Ananda Mahidol Day
June 9, Monday
Who was Ananda Mahidol?
Ananda Mahidol was born on September 20, 1925, in Heidelberg, Germany. He was the son of Prince Mahidol Adulyadej and the grandson of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). After his uncle, King Prajadhipok (Rama VII), abdicated in 1935, nine-year-old Ananda was proclaimed king. Due to his young age, he remained in Switzerland to continue his education and returned to Thailand only in 1945.
Circumstances of Death
On June 9, 1946, King Ananda Mahidol was found dead in his bedroom with a gunshot wound to the head. Initially reported as an accident, later three of his close associates were accused of murder and executed in 1955. The circumstances of his death remain a subject of debate and are not openly discussed in Thailand.
How the Day is Observed
On Ananda Mahidol Day in Thailand, commemorative events are held:
* Laying wreaths at the king's monuments
* Lectures and exhibitions dedicated to his life and reign
* Moments of silence and ceremonies in educational institutions and government agencies
Events in medical institutions are particularly significant, as the king's father, Prince Mahidol, is considered the founder of modern medicine in Thailand.
Significance of the Day
Ananda Mahidol Day serves as a reminder of the importance of the monarchy in Thailand's history and the tragic events that influenced the country's fate. It is a day of remembrance and respect for the young king whose life ended under mysterious circumstances.