Skyrocket SALUTE

Skyrocket SALUTE

Five nights of fireworks celebrate His Majesty the King's birthday

Published on December 1, 2007

Skyrocket SALUTE

"Fireworks In Honour of the Father of the Nation" will be the highlight of Bangkok this week

December is a month full of festivities in the Land of Smiles, with a range of activities being organised in Bangkok and beyond to mark the auspicious occasion of His Majesty the King's 80th birthday anniversary.

The celebrations start tomorrow with the Trooping of the Colours, a ceremonial parade of the Royal Guards in honour of His Majesty's birthday on December 5. The march officially begins at 5pm at the Royal Plaza, the area around the equestrian statue of King Chulalongkorn at the end of Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue.

The annual solemn oath-taking ceremony, known in Thai as the Ratcha Wanlop, was initiated in 1880 during the reign of King Chulalongkorn. The new commander of the Regiment, Chaophraya Surasak Montri, instituted the oath-taking ceremony of the Royal Guards, with the King himself presiding over the event.

The tradition has been kept alive and His Majesty has even composed a march especially for the Trooping of the Colours. Wearing their specific uniforms and colours, and to the tune of the Ratcha Wanlop March, the Royal Guards march in precision before the King and Queen at the Royal Plaza.

From Tuesday through Saturday, spectacular fireworks displays can be enjoyed all over Bangkok. On Tuesday night, a pyrotechnics display in honour of His Majesty the King's 80th birthday will be staged at the Royal Turf Club of Thailand on Phitsanulok Road in conjunction with members of the Japanese Firework Artists Association and Sogo Department Store. The fireworks will be visible from the Royal Plaza in front of Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, the Dusit Zoo as well as from high buildings and open areas around the Club.

On Wednesday, fireworks will light up the night sky over the Chao Phya River. On this auspicious day, sought-after viewing spots will be Rama IX Bridge, the area nearest to the Industrial Ring Road Bridge, Wat Dan, Chao Phya Wittayakom School, Chatuchak-Rama III Road, Wat Pariwaat-rajasongkhram, Wat Thong Bon, Wat Dawk Mai, Rama IX Bridge Park, Montien Riverside Hotel, Suan Silaloek as well as riverside areas in Phra Padaeng District.

The celebrations also include a candle-lighting ceremony in honour of His Majesty. Well-wishers are advised to assemble in the area under the Industrial Ring Road Bridge.

On December 6, "Fireworks In Honour of the Father of the Nation" will be the highlight at Royal Bangkok Sports Club (RBSC) on Henri Dunant Road. The spectacular fireworks display consisting of 3,000 explosions will be visible from Chulalongkorn University, Lumpini Park and many buildings in the area.

On December 7, there'll be a fantasy-style pyrotechnics event over the sea at Mae Pim Beach in Rayong province. This display will be synchronised to music and will be visible for a distance of 3 kilometres from the beach.

On December 8, "The Glorious Realm of His Majesty the King", will be celebrated by the lake at Benjakitti Park adjacent to

the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC)