Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej will celebrate his 85th birthday on Dec. 5 and make public appearance from the balcony of the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall in Bangkok. The last time His Majesty made such an appearance was on Jun. 9 this year for 60 years of his reign.
Recognized as the “Father of the Thai Nation,” His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej is best loved by the Thai people. His birthday, 5 December, is regarded as a very significant day in Thailand.
His Majesty the King is sometimes referred to by his subjects as “Pho Lhuang – Royal Father”. He has spent his life working for the benefit of his people, who are all his “children.” Everywhere he goes throughout Thailand, people have gathered to see him.His Majesty once said in an address marking his birthday that his happiness would come about when the country has prosperity, stability, and normalcy. Prosperity and stability would be achieved when people of all groups performed their duties with mindfulness, wisdom, honesty, and sincerity, while focusing on the public interest for the sake of the country as a whole.
Considered one of the most important days of the Thai people, December 5 is H.M. the King’s Birthday and the day is also regarded as the nation’s Father’s Day. Buildings and homes throughout the country are adorned with portraits of H.M. the King and flags, and the streets are decorated with fairy lights, predominantly around Ratchadamnoen Road and the Grand Palace. An alms-giving ceremony in the morning is followed by a festival of music and cultural performances at Sanam Luang. In the evening, the whole nation joins in the Candle Lighting Ceremony and witnesses a spectacular fireworks display.
Highlight: Ratchadamnoen Road is closed to traffic on 5 December to enable people to walk and admire the beauty of the displays of portraits of H.M. the King and colorful illuminations. Most of all, this event provides the opportunity to witness the love and respect that the Thai people have towards their beloved King.
His Majesty, King Bhumibol, Rama IX of Thailand was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts on December 5, 1927.
This celebration is also referred to as Thai Father’s day since the King is the symbolic father of Thailand. The King and Queen are revered for they generosity and caring for the Thai people. There are numerous royal projects aimed at improving the life and health of the Thai people. A list of their accomplishments is long and impressive.
The King’s father, Prince Mahidol, was studying medicine at Harvard University at the time of the King’s birth. The King’s grandfather was King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), one of the most famous kings of the Royal House of Chakri. Prince Bhumibol’s father died at an early age and his mother moved to Switzerland where the young prince lead as “ordinary” life as possible. Prince Bhumibol’s interests during this time were photography, tinkering with electrical & mechanical things, and science. While in Switzerland he entered Lausanne University. While in Switzerland he met and fell in love with a charming young Thai lady. They were married just prior to the King’s coronation in 1950.
It is worth noting that Thailand has had a constitutional monarchy since 1937. King Bhumibol is the longest reigning king in the world.
Thai people are happy under the benevolence of His Majesty, whom they regard as their devoted father. His Majesty is regarded as the protector of his people in every respect. He has become the symbol of unity and social harmony in Thai society. He is also recognized as a source of inspiration and wisdom for the Thai people.
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.
Besides royal ceremonies, many activities in support of public charities are held to celebrate this important event. As part of His Majesty’s 84th birthday celebrations, the general public has been provided with a variety of celebrative performances free of charge at Sanam Luang and surrounding areas, from December 3 to 9.
From the day His Majesty the King ascended the throne as King Rama IX, on 9 June 1946, to the present day, the words have not been found that can describe his immense kindness and compassion toward his Thai subjects. His Majesty has not only fulfilled the duties of a constitutional king in a democratic regime, but has also offered effective support to the work of the government, especially in cases of public disasters.
The royal activities cover education, science and technology, foreign relations, water resource management, soil conservation and development, forest resource conservation, religious affairs, and medicine and public health, not to mention more than 4,000 royally initiated projects.
Regarded as a role model for Thai people, His Majesty the King has made numerous speeches and given profound advice on various occasions. He deserves to be called a “paternal monarch” for his great devotion and unbounded love toward his subjects.
Source: http://bangkokscoop.com/2012/12/04/december-5-h-m-the-king-of-thailands-birth...
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