By Itsarin Tisantia
Photos courtesy of Bangkok Post
On August 12 this year, Thai subjects will gather to celebrate the 83rd birthday of Her Majesty the Queen, while at the same time celebrating Mother’s Day throughout the kingdom.
This week’s Exercises takes a look at activities held in celebration of the special occasions.
Her Majesty Queen Sirikit was born Mom Rajawongse Sirikit Kitiyakara in Bangkok on August 12, 1932. She continued her higher education in Switzerland, where she met His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The royal wedding of His Majesty and the Queen took place at Pathumwan Palace on April 28, 1950.
On this year’s Mother’s Day, the private and government sectors will hold various activities in order to express a deep gratitude towards Her Majesty, who has made tireless efforts in helping to improve the well-being of all Thais.
CYCLES OF LOVE
The Bike for Mom event will be held on August 16 in honour of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s 83rd birthday. On this auspicious occasion, HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn will lead a convoy of cyclists on a 43 km ride in Bangkok.
The Crown Prince has allocated his personal budget to provide 90,000 blue shirts, 500,000 water bottles and 100,000 badges for all participants free of charge.
The event will also be held simultaneously in other provinces and is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of well-wishers and cycling enthusiasts.
Those who are interested in the event can find more information on the website www.bikeformom2015.com or call 1122.
MERIT FOR MOM
Phra Sri Mahathat Vora Maha Viharn Temple in Bangkok’s Bang Khen district encourages Buddhist pilgrims to make merit in honour of the Queen’s 83rd birthday at noon on August 12.
Participants are invited to join a mass praying, offer alms to monks, and make donations for the life release ceremony — a traditional Buddhist practice of saving lives of animals that are destined for slaughter.
Exercises
Read the story. Then, fill in the blanks with the correct words.
1. Phra Sri Mahathat Vora Maha Viharn Temple is located in _____________________________.
2. Thailand’s National Mother’s Day falls on ____________________ each year.
3. The royal wedding between His Majesty and the Queen took place at _______________ in 1950.
4. Her Majesty Queen Sirikit was born in the year ______________.
Vocabulary
- gratitude (n): the feeling of being grateful and wanting to express your thanks
convoy (n): a group of vehicles travelling together
enthusiast (n): a person who is very interested in something and spends a lot of time doing it
slaughter (n): the killing of animals for their meat
