Merriment, merit-making mark celebration of HM the King’s 87th birthday

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The Eastern Seaboard marked HM the King’s 87th birthday with jubilant celebration and a focus on the environment in events ranging from fireworks in Pattaya to planting coral in Sattahip. Shown here, Pattaya students perform a time honored traditional Thai dance paying homage to HM the King.

The Eastern Seaboard marked HM the King’s 87th birthday with jubilant celebrations and a focus on the environment in events ranging from fireworks in Pattaya to planting coral in Sattahip.

Pattaya saw Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome preside over the annual candle-lighting ceremony at Bali Hai pier after the annual parade from Royal Garden, down Beach Road, through Walking Street to Bali Hai pier. The event was attended by crowds of city workers, council members, military, police, students, residents, business operators and foreign tourists. They jointly lit candles and signed books of well-wishes for HM the King’s speedy return to health.

The Eastern Seaboard marked HM the King’s 87th birthday with jubilant celebration and a focus on the environment in events ranging from fireworks in Pattaya to planting coral in Sattahip. Shown here, Pattaya students perform a time honored traditional Thai dance paying homage to HM the King. The Eastern Seaboard marked HM the King’s 87th birthday with jubilant celebration and a focus on the environment in events ranging from fireworks in Pattaya to planting coral in Sattahip. Shown here, Pattaya students perform a time honored traditional Thai dance paying homage to HM the King.

Students from Pattaya schools 8 and 11 began the evening festivities with traditional dance shows to worship HM the King in front of His portrait.

Attendees largely dressed in yellow as Itthiphol delivered the commemorative speech, then led people in the blessing ceremony, starting with the placement of floral trays in front of a portrait of His Majesty. Representatives from the government and private companies jointly lit the candles before everyone sang the royal and national anthems. Fireworks capped the festivities.

Government officials in Chonburi joined more than 2,000 Red Cross officials, judges, civil servants, military, police, state enterprise officers, and residents to hand out rice and dried food to 88 monks to make merit for His Majesty on his birthday.Government officials in Chonburi joined more than 2,000 Red Cross officials, judges, civil servants, military, police, state enterprise officers, and residents to hand out rice and dried food to 88 monks to make merit for His Majesty on his birthday.

In Chonburi, Gov. Khomsan Ekachai joined more than 2,000 Red Cross officials, judges, civil servants, military, police, state enterprise officers, and residents to hand out rice and dried food to 88 monks to make merit for His Majesty on his birthday. The alms will be donated to ill monks at hospitals, the elderly, and the underprivileged.

Khomsan then gathered at the blessing ceremony, praying to the Three Gems for His Majesty’s good health and long life.

Afterward, there was an oath-taking ceremony for civil servants and award presentations to the four “best fathers” in Chonburi, two of whom won national awards. The other two won the provincial prize.

Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome represented the entire city in pledging love and unconditional loyalty to HM the King.Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome represented the entire city in pledging love and unconditional loyalty to HM the King.

At Chonburi City Hall, Khomsan placed golden and silver trays in front of a portrait of His Majesty and lit candles in commemoration of his birthday. Chonburi Provincial Administrative Organization President Wittaya Kunplome then launched nine volleys of fireworks to mark the occasion, a total of 2,360 shells.

Floral trays and candles were joined by elephants at Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, where park Director Kampol Tansajja presided over the tribute-paying ceremony and General Manager Pattanan Khantisukkaphan gave a speech to hundreds of tourists attending the event.

Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens marked Father’s Day with parade carrying a portrait of the king followed by 19 elephants. Other activities included “Under His Grace,” a blessing-dance performance; elephants placing flower garlands in front of the portrait of His Majesty, a baby elephant expressing his love for his father elephant by presenting the older elephant a flower garland; and 12-year-old Yok writing the words in “Long Live the King” in Thai.

Rear Adm. Yuth Pijitchumhol, commander of Navy special combat forces, presides over the Royal Thai Navy’s 13th “Love Samae San Sea” activity to honor His Majesty on Father’s Day.Rear Adm. Yuth Pijitchumhol, commander of Navy special combat forces, presides over the Royal Thai Navy’s 13th “Love Samae San Sea” activity to honor His Majesty on Father’s Day.

Yok’s performance came four days after another elephant, 12-year-old Baitoey, showed an artistic flair by drawing a portrait of the king, as well as writing the same phrase.

Kampol noted Nong Nooch holds its lavish celebration each year by having elephants represent the love of the people toward His Majesty and inviting tourists worldwide to join the festivities.

In Sattahip, the Royal Thai Navy organized the 13th “Love Samae San Sea” activity to honor His Majesty on Father’s Day.

Apichart Thepnoo, Chief Judge of the Pattaya Provincial Court, places gold and silver floral ornaments in front of His Majesty’s portrait at Bali Hai Pier.Apichart Thepnoo, Chief Judge of the Pattaya Provincial Court, places gold and silver floral ornaments in front of His Majesty’s portrait at Bali Hai Pier.

Rear Adm. Yuth Pijitchumhol, commander of Navy special combat forces presided over the event at the Thai Island and Marine History Museum in Samae San.

More than 800 people, including numerous military units and private organizations, joined in the Nov. 28 event that included nine activities.

Eighty asexual coral plants were placed off Tien Beach, trash was collected in Samae San Sub-district, underwater trash was collected at Lhuang Phor Dum Temple, 88 more coral were seeded in PVC pipes to create artificial reefs, buoys were set to designate protected areas, 100 turtles were returned to the sea and more than 100 trees were planted.

Yuth said the public’s dedication to restoring the environment demonstrated their love and respect towards HM the King and showed unity amongst the private and public sectors.

TAT Pattaya Director Suladda Sarutilavan solemnly takes part in the formal ceremonies on Father’s Day.TAT Pattaya Director Suladda Sarutilavan solemnly takes part in the formal ceremonies on Father’s Day.

Noi Emerson represents Pattaya Sports Club at the ceremonies to honour HM the King.Noi Emerson represents Pattaya Sports Club at the ceremonies to honour HM the King.

Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens marked Father’s Day with elephants placing flower garlands in front of a portrait of His Majesty.Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens marked Father’s Day with elephants placing flower garlands in front of a portrait of His Majesty.

12-year-old Baitoey showed an artistic flair by drawing a portrait of the king at Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens.12-year-old Baitoey showed an artistic flair by drawing a portrait of the king at Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens.

Students and staff from Garden International School (GIS) help celebrate HM the King’s birthday by all wearing yellow.Students and staff from Garden International School (GIS) help celebrate HM the King’s birthday by all wearing yellow.

Pattaya students pay homage to HM the King with a time honored traditional Thai dance.Pattaya students pay homage to HM the King with a time honored traditional Thai dance.

Vutikorn Kamolchote, president of the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya pays his respects to HM the King.Vutikorn Kamolchote, president of the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya pays his respects to HM the King.

Nutsara Duangsri and Praichit Jetapai pay homage to HM the King on behalf of the Pattaya Mail Media Group.Nutsara Duangsri and Praichit Jetapai pay homage to HM the King on behalf of the Pattaya Mail Media Group.

Residents of the Father Ray Foundation take part in the parade.Residents of the Father Ray Foundation take part in the parade.

Local dignitaries pose for a group photo after the closing ceremony.Local dignitaries pose for a group photo after the closing ceremony.

Pattaya Tourist Police lead the parade into Bali Hai.Pattaya Tourist Police lead the parade into Bali Hai.

Bangkok Pattaya Hospital is well-represented at the ceremony.Bangkok Pattaya Hospital is well-represented at the ceremony.

Children from many Pattaya schools performed exquisite dances in honour of our beloved King.Children from many Pattaya schools performed exquisite dances in honour of our beloved King.

The Lions Club of Pattaya-Taksin was one of many clubs and organizations to participate in the commemoration.The Lions Club of Pattaya-Taksin was one of many clubs and organizations to participate in the commemoration.

People express their loyalty to His Majesty the King by jointly lighting candles and singing the royal and national anthems.People express their loyalty to His Majesty the King by jointly lighting candles and singing the royal and national anthems.