Passing of His Majesty the Late King
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
In Thailand, 13 October is a public holiday to commemorate the Passing of His Majesty the Late King Day. In 2026, Passing of His Majesty the Late King falls on Tuesday 13 October. The holiday will be on Wednesday 13 October in 2027. For decades, King Bhumibol Adulyadej was the only king the people of Thailand knew, and he remained in power even when numerous prime ministers and military coup leaders came and went. He became a symbol of stability and was much beloved by the people of his realm. Born on 5 December, 1927, Bhumibol Adulyadej died on 13 October, 2016. He took the throne in 1946, reigned for 70 years, and came to be called “Father of the Nation”. After a long struggle with illness, he finally passed away, at the age of 88. One year later, the king was cremated and transported on a restored, golden royal chariot in an elaborate procession to Phra Merumat, to be interred with many of his ancestors of the Chakri Dynasty, which began back in 1782. Shrines were erected in the king’s honour all over the nation, and the mourning over his death lasted a full year.
History
He took the throne in 1946, reigned for 70 years, and came to be called “Father of the Nation”. One year later, the king was cremated and transported on a restored, golden royal chariot in an elaborate procession to Phra Merumat, to be interred with many of his ancestors of the Chakri Dynasty, which began back in 1782. Shrines were erected in the king’s honour all over the nation, and the mourning over his death lasted a full year
How It's Celebrated
In Thailand, 13 October is a public holiday to commemorate the Passing of His Majesty the Late King Day. The holiday will be on Wednesday 13 October in 2027