December 10: Constitution Day in Thailand – public holiday

December 10 is Constitution Day, which commemorates Thailand's adoption of a constitutional monarchy in 1932 and is a public holiday.

This national holiday in Thailand is a public holiday, unless December 10 falls on a weekend, in which case the holiday is celebrated on the following Monday.

History of the Constitution

In the early 1930s, Thailand (then called Siam) was suffering economically from the effects of the Great Depression.

The king at the time was Rama VII, who was considered by many to lack the experience necessary to deal with all the problems affecting his country.

This led a group of intellectuals and senior military officials to form a group called the People's Party, which offered the king the opportunity to remain in power while reducing his power, creating a constitutional monarchy.

Under the new constitution, the king and the monarchy remained in place, with the king as head of state, head of the army, and defender of all religions.

Since 1932, Thailand has had 18 constitutions or charters, but all are some variation of the constitutional monarchy.

This constant of the monarchy during times of great change reflects the Thai people's respect and admiration for their monarchy.

How is Constitution Day celebrated?

The monarchy is a key element of Constitution Day festivities.

Parades and fireworks are common festivities on this day, and images of Thai kings are displayed across the country.

It is a day when the Thai people will thank the monarchy for granting them the right to rule their country.

See also: The 10 Ramas: The Kings of the Chakri Dynasty of Thailand

Source: officeholidays.com