BANGKOK, 19 April 2011 – The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will organize grand celebrations for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit upon her birthday anniversary in August and for His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej upon his seventh cycle birthday anniversary in December.
According to Deputy BMA Spokesperson Wasan Meewong, the BMA will appoint organizing panels for both events very soon. Abbot of Yannawa Monastery Phra Phrom Vajirayarn will be invited to be the honorary advisor on the sangha side.
Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra will chair the organizing committee and several sub-committees will be appointed to be responsible for different tasks such as ceremonial activities, cultural performances, public relations, medical care, exhibitions, decorating of celebration sites, security and traffic control.
The events will focus on promotion of the three core institutes, namely the nation, the religion and the monarchy. They will feature BMA projects to develop the capital city particularly its environment, projects to promote arts and culture, music and sports as well as exhibitions on royally initiated projects and voluntary public service launched by the BMA.
On the ceremonial aspect, there will be ceremonies to worship the Guardian Spirit – Phra Siam Thewathirat, and the royal ancestors of the kingdom. People will be invited to practice Buddhist precepts as a tribute to TM the King and Queen. There will also be mass ordination of Buddhist monks and presentation of awards to model mothers and fathers of the year.
The celebrations for Her Majesty the Queen and His Majesty the King will be respectively arranged at Sanam Luang from 9 to 13 August 2011 and from 1 to 6 December 2011. Both events will also feature candle lighting ceremonies to offer birthday wishes to Their Majesties.
