The government will hold a series of activities to mark His Majesty the King's 67th birthday on July 28, while the army will bring personnel, vehicles and weaponry from a Prachin Buri military unit to Bangkok to take part in the royal birthday celebrations.
The permanent secretary of the Office of the Prime Minister, Patcharaporn Intreyonk, on Tuesday chaired a meeting between agencies to discuss preparations for the event. A ceremony, incorporating Buddhist, Christian, Muslim, Hindu and Sikh customs, is planned today to commemorate the King's birthday.
Volunteers enlisted under the royally initiated Jit Arsa (spirit of volunteering) project will plant trees today in the compound of Vachirabenjatas Park (Rot Fai Park) in Bangkok's Chatuchak district as a tribute to the King on his birthday.
On the morning of His Majesty's birthday, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha will lead cabinet ministers, government officials and members of the public in offering alms to 568 monks and novices at Sanam Luang. Officials will then attend a ceremony to take an oath of honesty in serving the country.
The prime minister will then sign a book to express his best wishes to His Majesty the King in the Grand Palace before attending a royal ceremony in the Amarindra Vinijaya Throne Hall in the Grand Palace, where the King will grant an audience to royal family members, cabinet members and dignitaries.
A candle-lighting ceremony will be held in the evening at Sanam Luang to wish His Majesty a happy birthday. On July 29, a grand reception in honour of His Majesty the King will be held at Government House. According to the army's public relations division, the army will move personnel, weaponry and vehicles from the 2nd Infantry Division, King's Guard, in Prachin Buri to Bangkok today to take part in the King's birthday celebrations.
Meanwhile, during the navy's rehearsals for the royal barge procession for His Majesty the King's royal kathin robe-offering rite on Oct 24, part of the Chao Phraya River will be closed to boat traffic, according to the Marine Department.