There were ceremonies all over Thailand to mark the occasion. Here in Khemmarat, Buddhist monks prayed early in the morning at a plaza by the river and many people came out to join them and offer them food.
The lines were long of those who wanted to give food to the monks.
The monks walked down the lines and people placed food into their containers.
George met up with our very good friend Wachinee (better known as Platong Khotsombat, if you follow us on Facebook). She is an English teacher at Baan Nong Phue School and the reason Mary and I are here. She tries to make sure George understands cultural norms here in Thailand and doesn't offend anyone (thank you, Wachinee).
Wachinee came with her mother Kid and I got a picture of the two lovely ladies. Kid worries about whether we get enough to eat (we do!) and sends food in with Wachinee in the morning on occasion (thank you, Kid).
You'll notice how nice the clothes are that Wachinee and her mother are wearing. Many of the Thai women (and some of the men) that George saw that morning were in beautiful Thai clothes. Here's one couple leaving after the event.
The monks headed home as well with new supplies of food.
The red, white, and blue flag of Thailand and the King's yellow flag waved around town.
The King turned 85 this year and made an appearance on a balcony of the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall in Bangkok. Here are pictures from the Bangkok Post and NBC News' Photoblog of the King's appearance in Bangkok and of the yellow-clad crowds estimated at about 200,000:
If you'd like to see more of this impressive event, here's a link to some beautiful pictures:
In the evening, Khemmarat held a ceremony to honor the King. The stage was set and guests signed in.
In the evening, Khemmarat held a ceremony to honor the King. The stage was set and guests signed in.
Guests were beautifully dressed, including our friend Retired Thai Lt. Kittisak Boonyajahn.
There was classic Thai dancing.
Then many, many groups from Khemmarat and surrounding towns and villages presented phan pum in honor of the King. Here's a close-up of phan pum -- a gold one in honor of the King and a silver one in honor of the Queen:
and here are two groups making their presentations:
The ceremony ended with the entire audience lighting and holding candles up while a music video was played honoring the King. We all then took our candles forward to the stage and left them in trays. It was a beautiful thing!
Long live the King!
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