Crowds join merit-making in King Bhumibol memory

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha leads cabinet ministers and government officials to place wreaths of yellow flowers to pay respect to the portrait of King Bhumibol Adulyadej at Sanam Luang to mark the second anniversary of the passing of the late monarch. (Photo by Patipat Janthong)

Crowds from all walks of life have flocked to temples and government offices across the country early Saturday morning to give alms to Buddhist monks in merit-making ceremonies to mark the second anniversary of the passing of beloved His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

In Bangkok, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha led cabinet ministers, heads of government offices and officials to give alms to 890 Buddhist monks and novices at the Royal Plaza on Saturday morning to make merit for the late King Bhumibol. 

Gen Prayut chaired the religious rite. Privy councillors, the president of the National Legislative Assembly, chiefs of the armed forces, cabinet ministers and their spouses participated in the ceremony.

At Sanam Luang, Gen Prayut led cabinet ministers and government officials to pay respect to the portrait of the late King.

A wreath-laying ceremony in honour of the late King Bhumibol is held at Sanam Luang on Saturday morning. (Photo by Patipat Janthong)

At Siriraj Hospital, many yellow-clad people joined nurses, doctors and health personnel to give alms to 89 Buddhist monks at the country’s oldest hospital in Bangkok. After the monks chanted prayers and performed religious rites, all participants observed an 89-minute silence in front of the portrait of the late king.

Various state agencies nationwide also held similar merit-making events in tribute to the late monarch to mark the second anniversary of his passing.

In Trat, provincial governor Prasert Luechathananon led government officials and local residents in giving alms to monks in front of the provincial hall at 6.30am. Officials were seen wearing white uniforms while most participants wore yellow, the colour representing King Bhumibol’s birthday on Monday.

Heads of government offices and local leaders laid wreaths of marigold flowers in front of the portrait of the late King.

In Nakhon Si Thammarat, a crowd of yellow-clad people and officials thronged the provincial hall to give alms to 89 Buddhist monks.

In other provinces across the country, people got up early to go to temples and provincial halls to give alms to monks. Several food shops offered free food for people to pay tribute to King Bhumibol.

Yellow-clad people give alms to Buddhist monks at the Royal Plaza and other venues across the country. (Photo by Pattarapong Chatpattarasill )

People pray at Pathum Thani. (Photo by Apichit Jinakul)

People flock to give alms to monks at the provincial hall in Trat province. (Photo by Jakkrit Waewkhraihong)