Long Live His Majesty The King

[webfact]

HM THE KING'S BIRTHDAY

Long Live our Guardian

Thanong Khanthong

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- On December 1st, Supreme Patriarch Somdej Phra Yanasangvara Somdej Phra Sangharaj Sakol Mahasanghaparinayok delivered a congratulatory message to mark King Bhumibol Adulyadej's birthday today on December 5th.

His metaphoric message was subtle, capturing the spirit of the Monarchy and Buddhism that embody the Thai nation and its survival.

The Supreme Patriarch, who is the head of the order of Thai Buddhist monks, said the Thai nation has been keeping two things together throughout its history - that is, guarding Buddhism and having the King as head of state. This is also in accordance with the Buddhist precept, which expounds that "Dhamma protects those who practice Dhamma like a chatra (white tiered Royal umbrella) Royal decoration or an umbrella in the rainy season" and that "the King is the head of all human beings".

The Supreme Patriarch went on to say that Dhamma is like a big umbrella in the rainy season for those who practise all the Dhamma.

Likewise, the Dhamma Raja represents a big umbrella for the people.

The Thai nation has been blessed all along with Kings who serve like a big umbrella. Each King is endowed with miraculous deeds, depending on the circumstances of the time because the King is born into the world to restore order and maintain happiness in the land.

"The Thai people have seen how His Majesty the King has practised his royal duty - major or minor - for their benefit and happiness. His Majesty the King adheres to the Dhamma of the King without any flaws, deserving gratitude and loyalty from all Thais," the Supreme Patriarch said.

There is a 14-year gap between the 10th Supreme Patriarch of the Rattanakosin Era and the Ninth Reign. The Supreme Patriarch will turn 99 years old next year, while the King is 85 today. The Supreme Patriarch has gone through the eighth cycle of life, the King the seventh cycle of life. Both surpass their predecessors in longevity.

More significantly, both are higher beings, born into this Golden Land to share the same destiny during this momentous time. They follow their duty as guardians of the Thai spiritual and cultural heritage.

There is a hidden message in the Supreme Patriarch's congratulatory speech to the King. Twice he used the word "rainy season" to signify the present danger, from within and from without, facing Thailand. And the King, the Supreme Patriarch stressed, represents the chatra that shields Thais from the rain.

The King has ruled Thailand as head of state since 1946 during the vicissitudes of the post-World War II era. He has navigated the country through the emergence of the Cold War, the expansion of communism, the internal political turmoil marked by military dictatorship and half-baked democracy, the forced opening up of Thailand through liberalisation and globalisation and the triumph and decline of global capitalism. The enduring Monarchy helps keep Thailand's stability.

Now Thailand is hanging by a thread during this precarious time of the "rainy season". From within, the war of colours has been going on for seven years in Thai politics. First, the yellow shirts emerged to claim that they aimed to protect the Monarchy. Then the red shirts, who are clearly not in favour of the Monarchy, came out as an antithesis to the yellow

shirts. In the interval, the white shirts camouflaged themselves as a broker of peace. The black shirts came out from nowhere to shoot and run, leaving behind a fractured Thailand and a huge scar that could not possibly be cured.

The social and political polarisation is unprecedented in modern Thai history, revolving around the shadowy figure of Thaksin Shinawatra. In fact, the genesis of this Hegelian dialectic goes far back to 1932, when the elite elements, tempted by a parliamentary form of government and power for themselves, brought down Absolute Monarchy.

There followed a periodic clash between pseudo-democracy and military dictatorship - a seemingly endless thesis vs antithesis force of Hegelian dialectic, invisibly manipulated from the outside by the colonial powers. As a result, the division within Thai society and politics is bitter and irreparable. But all this time, the King as the individual and the Monarchy as the institution have merged to represent the ultimate symbol of unity of Thailand.

From without, the superpowers have long been wishing to bring Thailand under their yoke. The geopolitical conflict between the waning United States and the emerging China threatens Thailand's survival. The Yingluck government has decided to play the American card by giving away Thailand's sovereignty through the 2012 joint statement on security between Thailand and US. The King, who follows the diplomatic prudence of his grandfather King Chulalongkorn, met separately on equal terms with US President Barack Obama and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao when the two superpowers visited Bangkok to seek Thailand as an ally last month. The King helped bring a sense of balance back to Thailand's diplomacy.

What will become of Thailand as the Supreme Patriarch and the King are ageing? There are threats of a civil war from within and a highly possible spill-over from a regional, if not global, war in the South China Sea and other parts of the world. Will Thailand survive against all odds as the gentle and kind nation of the old days again?

Many Thais do believe that when worst comes to worst, Phra Siam Thevathiraj will come to Thailand's rescue. Phra Siam Thevathiraj is the City Angel. King Mongkut, who faced the threat of colonialism, realised that whenever Siam was in peril, a god would constantly guard its stability and survival. He had a golden statute of Phra Siam Thevathiraj built and placed inside the Grand Palace.

Indeed, nobody knows what will become of Thailand's uncertain future. The Thais are quarrelling over the colours of the shirts they should wear tomorrow. The government is barring the provincial governors from lighting fireworks to celebrate the King’s birthday. And the politicians are set to rewrite the Constitution to undermine the role of the Monarchy. But most Thais know that they can morally and spiritually count on the King, the Supreme Patriarch as head of the Buddhist monks' order, Phra Siam Thevathiraj and all the other sacred beings to protect Thailand during this time of great despair.

-- The Nation 2012-12-05

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RAMA IX'S BIRTHDAY

Balcony audience is only the sixth of HM's reign

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Thais across the country will experience a rare delight today - a grand public audience granted by their much-beloved King from a balcony; an event known as Seehabanchorn in Thai.

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej is the world's longest-reigning monarch, but throughout his more than six-decade reign, he has granted such a grand public audience only five times before. Today, he turns 85 and will receive his people's best wishes directly when he appears on a balcony of the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall.

The event is set to go down as an impressive moment in Thailand's history.

A sea of yellow - the colour associated with His Majesty's birthday - will appear in the public space in front of the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall once again as chants of "Long Live the King" resonate far and wide.

Out of their overwhelming love and respect for their monarch, Thais relish every opportunity to get a glimpse of His Majesty and to express their loyalty.

When His Majesty celebrated the 60th anniversary of his accession to the throne, in 2006, about a million yellow-clad people showed up in front of the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall to extend their best wishes.

Millions of other Thais were glued to the television for the grand public audience. As His Majesty raised his hand to greet his subjects, a large number of Thais shed tears of delight.

Seehabanchorn grand public audiences involving a balcony take place on very important occasions only.

The current monarch granted his first Seehabanchorn audience on May 7, 1950, at the Phutthaisawan Throne Hall, at the Grand Palace, as part of his coronation ceremony.

The second took place at the Phutthaisawan Throne Hall on October 18, 1956, when His Majesty announced his decision to be ordained.

On January 19, 1961, His Majesty granted another Seehabanchorn audience from a balcony of the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall to mark his return to the Kingdom after a seven-month trip to 14 countries.

The fourth was held at the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall. It took place on December 5, 1999, on the occasion of His Majesty's Sixth Cycle Birthday Anniversary.

-- The Nation 2012-12-05

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[bigbamboo]

Forget the whinges and those Thailand could well do without for once because today is a day to celebrate what is good about Thailand.... and that means His Majesty The King and the way he binds the people together. Great to see hiis health continues to improved and best wishes to Her Majesty the Queen too.

Long Live the King!.

[metisdead]

Nonsense posts have been removed. If you have a problem with the newspaper editor or their reporting abilities, contact them and discuss your grievances with them rather than post here which adds nothing to the topic.

[ratcatcher]

Happy Birthday your Majesty, may you and your family have health and happiness.

Long may you reign. Thailand loves you.

[Mario2008]

A very happy birthday to His Majesty the King.

Long live the King.

And a happy fathersday to all.

[mania]

Happy Birthday to His Majesty The King !

Wish you many many more.

Watching the ceremonies on TV now.

Amazing just amazing.

I have never seen a country show so much love for their King

Beautiful sight

Edited December 5, 2012 by mania

[submaniac]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY YOUR MAJESTY!!!!!

Also, does anyone know the time that the balcony appearance will be made? I want to catch it over Thai internet TV. Thanks!

[mania]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY YOUR MAJESTY!!!!!

Also, does anyone know the time that the balcony appearance will be made? I want to catch it over Thai internet TV. Thanks!

Soon I suspect as he in in the car & moving now.

[submaniac]

Thank you, mania! I just turned on the internet streaming tv now and am watching. Unfortunately video stream in US is a bit slow no matter the channel (think lots of people are watching).

[webfact]

10:41

[mania]

Thank you, mania! I just turned on the internet streaming tv now and am watching. Unfortunately video stream in US is a bit slow no matter the channel (think lots of people are watching).

hope your stream gets better. Yes I imagine many watching via Internet when in other countries.

He is sitting now on the balcony receiving well wishes from Son, Yingluck etc.

Amazing event to watch. So many people there & on the route

[webfact]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_7cV41WoNg

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RT @Saksith: HM The King: "I hope that the country - no matter what the current situation is - will continue to prevail!"

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RT @tulsathit: His Majesty says unity shown today will carry nation through all kind of obstacles and danger. #KingInMyHeart

[submaniac]

The video streaming is still a bit slow and spotty for me in the States, but it is a great ceremony. Just the sheer number of people in the crowd...wow.

[webfact]

we have removed one video because we think it's not today's speech

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HM THE KING'S BIRTHDAY

Monarch appears on balcony of Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- HM the King granted a grand public audience at the balcony of the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall on Wednesday, his 85th anniversary, while a sea of yellow gathered in the Royal Plaza below and throughout the country, chanting "Long Live the King".

Tens of thousands of people wearing yellow, the colour associated with His Majesty's birthday, had been gathering at the Royal Plaza since yesterday.

The number of the people wishing to catch a glimpse of the beloved monarch extended beyond the plaza to Rajadamnoen and other nearby roads.

Millions of other Thais were glued to the television for the grand public audience. As His Majesty appeared at the balcony and read his thank-you note to greet his subjects, a large number of Thais shed tears of delight.

The event was broadcast live by all television channels and radio programmes. Most Facebook postings meanwhile were full of photos of the Kings and the crowds as well as "Long Live the King."

This is the sixth grand public audience granted by the beloved King from a balcony; an event known as Seehabanchorn in Thai.

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej is the world’s longest-reigning monarch, but throughout his more than six-decade reign, he has granted such a grand public audience only five times before. Today, he turns 85 and will receive his people’s best wishes directly as he appears on a balcony of the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall.

The event went down as an impressive moment in Thailand ’s history.

When His Majesty celebrated the 60th anniversary of his accession to the throne in 2006, about a million yellow-clad people showed up in front of the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall to extend their best wishes.

-- The Nation 2012-12-05

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Thais pack Bangkok for king's birthday celebration

BANGKOK, Dec 5, 2012 (AFP) - Tens of thousands of Thais crowded central Bangkok on Wednesday for a rare address by King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest reigning monarch, as part of celebrations for his 85th birthday.

Television images showed a sea of supporters of the revered king, many wearing yellow symbolising Monday, the day of his birth, and waving royal and Thai flags.

At least 200,000 people were expected to attend the speech from a balcony at the Anantasamakom Throne Hall in front of the Royal Plaza in the capital's historic district.

Crowds lined the streets chanting "long live the king!" along the route of the royal motorcade as it made its way from the hospital where the king has lived for three years after suffering a respiratory illness in 2009.

Bhumibol, who has served for 66 years, suffered a minor brain bleed in July, but has since made several official appearances including meeting Barack Obama during the US president's visit to the country last month.

Thailand's Queen Sirikit was not among the members of the royal family accompanying the king on Wednesday.

Doctors treating the 80-year-old queen, who was diagnosed with a slight loss of blood flow to the brain after being taken ill in July, said she was too weak to attend the ceremony, according to a statement from the palace on Tuesday.

Any discussion of the royal family is extremely sensitive in politically-turbulent Thailand, where the palace has been silent over the organisation of the eventual succession.

Royal Plaza was the heart of anti-government demonstrations in November that saw clashes between police and protesters in the city.

The rally -- attended by members of the influential monarchist "Yellow Shirts" -- was the latest street unrest in Thailand's long-running political crisis pitting Thai royalists against supporters of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra and the current government led by his sister Yingluck.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2012-12-05

[webfact]

RT @tulsathit: RT @veen_NT: RT @RichardBarrow: Amazing picture of Royal Plaza bit.ly/TO2ADJ

[webfact]

RT @tulsathit: The royal family. RT @b_surisa: http://bit.ly/VldtfT

[likewise]

Happy Birthday To His Majesty The King.

[cup-O-coffee]

Happy Birthday, Your Majesty, from C.O.C. wife and son. I hope I look half as good and do half as well as you if I manage to reach your golden age. All the best on this, your special day!

[Ragzilb]

Long Live HRM the King, the strength of Thailand and may he forever be the greatest inspiration.

[theajarn]

Have to admit, it's hard to fight back the emotions, watching this all on TV. What an experience it must be to be there in person.

Long Live His Royal Majesty the King of Thailand~!

Edited December 5, 2012 by theajarn

[Hippos]

Long live the King

[bra]

I agree with a previous poster to put aside for at least one day what some think is wrong with Thailand and reflect on what is right. The plusses far outweigh the minuses. The biggest plus is His Majesty the King, and I send respectful Birthday Greetings from the land of OZ

Long live the King!!

[nakhonandy]

Pretty impressive on the TV.

Shame we are not there.

Long live the King.

[loserlazer]

Long live the king!

Seen the king again this year. Living 5 km close to the Throne Hall l. A big nice gathering. It was nicer this time.

Good luck for me!

Sent from my GT-N7100 using Thaivisa Connect App

Edited December 5, 2012 by loserlazer