Thursday, December 4, 2014

Thai People Celebrate His Majesty the King’s Birthday

Thai People Celebrate His Majesty the King’s Birthday




December 5 each year is regarded as a very significant day in Thailand, as it marks His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s birthday. Thai people celebrate this auspicious occasion on a grand scale to show gratitude to their beloved monarch. 

His Majesty the King has righteously exercised his role under the democratic system and has also strictly abided by the Constitution. He does not desire a political role for himself, but in times of crisis, people have always turned to him. In fact, democracy is in His Majesty’s actions; he focuses on the readiness of the people and their well-being. His role, based on the democratic system, is a model for people to follow. Over the years of his reign, the political ups and downs of democracy have shown him to be a stabilizing force that the nation can look up to and rely on.

On the eve of his birthday each year, thousands of well-wishers are granted an audience with him. His Majesty addresses the nation and gives advice and useful information to his subjects. Thai people enthusiastically wait to listen to his nationwide address on this occasion.

In the book King Bhumibol Adulyadej: The Great King of Communication, it is clear that His Majesty has his watchful eyes on all happenings in the country, because Thai people are foremost in his mind. He also reckons that the people of Thailand have always looked up to their king in times of trouble. All the remarks, addresses, and speeches delivered by His Majesty reach his target audiences, and make up textbooks to be studied in various aspects at all levels, not just because of their rhetorical perfection, but as indications of his visions and activities, carefully thought out and put into practice by His Majesty himself as an example set for the people.

As a conscientious leader, and with his great compassion for all the people, His Majesty has been giving the right and proper direction for their self-conduct and livelihood, based mainly on Dhamma in Buddhism.

For more than half a century, His Majesty the King has ceaselessly devoted himself to the improvement of the livelihood of his subjects. In June 1988, he became the longest-reigning monarch in Thai history, and in 1996 he celebrated his Golden Jubilee, an event making him the longest-reigning monarch in today’s world. His Majesty is regarded as the symbol of unity and social harmony in Thai society. His birthday, December 5, is observed as Thailand’s National Day, as well as National Father’s Day. 

The deep reverence felt by all Thais for their King is perhaps unique in the modern world. Each year on His Majesty’s birthday, festivities are held throughout the Kingdom; lights decorate households, government offices, public places, and private companies everywhere. The love, respect, homage, and joy pouring forth from Thai people to honor His Majesty are wonderful to see.