Wednesday, 16 November 2016

THAILAND - King’s holidays to remain

A large crowd of football fans form the shape of the Thai number “9” to mourn His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who is also known as King Rama IX, upon their arrival at the Rajamangala National Stadium yesterday.
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Events including oath-taking planned to honour monarch

PRIME MINISTER Prayut Chan-o-cha said yesterday that the government would retain holidays related to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, while the Cabinet approved activities for next Tuesday to express loyalty to the late monarch on the occasion of his 89th birthday on December 5.
The calendar would have to be adjusted after the new reign commences, officials said, adding that the Royal Household Bureau would take care of the details. 
However, holidays linked to the late King Rama IX will remain, although with some name changes, because of His Majesty’s profound influence on Thailand, the PM said. 
Officials were discussing the matter and everything was proceeding in steps, so the public should remain calm, Prayut said.
He added that he would wait for an appropriate time after the royal funeral to humbly offer His Majesty the posthumous title of “Bhumibol Maharaj”, or “Bhumibol the Great”. 
People should not move too fast on such matters to raise public awareness or collect donations, he said. 
Steps such as building a monument or offering a designation to the late monarch would require the Cabinet’s approval and the Royal Household Bureau’s endorsement. 
The Cabinet is now working to ensure order in the country Horror Monarch 
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