The government is preparing celebrations for the 99th birthday of His Holiness Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatayana the Supreme Patriarch, the grand quadrennial birthday of Her Majesty the Queen, and the centennial commemoration of Queen Ramphaiphanni.
On 11 May 2026 at 14:00, at Santi Maitri Building (Inner Rear), Government House, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul chaired three consecutive committee meetings: (1) the Steering Committee for the 99th Birthday Celebration of Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatayana the Supreme Patriarch, meeting 2/2026 for 26 June 2026; (2) the Steering Committee for the Celebrations on the Auspicious Occasion of Her Majesty the Queen’s 4th Cycle Birthday Anniversary on 3 June 2026, meeting 2/2026; and (3) the Steering Committee for the Centennial Commemoration of Queen Ramphaiphanni’s Royal Achievements in the Reign of King Rama VII, meeting 1/2026. Attendees included Somdet Phra Maha Wirawong, member of the Supreme Sangha Council and secretary to the Supreme Patriarch, assistant abbot of Wat Ratchabophit, the Speaker of Parliament, advisors, deputy prime ministers, relevant ministers, and heads of government agencies.
Ms. Lalida Pertwivatthana, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister’s Office, disclosed that the Prime Minister said today’s meetings were to follow up progress and prepare for three auspicious royal occasions.
1. Requesting royal permission to proceed for the celebration of the 99th birthday of Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatayana the Supreme Patriarch on 26 June 2026. Royal permission was granted as proposed as follows: 1) The event’s name and scope were defined as (1) Thai name: "The Celebrations on the Occasion of His Holiness Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatayana the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand’s 99th Birthday Anniversary 26 June 2026"; English name: “The Celebrations on the Occasion of His Holiness Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatayana the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand’s 99th Birthday Anniversary 26th June 2026.” (2) The event period was set from 1 March to 31 December 2026.
Key activities include: 1) a Buddhist chanting ceremony and almsgiving merit-making on Friday, 26 June 2026, at 07:00; 2) a novitiate ordination project as merit-making for the Supreme Patriarch’s 99th birthday from 13 to 29 June 2026 at Wat Ratchabophit; 3) an exhibition and tribute activities at Wat Ratchabophit from 19 to 21 June 2026. Additionally, commemorative books, medals, coins, and postage stamps will be produced to mark the occasion.
2. Organizing the celebrations on the auspicious occasion of Her Majesty the Queen’s 4th Cycle Birthday Anniversary on 3 June 2026. The Bureau of the Royal Household sent a letter to the Prime Minister informing that His Majesty the King graciously bestowed royal permission for the grand royal ceremony for Her Majesty the Queen’s 4th Cycle Birthday Anniversary on 3–4 June 2026 and kindly granted the official name: in Thai, “The Celebrations on the Auspicious Occasion of Her Majesty the Queen’s 4th Cycle Birthday Anniversary 3 June 2026,” and in English, “The Celebrations on the Auspicious Occasion of Her Majesty the Queen’s 4th Cycle Birthday Anniversary 3rd June 2026.”
They also acknowledged the appointment of the committee organizing the Royal Barge Procession, with the Minister of Defence and Permanent Secretary as advisors, the Navy Commander as chairman, and the Deputy Navy Chief as secretary. Preparations are underway for the procession accompanying the royal merit-making ceremony for offering the Royal Kathin robe at Wat Arun Ratchawararam, Bangkok Yai District, Bangkok, on Friday, 6 November 2026, at 15:00.
In addition, government-organized activities for the royal celebrations from 1 March to 31 December 2026 include key events on Wednesday, 3 June 2026: Buddhist chanting and almsgiving ceremonies, royal tribute offerings, candle lighting for royal blessings, and the official presentation of royal tributes and floral wreaths.
Notable projects and activities include an exhibition and celebratory events at Wat Ratchathiwat from 1 to 3 June 2026; nationwide chanting and meditation ceremonies in all temples on 3 June 2026; invitations for government agencies to hold ceremonies and activities in June 2026; signing ceremonies for royal blessings at agency sites or online from 1 to 15 June 2026; and celebratory club events for the royal ceremony marking Her Majesty the Queen’s 4th Cycle Birthday Anniversary.
3. Organizing the centennial commemoration of Queen Ramphaiphanni, Queen in the reign of King Rama VII, honoring her royal achievements on the 100th anniversary. The secretariat proposed naming the event “The Centennial Commemoration of Queen Ramphaiphanni, Queen in the Reign of King Rama VII, on the Occasion of Honoring Her Royal Achievements” and setting the event period from 22 May 2026 to 31 December 2027. Key activities include Buddhist chanting ceremonies, merit-making almsgiving ceremonies, and royal tribute offerings.
Planned projects and activities include chanting and meditation ceremonies for merit-making, exhibitions commemorating Queen Ramphaiphanni’s royal contributions, invitations for government agencies to jointly organize related projects and activities, and dissemination of her royal biography, achievements, and expertise to honor her legacy on this centennial.
The Prime Minister emphasized that related agencies must collaborate closely to ensure the events are conducted smoothly and with due honor. He urged designated lead and supporting agencies to take full responsibility for organizing the celebrations of the Supreme Patriarch’s 99th birthday, Her Majesty the Queen’s 4th Cycle Birthday Anniversary, and the centennial commemoration of Queen Ramphaiphanni, ensuring flawless execution of all activities.
