On 6th December 2009, from 5.30 to 10.00 p.m., the Royal Thai Embassy organized "Thai Community Day" – a gathering for Thai nationals in Singapore and their families - to pay respect to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej on the occasion of His Majesty’s 82nd Birthday Anniversary. Nearly 3,000 Thai nationals as well as a number of their family members who are Singaporeans as well as other nationals, gathered at the Royal Thai Embassy on Orchard Rd. to take part in this special event.

It  began with a religious ceremony performed by 9 Buddhist monks from various Thai temples in Singapore, followed by a brief preaching to encourage attendants that each and every one of them should follow His Majesty the King’s good deeds and leadership that He has always led the Thai people by providing a model wit a view to bringiong about harmonious and prosperous society.

Once the religious ceremony came to an end, the ceremony to celebrate the King’s 82nd Birthday began with a 10 minute music video presentation showing H.M the King appearing in public in October and November while recuperating at the hospital. It was followed by Ambassador Nopadol Gunavibool’s remarks. The Ambassador quoted H.M. the King’s address given to the assembly at the Grand Palace on the 5th December 2009, emphasizing that encouraging each and everyone of those who came to wish him happy birthday, including all Thai citizens, must perform their duties to the best of ability for the benefit of the country. The Ambassador pointed out that all Thais living in Singapore have an important role to play in representing Thailand. He also urged Thai workers to maintain good behaviour and hard work, which is admired by employers and supervisors. During the past year, the Royal Thai Embassy, together with the Office of Labour Affairs of the Embassy, was working towards looking after the well-being of Thai workers, secure and promote job opportunities. Another effort was to strengthen the Thai community in many ways such as supporting various Thai associations and groups and raising profile of the Thai community. He finally called upon all Thais living in Singapore to have unity among friends, colleagues and community members. He reminded them to save their earnings for their families in Thailand in the midst of the current global economic difficulty and to look after their health as well as to refrain from vices such as gambling and excessive drinking.

Finally, the ceremony ended with lighting of candles, to pray for the good health of His Majesty King Bhumibol and singing of the Royal Anthem and the song "Praise and Salute to the Great King".
Entertainment and cultural activities included Thai traditional dance and Thai country music performances.

For Ambassador Nopadol’s speech for the evening (in Thai), please click here.