Thais join auspicious event to honour the King

BANGKOK, Sept 9 (TNA) – Thailand honoured His Majesty the King on the auspicious day of Wednesday September 9, 2009.

Auspicious activities were held at several locations simultaneously at 9.09am when members of the public gathered to sing the royal anthem.

The government honoured His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the ninth king of the Chakri dynasty with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva presiding over a ceremony to celebrate the monarch’s upcoming 82th birthday on December 5.

The event was held at the historic Santi Maitri Building within the Government House compound.

The prime minister lit an auspicious candle in front of the King’s portrait, spoke in honour of the King and led senior officials to sing the royal anthem.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) conducted a religious ceremony outside City Hall with officials and the public making merit, offering food to 109 monks in the morning alms at 9.09am.

Thais gave food to monks on September 9, deemed an auspicious day, falling on the 9th day, the 9th month, and the year 2009. Number nine is believed by Thais to be a lucky number.

Government and district offices sang the royal anthem at 9.09am. Schools and private companies also held activities to celebrate the day.

Lumpini Park in central Bangkok was crowded with both Thais and foreigners, all singing the royal anthem to show their respect to the King, led by a famous orchestra. The park was decorated with national flags and the distinctive yellow flags of the monarch.

Yellow is the colour of the King’s birthday on Monday. Thais use the colour to express their royalty to the King.

Nine babies were delivered on this auspicious day at Siriraj Hospital so far to the joy of their parents and families. (TNA)