From Government House to all provincial offices, merit-making ceremonies will be held on Friday for the late King Bhumibol, who passed away a year ago.
King Bhumibol passed away peacefully at 3.52pm on Oct 13, 2016 at Siriraj Hospital after a reign of 70 years.
With the first anniversary of his passing on Friday, the government invites people all over the country to make merit for the late King.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, cabinet members and their spouses will offer alms to 89 monks at Government House at 7am. The same ceremony will be held at all government offices throughout the country. The number of monks matches the age of the late King.
"The prime minister would like all Thais to join in the ceremony at a location near their homes and make merit for King Rama IX," assistant government spokeswoman Thaksada Sangkhachan said on Thursday.
His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun will preside over a merit-making ceremony at the Grand Palace at 5pm on Friday and again at 10.30am on Saturday.
At Siriraj Hospital, where King Bhumibol passed away, the hospital will offer alms to 199 monks and hold other activities, including a performance by the Royal Thai Navy Orchestra of music composed by the late King.
When the clock shows 3.52pm on Friday the hospital will fall silent, marking the moment of the country's great loss and in respect to the beloved monarch.
