Culture
Royal Ceremony Marks Seasonal Change for the Emerald Buddha
The King and Queen of Thailand presided over the traditional seasonal attire change for the Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram.
On July 30, 2026, His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen performed the royal ceremony to change the seasonal attire of the Emerald Buddha (Phra Phuttha Maha Mani Rattana Patimakon) from summer to rainy season robes. The ceremony took place at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram) within the Grand Palace complex in Bangkok.
Accompanying the royal couple were Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari, His Royal Highness Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti, and Chao Khun Phra Sineenat Bilaskalayani. During the ritual, the King ascended to the pedestal to personally remove the summer crown and replace it with the rainy season crown, while also performing the traditional cleansing rites with sacred water.
For residents and travelers, this event highlights the deep-rooted cultural traditions that govern the maintenance of Thailand’s most sacred religious icon. While the temple remains a primary destination for visitors, such royal ceremonies occasionally result in temporary adjustments to public access hours or specific areas within the Grand Palace grounds. Travelers planning to visit the Temple of the Emerald Buddha are advised to check official announcements from the Bureau of the Royal Household regarding potential closures or restricted access during significant royal observances. As of now, no further changes to the temple's regular operating schedule have been announced following the conclusion of this ceremony.
Translated from Thai.
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