His Majesty
the King’s loyal subjects in Pattaya hold a candlelight ceremony at last
year’s grand royal birthday celebration held at Bali Hai Pier.
Pattaya will mark His Majesty
King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 84th birthday Monday, Dec. 5 with ceremonies
and a parade along Beach Road.
Festivities begin at 3 p.m. in front of Royal Garden Plaza where parade
participants will register, receive their flags and other parade
paraphernalia.
Beach Road will be closed beginning at 4:45 p.m., and the actual parade
will begin at 5 p.m. starting at Royal Garden Plaza, through Walking
Street and finishing at Bali Hai Pier. Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome will
preside over the ceremonies to pay homage and pledge allegiance to HM
the King.
Fireworks are scheduled for 7:50 p.m., followed by candle-lighting and
songs of praise and loyalty at 8 p.m.
The “Beautiful Country Under His Royal Protection” celebration will also
feature the singing of an original song penned by Ad Carabao, leader of
Isaan-music band Carabao.
Entitled “‘Pra-Phu-Pid Thong Lang Phra,” or “His Majesty the King, the
humble giver of unbounded benevolence”, the song will be led by the
winner of a Dec. 1-4 contest at Central Festival Pattaya Beach to
determine the best singer of the song.
People attending the Bali Hai celebration can sign postcards to be sent
to His Majesty until Dec. 25.
The festivities will be capped off by a concert featuring performances
by Ganesha, Sixty Miles, Bell Supol, and Mild, which will wrap up by
11:30 p.m.
The day is also observed as national Father’s Day, and since it is a
public holiday, all government offices, banks and many businesses will
be closed. Many bank branches in shopping malls may be open to cater to
foreign exchange. Shopping centers and most exchange booths throughout
the city will be open.
High ranking police officials told Pattaya Mail that since this is such
an auspicious holiday, it is against the law to serve alcohol on this
day. Restaurants, bars and entertainment venues are allowed to remain
open, but must not serve alcohol of any kind on Monday, December 5,
2011.
