From 21 to 25 April 2023, the Ministry of Culture has announced a series of events and activities to commemorate the 241st anniversary of the establishment of Krung Rattanakosin or Krung Thep Mahanakhon (Bangkok) at museums, temples, and key landmarks on Rattanakosin Island or Bangkok’s Old Town.
The event is being held to honor and commemorate the generosity of Phra Bat Somdet Phra Phutthayotfa Chulalok Maharaj (King Rama I), the founder of the Rattanakosin Kingdom and the first monarch of the Chakri Dynasty, and all of the9 Chakri Dynasty’s kings.
Bangkok was founded on April 21, 1782. Rattanakosin Island, also known as Bangkok’s Old Town, is located in the Phra Nakhon district along the Chao Phraya River. The Grand Palace, Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram (Wat Phra Kaew or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha), and Wat Phra Chetuphon are among its most famous and visited landmarks (Wat Pho or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha).
The National Museum Bangkok, the National Theatre, Santi Chai Prakan Park, Ratchadamnoen Contemporary Art Center, Museum Siam, Wat Prayurawongsawat Worawihan, and Bang Lamphu Museum are the main locations for the five-day event. There will also be 20 other venues for related events and activities.
The worshipping rituals to commemorate Krung Rattanakosin’s founding anniversary will take place on April 20 at the National Museum Bangkok and the National Theatre. This will be followed by merit-making ceremonies at Wat Phra Chetuphon (Wat Pho) and a City Pillar Shrine worship ceremony on April 21.
The National Museum Bangkok and the National Theatre will host the opening ceremony. Cultural performances, a night museum, a retro-style food market, and a fair selling cultural products from Thailand’s 76 provinces and 50 districts will be held here over the course of five days.
From April 21 to May 7, events and activities will be held at Santi Chai Prakan Park. These include an exhibition honoring all of the Chakri Dynasty’s kings, multimedia shows commemorating Bangkok’s 241st anniversary, an illuminated tunnel, open-air cinema, and orchestral performances.
Ratchadamnoen Contemporary Art Center will host a photo contest commemorating Krung Rattanakosin’s 241st anniversary, as well as workshops and a fair of contemporary art products, as well as ASEAN-related activities.
Academic discussions and an exhibition commemorating Krung Rattanakosin’s 241 years will be held at Museum Siam.
Wat Prayurawongsawat Worawihan will celebrate the 241st anniversary of Krung Rattanakosin with a temple fair and other activities.
Bang Lamphu Museum will be open to the public for free admission and will host community tourism activities led by local youth guides, such as art and craft workshops and cultural performances.
On the 241st anniversary of Krung Rattanakosin, 20 other venues will host related events and activities, such as making merit and paying homage to Buddha images.
The BMTA will organize free sightseeing buses and trams, as well as pick-up and drop-off services at various locations.
Call the Ministry of Culture’s Hotline 1765 for more information (Thai speaking).