HM: Harmony and compassion will save the Kingdom
Though expressing grave concern about the natural disaster in the South, His Majesty the King last night singled out the good that has come from the incident: that Thais have once again demonstrated the unique harmony and compassion that has preserved the Kingdom for centuries.
In his televised New Year speech, the King began by saying that in 2004 Thailand had witnessed many good things, chief among them being the fact that many Thai athletes won Olympic medals in Athens. Yet, he said, Thailand had also encountered many bad things, and unusual events.
As the end of the year drew near, Thailand suffered from a massive natural disaster that led to enormous loss of life and property. He stressed the need for Thais to join hands in rebuilding the nation and the need to develop an effective warning system to avoid such future catastrophes.
“Yet this incident demonstrates the compassion of everybody in the Kingdom, be they civilians or soldiers. They are in harmony and feel compassion for others. They are determined to live in peace. They don’t leave others in the face of disaster. They are ready to help others with compassion, both locals and foreigners,” said His Majesty.
He said that in one’s life there could not always be happiness, and one had to weather sadness and dangers that are all too difficult to avoid. The King urged everyone to hold on to harmony and their good hearts, which have been the special elements that have helped save the Kingdom from danger and allowed the nation to live in peace for a long time.
“As long as we can maintain these elements, we can be sure that the nation will be stable for a long time,” said the King.
