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Chakri Dynasty commemorated on April 6
Chakri Day (April 6) was first instituted by H.M. King
Vajiravudh (Rama VI) in the year 1919 to commemorate all the Kings in the
Chakri Dynasty, which started with Rama I and continues to this day with
Rama IX, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great.
The reigning Kings in the House of Chakri brought peace and tranquility to
the people within Thailand’s borders and successfully protected the Kingdom,
maintaining sovereignty and integrity through crucial periods threatened by
European colonization and two World Wars.
In commemorating Chakri Day the national flag is proudly displayed by the
people of Thailand and all government officials and members of the community
participate in traditional ceremonies, making offerings of flowers and
garlands at the many statues of Kings in the House of Chakri.
The Chakri Dynasty, or the “House of Chakri” followed the reign of King
Taksin the Great, when He abdicated due to poor health. The Chakri Dynasty
was ushered in on 6 April 1782 when a close aid of King Taksin, General
Chakri, marched back into Thonburi and assumed the throne as H.M. King
Buddha Yod Fa Chulalok the Great (Rama I). Each Monarch thereafter has had
“Rama” as part of his title.
Banks, government offices and most business offices are closed on Monday,
April 6 in observance of this special day.
Chakri Dynasty - Chronology of the
present-day Dynasty of Thailand
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King Buddha Yod Fa Chulalok
the Great
(Rama I) 1782-1809
King Buddha Yod Fa Chulalok the Great was
chosen King in 1782, becoming the founder and first ruler of the
House of Chakri. During the year of his accession to the throne
he moved the capital from Thonburi to the opposite bank of the
Chao Phraya River, thus founding the city of Bangkok. It was
during his reign that the Grand Palace was constructed and he
installed the Emerald Buddha in the Chapel Royal following its
completion. Many historians have stated that modern Siam dates
from his reign. |
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King Buddha Loet La Nabhalai
(Rama II) 1809-1824
King Buddha Loet La Nabhalai (Rama II) was
the only Maha Uparaja (Deputy King, appointed by his father King
Rama I in 1806) to eventually succeed to the throne during the
period of the Chakri Dynasty. His reign was a period of
consolidating the achievements of the previous reign and he
began the custom of appointing senior princes to supervise over
the different departments of state. He is best remembered,
though, for his interest in the arts. He was an artist, writer
and composer, and the arts flourished during his reign. |
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King Nang Klao
(Rama III) 1824-1851
During King Nang Klao’s reign trade prospered
and territorial advances were made as the vassal states of the
north and east came more firmly under the rule of Bangkok.
During his rule, in 1833, the first treaty with the United
States was signed. Extensively encouraged international trading
and education, enhanced promotion of Buddhism and built many
temples. |
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His Majesty King Mongkut
(Rama IV) 1851-1868
Modernized Thailand in both commerce and
education, and instituted reforms which would adapt the country
to western ways. Known as the “Father of Thai Scientists”, he
was famous for his astrology. Before becoming King, the then
Prince Mongkut entered the monkhood. Ironically, it was this
period in monkhood, which required him to take a vow of poverty
and self-denial, that gave Prince Mongkut a good understanding
of statecraft. It allowed him to meet people from all walks of
life, from the humblest to the elite, Thais as well as
foreigners. He traveled to various parts of the Kingdom,
barefoot, depending on offerings of food and other necessities
from the people. From the Thais, he gained an invaluable
first-hand insight into their welfare and livelihood. From the
foreigners, he obtained precious information about the outside
world, especially about technology and science. |
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King Chulalongkorn the Great
(Rama V) 1868-1910
King Chulalongkorn the Great is one of the
most beloved and revered of all the Chakri Kings - during his
long reign of 42 years 23 days great advances were achieved for
the country. He abolished slavery, extensively contacted the
Western world, modernized the government, education,
transportation, and communication. Bonds of friendship between
himself and the various European royal families were formed
which exist to the present day. He successfully managed to
cultivate the idea of Siam as a buffer state between the
colonial possessions of the European powers in South-East Asia.
The price he paid of losing certain border territories was amply
rewarded, for Siam was never colonized - the only country in the
region to maintain its sovereignty throughout the period of
colonial expansionism. |
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King Vajiravudh
(Rama VI) 1910-1925
King Vajiravudh was educated in England and
his great love of literature and poetry in both Thai and English
together with his scholastic abilities was later to manifest
itself during his reign. Among his lasting achievements were
devising a system of transliteration of Thai into English and of
translating the entire works of Shakespeare into Thai. His
passion for traditional Thai theater and ballet has left a mass
of published scores which form the basis of the study of these
arts to the present day. He continued the work of Rama V in
modernizing Thailand, promoted education and established the Boy
Scouts in Thailand. |
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King Prajadhipok
(Rama VII) 1925-1935
King Prajadhipok’s reign coincided with the
worldwide economic depression which followed the Wall Street
Crash of 1929 and its effects were not unfelt in Siam. On April
6, 1932 the country celebrated the sesquicentenary of the Chakri
Dynasty - two months later the eventual transferal of power to a
Legislative Assembly began. On December 10, 1932 King
Prajadhipok granted a constitution to the Thai people, and the
Constitutional Monarchy of the present day was born. He was also
known as the father of modern Thai medicine. |
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King Ananda Mahidol
(Rama VIII), 1935-1946
A direct grandson of King Rama V, King Ananda
Mahidol was the eldest son and second child of H.R.H. Prince
Mahidol Adulyadej, Prince of Songkla. He succeeded his uncle,
King Prajadhipok, as King on March 2, 1935. |
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King Bhumibol Adulyadej the
Great
(Rama IX) 1946 to the present
A true monarch of the people and guiding
light for the whole Thai nation. Saved Thailand from many
crises, dedicated to raising the living standards of the poor,
especially in remote regions. As his reign advances, the growing
reverence of the Thai people for their sovereign has become ever
more apparent. On May 5, 1987, to mark his then forthcoming 60th
birthday, King Bhumibol Adulyadej was proclaimed “the Great” by
the prime minister of Thailand. On July 2, 1988, HM King
Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great celebrated his record reign - the
day on which he had reigned longer than any of his predecessors.
To this day, he remains the longest reigning monarch in the
world. |
Another beautiful day
for annual ‘Kids Day Out’
Open wide, here comes another
mouthful.
The joy on the children’s
faces warms the heart.
Staff reporters
The Royal Varuna Yacht Club once again hosted 250 children from Ban
Nonthaphum in Pakkred, Nonthaburi, Ban Raminthra and Ban Krunoi on Thursday
March 26, for their annual ‘Kids Day Out’.
 Fun
and laughter were the order of the day.
Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Bangkok South rounded up disadvantaged
children, their nurses, teachers, keepers and the staff from their home just
outside Bangkok, and escorted the little ones to the Royal Varuna Yacht Club
for a day of fun and feasting at the seaside.
The event, now in its 13th year, received support from Assumption University
students who accompanied and took care of the disabled children, and of
course the Rotary Club of Bangkok South and the Royal Varuna Yacht Club.
Led by Rotary Club president, Robert Brown, and Andrew Macpherson, in charge
of club events, poor and disabled children enjoyed the sea air, lunch and
ice cream at the yacht club.
 Everyone
has lots of fun.
President Brown said, “These children are many and they need love, warmth
and money. We all can give each of them a little moral support and give them
an opportunity to help themselves. We can have a good time together and we
may be able to help the children realize their dreams.”
Many adults were on hand to ensure that the children were under constant
supervision and that the children had a most enjoyable, safe and memorable
trip to the seashore, one of the very few outings these little people have
during the course of a year. All felt the caress of the warm south wind on
their faces - many for the first time - and enjoyed life like any child,
anywhere - if only for a day.
Eckie the clown was there to entertain the little ones who simply exploded
in laughter at each and every well-rehearsed routine.
Another swim, fun and games on the seafront grass area, a last drink and
finally, it was time to head for the buses waiting outside the Varuna gates.
The army of brave, cheerful little people was wheeled, lifted, carried or
managed to hobble to the exit, to ease their way back to Pakkred, the only
home they have ever known.
 Mmmm,
delicious…
There were many moist eyes on the little - and not just a few of the big -
people as the buses pulled away. It was difficult not to reflect on the
vagaries of life: the innocence of the Pakkred children who have been dealt
a bad hand in the game of life, but whose minds radiate an inner beauty
which we, the able-bodied, would do well to emulate.
They will be back again next March for the 2010 “Kids Day Out” - the day at
the seaside which - even if for only a day - brings light and hope into
lives severely limited by their physical disabilities. For a number of these
children, the seaside represents a beauty which they can feel but not see,
as they turn their faces to the warmth of the south-westerlies which caress
them for a while, before they head back to their world of permanent
darkness.
Thank you Rotary and Royal Varuna Yacht Club for bringing joy into the lives
of these unfortunates.
Sea water is really salty.
Helping to pull up my friends.
A special day for everyone.
Andrew Macpherson and Robert
Brown (back, left and right)
enjoy their time helping the children.
Step right up, the circus is in town
Kavita Lamba
The latest attraction to arrive in Pattaya is the Russian Circus. By
special arrangement with Tanga Star Co., Ltd., Strategy Co., Ltd., and the
Pattaya Mayor’s Office, a new production has been designed and created by
the Russian Circus. The production appeals to both adults and children and
visitors are able to experience a traditional Russian Circus atmosphere.
The current acrobatic show is based on old Russian fables and a foundation
of traditional circus arts. The show is filled with a combination of drama
and cultural history, with the excitement and entertainment that can only be
created by some of the greatest circus performers on earth.
On Monday March 23, Pattaya Circus invited close to 400 children from
Pattaya Orphanage, Streets Kids Center, Mercy Center and Child Development
and Protection Center to come and enjoy the circus. For the children, this
was a rare treat and an unforgettable experience. The circus tent was filled
with faces exhibiting anticipation and smiles.
When asked why the circus had been brought to Thailand, the owner commented
that he felt that he wanted to provide an attraction for children. The show
at present features no animals but the plan is to introduce animals in the
next few months and the show will change regularly every three months.
So the circus is here to stay, and definitely worth a visit.
Amazing acrobatics on show.
Reaching for the sky with a
little help from my friend.
Swinging from the rafters.
Captain Jack, back from the
Caribbean, walks the line.
The audience has the
opportunity to dance with some of the stars.
Saying goodbye during the
grand finale.
A novel way to jump rope.
Ta da!
Pattaya Circus invited close
to 400 children from Pattaya Orphanage, Streets Kids Center, Mercy Center
and Child Development and Protection Center to come and enjoy the circus.
La Dolce Vita for Latin Dance Lovers
The Rhythm & Steps Dance
Academy performs a dazzling Latin dance.
Filipino dancing master José
Alfonso called on the guests
to join in and learn some Latin American dancing steps.
Kirsten Eh
On Saturday March 21, the Italian Restaurant ‘La Dolce Vita’ was
once again the place to go for an electrifying event. Paolo Nota, chef of
the Italian contemporary venue (Naklua, Soi 18), composed an evening full of
taste in every respect: a fastidious Caribbean buffet was served,
accompanied by professional piano dinner music and dazzling Latin dance
performances by the Rhythm & Steps Dance Academy.
 Filipino
dancing master José Alfonso dances with gorgeous Tatiana Musijchenko.
The buffet included eccentric entrées such as raw marinated red snapper
(Mexico/Cuba), tomato and banana salad (Jamaica), and grapefruit and avocado
salad (Guyana).
For the main courses the gourmands were treated to exotic compositions like
jerk pork (Jamaica), lamb in ginger coconut curry (Trinidad), and red
snapper in orange sauce (Haiti).
The parade of desserts was just too good to be true and the coconut flan
(Brazil) and other sweet dreams melted on the tongue. Smooth piano tunes
accompanied the dining and set a perfect mood to enjoy the extravagant
dishes.
Between the courses the guests were thrilled by breathtaking Latin dance
performances. Stephanie Moorhouse and her dancers from Rhythm & Steps
bewitched the audience from head to toe, from A to Z, starting with amazing
Flamenco formations and finishing with Zumba, the big dance/aerobic craze
that is spreading fast worldwide. After their performances the dance floor
was crowded with dancers who joined the dance academy’s workshop.
 The
food was delicious, and the desserts out of this world.
La Dolce Vita is well-known for its fabulous opera events. The next opera
event ‘A Night on Broadway’ will be on April 4, featuring a selection of
arias from favorite Broadway musicals (3 sections of 25 minutes each,
welcome cocktail and three-course-dinner plus coffee for 1,250 baht).
Paolo told us that there is a diversification of cultural events and
extravaganzas coming up, such as short story competitions for literature
lovers, ‘Magic Moments’ for illusion lovers and much more - the sweet life
for all those who love to experience dining on a high quality level. So keep
your ears open and your eyes on www.ladolcevitapattaya.com
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