Marking a much-loved monarch’s birthday

Celebrations of the Thai king’s birthday got a royal treat thanks to dancers in Seoul.

Dec. 5 marks the birthday of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world’s longest reigning monarch who ascended to the throne in 1946. While the date known as “Wan Chalerm” is an important public holiday with celebratory fireworks and street parties in Bangkok, Thais in Korea marked the occasion with a reception featuring a traditional dance performance.

Thai Ambassador to Korea Chaiyong Satjipanon spoke at the event at the Lotte hotel to praise his king for “tirelessly devoting his life to the improvement of the Thai people’s lives.”

Special guest Hwang Woo-yea, member of the National Assembly as well as of the Korea-Thailand Parliamentarians Friendship Association told attendees: “The Republic of Korea and the Kingdom of Thailand have very closely developed ties and values based on mutual trust, namely political, economic and cultural ties built over 50 years.”