Writer: BangkokPost.com
Published: 9/09/2009 at 10:50 AM
The government joined Thais nationwide in paying respect to His Majesty the King, the ninth monarch of the Chakri Dynasty, at 9.09am on the auspicious date of the ninth day of the ninth month of 2009.
At Government House, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva lit a candle in front of the portrait of His Majesty and spoke in honour of him. He then led his cabinet, civil servants and high-ranking military officers in singing the royal anthem to mark the auspicious time and day.
"We want to draw attention to the charisma of His Majesty the King, both domestically and internationally.
“During his 63-year reign, His Majesty has helped solving the country’s problems for the people,” Mr Abhisit said.
*Civil servants and general public sing royal anthem *
*to honour His Majesty the King and to mark 09/09/09 *
on Wednesday.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration held a religious ceremony at City Hall to mark the special occasion. Government officials and general public took part in offering food to 109 monks during morning alms at 9.09am.
In central Bangkok, a large crowd gathered at Lumpini park, where national flags and yellow flags representing the monarchy were shown.
They sang the royal anthem at the auspicious time.
Hospitals were also a bit more crowded than usual as some pregnant women wanted to deliver their babies on this day.
Rajavithi Hospital director Dr Warunee Jinarat said nine pregnant women had made arrangements with doctors for their babies tro be born on this special day, but they did not specify that the babies must be delivered at 9.09am, she said.
*Bron: Bangkok Post / www.bangkokpost.com *