Thailand Travel Blog
Father of the Land
Grand celebrations to mark HM the King’s Birthday
On 5 December each year, the nation celebrates the birthday of His Majesty the King of Thailand, King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Throughout the kingdom homes and businesses are decorated with portraits of the king as well as royal and national flags. Much of Bangkok, particularly in historic Rattakosin district, is elaborately decorated with flags and giant portraits of the beloved Thai king.
On the morning of the king’s birthday many people visit temples to make merit, while festive celebrations are held across the kingdom throughout the day.
On the birthday of the King of Thailand, a special alms-giving ceremony at temples in the morning is followed by a huge festival of music and culture at Sanam Luang in Bangkok. Visitors can also appreciate the beauty of the decorations along Ratchadamnoen Avenue.
At least 50,000 people will get an opportunity to light candles in honour of their beloved monarch on decorativelight boats floating in front of the Siriraj Hospital on His Majesty’s upcoming birthday.
The candle-lit ceremony would be held simultaneously with the boat procession in front of the Siriraj Hospital, where the king has been staying for treatment since last year, and the Royal Plaza.
An alms-giving ritual will be held at the Royal Plaza between December 1 and December 9. Dedicated to His Majesty, the ritual will run from 7am to 8am daily.
Prayer rituals in accordance with various faiths including Buddhism, Islam and Christianity will be conducted for the King too.
Between December 1 and December 9, the Culture Ministry will prepare floral trays for people eager to wish His Majesty a happy birthday at the Royal Plaza. Floral-tray presentation can be made from 1pm to midnight.
Moreover, the Culture Ministry announced yesterday it was screening three special films for free viewing to celebrate His Majesty’s 83rd birthday. The films will run from November 29 to December 3 at CentralWorld’s SF World Cinema.
The first film, “Roy Duangjai Hai Phor” (From our Hearts for Father) comprises four short stories, while the second “9 Mahasajan Ongrachan Phalang Phaendin” (Nine Wonders from the King who is the Strength of His Homeland) tells of people who were inspired by His Majesty. The third film titled “Pid Thong Lang Phra: Kwamfan An Sungsud” (Unsung Heroes: the Most Desired Dream) reflects the life and sacrifices made by troops in the violence-plagued South.
These films will also be screened as part of His Majesty’s birthday celebrations at the Royal Plaza and Sanam Luang, as well as being distributed to film festivals, educational institutes nationwide and later recorded on VCDs.
Activities in celebration of HM the King’s 84th Birthday Anniversary
1. The Dusit Palace’s compound : They include 4D Light&Sound presentations to be screened in the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall and installation of LED screens along the Ratchadamnoen Avenue, on the section from Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall to Phan Phiphob Lila Bridge. More than 800 boats would be prepared for the event. The procession of the decorativelight boats promises to be a delightful sight.
2. On Ratchadamnoen Road : Activities will be held on three stages from 3 – 7 December during 18.00 – 24.00 hrs under the supervision of the Ministry of Finance and 15 other ministries, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and the Royal Thai Police.
