Today is the birthday of the the much-loved King of Thailand, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Many businesses in Bangkok are closed and it is forbidden to sell alcohol. The malls were packed though. I was hoping to catch the new Harry Potter movie, but all of the showings were sold out by the time I got to the theatre.
The Birthday of the King also means that today is Father's Day. So I send Happy Father's Day wishes to my Dad back in the US!
Here's a little more information about the King, lifted without permission from the website of the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington, DC.
"His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great is the world's longest reigning monarch. In 1996, the Thai Kingdom celebrated His Majesty's 50th year on the Throne.
"His Majesty was born 72 years ago in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He began His reign at the age of 19. During the past 53 years, King Bhumibol has traveled throughout the Kingdom to witness directly the living conditions in the provinces where most of His subjects live and work. His Majesty has consistently provided not only moral support and encouragement to the Thai people, He has also made available various types of assistance, through charitable foundations under His patronage, for rural development projects designed to improve His subjects' livelihood.
"His Majesty has an enlightened vision for a modern Thailand. His vision has provided inspiration for successive governments throughout His reign. He is committed to the development of democracy and defends its principles in the government of Thailand. His Majesty's resolve and dedication to the welfare of the Thai people have contributed greatly to the political stability and economic growth that Thailand has enjoyed over the past 50 years. King Bhumibol has truly earned the love and reverence of His people, who regard Him as the soul of the Thai Kingdom."
We'll all have to see the Two Towers when we are all together over Christmas. Like we did last year with the first Lord of the Rings movie. Sound like a plan?? I'm all for it!!
I'm sick - yucky - and I haven't heard about my job, but I will definitely let you know what I find out, when I find out!!!
Love you!!
are you going home for xmas?
Yes, I am going to my parent's home in North Carolina for Christmas. And yes, I hope that the new "Lord of the Rings" movie at the local theatre is on the schedule just like last year.
Me too!!