People nationwide celebrated Her Majesty the Queen's 86th birthday on Sunday.
The festivities began in the morning when government authorities led people in the provinces in giving alms to Buddhist monks and make merit for Her Majesty the Queen, the wife of the late King Rama IX.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha conducted a ceremony at Sanam Luang ground in Bangkok in the morning. Privy councillors, the presidents of the National Legislative Assembly and the Supreme Court, cabinet ministers and chiefs of the armed forces were among about 3,000 people taking part there. Donations, including dried foods, would be forwarded to charity organisations in Bangkok and nearby provinces.
Government officials and members of the public signed their names and wrote their best wishes for Her Majesty the Queen at specified locations.
The Royal Thai Army gave a 21-gun salute at Sanam Luang and the Royal Thai Navy did likewise at the Wichai Prasit fort in Bangkok.
The Queen's birthday was marked by events around the country. In the centres of Nakhon Sawan and Phitsanulok provinces, food vendors served free meals. In Kalasin and Khon Kaen provinces, people planted shrubs and released fish in recognition of Her Majesty the Queen’s work for forest and environmental conservation.
In the centre of Nakhon Ratchasima province, volunteers cleaned public places and worked on landscape improvement. In Kanchanaburi, local authorities marked the auspicious day by granting Thai citizenship to 304 stateless people, mostly students.
Authorities were set to organise ceremonies and activities on the occasion of Her Majesty the Queen's birthday at the Grand Palace and Sanam Luang on Sunday evening.
Also, His Majesty King Rama X granted approval for a grand merit-making ceremony for the late King Rama IX and Her Majesty the Queen at the Royal Plaza in the evening of Aug 17.
