Salem Omar Bashehab (right), Director General of Consular Affaris of the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Makkah region with the Thai Consul General Chalee Sakolvari at the reception hosted on the ocassion of the Thai National Day at Park Hyatt in Jeddah. — Courtesy photo JEDDAH – The month of December each year is an important period for Thai people, as the whole country celebrates the King Bhumibol Adulyadej of the Kingdom of Thailand 's birthday on Dec. 5. Several activities are arranged specially in the first week of Dec. in honor of the beloved monarch, who is recognized for his wide-ranging talents. Chalee Sakolvari, Consul-General of the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Jeddah, hosted a reception at Park Hyatt Jeddah on the auspicious occasion of the king's birthday anniversary, which is also marked as the Thai National Day. Salem Omar Bashehab, Director-General of Consular Affaris of the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Makkah region, the chief guest, and Consuls-General in Jeddah along with approximately 200 guests attended the ceremony. On Friday, Dec. 7, the Thai Consulate also hosted a gathering for the Thai Community in the western region of Saudi Arabia at the Thai Consul-General's residence. More than 200 Thai residents living in Jeddah, Makkah, and Taif attended the reception to honor and show their gratitude to their beloved monarch. Renowned for his expertise in all fields of human endeavor, the king's interests range from the artistic field to sports, agriculture, and even to scientific invention and innovation, from painting, photography, and sculpture to sailboat design and construction. The king has demonstrated exceptional ingenuity as a “great all-rounder,” a genuine renaissance man. He is also recognized as a man of ability and talent, both in his work and in his leisure activities. On the June 9, 1946, the king acceded to the throne of the Kingdom of Thailand and was proclaimed as “King Bhumibol Adulyadej” meaning “the strength of the land” and the tireless efforts of the king with a peerless mission to uplift the poverty of the country have amply proved that he still stands as the towering personality with the strength of the land even today. King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who is the world's longest-reigning monarch, has provided leadership, inspiration and wisdom to Thai people through the years. He has devoted himself to the development of Thailand in many areas, particularly aimed at strengthening the community to the self-supporting level. Most of the king's efforts to improve the lives of his people have focused on remote areas of the country, most in need of assistance. And for over 50 years, he has tirelessly traveled to these areas dispensing essential help in food and medicine, as well as advice on people's livelihoods. In recognition of the king's dedication to human development UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, presented the United Nations' first “Human Development Lifetime Achievement Award” to the King in May 2006. To mark the 85th birthday anniversary of King Bhumibol Adulyadej of this year, program of state, Royal Ceremonies and Celebrations have been held through out the Thailand to show gratitude and loyalty to their beloved monarch. – SG
