Gist of Prime Minister Abbisit Vejjajiva's Address

during the Candle Lighting Ceremony

in Honour of H.M. the King's 82^nd Birthday Anniversary

5 December 2009

On 5 December 2009 at 19.19 hrs, H.E.Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, together  with Mrs. Pimpen Vejjajiva, presided over the candle lighting ceremony in honour of His Majesty King Bhumibol at Sanam Luang to celebrate His Majesty the King's 82nd birthday anniversary. Also present were members of the Cabinet, members of the Armed Forces and Police, civil servants, students, representatives of the private sector and ordinary citizens. Gist of the Prime Minister's address during the said ceremony is as follows:

• All Thais present at the ceremony and throughout the country are pleased to join together to show their loyalty and gratitude for His Majesty the King's benevolence on the occasion of His Majesty's birthday anniversary.

• His Majesty the King's recent recovery brings utmost joy to all Thais. Since His Majesty went to stayat Siriraj Hospital on 19 September 2009, more than one million people including many foreigners have signed the well-wishing books at the hospital, and more than 30 million people have done the sameacross the country, all wishing for His Majesty's speedy recovery and good health.

• For more than six decades, His Majesty the King has dedicated his time, energy, thoughts and funds, working for the betterment of the lives of all Thais and for the security of the nation. In particular, the morethan 3,000 Royal Projects that His Majesty has initiated and inspired have brought sustainable development and wellbeingto all his people.

• Even during his stay in hospital, His Majesty the King continues to work, asking to be briefed on progress of his various projects and extending timely assistance to his subjects who were affected by the recent floods. It is with His Majesty's multifaceted abilities that Thailand and its people have been enjoying peace and prosperity. His Majesty's accomplishments have also been recognized internationally, as evidenced by the presentation of the UNDP 's first Human Development Lifetime Achievement Award by the then UN Secretary-General  Kofi Annan in 2006.

• On the occasion of His Majesty's 82nd birthday anniversary, all Thai people join together in calling upon all sacred powers in the universe to protect His Majesty and wish His Majesty a long, healthy and happylife, so that His Majesty may be the nation's guiding light in the years to come.

• The PrimeMinister also led Thai people in takinga common vow to practice, uphold as principles, and nurture future generations in the four virtues that His Majesty the King bes towed upon his people in his public address on the occasion of the 60th Anniversary Celebration of His Majesty's Accession to the Throne at the Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall on 9 June 2006.

            -  Mercy- to think, speak and act with kindness towards one another.

             - Harmony - to help, coordinate and cooperate with one another so as to enable 

                work  under  respective responsibilities to succeed for the benefit of oneself, othersand the

                nation.

             - Honesty - to behave with honesty, in line with rules and regulations on the basis of equality.

             - Righteousness - to think with impartiality and on the basis of reason.