HM good and well
Thais were delighted to see His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great in public on several occasions throughout 2010.
The world’s longest reigning monarch had received treatment at Siriraj Hospital after he was admitted on September 19, 2009, with a lung infection and fever. The King’s health had by then improved and he was able to make three public appearances in 2010, including attending a ceremony celebrating his 83rd birthday. His Majesty addressed privy councillors, cabinet members and soldiers, and received an oath of allegiance from the Royal Guard at the Grand Palace.
After taking part in ceremonial events at the palace, the King returned to Siriraj Hospital. As his motorcade passed through the crowd, the King raised his hand to greet well-wishers, who sang out ‘Song Phra Charoen’, or ‘Long Live the King’. Their chants could be heard along the three-kilometre route from the Grand Palace to the hospital.
Thais throughout the country offered alms to monks on that day in honour of His Majesty. Earlier, on November 24, the King boarded a royal vessel for a trip down the Chao Phraya River to preside over the opening of the Bhumibol 1 and 2 bridges and Khlong Lad Pho floodgate in Samut Prakan.