Thais join grand celebrations to mark King’s 82nd birthday

BANGKOK, Dec 4 (TNA) – Thai people from all walks of life on Friday flocked into Bangkok’s old city area to join the grand celebrations and admire the illuminated historic buildings and areas in the capital on the auspicious occasion of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 82nd birthday anniversary, December 5.

This year is seeing a series of dazzling events and celebrations to honour the life and times of the world’s longest-reigning monarch and his life-long contributions for the well-being of his subjects.

US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on Friday sent a birthday message to His Majesty which reads “On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I extend our very best wishes to his Majesty on the occasion of his 82nd birthday.”

Mrs Clinton’s message admired the work of the Thai king, the only US-born monarch in the world that “his good works have been felt well beyond Thailand’s borders” and his “effort to advance sustainable small-scale agriculture are models for green development around the world.”

His Majesty is scheduled to grant a public audience to members of the royal family, civil servants and members of parliament at the Grand Palace’s Amarin Winitchai Throne Hall Saturday morning.

The monarch was admitted to Siriraj Hospital on September 19 with a lung infection and fever. His condition has been improving, according to the Royal Household Bureau, but he remains hospitalised and has only made two public appearances since being admitted to hospital.

Celebration activities which had its grand opening ceremony by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Thursday will be run through December 7 in three areas of the capital: Sanam Luang, the public square in front of the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha; the surrounding area of Dusit Palace; and Ratchadamnoen Road.

The entire area has been glitteringly-illuminated with colourful lights. Ratchadamnoen Road is brightened up with 9,999 decorative lights, the auspicious number signifying the ninth king of Chakri dynasty.

On Saturday evening Prime Minister Abhisit will preside over a candle-lighting ceremony offering good wishes to HM the King at Sanam Luang and broadcast live on television and radio nationwide.

During December 5-13, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will host many activities at the Royal Plaza in Dusit district nightly from 5-9 pm. The spectacular highlight will be a ‘4D’ visual light and sound show in the compound of the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall starting from 7 pm. (TNA)