April 6, 2013, at 0900hrs, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra led the cabinet to take part in the wreath laying ceremony and paid respect to Phra Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke Maharaj (King Rama I) at the King Rama I Memorial situated at the base of Phra Buddha Yodfa Bridge on the occasion of Chakri Day.
On April 6 B.E. 2325 (1782 A.D.), Phra Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke founded Chakri Dynasty and ascended to the throne as King Rama I. His royal determination was to “be a patron of Buddhism, and to protect his territory and subjects”. Therefore, April 6 each year has been declared Phra Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke Maharaj Day or Chakri Dynasty Memorial Day or Chakri Day for the Thai people to pay respect and express humble gratitude to King Rama I as the founder and the first monarch of Chakri Dynasty.