Nation in yellow to celebrate King's reign

Nation in yellow to celebrate King's reign

Women hold up photographs of His Majesty the King during the commemoration ceremony for the 70th anniversary of his reign, near the Grand Palace in Bangkok on Thursday. (AFP photo)
Women hold up photographs of His Majesty the King during the commemoration ceremony for the 70th anniversary of his reign, near the Grand Palace in Bangkok on Thursday. (AFP photo)

Thais across the country wore yellow on Thursday to celebrate the day His Majesty the King ascended to the throne 70 years ago.

When it came to an occasion to show respect and loyalty to His Majesty, people throughout the kingdom put aside their political differences and religious beliefs, going out on the streets in yellow, the colour which represents the day the King was born.

Monks line up to receive alms near the Grand Palace. (Post Today photo)

Another colour people were encouraged to wear by the government was blue, to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen's approaching 84th birthday on Aug 12 this year.

People also queued up at commercial banks before they opened to get the special 70-baht banknote issued by the Bank of Thailand -- to keep  as a memory of this day.

Some, like Prasert Ruengsilp collect all issues of special banknotes marking events in His Majesty's life, while others, like Chattraporn Pornkasem, had their first chance on Thursday.

"This was the first time I was able to get a banknote   issued in celebration of His Majesty. I feel so proud and will keep it the best I can," she said after getting one at a Krungthai Bank branch in Muang district in Trat.

"I love my King and would like His Majesty to be with all Thais forever," she added.

On Mahachai road near the Grand Palace, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha led all cabinet ministers, all armed forces leaders, their families and people, all in yellow, to offer alms to 770 monks ordained to honour the King and Her Majesty.

At Siriraj Hospital, where the King stays for medical treatment, people, students and all hospital staff gave alms to 99 monks, followed by other religious ceremonies.

A man proudly shows the special 70-baht banknote celebrating the 70th anniversary of the King's reign that he bought at a Krungthai Bank branch in Muang district in Trat. (Photo by Jakkrit Waewkraihong)

Other provinces also held ceremonies at provincial halls or district offices, where officials and local residents flocked to give monks alms and attended subsequent ceremonies.

Soldiers at the 1st Division, King's Guard, held up cards  in the form of the number 70 to mark this occasion, while people in Nakhon Ratchasima made another display, with cards creating the emblem of His Majesty.

His Majesty ascended to the throne on June 9, 1946 after his predecessor and brother King Anand passed away. His Majesty's 70-year reign makes him the world's longest  serving monarch.

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