Thai peace is my happiness, says HM
The Nation: 6 Dec 2009
Thai peace is my happiness, says HM
By THE NATION ON SUNDAY
Published on December 6, 2009As millions nationwide celebrate the King's birthday, His Majesty reminds them to perform their roles and duties with integrity, and to the best of their ability
It has been called "Father's Day" for good reason, but yesterday the reason became resoundingly clear.
As the nation stood still for almost one hour to witness and cherish another historic moment of the monarchy and the country, something powerful seemed to be actively at work beneath the stillness.
The bonding that may have been taken for granted and the heavily tested sense of who we are, reasserted themselves to make a strong rallying cry for troubled Thailand to stop and think.
The Grand Audience, or Maha Samakom, at the Amarin Winitchai Throne Hall inside the Grand Palace looked ceremonial at best until His Majesty the King reminded everyone that all the wishes for happiness and prosperity could only come true when Thai citizens "clearly understand" their roles and duties and perform them with integrity, unwavering commitment and to the best of their ability.
He has been saying that for decades, but his soft but determined voice this time greatly reinforced the message. The beloved monarch has been sharing with all Thais the country's highs and lows.
Yesterday, he thanked HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Parliament President Chai Chichob for the "heartfelt" birthday wishes from them and people they represented, but all the high-ranking officials, former senior officials, parliamentarians and Royal Family members who were inside the hall as well - as the millions who watched on TV - were told unequivocally what made His Majesty happy.
"My happiness will occur when our country prospers, is stable and peaceful," he said in his first public appearance outside Siriraj Hospital in more than two months.
The speech was brief, but it seemed to cover everything a father wants to say to his fighting children. It was uttered with a kind look, although, characteristically perhaps, what was absent was a smile. His convoy departed Siriraj Hospital around noon, more than an hour later than the initial schedule.
Flag-waving Thais - many of them wearing pink for the King's good health - lined the route to the Grand Palace, shouting "Long Live Your Majesty" when his gold-coloured van went past. The monarch and Her Majesty the Queen raised their hands constantly to greet them.
Many had tears in their eyes. Other Royal Family members also accompanied the King from the hospital.
They included the Crown Prince, HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, HRH Princess Chulabhorn Valayalaksana and HRH Princess Srirasmi.
His motorcade travelled from the hospital via Arun Amarin Road, Phra Pinklao Bridge, Rajdamnoen Nai Avenue and Na Phra Lan Road to enter the Grand Palace through the Wises Chaisri Gate.
It took the same route on its way back to the hospital. Again, the father has done his tireless job of asking his children to play their roles, perform their duties and share the responsibilities.
No birthday cake was in view and there was no candle for him to blow out, just a golden, majestic attire that carried the greatest responsibility of them all.
The grand ceremony, nationwide festivities and the "happiness campaign" could not cloud the simple wish, given in a speech that Thais don't need to read between the lines.
It is clear what makes HM the King, the father of Thailand, content.
It's up to Thais to deal with what doesn't, in order to give him happiness - and for our own sake.
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His Majesty's birthday address
THE NATION Published on December 6, 2009
His Majesty the King delivered the following brief speech to an assembly of the Royal Family, senior officials and dignitaries at the Grand Palace yesterday.
"My thanks to all of you for your kindness in gathering here in order to offer me best wishes on my birthday. Your sincerely selected blessings are for me to be happy and content.
"My happiness will transpire when our country prospers and when it is stable and peaceful. Progress and stability will come true if everyone in the nation discharges his duty with all his might and puts the common interest before his own interest. They shall do that with their wisdom, conscience, honesty and sincerity.
"I ask all of you here who hold important positions in major institutions of the country, and all groups of Thais, to have a clear understanding about your duties. And then set your sights on performing your duties to the best of your ability for the glorious success of this country, which is where you live and make a living, so that it prospers, stabilises and prevails.
"May the power of the Triple Gems of Buddhism and holy deities protect you from any suffering and danger, and bless you with happiness and success."
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'We Love King' tops Twitter list
By THE NATION ON SUNDAY
Published on December 6, 2009
"We Love King" made it to the top of Twitter's trending topics yesterday, a remarkable feat by Thai users.
The community had more or less planned the assault on the most-mentioned topics' summit, but it was never certain those three words could make it since local users are dwarfed in numbers by the worldwide fans of the global social-networking service.
"We made it to number one. Yes. Yes. Yes," said one Thai user.
The news became a buzz within the community in the evening, and the celebratory mood was evident. It was the first time a Thai topic dominated the most-mentioned category of the popular social-network tool of the digital world.
"#WeLoveKing will be trending topics for today but We Love the King every day krub.
," said another proud Twitter member. "It feels so great to be a Thai today," added another.
"I wish Thais stop the colour division and join hands like us in the Twitter community," tweeted one man.
The excitement added to the counting as more users joined in, including many Thai celebrities. The number was still increasingly rapidly at press time, with scores of new tweets emerging every few minutes. During a certain period, hundreds of new tweets came up in a matter of minutes.
The actual number of messages was not available last night.
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