The year 2016 is a significant year for Thailand, as it marks the auspicious occasion of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s seventh cycle or 84th birthday anniversary.

 

The Government held a meeting on 6 January 2016 to discuss preparations for the celebrations as a tribute to Her Majesty, who is recognized as the mother of the Thai nation.

 

The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha, in his capacity as Chairman of the National Commission on the Celebrations on the Auspicious Occasion of Her Majesty the Queen’s 7th Cycle Birthday Anniversary 12th August 2016. The national commission has the Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office as member and secretary.

 

The meeting was informed that the Office of the Permanent Secretary had asked the Fine Arts Department to design the royal ceremonial emblem marking this auspicious occasion. The Office is waiting for royal approval for the period of the celebrations, from 1 January to 31 December 2016.

 

Seven committees have been appointed to carry out projects and activities, as part of the celebrations. The seven committees include the Committee on Ceremonies, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam, the Committee on Activities to Offer Felicitations to Her Majesty, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister General Tanasak Patimapragorn, the Committee on Religious and Cultural Activities, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong, the Committee on Security and Traffic, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister General Prawit Wongsuwon, the Committee on Public Relations, chaired by Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office M.L. Panadda Diskul, the Committee on Documentation and Historical Records, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Admiral Narong Pipatanasai, and the Committee on the Screening of Projects and Activities, chaired by Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office Suwaphan Tanyuvardhana.

 

The Government and the people of Thailand will join hands in conducting various projects and activities to show their gratitude to Her Majesty on this special occasion.

 

Throughout almost 70 years of His Majesty the King’s reign, Her Majesty the Queen has always stood by his side, working actively and tirelessly to improve the life of the people. On her numerous travels across the country to visit local people, she has made close contact with the true living conditions of her subjects and learned much about the Thai people in rural areas. Her Majesty’s countless initiated projects, in support of His Majesty’s development work, have contributed tremendously to the nation and expressed her loving kindness and care for the people. On many occasions, she reiterated her concern and asked various agencies to join efforts in bringing about the happiness of the people and adding to the prosperity of the nation.

 

Her work has been acknowledged many times over, not only in Thailand but also in the international arena.