It seems like this year will bring a spice of royalty to our mundane and ordinary lives. As well as a royal birth, and royal celebrity wedding, June marks the 65th anniversary of the day that Queen Elizabeth II was crowned. 

 

But, did you know she’s not the first one to accomplish this jubilee? King Bhumibol of Thailand died two years ago after 70 years of reign, and since his coronation, May 5 th each year remains a public holiday and day of celebration.

 

“To officially recognise and accept the new king, especially if we only had the coronation of the late king 70 years ago, was a once in a lifetime opportunity,” says Dr Orapin Dawson from the Anglo-Thai Society.

 

If you’re travelling to Thailand on this date, you will have the opportunity to tour the Grand Palace in Bangkok, one of the most popular attractions for tourists. The venue will open additional rooms for public viewing letting you walk in the footsteps of the Thai aristocracy, and the anthem will be played at theatres before films, plays and concerts.

 

As a symbol of respect to their king, Thai people will be attending sacred temples for prayer and waving the national flag. The last requirement to fit fully in the culture is to remember to pack a yellow garment, the colour that recalls the King’s birth according to Hindu mythology.