Thais celebrate king’s 60-year rule

THAILAND’S king, the world’s longest-serving monarch, marked 60 years on the throne yesterday, calling for unity in his politically troubled country as hundreds of thousands of adoring Thais cheered and waved yellow flags.

The monarch is beloved for his projects to help the rural poor and for using his moral influence to keep the country together through political turmoil.

Although the king is a constitutional monarch with limited powers, he has used his prestige to smooth over several political crises over the years, persuading opposing parties to compromise for the sake of peace and stability. He often mingles with people in remote villages where he has started hundreds of development projects.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej, 78, greeted his subjects in a glittering golden gown from the palace balcony in Bangkok, only his third such appearance.

“Unity is a basis for all Thais to help preserve and bring prosperity to the country,” the king said in a five-minute speech. “If Thais uphold these ethics, it will ensure that Thailand will stand firmly.”

Booming cannons and a deafening roar from the crowd welcomed the king’s appearance.

Many Thais began gathering late Thursday, turning the roads near the Royal Plaza into a sea of yellow, the colour symbolising Monday, the day the king was born.

Thailand has been mired in a political crisis for months over corruption allegations against Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and demands that he resign.

The country has been without a working legislature since April 2 general elections were boycotted by the opposition and invalidated by the nation’s highest court.

Mr Thaksin addressed the crowd, praising the king for keeping Thailand stable.

Thailand’s fishermen in the northern city of Chiang Khong came up with another way to celebrate the anniversary: they agreed to stop fishing the critically endangered Mekong giant catfish.

Thailand has declared a five-day public holiday for the festivities, including fireworks, feasts and a river parade featuring dozens of gilded ceremonial boats. A royal banquet on Tuesday closes the celebrations.