Li Fang Wei

Long Live the Great King of Thailand

Millions of Thais have donned their King's royal colour, turning Bangkok into a sea of yellow to honour the world's longest-serving monarch.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej marked 60 years on the throne with a plea for political unity.

Ninety-nine Buddhist monks were set to chant blessings for the 78-year-old King.

Police said up to 7 lakh people stood in sweltering heat in a plaza and street on Friday to greet Bhumibol as he took to a palace balcony, the third such appearance in his royal career.

"Unity is a basis for all Thais to help preserve and bring prosperity to the country in the long run," the King said in his short speech.

"If Thais uphold these ethics, it will ensure that Thailand will stand firmly".

He also called for compassion, honesty and fairness to make the Buddhist-majority nation thrive.

Long innings

Bhumibol, named King on June 9, 1946, after the death of his older brother, has reigned through many governments, democratic and dictatorial.

Although a constitutional monarch with limited powers, in crises he has persuaded opposing parties to compromise for the sake of peace and stability.

In April, he prodded the nation's top courts to resolve a political deadlock that has left Thailand with no working legislature and only a caretaker government after inconclusive April 2 elections, boycotted by the opposition.

Top judges then annulled the vote, paving the way for new polls.

Special honours

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, whose relationship with the King has occasionally seemed strained, spoke on Friday night at a candle-lighting ceremony honouring Bhumibol.

"We all realise that Thailand has been a civilised country whose prosperity is second to none because of the greatness of its kings, including the present one," Thaksin said in a brief speech.

The King is being honoured in other ways as well.

A number of prisoners will be released with royal pardons, and massive fireworks displays are lighting up the night sky during the five-day celebrations.

Source : NDTV.com

posted by Li Fang Wei @ 9:56 AM