By Itsarin Tisantia
Photos courtesy of Bangkok Post
On December 5, Thais everywhere will celebrate His Majesty’s 88th birthday anniversary throughout the Kingdom of Thailand. To express loyalty and gratitude towards HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who has been a huge source of inspiration to Thai people, the government and the private sector will launch the big Bike for Dad event.
This week’s Exercises takes a look at this auspicious event.
Born on December 5, 1927, and married to MR Sirikit on April 28, 1950, His Majesty has become widely known as the world’s hardest-working and longest-reigning monarch. Since his accession to the throne in 1946, his Majesty has initiated numerous royal projects and performed countless royal activities.
As a means of expressing loyalty and gratitude towards the beloved King, this year Thai subjects across the globe will participate in the remarkable Bike for Dad event.
MUTUAL GOALS
The Bike for Dad event will be arranged to fulfill the main following objectives — to express loyalty and gratitude towards the King, to mutually glorify the King, to strengthen the unity of Thai people as a whole, to bring joy as well as to promote physical and mental health, and to provide an opportunity to watch a traditional khon performance.
MASS CYCLING
Thai subjects in about 70 countries are expected to join their compatriots in Thailand to ride a bike on December 11 in celebration of His Majesty the King’s 88th birthday anniversary.
“The organisers expect Thais living in around 70 countries to take part in this event held to mark the King's 88th birthday which falls on December 5,” Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said.
The bicycle ride will start at 3 pm in Bangkok. On this occasion, HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn will preside over the opening ceremony and will also lead riders in front of the Dusit Palace in Bangkok on a 29-kilometre loop. Other provinces will inaugurate the event at the same time on routes passing key religious sites and other important places in their neighbourhoods.
Those who are interested in taking part in the event can or call 1122 or register via www.bikefordad2015.com.
SPECIAL PERFORMANCE
Apart from the cycling and the relevant exhibitions, another highlight of the event is the royal khon performance which will be staged in the evening in the grounds of the Dusit Palace between December 11 and 13, giving the general public privileged access to the historic royal grounds.
The show will present five different acts from Thai classical literature, including “Vishnu Subdues Nontook” and “Thotsakan Abducts Sita.”
Exercises
Read the story and decide whether the following statements are true or false.
1. The khon performance will feature 15 different acts.
……………….
2. The bicycle ride will begin at 3 am in Bangkok.
……………….
3. HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn will preside over the opening ceremony of Bike for Dad.
……………….
4. Those interested in the event can find further information at www.bikefordad2015.com.
……………….
Vocabulary
- monarch (n): a person who rules a country or an empire, for example a king or a queen
glorify (v): to praise and worship somebody or something
compatriot (n): a person who was born in, or is a citizen of, the same country as somebody else
privileged (adj): having the opportunity to do something that makes you feel proud
