BANGKOK, Aug 12 – Government agencies, organizations and the Thai people nationwide organized activities and ceremonies to mark National Mother’s Day, also the 82nd birthday of Her Majesty the Queen today.
In Bangkok, former defence minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwan presided over a ceremony to pay respect to and honour Her Majesty the Queen.
Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, chief of the Army and the National Council for Peace and Order, and other high-ranking military officers attended the ceremony.
At Sanam Luang, deputy Bangkok governor Pol Gen Asawin Khwanmuang presided over an event where alms were given to 183 Buddhist monks.
In Samut Songkhram, crowds of local people and tourists gave alms to monks traveling by boats on the Amphawa Canal.
In the northern province of Phichit, about 5,000 people gave alms to 83 Buddhist monks in front of the provincial hall.
In the northeastern province of Yasothon local people gave glutinous rice to Buddhist monks, as was done traditionally.
In the violence-plagued southern border province of Yala, Buddhists gave alms to monks and extended their best wishes to Her Majesty the Queen while Muslims prayed for the good health of the queen.
On Mother’s Day Thais by tradition give jasmine garlands to their mothers to show their love and respect. This causes the price of fresh jasmine to soar. The price in Chiang Rai has risen to Bt1,200 per kilogramme and the prices of a jasmine garland range from Bt30 to Bt250.
