Thai government sets plans for King Rama X’s upcoming birthday

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin issued a directive to all government departments to come up with proposals for events to mark the forthcoming sixth-cycle birthday of His Majesty King Rama X, scheduled for July 28. The announcement came in the wake of a Cabinet meeting yesterday.

The 62 year old Thai prime minister requested that the plans be presented to the steering committee at their meeting, due tomorrow. Teerapong Wongsiwawilas, the permanent secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office, shared details with the premier about a special commemorative pin, designed by talented craftsmen. It features the emblem of His Majesty the King, intended as a tribute for his upcoming birthday.

For those interested in owning this exclusive keepsake, orders can be placed at any Thailand Post office or via Thailandpostmart.com. The pins are projected to be dispatched by June, and people are encouraged to wear them starting July 1.

Deputy Government spokesperson Kenika Oonjit announced that the Cabinet approved a budget of 700 million baht for the royal birthday celebrations. The concerned departments have been asked to itemise their expenses and submit them to the budget screening committee, reported Bangkok Post.

A portion of this budget will be allocated to several departments including the Foreign and Interior ministries, the Office of the PM’s Permanent Secretary, the Public Relations Department, the police, and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).

In related news, in a social media post, his Majesty the King’s second-eldest son, Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, stirred emotions as he shared a photo from Suvarnabhumi Airport.

“I have returned home, as promised.”

The post, garnering over 25,000 likes and a flood of welcoming comments from netizens, marks Vacharaesorn’s third journey to his homeland in less than a year.

In other news, the Department of Religious Affairs declared that rare relics of the Lord Buddha and his chief disciples Sariputra and Moggallana will be transported from India to be showcased at Sanam Luang, allowing the public to offer their respects from 9am to 8pm.