The Nation

A relic of Buddha's tooth that was loaned by Bhutan's King Jigme Wangchuk will be put on display as part of the many events scheduled to be held throughout this month to mark His Majesty's 84th birthday, PM's Office Minister Surawit Khonsomboon said yesterday.
The tooth, believed to have belonged to the Kassapa Buddha, will arrive in Thailand today before being put on display at Sanam Luang tomorrow. Thailand is trying to get Bhutan to extend the loan of the relic for three months.
The 7,565 monks and novices, who were ordained in honour of His Majesty, are participating in Buddhist practices and meditation sessions from yesterday to December 11. They will be able to leave monkhood the following day.
Meanwhile, a compilation of stories and accounts during the reign of all 54 Thai kings, put together under the supervision of HRH Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, will be released soon. This is the first official compilation of historical accounts dating back to the Sukhothai Kingdom, project director Professor Emeritus Khunying Khaisri Sirarun said.
Of the 50,000 printed copies of the "Biological Nomenclature of 54 Thai Kings", 30,000 will be given to libraries and the rest to government offices. The publication will also be available online soon. The book features several kings that the Thai public does not know about, while kings who cannot be depicted in photographs will be represented by statues of Buddha that they are known to have worshipped or statues built on their behalf.
Thailand Post is also launching a series of heptagonal stamps in honour of His Majesty's 84th birthday, managing director Arnusara Jitmitrapharb said. The seven sides of the stamp are meant to represent the seventh cycle of the King's birthday. The stamps, which will be sold from Monday onwards, will carry images of the King's royal projects as well as those initiated by other kings.
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra will today lead an oathtaking ceremony at Government House with other government officials, during which they will all hail His Majesty, vow not to be corrupt and perform their duties to the best of their abilities. Later, she and a few Cabinet members will fly to Hat Yai in Songkhla to inspect floodprevention projects before presiding over a similar oathtaking ceremony there.

-- The Nation 2011-12-02













