Good deeds mark HM’s birthday
Thais celebrate with community spirit
Yellow-clad Thais will express their loyalty and best wishes to His Majesty the King on his 66th birthday today as volunteers enlisted under the royally initiated jit-arsa project engage in activities for the common good nationwide.
The project, highlighted by the catchy tagline of “We Do Good From the Heart”, has been an indispensable part of many recent events and has captured the attention of the public.
The Sala Sahathai Samakhom Pavilion inside the Grand Palace yesterday opened its doors for the public to sign well-wishing messages for His Majesty and will remain open until tomorrow.
Jit-arsa, or the spirit of volunteering, has been embraced by several provinces across the country to commemorate the King’s birthday.
In the northeastern province of Buri Ram, provincial governor Anusorn Kaewkangwan yesterday presided over the launch of activities to help prevent the spread of dengue fever by eliminating mosquito breeding areas through draining stagnant ponds as well as clearing weeds and water hyacinth clogging waterways to prevent flooding.
In Udon Thani in the Northeast, provincial governor Watthana Phutthichart led more than 2,500 volunteers to improve the surrounding landscape of a drainage canal along a local railway.
In the South, Surat Thani governor Witchawuth Jinto yesterday led more than 4,000 yellow-clad volunteers in collecting rubbish, cleaning roads and planting “Yellow Star” trees to mark the King’s birthday.
The Yellow Star tree is the symbolic tree of King Rama X and the yellow colour represents Monday, the day the King was born.
In Bangkok, the Bangkok Post interviewed some people to find out how they are celebrating the King’s birthday this weekend.
“I plan to take my wife and my son to Bang Saen beach [in Chon Buri] as soon as my shift ends today. I think it will be a great opportunity to relax and enjoy the nice weather outside of the city where it is quieter and more beautiful,” said Amnaj Kidhen, 38, a private driver.
“To follow the path of the late King and in homage to King Rama X, I plan to spend the day in Bang Saen with my son doing charity work to give back to the community. We will pick up rubbish along the seafront. I believe this is a great way to celebrate His Majesty’s birthday,” Mr Amnaj said.
On the other hand, some people are spending time taking care of their elders in the city and lending a helping hand in their own way.
Thitiwat Ongsangkoon, 23, a business process consultant decided to help his aunt before undertaking a spot of gardening.
“I spend a lot of hours in the office on weekdays and sometimes it even interrupts my weekends. Therefore, on the King’s birthday, I have decided to spend time with my family and take my aunt to the hospital for a check-up,” Mr Thitiwat said.
“On the other hand, it is a great time to do good for the community in some way. As the traffic is so heavy over the holiday, instead of trying to take my family tree-planting, which I enjoy, I plan to gather people to help me furbish our rooftop garden. I think it is important to keep the community green amid all this urbanisation.
“We must also not forget the King’s support for living sustainably,” he added.
In homage to King Rama X, I plan to spend the day in Bang Saen with my son doing charity work. AMNAJ KIDHEN PRIVATE DRIVER
The nation of Thailand will today celebrate the birthday of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun with religious ceremonies, public events and acts of charity.
The King turns 66 today. Events honouring the King’s birthday will occur throughout Bangkok. Bangkok City Hall has encouraged all citizens to wear the colour yellow throughout the month of July to honour the King.
Thai businesses have engaged in activities and community service to mark the celebration of His Majesty the King’s 66th birthday.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and his cabinet members, together with volunteers, planned to help clean up roads and canals near Government House yesterday.
Various companies also volunteered on numerous fronts, a project inspired by His Majesty the King, who has encouraged Thais to do good deeds by donating time and energy for the benefit of others.
The Bank of Thailand chose the auspicious day, July 28, to issue the new 500and 1,000-baht banknotes depicting the King, according to the royal permission granted from His Majesty the King to print and bring the new series of banknotes into circulation.
The 20-baht, 50-baht and 100-baht banknotes have been in circulation since April.
Separately, Thailand Post on Wednesday issued the first series of stamps featuring the King for use at 12 different prices.
The new stamps are available at post offices nationwide, starting today.