You're probably lamenting why the holiday is always so short and gone so fast as you drag yourself to work.
However, 5th May is another holiday in Thailand. It is the Coronation Day, which marks the coronation anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
According to this website (http://www.soravij.com), His Majesty had a royal coronation ceremony performed in the Grand Palace on 5 May 1950, four years after he actually assumed his kingship in 1946. At the traditional coronation ceremony, His Majesty pronounced the traditional oath of accession: “We shall reign with righteousness for the benefits and happiness of the Siamese people.”
The Thais love their King.
I was in Bangkok last Dec during His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej's birthday on 5th December. It is also a public holiday.
In the days leading to 5th Dec, there are photos of His Majesty placed everywhere. On the streets, along the highways, inside shopping centers, at shops, hotels and temples, etc for people to offer well wishes to His Majesty. There were programs on TV showing His Majesty's work in improving the lives of His people and top artistes coming together in a song as a tribute to His Majesty.
At that time, His Majesty was staying (and is still staying) in Hua Hin. The TV station telecast the event live and you can see people lining the street that His Majesty will pass by, to send their well wishes to His Majesty and to catch a glimpse of His Majesty, even if it's just a second. Everyone is in yellow, the Royal color.
In Bangkok, there were various events held to celebrate His Majesty's birthday, the largest at Sanam Luang. In the evening, shopping malls, hotels and all places will have people lighting candles and hold their own prayers.
I was at Yaowarat in the morning on 5th Dec 2013 and saw many Thai-Chinese wearing yellow polo-tee with a embroidery of the Royal Crest on the pocket going about doing their business and daily work. My uncle got all so excited and asked where can he get one as well to join in the celebration.
Later in the afternoon, I was at Siam Paragon and there were a lot of people out to what looked to me as another public holiday for them. Most of them were in their clothes, though there were still quite a lot of people in yellow. In the late afternoon and towards evening, suddenly everywhere I looked is a sea of yellow. Many people have brought their yellow polo-tee along with them and changed into it.
There's a video of His Majesty's birthday celebration in Bangkok in 2012. People were camping outside the Royal Palace many days ahead just to secure a good location to see His Majesty. Many of them traveled from the rural areas and other provinces. The crowd literally stretched for miles and miles.
It's rare to see a monarch of a country being so well loved by its citizens.
His Majesty is an inspiration to us on the influence and good that you can do with the power you have.
It's also proof that you receive what you give.
And you can start at anywhere you are now, even if you think you have no power.
Photo Source : http://www.soravij.com/coronation.html