays. This means bars and clubs are closed for the entire holiday. If Maka Bucha falls on a weekend, a substitute holiday will be observed on the following Monday. Similar restrictions on the sale of alcohol will also apply on this day.
When is Chakri Memorial Day?
Chakri Memorial Day is a national holiday in Thailand, observed on April 6th.
If April 6th falls on a weekend, then the following Monday will be taken as a substitute holiday.
History of Chakri Memorial Day
Officially known as 'King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke the Great Day and Chakri Dynasty Memorial Day', Chakri Day commemorates the establishment of the Chakri Dynasty by Phra Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke ( Rama I) in 1782.
One of King Rama's first acts was to make Krung Thep (modern-day Bangkok) the capital of Siam.
Chakri day commemorates the coronation of Rama I but it is also a day for the people of Thailand to recognise the contributions of all the kings in the dynasty.
The current and tenth King (Rama X) of the dynasty is King Vajiralongkorn, who succeeded his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej who died in October 2016.
How is Chakri Memorial Day celebrated?
The King, accompanied by other members of the royal household, presides over the religious ceremonies held at the royal chapel.
He will pay respects to his predecessors at the Royal Pantheon, which contains life-size statues of the first eight kings of the Chakri dynasty, and will lay a wreath at the statue of King Rama I at the Memorial Bridge.
As this holiday always falls a few days before the three day Songkran festival, it is also an opportunity for many people to travel in preparation for the Songkran festivities
Government offices, schools, and banks close, but most other businesses open as usual on this day.
All Royal Thai Police, Tourist Police stations, hospitals and shopping centres will remain open and alcohol sales are permitted by law on this day.
Makha Bucha Traditions in Thailand
Makha Bucha has been celebrated in modern-day Thailand since the reign (1851 - 1868) of King Rama IV. It was initially observed only on the grounds of the royal palace and later became more widely recognised nationally before becoming a Thai public holiday in 1957. The Thai government has imposed an alcohol ban since 2015.
Alcohol and drugs are just a few things Buddhists avoid on Makha Bucha Day. The restricted behaviours include gambling, lying and gossiping, harming other living things and eating meat, sexual promiscuity, and stealing. Even Buddhists who are less devout might avoid eating meat and drinking alcohol on this day.
