A birthday to remember
Message of solidarity received by millions
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[li]Published: 6/12/2010 at 12:00 AM[/li][li]Newspaper section: News[/li][/ul]
His Majesty the King has advised all Thais to perform their duties and be always mindful to prevent the downfall of the country.
His Majesty the King appears in the Amarin Winitchai Throne Hall at the Grand Palace to receive best wishes on his 83rd birthday yesterday. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ROYAL HOUSEHOLD BUREAU
In his 83rd birthday speech delivered in the Amarin Winitchai Throne Hall yesterday, His Majesty called on his subjects to honour their duties and do their best for the sake of national security and interest.
‘‘Reckless acts can cause mistakes and damage in duties,’’ the King said. ‘‘Actions without mindfulness, reason and morality can mislead people into doing what are not their legitimate duties. That is very dangerous and can cause loss and downfall of themselves and the nation.’’
The royal message was delivered to a gathering of members of the royal family, heads of the executive, legislative and judicial branches, top military leaders and dignitaries who gathered at the Grand Palace to wish the King a happy birthday.
Their Majesties the King and Queen had travelled from Siriraj Hospital earlier in the day for the royal function to mark his birthday.
Thousands of people waving flags cheered as the royal motorcade passed along the way. Their Majesties, who were riding in a van, responded by waving to the well-wishers.
The King was greeted in the Amarin Winitchai Throne Hall at the Grand Palace by a guard of honour. A brass band played the royal anthem and the armed forces gave a 21-gun salute.
His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and parliament president Chai Chidchob delivered birthday wishes before the King.
Supreme commander Songkitti Jaggabatara led the royal guards in pledging their allegiance to His Majesty. It was the first time the military ceremony, normally performed separately at the Royal Plaza during the Trooping the Colour ceremony, was incorporated into the function at the Grand Palace.
His Majesty responded by expressing his gratitude and pointed out that the country was stable and peaceful because all did their duty and placed the national interest before all else.
The royals left the Grand Palace to return to Siriraj Hospital at 11.20am.
Activities to celebrate the King’s birthday and to honour His Majesty were organised throughout the country yesterday. They started in the morning with ceremonies to give alms to Buddhist monks.
At the Grand Palace in Bangkok, people formed long queues to sign their names to send best wishes to the King.
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[li]See also: Waiting at Siriraj[/li][/ul]There were ceremonies and social activities later in the day to mark the King’s birthday. Priests of several religions prayed for the good health of the King while social works by volunteers and members of the public included blood donations, the release of fish, the distribution of necessities to flood victims and the cleaning of public places.
Farmers in Bang Rakam district of Phitsanulok and Kong Krailat district of Sukhothai planted their rice crop yesterday in the hope it would result in good yields.
Festivities last night included candle-lit ceremonies, a procession of illuminated boats along the Chao Phraya River in front of Siriraj Hospital where the King is staying and fireworks.
Prime Minister Abhisit led the celebrations in Bangkok at Tha Prachan landing, near Sanam Luang, while the celebrations upcountry centred on the provincial halls.
Meanwhile, Assumption University reported the gross domestic happiness index of Thai people peaked this month.
Noppadol Kannikar, the director of the Abac poll centre, said a survey among 1,542 people in 17 provinces from Nov 29 to Dec 4 found the happiness index rose to 8.37 points out of total of 10, the highest level since the university started to measure the index in March last year.
The survey also found 85.7% of respondents planned to stay home yesterday to watch televised events to celebrate the King’s birthday and 87.5% promised to apply the principle of sufficiency economy.bron:www.bangkokpost.com