Showing posts with label Monarch. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Monarch. Show all posts

Wednesday 25 October 2017

#Thailand - Stickers allowing entry to ceremonial grounds become treasured souvenirs


STICKERS allowing mourners to pass through to the inner area of Bangkok’s Sanam Luang ceremonial grounds to observe the Royal Cremation ceremonies for HM the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej have become collector’s items for many people in memory of the beloved monarch.

Bearing each person’s registration number, the stickers – which come in different designs depending on which screening point people pass through – have become souvenirs for people attending the historic event.

“I intend to keep this sticker and will laminate it because it identifies that I, once in my life and for the last time, am at this place at this time in the last days of the farewell to HM King Rama IX. I’m one of the loyal Thai subjects that has a chance to be here,” said Theerayuth Kanchanaphetch, 39. 

“Each visitor passing through a screening point will get a sticker placed on his or her left chest. Mine is number 15458,” he said.

Theerayuth came from Songkhla’s Hat Yai district early Tuesday morning and spent the night camping under Phra Pinklao Bridge amid the rain. He woke at 3am to wait in a queue to access a visitor-screening point – two hours before the checkpoint was opened, then passed into the inner area where he sat in front of the National Museum at 7am.

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 Nakhon Si Thammarat resident Sathaporn Meelai, 43, said she and her daughter had arrived in Bangkok at noon on Tuesday and stayed overnight under Phra Pinklao Bridge. She was given a sticker with the number 14899 while her daughter received number 14898. 

After passing into the area, she carefully peeled off the sticker and attached it to her Thai national ID card as she was afraid she would lose it. “I will keep this sticker for the rest of my life as a souvenir of my attendance at the Royal Cremation ceremonies for HM the late King,” she said.
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Rayong resident Aree Tothong, 70, who also stayed under the bridge amid the downpour on Tuesday night, said she was determined to attend the ceremonies after three previous three trips to pay respects to HM the late King’s Royal Urn inside the Grand Palace’s Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall. 

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime event that I must attend. I had to pin my sticker number 14155 on to my chest to ensure it wouldn’t go missing. I intend to keep this item for the rest of my life to remember HM the late King. I want to keep it so my children and grandchildren know that I was born in the reign of King Rama IX and I live through two reigns,” she said.

Source - TheNation

Sunday 12 March 2017

Thai soap angers family of Myanmar's last king

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The family of Myanmar's last king hit out on Sunday at a Thai soap opera inspired by the palace intrigue of their ancestors, accusing Thailand of double standards in how it treats another country's royals.

Soe Win, the great grandson of Myanmar's last monarch King Thibaw, told AFP his family were angered by "A Lady's Flame", a new hit prime-time soap that recounts a bloody dynastic power struggle.
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The show is set in a fictional kingdom but almost entirely mimics the final years of the Konbaung dynasty in the 19th century in the country formerly known as Burma.
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It portrays the scheming among a key queen and princesses who orchestrated the massacre of nearly a hundred people to ensure Thibaw had no rivals to the throne following his father's death in 1878.
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While the massacre is historical fact, Thibaw's scions are upset with their family's portrayal by a country that shields its own monarchy from any criticism
"We have asked Thais this, would they accept it if one of our companies here did the same thing about their country," Soe Win told AFP.
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"If no action is taken, we will ask for help from their (Thailand's) royalty," he added.
Neighbours Thailand and Myanmar were bitter rivals for centuries and fought a number of bloody wars.
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One of the most momentous battles saw Myanmar forces attack the city of Ayutthaya, second capital of the Siamese kingdom, and raze it to the ground in 1767, forcing the inhabitants to abandon the city.
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In Thai historical soaps and dramas the Burmese are often portrayed as having villainous or treacherous tendencies, something that has previously caused anger in Thailand's western neighbor.
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Soe Win said he was particularly incensed by scenes in "A Lady's Flame" in which royal family members slapped each other.
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"It's quite insulting, as if we are wild," he said.
For many Burmese the fall of its monarchy at the hands of the British just a few years after Thibaw took the throne was a deep psychological scar.
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He died in exile in India though there are plans to return his remains to his homeland.
His family are playing a much more visible role now that the military who suppressed them have given way to a civilian-led government.
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Source - TheNation

Sunday 18 December 2016

Thailand - Press guide to be printed on royal cremation

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THE government plans to publish a media guide about the coverage of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s royal cremation ceremonies.

The guide will be available in Thai and English.
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The government will hand out 10,000 copies of the Thai version and 5,000 copies of the English version as media outlets across various platforms are set to cover the events.
The late King passed away on October 13 this year at the age of 89. His royal cremation is expected to take place within a year..

The event will be grand and befitting his royal status.
The publication will be part of the government’s public relations work for an occasion of great significance to the country..

An informed source said the public relations plan for the event had already been approved. “It will be implemented in three phases: ahead of, during and after the royal cremation ceremony,” the source said..

The PR panel for the royal cremation ceremonies met yesterday with PM’s Office Minister ML Panadda Diskul, who served as the chair.
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The media guide is expected to cover the biography of the late king, his royal works, his talents and his passing. Also included will be knowledge of traditions related to royal cremation ceremonies..

The PR panel plans to conduct media activities to provide |relevant information to media outlets and the public in various other forms as well.
“There will be CDs and DVDs about his royal musical compositions, for example,” the source added..

TV and radio broadcasting, plus media centres would also be set up to carry out PR work during the royal cremation ceremonies.
The panel also plans to organise training for reporters in regard to the royal cremation ceremony, the source said.
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Source: TheNation

Sunday 20 November 2016

THAILAND - KINGDOM GRIEVES

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PM urges loyalty to Rama X
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 Prayut says people must always remember His Majesty the late King Bhumibol; plans special activities on Tuesday.
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 Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday urged Thais to show their allegiance to the next royal head of state while still remembering the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
“We have to do more good deeds in memory of His Majesty the King. I believe His Majesty is still with us somewhere – in the sky, in the water or on the land that he helped restore and preserve. I ask everyone to always remember His Majesty,” Prayut said.
“And also, we should show our allegiance to the next king, Rama X,” he added, referring to the 10th monarch of the Chakri Dynasty.
The prime minister was speaking to local residents and officials during his visit to Pathum Thani, where he inspected a royal project and the progress of a water management plan.
He said the Thais should also look outward in order to deal with global problems that have an impact on the country.
“The world has several issues involving the economy, terrorism, natural disasters, epidemics and changes. We need to look at the outside world, and not just at ourselves. I admire the way we deal with internal problems. We have achieved satisfactory success but I hope we will do better,” General Prayut said.
“We have to work together to overcome the obstacles,” he added.
Meanwhile, the government has called on all Thais to join nationwide activities to be held on Tuesday in memory of the late King.
Government House will be the main venue for the activity, to be led by PM Prayut. People from all over the country can take part at designated venues in their respective provinces, Government Spokesman Lt-General Sansern Kaewkamnerd said yesterday.
“The prime minister would lead his Cabinet members and government officials to sing the National Anthem at 8am on Tuesday. Then he will lead the participants to take an oath of allegiance in front of His Majesty’s portrait and sing the Royal Anthem,” said Sansern.
The spokesman said the event at Government House would be broadcast live from 6.30am. Thais living abroad can hold commemorative activities on Sunday or |any day of their convenience, he added.
Mourners heading to the Grand Palace to bid a final farewell to the monarch can also join the PM-led activity, as the city administration will arrange a venue for the participants, Prime Minister’s Office Minister Suwaphan Tanyuvardhana said.
“The additional activity at Sanam Luang will not affect the mourners queuing to enter the Grand Palace,” Suwapan, who also serves as secretary of the government’s Command Centre for Monitoring Situations, told a press briefing yesterday.
Regarding traffic management, of the 27 roads around Sanam Luang that were closed on previous weekends, only eight will be closed today and tomorrow, Suwapan said. The decision came after the centre assessed traffic volume in the area and found no mass event being held near the Grand Palace this weekend which could obstruct transportation for the mourners, he explained.
Suwapan asked people not to park their vehicles along roads around Sanam Luang and instead use public transportation or free shuttle buses to travel to the Grand Palace.
Deputy national police spokesman Pol Maj-General Piyapan Pingmuang yesterday confirmed that only eight roads adjacent to the Grand Palace that were closed to traffic to accommodate mourners would stay off-limits for vehicles.
He said the lifting of 27 road-closures came as “things have fallen into place”.
Updates on the matter are available at the Traffic Police Division’s website, www.trafficpolice.go.th, and its hotline 1197, according to the spokesman. Suwapan yesterday said that in an attempt to manage long queues and the huge numbers of people heading to Sanam Luang, the centre in cooperation with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society had finished developing an online reservation system for queue management.
The online system will be tested on December 1, he said, adding the implementation plan has not yet rolled out and is pending further discussion.
Regarding the issue of homeless people around Sanam Luang, Suwapan said their number has decreased due to the cooperation of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security.
According to the ministry statement issued yesterday, tactics used to tackle the homeless vary. These include sending them back to their original residence, to th
e ministry shelter Ban Mit Maitree for rehabilitation, or to related organisations for proper treatment.
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Source: TheNation
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Friday 14 October 2016

Truly the King of hearts

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The longest-reigning monarch won the devotion of his subjects with his commitment to their welfare
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HIS MAJESTY King Bhumibol Adulyadej rose to the greatest heights in modern Thai history and was, in his lifetime, the pillar and soul of his nation.
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Like his grandfather King Rama V, His Majesty made enormous contributions to his country, commanding deep love and loyalty from his people. He was the guiding light, helping his Kingdom in times of crisis time and again.
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During his seven-decade-long reign, His Majesty peacefully defused several political situations, such as the tumult in October 1973 and Black May in 1992 - something no Thai politician was able to accomplish then or later.
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His reign spanned the terms of more than 30 governments, several military regimes, coups and numerous coup attempts, and even the defeat of the communist threat that raged through Southeast Asia a few decades ago.
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At the time of his passing yesterday, he was the world's longest-reigning monarch and had been recognised with several international awards for his contributions in various fields. Among the honours were the UNDP Human Development Lifetime Achievement Award, Time magazine's "Asian Hero King Bhumibol Adulyadej for Shaping the Asia of Our Times" and the World Intellectual Property Organisation Global Leaders Award.
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In an unprecedented gathering of royalty, the kings, queens and royal representatives from 26 countries arrived at the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall in Bangkok in 2006 to pay tribute to His Majesty on the 60th anniversary of his accession to the throne.
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In Thailand, he was considered the father of many innovations and technology.
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These accolades, however, pale before his significance to the Thai people - he was their inspiration, their leading light, and the King of their hearts.
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His Majesty won the hearts of his subjects because he fully honoured his oath of accession: "We shall reign with righteousness, for the benefits and happiness of the Siamese people." This oath was taken on the day of his coronation in 1950, when His Majesty was just 23.
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Born on December 5, 1927 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, His Majesty was the third and youngest child of Their Royal Highnesses Prince Mahidol of Songkhla and Princess Srinagarindra. He spent much of his childhood overseas, visiting Thailand sometimes with his older brother King Ananda Mahidol to see their country and their elderly grandmother HM Queen Savang Vadhana.
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The younger royal never expected to become a monarch, but had to take over after his brother's untimely death on June 9, 1946.
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He was once quoted as saying after his brother's death: "I had never thought of becoming a king. I only wanted be your younger brother".
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After King Ananda's passing, the course of the younger royal's life changed completely. He had to change his subject of education from science to political science and law, so he could equip himself with proper knowledge for his reign.
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After completing his education in Switzerland, His Majesty returned for the royal coronation and faithful devotion to his country and his people. For most of his reign, His Majesty travelled the length and breadth of the Kingdom, visiting the poorest and remotest corners to learn about the problems faced by his people.
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During his travels, the beloved monarch spoke to his subjects and most importantly, listened to them. He learned of their needs and problems first hand and set about trying to find a way to give immediate help, before studying the issue in depth to find a permanent solution.
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He had to stop making these trips only after his health began to fail. Yet, even during his time at Siriraj Hospital, the beloved monarch read reports on issues affecting his people and gave advice when he could.
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Since 1952, His Majesty initiated more than 3,000 innovative programmes in agriculture, environment, public health, water resources, communications, public welfare, occupational promotion and education with the aim of easing the lives of Thai people.
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He also actively promoted sustainable development and the philosophy of sufficiency economy.
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His Majesty passed away peacefully at the age of 89 yesterday. He is survived by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit and their four children.
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His death has plunged the nation into mourning. But the revered monarch will live in the hearts of Thai people forever.

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Source: The Nation
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Thursday 13 October 2016

BREAKING: Thailand's HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej dies

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HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand passed away today at the age of 88 at Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok.
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HM King Bhumibol ascended to the throne on June 9, 1946, and was the world’s longest-reigning monarch. He was also known as King Rama IX and was the ninth monarch in the Chakri Dynasty.
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The well-loved monarch is survived by his wife, Mom Rajawongse Sirikit Kitiyakara and his children: Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya and her two daughters; Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn and five sons and two daughters; Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and Princess Chulabhorn Walailak and her two daughters as well as a large extended family.
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He will be succeeded on the throne by his son, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn.
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Among King Bhumibol’s most widely-praised accomplishments were the philosophy of Sufficiency Economy, a concept he taught citizens about living a moderate, self-dependent life without greed or exploitation and to survive on their own in the age of globalization.
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In his off-hours, he was a keen photographer, jazz saxophone player and composer, preferring Dixieland and New Orleans-style jazz. He composed nearly fifty songs, mostly in the genres of blues. He was also an accomplished painter. An avid animal lover, he published a book about one of his favorite dogs, a female ginger called Thong Daeng. The book is called “The Story of Thong Daeng.”
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King Bhumibol was born on December 5, 1927 in Cambridge, Massachusetts to Prince Mahidol Adulyadej, the Prince of Songkla, and Sangwan Srinagarindra (later recognized Somdet Ya or Princess Srinagarindra). He was the youngest son in the family, born while his father attended Harvard University.
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The King graduated with a political science degree from The University of Lausanne in Switzerland and got married on April 28, 1950.
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For the last decade, King Bhumibol has had health issues that have included bacterial infections, breathing difficulties, heart issues and fluid in the brain.
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Cource: Coconuts.co
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Wednesday 12 October 2016

Thais don pink for His Majesty

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Thais nationwide are wearing pink to express their best wishes for His Majesty the King's good health as huge crowds of well-wishers flocked to the Grand Palace to sign get-well books Tuesday.
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The Royal Household Bureau on Tuesday opened the Sala Sahathai Samakhom pavilion inside the Grand Palace to allow the general public to sign get-well books for the world's longest-serving monarch.
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The public can sign the get-well books at the pavilion from 8am and 6pm.
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On Tuesday Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha  led cabinet ministers, armed forces leaders and their spouses to sign get-well books for the good health of His Majesty at the pavilion.
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Following the Royal Household Bureau's (RHB) 37th announcement on the condition of His Majesty's health, messages have been shared on social media urging Thais to wear pink - a color which became associated with the King a few years ago when royal astrologers said the color was good for the King and would help promote his well-being.
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Since then, the King has been seen wearing pink in public on several occasions.
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Siriraj Hospital was an ocean of pink shirts Tuesday, as well-wishers clad in pink braved the rain to wish His Majesty a speedy recovery from his illness.
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READ MORE on BANGKOK POST
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Thursday 9 June 2016

Thailand - His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne


His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne. The year 2016 will go down in Thai history as one of the nation’s most significant years, since it marks the auspicious occasion of the 70th anniversary of His Majesty the King’s accession to the throne. The occasion has special significance for several reasons.
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His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej currently enjoys high honor and distinction as the world’s longest-reigning monarch. Few monarchs have ever attained such longevity on the throne. His Majesty is widely known as one of the hardest-working monarchs on earth. He occupies a special and revered position in the hearts and minds of the people.
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The Government has set the period from 9 June 2016 to 9 June 2017 for the celebrations of this occasion. People have been encouraged to display on their premises the royal ceremonial emblems, in commemoration of this special occasion. Various projects and activities have also been carried out as part of the celebrations.
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His Majesty assumed his kingship, succeeding his brother as head of state, on 9 June 1946. He was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on Monday, 5 December 1927. He is the third child and second son of His Royal Highest Prince Mahidol of Songkla and his consort, Mom Sangwal. His Majesty is a grandson of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), the great reformer King, who strived to modernize his kingdom and improve the lives of his subjects. 
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Following the death of his father, His Majesty lived mostly in Switzerland with his mother, sister, and elder brother. After one official visit to Siam accompanying King Ananda, in 1938, the family remained cut off from their homeland during World War II. Prince Bhumibol had a relatively ordinary youth, displaying notable talents both in music and engineering, and obtaining fluency in three European languages – French, German, and English – as well as being at ease in different cultures.
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During the royal family’s first post-war visit, in 1946, his brother, King Ananda, passed away, and Prince Bhumibol suddenly found himself in accession to the throne as the ninth Chakri King, Rama IX.
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His Majesty returned to Switzerland to complete his education, changing from engineering to political science and law in recognition of his new role. During the course of this visit he met the beautiful, young Mom Rajawongse Sirikit Kitiyakara, daughter of the Thai ambassador to France. They were married in Bangkok on 28 April 1950, and seven days later His Majesty was officially crowned in ancient ceremonies held at the Grand Palace.
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Thai people are keenly aware of the fact that throughout the 70 years of his reign, His Majesty the King has conducted himself firmly in accordance with the Kingly Virtues. Above all, he has been working tirelessly for the peace and happiness of the land and the people.
 
His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne

Sunday 6 December 2015

Thais celebrate their love for nation's father


MILLIONS of Thais nationwide wore yellow shirts yesterday as they joined various activities to mark the birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, whom they regard as the country's unifying figure and father. 

 His Majesty's birthday has also been celebrated for decades as Father's Day.

Yellow is the traditional Thai colour for Monday, the day the King was born.

Avenues in the capital and main streets in the provinces were decorated with lights and festooned with the King's image.

On this auspicious day, Thais went to temples to make merit, give alms, donate money and items to the less privileged and carried out charitable acts in honour of the highly revered monarch.

"I have a deep love for the King and want him to be healthy," said Suchada Charan, a retiree from Bangkok, after giving alms to Buddhist monks in honour of the King’s birthday. "Father's Day in Thailand is the King's day. He is our father," she said.

In Kanchanaburi's Sangkhla Buri district, a village of 150 Karen sang a song specially written by a teacher in the Karen language to wish the King continued longevity and good health.

In Chiang Mai, more than 500 people donated blood at the Red Cross.

In Phetchaburi, revellers took free boat trips to catch a glimpse of bruda whales as part of the charitable "Boat for Dad" event.

In many provinces "Bike for Dad" T-shirts were handed out ahead of Friday's staging of the nationwide cycling event honouring the King.

At the Police General Hospital, five poor people were given renal replacement therapy for free to mark the day.

In Phitsanulok, more than 60 food stalls provided free vegetarian meals.
 Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha chaired the candle-lighting ceremony at Sanam Luang last night.

Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn |yesterday led a number of religious and |royal ceremonies to mark the King's birthday. He will lead more than 600,000 people in |the "Bike for Dad" event next Friday (December 11).

A similar cycling event was held in August to honour Her Majesty the Queen's birthday.

The King did not make a public appearance on his birthday as he normally would. He was last seen in public on September 1. He cancelled a public appearance to mark his birthday last year on medical advice.

The King has spent the past few months at Siriraj Hospital, where he was treated for "water on the brain", or hydrocephalus, a build-up of cerebro-spinal fluid that surrounds the brain.

A large number of people gathered at the hospital yesterday to offer their good wishes to the King on his birthday. Many of them shouted "Long live the King" near the building where he now lives.

His Majesty is the third oldest monarch in the world, after Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, who is 89 years old, and Malaysia's King Abdul Halim, who turned 88 last week.

The King's reign of 69 years is the longest for a living monarch, followed by Elizabeth II and Abdul Halim, who have ruled for 63 and 57 years respectively.
Source: The Nation
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Thursday 15 October 2015

Worldwide cycling events to celebrate King's birthday, #Thailand


THAIS in 67 countries are expected to participate in the "Bike for Dad" cycling event in December to celebrate the birthday of His Majesty the King.

 His Majesty, who turns 88 on December 5, is the world's longest-reigning monarch.

HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn came up with the plan to organise cycling events at home and around the world to honour His Majesty.

In August, the Crown Prince spearheaded the hugely successful "Bike for Mom" to celebrate the birthday of Her Majesty the Queen. The event was entered in the Guinness World of World Records as the largest-ever bicycle parade.

"The Crown Prince will lead the procession of cyclists from the Royal Plaza on December 11," a source said yesterday. The details of the event were ironed out at a "Bike for Dad" meeting attended by PM's Office Minister ML Panadda Diskul, Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan and representatives from various agencies, the source said.

"Those wishing to join the 'Bike for Dad' outing can register at www.bikefordad2015.com from November 2-10," he said.

The experiences gained from the "Bike for Mom" will be useful in organising more cycling-related events for His Majesty.

The proposed route will loop through Ratchaprarop Road, the Pratunam intersection, the Ratcharaprasong intersection, Pathumwan Road, Silom Road, Yaowarat Road, Wong Wian Yai Road, Arun Amarain Road, the Siriraj intersection, Sanam Luang and Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue before arriving back at the Royal Plaza.

"The route will be about 29 kilometres long," the source said.

Similar cycling events will be held in other provinces. The parades will start at City Hall in each province and cover around 29 kilometres.

Prawit said the "Bike for Dad" event would provide Thais with an opportunity to express their loyalty to His Majesty.

The source said similar "Bike for Dad" events would be held by Thais in 67 countries, starting at the Royal Thai Embassy and proceeding to a famous landmark in those countries.

"Videos of the activities will be sent to Thailand for broadcasting," the source said.

The Foreign Ministry declined to comment on the planned events, saying Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha will provide details on Wednesday. Besides cycling, the country will also host other festivities in honour of His Majesty, including outdoor Khon performances.

Source: The Nation

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