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King's Birthday Celebration - Bangkok

On December 5th the loving citizens of Thailand welcome the birthday of their beloved king with a massive annual celebration. The party begins on the eve, when thousands gather in Bangkok in the Ratchadamnoen and Sanam Luang areas near the Royal Palace. The streets are lined with decorative banners, photos of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, and waves of people, all proudly donning yellow shirts with the royal crest. Thousands of locals and tourist converge in the park behind the palace to watch the varied entertainment presented on several stage around the field. Traditional Thai dancing, the Mui Thai boxing championships and several popular rock bands draw the crowds to mark the birthday of the world’s longest reigning monarch. On the morning of December 5th, Bangkok becomes the scene for parades, more music concerts, the finals of the Mui Thai tournament, and in the evening, it hosts a dramatic fireworks show that stops traffic and sends the crowds cheering in celebration for their admired leader.

Links

• Journal: Big Fat Birthday Bash: Thailand, December 2006 Kings Birthday
• Journal: Grey Matter: Thailand, 2006 Elephant Festival
• Website: http://www.thailand.com/travel/festival/festivals_bangkok_king.htm