Thailand prepares to celebrate King’s birthday

BANGKOK, December 2 (TNA) - As Thailand looks ahead to celebrate His Majesty the King’s 85th birthday this Wednesday, dazzling festivities are bringing delight everywhere in the nation. In Bangkok, flags bearing His Majesty’s royal insignia, as well as yellow Mary Gold flowers, which is a symbol of Monday, the day His Majesty was born, have both become popular items. In the former capital of Ayutthaya, large charity events are being held for three consecutive days, including more than 60 food stalls giving out free food in front of the municipality office. This includes setting up blood donation centres, ordination ceremonies and community clean-up programmes. Meanwhile, around 1,500 civil servants, soldiers and religious scholars in Chanae, Narathiwat province, held a large tribute ceremony in front of a huge portrait of His Majesty the King, who is now the world’s longest reigning monarch. (TNA)