As is fitting, blue was the dominant colour of a special gala dinner held at the Grand Ballroom of the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel to celebrate the birthday of Her Majesty the Queen. In Thai tradition, blue is symbolic of Friday, the day Her Majesty was born.
Titled "Ratree Nava Maha Rachinee Sri Pandin" (The Night of the Great Queen of King Rama IX, Beloved Queen of the Land), the event was graced by Her Royal Highness Princess Soamsawali and was jointly hosted by seven women's organisations.
These organisations are the National Outstanding Mother Association of Bangkok chaired by Chansamorn Wattanavekin, the Federation of Female Territory Defence Volunteers of Thailand chaired by MR Wannaporn Suknetr, the Business and Professional Women's Association of Thailand chaired by Panida Chobwanitcha, Kiat Ruam Mitr for Education Foundation chaired by Khunying Natthika Wattanavekin Angubolkul, the Women's Association for Women chaired by Sirina Chokewattana Pawaroranwitthaya, the Women's Relations Association chaired by Aris Lertthavornkij, and the Federation of Hakka Women's Associations in Thailand chaired by Phetcharat Thepchatree.
The dinner also served to mark the conclusion of the "Seven Women's Organisations Doing Good Deeds for Mother" project, with awards being presented to outstanding women in the organisations.
Mrs Chansamorn, the chief organiser of the event, said it was held to report the latest developments on activities held to honour Her Majesty the Queen under the project which was launched four years ago to mark the Queen's 77th birthday anniversary.
The Princess was welcomed by the chairs and presidents of the seven women's organisations. A photo session took place in front of the ballroom before she entered the ballroom to preside over the celebration.
The formalities began with Mrs Chansamorn and other leaders of the seven women's organisations reading a speech in praise of Her Majesty the Queen.
The women also proffered their warm wishes to Her Majesty the Queen for a happy birthday.
Lalida Chantharaprasert, chair of the event organising committee, then reported on the goals of the event to the Princess. She was followed by Maleerat Pluemchitchom, co-chair of the event organising committee and chair of the outstanding women project, gave reports on the project.
The seven leaders of the project were each awarded prizes as Best Outstanding Women, followed by 49 members _ seven from each organisation _ who were recognised as Outstanding Women.
The awards ceremony was followed by a performance of honorary singers led by Nithinan and Chamaiporn Angubolkul, who sang I am Woman.
This was followed by Withoon, Kamthorn, and Pornwich Sila-on, who sang Rak Mae (Love Mother).
Sudapim Phophakdee sang The Greatest Love of All.
The highlight of the show was the "Ratree Nava Maha Rachinee Sri Pandin" dance performed to three songs, Saeng Song Thai, Somdej and Kha Khue Khon Thai. Performers were dressed as heroes and heroines from the past.
The next number was Phan Pilas Ratchanaree, which reflected the goal of the women's organisations to follow the example set by Her Majesty the Queen. The evening ended with the ceremonial lighting of candles and the singing of the Sadudee Maha Raja to praise His Majesty the King.
