70 Years A King!

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, the world’s longest reigning monarch, has now been on the throne for 70 years – the anniversary of his accession having been on 9th June. The celebration were, however, quite subdued considering the importance of the occasion because His Majesty has been in hospital for several month  due to ill health and his advancing years.  Only last week, the much loved and revered King underwent heart surgery from which palace officials have said His majesty is recovering well.

Nonetheless, a religious ceremony in the throne room of the Grand Palace in Bangkok took place and was led by 770 Thai Buddhist monks.  Many Thai people bought yellow t-shirts to wear in honour of their king and held celebrations locally.  Elsewhere, he Prime Minister of Thailand, Prayut Chan-o-cha, attended the opening of a new canal in the province of Ratchaburi, west of Bangkok, as part of a water-preservation project celebrating the Anniversary.

Queen Elizabeth II was amongst a number of heads of state who sent congratulations to the King.  In her letter she said:

“It gives me great pleasure to offer my warmest congratulations on the occasion of the 70th Anniversary of the Accession to the Throne of Your Majesty. The relationship between our two countries, which has lasted over 400 years, has become even stronger during Your Majesty’s reign. I send you my very best wishes for the continued happiness and prosperity of all”.

Filed under Thailand
Tagged Accession, Anniversary, King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand.

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