Close to a thousand Thais living in Europe yesterday turned up at the Place de la Riponne in Lausanne, Switzerland, for a ceremony to mark the 87th birthday of His Majesty the King.
Despite the sub-zero temperatures, all participants were wearing yellow shirts under their overcoats and jackets. They travelled from 18 countries in Europe including Italy, Britain, Slovakia, Austria and Denmark and other places in Switzerland.
Organisers said it was one of the largest gatherings of Thais to commemorate His Majesty the King's birthday in continental Europe.
Om Fresh, a Thai woman living in Switzerland who helped organise the event, said preparations began on July 10 when she sought permission from the local administration to hold the gathering.
She invited other Thais in Europe via a dedicated Facebook page called "King of Hearts".
She said preparations got off to a rough start as she faced tough questioning by Lausanne municipal officials who wanted to ensure she had the ability and resolve to organise such a large gathering.
One question she was asked by the officials was whether she and the other participants could stand the freezing cold temperatures and possible snow as the activities included a candlelight ceremony and singing outdoors.
She replied that this would not deter participants as it was nothing compared to the King's six decades of hard work for his subjects during which he was frequently exposed to searing heat and pouring rain.
The explanation won her permission to stage the event, Ms Om said.
Switzerland has a special place in the King's life as he attended the Ecole Nouvelle de la Suisse Romande, and obtained his Bachelier des Lettres diploma from the Gymnase Classique Cantonal of Lausanne.
Yesterday's event was presided over by Foreign Minister Gen Tanasak Patimapragorn.
Kornkwan Thorsan, a Thai from Norway, said she was awestruck by the occasion and the outpouring of love for the King and the unity among expat Thais.
Krajangsri Phasomsap, who has settled in Sweden, said the gathering left her impressed with the display of deep attachment to the King.