Pattaya Provincial Court Observes Raphi Day 2026 with Ceremonies and Educational Activities
PATTAYA, Thailand – August 7th, 2026 – The Pattaya Provincial Court held a series of events on Raphi Day 2026 to commemorate the contributions of His Royal Highness Prince Raphi Phatthanasak, widely regarded as the “Father of Thai Law.”
The ceremonies honored the prince’s significant role in advancing Thailand’s legal system and the nation. Participants included the Chief Judge of the Pattaya Provincial Court, the Chief Judge of the Pattaya District Court, other judges, heads of government agencies, mediators, directors, and representatives from 44 public and private organizations involved in the justice process.
At 7:00 a.m., Mr. Wisanukorn Taenrin, Chief Judge of the Pattaya Provincial Court, presided over a merit-making ceremony. Ten Buddhist monks were invited to chant prayers. The chief judge and attendees offered food and traditional alms to the monks, who then gave blessings. Participants received the blessings by pouring water in a traditional gesture.
At 8:00 a.m., Mr. Taenrin led a wreath-laying ceremony. Before the main proceedings, he expressed condolences and gratitude for the contributions of Her Royal Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, and Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavadi. Attendees observed a one-minute silence. The chief judge then led a tribute to HRH Prince Raphi, after which participants posed for a group photograph.
In the afternoon at 1:00 p.m., the court organized a mock court session for 40 upper secondary school students from the court’s jurisdiction. Students also visited the former office of HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha, who served as Deputy Public Prosecutor of Pattaya in 2009.
An exhibition showcasing the prince’s royal duties and contributions was displayed at the entrance of the Pattaya Provincial Court and online from August 3 to 7, 2026. The court also arranged sports events, football, pétanque, chairball, badminton, and snooker, to develop relations among justice-related agencies.
HRH Prince Raphi Phatthanasak established a law school to increase the number of legal professionals, reformed the court system, compiled laws and Supreme Court judgments, and authored textbooks explaining various legal principles. These efforts laid the foundation for legal education in Thailand and earned him the title “Father of Thai Law.” August 7, the anniversary of his death, is observed annually as Raphi Day.
