Chakri Memorial Day commemorates the auspicious occasion when His Majesty King Phra Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke the Great (Rama I) ascended the throne as the founding monarch of the Chakri Dynasty. His Majesty established a new capital city named Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Bowon Rattanakosin, succeeding Thonburi. While Thonburi had spanned both banks of the Chao Phraya River, the new capital was strategically relocated. Later, during the reign of His Majesty King Mongkut (Rama IV), the city's name was changed to Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Amon Rattanakosin. Since its foundation in 1782, this era has been known as the Rattanakosin Period, similar to the naming of previous eras in Siamese history. The royal lineage of the Chakri Dynasty has reigned continuously for 10 reigns, spanning over 239 years to the present day.

Historical records indicate that in 1873, His Majesty King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) graciously ordered the casting of royal statues of the four previous monarchs (Rama I – Rama IV). These statues were intended for future kings, the Royal Family, government officials, and the general public to pay their respects and commemorate the monarchs' great benevolence in an annual tradition. Initially, the statues were enshrined at the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall before being moved to various locations over time.

In the reign of His Majesty King Vajiravudh (Rama VI), His Majesty ordered the relocation of the four royal statues, along with the statue of his father, King Rama V, to the Prasat Phra Debidorn (The Royal Pantheon) within the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. King Rama VI specifically ordered the renovation of the Phra Phuttha Prang Prasat for this purpose and bestowed upon it the name "Prasat Phra Debidorn." The restoration and enshrinement of the statues of the five reigns were completed in April 1918. Subsequently, King Rama VI issued a royal command to establish a formal ceremony to pay homage to the royal statues on April 6 of that year, officially designating April 6 as "Chakri Day."

Photo by: Wanichaya Busabong