The Ministry of Culture is preparing a major event titled "Under the Royal Patronage: 244 Years of Rattanakosin" from 22 to 26 April 2026. It will take place across three central Bangkok locations: the 100th Anniversary Park of Chulalongkorn University, the National Museum Bangkok, and Wat Prayurawongsawat Worawihan. The event will feature a series of religious, artistic, and cultural activities aimed at preserving and advancing cultural heritage for younger generations and celebrating the nation’s history in a grand fashion.
Mr. Prasop Riang-ngern, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, said the Ministry of Culture, together with government agencies, private sector, and networks in religion, arts, and culture, is preparing the "Under the Royal Patronage: 244 Years of Rattanakosin" event from 22 to 26 April 2026 at the 100th Anniversary Park of Chulalongkorn University, the National Museum Bangkok, and Wat Prayurawongsawat Worawihan. This commemorates the 244th anniversary of the founding of Rattanakosin and honors the royal grace and prestige of King Rama I, the founder of the Chakri Dynasty, who established Rattanakosin as the capital of Thailand on 21 April 1782. Over the past 244 years, the Chakri monarchs have upheld the ten royal virtues, diligently carried out royal duties to strengthen the nation with wisdom and far-reaching vision, and fostered the growth of religion, arts, and culture to thrive to this day.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture added, “The 'Under the Royal Patronage: 244 Years of Rattanakosin' event includes religious ceremonies such as on 20 April 2026 at 09:09 a.m., the Deity Worship Ceremony held on the lawn between the Maha Chulalongkorn and Maha Vajiravudh Buildings at Chulalongkorn University. Then on 21 April 2026 at 8:00 a.m., there will be a merit-making ceremony dedicated to the former kings and alms-giving to 99 monks at Wat Pho. At 9:30 a.m., a sacred worship ceremony will be held at the City Pillar Shrine in Bangkok.”
This year’s event is themed "Living Rattanakosin: Past, Present, and Future Together," with activities from 22 to 26 April held across three venues:
1. The 100th Anniversary Park of Chulalongkorn University features the "Celebrating 244 Years of Rattanakosin" outdoor multimedia exhibition and interactive digital installations, a cultural market, and a creative cultural plaza. Activities include demonstrations of Thai heritage, Thai food and desserts, contemporary Thai workshops, and diverse cultural performances from agencies under the Ministry of Culture such as Khon mask dance (Institute of Dramatic Arts), traditional theater and Western music (Fine Arts Department), folk performances (Department of Cultural Promotion), contemporary performing arts (Office of Contemporary Art and Culture), performances by renowned artists, and cultural performances from cultural networks.
2. The National Museum Bangkok hosts "Rattanakosin Royal Night: Glorious Palace" where visitors can stroll through the palace, visit the museum at night for free, watch open-air movies, enjoy cultural performances, browse cultural product and local food markets, participate in Thai workshops, see demonstrations of traditional Thai massage and Thai food and desserts, and attend academic activities and seminars by related agencies.
3. Wat Prayurawongsawat Worawihan will hold the Klong San-Kudi Chin Cultural Walk "Explore Klong San and Kudi Chin Communities, Witness Rattanakosin Life." Activities include merit-making and blessings, cultural product demonstrations and sales, a three-faith food contest, altar table decoration contests, cultural performances, orchestra shows, and the recitation of the Mahachat sermon dedicated as a royal merit to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother.
“The event is built on the concept of 'One Story, Three Venues,' opening spaces for families and tourists—both Thai and foreign—to choose activities, experience cultural values up close, engage meaningfully, learn, and find inspiration. It also promotes income generation and sustainability in social and economic dimensions,” said the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture.
For more information and updates about the event, contact the Culture Hotline at 1765 or visit the Facebook pages of the Ministry of Culture and the Office of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture.
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