Phuket honors HM The King with gala event

PHUKET: Leading Phuket officials, honorary consuls, prominent business people, notable dignitaries and social figures from across the island gathered at Phuket Rajabhat University last night to honor HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej for his 86th birthday.

The event, which was open to the public, was held at the university’s main conference hall. All guests arrived in splendid formal attire or traditional Thai costume.

Phuket Governor Maitri Inthusut opened the event at 6pm, after which followed a traditional Thai dance performance by students from the university and a pantomime by students who had travelled from the Nakhon Sri Thammarat Dramatic Arts College.

Providing the classical music for the evening was an entourage of students from the Fine Arts Department Phuket office.

At 8pm, Governor Maitri delivered a speech and led a toast to honor HM The King on the occasion of his 86th birthday on December 5.

The event formally concluded at 9pm, though many guests stayed on to enjoy the evening and to sign the public book of birthday wishes for HM The King.

— Saran Mitrarat