Siriraj’s event to mark 1st anniversary of King Bhumibol’s passing

BANGKOK, Oct 11 (TNA) -- The management of Siriraj Hospital organises special activities to mark the first anniversary of the passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Oct 13. Dr Prasit Watanapa, dean of Mahidol University’s Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, said the activities were set to start in the hospital at 5.30am and continue until 12.15am on the following day. Staff of the hospital and other organizations first give alms to 199 Buddhist monks at 5.30am. Then there is a ceremony to pay respect to King Bhumibol and his father Prince of Songkla. The management of the hospital then lay marigolds around the statue of the prince. Other activities include a discussion on the roles of King Rama IX and King Rama X in Thai education, a merit-making ceremony, and another discussion on King Rama IX. The Supreme Patriarch preaches on Buddhism from 3pm to 4.15pm. The session is a highlight of the day as King Bhumibol passed away at 3.52pm on Oct 13 last year. At 4.30pm the Banditpatanasilpa Institute stages a performance on “Phra Maha Chanaka” and the Royal Thai Navy Orchestra performs the compositions of King Bhumibol. At 7pm naval officers as well as staff and students of the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital stand to form the Thai number nine together with a light show. They then light candles from the fire presented by the Supreme Patriarch to remember the late king amid the sound of The Impossible Dream which is a composition by King Bhumibol. From 9pm to 12.15am there are Buddhism teachings and prayers. (TNA)