Known as Rama IX, he reigned Thailand since June 9th 1946 until his death on October 13th 2016, making him the longest-reigning monarch ever in Thailand’s history.
Despite being a constitutional monarch, and not legally being allowed a role in politics, Bhumibol made several decisive interventions in the Thai political sphere and has been credited with helping facilitate Thailand’s transition to democracy in the 1990s.
The holiday itself is a colourful affair. Buildings across Thailand will display flags, bunting and portraits of the late King, while around the Grand Palace area of Bangkok, the streets are decorated with thousands of marigolds.
Marigolds are chosen for their colour, as yellow is the predominant colour of the celebrations; as the King was born on a Monday and in Thailand, yellow is the colour for Monday.
In the evening, the streets around Ratchadamnoen and Sanam Luang are closed to traffic and many people come to watch celebratory fireworks displays.
Most government offices are closed on this holiday and banks are closed except branches in shopping centres. There is no ban on the sale of alcohol on this holiday.