The Ministry of Culture will hold a
cultural festival in honor of His Majesty the King on the occasion of his 86th
birthday anniversary, 5 December.
The festival also features classical
and musical performances from ASEAN countries, as well as
China and the
Republic of Korea, which are ASEAN dialogue partners.
It will take place from 1 to 8 December
2013 at the Siam Paragon Shopping Center in Bangkok. Deputy Permanent Secretary
for Culture Chansuda Rukspollmuang said the program is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.
to 9:00 p.m. during the period. Also at the Siam Paragon Shopping Center, the
exhibition “More Than a King” will be organized in honor of His Majesty between
1 and 10 December.
In the cultural festival, Thailand will
present musical shows from the Fine Arts Department Orchestra, Thai Youth
Orchestra from the Department of Cultural Promotion, Chulalongkorn University
Orchestra, Silpakorn University Orchestra, folk music from the Northeast and
the South, and other famous musical bands. In addition, there will be a bazaar
of cultural products from the embassies of ASEAN countries in Bangkok.
Cultural performances from ASEAN to
mark His Majesty the King’s birthday will also be held in major provinces,
especially in Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Songkhla, and Chon Buri.
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej,
who is recognized for his wide-ranging talents in many artistic fields, has
been given several titles; one of them is the “Supreme Artist.” The title was
conferred upon His Majesty in 1986, in recognition of his great contribution to
Thai arts and artists.
For over 60 years, even before he was
crowned King of Thailand, His Majesty has devoted himself to the pursuit of
music. In his younger days, he played music as a hobby and a personal vehicle
of expression, and later as a royal instrument of communication and kinship
with people and communities at large.
Recognized as the great “Musician
King,” His Majesty has produced a total of 48 songs. His musical talent not
only fascinated the Thai people, but also made a name for the country. In 1964,
the Government of Austria presented His Majesty with Honorary Membership, No.
23, at the Institute of Music and Arts of the City of Vienna, in recognition of
his outstanding musical achievements.
His Majesty has been using music as a
medium to communicate with and strengthen relations between him and his
subjects. In his view, music is also like a diplomatic language between
Thailand and the international community around the world.
(thailand.prd.go.th)