Nawamintharathirat Day was officially named by royal decree and designated by the Cabinet on Sept 26, 2023, to be observed annually on Oct 13 to commemorate the profound impact of King Bhumibol’s reign on the nation. The day serves as a reminder of his deep compassion and dedication to improving the lives of the Thai people.
Born on Dec 5, 1927 at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, Massachusetts, King Bhumibol The Great passed away on Oct 13, 2016. He was 88 years dols, and had reigned as King of Thailand for 70 years.
The event in Phuket this morning, held at the Phuket Provincial Hall, was presided over by the head monk of Phuket, Phra Udom Wachiramonkol, and included offerings to 49 monks.
The merit-making ceremony began at 7:30am, with offerings of dry food and rice presented to the monks as a tribute to King Bhumibol’s enduring legacy and his contributions to the Thai people.
Following the merit-making, a wreath-laying ceremony took place at 8:30am at the Mahisorn Phakdi Auditorium at the Phuket Government Administration Center.
At the wreath-laying ceremony, Governor Suwannarat was joined by his wife, Ms Busadee, who is also the President of the Phuket Red Cross Society.
Also present for the ceremony were Phuket Vice Governor Adul Chuthong and other high-ranking officials. Representatives from government agencies, the military, police, judiciary and volunteers, along with residents from various sectors, also attended.
The group gathered to lay wreaths and pay respects in front of a portrait of King Bhumibol, expressing their gratitude for his life’s work and service to the Thai people.
During the ceremony, participants observed a 90-second moment of silence to reflect on the King’s legacy.
Over his more than 70-year reign, King Bhumibol worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the people, initiating 4,741 royal projects across Thailand.
His work, guided by wisdom and compassion, brought countless benefits to the nation. The King also introduced the philosophy of a sufficiency economy, a principle that has helped not only the Thai people but also people in other countries to live balanced, sustainable lives.