TEMPO.CO, Bangkok - Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej has called on his people to maintain stability of the country during his 86th birthday. Although no statement regarding the protests in Bangkok in the last few days, King Bhumibol implicitly urged his people to be united in the future.
"This country has been peaceful for a long time because everybody worked together," Bhumibol said while reading the message from wheelchair. Bhumibol, who has just recovered from his illness, read the message slowly for two minutes.
Political tension still exists in Thailand after protesters tried to overthrow Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. Protesters and police in Bangkok have agreed for a ceasefire since Wednesday to respect King Bhumibol’s birthday.
King Bhumibol has big influence in Thailand. People always anticipate his messages since he has been able to handle political and government crisis for 67 years.
"All Thais should realise this point a lot and behave and perform our duties accordingly, our duty for the sake of the public, for stability, security for our nation of Thailand," the king told a gathering of the country's top leaders.
Among the attending guests of honor, there were PM Yingluck Shinawatra, Military Commander, and Thai police chief, and high officials. Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn gave a birthday greeting to his father. However, Queen Sirikit, who has been suffering from Stroke since July 2012, was unseen.
King Bhumibol’s celebration was held formally for the first time in the palace located in Hua Hin, 190 kilometers from Bangkok. Since leaving the hospital last August, King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit chose to live in the palace.
People also celebrated the king’s birthday by gathering on the street near the palace. Thousands of people wore attributes representing the kingdom which resulted in a sea of yellow, the kingdom royal color. They shouted birthday greeting to the king while waving the Thai flag.
However, protesters would rally again today. Suthep Thaugsuban, the leader of protesters who was also the prime minister, asserted that he will lead a peaceful coup d’etat. He proposed a change of Yingluck’s regime with the people council. Yingluck rejected this proposal since it is unconstitutional.
REUTERS | CHANNEL NEWS ASIA | BANGKOK POST | SITA PLANASARI AQUADINI
