wowpow
July 20th, 2006, 10:15
Nation prays for the King - His Majesty to have spine surgery tonight
Bangkok Post
Thais across the country are expressing love and concern for His Majesty the King as the monarch prepares for an operation on his spine tonight. In the provinces and different parts of Bangkok yesterday, people gathered at temples, mosques, and Christian churches to pray for a successful operation and His Majesty's speedy recovery. In Khon Kaen, Chiang Mai and Pattani, people signed books put up by provincial authorities, adding their personal best wishes for the King. Similar books will be opened at Bangkok's 50 district offices and the Grand Palace's Sala Saha Thai Samakom. At Siriraj Hospital, six tables are being set up at the 100th Year Siriraj Centennial Hall for the public to sign the get-well books. The books, however, will not be opened until tomorrow.
Ratanavudh Vajaroyada, special adviser to the Royal Household Bureau, said the public can sign the get-well books from Friday onwards until the King is discharged. ''We don't want a massive number of people rushing to the hospital on Thursday. That's why we decided to open the get-well books on Friday,'' he said.
Many residents of the northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima turned up yesterday at the monument of Thao Suranaree to provide offerings and to pray for the King's health. Rassami Kulpoklang, 71, came with her family and brought everything she thought would be fit for offerings _ a pig's head, duck, chicken, coconut, pineapple and seven-colour cloth. Mrs Rassami also called on the Thai people to heed the King's advice on unity, saying it was everything that the country needed. ''I'm concerned about his health. I hope the operation is successful and the King regains strength as soon as possible. I'd like to call on every Thai to love one other and to stand united. Do good for the King,'' she said.
In Buri Ram, residents of a home for the elderly yesterday gathered for a meditation session in front of the King's portrait to pray for his full and speedy recovery.
In Chiang Mai, many people braved the rain to join provincial governor Suwat Tantipat in signing a get-well book. ''I gather all my thoughts and pray for His Majesty who is in every Thai's heart to recover quickly and enjoy good health,'' said Mr Suwat.
Nimu Makajae, an Islamic specialist, yesterday urged Muslim people across the country do good deeds and dedicate them to the King. ''There are three things we can do. First, send him good wishes. Second, say good things and pray for his health. And finally, do good by performing prayer. This is an Islamic way of wishing him good health,'' he said.
Lamai Manakarn, representing a youth group in the southernmost provinces, said yesterday youngsters in the deep South are praying for a successful operation and a full recovery. ''His Majesty is the source of our moral strength. We can depend on him to get us through in times of trouble to resolve the situation,'' said Mrs Lamai.
The King's operation also led to several patients at Siriraj Hospital getting off their hospital beds and praying at the monuments of the Princess Mother and Prince of Songkhla in the hospital compound. Some of them were wheeled there.
Monta Metmonto, who is being treated for heart disease and diabetes, said she is more concerned about the King's health than her own.
The Sangha Council has issued an announcement calling on Buddhist temples nationwide to perform a prayer at 5pm. The main event will take place at Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram, or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
The Yala provincial Islamic committee has invited 440 religious leaders to perform prayers and ask for blessings for the King _ scheduled to begin at 3.30 pm and to be held every Friday.
Meanwhile, Siriraj Hospital is fully prepared for the operation, said Dr Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn, dean of the Faculty of Medicine. ''The medical team from Siriraj Hospital is ready to treat His Majesty the King. We will provide the best treatment of our life for him,'' he said. HRH Princess Chulabhorn yesterday made a one-hour visit to the hospital's Chalermprakiat building where the King will recuperate after his operation. Dr Piyasakol said the princess expressed satisfaction with the hospital's preparations. All medical staff will put on yellow outfits today and will wear yellow until the King is discharged.
Millions of others across the nation are likely to join them. Security is being stepped up at Siriraj Hospital and around the area during the King's stay."
Bangkok Post
Bangkok Post
Thais across the country are expressing love and concern for His Majesty the King as the monarch prepares for an operation on his spine tonight. In the provinces and different parts of Bangkok yesterday, people gathered at temples, mosques, and Christian churches to pray for a successful operation and His Majesty's speedy recovery. In Khon Kaen, Chiang Mai and Pattani, people signed books put up by provincial authorities, adding their personal best wishes for the King. Similar books will be opened at Bangkok's 50 district offices and the Grand Palace's Sala Saha Thai Samakom. At Siriraj Hospital, six tables are being set up at the 100th Year Siriraj Centennial Hall for the public to sign the get-well books. The books, however, will not be opened until tomorrow.
Ratanavudh Vajaroyada, special adviser to the Royal Household Bureau, said the public can sign the get-well books from Friday onwards until the King is discharged. ''We don't want a massive number of people rushing to the hospital on Thursday. That's why we decided to open the get-well books on Friday,'' he said.
Many residents of the northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima turned up yesterday at the monument of Thao Suranaree to provide offerings and to pray for the King's health. Rassami Kulpoklang, 71, came with her family and brought everything she thought would be fit for offerings _ a pig's head, duck, chicken, coconut, pineapple and seven-colour cloth. Mrs Rassami also called on the Thai people to heed the King's advice on unity, saying it was everything that the country needed. ''I'm concerned about his health. I hope the operation is successful and the King regains strength as soon as possible. I'd like to call on every Thai to love one other and to stand united. Do good for the King,'' she said.
In Buri Ram, residents of a home for the elderly yesterday gathered for a meditation session in front of the King's portrait to pray for his full and speedy recovery.
In Chiang Mai, many people braved the rain to join provincial governor Suwat Tantipat in signing a get-well book. ''I gather all my thoughts and pray for His Majesty who is in every Thai's heart to recover quickly and enjoy good health,'' said Mr Suwat.
Nimu Makajae, an Islamic specialist, yesterday urged Muslim people across the country do good deeds and dedicate them to the King. ''There are three things we can do. First, send him good wishes. Second, say good things and pray for his health. And finally, do good by performing prayer. This is an Islamic way of wishing him good health,'' he said.
Lamai Manakarn, representing a youth group in the southernmost provinces, said yesterday youngsters in the deep South are praying for a successful operation and a full recovery. ''His Majesty is the source of our moral strength. We can depend on him to get us through in times of trouble to resolve the situation,'' said Mrs Lamai.
The King's operation also led to several patients at Siriraj Hospital getting off their hospital beds and praying at the monuments of the Princess Mother and Prince of Songkhla in the hospital compound. Some of them were wheeled there.
Monta Metmonto, who is being treated for heart disease and diabetes, said she is more concerned about the King's health than her own.
The Sangha Council has issued an announcement calling on Buddhist temples nationwide to perform a prayer at 5pm. The main event will take place at Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram, or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
The Yala provincial Islamic committee has invited 440 religious leaders to perform prayers and ask for blessings for the King _ scheduled to begin at 3.30 pm and to be held every Friday.
Meanwhile, Siriraj Hospital is fully prepared for the operation, said Dr Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn, dean of the Faculty of Medicine. ''The medical team from Siriraj Hospital is ready to treat His Majesty the King. We will provide the best treatment of our life for him,'' he said. HRH Princess Chulabhorn yesterday made a one-hour visit to the hospital's Chalermprakiat building where the King will recuperate after his operation. Dr Piyasakol said the princess expressed satisfaction with the hospital's preparations. All medical staff will put on yellow outfits today and will wear yellow until the King is discharged.
Millions of others across the nation are likely to join them. Security is being stepped up at Siriraj Hospital and around the area during the King's stay."
Bangkok Post