This day is a public holiday. A public holiday, commemorating King Rama I who was the first of the Chakri kings. On this day, the present king, His Majesty King Bhumibol presides over a religious ceremony performed to give merit to the deceased rulers at the Royal Chapel, then pays respects to His Majesty's predecessors at the Royal Pantheon and lays a wreath at the statue of King Rama I at the Memorial Bridge. During April 13-15, everyone celebrates the traditional Thai new year. In every home, Buddha images are washed with rose scented water.
People also pay respects to their elders by pouring a little water over their hands.
Outside, people go a little wilder and buckets of water are thrown over everything that moves. A holiday for some factory and office workers. The banks are closed but government departments and shops are open. This year the holiday is on Monday 3rd May as the 1st May is a Saturday. May A public holiday to commemorate the coronation of the King and Queen in 1950.