HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, (left) and Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, (right) leave Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok, Tuesday, May 5, 2015. The King presided over ceremonies to mark the 65th anniversary of his ascension to the throne. (Phamorn Manapornchai/Daily News via AP)
Bangkok (AP) – HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great made a rare public appearance Tuesday to mark the 65th anniversary of his coronation.
All television stations carried the event live, as the 87-year-old monarch emerged in a wheelchair from Siriraj hospital, where he has taken up residence, and was driven through the capital’s historic district to the Amarin Winitchai Throne Hall in the Grand Palace to preside over the ceremonies.
Buddhist monks led prayers as the King watched, before an audience of government and royal officials.
HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, (left) and Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, (right) leave Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok, Tuesday, May 5, 2015. The King presided over ceremonies to mark the 65th anniversary of his ascension to the throne. (Phamorn Manapornchai/Daily News via AP)
Hundreds of people lined the roads along the route, chanting “Long Live the King!” The palace had not announced if His Majesty would appear for the ceremony, but crowds had gathered in anticipation of seeing the monarch. Tuesday was a national holiday.
Thais hold great affection for His Majesty the King, the world’s longest-reigning monarch. He was crowned on May 5, 1950, after coming to the throne in 1946.
While he is a constitutional monarch with no formal political role, His Majesty the King is widely revered and regarded as the country’s sole unifying figure. Many regard him as a father figure, and his December 5 birthday is also designated as Father’s Day in Thailand.
