BANGKOK, 13 August 2014 – Chief of the National Council for Peace and Order General Prayuth Chan-o-cha and other members of the NCPO, accompanied by their spouses, yesterday led Thai people in a mass candle-lighting ceremony to offer well wishes to Her Majesty the Queen on her birthday. The ceremony was held at Sanam Luang in front of the Grand Palace, in conjunction with the 82nd anniversary of Her Majesty. It was broadcast live nationwide.
Paying tribute to Her Majesty on behalf of the people, General Prayuth said Thais were grateful to Her Majesty for her strength, courage and brains put into the various royally initiated projects aimed at bringing happiness to the people and prosperity to the nation. Her Majesty has created jobs that generate sufficient income to people and their families in line with the Sufficiency Economy concept of His Majesty the King. Her Majesty’s dedication to promote art and cultural conservation has also been recognized by nations around the world.
General Prayuth added that Thai people were grateful to Her Majesty’s activities which in turn, have made them the strength of national development. And for these reasons, they gather every August 12 to celebrate the birthday of Her Majesty, whom they regard as the Mother of the Land.
General Prayuth then led the public to light candles and sing the royal anthem, as well as the song ‘Sadudi Maharaja’ amidst a sea of candlelight and fireworks.
