Thailand stages spectacular royal events this July in celebration of king’s birthday

MANILA, Philippines —His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand marks his 72nd birthday on July 28, and the entire Kingdom rejoices with the Royal Family with a month-long celebration that includes spectacular royal events. 

So, for tourists who are planning to visit Thailand (officially named as the Kingdom of Thailand and historically known as Siam), this is the best time to visit because aside from food trips and the usual visits to night markets and famous tourist attractions, they get to witness royal processions and pageantries and obtain a unique glimpse into the kingdom’s storied past and its royal traditions, rituals and culture.

Joint efforts will be coming from both the public and private sectors to pull out all stops to ensure the success of all events that have to do with the momentous celebration. For one, ONESIAM curates a vibrant array of events that showcase Thailand’s rich heritage and royal splendor from July 1 to 31, making it a must-attend event for those looking to experience Thailand’s unique essence and vibrant celebrations.  

ONESIAM, a collective of extraordinary experiences across Siam Piwat’s six world-class experiential destinations in Bangkok, combining shopping, dining, and entertainment, proudly presents a series of grand processions and pageantries across the city that reflects the kingdom’s rich and storied past.

A major focus of the festivities is the yellow star flower, known for its striking golden blossoms and fragrant aroma. Symbolizing the King’s birthday, these vibrant flowers will adorn streets and landmarks across Bangkok, creating a visually stunning tribute to His Majesty the King. This year, internationally acclaimed Thai floral artist Sakul Intakul has added an elegant touch to the city’s celebration with mesmerizing installations at Siam Paragon and ICONSIAM from July 1 to 31.

Sakul’s installation at the popular landmark, Siam Paragon’s The Jewel, titled “Pushapanjali Maleenoparatana Chaloemphrachon,” incorporates a stunning blend of Thai flowers and auspicious gemstones. This captivating tableau symbolizes prosperity and good fortune, reflecting both Thai heritage and modern aesthetics. It serves as a striking centerpiece that captures the essence of the royal celebrations while appealing to people of all generations. For this golden-yellow showcase, 46 yellow star blooms were meticulously crafted using fabric in the intricate traditional Thai banana leaf art technique. Each pollen is shaped like a buckle from traditional Thai costumes and is adorned with fabrics in the colors of auspicious gemstones, including diamond, pearl, emerald, ruby, yellow sapphire, garnet, blue sapphire, and blue topaz.

At ICONSIAM, Sakul presents “Maleesiri Srinawaratsakkarn,” a contemporary floral installation inspired by traditional Thai designs. This piece draws inspiration from traditional Thai floral pendants and incorporates ancient techniques of Thai floral craftsmanship, such as flower petal sewing, floral netting, and floral tassels. The key component of this installation is the yellow star flower, symbolizing auspiciousness and royalty. Another auspicious symbol used is the nine auspicious gemstones or ‘Nophkao,’ featured as decorations in the center of the large round compositions of each piece.

The essence of Thai cultural celebration is further brought to life through traditional performances. The “International Ramayana” Khon performance at ICONSIAM’s Suralai Hall will present the epic tale of Ramayana through a unique collaboration of eight countries. Each country will showcase different episodes of the story, offering a rich, multifaceted experience that highlights the shared cultural heritage of the region. This rare performance is a testament to the enduring legacy of Khon, an elaborate masked dance-drama recognized by UNESCO as a cultural heritage. Featuring intricate costumes and dramatic storytelling, it offers a captivating insight into Thai mythology and exquisite artistic legacy.

Between July 19 and 29, Siam Center, participants can join a DIY workshop to paint yellow star flowers on fans and create various accessories from Japanese clay, such as hair clips and headbands, in their own style.

As part of the celebrations, a spectacular water and lighting performance is set to dazzle visitors in the evening of July 24 at River Park in ICONSIAM. This dynamic display will captivate audiences with its vibrant portrayal of Thai culture and reverence for His Majesty, blending color, sound, and light in a powerful tribute along the banks of Thailand’s central river.

The festivities continue with an Alms Giving ceremony on the morning of July 26 at ICONSIAM. Visitors are invited to partake in the time-honored tradition of offering food to 73 monks. This deeply embedded Thai practice provides tourists with an authentic experience of the nation’s devotion and generosity, reflecting Thailand’s deep-rooted Buddhist traditions.

In the same spirit of celebration, Siam Paragon will feature a series of embassy performances from July 26 to 29. These performances will highlight the kingdom’s cultural richness through a variety of traditional arts, including the Khon performance of the Ramayana epic, traditional dances of the four regions of Thailand, Thai boxing, and the grand “Prosperity of Rattanakosin” Khon performance.

Finally, another do-not-miss event is the candle lighting ceremony for auspicious blessings on July 28 at ICONSIAM’s River Park and the ONESIAM Skywalk interchange by Siam Discovery. The warm glow of countless candles will illuminate the night, creating a serene display of reverence and unity.

ONESIAM’s celebrations this July are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the grandeur and beauty of Thailand’s royal heritage. This is more than a celebration; it’s a journey through the history, culture, and spiritual essence of Thailand. Whether you are captivated by the intricate floral displays, the mesmerizing cultural performances, or the profound spiritual ceremonies, there is something magical to experience at every turn.