Kingdom Of Thailand Greatest Show

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Kingdom's greatest show

By The Nation

More than 30,000 loyal subjects to take part in historic procession down Chao Phraya; Boat parade to coincide with release of 8,000 floating lanterns; provinces send in vessels

The Chao Phraya River will gleam and glitter on Sunday night in what promises to be one of the most spectacular sights in the Kingdom's history, as more than 30,000 Thais take part in a historic procession of boats to mark their beloved king's birthday.

The procession of 587 boats, including some vessels decorated with stunningly elaborate lights, will sail down the River of Kings as more than 8,000 floating lanterns are set afloat in the background.

His Majesty, who turns 83 on Sunday, will witness the boat parade from Siriraj Hospital, where he has been receiving treatment for more than a year now. Hundreds of boat operators have already been lined up for this grand event.

"I'm glad to be given the opportunity to work for His Majesty," 41-year-old Suwat Nirata said as he promised to do his very best.

On the boats will be thousands of Thai citizens holding lit candles to display their loyalty and love for the monarch. Apart from the boat procession, performances will also be held on a big stage erected on the river near Thammasat University's Tha Prachan campus.

Samut Prakan Governor Cherdsak Chusri said his province had prepared six boats with elaborate lighting for the parade in addition to 110 fishing trawlers and four ferries to accommodate the many well-wishers.

"Dancers will perform in honour of His Majesty on one of our biggest boats as well," he said.

Apart from Samut Prakan and Bangkok, other provinces such as Samut Sakhon, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Ayutthaya, Angthong, Sing Buri, Chainat, Kanchanaburi, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Nong Khai and Ubon Ratchathani will also be providing boats for the parade.

The boat from Ubon Ratchathani, which has been made to look like the Narai Song Suban Royal Barge, will be emblazoned in lights depicting a rabbit - the Chinese astrology sign under which His Majesty was born.

-- The Nation 2010-12-04

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Royal birthday celebrations

Published on December 4, 2010

Sunday

10.30am: Their Majesties the King and Queen will grant a public audience at the Amarin Winitchai Throne Hall

5.30pm: Performances to begin at the stage set up in the Chao Phraya River

6pm: A light-and-sound show in front of Siriraj Hospital

6.30pm: A boat procession to sail down the Chao Phraya

7.15pm: Second performance on the Chao Phraya stage

7.29pm: A candlelit celebration to kick off nationwide, with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva presiding over a ceremony outside Supreme Court

8.19pm: A procession of boats with loyal subjects holding up lit candles to sail down the Chao Phraya past Siriraj Hospital

From Saturday to Monday

Exhibition in honour of His Majesty, books for the public to sign their best wishes for HM, a fair selling handicrafts from each of Bangkok's 50 districts, performances and fireworks

Venue: In front of BMA headquarters

From now until Monday

Exhibition honouring HM's work for his people, floating market in Padung Krung Kasem Canal, vocational training and fairs.

Venue: Luk Luang Road (next to the Education Ministry)

Until Thursday

Photo exhibition displaying His Majesty's talents and work

Venue: Rajvithee Road

-- The Nation 2010-12-04

[mamypoko]

Happy birthday and very best wishes!

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His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej: Father of the Thai Nation

December 5 each year, the birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, marks one of the most significant days for Thai people. The day, which is a public holiday, is also observed as Thailand’s National Day and National Father’s Day. Thai people celebrate this auspicious occasion on a grand scale to show gratitude to their beloved monarch.

His Majesty is regarded as the symbol of unity and social harmony in Thai society. The deep reverence felt by all Thais for their King is perhaps unique in the modern world. Each year on His Majesty’s birthday, festivities are held throughout the Kingdom; lights decorate households, government offices, public places, and private companies everywhere. The love, respect, homage, and joy pouring forth from Thai people to honor His Majesty are wonderful to see.

His Majesty is sometimes referred to by his subjects as Pho Luang, royal father. He has spent his life working for the benefit of his people, who are all his “children.” The close relationship between him and his subjects truly reflects the family tradition in Thai society. Everywhere he goes throughout Thailand, people have gathered to see him.

Since he is recognized as the “Father of the Thai Nation,” his birthday, December 5, was designated as Thailand’s National Father’s Day in 1980. The canna, or Buddha Raksa, in Thai is the symbol of Father’s Day in Thailand, just as jasmine, representing Mother’s Day on August 12. Buddha Raksa means the Buddha’s protection, which is very meaningful. Thai people are happy under the protection of His Majesty, whom they regard as their devoted father. His Majesty is regarded as the protector of his people in every respect, just like the meaning of Buddha Raksa.

Each year on National Father’s Day, a number of model fathers are named and presented with certificates and plaques of honor, in the same manner as that on National Mother’s Day, August 12, which is Her Majesty the Queen’s birthday, when a number of outstanding mothers are selected and honored.

From interviews given to the press on how to bring up their children, most model fathers attach the greatest importance to the teaching of their children to be good citizens. They also focus on teaching them to help themselves and allowing them to be themselves and take part in decision-making within the family. All of them said that they are happy and willing to support their children and ask nothing in return for their dedication.

His Majesty the King deserves to be called “paternal monarch” for his great devotion and unbounded love toward his subjects. The world’s longest reigning monarch, His Majesty is also respected internationally for his tireless devotion to bettering the lives of his people. Numerous projects have been initiated under his guidance. His mercy and merit which shower upon his people and those who need his protection and assistance have made their lives happy, secure, and peaceful.

http://thailand.prd.go.th/view_inside.php?id=5397

[Piengrudee]

I wish my king a very happy birthday day.

[bristolgeoff]

i,am sure it will be a fantastic show,long live the king

[rubl]

Happy birthday and a long life to his majesty !

I'll be watching the show with my mother who came over here a week ago and turned 83 on the 26th of November. Nice to have parents around.

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