His Majesty is already the world’s longest reigning monarch, and this year will see a series of dazzling events and celebrations to honour the life and times of His Majesty and all that he has done for the Thai people.

Thailand is renowned for its ability to stage spectacular events and splendid festivals. The Grand Festival of Events to be held nationwide will showcase all the grandeur, pageantry, glorious tradition, and culture of the realm.

Visitors are welcome and encouraged to participate in the celebration activities which will be held in three areas: Sanam Luang, the open field and public square in front of the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha; the surrounding area of Dusit Palace; and Ratchadamnoen Road.

The entire area has been grandly illuminated with colourful lights, making it wonderful to walk around after dark. Ratchadamnoen Road alone has been brightened up with 9,999 decorative lights.

The grand celebrations will begin with an opening ceremony on 3 December, 2009, followed by the candle-lighting ceremony to celebrate His Majesty’s birthday on 5 December, 2009, and finally, the closing ceremony on 7 December, 2009.

Some events will be held before the “official” celebrations begin.

This includes the “Ha Thanwa Maharaj” (or 5 December the Great) Fair, which will be held during 1-7 December along Ratchadamnoen Road. Small stages will be set up along the way to enable various government units to hold different entertainment programmes. On 1 December, Brahminical rites will be held to pay homage to the protector God of the country — Phra Siam Devathiraj — as well as to the ancestral kings.

On 2 December, a parade of 1,000 motorcycles will be held at Sanam Luang in honour of His Majesty. Demonstrations of age-old ceremonies will include ‘Tham Khwan Nak’ — the traditional celebration for people entering the monkhood.

On 3 December, an open-air stage will be set up at Sanam Luang for students from different educational institutions to present numerous performances. At 7 p.m. a musical show entitled “The Happiness of Thai People under the Shade of His Majesty’s Graciousness” will be inaugurated.

The show, to be held in front of the Government Lottery Office, will continue until midnight with pop jazz and orchestral music, as well as light and sound presentations. The show will be held every evening from 3 – 7 December, 6.00-12.00 p.m.

There will be a parade of illuminated cars every night as well as dancing fountain displays to the accompaniment of royally-composed music at nine spots and on the pedestrian islands along Ratchadamnoen Road. Pink wrist bands will on sale at 99 Baht each, the proceeds from which will be presented to H.M. the King.

In Bangkok, during 3 - 7 December an exhibition in honour of H.M. the King will be held at Jetsadabodin Pavilion on Ratchadamnoen Road. The exhibition will comprise display boards featuring royal activities, multimedia presentations, and light and sound presentations. In one area, books of good wishes to His Majesty will be open for public signing, including foreign visitors.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will also be handing out free postcards of His Majesty’s life and times.

On 4 December, the grand celebrations will begin with the opening ceremony. Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Mahidol of Thailand will preside over the religious chanting by Buddhist monks to bless His Majesty.

On 5 December, HRH Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya will preside over a food-offering ceremony to 2,583 monks, religious chanting and the mass ordination of 53 monks at Sanam Luang. Day-long celebrations will include Likay native musical drama, Thai folk music, movie shows, sports competition and floral tributes offered by people from all walks of life.

At 7 p.m. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will preside over the candle-lighting ceremony offering good wishes to H.M. the King. The ceremony will be held at Sanam Luang and broadcast live on television and radio nationwide.

During 5-13 December, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will host many activities at the Royal Plaza from 5.00-9.00 p.m. One of them will be a 4D visual light and sound show in the compound of the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall starting from 7.00 p.m.