General public make merit for King Rama IX

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THAILAND – Many people throughout Thailand make merit and pay their respects to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great (IX) on December 5, which is Father’s Day and the birthday of the late King. This morning in Sanam Luang, Bangkok, Prime Minister and Defense Minister, Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha, led cabinet ministers, heads of government agencies and members of the public in offering alms to monks in remembrance of the late King.

The Prime Minister together with his wife, Naraporn Chan-o-cha, presided over the merit-making ceremony to mark Father’s Day. Among prominent figures were the Deputy Prime Minister, Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan; the Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul; the Interior Minister, Gen. Anupong Paojinda; the Speaker of the House of Represenatives, Chuan Leekpai, the President of the Senate, Prof. Pornpetch Wichitcholchai and Bangkok Governor, Pol. Gen. Aswin Kwanmuang. The event was also attended by court officials, representatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil servants and members of the public. The group offered alms to 489 Buddhist monks and made merit for His Majesty the late King Bhumibol.

Following the religious ceremony, the Prime Minister opened an exhibition to celebrate Father’s Day and visited booths selling products supported by the Friends in Need (of PA) Volunteers Foundation at the BBG Club.

The Prime Minister then led the officials in placing trays of flowers and paying their respects in front of His Majesty the late King’s image. They expressed their gratitude and pledged to perform their duties in the best interests of the nation.