BANGKOK, Aug 12 – Thai people from all walks of life across the country joined a mass candle-lighting ceremony Friday evening to mark Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s 79th birthday and to offer prayers and blessings for the Queen.
Presiding over the mass candle-lighting event held in front of the Supreme Court near Sanam Luang ceremonial ground, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said on behalf of cabinet members, civil servants and all Thais that the Thai people were pleased to gather here to express their loyalty and well wishes to the beloved Queen.
She added that Thai people felt gratitude for her royal grace and her dedication to help her subjects.
The premier then led the public to light candles and to sing the royal anthem at the auspicious moment amid continuing rainfall.
Meanwhile, people nationwide also participated this auspicious moment, when the kingdom was illuminated with a sea of candlelight and fireworks at home or at designated venues in all the kingdom’s provinces.
Apart from the mass candle-lighting ceremony, cultural and art performances were held across the country to honour the Queen’s contributions and dedication for the well-being of her subjects as well as to celebrate the Queen’s birthday.
Earlier, people upcountry offered alms to Buddhist monks and joined several public charity activities Friday morning, to make merit and to celebrate the auspicious occasion.
Prominent figures, the prime minister and the cabinet members, military top brass, senior government officials, the diplomatic corps and the public thronged the Grand Palace to sign the well-wishing books on the auspicious occasion of Her Majesty the Queen’s birthday.
