The first event of the day is scheduled to take place at 07:00. A parade of 851 monks will arrive at the plaza to receive merit-making alms. After this ceremony, the queen herself will be honoured with royal presents. In the evening, Dusit Plaza is the venue for a candlelight rite. Various concerts and traditional cultural performances have been scheduled too.
The 12 August was designated as national Mother’s Day in the 1970s in honour of the queen. Mother’s Day is a public holiday and, as it falls on a Saturday this year, the substitute day is on Monday.
The main branches of banks and government offices will be closed on Monday. The day is not a religious holiday and so bars, clubs and other premises licensed to sell alcohol should be open as normal.
12GO ASIA says the public holiday on Monday effectively gives Thailand a long weekend. The team carried on by saying Bangkok’s bus stations, airports and Hua Lamphong rail station are already crowded with travellers heading to destinations around the country. Booking tickets in advance ensures guaranteed seats.
Thailand celebrates birthday of Queen Sirikit with public rites
News in Asia
Tomorrow is the 85th birthday of Thailand’s Queen Sirikit. Several ceremonies have been scheduled to take place on the Royal Plaza outside Dusit Palace so that Thais are able to pay homage to the queen.