Important Event Dec 3, 2011

[silverhawk_usa]

On the 3^rd of December 2011, (4:09 PM) the We Love Our King Club, (International) will stage a parade, beginning at Thapae Gate, and concluding at J.J. Market area where a full program of events will take place through the evening in celebration of the 84^th birthday of HRH King Bhumibol Adulyadez Rama IX.

Now, please read carefully. The founder of the club, and the main organizer and promoter of the event, is Khun Ruchuchai Potha, the head of the Labor Department in Chiang Mai and in charge of issuing work permits.

Khun Ruchuchai has extended an invitation to all foreigners and nationalities to attend the event. He wishes to encourage a better understanding and cooperative environment between the Thai people and foreigners working and volunteering in Chiang Mai.

There will be many bands and musicians playing at the event, including some musicians who are very well known on this forum. With his prior approval, work permits are not needed for this and other similar short term volunteer events.

"Hog Head" and I (co-chairmen of the Chiang Mai ToyRide), met with him personally. He wishes to not only have as many people walking in the parade as possible, but would also like riders of big motorcycles to also participate. He is a rider himself and he would like to participate in some of the motorcycle events and activities scheduled in Chiang Mai. We are not involved with the organization of this event, but agreed to help pass on the information to our community.

Here is a link to the Chiang Mai Friends Group with a letter and full schedule detailing the event;

Chiang Mai Friends Info

If you wish to ride or walk with us and others in the short parade, show up at Thapae Gate before 3:00PM on the day of the event. Tell police and security you are part of the parade and you should be allowed into the area which will be closed to traffic.

Even if you do not wish to participate in the parade; please attend the other activities for what may turn out to be a very important show of cooperation and future understanding.

Parking is also available at JJ Market and transport for walkers to Thapae Gate will be provided.

Edit:typo

Edited November 27, 2011 by silverhawk_usa

[silverhawk_usa]

Here is an update from Khun Ruchuchai;

"November 25, 2011

Dear Foreigners Brother, Sister.

I am writing on behalf of a members of the Assembly of People of All Nations Who Love the King in Chiang Mai together with the Assembly of People of All Nations Who Love the King in Thailand, Chiang Mai Province and 117 organizations to invite you, your family and friends to join in the celebration of the King's birthday of 2011. This is the first time we shall be coming together as a city and a nation. The celebration will take place on Saturday, 3 December 2011, at JJ Market. It will be called "International, We Love Our King".

There will be many events during the day, but Chiang Mai Friends and other foreign residents are particularly invited to join in a parade of international culture and tribes that will start at Thapae Gate at 3:30 pm.

We are greatly honored that Privy Counselor, Air Chief Marshal Kamthon Sindhvananda and Thanphuying Phungchai Sindhvanan will chair the ceremony.

After the parade arrives at JJ Market, you are invited to represent your country in honoring the King by giving ceremonial objects "Phan Phum" silver and "Phan Phum" gold.

You may wear a national costume from your country, or an 84th birthday commemorative shirt, or you may want to just wear pink, a color used to show love and respect for the King.

I hope you will agree to accept this invitation to join our parade starting on Saturday 3 December at 3:30 pm at Thapae Gate. This is the Chiang Mai community's expression of love and respect for the King, thanking him for 65 years of tireless work to make Thailand the country we all love today. As a foreign resident of Thailand and as a friend in our Chiang Mai community you will be most welcome! Please plan to join us!

Sincere regards and best wishes.

Ruchuchai Potha"

Edited November 27, 2011 by silverhawk_usa

[hellodolly]

being slightly handicapped I am curious as to how far the procession will go?

I know where Thapa gate is but not JJ Market.

[elektrified]

being slightly handicapped I am curious as to how far the procession will go?

I know where Thapa gate is but not JJ Market.

Perhaps 90% of your inquiries can be answered with a google or TV search but you prefer to obsessively post using up bandwidth.

Example 18/11 "What is a Cracker Barrel Breakfast?" Try google ----> http://www.crackerbarrel.com/restaurant/breakfast-menu/

Need to locate JJ Market? Try google maps ---> http://maps.google.co.th/maps?hl=en&gs_upl=&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&biw=1608&bih=820&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=jj+market+chiang+mai&fb=1&gl=th&hq=jj+market&hnear=0x30d0ccc8c2997841:0x6a69e176922503d4,Chiang+Mai&cid=0,0,3427067000729640814&ei=3OfRTqraIIOHrAfgzsS-Dw&sa=X&oi=local_result&ct=image&sqi=2&ved=0CBYQ_BI

Sorry, don't mean to pick on handicapped people but seriously, google is your friend.

[silverhawk_usa]

being slightly handicapped I am curious as to how far the procession will go?

I know where Thapa gate is but not JJ Market.

Straight due North as if going to Lotus. JJ Market is the area of shops just before Lotus and the Super Highway. It looks like just under 2 km .