The whole of Thailand is currently in the midst of celebrating its beloved king, Bhumibol Adulyadej, who turned 83 on the 5th of December. The king, who is theworld’s longest reigning monarch, left the hospital where he has been staying for over a year to join in the elaborate celebrations held in his honour throughout the nation on Sunday.
King Bhumibol is admired and loved by all Thais for his continuously hard work in bettering the conditions of his subjects. Over the years, he has effortlessly created hundreds of “Projects Undertaken Through Royal Initiative”, ranging from artificial rainmaking to reafforestation.
The Thai king is known for constantly seeking personal contact with as many of his subjects as possible, and to exercise a stabilizing influence in Thai politics. His many-sided talents are seen in his keen interest in art, sports, language, music and science.
With the birthday being celebrated across the country, the capital is the center of celebrations, where the king joined the ceremonies at Grand Palace, with thousands of spectators shouting “Long live the king” and waving with Thai flags along the cortege passageway.
Every year, this special event is celebrated enthusiastically, in particular in Bangkok. Buildings among Ratchadamnoen Avenu and many of the main roads are decorated with thousands of colourful lights, flags, and portraits of the king. At night, the crowd celebrate with a candle-lighting show of devotion led by the prime minister, fireworks lighting up the sky, and the release of thousands of small hot-air balloons. The ceremony ends with a night-time boat procession on the Chao Phraya river, with one boat doing its best to outshine the next through showing off as many neon lights as possible. It’s a must see!
Even though the major event is on the 5thof December, the birthday is celebrated for more than a week, with various festivities going on in the king’s honour. The birthday is a national holiday, and works as a perfect event for families to get together and celebrate the virtues of the nation and its much-admired ruler.
King Bhumibol has been on the throne for more than 64 years, and we all hope to celebrate his birthday for many many years to come!
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