HM the King urges working together to resolve flood problems
BANGKOK, Dec 5 – Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Monday called on all parties to work together to solve flood problems and avoid conflict for the well-being of the Thai people and national security as he granted a grand public audience at the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall on the auspicious occasion marking his seventh-cycle anniversary.
King Bhumibol appeared at the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall Monday morning. Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, Princess Sirindhorn, Princess Chulabhorn and members of the royal family also attended the royal ceremony.
Along the processional route to the Grand Palace from Siriraj Hospital where His Majesty has been receiving treatment since 2009, Thais lined up and voiced “Long Live the King.” Some well-wishers encamped at the roadside overnight to ensure that they would get the best vantage point as the royal motorcade passed by in the morning.
King Bhumibol turned 84 today and appeared on the balcony of the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall at around 11am to grant an audience to privy councillors, cabinet members, state officials, foreign diplomats, members of parliament, the three armed forces, the police and the general public.
His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn offered birthday good wishes to His Majesty, followed by the prime minister, the president of the national assembly, and the president of the supreme court.
The supreme commander of the armed forces led 480 Royal Guards to renew their oath of allegiance before the king.
The revered monarch addressed to the public telling his people that all parties should work at full capacity for the well-being of the citizenry as this leads to national security.
The king referred to the country’s current flooding, the worst in decades, saying concerned persons should cooperate to solve the crisis as soon as possible and apply sustainable water resources management.
King Bhumibol said he earlier advised regarding some water management projects but it depended on the concerned agencies themselves to consider what to do next, as that he offered was simply advice, not a command.
The most important thing, His Majesty emphasised, is that there should be no conflict and divisiveness. Everyone should encourage each other so that the goal will be achieved, resulting in the happiness of the Thai people and the security of the country.
HM the King and members of royal family returned to Siriraj Hospital after the audience at the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall. (MCOT online news)
Mass candle-lighting ceremony marks King’s 84th birthday
BANGKOK, Dec 5 – Millions of Thai people across the country joined the annual evening candle-lighting ceremony to pay tribute to their beloved King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who turned 84 Monday, and to offer prayers and blessings for the King.
In the capital, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra presided over the auspicious ceremony at Sanam Luang ceremonial ground to mark the seventh-cycle birthday anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol, the world’s longest reigning monarch.
The premier said on behalf of cabinet members, civil servants and all Thais that the crowds were pleased to gather here to express their well wishes and homage to their beloved monarch.
Ms Yingluck then led the public in lighting candles and singing the royal anthem at the auspicious moment.
Meanwhile, Thais countrywide also joined the auspicious moment at home or at designated venues in all provinces.
In addition, cultural and art performances were held nationwide, particularly in Bangkok’s old city area where a grand series of special activities took place to celebrate and honour the King’s life and times as well as life-long contributions for the well-being of his subjects.
As part of the celebrations, the Bureau of the Royal Household gave an opportunity for the public to enter the Grand Palace and appreciate the beauty of the palace during the night time, from 6pm to midnight.
The celebrative events will run through Dec 9 at Sanam Luang ceremonial ground and its surrounding areas.
Earlier, people upcountry offered alms to Buddhist monks and participated in varied public charity activities in the morning to make merit and to celebrate the occasion.
Prominent figures, the prime minister and the cabinet members, military top brass, senior government officials, the diplomatic corps and the public thronged the Grand Palace to sign the well-wishing books on the occasion of His Majesty’s birthday.(MCOT online news)
