The King's Birthday, Thailand - December 5th

His Majesty the King Bhumibol Adulyadej (วันเฉลิมพระชนมพรรษา พระบาทสมเด็จพระเจ้าอยู่หัว) of Thailand was born on the 5th of December in 1927.  His birthday is celebrated in Thailand as a national holiday and is also referred to as Father's day by some as he is thought to be the father of all the Thia p

King Bhumibol Adulyadej

eople.  He is the world's longest ruling sovereign ascending to the throne in 1946.  While there are laws that forbid insults to the King even extending to the Internet from the things I have learned he is very highly regarded among the vast majority of his people as well as people around the world.  KingBhumidol his well known to travel the cou ntry side, to learn of the poor's concerns and to set up projects to help them.

Emblem of Thailand

Prior to the 5th many buildings through out Thailand are decorated with his portraits and Royal symbols.  One of the celebrations held during his birthday is a concert that is held just outside his residence.  The concert brings together all kinds of music and performers in order to please the entire crowd.
I really like the idea of this concert being of all kinds of music, to me this indicates he truly thinks of all his people.  From what I have read of other gathe

rings of this kind, the emphasis is typical on either traditional, high society type music or music that is favored by the individual.  I find it hard to believe that he likes all the different kinds of music though I did find reference that some of the songs are composed by the king himself.  Another aspect that I found very interesting is that not only is he to be the Defender of the Faith (in this case Buddhism) but the constitution also says he is the upholder of all Religions.
He is celebrating his 81st birthday today and I would like to wish His Majesty the King Bhumibol Adulyadej a very happy birthday.
Jeffrey

Links:
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhumibol_Adulyadej
Additional:
http://www.thaiworldview.com/feast/pho.htm
http://www.thailandlife.com/fatherday.html

Pictures:
http://www.2bangkok.com/hmking2.shtml