Phingkarat Phakdi, Long Live His Majesty the King

November 11

Press Conference at Thapae Gate to announce the opening of the “Phingkarat Phakdi, Long Live His Majesty the King” Illuminated Arch Project.
The Chiang Mai Municipality has launched the illuminated arch project, to commemorate the auspicious occasion of His Majesty the King’s 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary at the Chiang Mai Yi Peng Festival 2024, starting on November 11. Under the leadership of Mayor Assanee Buranupakorn, the Municipality has installed a series of illuminated arches that will light up the city along Nawarat Bridge and Tha Pae Road, adding to the city’s charm and boosting local tourism. This commemorative arch project, titled ‘Phingkarat Phakdi, Long Live His Majesty the King, is a collaboration with faculty members from the Department of Thai Arts and Creative Cultures, Faculty of Fine Arts, Chiang Mai University. Mayor Assanee believes in the Lanna zodiac calendar, a 12-year cycle in which each year is associated with a zodiac animal, which derives from the Chinese zodiac calendar. This tradition has been part of both Thai and Lanna cultures since ancient times. In the Lanna system, however, the Pig is replaced by the Elephant, and the cycle begins with the year of the Rat and ends with the year of the Elephant. Inspired by the Lanna zodiac calendar, the Mayor and the Department of Thai Arts and Creative Industries have developed the concept of Pratu Khong, a Lanna-style entrance arch. This arch features patterns of the Lanna zodiac symbols on one side and the international ones on the other. The design incorporates columns with colonial-style capitals inspired by historic mansions. At the base of the columns includes distinctive Lanna architectural motifs, such as lines, angles, diamonds, and lotus patterns. The centre of the arches showcases zodiac signs from both the Lanna and international systems, complemented by traditional floral motifs. These designs, prominently displayed along the length of Tha Pae Road, are inspired by the pediments of Lanna temples such as Wat Saen Fang, Wat Buppharam, and Wat Lanna. At the top of the arches and in the corners of the bases are star emblems encircled by halos, honouring the profound contributions of Princess Dara Rasmi, the consort of King Rama V, to Chiang Mai that endure to this day. The Princess symbolises the people of Chiang Mai’s enduring loyalty and gratitude for the boundless kindness of the Chakri Dynasty. Most prominently, the centrepiece of the first and final arches features the commemorative emblem for His Majesty the King’s 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary on July 28, 2024, displayed above the symbol of Chiang Mai Municipality. Spanning 200 meters, each decorative element is meticulously handcrafted and illuminated by lightbulbs of varying sizes. Background music, specially composed to enhance the experience, plays during the illumination, creating an atmosphere for both locals and visitors. Named ‘Phingkarat Phakdi, Long Live His Majesty the King’, the illuminated commemorative arches represent the loyalty and gratitude of the Chiang Mai people towards His Majesty the King, wishing him prosperity and longevity. As part of an effort to boost local tourism and the economy, this project led by Mayor Assanee offers both locals and visitors an opportunity to appreciate the city’s beauty during the festive season, spanning from the Yi Peng Festival to the Lanna New Year Festival.