The King's Birthday address to audience

Описание: December 6, 2011

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej in his birthday address yesterday called for the utmost in collective efforts to ease people's suffering from the devastating flood and urged agencies to forget conflicts for the nation's wellbeing and security.

The revered monarch made a rare appearance on the balcony of the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall at 11am to grant a public audience on the auspicious occasion of his seventh birthday cycle. He was joined by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit and members of the Royal Family.

The audience included privy councillors, Cabinet members, state officials, foreign diplomats, members of Parliament, top brass of the three branches of the Armed Forces, police and the general public.

In his speech, His Majesty, who turned 84, said those in important positions, civilians or military, knew well that national security was predicated on the people's wellbeing, so all parties had the duty to work together to the best of their ability for the people's welfare.

Especially now when the people have been tormented by the flood disaster, everyone should cooperate to solve the crisis as soon as possible.

Longrange, the focus must shift to sustainable waterresources management.

Agencies could consider the various watermanagement projects that he has offered as advice or suggestions, not commands, because they might be useful and doable, he said.

The important thing is that there should be no conflict and divisiveness among them, the monarch said. They should encourage one another so that their work would bring about the Thai people's happiness and the nation's security.

Before the King's speech, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn offered good wishes to the King and on behalf of all people vowed to perform useful deeds to the fullest extent.

He expressed gratitude and loyalty to the King for the Thai people's happiness and national security.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra offered best wishes on behalf of the Cabinet, officials and Thai citizens, followed by House Speaker Somsak Kiatsuranont and Supreme Court President Pairoj Wayuparb.

Supreme Commander General Thanasak Patimakorn led the royal guards to renew their oath of allegiance in front of the King.

Admirers, mostly dressed in pink and yellow and carrying national or royal flags, had camped out since nightfall along the royal motorcade route from Siriraj Hospital to the Grand Palace to get the best vantage point to view their beloved monarch. They also cheered "Long live the King" and whooped with joy as the royal motorcade passed by.

Before the public audience, Yingluck led officials, military officers, foreign envoys and representatives of independent organisations to write birthday greetings for the King at the Grand Palace's royal house hold pavilion. The Royal Household Bureau allowed the public to sign albums for the King at the royal household pavilion and Sahathai Samakhom pavilion until today.