Thai king celebrates 85th birthday with speech on national harmony
Source: Agencies |
December 6, 2012, Thursday
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VAST crowds of devoted Thais turned out yesterday to catch a brief glimpse of their beloved king as the world's longest-reigning monarch celebrated his 85th birthday with a rare public appearance in Bangkok.
King Bhumibol Adulyadej sat on a throne on a balcony overlooking a plaza packed with a crowd that police estimated at 200,000 as he delivered a brief homily on national harmony.
Most in the crowd were dressed in the royal color of yellow, many waving Thai flags and flags adorned with the king's insignia.
Respectfully silent during the monarch's halting words, they shouted "Long live the king" afterward, as well as when he made his way to and from the ceremonial Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall.
The turnout was a vivid demonstration of the affection in which many hold the king, despite political turmoil in recent years that has raised doubts about the future of the monarchy.
The king's infrequent public appearances are poignant, since he is very visibly infirm with age and uses a wheelchair. He has spent the last three years living in a hospital, where he sometimes carries out royal duties such as the swearing-in of high officials.
The king, who took the throne in 1946, was originally hospitalized in September 2009 with a lung inflammation. Official statements have said he remained at the hospital for physical therapy and nourishment to regain his strength.
Bhumibol's family flanked him yesterday for part of his appearance, including Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, his son and heir-apparent. However, his wife, Queen Sirikit, 80, was absent from the ceremony.
The royal palace issued a statement saying the queen's doctors advised her against attending as even standing by the king's side for an extended period might be strenuous for her. She suffered stroke-like symptoms in July.
Several spectators in the packed crowd fainted in the high heat and humidity and needed medical attention.
The king's occasional speeches in recent years have stressed the need for unity.
Yesterday, he thanked people for coming, saying their apparent show of unity "delighted and encouraged" him.
"If Thai citizens still hold this virtue (harmony) in their hearts, there is hope that in whatever the situation, Thailand would surely get through it safely and stably," he said.
He called on Buddha and holy spirits to bless the country.
King Bhumibol Adulyadej sat on a throne on a balcony overlooking a plaza packed with a crowd that police estimated at 200,000 as he delivered a brief homily on national harmony.
Most in the crowd were dressed in the royal color of yellow, many waving Thai flags and flags adorned with the king's insignia.
Respectfully silent during the monarch's halting words, they shouted "Long live the king" afterward, as well as when he made his way to and from the ceremonial Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall.
The turnout was a vivid demonstration of the affection in which many hold the king, despite political turmoil in recent years that has raised doubts about the future of the monarchy.
The king's infrequent public appearances are poignant, since he is very visibly infirm with age and uses a wheelchair. He has spent the last three years living in a hospital, where he sometimes carries out royal duties such as the swearing-in of high officials.
The king, who took the throne in 1946, was originally hospitalized in September 2009 with a lung inflammation. Official statements have said he remained at the hospital for physical therapy and nourishment to regain his strength.
Bhumibol's family flanked him yesterday for part of his appearance, including Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, his son and heir-apparent. However, his wife, Queen Sirikit, 80, was absent from the ceremony.
The royal palace issued a statement saying the queen's doctors advised her against attending as even standing by the king's side for an extended period might be strenuous for her. She suffered stroke-like symptoms in July.
Several spectators in the packed crowd fainted in the high heat and humidity and needed medical attention.
The king's occasional speeches in recent years have stressed the need for unity.
Yesterday, he thanked people for coming, saying their apparent show of unity "delighted and encouraged" him.
"If Thai citizens still hold this virtue (harmony) in their hearts, there is hope that in whatever the situation, Thailand would surely get through it safely and stably," he said.
He called on Buddha and holy spirits to bless the country.
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