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Chakri Dynasty commemorated on April 6
Banks and businesses to close in observance of holiday
Chakri
Dynasty - Chronology of the present-day Dynasty of Thailand
King Buddhayodfa
the Great (Rama I)
1782-1809
The first King of the Chakri Dynasty moved the capital city from Thonburi
to Bangkok and built the Grand Palace that houses the Emerald Buddha. Helped
release Thailand from Burmese control after Ayuthaya succumbed 14 years
earlier.
King Buddhaloetla (Rama II)
1809-1824
The first great poet king of the Chakri Dynasty, renowned for his
literature.
King Nangklao
(Rama III)
1824-1851
Extensively encouraged international trading and education, enhanced
promotion of Buddhism and built many temples.
King Mongkut
(Rama IV) 1851-1868
Modernized Thailand in both commerce and education. Known as the
“Father of Thai Scientists” and famous for his astrology.
King Chulalongkorn the Great (Rama V) 1868-1910
One of the most beloved and revered kings, He abolished slavery,
extensively contacted the Western world, modernized the government,
education, transportation, and communication. His diplomacy skills saved
Thailand from being colonized during colonial period.
King Vajiravudh
(Rama VI) 1910-1925
A great poet king. Continued the work of Rama V in modernizing Thailand.
Promoted education and established the Boy Scouts in Thailand.
King Prajadhipok (Rama VII)
1925-1935
Granted the Constitution to Thailand in 1932. Thailand changed from
Absolute Monarchy to Constitutional Monarchy.
King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII), 1935-1946
A direct grandson of King Rama V. Known as the father of modern Thai
medicine.
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.
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, H.M. 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 both 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 Buddhayodfa the Great. Each Monarch thereafter has had “Rama”
as part of their title.
Banks, government offices and most business offices will close on
Wednesday, April 6 in observance of this special day.
Eggs and bunnies instead of stars and stripes
US Consulate community celebrates Easter
Michael Vogt
It was actually one of those days were you rather stay in
an air-conditioned room, or at least in the shade. But the morning heat
could not keep any kid away from arriving even earlier than scheduled for
the Easter Party, organized by the Chiang Mai US community.
In addition to the compound kids, the community also
invited the children from the Rejoice Centre (children affected by HIV and
AIDS) and their caregivers, and how much they all ‘rejoiced’! There were
ring tosses and ping pong balls, they had to put the tail on the bunny and
to toss bean bags, there was magic, Bozo and balloons, games galore, races
and fun for all, adults included.
The appearance of the Easter Bunny was a special delight
for all, and the children could receive first hand information from Bunny
himself (or should that rather be ‘herself’?) how best to race with eggs
on a spoon and be fastest.
Everyone involved in the party, small and not so small, had a great time
with many fun things to do. Nice to see also that the ‘older’ community
children were permanently on hand to help the little ones, not only with the
games, but also getting drinks and food for them. Obviously, the morning
ended all too soon, and the big question still remains to be clarified -
does the Easter Bunny lay eggs, or not?
It seems
that the Easter Bunny ran out of eggs, and was punished for it. However, we
can reassure you that neither children nor animals were harmed in the
process.
Toss the
ring over the bottle was one of the popular sports - and everyone was a
winner.
The
adults had as much fun as the children, if not more. CG Bea Camp (on the
right) throws a balloon, filled with water, at David Summers.
The
Easter Bunny showing the very attentive children how to carry an egg on a
spoon.
Who runs
fastest without dropping the (raw) egg?
The race
is on!
Funny
hats made from balloons were also hot items for the Rejoice children and
their caregivers.
Fourth Bow-Wow Dog Fashion Show
Watcharapong Jingkaujai
Dogs are intelligent, honest and have good relations with
humans, other than postmen and paper delivery boys. During school vacation
and on Sunday March 27, Kad Suan Kaew Department store organized an occasion
for dogs and their families to get out of their kennels, entitled “4th Bow
Wow Fashion Dog” on the outdoor field. Starting at 10 a.m. there were many
dogs and their lovers attending the competition for puppies, six months to
three-year-old dogs and those over three years.
The dogs’ health was checked by students of the Faculty
of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University.
In the afternoon, fashion conscious and color coordinated dogs paraded on
the catwalk (sorry, dogwalk). The colorful winning dog was strangely hued
and the winning fancy dog appeared having decked out its owner in similar
northern Lanna local costumes called “Maw Hom” together with jasmine
necklaces, beating many other entries who came in short pants.
Maw Hom,
the lucky winner of the competition.
Air
pollution in Chiang Mai; even dogs wear masks nowadays.
Not
really sure where to look.
A hot
dog!
I
believe I can fly ...
Actually,
I couldn’t care less!
The 2nd
runner-up in the “Dog and human look-alike” category.
3,000
baht for the “Fancy Dog” category first prize winner.
All the
lucky winners of the Fashion Dog Competition assembled on stage.
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