Thais Celebrate King’s 84th Birthday

HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand celebrated his eighty-forth birthday today, appearing on the balcony of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.

The King was joined on the balcony by his wife, HM Queen Sirikit, his eldest son, HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, and two youngest daughters, TRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and Princess Chulabhorn. Other members of the Royal Family, including the Crown Prince’s young son, were also present for the celebration, which saw thousands line the streets of Thailand’s capital to catch a glimpse of the ailing King.

In his birthday speech, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who is currently a patient at Siriraj Hospital, called for the Thai people to unite against the recent flood disaster to put their nation back together. “It is a duty of everyone to cooperate and help each other,” the King told the crowds.

As per tradition, the King gave a royal pardon to over 22,000 prisoners to celebrate his birthday. The pardon was put into effect yesterday, and did not include ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who is currently a fugitive overseas to avoid a two-year prison sentence stemming from a corruption conviction.

In the evening, a fireworks display was given in Bangkok, and again, thousands were in the streets for the beginning of week-long national celebrations, holding candles and portraits of the King.

Filed under Thailand
Tagged Birthday, King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand, Princess Chulabhorn of Thailand, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand, Queen Sirikit of Thailand.

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