The ceremony, held at the Mahisorn Phakdi Auditorium at 7am, was presided over by Phuket Governor Nirat Phongsitthaworn. He was joined by his wife, Ms Kusumal, President of the Phuket Red Cross and the Phuket Provincial branch of the Ministry of Interior’s Housewives Association.
Also present were Vice Governors Suwit Phansengiam and Thiraphong Chuaychu as well as heads of government agencies, representatives of the private sector and members of the public.
The morning began with a series of Buddhist rites, including paying homage to the ‘Triple Gem’ (the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha), offering small gold items, the recitation of precepts and formal chanting. Governor Nirat presented alms and robes to monks before pouring ceremonial water to dedicate merit to His Majesty. Forty monks took part in the alms-giving ceremony.
A ceremony of presenting floral ‘phan phum’ followed, with government agencies, state enterprises, local administrative organisations, private sector groups and members of the public laying wreaths before the royal portrait in a show of respect and gratitude for His Majesty’s lifelong service to the nation.
Officials noted that the proceedings were conducted peacefully and with deep reverence, reflecting the enduring admiration for His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great and his lifelong dedication to improving the lives of the Thai people.