Pattaya-area residents showed that HM the late King Rama IX will remain forever in their hearts as they honored his memory on the anniversary of his birth which is celebrated as a National Holiday and Father’s Day.
Banglamung District Chief Amnart Charoensri opened a morning merit-making ceremony Dec. 5 at the Banglamung District Office where alms and 10 sets of robes were donated to 50 monks and novices assembled for the birthday of HM the late King Bhumibol.
At 8 a.m. he led another ceremony to present flowers and incense before a portrait of the beloved monarch.
In Chonburi, Gov. Pakarathorn Thienchai did the honors, joining the province’s ecclesiastical chief Anak Thanisaro to present alms to 50 monks at Phra Phuttasihing Hall in Central Chonburi City. The rice and dried foods will be given to sick monks hospitalized around the country.
In addition to Buddhist merit-making, people also performed good deeds in the late king’s name.
In the Ton Krabok Community, Pattaya Deputy Mayor Poramet Ngampichet led residents in a neighborhood cleanup, picking up trash and sweeping streets.
Down the road in Sattahip, nine pachyderms present offerings to Abbot Kaseamkittisophon and nine monks from Samakeebanpot Temple.
Despite the outpouring of emotions, flower garland sales actually fell this year, due largely to price gouging by florists who jacked up jasmine prices 200 percent for the holiday.
Veerapa Romsakul, owner of Phothong Sangkaphang flower shop, blamed high wholesale prices and shortages of the flower.
She said jasmine is more popular for Mother’s Day, but plenty usually are sold for children to give their father’s on Dec. 5.
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