Thai king marks 70 years on the throne

Queen Elizabeth of Britain and US President Barack Obama have sent congratulations to King Bhumibol Adulyadej on the occasion of his 70th anniversary of accession to the throne.

Queen Elizabeth of Britain and US President Barack Obama have sent congratulations to Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej as the government leads yellow-wearing citizens of the kingdom to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the king's accession to the throne.

Acting Supreme monk Somdej Phra Maha Ratchamangalacharn will lead a procession of Buddhist monks to accept alms from people and government officials led by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha in front of the Grand Palace this morning.

Provincial authorities throughout the kingdom will hold merit-making activities to celebrate the important events today.

Queen Elizabeth said in her letter to the king: "It gives me great pleasure to offer my warmest congratulations on the occasion of the 70th Anniversary of the Accession to the Throne of Your Majesty. The relationship between our two countries, which has lasted over 400 years, has become even stronger during Your Majesty's reign. I send you my very best wishes for the continued happiness and prosperity of all".

Meanwhile, Obama in his statement, said: "On this historic occasion, I want to express my admiration for His Majesty's leadership and his many contributions to deepening the enduring bonds between our peoples."

"As I saw firsthand during my visit to Bangkok in 2012, His Majesty's leadership has helped our two countries promote peace and prosperity throughout the Asia-Pacific region. His Majesty has served as a source of strength and inspiration for many in our two countries over the past seven decades," he said.

"As the only reigning monarch born in the United States, His Majesty shares a special connection with the American people. King Bhumibol Adulyadej Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts, his birthplace, serves as a testament to the close ties between our two countries," he added.

Secretary of State John Kerry joined Obama in congratulating the king. "The United States and Thailand have been friends for more than 183 years, and His Majesty has been instrumental in strengthening the close partnership between our two nations during his seven decades on the throne. We look forward to continuing our work with Thailand to improve the livelihoods of people in both our countries, the region, and beyond," he said.

Prime Minister Prayut yesterday presided over the opening of the Klong Bang Song Roi canal in Ratchaburi province as a part of a water-preservation project marking the King's 70th accession anniversary.

Initiated by the Defence Ministry, one-seventh of the 20.6-kilometre-long canal was dredged by the military engineers department to be completed by next month.

"What we are doing is to dedicate [this project] to Their Majesties the King and the Queen. The monarchy institution is precious for the kingdom. The monarchy has lasted together with the country for a long time. All governments have the obligation to develop the country to be compatible with the changing world for the maximum interest of the people," Prime Minister Prayut said.

Reports from many provinces cited that many people went shopping for yellow shirts with the 70th anniversary logo in order to wear them for celebrations today. A vendor in Phitsanulok province said the shirts had been selling well since the beginning of this month when civil servants in the province began their campaign for the celebration.

Copyright: The Nation/Asia News Network