China Town helds big event to pay tribute to King Bhumibol

BANGKOK, Nov 26 (TNA) -- Tens of thousands of Chinese-ethnic Thais in Bangkok's China Town united to hold a special event "The Beloved Monarch of Chinese-Thais" in honor of HM the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej today. Deputy Prime Minister Gen Tanasak Patimapagorn led thousands of people, including Chinese-ethnic Thai business owners in Chinatown and elsewhere, city officials, navy officials, and tourists in starting the event at the Odeon Circle, a historic landmark of the Chinatown. The abbot of Wat Traimitr Somdej Phutthachan, Phra Phrom Mangalajan (Chao Khun Thongchai) and 99 monks recited a prayer for the late King, followed by the Royal Thai Navy Band's performance of the songs composed by the King and a human formation of a Thai number "Nine" by members of the navy and students. At 6pm, president of the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce Mr Jitti Tangsitthipakdi represented all Chinese-Thais people in the country in expressing their deepest condolences in Mandarin, followed by a 89-second moment of silence. Participants then jointly sang selected songs in remembrance of King Bhumibol and the royal anthem. A highlight of the event was the free food offering by nearly 200 shops in Yaowaraj (China Town) and distribution of a famous sacred talisman from Chao Khun Thongchai, which was believed to help the Thai-owned Leicester City football club winning the British premier league last season, the first time in its 132-year history and the surprise victory of Donald Trump in the presidential election last month. (TNA)