Today would have marked King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 89th birthday. He is no more with us; but his memory and legacy lives on.

For many years, Nalanda Buddhist Society had been marking 5 December with an annual felicitation message to the people of Thailand on the occasion of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s birthday.  This year, we are continuing with that tradition, but the message is inevitably sombre.  The late King is no more; but his legacy and memory will no doubt go on forever.

King Bhumibol was born on 5 December 1927 in the United States.  Upon the death of his elder brother King Ananda Mahidol, he ascended the Chakri throne in 1946, reigning for 70 years until his recent demise on 13 October 2016.

The King’s death triggered a genuine and unprecedented public outpouring of grief throughout the country.

Millions of Thai people lined the streets of Bangkok to pay respects to their late sovereign.

His Majesty’s passing led to an unprecedented public outpouring of grief throughout Thailand.  Nalanda members, together with many fellow Malaysians, also shared the loss of King Bhumibol, who was often a stabilising force of noble grace against a world swamped by crassness and insufferable politics.

Younger days of HM King Bhumibol, HM Queen Sirikit, and HRH Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn.

Meanwhile, the Chakri Dynasty will endure with the ascension of Maha Vajiralongkorn as King Rama X on 1 December.  We wish that under the auspices of His Majesty, the Kingdom of Thailand and its people will continue to be blessed with peace, nobility, happiness and success.

We wish the Kingdom of Thailand continued peace and prosperity under the reign of King Maha Vajiralongkorn.