Police found more than they bargained for when
they recovered an M16 assault rifle amid the methamphetamines whilst
breaking up a drug party.
Theerarak Suthathiwong
Banglamung Police breaking up a drug party behind the
Thamsamakkee Temple got more than they bargained for when they found an M16
assault rifle amid the methamphetamines.
Eight unidentified men and two women were apprehended
when police surrounded the temple-area shack May 4. Another 10 were able to
escape.
Inside the hut police found eight ya ba tablets and an
unspecified amount of marijuana. In the back of the shack, however, police
found the assault rifle along with 26 bullets.
The drug suspects denied ownership of the gun, saying it
was the property of an enlisted soldier friend.
Shortly later, the soldier, A-non Orachanka, 22,
presented himself at Banglamung Police Station to claim the rifle. He said
he’d just left duty in Thailand’s restive south and, rushed to visit friends
and family, didn’t have time to return it to his post at the Nawamin
Military Camp Ammunition Division in Narathiwat.
Police notified military officials about the recovered weapon while
charging the drug party users with illegal possession of narcotics.
Each year on May 5, the Kingdom of Thailand commemorates
the day when, in 1950, the Coronation Ceremony was held for His Majesty King
Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, the 9th in the Chakri Dynasty (Rama IX).
HM the King, after studying in Europe, returned to
Thailand and was crowned King during an elaborate and highly intricate
ceremony that out lavished all previous coronations in Thailand.
The annual coronation ceremony is currently a three-day
affair, starting with a ritual “tham boon” ceremony on May 3 to honor the
King’s ancestors. Later on the first day, another ceremony is performed,
whereby flags of honor are issued to distinguish various military units.
The following day, Buddhist ceremonies continue with
chanting rituals, prayers and Brahman priests announcing the auspicious
occasion forthcoming the next day (May 5).
On the 5th of May, His Majesty conducts a merit making
ceremony, presenting offerings to Buddhist monks, and leads a “Wien Thien”
ceremony, walking three times around sacred grounds at the Temple of the
Emerald Buddha.
In the evening the King conducts another sacred ceremony:
changing the yellow cloth on the Emerald Buddha, the guardian symbol
protecting the Thai people, which was transferred from Thonburi to Wat Phra
Kaew by Rama I.
Many rooms in the Royal Palace are opened for public
viewing on Coronation Day. Auspicious ceremonies are performed and displays
depicting Royal achievements are exhibited to reconfirm the King’s stature.
