Celebrating His Majesty's 72nd Birthday

Long live the King

At 19.59 the precise time of the birth of His Majesty the King, all over Thailand and elsewhere worldwide, candles were lit to celebrate the 72nd birthday of the world longest ruling monarch His Majesty King Bhumobol Adulyadej, who was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA on 5th December 1927.

Prime Minister, Chuan Leekpai led the candle lighting ceremony from Sanam Luang, the public area in front of the Grand Palace, where thousands of well wishers had gathered to demonstrate their love for their King.

A nation united sang Oh Great King, the song specially dedicated to His Majesty which has been played in public places over the past year so that all would know the words on the night. Nationwide, Thais from all walks of life gathered at town halls in the provinces, or lit their candles whilst watching the live broadcast of the ceremony on television.

Thais overseas were able to join the celebrations from the grounds of Thai embassies the worlds major cities. Celebrations at Thai embassies in Taipei, Sydney and Paris were shown briefly on the pooled television network, together with gathering of Thai soldiers performing peace-keeping duties in East Timor.

The singing was followed by a spectacular firework display, launched from various locations around the capital, which lit the sky of Bangkok.

Buddhists believe in a twelve-year cycle of life and the completion of a life cycle is auspicious as it shows the completion of a phase in the person's life. Not so many live to complete six life cycles, so that when someone does as His Majesty has done, it is definitely something to celebrate. The lighting of a candle symbolises a wish of a longer life to His Majesty