Thai King urges people to uphold public interest

BANGKOK, January 1 (TNA) - Thailand’s His Majesty the King wished his nation happiness, prosperity and a peaceful New Year, urging Thais to uphold public good before personal interest. In the royal New Year message broadcast live on Tuesday night, His Majesty said people should always think of “collective interest and Thainess to allow their personal and national duties to move forward with righteousness and without obstacles”. Meanwhile, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) governor Mom Rajawong Sukhumbhand Paribatra on New Year’s Day presented alms to some 186 Buddhist monks at a ceremony held in front of his office. The Bangkok governor said he was happy to see that more Thais taking part in religious New Year ceremonies, such as chanting prayers on late New Year’s Eve, saying that faith and spiritual development were having a strong effect on development in children and adolescents. “The country is in critical situation presently,” he said, adding that all Thais should make compromise to let the country moves toward prosperity. “This is the New Year gift that everyone wishes for,” he said. (TNA)