A Birthday for a King in Thailand

Pinks and Pastels: Thailand Honors King's 80th Birthday by Dressing Like Him

Thailand's revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej attends the annual Trooping of the Colour in Bangkok's Royal Plaza December 2, 2007, a few days ahead of his 80th birthday. The Thai King, the world's longest reigning monarch, will turn 80-years-old on December 5. Sitting, in the front passenger seat, is Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn.

Thai honor guard march during the trooping of the colors to honor King Bhumibol Adulyadej's birthday in Bangkok, Thailand Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007. The King will turn 80 on December 5, 2007. Bhumibol kicked off celebrations for his 80th birthday by calling for unity as the country heads into divisive elections later this month.

An elephant painted in pink carrying the portrait of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej performs with performers prior to the trooping of the colors to honor the King's birthday in Bangkok, Thailand Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007. The king will turn 80 on December 5, 2007.

The Royal Emblem
In Commemoration of the Celebrations on the Auspicious Occasion
Of His Majesty the King’s Eightieth Birthday Anniversary
5th December 2007

The Royal Emblem depicts the Privy Seal of the Ninth Reign, which is composed of the Octagonal Throne, the Discus (Chakra), in the middle of which is the symbolic letter “Unalome” insignia. Around the Chakra Discus, there are rays radiating all round. Above the Chakra Discus is the Seven – Tiered Umbrella over the Octagonal Throne meaning that His Majesty the King has sovereign power in the realm, for at the Coronation Ceremony His Majesty sat upon the Octagonal Throne and received consecrated water form the eight cardinal points in accordance with ancient Royal custom which for the first time was presented by Members of Parliament instead of Royal pundits. As for the platform on which rests the Octagonal Throne, it is strewn with nine silver and golden “Bikul” flowers.

The Privy Seal is encircled by eighty diamonds meaning the 80th Birthday Anniversary. On top of the Seal is the Great Crown of Victory which signifies the Royal Dignity of the Sovereign and symbolizes supreme Kingship. Within the Great Crown of Victory is the Thai numeral 9 meaning the Ninth Reign. The Great Crown of Victory is in front of the Great White Umbrella of State, which is in the centre and flanked by two Seven – Tiered Umbrellas, marking the great rank of the Sovereign. Beneath the Privy Seal is the Thai number 80 meaning that His Majesty the King has reached His Eightieth year. Under the number 80 is the silk ribbon bearing the words “The Celebrations on the Auspicious Occasion of His Majesty the King’s 80th Birthday Anniversary 5th December 2007”. Apart from naming the Royal Ceremony, the silk ribbon also supports the two Seven - Tiered Umbrellas.