The year 2015 is considered a significant year for Thailand, as it marks the auspicious occasion of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s fifth cycle, or 60th, birthday anniversary. As a tribute to the Princess, the Government will hold year-long celebrations from 1st January to 31st December 2015. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on 3rd November 2014 chaired the first meeting of the National Commission on the Celebrations, with the Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office as member and secretary.
The meeting acknowledged the title in English for the celebrations: “The Celebrations on the Auspicious Occasion of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s 5th Cycle Birthday Anniversary 2nd April 2015.” It was told that the Office of Traditional Arts, under the Fine Arts Department, had designed the ceremonial emblem in accordance with the advice given by Her Royal Highness. The Government has asked the Office of His Majesty’s Principal Private Secretary to submit the emblem to His Majesty the King for permission to use it for the celebrations. The meeting also acknowledged various projects and activities in honor of Her Royal Highness on this special occasion. Both public and private organizations that want to join the celebrations are urged to send their projects and activities to the screening committee for consideration. The Bureau of the Royal Household will organize a royal merit-making ceremony to celebrate the 60th birthday anniversary of Her Royal Highness. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has been assigned to hold a ceremony of giving alms to monks, as part of the celebrations.
Various agencies and organizations, as well as the general public, have been invited to display on their offices and houses a purple flag with the ceremonial emblem on the celebrations from 1 January to 31 December 2015. Purple is the color of Saturday, the birthday of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. The public will also be invited to wear purple shirts, with the ceremonial emblem, as an expression of love and respect for Her Royal Highness. The Fine Arts Department has been assigned to be responsible for documentation and historical records on this occasion.
Prime Minister Prayut also urged the public to buy commemorative pins on the occasion of the 60th birthday anniversary celebrations. Reservations for the pins can be made at the Office of the Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office in Bangkok and at the town halls of all provinces, as well as all branches of Krung Thai Bank. Each pin is priced at 300 baht. Proceeds from the sale will go to Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Foundation to provide scholarships for needy children and youths.
