Speaking to the nation on his 83rd birthday at the Amarin Winitchai Throne Hall, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Sunday advised the Thai people to do their duties carefully and conscientiously to benefit the nation.
HM the King thanked well-wishers for their blessings on his birthday after HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn read out a statement in honor of the King, followed by statements from Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and House Speaker Chai Chidchob.
HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej delivers his annual birthday speech as part of his 83rd birthday celebration at the Amarin Winitchai Throne Hall inside the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Sunday, Dec. 5, 2010. (AP Photo courtesy Bureau of the Royal Household)
In his brief remarks, he said the nation is unified and peaceful because [the Thai people] adhere to the benefit of the nation in fulfilling their duties.
“All Thais from every sector have to clearly understand their duties. They have to do their utmost to always perform their duties with carefulness and conscientiousness,” HM the King said.
Acts of any individual without conscience and justifications, not knowing what’s right or wrong, can lead the person to do things to damage the country.
Well-wishers, lining the route of the motorcade of Their Majesties the King and Queen and the Royal Family, passing from Siriraj Hospital to the Amarin Winitchai Throne Hall, waved small flags and chanted “Long Live the King”.
The Royal Guards Trooping the Color ceremony was performed at the Grand Palace and the morning ceremony included a cannon salute.
Their Majesties returned to Siriraj Hospital at around 11.35 a.m. after the ceremony ended.
The Crown Prince later presided over a prayer ceremony at the Temple of Emerald Buddha at 5 p.m.
The world’s longest reigning monarch was admitted to Bangkok’s Siriraj Hospital on Sept 19 last year with a lung infection and fever and has been under rehabilitative care at the hospital since then. (MCOT online news/ Reuters/ AP)
