A spate of bombings around Thailand spurred a last-minute change of venue, but Pattaya still turned out to show its loyalty to HM the Queen on her 84th birthday.
The Mother’s Day bombings in Thailand’s South prompted Acting Mayor Chanapong Sriviset to move the candle-lighting ceremony from hard-to-secure Bali Hai Pier to Pattaya City Hall Aug. 12.
Children from local schools brought tears to the eyes and lumps to the throats of their parents and members or the audience with their Mother’s Day stage performances.
Sriviset lit candles and presented an ornamental flower cone before a portrait of HM Queen Sirikit, and led those assembled in singing the royal anthems. Afterwards, the stage was opened for all to present their offerings.
Residents and guests also were given a chance to sign a book of well-wishes that would be sent to Her Majesty.
Nongprue Sub-district had its own commemoration the day before including a parade from the Soi Siam Country Club – Mitrkamol intersection to the Nongprue municipal office. The main ceremony took place there, with a wish book circulated, garlands offered and flower cones presented.
At the Banglamung District Office, Chief Chakorn Kanjawattana presided over a candle-lighting ceremony before garlands were laid at a portrait of HM the Queen.
With Mother’s Day falling on a Friday, many people decided to spend the long holiday in Pattaya. Many gave alms in the morning at various temples or participated in other merit-making activities in HM the Queen’s name.
Among them was Naklua grilled-chicken vendor Nai Singrung who gave away food to poor children who couldn’t afford her 10-baht-a-skewer barbecue.
On Mother’s Day, she gave away 200 skewers of chicken and 10 kilograms of sticky rice. She said it’s a tradition she plans to continue in coming years.
The Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort held its “Gift of Grace” Mother’s Day commemoration on Aug. 10.
General Manager Andre Brulhart welcomed children from the Baan Kru Ja Foundation and seniors from the Banglamung Home for the Elderly to take part.
The kids, mostly orphans, were invited to come and enjoy some fun while getting spoiled and experiencing a warmth and love from adults taking the place of their real mothers.
Youths and seniors together sang songs before the young ones paid respect to their elders with flower garlands.
In Sattahip, District Chief Noraset Sritapatso led a merit-making and alms-giving event with 85 monks from nine temples, invited to accept dried food and rice from area residents and military personnel at Sattahip City Hall.
Provincial Gov. Khomsan Ekachai led the festivities in Chonburi where alms were offered and merit made at city hall’s Praphutahong Shrine.
Again, 85 monks were summoned to receive alms prepared by authorities and residents before a blessing ceremony. This was followed by a candle-lighting ceremony where the governor and all involved joined to show their loyalty and celebrate HM Queen Sirikit’s birthday.
The alms and other items prepared by residents were to be donated to hospitals and the poor.
