On Monday 28 December 2009 from 10.30 to 11.30 a.m., the Office of Naval Attache, Royal Thai Embassy, with the support of Wat Anand Metayarama organized a religious ceremony in remembrance of King Taksin the Great at Wat Anand. It was attended by Ambassador Nopadol Gunavibool, Mr. Marut Jitpratima, Deputy Chief of Mission, Captain Sutheepong Kaewtab, Acting Defence and Naval Attache, and members of Team Thailand in Singapore as well as a number of naval officers who are on official duties in Singapore and members of the Thai community. Following the prayers by 9 monks, Ambassador Nopadol, in his speech, underscored the leadership of King Taksin in the restoration of Thailand’s independence from the occupation by Myanmar in 1766. He also touched on the cause of defeat of Siam and the destruction of the former capital and urged everyone to put away differences and to work for the good of Thailand and the Thai people in unity. Mr. Marut and Captain Sutheepong were also invited to address the gathering and pointed out the role of King Taksin as a pioneer in the successful use of naval forces in ancient warfare. The location of the Royal Thai Navy Headquarters at the former palace of King Taksin gave him a special place in the hearts and minds of Thai naval officers.

King Taksin Memorial Day is observed in Thailand on 28 December to commemorate his accession to the throne in 1768 after moving the capital from Ayudhaya to Thonburi. For details about King Taksin, please click here.