In a show of respect, loyalty and gratitude to His Majesty the King, Thais across the nation Thursday wore yellow shirts and took part in various activities to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the monarch's accession to the throne.
His Majesty's 70-year reign makes him the world's longest serving monarch.
As government agencies and private entities nationwide organised events ranging from merit-making to exhibitions about His Majesty's life and works, the focus of major activities was on Mahachai Road near the Grand Palace.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha led cabinet ministers, leaders of the armed forces, and senior officials to offer alms to a group of senior monks led by Somdet Phra Maha Ratchamangalacharn, the abbot of Wat Pak Nam, and 770 novice monks who underwent ordination in honour of His Majesty.
More than 400 troops from the 1st Infantry Regiment (King's Guard) hold up cards to form the number 70 in Thai to commemorate the 70th anniversary of His Majesty's accession to the throne. (Photo by Krit Promsaka na Sakolnakorn)
To mark the occasion, the Supreme Sangha Council commissioned a prayer for Buddhist monks across the country and overseas to chant after their evening rituals. The prayer expresses the virtues and dedication of His Majesty during his 70-year reign and wishes him strength, success and good health.
The monks' ruling body also commissioned the composition of a separate prayer to commemorate Her Majesty the Queen's 84th birthday that will fall on Aug 12.
The SSC is urging Buddhist monks and laypeople to recite the prayers throughout the year.
Another highlight was at Siriraj Hospital where His Majesty stays for medical treatment. Led by Dr Prasit Watanapa, the dean of Mahidol University's Faculty of Medicine at Siriraj Hospital, the faculty, the hospital staff and the public, all in yellow shirts, gave alms to 99 monks.
Many remained for a performance of Phra Mahajanaka -- based on His Majesty's book (The Story of Phra Mahajanaka) -- which was held Thursday for the public free of charge at the National Theatre.
Elsewhere, more than 400 troops of the 1st Infantry Regiment (King's Guard), gave an oath of allegiance and held up cards to form the number 70 to mark the occasion. Residents in the northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima also came together to form a large card display portraying the emblem of His Majesty.
In Phitsanulok, air force officers at Wing 46 and their family members released more than 200,000 fish into a river in honour of His Majesty.
In Phuket, state officials and residents, led by governor Charoen Thippayapongtada, made a joint declaration to protect natural resources. The province plans to develop one of its famous beaches, Surin beach, as an example of sustainable tourism.
Many people also queued at commercial banks before they opened in order to get commemorative 70-baht banknotes which were specially issued by the Bank of Thailand.