Put aside conflict, King says

The revered monarch made a rare appearance on the balcony of the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall at 11am to grant a public audience on the auspicious occasion of his seventh birthday cycle. He was joined by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit and members of the Royal Family.

The audience included privy councillors, Cabinet members, state officials, foreign diplomats, members of Parliament, top brass of the three branches of the Armed Forces, police and the general public. 

In his speech, His Majesty, who turned 84, said those in important positions, civilians or military, knew well that national security was predicated on the people’s wellbeing, so all parties had the duty to work together to the best of their ability for the people’s welfare.

Especially now when the people have been tormented by the flood disaster, everyone should cooperate to solve the crisis as soon as possible.

Longrange, the focus must shift to sustainable waterresources management.

Agencies could consider the various watermanagement projects that he has offered as advice or suggestions, not commands, because they might be useful and doable, he said.

The important thing is that there should be no conflict and divisiveness among them, the monarch said. They should encourage one another so that their work would bring about the Thai people’s happiness and the nation’s security.

Before the King’s speech, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn offered good wishes to the King and on behalf of all people vowed to perform useful deeds to the fullest extent.

He expressed gratitude and loyalty to the King for the Thai people’s happiness and national security.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra offered best wishes on behalf of the Cabinet, officials and Thai citizens, followed by House Speaker Somsak Kiatsuranont and Supreme Court President Pairoj Wayuparb.

Supreme Commander General Thanasak Patimakorn led the royal guards to renew their oath of allegiance in front of the King.

Admirers, mostly dressed in pink and yellow and carrying national or royal flags, had camped out since nightfall along the royal motorcade route from Siriraj Hospital to the Grand Palace to get the best vantage point to view their beloved monarch. They also cheered “Long live the King” and whooped with joy as the royal motorcade passed by. 

Before the public audience, Yingluck led officials, military officers, foreign envoys and representatives of independent organisations to write birthday greetings for the King at the Grand Palace’s royal house hold pavilion. The Royal Household Bureau allowed the public to sign albums for the King at the royal household pavilion and Sahathai Samakhom pavilion until today. 

Around the country, loyal subjects joined meritmaking ceremonies and grand celebrations for the royal birthday. 

In Phuket and Ranong, the governors led state officials and residents to offer alms to 85 Buddhist monks, while many Phuket people donated blood and signed living wills to donate organs. The activity is to be held throughout the month. 

In Nakhon Ratchasima, the governor led about 500 officials in making merit, while 3,000 whiteclad residents of Nong Bua Lamphu province practised dharma and recited Tri Pitaka prayers 85 times at Sanam Naresuan Maharat in front of the Muang District Office from Sunday to yesterday. 

At Trai Phum Temple in Kalasin’s Sahatsakhan district, 500 residents attended the Mahayana branch’s Tri Pitaka recital, a ceremony hosted for special occasions by Buddhist monks in Tibet and India, in front of the King’s portrait, which was also an annual event hosted from December 16 at the temple since 2006.

At Siripongsawas Temple in Chaiyaphum’s Chatturat district, two Swedish men aged 49 and 54 were ordained as Buddhist monks. They will practise dharma for a week before returning to their homeland.