His Majesty to make merit for late King's birthday

Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel are the latest world leaders who have extended their best wishes and congratulations to His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun on his accession to the throne.

In the congratulatory message, Mr Putin said: "We consider you a worthy heir of the Royal House of Chakri, under which diplomatic relations between Russia and Thailand were established nearly 120 years ago.

"I hope in the time of Your Majesty's reign, Russian-Thai cooperation will gain further development for the benefit of the people of our two countries and in the interests of the strengthening of stability and security in the Asia Pacific region. From the bottom of my heart I wish you good health, prosperity and success."

Meanwhile, Ms Merkel said in her letter that she is confident the succession would make the relationship between the two countries stronger.

"Germany and Thailand have enjoyed friendly relations for many years. You yourself have come to know Germany well through visits to our country.

"I am confident that during your reign, the bonds between our countries can be further deepened and that our current wide-ranging cooperation can be expanded.

"I wish you every success in the performance of your responsibilities as you promote the well‑being of the Thai people, and a sure hand as you guide your country into a peaceful and democratic future," she said.

Previously, Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a message to congratulate the new King. His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam also sent a congratulatory message to His Majesty, according to the BruDirect news website.

In the message, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah said Brunei and Thailand have long enjoyed a history of friendship and cooperation that flourished under the reign of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and said he looked forward to strengthening these valuable and important ties in the years ahead.

The Sultan of Brunei wished His Majesty the King a long and blessed reign, and the people and the Kingdom of Thailand continued peace and prosperity.

His Majesty granted an audience to Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda Sunday evening before taking his oath of office.

His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun will hold a merit-making ceremony in remembrance of King Bhumibol Adulyadej on the occasion of the late King's birthday at the ordination hall of Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha Monday at 5pm.

His Majesty the King will pay respects to the Emerald Buddha and will later give royal money to palace staff aged over 60.

The event to hand out royal money was initiated during the reign of Rama IV. In 1864, King Rama IV allowed older disabled people and the elderly to have an audience with him to mark his 60th birthday. During the audience, he gave them money and clothes. The practice is continued Monday with some details changed.

Meanwhile, government agencies will host several big events Monday to mark the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej's birthday.

Prime Minister's Office Minister Suwapan Tanyuwattana said the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will organise events to honour the late King at Lan Khon Muan in Phra Nakhon district.

A merit-making ceremony to offer alms to 189 monks will be held at 7am while other events including a jazz concert and a candlelight ceremony will be organised in the evening, starting from 6pm.

About 9,000 people were expected to attend the events, co-hosted by the City Hall, the National Office of Buddhism, the Culture Ministry, and various state agencies, Mr Suwapan said.

Deputy Prime Minister Gen Tanasak Patimapragorn will also chair an opening ceremony of an event to honour the late King's birthday at Bhumibol Bridge 1 and 2 in Sumut Prakan's Phra Pradaeng district.

Source:
courtesy of BANGKOK POST

by BANGKOK POST

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